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Gov Otti Orders Salary Arrears Payment To Sacked Polytechnic Staff

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Governor gives one million Naira each to 150 best Polytechnic Students to start business

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, on Friday December 6,   directed the duo of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, and Accountant General to ensure that all staff of the Dr Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba (formerly Abia state Polytechnic) who were sacked unjustly by the immediate past administration are paid their salary arrears.

The Source reports that in 2019, over 254 staff of the institution were sacked on purely politically motivated grounds.

As at the time of their  retrenchment, they were owed about 16 months salaries.

Similarly, in 2021, another sect of about 98 staffers were thrown out. They equally left without their 23 months of salaries, and other entitlements, a situation that threw them into a state of unmitigated hardship.

However, with the current administration making good its earlier promise to pay all backlog of inherited salaries in twelve tranches effective September this 2024, the sacked workers and others who had  retired from service,were curiously omitted .

So far, those still in service, who were being owed about 33 months arrears have been paid four out of the scheduled 12 tranches.

The non-inclusion of the sacked and retired workers in the salary arrears payments, expectedly provoked both open and subtle agitations from the affected staff.

But speaking at the 19- 21 combined Convocation ceremony of the Polytechnic on Friday, Governor Otti, informed that he has directed the SSG and the Account General, of the State to  ensure that the arrears of salaries of the sacked staff, including others who are no longer  on the payroll of the polytechnic but are being owed by the past administration are paid.

The Governor noted that his administration has already commenced the payment of the arrears to the  polytechnic staff ,since September this 2024.

He also emphasized that Government, in addition to the servicing of the inherited salaries, has been religious in the payment of monthly salaries to the staff of the  institution, as well as others in the State since mounting the saddle in May 2023 .

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment towards improving  both the standard of education and the welfare of the workforce in the State.

“Our commitment to education has brought about extensive financial support to all the State-owned institutions regularly and prompt payments of salaries and allowances to the teaching and non-teaching staff, and offsetting of their outstanding salary arrears owed staff working in our institutions as well as other measures designed to cushion the effects of the hardship visited on the workers by the previous administration”, Governor stated.

While lamenting the serious neglect suffered by the education sector during the past administration, Governor Otti reassured of his dedication to giving the needed support to all public educational institutions in the State.

He informed that Abia state has paid about four years of accumulated counterpart funds to the Universal Basic Education UBEC.

According to him, UBEC  has also written to affirm its willingness to release funds to support the education sector in the State.

To underscore the importance attached to the development education, Governor Otti further said that ,his administration will be allocating 20 percent of the 2025 budgetary estimate to education just like in the outgoing 2024 fiscal year.

The Governor announced that he would give the sum of one million Naira business grant to each of the 150 best graduating students of the Polytechnic.

Fifty graduates will be selected from the three sets of graduands at the Convocation, while prospective beneficiaries.will be required to forward business proposals to that effect.

He promised also to improve the internal road network of the Polytechnic, with a view to  adding to its aesthetic value .

Foreign: Iran’s Support For Assad Wanes As Rebels Advance on Damascus

By
James Orji
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Iranian President - Ebrahim Raisi
Following the withdrawal of Iranian forces from Syria anxiety has mounted over the future of the Bashir Al Assad regime.
The Iranian forces, reports say, have been moving out of the country in the last few days, further highlighting the desperation of the decades-old Assad government, amidst threat posed by rebel forces which have recorded advance as they try to sack the government in Damascus.
The rebel forces capturing significant regions, including Aleppo and Hama, and advancing toward Damascus, sources said.
According to The New York Times, the struggle by the regime to remain in power has been worsened by the withdrawal of Iranian forces, which fought on the side of Assad against the rebels during the country’s civil war.
The bloody 13-year war saw the regime’s forces fighting side by side with the Iranian forces, with the help of Russia quenched the rebellion.
But the Ukraine- Russian War, and the Israel -Hezbolah offensive in Lebanon, which has resulted in the killing of many Hezbollah commanders have seriously limited assistance for President Assad from his two allies.
The twin problems , diplomatic sources say, has forced Iran to take more desperate measures, including the withdrawal of its elite Quds Force, of the Revolutionary Guards Corps, IRGC, from Syria.
Other support staff, including diplomatic staff, and their families were also reportedly leaving Syria, heading to Iraq, Lebanon, or back to Iran via planes and land routes, officials said on condition of anonymity.
The advance of rebel forces and capturing of significant regions, including Aleppo and Hama, and advancing toward Damascus, appears to have forced Iran to reassess its involvement with the Assad regime.
“Iran cannot manage the situation in Syria right now with any military operation,” said Mehdi Rahmati, an Iranian analyst close to government officials. “This option is off the table.”
Iran’s military presence in Syria has long been strategic, serving as a route to supply arms to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
However, the current rebel offensive, spearheaded by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, threatens to sever this link.
The Iranian-backed Afghan Fatemiyoun Brigade, previously stationed at military bases in Syria, has reportedly been relocated to regime strongholds such as Damascus and Latakia.
Iranian officials, including parliamentarian Ahmad Naderi, have expressed frustration over the situation, warning that the fall of Damascus would diminish Iran’s influence in Iraq and Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Diplomatic sources insist that the election of Donald Trump as United State President has further put pressure on Iran in its support for its Axis of Resistance, including Syria playing a major role.

Insecurity: Anambra Anglican Bishop Declared Missing

By
James Orji
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Charles Soludo
Governor Charles Soludo
The police in Anambra state are in desperate search for the missing Anglian archbishop, Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala, the retired Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi.
He was said to have seen last on Friday,
on a journey to Umuchu, a community in the state, according to a statement by the Church on Saturday.
What the state police command cannot ascertain is whether the missing cleric was abducted or not, sources privy to the report said.
The command also said the issue has not been reported to the command.
The development has caused serious tension in the Governor Charles Soludo-led state, where the government is currently battling a high level of insecurity and criminality.
The diocese in a statement on Saturday by the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi, urged well meaning Nigerians to offer intercessory prayers for the safe return of  the missing Archbishop.
The alert reads: “PRAYER ALERT from BISHOP Ndubuisi Obi of Nnewi Diocese. Dearly Beloved people of God, With a deeply burdened heart, we write to inform you of the distressing news that our revered Father in God, the Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala (Retired Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi), has been missing since yesterday morning.
“He embarked on a journey to Umuchu accompanied by his driver but, unfortunately, never arrived at his destination. Since then, there has been no communication, and neither he, his driver, nor the vehicle have been located. We earnestly plead for your fervent prayers for their safety and swift return.
“The relevant authorities have been contacted, and we are hopeful and trusting in God’s divine intervention for a positive resolution. Please, join us in prayer of intercession, trusting in the Lord, whose watchful eyes never slumber, to bring our beloved Father in God, and his driver back to us safely. Thank you for standing with us in this moment of distress. +Ndubuisi Nnewi.”

NUJ Applauds As Court Nullifies Sale Of Imo Council Secretariat

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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NUJ

By Suleiman Anyalewchi

The Nigerian Judiciary has been hailed for its courageous decision in restoring the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, ownership right to the NUJ Press Centre Owerri.

An excited former Imo NUJ council Chairman also hailed and commended Governor Hope Uzodinma for his administration’s efforts at  halting the orchestrated sale of the Imo NUJ state Secretariat, allegedly, by  unscrupulous characters.

His commendation is coming on the heels of the nullification of the controversial sale of the property by an Imo state High Court presided over by the Honourable Justice Ann Ononeze Madu

Delivering judgment on a motion on notice filed by the trio of  Chairman, Comrade Nwadike ,Steve Uzoeshi and Lambart Ojukwu on behalf of aggrieved members of NUJ, challenging the purported sale of the NUJ Secretariat by Chris  Akaraonye and others, Justice Madu held that the respondents do not have the prerequisite right and authority to engage in such a transaction involving the NUJ property.

The applicants had argued that the sale of the property which is owned collectively by NUJ members, by a few individuals was done in bad faith and illegally.

They prayed the Court to declare the transaction purportedly ceding the ownership of the property to some individuals as null and void.

Justice Madu further held that the respondents, whose claims as leaders of the Imo NUJ Council as at the  time of the purported sale, were being challenged at the National Industrial Court, have no legal authority to engage in such a transaction on behalf of the NUJ.

The Presiding Judge was of the view that the respondents ought not to have operated as leaders of the Union until the final determination of the leadership case at the Industrial court Owerri

Justice Madu, therefore, declared as null and void all actions taken by the respondents in their assumed capacity as NUJ Imo Council leaders, including the purported sale of the Council Secretariat.

The Judge further lampooned the respondents for parading themselves as Imo state NUJ Council leaders when, in actual fact, they were aware that the issue is under litigation.

Justice Madu consequently ordered the immediate release from custodial centre of the four persons who were earlier committed to prison without trial by a Magistrate Court over their opposition to the purported sales of the property.

In a statement on Friday, December 6, Comrade Ben Osuagwu, former Chairman of Imo NUJ, praised the court for restoring the dignity of the NUJ in the State.

He appreciated the Imo State Government for standing behind truth and fairness.

Osugwu, who had penultimate week, appealed to Governor Hope Uzodinma to intervene  and prevent some individuals from appropriating a collective struggle, informed that the Secretariat was secured during his tenure from the then Military Administrator of the State Commander Amadi Ikwechegh.

According to him, the Judgment as delivered by Justice Madu, represent “truth, fairness and a clear condemnation of act of criminality by those who claimed to be leaders of the union.

He further called on the Governor to leverage on the landmark court ruling to caution the people behind the controversial sales.

The former Chairman also commended working Journalists and  other Leaders of Thought in the State for their doggedness and resilience in the face of the challenge.

Adamawa 2027: APC Plans To Reclaim State From PDP

By
Akinwale Kasali
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APC and PDP

By Akinwale Kasali

With the 2027 General Elections  still two years away, the All Progressives Congress, APC, is turning all stones in a bid to reclaiming Adamawa State from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The Party has constituted a reconciliation committee headed by Senator Muhammed Mana to resolve the internal wrangling among members, chieftains and political bigwigs of the State chapter of the party.

This was made known when the  committee paid a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje,  on Thursday night at the National Headquarters of the Party.

The eight-member reconciliation team includes prominent politicians such as Senators Bello Tukur, Abubakar Girei, Binta Masi, Yusuf Yakubu, Dr Bridget Zidon and Isa Baba as Secretary.

In the past months, the Adamawa APC has been plagued by crisis, with several loyalists pitching tents with different factions.

Speaking to the Media after a closed-door meeting, Mana said the team had been constituted and saddled with the task of resolving internal disputes and unifying members.

The Committee Chairman promised that his team would focus on engaging aggrieved members, rebuilding grassroots connections and strengthening the party’s structure.

He said, “Adamawa is a critical state, and we are committed to ensuring APC wins majority seats in 2027. We will reach out to those who felt sidelined during the primaries and general elections to unify the party under the APC banner.

“The Committee plans to start its efforts immediately by engaging party members at the unit, ward, and local government levels. Our goal is to create a platform for unity and prepare the next generation of leaders.”

Mana also vowed that the APC is set to reclaim the state from the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2027 elections.

Senator Masi  expressed confidence in the committee’s efforts, adding: “The battle line has been drawn, and by Allah’s grace, we will replicate our past successes in 2027.”

Air Peace, Others Still Under Investigation – FCCPC Declares

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Air Peace

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Contrary to stories making the rounds, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, said it is still investigating allegations of exploitative tendencies against Air Peace Airline.

It, also, informed that the activities of  other corporate entities are under the search light of the Council.

The Council’s reaction comes on the heels of  reports claiming that it is not carrying out any inquest into what many have come to perceive as unfair and exploitative air ticket pricing by Air Peace.

The Airline recently drew wide spread condemnation for fixing the return tickets of most of its operations on the domestic routes at  N620,000, especially, the South-east routes.

The new ticket fares by the airline has been perceived as not just exploitative ,but completely insensitive and provocative by not a few Nigerians.

An  official notice issued by the spokesperson for the Council Ondaje Ijagwuon, informed that an investigation into the allegations against the airline and others began on Tuesday December 3, as earlier scheduled.

He described the reports denying the investigation process as syndicated, sponsored and false.

According to him, the airline and others are being engaged with a view to addressing concerns raised by consumers/customers about unfair ticket pricing, particularly, on the domestic routes .

The inquest which he said  is being carried out in line with the provisions of the 2018 FCCPC Act  is to address complaints bordering on poor service delivery, exploitative practices and potential consumer rights violations.

“The referenced story (story denying the investigation) which seems syndicated and sponsored, did not emanate from the FCCPC.

“We advise the public to disregard it in its entirety. The FCCPC stands firmly by its official release dated December 1, which announced inquiries into widespread consumer complaints in the banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors.

“The FCCPC reaffirms that the inquiry into Air Peace commenced as scheduled on December 3, and remains ongoing”, the Commission’s spokesman stated.

Instructively, Aero Contractors, another major player, in the aviation industry, on Tuesday  slashed its fares on domestic routes to N80,000 flat.

At an Interactive session with the media, its Managing Director, Ado Sanusi, informed that the airline in the spirit of the forthcoming festive period has decided to reduce its domestic tickets price from N 99,000 and  N199,000 for economy and business class respectively.

“We understand the pains Nigerians have been going through because of the economic hardship, the high prices of tickets and with the holiday season nearby.

“So, Aero Contractors has decided to announce a Christmas initiative. We call them pocket-friendly Christmas prices.

“These prices are designed to allow Nigerians to travel to all our destinations without paying too much.

“Our prices will start from N80,000 to all of our destinations, and we intend to make it affordable to flying public/families to meet their loved ones during the Christmas season”, Sanusi stated.

Sealing Of Kano Emir’s Palace: Some Individuals Conniving With Abuja To Cause Crisis – Kano Govt

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Security Men at Kano Emirs Palace

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government has described Friday morning’s security condone of the Palace of the factional Emir of Kano as provocative and insulting.

This is even as it appealed to residents to maintain the peace.

The Source reports that the enhanced security led by the Police in conjunction with other security agents led to the restrictions of movements in and out of the Palace where  factional Emir Sanusi is residing.

His rival in the struggle for the control of the Kano Emirate Council stool Emir  Aminu Ado Bayero holds court at the Nasarawa Mini Palace pending when the courts will determine their fate.

There were speculations that the high security alert at the palace might not be unconnected with the plan by Emir Sanusi to appoint Munir Sanusi as the new Wamban Kano and escort him to Bichi to assume control as the District Head.

In doing this , Emir Sanusi, planned to jettison his uncle, Abbas Sanusi, who have been occupying the position of Wamban Kano since the time of Late Emir Ado Bayero.

Until the recent royal rumble, the Wamban Kano was the Senior Councilor, a defacto second in Command  to the Emir of Kano.

Unconfirmed reports say Emir Sanusi’s attempt to name a new Wamban Kano and install him as the District Head of Bichi is at the  root of the heavy security presence both at the Kano Emir’s Palace  and the Palace in Bichi.

Bichi is one of the four other Emirate Councils which Emirs were controversially deposed on May ,23 ,2024 by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ,alongside the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, to pave the way for the return of Emir Sanusi.

Instructively. at the time of the now disputed dethronement ,Nasir Ado Bayero ,the younger sibling of Emir Aminu Bayero was the Emir of Bichi

Impeccable sources reveal that with the Bichi deposition efforts being challenged in court  as is the case with the Kano Emirate stool, Emir Sanusi’s alleged plan to appoint Munir Sanusi to the position of District Head, thereby down-grading Bichi Emirate is strongly believed not to be going down well with the people.

Security agencies had to step in to avert a possible breakdown of law and order by stopping the planned installation of Munir as the District Head of Bichi, a source informed this Magazine.

But reacting to the development late on Friday, the Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Bichi, while speaking on Freedom Radio programme expressed shock and surprise at the sealing of the palace.

“We were surprised when we woke up this morning to hear that armed policemen have taken over the Kano Emir’s palace without any breach of peace or any reason to warrant such action”, Bichi stated .

According to him ,security agencies when contacted  over the development, informed that they were obeying orders from above”.

“Who will give such directives from above? We know it is only the Federal  Government that can give the directive to the police.

“We suspect there are some people who are conniving with Abuja to cause a crisis in Kano which will not be acceptable by the Kano state Government”, the Kano SSG noted.

He described as misleading and false, claims that there will be a disruption of peace should Emir Sanusi go to Bichi.

The SSG, who himself is from the area, insisted that the people are greatly anticipating the Emir’s visit, promising that they will fix a new date and accompany Emir Sanusi on the Visit.

IGP Approves New Postings Of AIGs To Zonal Commands

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Egbetokun - IGP

By Ayodele Oni

To fill the vacuum created by the retirement of some top Police officers, the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate posting of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs).

They are to head Police Zonal Commands of Zones 1, 4 and 9, and also a new AIG to head the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex,  Lagos.

A statement by the Force Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated that AIG Suleiman M. Yusuf is AIG Zone 9, Umuahia; AIG Ahmed Ammani, AIG Zone 1, Kano; AIG Zachariah Fera, AIG Zone 4, Makurdi and AIG Augustina N. Ogbodo, AIG FCID Annex, Lagos.

The statement explained that the posting comes after the retirement of some of the AIGs who were previous heads of the Zonal Commands and the recent promotion of the former AIG Zone 1, DIG Ari Muhammed Ali and his appointment as the DIG Department of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

“The IGP urges the new AIGs to ensure, strict supervision, diligence in the discharge of their lawful duties and further encourages them to key into the police reform plans viz-a-viz projection of policing ethics and professional conducts.

“The IGP further charges the officers to checkmate all forms of misconduct and ensure officers exhibit peak professionalism, aiding the progress of the Nigeria Police Force and the growth of the country in general.”

Uzodimma, FUTO, Aluta Continua

By
The Source
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Oguwike Nwachuku and Hope Uzodimma

By Oguwike Nwachuku

It was the ancient Greek philosopher, Plato who said that “if a man neglects education, he walks lame to the end of his life.”

A reflection into Plato’s summation on education will help us understand properly the import of the conferment of the award of Honourary Doctorate Degree on the Governor of Imo State, Sen.Hope Uzodimma, CON by the leadership of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Mrs. Nnenna Otti had in a letter to the Governor communicating him about his choice of the award said, “Council has ratified the approval of FUTO Senate that you be conferred with the Honourary Degree of Doctor of Management (DMT), Honoris Causal at our University’s Convocation ceremony scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 7, 2024.”

Prof Otti did not stop there. She added that Governor Uzodimma was so honoured because of his “decades of meritorious, selfless, and outstanding services that have positively impacted the lives of the good people of Imo State, the nation and humanity generally.”

As I write, messages of congratulations from within the country and outside have started pouring in. Well wishers of the Governor have indicated their interest in coming to witness the conferment of the honour on a man of many parts, but more importantly, a man who has devoted his life to the service of humanity and God.

Few factors are worth our looking into regarding the award.

First is that FUTO’s Senate has not only paid attention to the life of the man they have carefully chosen to honour, but also taken their time to evaluate his inspirational leadership style since he mounted the saddle as Governor of Imo State in 2020.

Uzodimma, every one knows, came into politics from the private sector. While in private practice as a successful businessman, his name was synonymous with philanthropy and care for the downtrodden, and the weak

Thus, he devoted his energy, time and resources for the care of the needy around him, a situation many people seized the opportunity to go to school and acquire education based on his magnanimity, and eventually free themselves from the fear that Plato raised concerning those who neglect education.

Uzodimma’s entry into politics, for those who can read his mind, was not for the purpose of going in search of what to eat, drink and where to live, as we can see from many politicians today.

Rather, his was for the realisation of his dream of many years to leverage government to help as many people as possible to exit from the agony poverty, ignorance, lack through the instrumentality of proper education and other decent ways of living, like learning a trade.

Therefore, joining the Senate in 2011 when he did helped Uzodimma to properly horn his idea on how to do what he has always known how best to do – serve the people. At the Senate, his impact was equally pronounced.

Related to the factor above is FUTO’s conviction that Uzodimma has demonstrated so much passion for, and commitment to the course of educational advancement of Imo State and her people. That is to say, that the Governor understands too well the impact education can have on the human capital development of a society of which Imo State is one.

Under Uzodimma’s watch as Governor, investment in the education sector, both at the secondary and tertiary level became topnotch. It yielded positive impact when viewed from the performance of the students from Imo who took part in the external examinations such as the West African Senior Secondary School examination, the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and, even the Law School where our sons and daughters excelled above their colleagues.

Uzodimma has not lost sight of the fact that Imo people have always been noted for their love for education. Unfortunately, before he became Governor, not much was known any longer about the people’s first love which is education. Instead , Imo was fast becoming the butt of the society in the sector.

Uzodimma took it as a challenge to return the state to what it used to be and that passion made him to stake resources for the proper funding of five higher institutions in Imo – Imo State University, Owerri, KO Mbadiwe University in Ogboko, Ideato, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Imo State Polytechnic Omuma, and Ben Uwajumogu College of Education, Ihitte Uboma.

To add to these tertiary institutions are also Schools of Nursing and Midwifery located in the three senatorial zones of Imo, and also being funded by the government under Uzodimma.

One would have thought that the presence of other federal high institutions in Imo – Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Federal University of Education, Owerri and the Federal Polytechnic, Owerri – would have posed a challenge to Uzodimma as their host. Far from that. Instead, the governor delights in doing whatever he thinks will make the federal institutions roar in performance and be the best they could in a competitive environment.

It was with such mindset that Uzodimma fought doggedly to ensure that the former Federal Medical Centre, Owerri became a Teaching Hospital to serve FUTO’s purposes following the introduction of School of Medicine and Surgery in the University, and that the former Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri became a degree awarding Federal University, versed in teaching methodology and research.

No Governor of Imo State has taken the issue of youth empowerment and development in line with modern technology seriously the way Uzodimma does. Reason? He understands too well how human capital development, through proper education or skill acquisition can change the fortune of the society. With that in mind, Uzodimma became the first Governor in the country to create a ministry of Digital Economy and E- Government, having in mind the future  alignment of globalization and job mobility regardless of boundary habitation.

Today in Imo, thousands of youths are proud graduates of Skill-Up Imo, a programme that affords them the opportunity to be either self employed or work in any part of the world using the skill they have acquired.

Indeed, too many inspirational leadership attributes of Uzodimma in other sectors outside of Education that have attracted a lot of benefits to the State and the people as Otti pointed out litter the landscape of Imo.

In the area of roads, he has made nonsense of the hypothesis, before now, that acid rain was instrumental to poor and badly constructed road networks in Imo. Uzodimma broke that jinx of lies with the superlative construction work on the Owerri-Okigwe, Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia roads, in particular as well as the metropolitan and rural roads, among others.

In the health sector, he has shown that a link between primary health, secondary health and health Insurance programme is capable of guaranteeing the people the good health they have always lacked, and consequently, the improvement in their life expectancy.

Methinks what Uzodimma has done in other sectors of the society since coming to political limelight in Imo State and by extension the country, are capable of winning him unending accolades if taken out and considered dispassionately.

What, perhaps, is peculiar about the FUTO award is that Uzodimma deserves it based on what he has been able to do within five years of mounting the saddle. He merits it. He worked for it without knowing.

To yours sincerely, I see the honour FUTO is bestowing on Uzodimma as a call for more work. Given the popular adage which says there is no hiding place for the golden fish, I wish to see my principal continue on the trajectory of his selfless and committed service to humanity and God, until all his detractors are roundly put to perpetual shame for distracting his good intentions for all of us.

In the book, “Choose to make a difference- 10 keys for living a life of impact” the author Seyi Wright said: “Don’t spend time proving that you are right, rather, show people how they can do the right thing.”

I think Uzodimma has chosen to make a difference and we are all witnesses to the difference he has made in our lives, in our State, and in our country within a short period as has been confirmed by those who are in a position to know.

If I say it is yet morning by the day for Uzodimma, I must not be wrong.

However,  for the honour, I can only say Aluta Continua to His Excellency and FUTO.

Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to the Governor wrote from Owerri

How Islamic Cleric, Muyideen Bello Died After Battling Death

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Alhaji Muyideen Bello,

By Akinwale Kasali

The passing of revered Islamic Cleric, Alhaji Muyideen Bello, has thrown the Muslim community into mourning.

After battling for days with an undisclosed illness, Bello succumbed to a higher force.

The news of his death was made known by prominent Islamic scholar, Alfa Aribidesi of At-Tawdeeh Islamic Da’awah Friday morning.

Corroborating the news, popular Cleric and follower of the late Bello, who is also an Islamic singer, Alhaji Basit Olarenwaju popularly known as Aponle Anabi also shared the image of the 84 year old scholar with tearful emojis on his official Facebook page on Friday.

The late Islamic Cleric was born in 1940 in Ibadan, Alhaji Bello was widely respected for his profound teachings and unwavering dedication to Islamic scholarship.

Bello’s passing marks an end to the era of a man who spent decades shaping the lives of countless individuals with his wisdom, guidance, and spiritual leadership.

Similarly, the news of his demise was also confirmed by an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Taofeeq Akeugbagold in a post on Facebook on Friday morning.

He wrote, “Today is one of my saddest days! My father and mentor has returned to his Creator. SULTONUL WAHIZEEN of Yorubaland Sheikh Muyideen AJANI BELLO, may Allah be pleased with your soul. Aljannah fridaos for you. Our heart is full of grief and our eyes full of tears but we will say nothing but what will please our Creator, the sole commander of life and death – ALLAH.”

The late Islamic scholar and Ibadan born preacher was buried according to Islamic rites on Friday evening.

The late Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello, known for his eloquence and deep understanding of Islam, was a beacon of knowledge and a tireless advocate for peace and unity. His teachings, according to Alfa Aribidesi of At-Tawdeeh Islamic Da’awah, “transcended generations, leaving an indelible impact on the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and beyond.”

Since the announcement of his passing, mourners have flocked to his Akobo residence in Ibadan to console his family and pay respects.

The scene, according to live videos, has been described as one of grief and gratitude, with many recalling the impact of his spiritual guidance and relentless pursuit of unity and enlightenment across Nigeria.

It was disclosed by Oyo Insight in 2018 during the late Islamic scholar’s birthday, the agency noted that he became a public speaker from the age of 10, Alhaji Bello’s passion for learning began early.

At nine, he requested to live with his uncle, an Islamic scholar in Ibadan, to deepen his understanding of the Quran.

Though from Ibadan, he had always lived with his father a scholar who taught him the Holy Quran at Agbegilere, a farm settlement in Iwo, Osun State.

Relocating to live with his uncle, according to him in the interview, marked the start of his journey into scholarship, eventually making him one of Nigeria’s most prominent Islamic clerics.

Unlike many clerics of his time, Bello embraced formal education, earning a National Certificate of Education (NCE) and working briefly in electronics, a trade he learned from his brother.

He believed education was vital, stating, “Even at that time, I knew I would one day become an Islamic cleric. But I also wanted to make sure that I have a job that would put food on my table.”

Renowned for his fearless sermons, Alhaji Bello was uncompromising in his commitment to truth.

“From my childhood, I was noted for saying the truth no matter whose ox is gored,” he once said.

“It is with utmost truth that we should speak God’s words every day. That is the way I approach my sermons whenever I speak to the people.

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