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Afenifere Tackles President Tinubu, Says He Is Imposing On Nigerians Hurried Policies

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

The Yoruba apex socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, has observed that the removal of subsidy on petrol, with attendant hike in pump price, and increase in fees payable in schools have further compounded the poverty ratio of Nigerians.

In a statement in Akure, on Friday, the organization’s Secretary General, Sola Ebiseni, described the hurried policies as “latest blow on an already traumatized citizenry.”

Describing the policy as thoughtless, the statement said: “It is feared that this latest gross act of thoughtless policy implementation and its unintended consequences will further push Nigeria’s economy down the slope as Nigeria has officially overtaken India as the New Poverty Capital of the World.

“Nigeria, despite being touted as the 55th largest economy in the world currently ranks 142 out of 167 on the global prosperity index with the expected total number of Nigerians plunged into the deep end of multidimensional poverty to gross 133 million before the end of 2024.

“In the same vein, the number of extremely poor Nigerians for the same period is estimated to hit 71 million which may now be compounded by the multiplier effects of peremptory removal of petrol subsidy, intractable fall of the Naira and surreptitious increase in school fees payable in Federal Government secondary and tertiary educational institutions.

“While the top three Presidential candidates in the last election agreed that the wasteful and corruption- infested Petrol Subsidy had to go, no one however, expected that the Subsidy would be removed in the sudden manner it was done: a seeming off-the-cuff declaration of the removal of the subsidy, totally ignoring the impact on the people and the economy.

“Such a huge economic decision with clear potential for serious deleterious impact on disposable incomes of the already impoverished citizens should never have been made in the cavalier manner as was witnessed.

“It is indeed a matter of grave concern that a party and its candidate which made subsidy removal a cardinal campaign issue, did not have a plan on ground to introduce the necessary countervailing palliatives simultaneously to protect the people and the economy.

“Progressive” governance, which they have always professed, would have put ahead of everything, the welfare of the citizens and should never be, or made to seem like, an afterthought.

“Those whom our warped and strange constitution have put in the saddle while their legitimacy is yet subject of judicial inquiry are nonetheless expected to act expeditiously to restore hope to the weak in society and protect the economy by introducing quickly, the much needed palliative measures.

“Hitting the ground running is more than a slogan or braggadocio declaration, the run must be well coordinated by competent hands available nationwide and not confined to actors whose efforts have only been exaggerated by the spatial limits of their past endeavours.”

Ministerial Nominees Should Prepare For Thorough Screening – Senate Leader

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, said at Iyin  Ekiti, his country home, on Friday that there will be no sacred cow among President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for ministerial positions as the Senate will subject them to thorough screening.

While speaking with journalists at the well-attended programme to mark his 60th birthday, the Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, said Godswill Akpabio-led Senate was desirous and keen about ensuring that those holding pivotal positions under Tinubu’s presidency are those with capacities to deliver.

“Let me assure Nigerians that the screening won’t be only bow and go, except for those who had been members of the National Assembly before and whom we knew and appreciated that they have the wherewithal to give Nigerians qualitative leadership.

“Nigerians expected us to be thorough. They are expecting us to do a thorough screening. But take a bow and go is not an unparliamentary convention, it has become a practice all over the world and that person must be a former member of the parliament who is well known to us. Somebody we have confidence in his ability.

“We are going to follow the constitution to ensure that we deliver our mandate to make those who voted for us happy. This will occur at the level of parliament, oversight functions and at the committee level.

“We will partner Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver on his promises to Nigerians. We are determined to ensure that all the three arms of government, particularly the judiciary are put on a good footing to be able to deliver justice without fear or favour. We are determined to ensure that the right people are brought on board.”

On the removal of the fuel subsidy, Bamidele stated that “The federal government will put palliatives in place to help the poorest of the poor.

“There is also another category of palliatives that will be rolled out for the civil servants apart from the promised salary increment that will be done across states and at the federal level.

“The removal is very significant because the federal government will be able to save a lot of money to do infrastructure and make all Nigerians happy.

“That was the intention of President Tinubu about the removal. He knew what Nigerians are passing through and efforts are underway to cushion the effects of this removal.”

Bamidele appreciated God for sparing his life to celebrate 60th birthday, describing the gesture as uncommon favour, having a retrospect of what he had passed through in his political journeys.

In his short exhortation tagged “out of your faithfulness” at the event, the Vicar in charge of the All Saints’ Anglican Church, Iyin Ekiti, Ven Zaccheus Ibitoye, described Bamidele as a dependable and descent politician, who loathes politics of bitterness and do or die.

The Cleric assured that Nigerians will render a good story in the end despite the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola  Tinubu’s administration to curb corruption in the system.

“Let us be patient and pray for our leaders. All the presidential candidates promised that they will remove the petrol subsidy and one of them won and removed it. We should all be expecting it.

“Let us be patient with the federal government. We will have a good story to tell for our coming children. This stage and difficulties shall pass away”.

The Vicar added that Bamidele enjoyed tremendous favour from God because he had served humanity in the most rewarding fashion as a Commissioner and member of the National Assembly.

“We could all remember when he was shot few years back, whether through targeted or strayed bullet, but God protected him. He didn’t die because God proclaimed that it wasn’t yet time. I am happy for your life.

“Senator Bamidele is a special breed of politician, who will not pledge what he will not do. I want to charge you to continue to hang your faith in God. He has been protecting you. You are still going higher and higher, you are unstoppable.

“I plead with politicians to play this politics neatly. Some of you used to eliminate people because of ambition. Senator Bamidele doesn’t belong to that group.

“He is a descent politician. Let us learn how to wait upon God. All of us can’t be Senators or Governors, but we can all be children of God.”

Nigeria Police Laments Use Of Its Emergency Numbers To Obtain Loans

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Haruna Garba - FCT Commissioner of Police

By Akinwale Kasali

Haruna Garba, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Commissioner of Police has lamented the use of its emergency numbers by fraudulent and unscrupulous persons to obtain loans from Loan Shark Companies.

A perturbed Garba said that non-state actors had also been engaging the emergency lines.

He warned those behind this illicit act to desist from it, and said the police would ensure they are brought to book.

In a statement on Friday, the Command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, stated that the Police frowns at such act, as any one caught in the act will be brought to book and face the full wrath of the law.

It partly read: “In the same vein, the CP enjoins non-state actors who have been engaging the Police emergency lines in their mischievous posts, aimed at misleading members of the public and those submitting same to obtain loans to desist from such and only use the emergency lines for its intended purpose as deliberate steps will be taken to arrest and prosecute the purveyors of these illegal acts.”

She said the CP urged residents to cooperate with the Police for improved service delivery.

“He equally tasks FCT residents to take advantage of the Police Control Room numbers in reporting suspicious activities: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883,” she added.

APC Endorses Ministerial Nominees From South West

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

While still awaiting nominees for the remaining two states in the zone, the National Vice Chairman (Southwest) of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Isaac Kekemeke, has congratulated the four ministerial nominees from the zone. He said they duly deserve their nominations by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

States which are yet to get ministerial nominees in the South West zone are Lagos and Osun.

In a press statement issued by his media office in Akure, the Ondo State Capital,  Kekemeke stated that the party in the zone backs the President Tinubu in his nominations.

The President had named Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo from Ondo, Adebayo Adelabu from Oyo, Dele Alake from Ekiti, Wale Edun from Ogun, with Osun and Lagos states still outstanding.

According to the South-west APC, the nominees have displayed competence in their chosen fields and have been sagacious in their private and public lives.

Kekemeke describes  Tunji-Ojo, from Ondo, a two time House of Representatives member, as a vibrant young leader, who discharges his responsibility admirably as a Federal Lawmaker representing Akoko NORTH East/ North West federal constituency.

The APC leader also praises Edun, Adelabu and Alake for their professional prowess in their chosen careers.

He urged the nominees to use their offices to attract development to the people of the Southwest and Nigerians generally, admonishing them not to betray the confidence reposed in them by President Tinubu and APC leadership in the country.

Ondo: Farmers Cry Out : Our Wives Are Still Being Raped, Children Kidnapped, Urge Tinubu To Secure Farmers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Stakeholders in agribusiness in Ondo state have advised President Bola Tinubu to back up the state of emergency declared in agriculture sector with provision of adequate security for farmers.

Senior Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Pastor Akin Olotu, made the call while addressing newsmen on behalf of the stakeholders in Akure.

According to the Olotu, the inability of many farmers to have access to their farms have increased the level of high cost of food and scarcity in the country.

Olotu pointed out that “Not just in some areas, where banditry actions are alarming, in most states of the Federation, farmers and their farms are largely unsecured.

“It is good Mr. President has declared a state of emergency in the Agricultural sector, he should go ahead to effect a new security architectural structure that will allow each local government or state to secure farms for farmers.

Mr. President Sir, famine is looming in the nation. It is that serious. Kidnapping of farmers and raping of their wives and daughters are still on-going in many states and farmers are fleeing the farm and villages.

“National Assembly and State Assemblies nationwide should legislate grazing on farms as a very serious offence.

“Immediate action on modern cattle rearing system should be made a priority and implementation should commence as a matter of urgency.

“This will reduce kidnapping, destruction of farms and restore confidence of Nigerians to go back to the farms because this crime is under reported.

“The present nomadic arrangement is benefiting no one including the animals that are being moved about from one place to another. It will never allow even the herders to have a settled lives and family.

“Mr. President and the National Assembly should do something immediately. The sector could be transformed in 12 to 24 months. Famine is looming”

He also called on President Tinubu to decentralize the federal ministry, departments and agencies in the agricultural sector for ease of service delivery.

Olotu said that the operational structure and authority to approve should be devolved into the six geo-political zones to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, timely delivery and reduction in the cost of administration.

The governor’s aide pointed out that the present arrangement had never worked and it would not work, stating that regional offices should coordinate the states in their region.

Olotu also advised the Federal Government to approve 50 per cent subsidy on import duties on agricultural items as the cost of inputs for poultry, fishery and arable farming.

He said that action should also be taken immediately in the area of securing farms and farmers to avoid famine across the states of the federation.

While commending Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in the agricultural sector, the governor’s aide noted that operators of large-scale farms in the country were operating as orphans.

“They make roads to their farms and arrange security for themselves and their workers.

“They generate their electricity, pay huge and multiple taxes as well as import duties on farm machinery and inputs.

“Nigerian customs officials don’t care, even if your inputs rot away in their custody on the altar of prohibitive import duties and administrative procedures.

“There is the need for urgent intervention here. Interest rate on agricultural loans must be at maximum of 4 per cent for credible and proven indigenous investors,’’ he said.

According to him, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should continue with long-term funding windows, but the arrangement should be reviewed.

“Each geographical zone should come up with its proposal as a matter of urgency for strategic crops, livestock and agriculture,” he said.

High Expectations As Senate Screens Ministers Next Week

By
James Orji
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Expectations are high among Nigerians as the Nigerian Senate commences the screening of ministerial nominees on Monday.
 Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs disclosed yesterday that the upper legislative chamber will screen the potential ministers next week.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent 28 names to the Senate on Thursday for confirmation as ministers, ending weeks of speculation on those that will make his cabinet.
Nigerians are already polarized on whether the nominees made up of technocrats, politicians, and techno-politicians will be able to actualize the president’s agenda to move the country forward.
The list which contained four former governors, is also a blend of women, youths, and old politicians of different age group in line with President Tinubu’s plan to bring everybody on board, according to those watching his government.
Former governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); Nasir El Rufai (Kaduna); and Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa) made the list.
The women nominees are Betta Edu, Doris Aniche Uzoka, Hannatu Musawa, Nkiru Onyeojiocha, Stella Okotete, Nkiru Onyeojiocha, Uju Kennedy Ohaneye, and Iman Suleiman Ibrahim.
The president is still expected to send more names to the Senate, raising the number to at least 37  cabinet members,  to meet the constitutional provision of one minister per state, and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Ahead their confirmation next week, Adaramodu said the screening will not be a game as usual, noting that the Senate will apply the “take a bow and go” privilege with caution.
He further explained that the senate will not disappoint Nigerians, adding that the screening will be a thorough one.
” The issue of take a bow and go is not an anathema. It is a tradition,” Adaramodu said, adding that nominees will be allowed enough time to answer questions from senators.
President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio read the list which contained nominees names and states during plenary yesterday.
They  include Abubakar Momoh (Edo), Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (Bauchi), Ahmad Dangiwa (Katsina), Hannatu Musawa (Katsina), Uche Nnaji (Enugu), Betta Edu (Cross River), Doris Aniche Uzoka (Imo) and David Umahi (Ebonyi).
Others are Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa), Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai (Kaduna), Ekperikpe Ekpo (Akwa Ibom) and Nkiru Onyejeocha (Abia).
Also on the list are Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (Ondo), Stella Okotete (Delta), Bello Muhammad Goronyo (Sokoto), Uju Kennedy Ohanenye (Anambra), Dele Alake (Ekiti), Lateef Fagbemi SAN (Kwara), Muhammad Idris (Niger), Olawale Edun (Ogun) and Adebayo Adelabu (Oyo).
Others are Iman Sulaiman Ibrahim (Nasarawa), Ali Pate (Bauchi), Joseph Utsev (Benue), Abubakar Kyari (Borno), John Enoh (Cross River) and Sani Abubakar Danladi (Taraba).

Ministerial List: Attaching Portfolios Right Thing To Do- Gbajabiamila

By
James Orji
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0
Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, says it would have been better to attach portfolios to the ministerial list sent to the Nigerian Senate on Thursday.
28 names were sent to the Senate yesterday for confirmation by the president.
Not a few Nigerians were however disappointed after President Tinubu failed to attach portfolios to the nominees in line with the belief that doing so would assist the lawmakers to grill the would-be-ministers in their respective areas of assignment.
The constitution does not require the president to do so, but his critics insist that the country is at a critical juncture when the round peg needs to be put in a round hole.
Speaking on the issue after submitted  the list to the Senate yesterday, Gbajabiamila said that was the right thing to do, but that the president does not want to box himself into a corner.
According to him, the president would like to look at the ministers again after they have been screened by the Senate before finally determining who to man which ministry.
The president is trying to avoid a complicated situation when the senate will have to screen ministers over and over, he said.
Besides, Gbajabiamila stated that the ministers are fit to be posted to any ministry.
He said, “For me (attaching portfolios) would have been one way to go about it. It would have been a welcome development. As good as that sounds it straightjackets the President to pigeonhole one person in an office or the other.
“What happens then if you change your mind? Do you then bring the person back for screening again, because the President is at liberty to change his mind?
“And meanwhile, the Senate has screened that person for that particular initial portfolio. What happens then? Do you rescreen the person? So, a lot of these things have their merits and demerits.
“I like the idea of attaching portfolios because it makes it necessary for the Senate to know exactly what you’re asking and what you’re looking for.
“But for now, it’s been thought wise that we stick to the tradition of sending the names and then whilst the screening processes are going on, allow the Mr. President and his team to look at the portfolios and the characters and see how they fit.
“The first step that he has done is that these are people that can work wherever you put them, except this specialised fields like Attorney-General and what have you.
“For most of the portfolios, he believes most of them can fit in anywhere and what’s important is also that Mr. President intends to separate portfolios or restructure the ministries in such a way you might be hearing of new ministries that were not standalone ministries before. So, the process continues,” he said.

Ondo Local Councils Increase As State Exco Ratifies Additional 33 LCDAs, Bill Before Assembly

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Bamidele Ademola- Olateju

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Executive Council has announced the creation of 33 Local Government Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state, raising the number of local councils in the state to 51.

The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation Bamidele Ademola-Olateju disclosed this shortly after the State Executive Council meeting.

It is expected that the newly created 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), will perform the same functions with the existing 18 local governments in the state.

Ademola-Olateju added that the enabling law has been sent to the State House of Assembly for enactment.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir Charles Titiloye, explained that the newly created LCDAs will have equal functions with their own headquarters and operate side-by-side with the existing 18 Local Government areas in the state.

He said the approval followed the recommendation of the Committee on LCDAs set up by the State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and headed by Prince Lanke Odogiyan.

Titiloye added that immediately the State House of Assembly enacts the law, it will be assented to by the State Governor and full implementation of the LCDAs will commence.

The issue of creation of additional local councils in the state had been in the drawing board of the present administration since first tenure of Governor Akeredolu, but could not see the light of the day.

However, immediately after his inauguration for second term, the governor again rekindled the hope with the setting up of a committee to advise government on modality for birthing the new LCDAs and those to benefit.

Various communities, in the state had presented memorandum to the committee and the house of Assembly with each of them demanding for headquarters of the new LCDAs.

Save SE Embarrassment Of Sit-at- Home, Uzodinma Tells Security Agencies; Navy, Police Chiefs Meet Governor

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has challenged the leadership of Security Agencies in the country and those serving in the South East in particular to step up their programmes with the view to saving the South Easterners the embarrassment of sit at home which non state actors have brought about.

He said that the sit at home has almost crippled the region’s economy, commerce and trade and should not be allowed to continue unattended to.

The Governor made the call when he received in audience the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ayuba Chugali and the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 9 Umuahia, Echeng Eyo Echeng, both of who were on a courtesy call at the Government House Owerri, on Thursday.

Though the Governor addressed his guests and their teams separately, his remarks to both visitors found a common ground in the State of insecurity in the region and how the security agencies could deal with it decisively.

“This is time for all Security Agencies to synergize and come up with a united front to tackle the insurgency and insecurity in the zone perpetrated by those whose identities cannot be properly fixed,” he said.

In welcoming the Flag Officer, Governor Uzodimma thanked the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla for approving the visit by his men but used the visit to sincerely thank President  Bola Tinubu for the choice of Ogalla as the Chief of Naval Staff.

The Governor described the role of the Navy in maritime security as “critical item that must be strengthened,” acknowledging that the “Nigerian Navy and other security agencies have distinguished themselves in their job.”

To both organizations, the Governor emphasized the need for partnership with each other and even the communities “to ensure the best of results in security of lives and property of Nigerians, especially in the South East.”

Governor Uzodimma recalled that on assumption of Office he discovered that the Naval Base in Oguta is a good idea and that he had to quickly embark on the opening of maritime way to the sea targeted at boosting the economy of the State and the Zone and enhancing commerce and trade in the area.

He promised to do all within his powers to encourage the Nigerian Navy to realise their mission and expressed happiness to hear that the geographic survey report for the dredging of the Orashi River to the Atlantic is ready.

He equally reassured the Navy of the State Government’s readiness to partner with them anytime they call on the government.

He hinted that he is aware that political content is involved in the sit at home menace and that recent intelligence has revealed that some political gladiators are collaborating with some University cult members to carry out what they call ‘’synchronized violence’’ especially during the forthcoming governorship elections.

The Governor urged the security agencies to do everything within their behest in collaboration with government to unearth their nefarious plans and activities.

To the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 9 Umuahia, Echeng Y Echeng, he thanked him for coming, and for his commitment in the Police Force, especially in the South East and his achievements and records as a Commissioner before his elevation to AIG.

The Governor emphasized the need for serious support and deployment of the security agencies to the Communities in the Southeast through additional manpower and logistics to fight the monster of insurgency at the grassroots.

He reiterated that the people of South East are highly threatened by insecurity as commerce and industry and the entire economy is dying.

He noted, in the case of Imo, that the State needs peace and unity to develop and protect her businesses, hence the security agencies must gear up to removing fear and harassment from the psych of the people.

His words: “Please recover the confidence of our people and remove fear in them.  Please take over the political space and protect our people so that we can exist.”

Governor Uzodimma however advised those who want to challenge those in authority to have a rethink as they will never succeed under him.

He also seized the opportunity to bemoan the attitude of leaders who have refused to speak out and condemn the killings of innocent citizens in the State.

Governor Uzodimma further appealed to the Security Agencies at all levels in the country to ensure that they protect the Igbos wherever they are in Nigeria as it is the responsibilities of every government to protect the lives and property of her citizens.

Earlier in his presentations, the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ayuba Chugali told the Governor that he brought goodwill message from the Chief of Naval Staff, Real Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and went ahead to thank the Governor for all that he has been doing for the Navy in Imo State in particular and Nigeria in general.

He said that they came to announce the appointment of a new Flag Officer of the Central Naval Command who is mandated to ensure that Imo State and the South East are safe and secured.

He thanked the Governor for providing the Navy in Imo State the conducive operational environment and even a permanent base in Oguta, providing them a House in the Water which is the Naval Floating House and acknowledged that Governor Uzodimma has actually “brought hope to the people of Imo State.”

Furthermore, he said that connecting the lake to the sea is economically important and that “the Navy shares the same vision with the Governor and will work hard to realise the objectives of the project.”

He promised that the Navy will work in partnership with other agencies and the communities to secure and protect all legal economic activities within the area in addition to saving lives and property.

Rear Admiral Chugali informed the Governor that the report of the Hydrographic Survey for dredging of the Oguta Lake to the sea is ready and will soon be submitted to the Governor.

The AIG explained that he was on a one day working visit to the Imo State Police Command and found it expedient to give honour to whom honour is due by paying the courtesy visit to the Governor.

He said that the zone which includes Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states has unique security challenges which include insurgency, kidnapping and activities of IPOB, noting that “much has been done and more needs to be done.”

He thanked the Governor for his numerous support to the Police Command and appealed for synergy not only among the security agencies but also the communities “because the hoodlums come from the communities and the leaders in the communities cannot claim that they don’t know them.”

He said the agencies cannot do it alone.

According to the AIG, “the hoodlums should not be allowed to give directives” and wondered how those who want to rule their people go about killing their people.

He informed that “available records show that 99 per cent of those carrying out the act are our people and 99 per cent of victims are also our people,” and assured that “plans are underway to re-jig the operational template of the State command and the Zone in general.”

He assured the Governor that the Inspector General of Police (IGP),  Kayode Egbetokun is ready to assist on logistics and training and assured that his men will provide security to Imo State so that “the people will go to sleep with their eyes closed.”

Both visits were witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku, the Secretary to Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice and other members of the State Expanded Executive Council.

Uzodimma Fetes Heartland Football Club, Doles Out N100m To Players, Managers

By
The Source
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0

Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma Wednesday night feted the players and management staff of Heartland Football Club of Imo State for emerging double champions in the recent Nigerian National League and also getting promoted  to the Nigeria Premier Federation League.

In a show of appreciation for their performance, the Governor announced a donation of N100m for the players and their managers which he said will come through extra budgetary allocation.

Hosting the team to a dinner party at the Banquet Hall Government House, Owerri on Wednesday night,  Governor Uzodimma said: “My heart is full of joy for receiving you this evening with a double barrel honours.”

He noted that his heart was troubled when Heartland Football Club was relegated from the premiership league despite the huge amount put into the industry since 2020 but explained that he was aware that the team has talents “but the problem was how to manage those talents.”

Governor Uzodimma added that “when they reached out to us we responded, offered our support and today we are celebrating them,” informing that he is very happy that the Heartland  Football Club is back to the Premiership League.

He encouraged the players and their managers not to relent “because the government will continue to render more support” to them.

His words: “In today’s world, we cannot do without sports. “In my government I cannot do without Heartland.”

He however encouraged them to carry along the Heartland Queens, noting that he is also interested in Heartland Queens winning.

“Now that you have shown that you can win, government can show that they can support.”

Now the bomb: “I am rewarding your efforts with a cash of N100,000,000 (One hundred million Naira) and this money is not part of your salaries nor running cost but to be shared among.”

The Governor added: “We must ensure that sports are properly organized and managed so that Imo State will become the centre focus of sports activities.”

He emphasised that he was aware that some of the managers are in acting capacity, and charged them not to be discouraged as “it is not wise to change a winning team but go with the confidence that the government is in full support of them.”

“I will encourage you to continue to work hard because I don’t want you to be just champions now, I want you to be continental champions.”

He thanked the team that won the trophy,  reiterating that he will encourage them to win more goals.

The Governor also used the opportunity to direct the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development to arrange a dinner with the Heartland Queens.

Presenting the trophies, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development,  Emeka Okoronkwo said that they came to present to the Governor the trophies  the team won after 16 unbeaten games in the Nigeria National League and returned to the topflight NPFL in less than five months after relegation, “the first of its kind in history of football in Nigeria.”

He said that “the team has formed major component of the Governor’s administration and this has materialised in what we seeing here today.”

He said that they could not have achieved the feat without His Excellency’s fatherly care and support, adducing that their aim is to go forward in gunning for continental ticket by the end of the new season.

Adding his voice, the FA Chairman, Barr. Ifeanyi Dike said that they gathered  to thank the Governor for all his support to the Heartland Football Club and that whenever they called on him he always answered them and came to their aid.

Highpoints of the dinner was the presentation of the Trophies and a Customized Heartland Jersey to the Governor.

Those who  joined the Commissioner for Youths and Sports to present the trophies were the players, the coaching crew and staff of Heartland Football Club.

The Governor received them with the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie and members of the State’s Expanded Exco.

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