NEWS
I’ll Make Southeast an Industrial Hub – Tinubu
Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu
All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to make the southern part of Nigeria an industrial hub when elected president.
He made this promise during the APC presidential campaign rally which took place on Wednesday at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu State.
Tinubu also promised to develop the region’s mineral resources deposit to propel economic recovery.
According to him, “If you elect me as your president, we will work together. We will create an industrial hub in Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, and Anambra States.
“We will also create two seaports in Port Harcourt and establish an engine fabricating plant, which will create jobs for the youths and all of you.
You have incredible mineral resources to propel the economic recovery of the Southeast. You have an agricultural power that can produce many cash crops.”Tinubu urged the southeasterners to believe in and work with him for his success in the presidential poll.
“My people of Enugu State, nothing is impossible unless you don’t put your mind to it; together, nothing can stop us if we are determined,” he said.
He further advised them not to fold their hand and expect foreigners to develop the region.
“Don’t wait for the white man to do this job for us. We’re brilliant enough, we’re great thinkers, we can fabricate, we can develop and we can mold; we can build engines and we can turn our coal into a lucrative industry.
“In Britain and America, they are still using their coal to fire turbines and generate electricity for their industries. We have the right skills to do so.
“Be bold Nigeria. Wake up, Africa. Let’s use what we have to develop our country. Let’s turn our coal into money. Let’s turn our gas into money,” he said.
Tinubu also bragged about the achievement of the APC, saying: “Today, APC has fulfilled what PDP could not do in 16 years for the Southeast. In 2001, they came here to do foundation laying for the Second Niger Bridge but eventually did not do any.
“They still went back when they were seeking votes. Yet, they did nothing. It was the APC government that came, promised, and completed that bridge. It will soon be commissioned and the era of staying three days on the road during the festive seasons will be a thing of the past. I’m sure your joy will know no bounds.”
He also alleged that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) deceived and abandoned Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential Candidate, who is also from the Southeastern region.
“For 16 years, they (PDP) didn’t do anything for Southeast. They misappropriated the monies meant for projects and accused themselves. You know who I’m talking about. Obasanjo and Atiku. That’s the reason for their unending quarrel. Don’t believe them anymore. They have been fooling you for a long time,” he said.
Tinubu commended members of the APC in Enugu State for respecting and renewing the hope of the party and Nigeria, assuring them that they would not be left behind if they continued to support him to victory.
He further assured them that he would work with Uche Nnaji, the governorship candidate of the party in Enugu, saying, “It is only when you vote for me and make him the governor, we will share in the larger gain of Nigeria’s success
Tinubu urged the people of Enugu State to endeavor to get their permanent voter’s card to participate in the election and change the course of the nation’s future.
“Don’t throw away your votes. Shine your eyes, beat your chest, sacrifice in the sun, be in the rain. Get your PVC because it is your way to success, freedom, and prosperity. It is only when you invest that you can harvest”, he said.
The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma in his speech told the people of Enugu State that Ndigbo would be more relevant again during Tinubu’s presidency and urged them to be part of his victory.
“Our visit to Enugu is very significant in the sense that there’s a global revolution politically. Over the years, we’ve done politics the way we thought was the best way of politics with little or no research and strong idea. We just followed without any results.
“But after the 2015 election and what came out of it and with the events of these past seven and half years, it became very clear that there is a need for Ndigbo to renew their hope.
“We looked the isolation politics as a primitive way of politics. We need politics that will give us results. We need politics that will take care of the elites and the masses, particularly the masses.
“We need leaders who are compassionate and who will not only think for the elites but the masses.
“It is of cardinal necessity for Ndigbo and indeed, Nigerians to embark on proper reintegration of national politics to be part of national cohesion and become participants of national politics.
“It is not about whether you have been a leader for 20 years or not it is about being the richest man from the Southeast because I’m convinced that what the richest man can do for a community in 200 years, the federal government can do the same in seconds.
“What is important for our people is that there must be a time in our lives when we must confront our challenges head-on.
“Therefore, we must have leaders who will be able to find the courage to face their brothers and sisters to tell them the home truth.
“The truth of the matter today is that we have been used enough. We have to be solvent politically.
“So, our entry into APC with the incremental understanding and awareness politically will give us the revolution we need. I have looked at all the indices that will make us become relevant in Nigeria. Let us be our brother’s keepers. Let us love ourselves and develop a sense of patriotism and nationalism. We have no other country we can call our own.
“The Southeast will be judged by the number of votes they will contribute to the kitty. We cannot become shareholders of a country we have not purchase shares from.
“This is the time for all of us to recognize that there is a common challenge – the challenge of being called true Nigerians.
“Today, from the Southern Nigeria, we have one of our best and brightest emerging as the candidate of the ruling party. A ruling party is a vehicle whose tyres are strong. You don’t need to push it to move. Am I going to come down from the vehicle that has tyres and enter the vehicle that has no tyres even if you push, it may not move.
“Ndigbo must forgive the past, forgive themselves, leave the bush and see the road. We cannot be more intelligent than the entire population.
“We’re interested in partnerships that are genuine.
“As the coordinator of the APC presidential campaign council in the Southeast, I will take responsibility for my actions and in actions.
“We will measure leaders by the number of votes you are able to give to us by February. You are not a leader if you don’t win your polling unit. So, we need to win and for us to win, leaders should go home and talk to the voters.
“We are here to campaign for you to get us 100 percent of the votes. We must win. We have the people, we have the means and we have the contact”.
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, in his speech noted that Southeast would surprise Nigerians with their votes for APC and Tinubu.
He expressed happiness at the level of mobilisation of the crowd, urging them to work even harder to reintegrate Igbos into the centre “so that we can boldly go to Jagaban when he wins.
“Time has gone when we used to lag behind. APC gave us Second Niger Bridge
“Anyone doing permutation and saying that APC will not win in the Southeast is living in the past.
“But, after the election, Southeast will be declared the wisest region in Nigeria. We will use our votes to surprise the entire nation. No more crying of marginalisation.
“We are not looking for 60 percent. The least we can ask for is 90 percent.
The APC gubernatorial candidate in Enugu State, Chief Uche Nnaji said that they were determined to get more than 30% votes for APC presidential candidate in Enugu State.
“That’s the promise I’m giving Asiwaju Tinubu and Governor Hope Uzodimma. We’re on a rescue mission which will rescue Enugu from the political and economic quagmire Enugu State has been entangled in over the years,” said Nnaji.
Nnaji assured Tinubu that “the crowd you are seeing here is not a rented crowd. The people you are seeing here are members of APC in the state. If the people here are 200,000 , they are registered members of our party.”
The rally attracted other dignitaries such as former Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Azubuike Onyeabor Ihejirika (rtd), Senators Godswill Akpabio, Andy Uba, former Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiohmole, Dimeji Bankole, Chief Emma Eneukwu, Chief Gbazue Agu Nweke Gbazue Agu (GNG).
Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Senator Kashim Imam; APC presidential aspirant, Mr. Nick Jackrich; Hon. Nkeiru Onyejiocha; governorship candidates of the party in Abia, Ikechi Emenike and his Ebonyi counterpart, Rt. Hon.Nwifuru, former deputy governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke among others.
From Abel Zwànke, Lafia
The 2023 gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, has been decorated as a Fellow of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN). Ombugadu received the Fellowship Award of Excellence during the 41st National Solar Energy Forum (NASEF) 2024, held on December 10 at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Postgraduate School, Kaduna.
The award, presented by the NDA Commandant, Major General John Ochai, recognized Ombugadu’s exceptional contributions to renewable energy advocacy and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Speaking to journalist yesterday after receiving the award Ombugadu expressed gratitude for the honour.“I am deeply honourd to receive this prestigious Fellowship Award from the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigerian Defence Academy. This recognition highlights the importance of renewable energy in addressing our nation’s energy challenges and fostering sustainable development,” he said.
Ombugadu advocated for increased investments in renewable energy, noting that over 80 million Nigerians lack access to electricity. “This award is a call to action. Renewable energy is essential for our national development, and we must commit more resources to this transition to empower communities and combat climate change,” Ombugadu stated.
Reading Ombugadu’s citation, the organizers described him as a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and visionary leader. Known for his contributions to healthcare, education, and water supply in rural areas, Ombugadu has drilled over 1,500 boreholes and enrolled more than 12,000 people in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Themed “Advancing Solar Energy Solutions for Sustainable Development,” the forum brought together energy experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to strategize on enhancing Nigeria’s energy security through solar technology.
Major General Ochai, who was also conferred as a Fellow, highlighted the NDA’s strides in adopting renewable energy for sustainability. “Earlier this year, the NDA established the Biodiversity and Conservation Centre, targeted at conserving the environment. In a few days, we will inaugurate a 2.5-megawatt solar farm, which will take the NDA off the national grid, help decarbonize the environment, and cut energy costs,” Ochai said.
He emphasised the academy’s commitment to community support, adding, “Whatever energy we generate through solar power will also benefit the Afaka community as part of our corporate social responsibility. Solar energy is the future, and we are proud to champion this cause.”
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmad Dangiwa, represented by Aishatu Yusha’u, emphasized the role of solar energy in urban development. “Solar energy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and promote sustainability in urban planning,” she said.
Prof. Magnus Onuoha, President of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations Alliance (REEEAA), praised the NDA’s bold step in constructing its solar power plant. “The NDA’s solar farm will serve as a shining example of what can be achieved when institutions prioritize sustainability and renewable energy,” Onuoha said.
He called for comprehensive policies to address Nigeria’s energy challenges. “Our alliance is committed to promoting the growth of renewable energy and transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner, more sustainable sources,” he added.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), through its Managing Director, Abba Abubakar, represented by Timothy Shekari, reiterated its commitment to providing energy access to underserved communities, highlighting initiatives that have energized markets and impacted over 1.2 million people.
The forum concluded with renewed commitments from stakeholders to advance renewable energy initiatives across Nigeria, with solar energy taking center stage in the nation’s sustainable development goals.
Other distinguished recipients included Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, represented by the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Power Supply Company, Aminu Idris, and Mrs. Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, CEO of the Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE).
Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged President Bola Tinubu to reduce the price of petrol to N300 per litre ,to make things easy for Nigerians during the festive season.
George, the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, made this plea at an interactive session with newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos.
The price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, is currently above N1,000 per litre.
According to the elder statesman,Nigerians are going through hardship, the President should give an order to reduce fuel price, specifying time frame the people will enjoy such window of relief.
He said that the federal government as well as well- meaning individuals and businesses could bear the cost of such price slash , to bring happiness to all Nigerians.
The PDP leader, who noted that December and January are special months , said that such gesture could start from the middle of December and run through January.
“I have been thinking, as a Nigerian, what can we do because the anger and the hunger are almost equal on the streets of Nigeria.
“What am I suggesting is that Mr President should sit down with his managers and give an order that from the middle of December to the end of January, the cost of petrol will be N300 per litre.
“The government can absorb the losses in the interest of the suffering people.
“If they (government) want others to contribute, let us know how much that is going to cost and ask people to donate, to bear the cost.
“We will be sending a lot of messages of happiness across the tribes and homes.
“Everybody in Nigeria will be happy because it will positively impact on this period of the year. It is a challenge and he (Tinubu) can do it.
“We need this in this December and January to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians, ” George, a PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) life member, said.
Advising the President to take further measures to bring relief to the people, he said that the gesture would crash prices of essential commodities and services for the benefit of all .
He said that government’s efforts should be concentrated on reducing high inflation rate, unemployment, poverty and youth restlessness in order to create a better future for Nigerians
Speaking on the recent presidential election in Ghana, George noted that Nigeria’s electoral system needed reforms to guard against electoral frauds and manipulations.
According to him, the nation will continue to grope for development if the system fails to encourage best candidates to emerge.
Stating that election must reflect the wishes of the people and be devoid of religious and tribal sentiments, George said that Ghana election should be a wake up call for Nigeria.
“INEC performance must improve. The commission must make sure that the voice of the people is heard in elections.
“Electoral offenders should be made to face the music and sent to jail. We must be very firm about due process, credibility and transparency in elections,” he said.
Urging the President to revisit resolutions in the 2014 Constitutional Conference, George said that the current constitution was not federal in principle and practice.
“We should not deceive ourselves, the constitution is a problem. It is a military constitution, it is not democratic,” he said.
George called on the National Assembly to ensure devolution of powers and electoral reforms that would do away with manual collation of election results and mandate electronic transmission of election results from polling units.
George disagreed with political watchers saying no vacancy in presidency in 2027.
On the dwindling strength of the former ruling party, George, who noted that all organisations had its ups and downs, said that selfish interests and disregard for party rules remained PDP’s major challenge.
He said that PDP could bounce back and win presidential election if the leadership decided to elevate national interest above selfish interests and adhere to the party’s constitution.
“We will tell ourselves some serious old truth. We messed ourselves up. ” he said.
Stating, however, that the PDP was not dead, George said that lack of justice, equity, fairness and the inability to adhere to the party’s zoning and rotational principle cost the party victory in 2023.
Calling on the party’s founding fathers alive to wake up and rescue the party, George said that Nigerians were still waiting for the former ruling party to take over power and put things right. (NAN)
President Bola Tinubu, is set to perform the groundbreaking of 2,000 housing units of the Renewed Hope City in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, in the next few weeks.
Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, announced this during an official assessment visit, on Wednesday in Lagos
Dangiwa said Lagos would represent the South-west, while the president would do that of the North-West in Kano, before doing that of the four other regions.
“Arrangements is already on ground, we have gotten sites, and work has commenced for 2000 houses in the Renewed Hope City that we intend to build in Ibeju-Lekki,” he said.
Towards achieving the set goal, the minister said the visiting team also paid a courtesy visit to Gov.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu to discuss area of collaboration between the federal and state governments.He disclosed that the federal and Lagos state governments had agreed to set up a Tripartite committee and ensure all the issues of concerns between the parties were resolved amicably for the benefit of all.
Earlier, the Minister embarked on an assessment visit of deplorable Federal Government buildings and assets across Lagos state in a bid to commence rehabilitation on them in a few months.
Dangiwa said the rehabilitation was necessary as the deplorable buildings posed a challenge and security concerns to the Lagos state government. (NAN)
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