Anambra: NEMA Flags Off Relief Distribution In Ogbaru, Commends Ogene’s Efforts

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September 8, 2024

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has donated relief materials worth millions of Naira to the people of Ogwuanocha and Ogwuikpele communities in Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State. The donation was facilitated by Afam Ogene, Member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy.

The materials were distributed on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Odekpe, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra state.

Earlier, Ogene had moved a motion during the House plenary, highlighting the plight of the people in the two communities. He narrated how the people of Ogwuanocha have been living as refugees in neighboring communities since 2021 due to internal skirmishes, while those in Ogwuikpele have been facing unbearable hardships due to recurring flood disasters and lack of government presence.

The relief materials donated by NEMA aim to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities and provide them with necessary support. Hon. Ogene’s efforts in facilitating the donation demonstrate his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by his constituents.

At the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of the relief materials in Iyiowa-Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area, NEMA’s South East Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. Ngozi Echeazu, praised Hon. Afam Ogene for his passion and responsiveness to his constituents’ welfare.

“We appreciate your presence and acknowledge Hon. Ogene’s role in facilitating federal government intervention through NEMA. He approached the Presidency, highlighting the communities’ plight, and we’re here today to provide aid,” Echeazu said.

The relief materials, donated by NEMA, aim to support the people of Ogwuanocha and Ogwuikpele communities. Echeazu noted that additional assistance would be provided to other communities in the state soon.

“We’re committed to addressing crises and willing to collaborate with Hon. Ogene in the future,” she added.

Echeazu urged the beneficiaries to conduct themselves peacefully and orderly during the distribution. She also encouraged them to support Ogene for continued effective representation and democratic dividends.

The event was attended by officials from SEMA and the Local Government Emergency Committee, ensuring a collaborative approach to emergency management.”

Ogene at the event donated the sum of One Million Naira to the leadership of Ogwuanocha and tasked them to deploy the money into putting in place peace processes to enable the people return to their homes.

The items distributed to the IDPs include hundreds of bedding materials (foam and mats); hundreds of food items including bags of rice, garri, gallons of groundnut oil, Maggi, noodles; baby wears, wrappers, towels, rubber buckets, children clothes, mosquito nets, among others.

In November 2021, Ogwuaniocha community was attacked by gunmen who invaded the palace of the 71-year-old traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Oliver Nnaji, abducting him and burning down his palace. The community has since been plagued by crisis, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of properties, and displacement of residents who now seek refuge in neighboring communities.

Alarmingly, the state government has allegedly abandoned Ogbaru LGA, including Ogwuaniocha, without providing basic infrastructure

POMR Makes Minor Changes As Dr Tanko Leads Obidient Movement

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The Source

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September 8, 2024

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Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, Peter Obi, has made minor changes in the Obidient Movement.

According to a release by The Peter Obi Media Reach, POMR, the Spokesperson for the POMR, has been elevated and another appointed.

The statement, signed by the new Spokesperson, Ibrahim Umar, reads:

“The Peter Obi Media Reach, POMR, wishes to inform members of the public, especially media operatives, of some minor changes in the media reach personnel.

“The Spokesman of POMR, who was also the chief Spokesperson of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign, Dr Yunusa Tanko, is leaving his position for another huge challenge.

“Dr Tanko has been appointed the interim National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement. A job that will see him coordinate the activities of the Obedient Movement nationally and internationally.

“Recall that the Obedient Movement, a quasi-political movement that was created in 2023 during the electioneering, reflects the philosophy and dreams of our Principal, Peter Obi, whose members are drawn from across all political parties and non-politicians as well as from within the country and in Diasporas who are desiring a new Nigeria that is Possible.

“Dr Tanko will be replaced in POMR by Mallam Ibrahim Umar another versatile Obidient that is as hungry as Dr Tanko for a new Nigeria.

“We, therefore, appeal to members of the public to cooperate with these Nigerians in their new endeavour as we continue the struggle towards dismantling the gang of political criminals holding our dear nation hostage. New Nigeria is Possible.”

Mrs Obaseki: “I have Had Painful Miscarriages, Painful Stillbirths, Painful Evacuations Of Dead Babies From My Womb”

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Adesina Soyooye

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September 8, 2024

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Mrs Betsy Obaseki - Edo State First Lady

By Adesina Soyooye

Edo State’s First Lady, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, has a word for any woman who has no child and is deemed barren. “I dare to call you fruitful. You and I are potential and proud mothers of children that will come in God’s time. Enjoy the life God has given you.”

Mrs Obaseki’s heartwarming, and, at once, heartbreaking speech is apparently in response to the cruel taunt Senator Adams Oshiomhole sent her way about her not being able to have a child.

At a Campaign rally where Oshiomhole was campaigning for the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Monday Okpebholo, he called Mrs Obaseki barren. He taunted Mrs Obaseki and her husband, Governor Godwin Obaseki, for not having a child.

Oshiomhole’s thoughtless outburst sparked off an outrage and condemnation coming from all quarters.

But on Saturday, Mrs Obaseki, finally, had her say when she spoke during a zoom meeting with about 200 Edo women in the Diaspora in company with Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, wife of the PDP Governorship Candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

She spoke of her pains and what she had been through in a bid to have a child of her own – a number of miscarriages, stillbirths, evacuations of dead babies from her womb.

Mrs Obaseki’s comforting words to women, like her, who have no children yet: “I dare to call you fruitful. You and I are potential and proud mothers of children that will come in God’s time. Enjoy the life God has given you.

“My words of comfort to you, like myself, who have conceived and experienced miscarriages, painful stillbirths, and evacuation of babies who died in our wombs, and as a result have no children to show for the pain we have endured is that you are not barren. Everyone was created by God for a purpose.

“Take your mind off your challenge, and before you know it, children will start coming.

“There is no point in feeling bad. Women can fulfil God’s purpose in many ways beyond motherhood.”

FCMB Offers FastCash Loans To Ease School Fee Burden

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James Orji

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September 8, 2024

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First City Monument Bank, FCMB, is launching FastCash, an instant digital loan solution aimed at helping Nigerians cover school fees and related expenses.

With FastCash, parents and guardians can borrow up to 200,000 Naira in less than five minutes through the FCMB mobile app or by dialling – *329*11# – on their phones.

“We understand the financial pressures families face, especially at the start of a new school term,” said Adetunji Lamidi, FCMB’s Divisional Head of Personal Banking. “FastCash is designed to provide immediate relief.”

The loans can be repaid over three months, and FCMB says its artificial intelligence technology allows it to tailor offers to individual circumstances. Borrowers with good repayment histories can access even more considerable sums.

FCMB has disbursed over 40 billion naira in digital retail loans this year.
The bank is part of FCMB Group Plc

Presidency Denies Ownership Of Luxury Yacht Spotted In France

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James Orji

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September 8, 2024

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Bola Ahmed Tinubu - President — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The Nigerian Presidency has denied that a luxury yacht spotted in St. Tropez, France, flying the Nigerian flag, belong to the federal government.

The vessel said to be worth several millions of dollars does not belong to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidency clarified on Saturday, after a viral video claimed that the yatch is owned by the federal government.

The magazine reported that Nigerians were angry following report, early this year, that the administration has purchased a yatch for the use of President Tinubu.

The Presidency had denied the report saying the multi-million dollar vessel was purchased by the Armed Forces during the tenure of the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari.

But a viral video of a yacht flying the Nigerian flag had sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many questioning the ownership and purpose of the vessel, particularly at the time many Nigerians are passing through serious economic hardship.

Recall also that the administration has come under serious criticism for its alleged profligacy of public resources despite the hostile economic conditions being faced by not a few Nigerians.

However, in a statement released on Saturday, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Digital and New Media, Otega Ogra, clarified Presidency’s position over the issue.

According to Ogra, the said vessel does not belong to the presidency nor the armed forces, adding that it’s owned by a private concern.

He said the 42-meter Benetti yacht has been privately owned for around five years since its construction. He noted that it is common for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.

The statement read in part, “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth.

“The 42-metre Benetti yacht currently being circulated online has been privately owned for around five years since its construction.

“It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, President, or Armed Forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply untrue and inaccurate. It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.

“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the centre. Placing anything in the centre of the flag is a clear deviation.

FG Slams N50 Charges On Opay Customers

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James Orji

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September 7, 2024

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Major financial tech firm, Opay has announced the commencement of N50 charges on electronic transfer above N10,000 to private and business accounts.

According to a notice to it’s customers on Saturday , the company said the charges will take effect from September 9, 2024.

The fintech however informed it’s customers that it does not benefit from the charges, which it described as a directive from the Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS.

It said the charges are not sources of revenue for the company, adding that the company has no choice but to obey regulatory authorities.

The notice reads in part; “Dear valued customers, please be informed that starting September 9, 2024, a one-time fee of N50 will be applied for electronic transfer of N10,000 and above paid into your personal or business account in compliance with the Federal Inland Revenue Service regulations.

“It is important to note that OPay does not benefit from these charges in any way as it is directed entirely to the federal government,” Opay said.

Anambra: APC ,PDP, LP Boycott September Local Council Polls, Head for The Court

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 7, 2024

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Basil Ejidike - Anambra State APC Chairman

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, has officially announced its boycott of the September 28, 2024, scheduled Anambra state Local Council Polls.

The Party has also headed to Court to challenge the Local Government Electoral process as being organized by the Anambra state Independent Electoral Commission ANSIEC.

The State Government, for the first time in over a decade, about two months ago, set the machineries in motion for the conduct of the Council Polls, with the reconstitution of the State’s electoral body which had been in limbo since 2014.

The State Chairman, Basil Ejidike, who revealed the APC’s position, while addressing wards and local council officials of the party in Awka at the weekend, said as a party founded on justice, fairness and equity, it has no intention to legitimize illegality.

According to Ejidike, available and credible intelligence and variables have all strongly suggested that Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the ANSIEC have concluded plans to manipulate the election.

He insisted that APC’s participation at the polls will only serve to confer credibility and legitimacy on a process already primed for manipulation and compromise

“The Governor has already set up a Tribunal at the Anambra State High Court here in Awka for political parties that wish to challenge the outcome of the election.

“Governor Soludo is not prepared to conduct a transparent election that can give Ndi Anambra credible leadership at the Local Government level”, the APC Chairman stated .

Chief Ejidike informed that already the party has decided to mount a legal challenge against the exercise.

” We are are already in Court to challenge the process because APC, being a major party in Anambra State, must try as much as possible to live by example.

“The Peoples Democratic Party PDP and Labour Party LP have, also, gone to Court to challenge the irregularities.We applaud them.” Ejidike noted .

The Source reports that with his own re-election project just some month’s away, Governor Soludo appears to be according the September 28 Council Polls more than a cursory attention.

The election in the main, holds the potentials of shaping, and even determining his own fate when the Gubernatorial contest beckons early 2025.

The reality is nevertheless not lost on him, as every conceivable arsenal has been deployed to conquer perceived foes, including within his own immediate political family – the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA.

AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Super Eagles Crush Benin Republic To Avenge Previous Defeat, Go Top Of Log

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 7, 2024

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Super Eagles - Ademola and Victor Osimhen

By Akinwale Kasali

A brace from Ademola Lookman and a superb volley strike from Victor Osimhen was all the Super Eagles of Nigeria needed to record a commanding 3-0 victory over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria proved their mettle as a formidable force in the continent as it crushed its West African rivals at the Godswill Obot Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom in its 2025 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

After a slow start into the encounter, the Coach Augustine Eguavoen-led team dictated the pace of the game, but this couldn’t metamorphose into a goal until late in the first half stoppage time that Atalanta Football Club of Italy winger, Ademola Lookman dribbled past the Beninoise defense to score the first goal.

The Super Eagles continued from where they stopped at half time and scored two goals.

The defeat of Beninoise could be described as the Super Eagles avenging its 2-1 loss to the Coach Gernot Rohr tutored Benin Republic team that defeated Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Cote d’Ivoire.

Coach Eguavoen had started the match with Stanley Nwabali in goal, William Troost Ekong, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey and Oluwasemilogo Ajayi in the heart of the Nigeria defense, with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze in the midfield, while Victor Boniface led the attack.

With the players on the pitch not giving the Super Eagles Technical Crew what they desired, Eguavoen made some substitution, introducing Osimhen, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Moses Simon. This changed the dynamics of the game, leading to the goals scored late in the second half.

With this victory, the Super Eagles top the Group with three points, and will face the Amavubis of Rwanda In Kigali next week Tuesday.

“It’s Sad NYSC Directorate Shifted Its Responsibilities To States” – Ekiti Governor

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Ayodele Oni

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September 7, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has sought the assistance of the Senate Committee on Youth Development in providing support for the upgrade of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in the state.

The Governor also appealed to the Committee to develop policies aimed at fostering skill acquisition among Nigerian youths, emphasizing that education without skills in this modern era will put the youths at a disadvantage.

The Ekiti NYSC Camp recently recorded a casualty when the wall of one of the buildings collapse early in the morning.

Governor Oyebanji, sought the support in Ado- Ekiti during a meeting with members of the Senate Committee on Youth Development led by the Chairman, Yemi Adaramodu, shortly after their fact finding visit to the NYSC camp as at Emure Ekiti.

The Governor expressed concern over the poor condition of the NYSC camp, noting that the facility had suffered neglect over time following the inability of the NYSC to adequately maintain the camp.

He, however, urged the Senate Committee members to ensure adequate budget provision for the camp in next year’s federal budget, in order to upgrade facilities at the camp.

“I am not happy that NYSC has shifted its responsibility to the State. Ideally both of us should be responsible, but NYSC just washed off hands from their facilities in the State.

“We are doing our best to fix the road leading to the camp and fix 45 Units of convenience facilities, in addition to other interventions.

“I implore you to ensure adequate provision for the camp in the next budget so the facilities can be upgraded.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee on Youth Development, Yemi Adaramodu, appreciated the Governor for his intervention during the recent near-disaster in the NYSC camp and his commitment and dedication towards the youth development in the state.

According to him, the purpose of the visit was to assess the condition of the camp and identify areas requiring urgent intervention, adding that despite the Senate being on recess, the visit was prioritized to incorporate the rehabilitation of the camp in the upcoming budget deliberation.

Adaramodu highlighted the significance of the visit to include providing support for the efforts of the state government, while also promising that his Committee would contribute 250 mattresses and chairs to the camp as palliative measure while working on the major intervention.

He also promised to personally facilitate the construction of a new hall as a constituency project and the installation of solar-powered street lights to improve security within the camp.

Deputy Senate President’s Aide Rejects Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa’s Appointment As Special Assistant

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Ayodele Oni

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September 7, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

A former Chairman of Irele Local Government in Ondo State, Nicholas Akinbiola, has rejected his appointment as Special Assistant to the Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Akinbiola’s name was among new set of over 300 Senior Special Assistants, (SSA) and Special Assistants, (SA) announced on Saturday by Governor Aiyedatiwa.

It is yet to be confirmed if the Governor was ignorant of Akinbiola’s current position in the office of the Senate President.

Akinbiola is currently a Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Senate President in the office of the Senate President.

Akinbiola, while declining the appointment in a letter addressed to the Governor on Saturday and personally signed by him, pledged his loyalty and commitment to the success of the All Progressives Congress at all levels.

The letter reads:

“I express my sincere appreciation to Your Excellency for the honour of being appointed as Special Assistant in your administration.

“I am indeed grateful for this honour and recognition bestowed on me among many party faithful. It is a privilege to serve the good people of Ondo State.

“However, I respectfully decline this offer due to my current appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Senate President, Office of the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the instance of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, PhD, CFR.

“I remain loyal and committed to the success of APC Government at all levels and your victory in the forthcoming Gubernatorial election in Ondo State.”