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Pilot, Company’s Negligence Responsible For Death Of The Wigwes

May 7, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

If the Wigwe family has not sued anybody and/or company for the fatal helicopter crash which took away the lives of Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Chizoba, and son, Chizzy, it now has grounds to do so.

Investigators have blamed the helicopter crash which killed the Wigwes and their friend, Abimbola Ogunbanjo on ‘pilot spatial disorientation and company’s negligence’

Ogunbanjo was a former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc.

The final report of the investigation into the crash has just been released by the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and it’s contents are scary, almost like a suicidal mission.

The fatal crash happened on the 9th of February, 2024, near the California-Nevada border in a helicopter with registration number, N130CZ.

The crash which shook Nigerians and destabilised not a few families, organizations and destroyed relationships was, according to the investigation, primarily caused by pilot error and inadequate company oversight.

The NTSB found out that the crash occurred as a result of the “the Pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control.”

The NTSB said that the pilot “likely experienced spatial disorientation while maneuvering the helicopter in IMC, which led to his loss of helicopter control and the resulting collision with terrain.”

The report did not, also, spare the company which operated the helicopter as it noted “the company’s inadequate oversight of its safety management processes” as a contributing factor.

The report said that the helicopter operator “failed to ensure pilots were accurately completing flight risk analyses, logging maintenance discrepancies, and adhering to Part 135 flight regulations.”

The report disclosed that there were critical lapses in maintenance communication prior to the crash.

It noted: “During the return flight, the pilot texted the director of maintenance (DOM) about the issue. After arriving at the company’s flight operations base, the pilot discussed the issue with the company flight follower (who was also the company’s president). A company mechanic performed some troubleshooting on the radar altimeter; however, he was unable to rectify the issue, and the radar altimeter remained non-functional.

“The mechanic reported that the pilot and the DOM were aware that the radar altimeter was not functioning, yet they departed at 1822 on the positioning flight to pick up the passengers.

“About 40 minutes later, the positioning flight landed at the airport to pick up the charter passengers. After arrival, the pilot and flight follower had a phone conversation and exchanged text messages, but they did not discuss the status of the radar altimeter or weather conditions.”

The conclusion by the NTSB is “that poor judgment in continuing the flight under deteriorating weather conditions, along with the operator’s failure to enforce critical safety protocols, ultimately led to the fatal crash.”

Army Captain, Others Killed As Terrorists Again Attack Gwoza Military Formation

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 7, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Boko Haram, early Wednesday morning, continued to upscale its latest campaigns of terror in some parts of Borno State, with the latest assault on the Izge Military formation in the security- challenged Gwoza Local Council.

In the latest attack launched by the terrorist group, a number of casualties, including an Army Captain, and a private soldier were recorded.

The Source reports that the Izge, Gwoza military base and the new settlement, have been persistent targets for attacks by the insurgents of late.

Before the latest attack, terrorists had, a few weeks ago, stormed the military base in a dawn operation, leaving behind several deaths, including an Army Major.

The Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, while confirming the attack informed that the insurgents invaded the Community targeting both residents and the Military Facility at about 1.00:am on Wednesday May 7, 2025.

” My people in the Izge community came under Boko Haram attack today at about 1.00am.

Unfortunately, a Captain and private soldier paid the supreme price. But in a brave and swift reaction from the Military, men of the Civilian Joint Task Force, Local Hunters, Vigilantes, and the resilient community, the attack was repelled with the killing of three terrorists.

As the community is still trailing the terrorists, over 10 motorcycles, one seized military vehicle, and one sophisticated rifle with ammunition have been recovered from the terrorists.

” Let me commend our Military personnel ,other security agencies ,men of the CJTF,Local Hunters, Vigilantes ,and our resilient people for their bravery because as I speak, many people are still in the bush searching for the fleeing terrorists”, the Emir stated.

He specifically appreciated the State Governor Prof.Babagana Zulum for his administration’s unwavering support to the security agencies in their efforts to curtail the activities of the insurgents.

He, also, acknowledged the efforts of the Governor in motivating other local security groups in assisting in halting terrorist activities.

While urging the Governor not to relent, Emir Timta,called on the Federal Government to urgently consider the option of deploying more sophisticated and technology-driven strategies in combating terrorist activities in Borno state and the entire North East region.

While praying for the repose of the souls of dead ,he extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of all the deceased.

Cocoa: Stakeholders Brainstorm In Ondo On Challenges Facing Industry

Ayodele Oni

May 7, 2025

Cocoa Stakeholders Meeting in Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called for efforts to address the major challenges facing cocoa production in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of climate change, value chain inefficiencies, and poor succession planning.

He made the call on Wednesday while declaring open a two-day National Cocoa Stakeholders’ Workshop and Excellence Award Ceremony organised by the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) in collaboration with Lutheran World Relief (LWR), in Akure.

The event, themed “Deforestation-Free Cocoa Production and Improved Trade Practices Through Adoption of Sustainable National Traceability System: Key to Industry Growth and Development,” drew key players from across the cocoa value chain, including farmers, processors, and exporters.

The governor pointed out that “As we convene to deliberate on this very apposite theme, we are reminded of Ondo State’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s cocoa production.

“Ondo State remains the leading cocoa-producing state in Nigeria, and we recognise the industry’s potential for economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.”

He outlined several initiatives already being implemented by his administration to support the cocoa sector.

These include the provision of free improved seedlings and fertilizers, training and capacity-building for farmers, better access to markets and finance, and a strong push for sustainable agricultural practices.

The governor also highlighted key challenges, including environmental degradation driven by climate change, inefficient market systems, aging farms, and a lack of data for informed decision-making.

“To address these challenges, we must work together to develop innovative solutions, leverage technology, and promote sustainable practices. We cannot afford to be left behind in the global cocoa value chain.

“To all participants, I charge you to engage meaningfully, share knowledge and chart a path forward for sustainable cocoa production.

“Let us work together to address the challenges facing our industry, capitalise on emerging opportunities and ensure the long-term sustainability of our cocoa industry.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the National President of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Mr. M.O. Abolarinwa, lauded Ondo State for playing a leadership role in cocoa production and described the workshop as a platform for aligning Nigeria’s cocoa sector with international best practices.

He stressed the importance of embracing the national traceability system to improve market access, especially in the face of new global requirements on deforestation and sustainable sourcing.

In his goodwill message, Dr. Victor Halim Iyama, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, expressed confidence in the potential of cocoa to significantly address Nigeria’s foreign exchange challenges.

He noted that the structures currently being established serve as a clear roadmap toward a prosperous future for the industry.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, represented by Hajara Usman,

affirmed that President Bola Tinubu, through his Renewed Hope agenda, is deeply committed to revitalizing the cocoa sector.

LP Crisis: Abure Suspends Gov Otti, Others; Caretaker Committee Probes Him

Ayodele Oni

May 7, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Intra party feud in the Labour Party, (LP) continues as a faction announced the indefinite suspension of six prominent members, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senators Darlington Nwokocha and Ireti Kingibe, over alleged anti-party activities.

This is just as the Caretaker Committee of the LP, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, launched an investigation against Julius Abure over allegations of misconduct, including corruption, misappropriation of party funds, and anti-party activities.

Others suspended are Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowumi.

The Party’s National Executive Council said the decision followed the recommendations of a five-man Disciplinary Committee set up on May 2, 2025, to probe allegations of anti-party conduct.

In a statement signed by the National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, on Wednesday, the party said the suspension takes immediate effect and bars the affected members from participating in any Labour Party activities

The statement read, “Recall that last Friday, 2nd of May 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party set up a Five man Disciplinary Committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the National Secretary and three others to investigate Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti and any other party members over allegations of anti party activities.

“The Disciplinary Committee has concluded their assignment and has submitted their report to the party leadership.

“The National Executive of the party met today May 7th, 2025 and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the Party Constitution has ratified the recommendation as submitted by the Disciplinary Committee.

“Consequent upon that, the following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely and with immediate effect. 1. Dr. Alex Otti; 2. Senator Ireti Kingibe; 3. Senator Darlington Nwokocha; 4. Hon. Victor Afam Ogene; 5. Hon. Amobi Ogah; 6. Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.”

The party also addressed the omission of Nenadi Usman from the suspension list, stating that she is not a registered member of the Labour Party, but a supporter of its 2023 presidential candidate.

“We are aware that she is a member of the Obidient Support group that worked and is still working for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate.

“We will therefore not honour her with any sanction being not a member of the party.”

It also accused Usman of lacking the moral authority to comment on corruption, citing her alleged plea bargain with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and purported asset forfeitures.

“She should also tell Nigerians how she acquired her radio station in Kaduna, all her properties all over Nigeria and abroad, her companies in Cameroon, including her plantations.

“Nenadi Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption.”

At a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Usman accused Abure of persistently parading himself as the national chairman of the party despite being removed, and of running the Labour Party as a personal enterprise to pursue selfish ambitions.

She stated that rather than fostering unity, Abure allegedly exploited his position for personal enrichment.

To address these allegations, the caretaker committee has set up a disciplinary panel, chaired by Senator Ireti Kingibe, with Peter Ameh serving as secretary.

The panel is tasked with investigating the allegations against Abure and recommending appropriate disciplinary measures.

The committee has summoned Abure to appear before the disciplinary panel to respond to various petitions and charges brought against him.

Furthermore, the caretaker committee criticised Abure’s alleged hijacking of party structures without following due process, including the failure to conduct ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses ahead of a national convention.

The Nenadi Usman-led team pledged to restore internal democracy, announcing that a timetable for proper congresses and the election of national executives will be released soon.

Gov. Oyebanji’s Wife Advocates Reserved Seat For Women At Assemblies

Akinwale Kasali

May 7, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Advocating Women inclusivity in politics, Olayemi Oyebanji, Ekiti State’s First Lady has canvassed support of Nigerians for Reserved Seats for Women Bill targeted at increasing female representation at the National and State Assemblies.

She made this call at the ongoing conference on constitutional reform tagged ‘A conference to endorse the Reserved Seat Bill’ organised by Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development in partnership with Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs, United Nations Women and the Government of Canada.

She presented an urgent opportunity to correct the imbalance and institutionalise gender responsive provisions.

The Reserved Seat Bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide for the reservation of seats for women in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly with a view to remedy the low representation of women in Legislative Houses by providing for special constituencies to be contested and filled by women to promote women’s political representation.

The Governor’s Wife who declared the conference open and urged participants to move for the success of the bill, said, “We cannot afford to waste this moment, we must all come together towards this very special bill for the reservation of seats for the National Assembly members.

“We must move from advocacy to action. Gender quotas are not a favour, they are rights and a necessity for sustainable development. Let our voices today form a collective force that cannot be ignored. We are here on endorsement, we are here to support the cause of women.”

She said that increased women’s representation would engender development. For instance, in Ekiti State, the inclusion of women in governance has brought good dividends, greater transparency, stronger community engagements, and more inclusive decision making.

” I must commend the Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his giant steps that have made Ekiti State the State with the highest number of women in governance across the nation,” she said.

Governor Oyebanji who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Bolaji Egbeyemi-Ayegbaju, lauded the initiative.

Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Peju Babafemi, who expressed the Ministry ’s gladness to work with BIGIF on the project, said: “Women should be given the desired space in governance”.

Babafemi, who said the Reserved Seat Bill was necessary to give room to women so that the country could enjoy the benefits, noted: “Nobody can champion the cause of women like women.

“We are in a fight that we must win.”.

The Executive Director, BIGIF, Oluwatumininu Akerele, said that the gathering was “to advance and endorse the Reserved Seat Bill, a legislative initiative that holds the power to transform our nation’s political landscape”, as she hailed all those who believed in the future of Nigeria through the empowerment of women.

The BIGIF boss, who described the Reserved Seat Bill as “a bold legislative tool that promotes this

agenda.

“Endorsing this Bill is endorsing justice. It is saying women deserve their rightful

place at the table where decisions about their lives are made.

“This Bill seeks to alter the longstanding narrative of exclusion and underrepresentation that has marred our political system. By reserving seats for women in the national and State Assemblies, we are not asking for handouts or charity – we are demanding fairness, equity, and a structure that reflects the rich diversity of Nigeria.

“The stark reality is that the continued underrepresentation – and sometimes outright exclusion of women in governance presents a future Nigeria should not and cannot be proud of.

“We must rewrite this narrative. And to do so, we must act collectively, intentionally and urgently. When women lead, communities thrive, and societies blossom. That is the foundation of sustainable democracy. That is what balanced development looks like. That is inclusive governance.”

Akerele urged the gathering to support the Reserved Seat Bill. Vote ‘yes’ to Special Seats for Women in our national and state Parliaments.

Alleged Lunatic Arrested With 27 Sim Cards

Akinwale Kasali

May 7, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Operatives of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, LNSC, have nabbed an alleged mentally unstable man, named Godwin, in possession of 27 SIM cards.

It was gathered that the man allegedly disguised as mentally unstable to perpetrate some heinous act.

LNSC disclosed that he has been under surveillance for over a month before he was arrested.

Residents of Epe area in Lagos have been suspicious of Godwin’s behaviour, prompting them to inform Security Agencies.

The LNSC disclosed that Godwin reportedly took shelter in an abandoned security post located near the T-junction in Epe.

He was reported to be seen discreetly changing his clothes each morning and frequently engaging in late-night phone conversations.

Acting on the tip-off, the operatives of the Epe Command, during a routine patrol on Monday, found the suspect temporarily absent from his usual spot and decided to search the security post where the SIM cards were discovered.

He was apprehended,and went on to identify himself as a native of Ughelli Local Government Area in Delta State.

According to LNSC in a statement, “On May 5, during a routine patrol, officers were informed by residents that the suspect was temporarily absent from the area. Acting swiftly, the patrol team searched the structure and discovered 27 registered SIM cards concealed within a section of a block wall.

“Officers were immediately dispatched, and Mr Godwin was arrested shortly after his return to the location. During interrogation, he confirmed his identity and background but declined to reveal the location of any mobile phones linked to the SIM cards,” the statement partly read.

The statement added that a local food vendor corroborated reports of the suspect’s strange behaviour, noting that he often appeared mentally sound despite his erratic lifestyle.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the agency, Oloruntoba Runsewe, said the suspect has been handed over to the police.

She said: “He is no longer in our custody. He has been handed over to the police for further investigation.”

Benjamin Hundeyin, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrest.

He, however, said, “Our preliminary investigation so far shows that he is a bit mentally unstable and he is homeless and there is no evidence to point to the fact that he is a kidnapper. The claim is, for now, baseless.”

Forceful Ejection Of Cocoa Farmers Will Have Consequences, Ondo PDP Warns

Ayodele Oni

May 7, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Ondo State has cautioned the State Government against forcefully ejecting farmers from their cocoa plantations after years of labour.

The party foresees a situation whereby ejected farmers will take to crimes to eke out a living.

The State Government had told farmers in its Oluwarotimi Forest Reserve that they are illegal occupants after reallocating the area to an investor for oil Palm plantation project.

The PDP in a statement on Wednesday, signed by Director of Publicity, Leye Igbabo, stated that since cocoa and oil palm are both economic potentials, government should look for a virgin area to be allocated to the investors.

“PDP frowns at the inhuman treatment and frustrations which farmers at Oluwa Forest Reserve (OA3A), Odigbo LG are going through in the hands of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his administration by the wilful attempt to dispossess the farmers of their means of livelihood.

“This is after the government had collected appropriate levies and dues running into several millions, from the same farmers on the farmlands allocated to them by the same government.

“After the farmers have been made to pay all manner of levies which include but not limited to annual rent on the hectares of land allocated, security dues and identity card levies, the government yet again brought some so-called investors to come and destroy the cocoa plantations of the helpless farmers for the purpose of planting palm oil trees on the same farmlands.

“This action is not only wicked but also, essentially fraudulent in nature.

“Our Party finds it hard to fathom the government’s motives behind destroying sprawling cocoa plantations for palm oil plantations when both products are of similar economic values.

“The cocoa plantations on the farmlands are already providing sources of income and succour to the farmers after several years of their labour on the farmlands.

“One wonders why such plantations should be targeted for destruction for similar economic trees which survival are still subject and susceptible to any unfavorable climatic conditions.

“The Party is aware that Ondo State is abundantly blessed with arable and fertile land which can be used for any agricultural purposes, and had thought therefore that the government, if its actions were in the best interest of the people, should have looked for other hectares of land located elsewhere to use for any other purposes including agriculture, rather than struggling to waste the efforts of the citizens whose welfare the Constitution succinctly commands him to provide and cater for.

“The Peoples Democratic Party Ondo State Chapter draws the attention of the Governor and his administration to the dire consequences of this self-serving agenda which include starvation, deprivation, frustration , increased crimes, avoidable violence and untimely deaths.

“It therefore admonishes him to add human face and feelings to governance for once, by allowing the poor farmers to breath and enjoy the fruits of their many years of labour.”

Anambra: Civil Defence Beef Up Security Ahead Tinubu’s One-Day Visit

James Orji

May 7, 2025

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence, NSCD, says it has beefed up security ahead President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Anambra state on Thursday.

No fewer than 1,531 officers have been deployed for the operations by the NSCD, the News agency of Nigeria, NAN reports.

The Commandant of the NSDC, Olatunde Maku made this known in a statement on Wednesday, saying his men will work together with sister security agencies to ensure President Tinubu’s successful one-day visit to the Governor Charles Soludo-led state.

Accordingly to checks, the president is visiting the state tomorrow to commission some projects executed by the Governor Soludo’s administration.

Maku disclosed that his men have been deployed to strategic positions across the state ahead of the visit.

Alongside other security agencies, the operatives are expected to mount surveillance, increased joint operations and confidence-building patrols within the state.

“The command has made robust security arrangements with sister security agencies to ensure a successful state visit of Mr President,” Maku said.

Adding, “Our personnel will be positioned in strategic locations including the airport, bridges, government buildings, parks, markets, electricity substations and telecommunication facilities.

“They will also be at the solution fun city facilities and other sensitive locations across the state before, during and after the visit.”

The NSDC boss noted that all will be done to ensure that the president’s movement was not hindered while in the state.

Shadow Govt: FG Reacts, Says It’s An Abberration

James Orji

May 7, 2025

The Federal government had knocked Professor Pat Utomi for forming a shadow government, saying the action negates Nigeria’s federal structure.

The Minister of Information Mohammed Idris made known the federal government position on the issue, in a statement on Tuesday.

Accordingly to Idris, Utomi’s action is way out of ‘bounds of propriety’, and an abberration to Nigeria’s fledging democracy.

Utomi, the magazine recalls, set up a Shadow government on Monday naming some Nigerians, including human rights activist, Dele Farotimi among others as members.

Utomi cited the alleged mismanagement of the nation’s economy, insecurity by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, as a major reason for his action, adding that the country is currently in a life support due to the mismanagement by the government.

The coalition, he said, is a response to the clarion calls from not a few Nigerians who are no longer happy with the direction the country is heading under the Tinubu’s administration.

He said the “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government” will function as a credible opposition offering better ideas on how to move the country on a better direction.

Idris said the action is an abberration which has no precedent in the country as a federal system of government.

The Minister: “At a time when our nation is set to celebrate 26 unbroken years of presidential democracy, the idea of a so-called “shadow government” is an aberration.

“Nigeria is not a parliamentary system where such a system is practised, and there is no provision for such in our statute books.

“While opposition politics is a central feature of democracy, it must be practised at all times within the bounds of propriety.

“This idea of a shadow government sadly does not pass that test. Our bicameral legislature amply features members of the opposition, and it should be the right place to contest meaningful ideas for nation-building.”

While setting up the group two days ago, Utomi challenged its members to live up to the expectations of Nigerians, saying their major functions is to proffer solutions to the nation’s problems.

“Today, I bring to this pioneer body the desperate cries of a people troubled by how their reality seems bound for serfdom. I challenge you to awaken these people who wrongly believe that everything is fine as long as they can manage a share of what little still trickles down from crude oil sales,” Utomi said.

Apart from Farotimi, who was named head of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio, others appointed to the policy delivery unit include Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga.

Other members of the shadow cabinet include Dr. Adefolusade Adebayo, Dr. Peter Agadah, Dr. Sadiq Gombe, Chibuzor Nwachukwu, Salvation Alibor, Bilkisu Magoro, Dr. Victor Tubo, Charles Odibo, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Eunice Atuejide, Gbenga Ajayi, and Dr. Mani Ahmad, as well as Peter Oyewole and Dr. Omano Edigheji.

Recall that the All Progressives Congress, APC, then in opposition, had in 2015 vowed to form a shadow government, if former President Good luck Jonathan refused to handover power.

First Lady Boosts Uzodimma’s Healthcare Policy With 100-bed Mother & Child Centre

The Source

May 7, 2025

The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has said that his administration is committed to reducing maternal and child mortality linked to inadequate facilities and healthcare access.

Senator Uzodimma spoke Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the inauguration of the 100-bed ‘Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu Mother and Child Centre’ in Awo-Omamma, Imo State, a project initiated by Nigeria’s First Lady to boost the healthcare policy of the Governor.

The hospital was built and fully equipped under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and designated specifically for the benefit of women and children in Imo State.

Senator Uzodimma who expressed gratitude to the First Lady of Nigeria, and the Office of the President on SDGs for coordinating and bringing the project to fruition, noted that the Centre will further expand the medical outreach in Imo State as his administration has introduced mobile rural clinics, built three new General Hospitals, renovated several Health Centres across the State,

and re-energised the Specialist Hospital at Umuguma, in Owerri.

The Governor equally disclosed that his administration also revived the Imo State University Teaching Hospital Orlu, making it functional, including working hard to restore the lost accreditation of the medical school.

He, therefore, assured that Her Excellency Oluremi Tinubu Mother and Child Centre will be maintained, properly staffed, and fully deployed for the purpose it was built.

Governor Uzodimma also used the opportunity to call on the Community to take full possession of the facility by ensuring that vandals are kept at bare. He assured them of government’s preparedness to assist them protect the Centre.

The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, expressed gratitude to the Imo State Government and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs for the realisation of the 100-bed medical facility, emphasising the significance of maternal and child healthcare’s role in building a healthier society.

Hajia Shettima challenged the Awo Omamma Community to utilise and take ownership of the Centre in the greatest interest of the State, while pledging that the office of the First Lady will continue to partner with the State Government to strive for excellence in healthcare delivery.

In her remarks, the wife of the Imo State Governor, Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma commended the First lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for her “vision and commitment to the well-being of Nigerian women which has resulted to the establishment of the Mother and Child Centre in Imo State.”

Mrs. Uzodimma also thanked President Tinubu “for his constant support, and for providing enabling environment for impactful programmes.”

She noted: “Through the Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady has shown extra-ordinary dedication in reducing maternal and child mortality, ensuring that no woman loses her life during child birth, and every child given a fair opportunity to survive and thrive.”

She described the 100-bed healthcare facility as a “beacon of hope for countless mothers and children in Imo State and beyond,” pointing out that “the project will complement the ongoing efforts of the Imo State government under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma to improve healthcare delivery system.”

In her address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulere commended Governor Uzodimma for his unwavering support to the federal government, and partnership which she said, “has brought about the realisation of the Mother and Child Centre named after Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu.”

Orelope-Adefulere who said that the Centre is equipped with all the facilities to deal with mother and child related issues, encouraged Imo people to protect and take advantage of the facility to create a future where every mother and child can thrive.

She further hinted that her Office will continue to partner with the Imo State Government to serve them better.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Primary Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Vivian Chioma Egu expressed joy at the event, describing it as “historic and a promise fulfilled.”

She thanked the Presidency and the Imo State Government for the collaborative efforts towards promoting healthcare delivery system in the State.

The inauguration was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, with a large turn out of women who celebrated the flag-off as their own with pomp and circumstance.

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