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Osun: Adeleke Assures Commercial Banks Of Security

By
James Orji
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Ademola Adeleke sworn in as Governor of Osun State

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has called on commercial banks in the country to reopen their branches in the state, assuring that the security situations that led to the closure of some banks no longer ‘exist’.

The governor said his government has restored security across the state, particularly in some towns where some banks have stopped doing business due to restiveness.

Recall that some commercial banks have shut some branches in Iwo, Ikirun, Iree, and some other towns as a result of insecurity, but the governor has assured that normalcy has returned to those areas which now conducive for business.

The state is now safe for business due to the security architecture put in place by his administration, Adeleke said during the commissioning of the rebuilt Ede branch of First Bank of Nigeria, on Friday.

According to him, “The conditions that led to the closure of banks’ branches in Ila, Iree, Ikirun, Iwo, and other areas of the state no longer exist. Osun is now secure for banking operations.

“I call on top bank management to reopen their branches. Osun is under-banked, even with digital applications, physical offices are still needed in many towns.

“I recently launched a sustainable industrial policy for the state. I call on banks to partner with us for implementation. We want to grow the private sector. This is good news for financial institutions.

“We are receiving high volumes of investors’ interest to enter the Osun market. We are creating an enabling environment. Bank chiefs should join us.

“I commend First Bank for its deep partnership with Osun State. Expand your reach, our administration is prepared to deepen partnerships with financial institutions and private organisations,” he said.

Birthday: Osoba Used Press Power For Positive Change- Sanwo-olu

By
James Orji
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Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu of Lagos state has described a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Olusegun Osoba as an advocate of good governance.

The Lagos state helmsman made the assertion in his message to the former governor of Ogun state, describing him as an ‘icon’ of democracy federalism.

The governor’s message is contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, to mark Osoba’s 84th birthday.

According to the statement released on Saturday, Sanwo-Olu said Aremo Osoba has made his mark in various fields of human endevours through his immense contribution to the media, politics, and governance sectors.

The governor said, “Aremo Olusegun Osoba is a true democrat and member of the progressive camp, who has been playing active roles in party politics and governance in Nigeria. He is an advocate of good governance, restructuring, and true federalism in Nigeria.

“He played a crucial role during the June 12, 1993, presidential election annulment struggle by aligning with progressives and pro-democracy activists, under the platform of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to fight the military junta for the enthronement of democracy and return of Nigeria to civilian government on May 29, 1999.

“Osoba, a renowned journalist turned politician, is one of the performing governors who delivered dividends of democracy to the populace during the days of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the aborted Third Republic as Governor of Ogun State. He also steered the ship of the State on the right path as the first Ogun State Governor in the current Fourth Republic on the platform of an Alliance for Democracy (AD).

“He used the power of the press to influence positive changes in the country’s social and political landscape as a reporter, editor, and managing director in different media organisations.

Osoba, a former governor of Ogun state between 1999 and 2003 was also a former managing director of Daily Times.

“On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Lagos State, I congratulate Aremo Olusegun Osoba on his 84th birthday. I pray that he will celebrate more years in good health.”

Ministerial Appointment: APC Women Back Edu Against Ayade

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Betta Edu

Amidst her quest for a ministerial appointment, All Progressives Congress, APC, National Women Leader, Betta Edu, has received endorsement from 36 State Women Leaders including that of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Edu, the immediate past Commissioner For Health in Cross Rivers state is said to be in the contest for the ministerial slot for the state against Ben Ayade a former governor of the state who appointed her commissioner.

Ayade was also said to have been instrumental to her emergence as APC Women Leader and other pecks she has enjoyed in the party since the former governor brought her into the political limelight.

The duo has now been set apart due to the ongoing contest on who among them would represent the state as a minister in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.

The contest has even become intense as the president is said to have compiled the ministerial list waiting to be sent to the Senate next Tuesday.

But during a visit to the president in Aso Villa on Thursday, the APC women leaders across the federation passed a vote of confidence on Edu for her exemplary leadership.

According to the women, the former commissioner’s leadership has been exceptional, inclusive, and responsive in her moblisation of women across the country, adding that she played an exceptional role in the election of President Tinubu.

The women in a statement after the meeting with the president said their request is for the benefit of Nigerian women who worked for his emergence as President during the last election.

“Let’s be patient and be rest assured that the request presented by the National Woman Leader and the women from the 36 states of the federation, as well as FCT, covered the interests of all Nigerian women and APC women in particular, who worked so hard for his victory in the last elections. Everyone will be rewarded in due course,” the statement said.

Tinubu Laments Military Coups In West Africa

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has lamented the rate of military takeovers of government in West Africa.

The president expressed his feelings in Nairobi, Kenya urging African leaders to ensure political stability in the continent.

Tinubu also charged the United Nations to take a strong position against coup plotters taking over government in Africa, adding that coup detat has become prevalent in the subregion.

Waves of military coups have swept through Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Sudan in recent times.

But speaking at the sideline of Fifth Mid-Year African Union (AU) Coordination Meeting, organized by the UN President Tinubu who is also the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, EOWAS said the military institutions must limit themselves to their constitutional role.

He said coup detat must be discouraged in the face of myriads of challenges facing the continent.

The president, according to a statement issued by Dele Alake, the President’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, was represented by Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The statement said coup detat “has only succeeded in threatening the peace, security and stability of the sub-region and by extension the African continent, leaving in its trail poverty, internally-displaced persons and humanitarian crisis. In the same vein, this ugly trend has also led to food shortages and escalated health challenges.

”We therefore must take deliberate steps to address the root causes of unconstitutional changes and coups d’état in Africa. As a continent, we cannot make progress toward achieving the goals and targets of the UN Agenda 2030 for sustainable development, as well as those of AU Agenda 2063 for the ‘Africa We Want’.

”Between 2020 and now, Africa has witnessed six successful coups d’état and three unsuccessful attempts. This rise in military takeovers and unconstitutional changes in government disrupts our democratic processes and undermines stability on the continent.

”It is for this reason that I call on all African leaders at all levels to make concerted efforts in respecting the tenets of democracy and the rule of law, in order to ensure political stability on the continent.”

Fake News Will Not Derail Or Distract My Mission For A New Nigeria – Obi

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25, 2023 election, Peter Obi has decried the mischief of fake news manipulators using his name but said that they will not distract or derail his focus for a new Nigeria which is POssible.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, Obi said: “I have noticed with dismay, an emerging pattern, where fake media reports and news items are predicated on interviews and press remarks I never granted.

Obi mentioned among many others,  “Two recent instances relating to my saying that I am looking forward to running for office in 2027 on a supposed Arise TV interview that never took place and the other, about my reaction to prospective appointees into the current Federal Government”

He described both reports as bogus. “Regrettably, our politics have sunken to this level where manipulation of the media space is now a trade.” he lamented

Undaunted, although disappointed,  the former Anambra state Governor said “For me, I shall continue to speak on topical national issues via recognized news and media outfits, but certainly will not concern myself with cheap distractive trolls.

“My focus and that of the Obidient Movement that l lead will not derail from the original mission of creating a new Nigeria which we believe is POssible.

On the issue of poaching his supporters to serve in the new government, Obi said “our emphasis has never been on political positions or personal aggrandizement but on putting the process right and deepening our democracy and helping the downtrodden in our society.

Stressing “That was why our messages during the electioneering were all issue-driven.”

Anambra: Onitsha Community Gives FG’s Agency Quit Notice On Parcel Of Land

By
Ayodele Oni
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Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe

By Ayodele Oni

For failure to renew an age long agreement on land lease, the Onitsha Traditional Council, in Anambra state, has hinted of possible eviction of the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCS) from the parcel of plot currently being occupied.

This was contained in a statement signed on behalf of the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, by his Chief of Staff, Chief Osita Anionwu.

According to Onitsha community, the land  which NCS currently occupies was given to the colonial government on lease for 99 years during the precolonial era and that the lease has expired, saying the community is not interested in another renewal.

The statement reads: “The facilities of the correctional services agency are located on parcels of land, properties of the Umudei Quarters, lylawu Quarters, and Okposi Eke section of Ogboli Eke Quarters are in the Akpaka area of Onitsha.

“We’re insisting that the Nigeria Correctional Services should put a stop to its appropriation of parcels of land belonging to Onitsha families, and that these should revert to the owners.

“The Onitsha Traditional Council observed that beyond the occupation of the parcels of land for which the lease agreement had expired, the NCS has gone ahead to encroach on adjoining parcels of land including that which has been set aside for the National Maritime Institute, a federal government agency under the Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

“Despite the expiration of a lease of agreement in respect of the parcels of land, which hitherto were used as farmlands by the Onitsha families, the Nigeria Correctional Services has continued to lay claim to them.

“The land was given out by a lease agreement signed by the Obi of Onitsha, acting for and on behalf of the chiefs of Onitsha, with the Colonial Government dated July 22, 1910.

“Onitsha leased the land to the Colonial Government for a term of 99 years with no renewal clause. With the expiration of the lease in 2009, the Nigeria Correctional Services took unilateral action to scuttle the non-renewal of the 1910 lease agreement, a development which is unacceptable to the Onitsha community.”

The community called on the agency to remove structures placed on their lands, including reestablishing the thoroughfares to the various Onitsha shrines in the vicinity.

Uzodimma: Upgrade Of Alvan Ikoku College Of Education To University Dear To Imo People

By
The Source
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0

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has told an Assessment team from the Federal Ministry of Education (FMoE), National Universities Commission (NUC), National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), on the upgrade of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri to a University, that the project is dear to Imo people.

He said the people are not just interested in the upgrade but are excited about it.

Welcoming the team at the New EXCO Chambers Government House, Owerri on Friday, the Governor thanked the assessment team from the federal government and prayed that their recommendations will be consistent with the desires and expectations of the people of Imo State.

Governor Uzodimma recalled how he got two letters from the federal government on the approval for Federal University Teaching Hospital from the Federal Medical Centre Owerri and another on the upgrade of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education to a Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, and the excitement that greeted the announcement when he communicated the good news to  Imo people.

He said they have been waiting for the consummation of both ideas and assured the team that the Government and people of Imo State will do whatever is expected of them to ensure a smooth running and implementation of the upgrade in line with their assessment.

“The Government and people of Imo State are ready to provide them,” the Governor assured.

Earlier, the team Leader, a Director from the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Mrs. Uche Uba, had informed that they were in Imo State “to carry out a comprehensive audit on the present status of the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education for upgrade to a University status.”

She also explained that the audit includes “the physical structures, the academic structures, and any other thing that will enhance and support the upgrade of such nature.”

Dr. Uba said that they had finished with their assignment and thought it wise to inform the Governor about what they came to do before returning to Abuja to submit their report.

Those from Abuja were accompanied on the visit to the Governor by the Provost, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Dr. Mrs. Stella Ngozi Lemchi and her Principal Officers.

The Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Barr. C. O. C. Akaolisa, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. JohnCliff Nwadike, the former Minister of Education, Rt. Hon. Goodluck Nana Opiah and other members of the State Executive Council joined the Governor to receive the visitors.

Odili: Imo Law Report Speaks Volumes About Uzodimma’s Legacy Projects

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma with Mary Odili

Public attention has again been drawn to the quality of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s legacy projects in Imo State, with Honourable Justice Mary Peter-Odili JSC, (retired), saying that the Governor has written his name in gold.

She said the quality of Uzodimma’s physical projects in Imo and the reforms he has initiated in the State’s Judiciary will outlive him.

Justice Odili, Chairman, Body of Benchers spoke as Governor Uzodimma  reiterated his commitment to the total recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction of both tangible and intangible things in Imo State.

Justice Odili, spoke on Friday at the Concorde Hotel, Owerri, in her capacity as the Guest of Honour/Unveiler of the Imo State Law Reports (2004- 2022).

Taking to the Podium to unveil and present the Law Reports, the first to be published in the history of Imo State, an excited Justice Odili told an equally joyous galaxy of legal luminaries that she was not only unveiling the reports but Uzodimma and his legacy projects.

Her words: “We are unveiling Chief Hope Uzodimma and his legacy projects in Imo State, both in infrastructure and legal profession. He has done that which has been left unattended for more than 20 years.

“I don’t think our Governor knew what he was doing when he authorized that a committee be set up to embark on this law reports project. Therefore, we are not just unveiling the reports but unveiling Hope Uzodimma and encouraging him to do more.”

While harping on the benefits of the Law Reports to the State and the judiciary, Justice Odili noted that judges, both serving and retired, as well as legal practitioners, will find them handy as they go about plying their trade.

She said the reports are veritable resource materials that children yet unborn in Imo State who desire to study law will be glad to behold just as the judges whose works were captured therein will be glad to reflect on their activities.

“It is also a way of documenting the hard work of the judges and generally, the lawyers of Imo State,” she said, noting that there will also be something to learn from reports whose cases were lost in the courts.

She encouraged all the legal practitioners and members of the public to get copies of the reports.

In his remarks, Governor Uzodimma said his desire to see the Imo State judiciary function in a contemporary world with all the necessary reforms informed his decision to direct that the Law Reports be put together by the ministry.

He expressed delight over the outcome describing it as a feat the judiciary ought to be happy about.

He reminded the audience that on assumption of office in 2020, his administration was determined to embark on programmes and projects that would add value to the society and enhance the quality of life of the citizenry.

Governor Uzodimma, however, challenged the ministry of justice of the State to go beyond their expectations of having Law Reports that are in hard copies and work towards migrating them to the soft copy, bearing in mind that the New World is digital.

He said doing so would also mean “value addition to the reports.”

The Governor thanked the dignitaries who graced the occasion, particularly Justice Odili, the Chairman of the occasion represented by Chief Mike Ahamba SAN, the President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau who was also represented by Mrs. Buma Alabi, SAN, among others.

Earlier in their goodwill remarks, the Chief Judge of Imo State, Honourable Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka-Chikeka, the Chairman of the occasion, Justice Abdu Aboki (rtd) represented by Chief Ahamba, SAN, the President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, represented by Mrs. Alabi, SAN, expressed delight over the report which they all agreed, will enhance legal services and impact tremendously on Imo State’s judiciary.

In his address, the Imo State Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief COC Akaolisa specifically thanked Governor Uzodimma for all the support he has extended to the judiciary under his watch for reforms and pleaded with him not to relent for posterity sake.

Akaolisa was also full of gratitude to Justice Odili, all the legal egg heads from within the  and outside Imo State who graced the occasion, the traditional rulers, the academia, political class, among others for finding time to be part of the event.

Among the personalities who attended the event include, Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof Placid Njoku, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Amara Iwuanyanwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Commissioners, immediate past Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emeka Nduka, political appointees, former Imo State APC Chairman, Chief Marcellinus Nlemigbo,  Vice Chancellor of KO Mbadiwe University, Prof Ikechukwu Dozie, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Ben Uwajimogu College of Education, Ihitte Uboma, HRH Eze Oliver Ohanwe, to name but a few.

Gov Akeredolu’s Ill-Health: APC National Secretariat Solidarizes With Ondo People

By
Ayodele Oni
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Iyiola Omisore

By Ayodele Oni

National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC),  Iyiola Omisore, visited Akure, Ondo state capital on Friday to douse tension occasioned by declaration of the national chairman on health challenges of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

APC Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu had remarked during a meeting in Abuja with state chairmen of the party that Akeredolu was seriously bedridden.

Omisore told leaders of the party that he was optimistic that Akeredolu, would soon return to the State, to continue attending to the development needs of the people.

He assured the government and people of the State that there should be no need for alarm, but prayers for Mr. Governor, after sufficient rest.

Omisore who said he was “solidarity visit,” met with the Acting Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, members of the State Working Committee, Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, Chief of Staff, Chief Gbenga Ale, Members of the House of Assembly, Commissioners, and other top government officials.

The APC chieftain said the National Secretariat regretted the twist in the recent wish and prayer of the National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, for the governor.

He insisted that at no time did the National Chairman said the governor is incapacitated, lamenting that some section of the press only opted to be mischievous and reported “what they feel makes news”.

The visit, he explained, was meant to dispel the misapprehension of the sincere and noble statement, and put the record straight.

“Mr. Chairman only urged people to pray for the quick recovery of your governor; not on account of being incapacitated.

“Our visit, therefore, is to reinforce the position of the national secretariat that we only prayed for the quick recovery of  Akeredolu and not otherwise.”

He further assured that the national secretariat is on the same page with the State, and would always offer support, when necessary.

Earlier, the State Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, had dismissed the insinuation that the state chapter is in crisis. He insisted that the party is as united as ever, under the leadership of Akeredolu.

Adetimehin explained that the State is still savouring its enviable contributions to the party’s victory at the last presidential election, and, therefore, has no place for bickerings.

Also, the Acting Governor,  Lucky Ayedatiwa, expressed appreciation to the visiting team, for taking the pain to visit on solidarity ground.

He lamented unprofessional twisting facts, by some members of the press, and opt for outright falsehood.

Ayedatiwa called on journalists to always cross-check, when in doubt, to avoid embarrassing and misleading people.

The National Secretary was accompanied by the Deputy National Secretary, Mr. Festus Fuanter, National Vice Chairman (North Central), Hon. Bawa Muazu, and National Vice Chairman (South West), Hon. Isaacs Kekemeke.

Nigerian Air force  Aircraft Crashes

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigerian Air Force FT-7NI

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has announced that one of its trainer aircraft crashed in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

NAF Director of Public Relations and Information Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, who made this known, said the aircraft FT-7NI, crashed at about 4:15pm, on Friday, while on a routine training exercise.

According to him, the two pilots on board the aircraft survived the crash after successfully ejecting from the aircraft.

Gabkwet in a statement states,

“A Nigerian Air Force FT-7NI trainer aircraft crashed today, 14 July 2023 at about 4.15pm in Makurdi, Benue State, while on a routine training exercise.

“Luckily, the 2 pilots on board survived the crash after successfully ejecting from the aircraft. Additionally, there was no loss of lives or damage to any property around the area of impact.

“Both pilots are currently under observation at NAF Base Hospital, Makurdi. Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has constituted a Board of Inquiry to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash.”

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