NEWS
2025: Anambra Governorship Election Crucial to APC, Federal Government -Ganduje
Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman says the 2025 Anambra governorship election is crucial to the party and the Federal Government.
He said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the inauguration of Anambra Consultative Council, adding that the state deserved to be at the mainstream of the country’s politics.
“I believe the meeting is part of the strategy by the state APC to re-organise and unite our party members in preparation for the forthcoming 2025 governorship election.
“I also believe that the strategic nature of Anambra in the South East, and by extension Nigeria, makes it expedient for the state to join the centre.
“Therefore, I am convinced that these men and women attending this meeting have the capacity and ability to deliver Anambra in the incoming election.
“We cannot continue to allow Anambra to remain on the sidelines of Nigeria’s politics, hence the need for all to work in unison for the actualisation of this mission,” Ganduje said.
He said the commitment and sincerity of purpose of the stakeholders would naturally attract support which would act as a strong motivation towards winning the state.
While stressing that the stakeholders should get to work, Ganduje urged the council to support the party by ensuring the creation and hosting of regular activities in the state.
He explained that the more the party hosted activities and programmes in the state, the more enlightenment and awareness it would create.
This, the APC national chairman said, would increase the capacity of the stakeholders to mobilise and galvanise membership for the party.
“I beckon on all to come out strong and support the repositioning of this party, for the overall interest of members, and the betterment of the people of Anambra,” he said.
He thanked Basil Ejidike, the state chairman and his executive for initiating the high-standing stakeholders meeting, saying it would help re-organise the APC in Anambra.
Ganduje stressed the importance of unity as the most potent tool for the sustenance of such stakeholders.
He added that the party in Anambra could only succeed if critical stakeholders and others bonded together in unity.
“Just like the party’s logo, the broom, a united body can never be defeated, your strength and success are inherent in your unity.
“Therefore, I encourage you to be united to achieve the set goal. I extend the party’s hands of fellowship and support to all stakeholders in Anambra,” Ganduje said.
He assured that the party’s national leadership would continue to support the APC in Anambra ahead of the state’s 2025 governorship election.
Earlier, Ejidike, Anambra APC chairman said the newly inaugurated council was comprised of distinguished elders and leaders of the party with vast knowledge and experience in party politics
Ejidike while noting that the APC under Ganduje’s watch had showed remarkable growth and development said the council was geared towards the growing and strengthening of the party in Anambra.
He appreciated members of the council for accepting to serve the party, saying, they demonstrated unequivocal commitment, loyalty and love for APC and Anambra.
He assured them that APC Anambra was continually on the march to prosperity, saying it would not rest until it achieved its mission.
He said the mission was to reposition and make a mark in the line of service to the people of Anambra.
“Actualising this mission of the party is majorly dependent on this Consultative Council. The party, with the inauguration holding today, has entrusted the role of driving this ambition on you.
“Let us all work hard to put our party on the path of progress, and thus bridge the gap in governance in Anambra.
“Together, we will certainly build a solid platform for the actualisation of this collective and long desired ambition,”the APC Anambra chairman said.
Mr Nze Duru, the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary in his remarks, said the Anambra APC was united contrary to speculations. (NAN)
NEWS
Media Group Confers Lifetime Patron Award on Ogbodo for Community Devt
By David Torough, Abuja
In a ceremony that underscored his dedication to humanity and his community, Medical Director of Lydia Memorial Hospital, Ugbokolo, Benue State, Dr. Mark Ogbodo was honored with a Lifetime Patron award by the Igede Media Network (IMN).
The prestigious award recognizes Dr.
Ogbodo’s unwavering commitment to community health and development, standing as a beacon of service in both his professional and personal pursuits.In his address, Chairman of the Igede Media Network, John Okpong celebrated Ogbodo’s profound impact on regional peace and development.
“Dr. Ogbodo’s selfless service has touched countless lives, bringing unity and promoting well-being across our community.
“As our Patron, he embodies the ideals of leadership and resilience, standing firmly against harmful practices and championing the values we hold dear,” he stated
Representing a coalition of media platforms, including The Prime News, The Congress Voice, The Magnet Newspaper, The Factpoint Magazine, and Lead Watch Magazine, the IMN has long been committed to uplifting and empowering the Igede community.
Through this recognition, IMN hopes to inspire others to follow Dr. Ogbodo’s example, as the Chairman added, “His leadership and expertise will guide us in advocating for progress and promoting unity among our people.”
According to him, Ogbodo’s appointment as Life Patron not only commemorated his contributions but also marks a new chapter for the Igede Media Network, inspiring others to emulate his commitment to service and his willingness to work for the betterment of others.
“This patronage, serves as a catalyst for future endeavors, encouraging community members to embody the principles of academic excellence, service, and leadership”, Okpong noted.
Samuel Ugbaji in his remarks highlighted the purpose and mission of the Igede Media Network as an organization focused on community welfare and advocacy.
“We come together to serve as a voice for the marginalized, amplifying their needs and reaching out to a broader audience.
“Today, we honor one of our own, a young man who chose to stay with his community rather than seek the comforts of city life. Dr. Ogbodo’s commitment to his people is extraordinary, providing free medical care and scholarships to those in need,” Ugbaji explained.
Acknowledging the personal sacrifices that Dr. Ogbodo has made, Ugbaji continuued, “Unlike many professionals who opt for urban comforts, Dr. Ogbodo has remained in Ugbokolo, bringing care and hope to our rural communities. He has dedicated himself to a mission of healing and has organized annual outreach programs, offering free medical services in Oju, Obi, and beyond.”
In a heartfelt response, Dr. Mark Ogbodo expressed his deep appreciation for the honor and said, “I am truly grateful to the Igede Media Network for this recognition.
“Little did I know that my acts of kindness to humanity were being noticed, much less that they would be honored in this way. It is deeply humbling,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Ogbodo shared, “Often, I perform these acts of service without expecting anything in return, just driven by a desire to help. But as they say, a golden fish has no hiding place. I am thankful to be recognized, even from the rural community where I work, and I pray that God continues to bless our people and humanity.”
NEWS
FCT Court Urges Renovation of its Complex Burnt During EndSARS Protest
The FCT Customary Court, Dutse, Abuja has appealed to the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to facilitate the renovation of its court complex which fell victim to vandalism and arson during the 2020 EndSARS protests.The President of the Court, Aderinto Adesoji, made the appeal during a resumed hearing in a divorce case between a petitioner, Chiwendu Nwadi and her husband, Emeka Nwadi in Ushafa, Abuja.
The Customary Court, Dutse has been sharing the court complex of a sister court in Ushafa for its sittings following the destruction. of its facilities, four years back.NAN reports that while Customary Court, Ushafa, the real owner of the facility, has its sittings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in a week, the Dutse court has its sittings on Tuesday and Thursday. Report says that Dutse and Ushafa are communities in Bwari Area Council of the FCT and they are about 17 kilometres apart.Addressing lawyers to the parties in the divorce case, when they were finding it difficult to agree on a date for next hearing in the matter, the President of the court said it is a recurrent challenge in matters before the courtAccording to him, the constraint of the panel, sitting only twice in a week has grossly affected quick dispensation of justice.He said most cases before the cout involve families, in particular, custody of children which require urgent adjudication, and should not be encumbered.Adesoji said, considering the fact that lawyers and their clients are affected by the constraints, the NBA should take steps to ensure that the appropriate authorities renovate the Dutse court complex.He said promises have been made by the association to that effect in the past, but they were yet to be actualised.Responding to the President’s appeal, Mr Moses Ibe, the lawyer to the petitioner promised the court that he would convey the message to the NBA, Bwari branch for necessary action.Ibe said this in an interview after the court session, that the distance of the court to its jurisdiction and the restrictive days of sittings have affected quick dispensation of justice.He said the essence of building the Dutse court was to bring justice closer to the people, but it has been defeated by the failure of appropriate authorities to renovate it for useThe Counsel promised to officially write to the NBA, Bwari branch to convey the Judge’s message and request for interventionAccording to Ibe, the Dutse court complex, used to serve as the Secretariat of the NBA Bwari branch, before it was vandalised and set ablaze by the EndSARS protesters.Meanwhile, the court has adjourned further hearing in the divorce petition until Oct. 21 to enable the respondent file his reply.Adesoji and other members of the panel, Nana Atipkoru, Aisha Hamza adjourned the case following the position of the respondent’s lawyer, Cornelius Simon, that his client was not served with the “particular of claims” in the petition.The panel directed that all necessary processes should be filed and served before the adjourned date so that the case would be fixed for definite hearing.The panel also ordered that the parties should maintain the status quo, particularly, as regards the custody of the children – the last child is with the petitioner, while the other two are in the custody of the respondent.In the case, the petitioner is seeking, among others, the dissolution of her 13 years marriage with her husband on the ground that “the union has broken down irretrievably”.She alleged that the husband, “is a man of unimaginable violence and cruelty, fetish, a serial wife beater and adulterer’The petitioner alleged that her husband deliberately poisoned her drink which led to losing her pregnancy.According to the petitioner, the union, consummated in 2011, under the native law and custom, as well as exchange of marital vows in a Church, has produced three children, ages, 12 years, 11 years and 2 years.She urged the court to dissolve the marriage, grant custody of the three children to her and restrain the husband from using thugs or any security agents to harass her. (NAN)NEWS
Group Cautions NASS Against Tax Reforms Bill
The Northern Youths Assembly has cautioned the National Assembly against passing the Tax Reforms Bill from the executive before the legislature.This is contained in an open letter to the lawmakers signed by the group’s President, Dr Ali Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Dr Garba Abduljafiz and made available to newsmen in Kano on Thursday.
The group said the bill, if passed into law, would not be in the interest of the people, particularly youths, urging for broader consultation on matters of that nature. The youths urged the National Assembly to concentrate on youth-friendly laws to safeguard the country’s future instead.“The youth are Nigeria’s future, “and our prosperity hinges on investments in education, skills development, and job creation.“As the largest political demography in the nation, youth must have a say in laws and policies that directly impact the country’s future.“We call for the creation of a special place at the centre, to allow the youths to contribute to solutions that may promote sustainable development, job creation, and economic empowerment,” the group said.The group urged the lawmakers to focus more on making laws that would improve investment climate and job creation.“We urge the National Assembly members to direct their resources and energy towards creating laws that would prioritise and encourage foreign investment.“The laws should encourage skills development and jobs creation for the teeming population of the youths, to improve measures that risk stifling the Nigerian economic opportunity.“We also urge them to stop complying with the dictates and advisory of the agents of destruction, IMF and World.“We must stay away from the trap of the IMF and World Bank, as they are all out to destroy our country through their ill-formulated policies and misleading advisory’’, the group said. (NAN)