NEWS
OBJ Describes Late Ezeife as Unequivocal Patriot with Exceptional Courage
From Kunle Idowu, Abeokuta
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife as an unequivocal patriot with exceptional courage.
He said that the country has lost an intellectual giant, a brilliant thinker and profound humanist in Ezeife.
The former President who just returned from visits to two North African countries yesterday, remarked that the commendable contributions of the late Dr.
Ezeife to public life starting from the public service before venturing into politics would long be remembered by the present and future generations.The former President in a release by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi yesterday, acknowledged that having worked closely with Dr.
Ezeife during his administration as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in his capacity as his Special Adviser on Political Matters, he could attest to his good traits.“I can attest to his patriotism, selflessness, integrity, humility and sense of purpose – qualities which define the essence of his leadership. Though I respect all shades of opinions on issues no matter how far removed from my own perspectives, we cannot rule out the fact that we both sometimes disagreed to agree in the best interest of Nigeria and all Nigerians through regenerating and repositioning of our country to meet the hopes and aspirations of our people and charting the course to our nation’s glorious future. In these various assignments that he undertook, he served with commitment, dedication and loyalty, making significant contributions to the growth of our country.
“He said Ezeife served Nigeria and attained the zenith of his career before retiring as a Federal Permanent Secretary. He was industrious, amiable and most unassuming. His zeal and attitude to work while serving the nation left its mark on the sands of time.”
Obasanjo noted that, “History will also record that when providence placed him in a position of influence and power, he touched many lives in a positive way. His tenure, though very brief, as the first Executive Governor of Anambra State witnessed a number of significant developments in the State which endeared him to millions of his compatriots,” he stated.
Furthermore, “Dr. Ezeife was by all standards a distinguished Nigerian and a good ambassador of his people of Igbo extraction. He served his community faithfully and with distinction. He was part of the moving history of Anambra State, the people, their culture and their lives and would ever be remembered for his favourable political disposition towards his kinsmen.
“Indeed, the entire Igbo people, for whom he left a rich legacy and good reputation and honour, need not be prompted to be grateful to a man whose unique politics was about the protection of his people. His example remains a laudable model for the present and coming generation of the Igbos in particular and Nigerians in general.
“In grateful recognition of his landmark achievements, the nation rewarded him with one of the most prestigious honours, Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON.
He explained that without doubt, the nation had lost one of the brightest stars in its firmament.
“His place will be difficult to fill. I urge you all to bear the heavy burden of his passing consoled by the appreciation that he has left you a proud legacy and that we all share your loss of one of the distinguished elder statesmen of our time.” Obasanjo added
By Nasir Dambatta
Governor Uba Sani has once again underscored his commitment to fostering unity among Kaduna’s diverse religious communities, attending both the 2024 Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol and a Maulud celebration in Zaria within the same week.On December 21, the Governor graced The 2024 Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol at ECWA Goodnews Church, Narayi Highcost, an event organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna Chapter.
The Carol, an annual tradition, brought together Christians from across the state in a celebration of joy, love, and togetherness. Governor Sani’s presence at the event highlighted his inclusive leadership and his efforts to strengthen interfaith harmony in a state known for its rich religious diversity.Shortly after, on December 22, Governor Sani attended a Maulud celebration in Zaria, organized by the Fityanul Islam group. Maulud, which commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is a time for reflection, prayer, and communal unity. The gathering in Zaria was attended by numerous dignitaries and religious scholars who reflected on the Prophet’s teachings of compassion, tolerance, and peace—values that resonate deeply with the Governor’s vision for Kaduna.Observers said the Governor’s presence at both events was a powerful reminder of his dedication to fostering peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in the state. “Through these actions, Governor Uba Sani is leading by example, demonstrating that religious celebrations and dialogue can serve as a foundation for a united, progressive society.”, one of the observers said.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has directed government hospitals to provide free treatment to the people that sustained injuries during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja.Wike gave the directive in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, in Abuja on Saturday.
No fewer than 10 people including children lost their lives while 10 others sustained injuries to the stampede, during the distribution of food items to less privileged and the elderly by the church. The sad incident occurred around 6:30 a.m on Saturday.Wike said that the FCT Administration would ensure that the injured received adequate medical attention.The minister, who commiserated with the victims, also directed that henceforth, police permission should be obtained by individuals or organizations planning public distribution of palliatives, either food items or cash.Describing the incident as “painful”, Wike prayed for the repose of the souls of the lives that were lost and fortitude for their families to bear the irreparable loss.He commended the Police and other security agencies for their prompt intervention, saying, “the promptness in which security agencies responded to the incident was commendable.”In a related development, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), equally commiserated with the victims of the stampede.The acting Director General of the department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, in a statement said that nine out of the 10 injured persons earlier taken to Maitama District Hospital, have been treated and discharged.Mohammed also appealed to organisations that intended to give out food items to the less privileged to involve security agencies or FEMD for adequate planning to ensure safety of beneficiaries.He also advised the use of coupons and segregation of the beneficiaries into groups to avoid crowd and rowdiness that could lead to stampedes.Similarly, the Police Command in the FCT has ordered organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals to notify the police when planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the territory.In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said that the notification was to enable the police to deploy adequate security measures for public safety.According to her, failure to comply with the directive will result in the organisers being held liable for any incident or loss of life resulting from negligenceMeanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has issued a warning against the unorganised distribution of palliatives and funfairs, which have led to stampedes and fatalities among vulnerable citizens.The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, gave the warning during a media briefing on Saturday in Abuja.Adejobi explained that the warning came in response to the increasing number of stampedes resulting in injuries and deaths, particularly during palliative distributions. (NAN)
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), says it has recorded a lot of successes in military training and academic activities in 2024.
The Commandant of NDA, Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, said this at the Nigerian Defence Academy Social Activities (NDASA), held at the headquarters of the academy Afaka on Friday in Kaduna.
Ochai said the essence of NDASA was to end training activities of the year.
He said the 2024 NDASA was unique because the academy marked 60 years of existence from 1964-2024.
Also of significance, Ochai said, NDA had passed out the largest number of officers commissioned into the Armed Forces of Nigeria in 2024.
Equally, he said, in the same year (2024), the academy had the largest number of officers trained outside the country.
He emphasised that the NDA does not only train leaders for the Nigerian Armed Forces, but those for the Nigerian nation and humanity at large.
“After five years of training, we imbibe in officers leadership qualities that are everlasting.
”The traditions, ethos, characters that we instill in our cadets follow them forever and become very useful in all spheres of human endeavors,” Ochai said.
Mr Martins Amaram, Country Security Manager, Nigeria Breweries, PLC , who was the Special Guest of Honour, said the event fostered unity, cultural awareness and comradeship among the cadets and the larger community.
Amaram said, “The academy has always been a beacon of excellence in producing military leaders for integrity, resilience and capacity to face in a dynamic and complex world .
“Beyond academics and military training the academy still values cultural respect and social engagement, recognising the diversity of our great country. Nigeria.”
He commended NDA for creating the platform where cadets can appreciate the rich cultures and build bonds that transit borders.
Amaram added, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria are playing a critical role in ensuring the stability and progress of our nation. “
He urged the academy to continue to record more successes in its mission of excellence and service to the nation.
Report says that awards were given to deserving soldiers who distinguished themselves in 2024.
report says that 22 soldiers were decorated from Warrant Officer(WO) to Master Warrant Officers(MWO). (NAN)
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