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Uzodimma Appoints New SA/ General Manager For Owerri Capital Development Authority

By
The Source
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Francis Onyedikachi Chukwu

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has approved the appointment of Engr Francis Onyedikachi Chukwu as the new Special Adviser/ General Manager of Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA).

With Engineer Chukwu’s appointment, Innocent Ikpamazie who was calling the shots at the OCDA with the same designation has been removed.

The appointment of Eng. Chukwu takes immediate effect.

The handing and taking over formalities are expected to be completed before close of work on Friday, November 19, 2021.

Governor Uzodimma has also admonished the new SA/ GM of OCDA to devote his energy and time to sanitize the agency and restore the confidence of the people in its activities.

Reasons NFF Can’t Sack Super Eagles Coach, Rohr; I Rejected Him As Enyimba Coach – Senator Kalu

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr
Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr

By Akinwale Kasali

Before Tuesday’s Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, calls for the sack of Coach Gernot Rohr had been in the front burner.

After the lackluster display by the team, with the game ending at 1-1, calls for his sack escalated among fans, football enthusiasts, ex-internationals and soccer analysts.

Early Thursday, the media was awash with the rumoured sack of the Franco-German tactician of the Super Eagles. It was highly celebrated by many soccer loving Nigerians.

But, the joy was short lived, as the Amaju Melvin Pinnick- led Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, distanced the Federation from such rumours.

Debunking the rumoured sack of Rohr, the NFF  Assistant Director, Media, Ademola Olajire, denied knowledge of the development.

Olajire insisted that it’s only after a Board meeting of the NFF and a signed statement released that Rohr’s sack could be authenticated.

“I’m not aware of Rohr’s sack because there are procedures for doing things at the Federation.

“Before such a decision could be taken, there will be a meeting of the NFF Board and a release issued to the public.

“As for now, I’m not aware of the sack. The online platforms that reported the story cannot announce his sack without confirmation from the NFF,” Olajire said.

Corroborating Olajide, NFF President, Pinnick said that no such decision has been taken.

“The Board of the NFF is studying the report of the Technical Committee, which it submitted after the match against Cape Verde in Lagos on Tuesday. There are a number of possibilities but we have not taken a decision to sack Gernot Rohr. I want to assure you that whatever decision is eventually taken will be one that will please the generality of Nigerians.

“Mr Rohr has a contract with the NFF and there is a procedure for disengagement. If we get to that bridge, both parties will look at the contract and see what has to be done both ways,” he said.

“The Super Eagles’ squad is a national asset and we are just fortunate to be in that space to make decisions. Any decision we take must be what will be acceptable to Nigerians from far and near.”

Former Super Eagles Coach and Ex-International, Sunday Oliseh, has continually expressed dismay at the level Rohr had taken the national team.

“It’s disgusting the level the coach has taken our football to.

“I watched the game and we didn’t have a definite pattern and a philosophy of how we play. I dare ask what he has achieved in five years with these talented players at his disposal.

“Since his appointment, this coach has been paid $55,000 per month, the sum of $2,640,000 by a country where the U-17, U-23, the Super Falcons and Super Eagles are threatening strike for unpaid wages. Put that in perspective for a moment, our football is not the same as it was. We need a fresh direction before it’s too late.”

In the same vein, Former England striker, John Fashanu,  did not mince words on whether Rohr should remain in charge of the Eagles.

“It is time for Rohr to pack his bags and move on.

We’ve got so many potential Managers in the country and why do we feel the need to bring somebody who has to change his whole life to understand the dynamics of Nigerian football because the dynamics in Nigeria are quite unusual.

“It is also unbelievable that he is earning $55,000 monthly. I fell off the chair when I heard how much he earns. Do you know what that amount could do to a village; it could change the dynamics of everybody.

“I really cherish what I said earlier; let us love our own people because it was a sad day for me on Thursday. Before now, Nigeria losing to CAR was unheard of. I want the Sports Minister to please take note because he is the only man who can make a difference. Please let’s get this right and send Gernot Rohr packing.”

Africa’s Pillar of Football, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, also called for the sack of Rohr.

The former Abia State Governor says Rohr’s five years as Eagles boss is a ‘waste’, calling on  the NFF to sack the former Girodins Bordeaux Football Club gaffer.

Taking to his Facebook page, Senator Kalu said, “In the last five years we have wasted our time in football.

“There is nothing new we are doing any longer. To see a country with many professional players home and abroad struggling to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup is heartbreaking. Gernot Rohr is not a good coach and I don’t understand why he is still managing Super Eagles.

“When I was Governor, he applied to become employed as Enyimba coach. He was brought to Nigeria by Oscar Udoji but I refused to employ him. I am calling on the Chairman of NFF, Mr Amaju Pinnick to wake up and to quickly find a replacement for Rohr.

“We, soccer lovers don’t need further dissatisfaction in a game, we have the capacity to make ourselves proud. If the problems you have this year are the same problems you had last year, then you are not a leader. You are rather a problem on your own that must be solved.”

Rohr is the longest serving Coach of the Super Eagles. He was appointed head coach of the Super Eagles in August 2016, and he led the team to a third-place finish at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and qualified Nigeria for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, with the team booted out in the Group Stages.

The failure of the Super Eagles to sack Rohr, the magazine gathered, is that NFF has paucity of fund to pay him off if sacked, as the Franco-German gaffer has one year left on his contract, which expires in December 2022.

Also, getting a technically sound new Coach will be a Herculean task for the NFF and payment of the Coach will be difficult.

Rohr, according to information gathered, is presently being owed by the NFF, which makes it difficult to sack him.

But, some soccer analysts argued that failure of the NFF to sack Rohr and continually back him despite his shambolic performance and his lack of technical ability speak volumes.

They added that no indigenous Coach would have been given such privilege if he performed below expectation.

Jerry Musa, a Soccer analysts complained bitterly that Rohr does not have what it takes to lead a team like Nigeria, pointing out that the NFF and Rohr are hiding something from Nigerians.

“The Super Eagles lack motivation, tenacity and fire power. They hardly string three successful passes.

“Rohr has cemented his place as the worst Nigeria coach to have cemented his place and keep his job. He was again his typical self with his poor game reading ability, poor substitution and tactical deficiency”, he said.

Passage Of Direct Primary Bill Not Meant To Spite State Governors – Reps Member

By
Ayodele Oni
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Femi Bamisile (sitting) giving out empowerment facility

By Ayodele Oni

A member of the House of Representatives in Ekiti state, Mr Femi Bamisile has clarified that the Green Chamber’s decision to pass the Electoral Amendment Bill, 2021 which recommended Direct Primary for political parties, was not meant to slight state Governors.

Bamisile, who spoke during an interview in Ado Ekiti,  pointed out that the lower Chamber of the National Assembly felt that the people should be allowed to pick their leaders and not just the handpicked delegates.

The Lawmaker stated that “I am not a Lawyer, but if you see the way the Speaker, House of Representative presented the issue of Direct Primary, you will all agree with me that, it is an avenue to give power back to the people.

“The National  Assembly is not in anyway at loggerheads with the Governors and I am  sure the Governors will have their reasons for not supporting direct Primaries.”

On high cost of governance and politics in the country, Mr Bamisile stated that some people have seen politics as profession and full time business, which should not be so.

“Politics should be on part time basis as against the current practice where some People see it as a full time job,” he added.

Mr Bamisile, who is representing Ekiti East,Gbonyin and Emure councils also spoke on his efforts to ensure his constituency benefits from the dividend of democracy.

“I made a lot of promises when I was contesting and part of those promises is that I will get employment for the Youths even when I didnt even know how I will go about it because where I was going is a place with legislative power to make law and not executive power.

“When I got there, I saw an avanlache of vaccum and therefore, I vowed to make at least 100 employments for the Youths.

 

“I want to make it clear to you all, that I just spent over two years and I have given 52 employment letters to the People, so it remanis 48 employment letters and out of the remaining 48 letters, I have again brought another 30 letters now, therefore, we  now have 82 federal appointment.

“Letters are still coming because I still have more than a year to spend at the National Assembly, so if we are to conduct examination on it, at least I would’ve scored above 80% in that category.

“On health, I have committed over N100million on 10 ambulances and other equipment that I have distributed for our primary health care system in the three Local government Areas, I represent at the National Assembly.

“Also in the last one year, I have brought Solar powered Street light worth over N650million to Ekiti State because of lack of electricity supply in some parts of my Constituency and I did not limit that to the three local government areas I represent alone, I also extended it to Ado Ekiti especially, GRA.

“And in the coming weeks, another solar powered street light worth about N820million will be brought to Ekiti State and it will be installed in many parts across the State including flashpoints especially in Ado Ekiti where Hoodlums hide to perpetrate their heinous acts.

“I am trying my best for Ekiti youths to get jobs in MDAs where they become Directors and permanent secretaries in years ahead.  It is unfortunate that, Ekiti only has a PS in the Federal  Civil Service that serves with Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, I don’t know what Ekiti State can benefit from such Ministry.”

On the forthcoming Governorship election in the state, the Lawmaker stated that “election is coming in June, so, the Stage is set and what we are looking at now is getting into the Primaries in January.

“That affords the two major political parties in the State to get ready and whoever or those aspiring should by now be on the Field, consulting or be done with consultations.”

El Zakzaky: MBYA Appeals To EU

By
Uche Mbah
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By Uche Mbah

The Middle-Belt Youth Assembly, MBYA, has called on the European Union to intercede in compelling President Muhammadu Buhari, to order security agencies to release the passports of the leader of Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife, Malama Zeenat.

The group, Wednesday, warned that if this is not done,  his supporters may soon start another round of protests.

Justice Gideon Kurada of a Kaduna State High Court had, earlier this year, discharged and acquitted El-Zakzaky and Zeenat.

The Publicity Secretary of MBYA, Yunana Kambai, noted that it has been four months since they were acquitted by security agencies.

“It has been over four months since the leader of the IMN, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, and his wife were acquitted and discharged by the Kaduna State High Court, after spending almost six years in illegal detention.

“Now that the couple has been acquitted of all charges filed against them by the Kaduna State Government, they should be allowed to attend to their health wherever they choose to go without any undue frustration. But on the contrary, the couple’s passports and other documents that will allow them to travel are reportedly withheld.

“The deterioration in the couple’s health condition is so glaring as the Sheikh could be seen limping and his wife confined to a wheelchair as they exited the court premises recently.

“If anything, the Government should, for the good of the nation, maintain the fresh breath of air on the streets of Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and other cities considering the security crisis ravaging the country; it is therefore unwise of the government to add yet another.

“One thing is certain, if Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky is not allowed to attend to his health; those streets will soon be littered with his unrelenting, indefatigable followers.

“We call on the European Union to help facilitate this, as we seriously fear the return of protests in Abuja and other major cities.

“We call on the EU as a matter of urgency to ask Nigerian government to release the passports of the couple so that they can attend to their health. Injustice to one is injustice to all.”

Abia: Dismissed LG Workers Storm NUJ Secretariat

By
Uche Mbah
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By Uche Mbah

Dismissed Local Government workers of Abia state have stormed the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalist in Aba, Abia state, to beg Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for reinstatement.

The workers were employed by Abia State government in 2019, but dismissed in January 2020.

The workers, in their hundreds, stormed the secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Aba, with placards with different inscriptions on them.“Please don’t push us back to the streets, “please confirm all 2019 LG workers, “we were suspended when it was time to confirm our appointments.”

According to them, they became alarmed when the State Local Government Service Commission released a list of 250 newly employed council workers without their names.

Their spokesperson, Okezie Njoku, said that they were employed on probation but never received any salary.

“After one year, the salary started coming which lasted for 11 months and stopped again. Since January 2021, we’ve not been paid any money.

“They said they’ll look into it and get back to us. The Chief of staff to the Governor called us and said they’re looking into our employment process saying that there were irregularities in the process that brought us in.

“This is after we’ve done all necessary things. We relaxed hoping to hear from them.

“To our greatest shock, the government started employing new LG workers who were not even part of the 2019 set that they told us they’ll look into our problem.

“We’re begging our Governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu whom all of us here have been supporting to please hear our cries.

“In 2019 they assured us that if he wins the election, our employment will be confirmed and we all made moves to support his election, but today, we’ve been abandoned and most of us are dying of hunger and starvation.”

Sokoto Attacks: Tambuwal Said 45 Buried

By
Uche Mbah
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By Uche Mbah

The death toll continues to rise in Sokoto attacks as the State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, said 45 people are already buried.

Recall that there were violent attacks Sunday and Monday in Illela and Goronyo Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.

Governor Tambuwal visited the scenes of the carnage after being briefed by aides.

In an interview granted  the BBC Hausa Service Muhammad Bello, Tambuwal’s spokesperson,   said the Governor was informed by residents that 45 people who died during the attack were already  buried, and dozens injured receiving treatments.

The village head was also injured when the terrorists invaded seven villages and the main town, illela.

Illela and environs had no communication as all telecom companies were compelled to shut down communications to the area to limit banditry and kidnapping, but it appears to have given cover to a different kind of violence.

Reprisal attacks were reportedly, organized by different vigilante groups, a move the governor frowned at. This gives the impression that the bandits are well known and their cells marked from where they come to unleash terror from time to time.

It is not clear exactly how the Governor intends to deal with them. Reports indicate that they have taken over some communities and collect taxes from them.

Earlier, President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the killings in Sokoto State.

His Media aide, Garba Shehu, called it a “needless and mindless violence against innocent people which cannot go unpunished.”

He said the security agencies should redouble their efforts in fighting banditry.

“This persistent and unprovoked violence against unarmed civilians must be met with fierce response by the government.

“Let me once again, reassure Nigerians, that this administration will not abandon them to their fate in the face of this existential challenge caused by banditry.

“We are taking delivery of military equipment to improve the capacity of our security forces to effectively deal with this issue.

“Our military is also deploying advanced technology to enhance surveillance and related operations to locate and crush these criminals and enemies of our common humanity.

“This administration will not tolerate this state of affairs where criminals deprive the people of their means of livelihood and turn them into beggars and refugees.

“The bandits are living in a fool’s paradise if they believe that they can’t be crushed. The criminals cannot be lucky always; they will ultimately meet their Waterloo. Evil cannot triumph over good no matter how long it takes,” he said.

Zenith Bank Calls For Collaboration With Diaspora Nigerians

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Fola James

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, has called for increased collaboration of Nigerians in the diaspora for the nation to achieve its economic growth targets. He made the call during the 4th Edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit 2021 organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.

The hybrid event which held at the State House Banquet Hall, Aso Villa Abuja, Virtually had in attendance the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers and State Governors.

Delivering his remarks on this year’s theme “Partnership and Linkages for Post Covid Economic Growth”, Onyeagwu noted the aptness of the theme of the summit, as it underscores Nigeria’s need for robust growth following the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered a severe macroeconomic shock.

Onyeagwu commended the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN for leading with policies that create an enabling environment for investment in Nigeria, such as the Naira 4 Dollar Scheme , which contributed to boosting diaspora remittances by providing incentives for recipients of international money transfers. In his view, this and other policies encourage the senders and recipients to channel inflows through the official market, knowing that they will not be shortchanged.

The Zenith Bank boss also passionately highlighted Nigeria’ss enormous investment potential, especially the nation’s huge market and youthful population, which is a veritable source of labour and a consuming population.

Highlighting the need for partnership and collaboration of Nigerians in the diaspora to achieve Nigeria’s economic growth targets, particularly during these challenging times, Onyeagwu pointed out that across the globe, the diaspora community plays a critical role in their home country’s economic growth and development. He noted that Nigeria has enormous potential to attract significant diaspora inflow, most of which is coming in through informal channels.

These remittance inflows and investments, which are counter-cyclical, help in ameliorating foreign exchange challenges as the funds form a significant buffer for the country’s foreign reserves.

Onyeagwu identified the healthcare sector as one area where diaspora investment and intervention are urgently required. In his words, “by leveraging the expertise of our diaspora healthcare professionals in some of the emerging world-class health facilities in Nigeria, such as Evercare Hospital, Ibom Specialist Hospital and Base University Hospital, we can begin to curb the loss of foreign exchange to medical tourism.

He, therefore, called on the various associations and groups of Nigerians in the diaspora to pull resources together and identify viable investment opportunities in the homeland.

While commending the untiring efforts of NIDCOM led by Abike Dabiri-Erewa in supporting the engagement of Nigerians in diaspora in the country’s policies, projects, and development programmes, Onyeagwu canvassed that the narrative should shift from diaspora remittance to Diaspora Direct Investment as advocated by Dabiri-Erewa and  Emeka Offor, Acting Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC.

Onyeagwu noted that as a socially responsible organization, Zenith Bank continues to play its part in promoting investment in Nigeria. In the light of this, the bank is proud of its partnership with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM and the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, NDIS and remains committed to creating value for Nigerians in the diaspora through its unique products, services and quality service, including mortgage.

He noted that Nigerians in the diaspora could open bank accounts with Zenith Bank through various online and digital channels and do not need to visit Nigeria to have bank accounts back home.

UBA: Fitch Reserves Ratings On Lender’s $1.5 bn Eurobond

By
The Source
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UBA

By The Source

Global rating agency, Fitch Ratings has cautioned investors over the United Bank of Africa, UBA Plc new $1.5billion global medium-term note programme, GMTN. The US based firm said in its recent publication that it has yet to assign any rating to the issue, until the bank furnishes it with enough information.

The Kennedy Uzoka-led bank had recently issued both senior unsecured and subordinated debt notes worth $1.5 billion with a five-year maturity period, which Fitch said are “in line with UBA’s Long- and Short-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) of ‘B’ and ‘B’, respectively, and apply only to senior unsecured notes issued under the programme”.

The lender, a few days ago, successfully raised $300 million on the London Stock Exchange, as part of the overall $1.5 billion issue, described by its chief executive as a boost of global investors confidence in the bank.

“This successful dollar-denominated offering further illustrates global investor confidence in the strong fundamentals of our Group. It is a testament to our customer first strategy, pan-African growth story, supported by prudent risk management and benchmark asset quality ratios,” Uzoka said.

Accordingly, Fitch said “UBA plans to raise between $350 million and $500 million of fixed-rate five-year bonds. Based on Fitch’s assessment on expected recoveries in a liquidation scenario, an expected Recovery Ratings (RR) of ‘RR4 (EXP)’ is also assigned to the notes, implying that average recovery prospect.”

But the agency said it has decided not to assign any ratings on the subordinated debt until the commercial bank furnishes it with further details concerning the bond.

According to Fitch “in the case of subordinated debt issuance, the issue’s features will require further evaluation for the purpose of assigning a rating.

“There is no assurance that all notes issued under the programme will be rated or that all rated notes will be aligned with the programme rating.”

What is subordinated debt? According to investopedia a subordinated loan also known as junior is an unsecured loan or bond that ranks below other, more senior loans or securities with respect to claims on assets or earnings.

“Fitch’s advisory is a subtle advice to investors or creditors to make informed decisions on whether to buy the bonds or not. In any case investing in bonds or other bank instruments involves taking a risk,” an investment expert said on Monday.

Banks issue subordinated debt for various reasons, including shoring up capital, funding investments in technology, acquisitions or other opportunities, and replacing higher-cost capital. Sometimes, it as avenue for banks to raise inexpensive

Recall that the bank, had last week, issued a notice to the Nigerian Exchange, NGX of its readiness to redeem its outstanding $500 million bonds, issued four years ago for a fresh one.

In the notice titled “United Bank for Africa Plc Senior Unsecured Note Issuance with a 5-Year Maturity” the bank said it has appointed Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Mashreqbank psc, Renaissance Securities (Cyprus) Limited, and Standard Chartered Bank as dealer managers for the Tender Offer.

“United Bank for Africa Plc hereby notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited that it has mandated Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Mashreqbank psc, Renaissance Securities (Cyprus) Limited, Standard Chartered Bank, and United Capital Plc as Joint Lead Managers to arrange a global investor call in addition to a series of fixed income investor meetings (each of which will not constitute a public offer in Nigeria) commencing on November 8, 2021.

“A 5-year fixed rate benchmark USD denominated Regulation S/144A Senior Unsecured offering under UBA’s Global Medium Term Note Programme may follow, subject to market conditions.

“In connection with the new bond offering, UBA proposes to redeem its outstanding US$500mn 7.750% 2022 bonds and will announce today a cash tender offer for any and all of the outstanding bonds,” the commercial bank said in the notice.

Imo Launches Security Outfit; To Reactivate Development Centres

By
The Source
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The Imo State Government is set to reactivate the Development Centres across the State as a way of further improving on the well being of the rural dwellers.

The decision was reached Wednesday at the State Executive Council meeting where Governor Hope Uzodimma who presided over the session also hinted that the State’s Security outfit will be formally launched by November 30.

Briefing newsmen, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Declan Emelumba flanked by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief CO C Akaolisa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftain Affairs, Chief (Mrs.) Ruby Emele and the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Governor, Chief Oguwike Nwachuku said that the number of Development Centres in Imo will be increased from 44 to 50.

According to Emelumba, Council commended the Governor for the initiatives and also supported and approved a supplementary appropriation  of N31.9 billion sent to the Imo State House of Assembly for approval.

He said Council lauded the proactive manner the Governor went about dealing with the security challenges that affected activities in Imo State recently and saw reason to seek more funds from the Assembly to enable government deal with extra expenditure incurred as a result of insecurity in the State.

Emelumba said Council regretted that the money which government would have used to attend to more development-oriented matters in the state was diverted to security matters, noted that that is the opportunity cost of insecurity to the people of Imo State which everyone must rise to condemn and assist to contain.

The Commissioner also informed that Council applauded the Governor for approving the rehabilitation and equiping of primary Healthcare Centres in 305 INEC Wards Imo State to address healthcare challenges at the rural areas.

He added that the essence is to allow the rural populace in Imo to enjoy unhindered quality healthcare.

On the Security outfit meant for launching November 30, the Commissioner explained that the Council is confident that it will be a combination of Vigilante and Community Policing model. “The launching has become necessary to check further insecurity and make the Yuletide celebrations comfortable for Imolites both at home and Diaspora.”

According to the Commissioner, when reactivated, the new Development Centers as proposed will have all Town Union Presidents of Communities in Imo State as members. “The essence of this is to allow Communities, through their Town Union Presidents, articulate their needs for the attention of the State Government.”

Wole Olanipekun @ 70; President Buhari Lauds Achievements

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with a former President, Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, on the occasion of his 70th birthday which comes up on Thursday.

The congratulatory message was contained in a statement on Wednesday, signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media, Mr Femi Adesina in Abuja.

According to the statement, “The President salutes a life dedicated to jurisprudence and service to the country, which has pedestaled Chief Olanipekun as a former Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, one time NBA President, Vice President Pan African Lawyers Union, Life Bencher among others.

“He is equally a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, and Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, OFR.

“President Buhari commends the erudite lawyer for replicating himself in his four biological offspring, who are all lawyers, with two having attained the learned silk status of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“He also notes that numerous other lawyers have passed through his chambers, and doing exploits in the legal profession.

“President Buhari felicitates with the entire Olanipekun family, their friends, associates, and the legal profession in general, urging all and sundry to emulate the commitment of the new octogenarian in using law to bring succor to innumerable people, and touching other lives through philanthropy.

“He wishes Chief Olanipekun longer life in good health, and greater service to God, and to humanity.”

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