NEWS
Okowa Congratulates Ikpeazu at 57
Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated his Abia counterpart, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, on the occasion of his 57th birthday.
Okowa’s felicitation is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Monday in Asaba.
He commended the governor for his audacious development efforts in “God’s own State”, describing him as an accomplished professional and indefatigable administrator.
He also extolled Ikpeazu for his patriotic and unrelenting service to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the nation and urged him to sustain the momentum for the service of his people and mankind.
Okowa specifically lauded the governor for his agricultural revolution, crystalised in the planting of no fewer than four million seedlings of oil palm.
He lauded Ikpeazu also for the successful completion of four palm kernel oil processing plants in Obingwa and Ugwunagbo in Umuahia North and Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Areas, with two more expected to be completed in November.
He said that Ikpeazu’s aggressive rebranding effort to reposition Abia as the undisputed Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Centre of Excellence in the country and beyond, propelled by “Made-in-Aba’’ campaign, had lifted Abia citizens out of poverty.
He said this has led to the establishment and growth of many small-scale businesses in the state.
Okowa said that it was heart-warming to note that the academic-turned-politician had by dint of hard work and discipline won the admiration and respect of the people of Abia and the nation.
“Since your emergence as Governor of Abia, you have remained irrevocably committed to the cardinal principles of good governance predicated on the need to raise the people’s standard of living, provide development, peace and security in the state.
“Your focus and commitment to your administration’s four-point agenda which aims at improving governance, re-orient and restructure the public service, as well as providing adequate infrastructure for economic development have created a vibrant economy for the people.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I heartily rejoice with you, an outstanding professional, seasoned educationist and my brother governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, as you attain 57 years.
“On this auspicious occasion, I celebrate with your family, associates and friends and thank Almighty God for your life which has been laced with remarkable accomplishments,” Okowa said. (NAN)
The All Progressives Congress (APC) says Sen. Monday Okpebholo remains its governorship candidate in Saturday’s governorship election in Edo.Mr Felix Morka, the party’sNational Publicity Secretary made the party’s position clear in a statement issued in Abuja.Morka said the clarification became necessary following fake news thatOkpebholo had been disqualified by a magistrate court.
“In the final hours to the Edogubernatorial election scheduled to hold Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, certain political parties have desperately resorted to forgery and disinformation on our candidate.“The blackmail is to the extent of circulating a fake magistrate court ruling purportedly disqualifying Sen.Okpebholo, the APC gubernatorial candidate in the election.“The circulated ruling is fake, a fabrication and an act of pure desperation in the face of their imminent defeat at the polls,” Morka said.He said the magistrate court that purportedly issued the fake ruling had issued a disclaimer, stating categorically that it did not emanate from him.Morka added that the fake ruling meant to sow seeds of doubt about the APC candidate, was a blatant and calculated attempt to subvert the will of the Edo electorate.“We call on our law enforcement agencies to identify, investigate and bring the perpetrators of this falsehood to book,” he said.He, therefore, urged Edo voters to remain vigilant and resolute in the exercise of their democratic rights at the polls.He expressed trust that Edo people would ignore this and other illegal devices by desperate candidates and their parties to subvert the election.“Sen. Monday Okpebholo is and remains, the standard bearer of the APC in Edo gubernatorial election,” Morka stated. (NAN)
The Federal Government has condemned the terrorist attack on the military airport in Bamako, Mali.Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed the Nigerian government’s position in a statement on Saturday. Eche said, “The Federal Republic of Nigeria strongly condemns the abominable terrorist attack that took place on Tuesday, Sept.
17, 2024, targeting a military airport, training Centre and other sensitive locations in Bamako, Mali. “This heinous act, which has claimed lives and caused destruction of several military aircraft, is yet another stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in the region.“It must be emphasised that acts of terrorism, regardless of where they occur, represent a threat to peace and security for the entire region.“Nigeria extends its deepest condolences to the government and people of Mali, particularly to the families of those who lost their lives. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragic incident.” (NAN)
The Kwara Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for maximum protection for journalists and observers assigned for the coverage of the state’s local government elections on Saturday.The Council’s Chairman, Abdullateef Ahmed, in a statement on Friday in Ilorin by the Council Secretary, Olayinka Alaya, emphasised the need for safety for the journalists and observers.
He said this was necessary in view of the critical role journalists play in ensuring transparent and fair polls. ”The Council urges security personnel deployed for the elections to ensure that journalists across the 16 local government areas (LGAs) of the state carry out their duties without fear of harassment or intimidation.”The NUJ also cautions that any form of harassment or intimidation of journalists while performing their constitutionally-guaranteed duties will not be tolerated.“As the watchdog of the society, members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm must be accorded their due rights and respect before, during and after the electoral process.“Any attack on journalists is an attack on democracy itself,” Alaya quoted the Council Chairman as saying.The Kwara Council of NUJ also stressed the need for security agencies to ensure watertight security throughout the period allotted for the electoral process.”We urge security personnel to be proactive in addressing potential threats that may compromise the integrity of the elections or put media professionals at risk,” Ahmed said.He also called on the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) to maintain an unbiased position throughout the entire process.Ahmed appealed to the electoral umpire to ensure timely distribution of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials to polling units.The Council Chairman also encouraged eligible voters across the state to exercise their voting rights responsibly, urging them to remain calm and law-abiding during the process.“This exercise is an opportunity for the people of Kwara to shape the future of their LGAs.“It is fundamental that eligible voters come out and utilise their franchise and do so without any fear,” he advised.(NAN)
Edo Governorship Election: Okpebholo Remains Our Candidate – APC
ShareThe All Progressives Congress (APC) says Sen. Monday Okpebholo remains its governorship candidate in Saturday’s governorship election in Edo.Mr Felix...
Nigeria Condemns Terrorist Attack on Military Airport in Mali
ShareThe Federal Government has condemned the terrorist attack on the military airport in Bamako, Mali.Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, Spokesperson for the...
LG Elections: Kwara NUJ Calls for Respect, Protection of Journalists, Observers
ShareThe Kwara Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for maximum protection for journalists and observers assigned for...
2024 Abuja Trade Fair will Foster Prosperity, Economic Growth- Official
Share Dr Emeka Obegolu, the President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), says the 2024 Abuja International Trade Fair...
FRSC Promotes 49 Senior Officers
ShareThe Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has promoted 49 senior officers comprising of 21 Assistant Corps Marshals (ACM) ,11 Corps...
FG Shuts Eko Bridge, Ramps for 8-week Repairs
ShareThe Federal Government on Friday shut down the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks for essential asphalt resurfacing.The Federal...
Mpox Alert: UNICEF Issues $59m Appeal to Halt Outbreak in Africa
Share UNICEF has issued an urgent appeal for nearly $59 million to support efforts to halt the rapid spread of...
Media, Important Ally in Anti-corruption Fight -EFCC Boss
ShareThe Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has stressed the need to collaborate with the...
NES Decries Rising Inflation, Unemployment, Poverty, Others
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Nigerian Economic Society (NES) has decried Nigeria’s socioeconomic dilemmas, including; low personal incomes, dysfunctional education,...
CBN Denies Re-Introducing Cyber Security Levy
ShareBy Tony Obiechina, Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria has denied the re-introduction of the controversial cyber security level it...