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Gov Aiyedatiwa Appoints Osemawe Of Ondo Chancellor Of UNIMED

By
The Source
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Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo - Osemawe

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the appointment of the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, as the Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED).

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, is one of the measures being taken by the state government towards enhancing the development of the institution, which is the premier medical university in Nigeria.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan stated that Oba Kiladejo’s appointment was conveyed in a letter to him by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tayo Oluwatuyi, dated November 7, 2024.

The Governor, who is the Visitor to the university, while congratulating the monarch on the appointment, said his leadership and vision will undoubtedly propel the university to new heights.

Aiyedatiwa said as a trained medical practitioner, Oba Kiladejo’s dedication to medical education and excellence makes him an ideal for the role, which will inspire and motivate the university community.

Ihekweme Demands N500M From Uzodimma To Stop Attacks, Imo Govt Alleges

By
The Source
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Fabian Ihekweme

Imo State Government has alleged that one of its critics has begun moves to reach Gov Hope Uzodimma with a view to striking a deal to stop the verbal attacks on the administration.

According to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba,  the critic, Dr Fabian Ihekweme has, allegedly, made contacts with friends of the Governor, offering to “cease fire” if he is offered an whopping sum of Five Hundred million Naira( N500m).

In a statement he issued Thursday, Emelumba noted that the demand from Ihekweme has vindicated the government’s earlier position that the former Commissioner for International Affairs is neither fighting for the public nor is he motivated by morality.

” When we described him as an extortionist and blackmailer, the public thought we were too hard on him, but now it is clear that frustration and hunger are his sole motivation for his unwarranted and unsubstantiated allegations against the Governor ”

Emelumba disclosed that   many  friends of the governor and government officials have been reached by Ihekweme, asking that he be settled with N500m as a condition to stop his baseless attacks on the governor in the media.

Said he,  ” We can confirm that Fabian Ihekweme has reached out to several people, including some government officials asking them to convince the governor to release N500m to him so as to stop the baseless attacks on Uzodimma.  One of such persons he reached is a Lagos based businessman whom he spoke on the phone with on Wednesday and later sent his Opay account number for his ticket to Lagos to seal the deal. We have records of similar conversations, “Emelumba disclosed.

The Commissioner described as unfortunate the activities of Ihekweme who was offered an opportunity to serve as a commissioner but failed woefully on the job.

He said the most painful aspect of the whole saga is that Ihekweme case files in the police where he was indicted for stealing government’s property were still open.

On whether the government will consider buying the silence of Ihekweme as he is demanding, Emelumba said he should perish the thought as Uzodimma has nothing to hide.

” Never shall we condescend that low to even negotiate with a traitor and blackmailer not to talk of settling him. I just pity some gullible members of the society who have time to read the rubbish he churns out, “he said.

The commissioner insisted that the governor would never be distracted by the antics of one man who had already betrayed the trust of Imo people by selling government property.

“Please Consider Lives Of 20 Million Kano Residents”, Gov Yusuf Apologises To Striking Doctors

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano Sfate

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has appealed to the Nigeria Medical Association NMA, to reconsider its decision to withdraw its members  from the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in the State.

The Source reports that the NMA, Kano Chapter, had, on Wednesday, November 6, ordered its members to withdraw their services from the Specialist medical facility.

The order was sequel to the  expiry of a 48-hour dateline  which the body issued on Monday, November 4, 2024, for the Governor to sack his Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner, Hajia Amina Abdullahi.

In statement jointly issued by Dr Abdulraham Ali and Dr Ibrahim D Muhammad ,Chairman and Secretary respectively, the umbrella body of doctors accused the Commissioner of assaulting one of its female members at the hospital.

The NMA said during the sad incident which occurred on Friday November 1, 2024, the Commissioner alongside her security and personal aides, physically assaulted the female doctor unprovoked.

The body noted that the  assault was provoked by the non-availability of prescribed drugs which it insisted was well outside the professional responsibility of the victim .

“This assault not only undermines the health sector’s integrity, but also violates the ethical obligations public office holders should uphold.

The Commissioner’s actions are a misuse of power by an official expected to uphold humanitarian values, NMA stated.

The Medical professionals, warned that they will withdraw their services from the hospital should the State Government fail to accede to their demands, particularly the one bordering on the dismissal of the Commissioner.

But the Governor, on Thursday, November 7, urged the striking doctors to place the interest and wellbeing of about 20 Million Kano residents above any other considerations.

Governor Yusuf who spoke during a live broadcast expressed disappointment that a mere disagreement between two female adults could be the source of anguish and punishment for the entire 20 million Kano  residents.

According to him, the Medical Body should have allowed the Investigative Panel set up to look into the matter to conclude its findings before taking action.

He emphasized the need for NMA to be circumspect in its decision-making process, owing to the sensitive nature of their job.

The Governor insisted the shutting down of  the hospital, abandoning and endangering the lives of innocent residents is not the most honourable thing to do in the circumstance.

However, for peace to reign, so as not to  punish innocent residents, Governor Yusuf, extended the sincere apologies of the State authorities to the aggrieved Medical Doctors.

While appealing to the striking doctors to call off their action, Governor Yusuf assured that appropriate disciplinary measures will be meted to any official found to be wanting in the matter.

PSC Chair Mourns Lagbaja, Late Chief Of Army Staff

By
The Source
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DIG Hashimu Argungu - PSC Chairman

The Chairman of the  Police Service Commission,  DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd,  has expressed shock at the death of the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja. The Army Chief passed on in a Lagos hospital after a period of illness alleged to be cancer-related.

DIG Argungu said the late Army Chief was a brave soldier who played a great role in the fight against insurgency and supported Mr. President’s efforts to free the nation from banditry and terrorism.

Lt General Taoheed Lagbaja
Late General Taoreed Lagbaja.

He condoled Mr. President and the Nigerian Army on the sad loss and prayed that God should receive his gentle and loving soul in paradise.

DIG Argungu said the late General Lagbaja left indelible foot marks on the sands of the nation’s security architecture.

He extended his condolence to the family of the deceased and also prayed that God should comfort them.

The PSC Chairman further prayed that God should give his Successor,  General Olufemi Oluyede the wisdom and character to sustain and improve on the cherished legacies of his predecessor.

Former Delta State Gov, Okowa, Granted  Bail By EFCC

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Dr Ifeanyi Okowa

By Adesina Soyooye

After two days in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has been granted an administrative bail.

Okowa, who was, also, the Vice Presidential Candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 Presidential Election, was arrested and detained by the EFCC when he went to the Commission’s Port, Harcourt Zonal office November 4, on invitation.

On arrival, he was slammed with sundry allegations   including an alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion from 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023, the period he was the Governor of Delta State.

Okowa, sources close to him said, was released on administrative bail at about 9.00pm on Wednesday.

Aside from the derivation funds, Dr. Okowa, also, handled, untidely,  another N40 billion claimed to have been used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas.

Okowa, it is alleged,  bought shares worth N40 billion in a major bank in the country which  represent 8% equity to float the offshore LNG.

However, the funds were alleged to be used for other purposes, among which was the acquiring of personal estates in Abuja and Asaba, the capital of Delta State.

Nigeria Military Confirms Presence Of  New Terror Group In The Country

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Edward Buba - DMO

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Military authorities on Thursday November 7, 2024, officially admitted that the ranks of terrorist groups operating in the Northern part of the country have swollen, with a new entrant from the Niger Republic axis.

At a media briefing, Director Defence Information Edward Buba, a Major General, said  the newest group “Lukarawas” capitalized on the loose military/defence corporation between Nigeria and the Niger Republic in the wake of the July 26,2023  military junta in the latter to establish its presence in the Sokoto/Kebbi axis of  the North West .

The Defence spokesman noted that the operation of the nascent terrorist group began to gain currency following the instability that  trailed the coup in the  country’s West African neighbour .

“The terrorists took advantage of the gap in  cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions into remote areas in some North West states to spread their ideology.

“The group was accommodated by the locals who initially thought that the group meant well for them. However, this assistance unintentionally facilitated the group’s establishment in these areas”, Buba noted .

He informed that the group’s presence is visibly felt in States like Sokoto and Kebbi.

According to the Defence Spokesperson, the terrorist sect migrated from Niger Republic and Mali.

To halt further incursions by the group, the military, Buba stated, has enhanced its presence through intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and reconnaissance ISR operations with a view to locating and neutralizing the group members .

Continuing, General Buba also blamed that development on the vast areas of unmanned spaces, particularly, in the North West region of the country.

“The terror group has continued to take advantage of the vast under-governed areas to hide and evade troops as well as harass the locals”, he noted.

He, however, assured that the military is on top of the situation.

The Source reports that following the July 26, 2023 junta that ousted President Mohammed Bazoum from power, the ECOWAS led by Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, severed all forms of cooperation, including military, with the Coup leaders.

The disagreement also led to the closure of all land borders between Nigeria and Niger Republic for many months.

Although  Nigeria has since rescinded the decision, normalcy is yet to fully return in the age long relationship between the two sister countries.

Death Of COAS: Osun Declares Three Days Of Mourning

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lt General Taoheed Lagbaja

By Ayodele Oni

Mourning one of its prominent indigenes,  Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared a three-day mourning period for the late Chief of Army Staff, (CAOS) Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja.

The State Government also directed that flags be flown at half-mast during this period.

This is just as the traditional ruler of the deceased community, Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, appealed to the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to allow the community to bury the late Chief of Army Staff,  in the community.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, disclosed that condolence registers have been opened at the Government House and the Governor’s Office for messages from the people of Osun.

According to the Commissioner, the death of the late COAS is a devastating and colossal loss to humanity and the nation, adding, “We cannot forget him.”

The government expressed sorrow at this irreparable loss of one of Osun State’s esteemed sons, extending condolences to the Lagbaja family of Ilobu, the Olobu of Ilobu, and the entire community.

The mourning period begins Thursday, 7th November 2024, and ends on Saturday, 9th November. The condolence register allows people to share their memories of him, preserving the legacy of the late COAS, who passed on Monday.

Oba Olaniyan said it would be a great honour if the Army would grant the community’s request to bury the deceased in his ancestral home.

He said that the town was planning its annual “Ilobu 2024 Day” on Saturday, before the sad news of Lagbaja’s death filtered in.

Accordibg to him, in the last couple of weeks, the town had engaged in prayers for Lagbaja to get well, having learned of his health challenges.

“We were high in hope and confident about his quick recovery. Waking up this morning to the news of his death was a rude shock to the entire community.

“We are downcast and in sorrow.

He is not just the son of the soil, but one of the shining stars of the entire Yoruba race. If you go round the community, you will see a community that is in deep sorrow.

“Ilobu is a very happy town, but this morning, the sun suddenly snatched away from our sky.”

Ekiti Set To Be Free From National Grid Calamities, Licences 14 Electricity Firms

By
Ayodele Oni
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TCN - Transmission Line - Power

By Ayodele Oni

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has announced that Government is making appreciable progress towards achieving energy independence for the State.

The governor, who shared an update on the progress, disclosed that his administration has granted operational licenses to 14 electricity investors.

According to him, the investors include three distribution companies, four generation companies, two mini-grid generation companies, and five

meter asset providers.

He explained that this strategic move will enhance power generation, ensure efficient distribution, and provide reliable metering for Ekiti residents.

Currently, Ekiti receives approximately 20-25 MW from the national grid, which falls short of its estimated requirement of 120 MW.

“Our goal is to reach 130 MW through a robust state grid, reducing our dependency on the national supply and promoting sustainable, locally managed energy solutions.

“This initiative aligns with the 2023 Electricity Law Enactments, which empower states to decentralise electricity markets and license providers to meet local needs better.

”Thanks to everyone who believes in our vision for a brighter, self-reliant Ekiti. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for economic growth, job creation, and an improved quality of life for all our residents.”

Afegbua: “Obaseki Converting Aides To Civil Servants”

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Kassim Afegbua and Obaseki

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State is allegedly  converting his political aides to full time civil servants.

This allegation was made by Kassim Afegbua, a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Transition Committee.

Afegbua had, in a statement in Benin, Edo State Capital, said the category of the appointees were Senior Special Assistants, SSA, and Special Assistants, SA, and 186 of such appointees were appointed in September this year.

According to him, “Governor Obaseki, for eight years, refused to recruit civil servants to fill up vacant positions and energize the civil service.

“He also refused to set up the Civil Service Commission until two weeks ago, in the twilight of his failed administration.

“We are alerting the public to be aware of Governor Obaseki’s deliberate engagement to stifle the resources of the State and pass on huge salaries and overhead to the incoming administration.

“This is not only a wicked act but a huge disservice to the incoming administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo.

“Recruitment into the Civil Service must not only follow due process, there has to be a NEED for such persons who are so recruited”, the statement said.

Reacting to this allegation, Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser on Media Projects in a statement said that

Employment in the Edo State Public Service since the outset of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has focused on serving the people.

Osage added,  “We are unfortunately seeing a disturbing trend from the APC even before they assume government position.

“They have started making spurious claims that the state is overburdened by debt and are now threatening that they will sack workers.

“In his recent statement, Kassim Afegbua, a member of the transition committee threatened that they are ready to cut down the number of workers engaged in Edo State because they need more money for themselves. This is evidently a sign of the level of thinking in the APC, where all they care about is what gets into their pocket and not what is best for Edo State”, the statement said.

He howver added that the comments about the government employing workers were misguided, noting that the Government started engaging new workers across various spectrums of governance over six years ago, a fact that can be confirmed by civil servants in the State.

“So it is disingenuous to start claiming at this last minute that the government is now just only employing new workers to set traps for the new government”, the statement reads.

Fake News of Okorocha’s Death Borne Out Of Fear, Jealousy – Media Aide

By
The Source
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Rochas Okorocha

By Charles Igbo

Former Governor Rochas Okorocha’s long-serving Media Aide, Sam Onwuemeodo, has debunked the news of the death of the former Governor which has been making the rounds in the past couple of days.

The sudden news of the death of the former Governor of Imo State took not a few people by surprise, especially those who saw him at the funeral of late Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

Nobody can quite explain how and why the satanic news came about. But Onwuemeodo who, in a statement, said Okorocha was neither ill nor dead, apparently knows why and how the it came about.

According to Onwuemeodo, it stemmed from envy and jealousy and the fear of what Okorocha can do. He noted that the news began after the rousing reception given to Okorocha at Iwuanyanwu’s funeral service once he was recognised in the Church.

He said: “Those behind this alarming breaking news were angry because of the resounding ovation that had followed the introduction of Okorocha at Iwuanyanwu’s burial. You do not curse who GOD, in His infinite Mercy and wisdom, has blessed. You do not declare dead someone GOD has kept alive.”

Onwuemeodo then went on to reel Senator Okorocha’s schedule in the past one week plus. He said the former Governor was in Owerri for about a week over Iwuanyanwu’s funeral activities, and thereafter, went back to Abuja where he also attended some activities in honour of another late high profile Igbo son, a former Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.

Dismissing those who started the news of Okorocha’s death as “dead in spirit”, Onwuemeodo sent condolences to them.

Following is the full text of Onwuemeodo’s statement where he denounced the news of Okorocha’s passing.

“SLUG: ROCHAS OKOROCHA WAS NEITHER SICK, NOR DEAD

“1. On Wednesday,  November 6, 2024, a group of people,  came up with what they had described as “breaking news”. And what was that ” breaking news?”. That, the former Governor of lmo State and former Senator Representing lmo West Senatorial District, His Excellency,  Owelle Rochas Okorocha had fallen sick and taken to London hospital where  he died.  And what  was the sickness?  They said,  it was” Acute gorilla”.

“2. To all men and women of conscience and good tidings, the correct  breaking news is  that, Rochas Okorocha was  neither sick, nor dead. Okorocha has never had even  headache since he left as the  Governor of lmo State in 2019. In other words, Rochas Okorocha is hale and hearty as we write.

“3. Okorocha had spent almost one week in Owerri for the burial of Chief Emmanuel lwuanyanwu. On the burial day, Friday,  November 1, 2024, he was at the burial Church Service and was present at the burial site.

“4. After the burial,  he went to his Owerri to residence to  receive and host Nigerians from all walks of life who had come for the burial. He hosted them, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon.Benjamine kalu and many of his Colleagues.

“5. Okorocha was in his Owerri residence receiving visitors from far and near,  until Monday,  November 4, when he went back to Abuja with some other guests for the  the Night of Tributes at Yardua Center for  another great Nigerian and illustrious son of lgboland,  Dr Ogbonnaya Onu. On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, he was at the Service of Songs, equally in honour of Ogbonnaya Onu.

“6. Twenty four hours after,  the ugly breaking news came up. We know those behind the unfortunate breaking news. We equally know their motive. We know their problem . And they have our sympathies.

“7. It’s very disturbing,  that, at a time like this, what some people could come up with as their own version of  breaking news was to ” allocate”  “acute gorilla” they had,  perhaps,  invented, to someone who didn’t have fever. And equally  pronounced the person dead,   when the person is alive. Hale and hearty.

“8. Those behind this evil breaking news need our collective  prayers and heartfelt  condolences.  They’re dead in Spirit. They need spiritual rearmament. They need atonement. It takes the evil ones to know the latest disease or infection in the atmosphere or in town. Evil ones take stock of diseases. That’s their stock in trade.

“9. Those behind this alarming breaking news  were angry because of the resounding ovation  that had followed the introduction of Okorocha at lwuanyanwu’s burial. You do not curse who GOD,  in his infinite Mercy and wisdom, has blessed. You do not declare dead, someone GOD has kept alive.

“10. The Scripture says, “tell the wicked,  it shall not be well with them”.  But we won’t do this. Rather, we tell those behind this unimaginable  breaking news that, it shall be well with them. We do not belong to their group. We do things differently. We  are not the ones to judge them. God has the final say. We leave them to their consciences  if they have any.

“11. To thousands of people, both within and outside,  who had directly called Owelle or called those close to the former lmo governor to ascertain the authenticity or otherwise of the nauseating breaking news,   we say, thank you. We thank you  immensely. All things worketh together for good, to them that love God.

“Finally,  we continue to pray for these couriers or distributors of  “acute gorilla”, until they have genuine repentance and  begin to live  normal life. Those who live normal life  do not wish people dead. We annoint them with fresh oil for genuine repentance. May the GOOD LORD meet them at the point of their need. We sympathize with them.”

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