Uzodimma Congratulates Anaele On Reelection As President, Imo Newspapers Publishers Association

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September 28, 2024

Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma has congratulated the Publisher of an Owerri-based newspaper, The Lead Express, Mr. Declan Anaele on his reelection as the President of Imo Newspapers Publishers Association (INPA), describing his choice as fitting and commendable.

Anaele was overwhelmingly reelected President of INPA recently by his colleagues in a keenly contested and transparent exercise involving the Publisher of News Guild, Mr. Chidi Emeagi.

Anaele scored 19 votes to defeat his opponent who scored three votes.

Governor Uzodimma said that Anaele’s reelection shows that his colleagues were comfortable with his performance during his first tenure of two years in office and would want him to continue to provide them with purposeful and professional leadership in his second term.

The Governor reminded Anaele that the INPA office he occupies is that of public trust, hence he should use the opportunity to serve both his colleagues, the society and God.

Also, the Governor advised Anaele to be magnanimous in victory, ensuring that he carries every member of the association along, particularly those who contested for the same position with him.

The Governor noted that it is only through team work that Anaele will realise the mission and vision statements of INPA and at the end of his second tenure, leave lasting legacy of service.

Governor Uzodimma assured the INPA leadership that his administration will continue to partner with the media to provide quality service to the good people of Imo State on the one hand and the public, on the other.

Akwa Ibom First Lady’s Death Shocking, Painful, Says Uzodimma

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The Source

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September 28, 2024

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Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has bemoaned the sudden passing of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, describing her death as shocking and painful.

Mrs. Eno reportedly died peacefully in the hospital after a brief illness on Thursday, September 26, 2024 in the presence of her family, according to a statement by the State’s Commissioner for Information.

Chief Press Secretary/ Special Adviser Media to Governor Uzodimma, Oguwike Nwachuku, said in a statement on Friday, September 27, 2024, that the Governor was grief-stricken by the unexpected passing of Mrs. Eno.

The Governor regretted that Mrs. Eno’s vibrancy and commitment to the responsibilities of the Office of the First Lady of her State had been cut short by her sudden death.

Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno — Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno

He expressed his heartfelt condolences to his brother Governor and deceased’s husband, Pastor Umo Eno, the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and the Forum of First Ladies over this painful sunset.

On behalf of his family and the government of Imo State, Governor Uzodimma prayed God to rest the soul of Mrs. Eno in his bossom and grant her loved ones the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

Chiaka Ogbogu: Paris Olympics Best Volleyball Middle Blocker, Medalist

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The Source

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September 28, 2024

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By Charles Igbo

She is Proudly Nigerian! Proudly American

The City of Coppell, Texas, United States of America, will, literally, stand still Saturday, September, 28, 2024, for Chiaka Ogbogu.

At 6.00pm (Texas time) meaning 12 midnight, Nigerian Time, Chiaka will be hosted to a high profile reception in Coppell. She is the “City Girl.” The Face of Coppell. A citizen in whom the City is proud of, and for whom the Mayor of Coppell, Wes Meys, and its authorities, declared September 24, 2024, as her day – Chiaka Ogbogu’s Day.

She deserves it, and more. Chiaka is the pride of the City. For years, she brought Coppell City joy in her craft. She is the Queen of Volleyball, winning medals in High School, College, National and International Competitions. In 2021, she upped the ante during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

She was an invaluable member of the USA Olumide Female Volleyball Squad who took the World by storm, and gave the US its first Volleyball Olympics Gold Medal.

Coppell was ecstatic. Agog. And so was Texas. And the whole of the US. Coppell citizens and residents revelled in her outstanding performance. And, on her return from Tokyo, she was given a rousing welcome by the City led by its Mayor, Wes Maya. There was a Parade in her honour.

Again, at the Paris Olympics 2024, Chiaka and her US Female Volleyball Team were at their best. Even though they came back with a Silver Medal this time, Chiaka came back with a huge honour. She won the award for the Best Olympics Female Volleyball Middle Blocker at the Paris Olympics.

Meaning that Chiaka Ogbogu is not just a two-time Olympics Medalist (Gold and Silver) she is also a proud winner of the best there was in her field at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

For the pride, honour, and joy Chiaka has brought to Coppell, Texas and the USA, the Mayor of Coppell declared September 24 as Chiaka Ogbogu’s Day.

Nigeria, Imo and Anambra should be celebrating too. Chiaka, who stands at 6ft-2″ is a Nigerian-American. She is the beautiful daughter of Uzor Ogbogu, a top-notch Medical Doctor and his lovely wife, Vicky Adaku Ogbogu, née Ugorji, a top notch home maker, International specialist in furniture, home decor and entrepreneur. They all, including Chiaka’s two younger brothers, live in Coppell, Texas . While Dr. Ogbogu is from Nkpor, Anambra State, Nigeria, his wife is from Emekuku, Owerri North, Imo State. Along with their three children, they are proudly Nigerians and Americans.

Chiaka, 29, is a combination of brain, beauty and brawn. She majored in Health Promotion with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences.

And, in her Volleyball Journey, aside from her Olympic honours, has these in her bag:

Member of US Women National Team since 2018.
Played professionally in Italy, Poland and Turkey.
Three-time AVCA First Team All-American at Texas.
Left Texas with most blocks, block assists in school history.
Represented US on Women’s Collegiate National Team.
2024 USA Volleyball Cup Friendlies vs Netherlands.
2024 Volleyball Nations League Final Round.
2024 Volleyball Nations League Weeks One, Two, and Three.
2023 NORCECA Continental Championship – Silver.
2023 Volleyball Nations League Final.
2022 World Championship.
2022 USAV Cup Friendlies vs Turkiye
2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League Final Round.
2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League. Gold.
2019 FIVB World Cup.
2019 FIVB Volleyball Nations League Final.
2018 Pan American Cup -Gold; made U.S. Women’s National Team Debut.
Led Coppell HS to Texas 5A State titles in 2021.
Earned 2012 Gatorade Texas High School Player of the Year.
Played club ball for Texas Advantage.

In addition to all that, Chiaka is also a model and has modeled for Ralph Lauren and Milani Cosmetics.

In proclaiming September 24, 2024, as Chiaka Ogbogu Day Mayor Maya, among other praises heaped on her ended by noting:

“NOW, THEREFORE, I Wes Maya, Mayor of the city of Coppell, do hereby proclaim, Tuesday, September 24 2024,

“CHIAKA OGBOGU DAY

in recognition of her outstanding achievements and contributions. Let it be known that we honor and celebrate Chiaka for her extraordinary accomplishments as a two-time Olympic Champion and express our deepest appreciation for the pride she has brought to Coppell and our country.

“IN WITNESS THEREFORE, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Coppell to be affixed this 24th day of September 2024.”

The PROCLAMATION was, attested to by Ashley Owens, City Secretary.

Chiaka Ogbogu: Proudly Nigerian! So very proudly American!!

Former FCT Minister Did Nothing But Pray Inside His Office

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Adesina Soyooye

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September 27, 2024

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By Adesina Soyooye

An elder statesman, Buba Galadima, has said that the immediate past Minister for the Federal, Mohammed Musa Bello was a failure. He said there was nothing he achieved while in office.

Bello was the FCT Minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In an interview on Channels Television Friday night with Seun Okinbaloye, Galadima submitted that the FCT under the current Minister, Nyesom Wike has had some achievements, especially in the provision of infrastructure, roads in particular. He picked Wike as one of the performing Ministers under President Bola Tinubu when asked about the performance of the Tinubu Government and the imminent Cabinet reshuffle.

Comparing Wike to Bello, Galadima, an estranged political friend of Buhari, and now, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, said Bello did nothing as FCT Minister except to pray in his office.

He, however, pointed out that Wike has a free hand to operate and has been given some privileges not quite available to some others.

Corruption: EFCC Confirms Arrest Of Former Gov

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 27, 2024

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arrested Darius Ishaku a former governor of Taraba State.

According to Daily Trust, former governor Ishaku was detained by officials of the commision as of Friday, September 27, over allegations of N27 billion fraud.

The ex-governor who served between 2015 and 2023 was said to have been arrested at his residence in Abuja on Friday early morning.

According to sources, the commission has slammed at least 15-count charges of fraud on the governor.

It was also gathered that Ishaku would be arraigned before a court once all evidence against him has been compiled.

Also, the former governor’s arrest was confirmed by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale.

Ishaku who left office in 2023 has now joined the long list of former governors currently being probed by the anti-graft agency.

Nigerian In US, Canada Need Not Travel Home To Obtain Passport; 80,000 Booklets In Reserve- Minister

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 27, 2024

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Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has assured Nigerians living abroad that they don’t have to travel home to obtain their international passport.

The Minister said a situation where diaspora Nigerians travel form one country or the other to obtain passports due to scarcity has become a thing of the past.

He spoke in Abuja on Friday, saying the government has decided to make the process seamless by October.

Tunji-Ojo who spoke to journalists in the nation’s capital, also stated that all passport backlogs have already been cleared, adding that “we now have about 80,000 passports” in reserve.

The reserve, he said, include the 32 and 70 pages, stressing that the federal government has now made passport services seamless for Nigerians who want to obtain locally and those living outside the country.

He explained that the federal government has decided to activate the Automated Application system, by October this year, which will enable Nigerians wherever they live to apply and obtain their passports.

According to him, “Henceforth Nigerians in the diaspora would not need to travel from one country to another to obtained Passports, saying the era of wasting working hours, resources and risking their lives on long journey is gone.

“We are going to do a pre-launch of this automated systems very soon. And by October they will be fully operational. We have a situation in London where we have 16,000 Nigerians applying for Passports, and the capacity of our systems in the Embassy is about 200.

“But now that we have this systems in place, Nigerians would not have to embark on different journeys across the world for Passport acquisition.”

The minister however justified the recent increase in the passport fee, saying it was necessary because of the exchange rate of the Naira to the Dollar.

“Obiano Left Behind A Crippling Debt Burden For Me” – Gov Soludo Laments

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 27, 2024

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Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Governor Professor Charles Soludo, on Friday, September 27, decried the huge N22.2 billion backlog of gratuities, bequeathed to him by the immediate past administration in the State.

At a meeting with Heads of Primary Schools in the State, the Governor said his predecessor in office, Willie Obiano, left the mountain of retirees’ arrears and other entitlements covering between 2018 and 2022.

The Source reports that former Governor Obiano took over the reigns of governance from Peter Obi in 2014, and managed the affairs of the State for eight years.

According to Governor Soludo, about N14 .6 billion out of the N22.2 billion represents accumulated arrears owed retired Local Government staffers and primary school teachers.

Over N 7.6 billion is the amount being owed other civil servants and secondary schools’ retired teachers.

He noted that the amount is a serious burden to any administration, particularly, in this period of economic meltdown.

However, he informed that his administration is working assiduously to defray the arrears.

In addition, Governor Soludo stated that the situation will not deter the Government from promptly and regularly meeting its monthly salary payments obligations to the State’s workforce .

The Source reports that with his re-election project just a few months away, and in the face of a stiff challenge expected from opposing camps, Governor Soludo is under serious pressure to seek a last minute truce with public servants and other members of the vocal middle class who are believed not to be too comfortable with his style of governance.

Abia LG Polls: PDP Confirms Participation, APC Remains Mum

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 27, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The main opposition party in Abia State, the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, has signaled its intentions to fully participate in the November 2, 2024 Local Councils polls in the state.

The election to herald Local Government officials in line with the June 20,2024 Supreme Court ruling on Councils autonomy, is being organized under the supervision of the Labour Party, LP- led administration in the State.

The Source reports that after much prevarication, the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission, ABSIEC, last Friday, September 20, finally rolled out the timetable for the crucial election.

The electoral umpire on Saturday September, 21, held an interactive session with the political parties and other relevant stakeholders to further discuss the direction of the Polls.

Arising from the meeting, the Caretaker Chairman of the PDP in the state, Dr Alwell Asiforo Okere, on Friday September 27, confirmed that the party, which 24 years hold on Abia, was only broken during the 2023 General Election will be fielding candidates for the Council Election.

Dr Okere, who spoke at a PDP stakeholders meeting in Umuahia, the Abia state capital, noted that despite being ousted from the State’s seat of power, the Party still maintains a towering influence in Abia.

According to him, the PDP, which is the majority party in the State House of Assembly with 12 lawmakers as against LP’s 11, is still the beautiful bride and the party to beat in any election in the State.

He informed that the party’s nomination forms for Chairmanship aspirants has been fixed at N200,000, while those for the Councilorship will pay N25,000.

Similarly, in a bid to encourage more women participation in the exercise, interested female aspirants will pay 50% of the nomination fees for any of the positions they are going for.

The Caretaker Chairman, whose main tenure as elected boss of Abia PDP elapsed in August this year, urged interested party members to visit the Party Secretariat to purchase both their expression of interest and nomination forms.

Dr Okere, however, called on the Commission to provide an a level playing ground for all parties and also to resist the temptation of succumbing to manipulative tendencies.

According to the election timetable released by the Prof. George Chima-led ABSIEC, all political parties in the State, interested in participating at the polls, have been given between September 24, and October 2 to conclude their primaries and any other in-house selection processes for their candidates.

However, as at the time of reporting, the All Progressive Congress, APC, with one member at the State legislative body, was yet to make its intentions known.

Kebbi Seeks FG’s intervention As Flood Ravages State

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Ayodele Oni

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September 27, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Kebbi State Government has sought the Federal Government’s intervention as flood has submerged 858,311 farmlands, and displaced 329,092 households.

The State appealed to the Federal Government to urgently come to its aid following devastating floods that hit the State.

Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK, the State Commissioner for Information, made the plea in Birnin Kebbi, while addressing a press conference on the magnitude of flood that wrecked havoc on people and their property across the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ahmed Idris, explained that the flood led to the death of many persons whose number are yet to be ascertained.

The Commissioner said: “It is worthy to note that a total of 329,092 households were displaced by floods in the state, 858,311 farmlands submerged, while a number of people lost their lives.

“In Birnin Kebbi local government, two people lost their lives, Ngaski LG, seven people, Maiyama LG, eight, Kalgo LG, five, while Jega LG lost seven people to this year’s devastating floods.”

Ahmed-BK observed that considering the high impact of the floods in Kebbi State, “the state government cannot do it alone, hence the decision to request the federal government to urgently extend helping hands to bring succour to the affected victims.”

According to the commissioner, the state has already compiled its report and forwarded same to Abuja for consideration and subsequent action.

He, however, commended the Federal government for its pledge to assist states affected by flood across the country.

N177 Billion Foreign Loan: We Have Never Collected Any Facilities Since We Came On Board – Kano Govt

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 27, 2024

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Abba Yusuf - Governor of Kano State — Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State authorities have strongly rejected any claims of a N177 billion foreign facility.

The Source reports that the social media was, on Thursday, awash with news of a loan secured from France by the Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration.

However, the State Government has insisted that such claims are not only false and malicious, but also a calculated attempt to distract it from delivering on its mandate to the people.

In a statement on Friday September 27, Hamisu Sadi Ali,the Director General DG of the Kano State Debt Management Office, DMO, said the agency is not aware of any such foreign debt portfolio.

According to him, apart from inherited foreign debts such as the 64 million euros secured in 2018 by the immediate past administration in the State, the Kano State Government has never requested, nor received any loans both foreign or domestic.

He noted that former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje secured a 64- million Euros loan from the French Development Agency for the purpose of financing the National Urban Water Sector Project .

According to the DG Kano DMO, only 13 million Euros out of the 64 million Euros loan package has been drawn down and disbursed .

Furthermore, Ali noted that under the Kano state Public Debt Management Law of 2021, no borrowing by the Government can take place without the knowledge of the DMO.

Besides, he maintained that such loan will equally be managed by the DMO which also must follow some rigorous procedures before it is granted.

The DG DMO, insisted that the major preoccupation of the Governor Yusuf led administration is not to further plunge the State into the abyss of debts, but on how to effectively service the already accumulated debts by the previous Government .

“The loan was secured by the Ganduje administration and that has been the most recent foreign facility contracted by the State .

“That loan is intended for the provision of affordable water services. Since coming into power on May 29, 2023, this NNPP administration has not taken any new loans either domestically and/or internationally ” the DG DMO stated.