NEWS
Uzodimma Pledges to Support, Collaborate with Army Always
From Marcel Duru, Owerri
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma has said that his government will continue to support and collaborate with the Nigerian Army, noting that the officers and soldiers have done a lot to keep Nigeria as one.
The governor spoke on Thursday at the New Exco Chambers when he received in audience the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.
Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and his team who paid him a courtesy call as part of the schedule of the Army Chief who was on operational tour of Army Formations in the South East.Uzodimma, who thanked the Army Chief and his team for coming to Imo State described the State as the hospitality hub of Nigeria and promised to continue to support the Nigerian Army.
He recalled that few years ago – 2020, 2021 and 2022 – the whole world thought that Imo would be excised from the Nigerian Nation as a result of insecurity and expressed happiness that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies rose to the occasion to the extent that in 2023, when governorship election was held in Imo, it was adjudged the fairest in the Nigerian history.
Acknowledging that the events of the past in Imo were “actually very challenging,” he therefore, called on Nigerians and every State in the country to continue to show gratitude to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for the good job they are doing.
He pledged that in every position he finds himself he will continue to canvas support for the Nigerian Military.
The Governor described Lt. Gen Lagbaja as one of the finest Nigerian Army officers, noting that “his knowledge of the South East where he served as Officer, Commanding 82 Division has become an advantage.”
He reminded the COAS and the audience that in “the life of every nation there must be time of challenges and Nigeria is not an exception,” noting that “it takes one or two men to salvage the Nation from such challenges.”
Governor Uzodimma therefore urged the Army Chief and his team to continue in their job of defending the territorial sovereignty of the country which they have sworn to an oath and assured of the Nation’s continued support.
He pointed out that “if Nigeria must experience civilization, the Nigerian Army, from their wealth of knowledge, must be part of it.”
He congratulated Lagbaja on his appointment as the COAS and assured him that his doors are always open to receive him.
Uzodimma seized the opportunity to invite the COAS and his team to his second term inauguration slated for Monday, January 15, 2024.
Earlier, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja told the Governor that he was in Imo State on operational tour of the Army Formations in the South East and thought it wise to use the occasion to pay a courtesy call on him.
He said the tour was meant to access the Army personnel, their operational functions and deployment, State of their barracks, welfare and readiness to attend to their assigned duties.
He said he had earlier visited Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu States and thanked Uzodimma for cutting short his official assignment in Abuja to personally receive him and his team.
Also, the COAS was full of appreciation to the Governor for all his support to the Nigerian Army, especially the 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze.
On a positive note, the number soldier acknowledged that the security situation in Imo State has drastically improved as a result of the combined efforts of the Military and other security agencies.
He then assured the Governor that “the troops in Imo and other States of the South East are willing and ready to defend the zone and protect the law abiding citizens of the State to go about their normal businesses without harassment and intimidation.”
He congratulated the Governor on his re-election and ahead of his forth coming swearing-in ceremony.
The Chief of Army Staff was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu, Major Gen. H. T. Dada, the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brig. Gen. B. A Lawal, Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, 32 Division and those of 34 Artillery Brigade.
The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Deputy Governor-elect, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, former House of Representatives member, Rt. Hon Jerry Alagboso and some members of the State Expanded Executive Council joined the Governor in receiving the Army Chief and his entourage.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Sector-wide Coordinating Office-Programme Management Unit (SCO-PMU) domiciled in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.A statement on Friday by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, said the unit would ensure efficient, transparent and accountable management of external grants mobilised towards the implementation of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
Ngelale said SCO-PMU would report to a Steering Committee/Ministerial Oversight Committee chaired by the Minister, including the Minister of State, Permanent Secretary; Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and relevant development partners. “The SCO-PMU will serve as the secretariat and delivery unit for the NHSRII and is to be headed by a national coordinator (NC).“The functions of the SCO-PMU include programme management, monitoring and evaluation, engagement and supervision of Independent Verification Agents (IVAs) for NHSRII programmes and fiduciary management, among others.“Consequently, the President has approved the appointment of Dr. Muntaqa Umar Sadiq as the National Coordinator of SCO-PMU,” he said.Report says that Sadiq has over 17 years of experience in public health, impact investing, investment banking, energy, and climate financing across the health, finance, climate and energy sectors.He had served as Head of the Performance Management and Delivery Unit at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Chief Executive Officer of the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria.He also served as Head of the Nigeria Energy Transition Office and Private Sector Engagement Adviser at the World Bank. (NAN)
The Federal Government says it has no plan to slash scholarship students’ allowances as recently projected in the media.The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, stated this during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja on Friday.
Report says that there was a report that the ministry, through the Federal Scholarship Board, announced a slash in allowances of foreign scholars stranded in Russia, Morocco, and Algeria among others.
The slash in scholars’ allowances under the federal government’s Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship (BEA) was attributed to the economic crises.Mamman said that there was no slash in scholars` allowances but rather an adjustment due to Foreign Exchange fluctuations (FOREX).“We want to clarify what has been in the media on allowances paid to scholars under the Bilateral Scholarship Agreement.“We want to place it on record that the ministry and the Federal Government for that matter have not slashed the allowances due to students.“What happened is some adjustments in the amount due to them because of FOREX fluctuations, and as soon as we get the balance we have applied for, we will pay them.“But for now, what is in the budget is what we can pay. So, there is no slash, we will even be happy to increase, so this is what has led to the adjustments,” he said.(NAN)
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, on Friday, has urged Nigerians to calm and patient with Federal Government and should give the the government more time to address these pressing concerns.In a statement issued by CAN and signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh ,President, CAN and made available to journalists in Abuja.
CAN also urged all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. He however said CAN stands in solidarity with the citizens of nation during these challenging times of economic hardship and pervasive hunger. The statement reads in part, “As we navigate this period of crisis, it is imperative to uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to peacefully protest and express their grievances. The right to assemble and voice discontent is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected and respected by all. Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing the populace to communicate their concerns and hold leaders accountable. However, the anxiety related to the impending protests is heightening, especially given the volatile experiences in countries like Kenya and Pakistan.”We must also draw from our recent history. The #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests, though rooted in genuine grievances, were marred by tragic incidents where miscreants hijacked the process. This led to widespread looting, destruction of properties, and unfortunate loss of lives. These experiences have shown us that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.” In light of the planned protests scheduled to commence on 1st of August, CAN urges all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. We recommend giving the government more time to address these pressing concerns. This period should be used to explore other legal avenues that will not easily give hoodlums the opportunity to hijack the exercise to destroy our national assets or endanger lives and properties. Dialogue, petitions, and town hall meetings are viable options that can yield positive results without the risk of disorder.”We call on the government to cut the cost of governance and expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. The opulent lifestyle of political office holders must be addressed to demonstrate the sincerity of those in government to improve the living conditions of the people. Likewise, it is imperative that the government implements the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to struggling families.”Furthermore, specific measures must be taken to put an end to kidnappings, banditry, and mass killings that have plagued various parts of our country. The security and well-being of every Nigerian should be paramount, and urgent action is required to restore peace and order.”We also call on the government to expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. There is an urgent need for more refined and effective policies that address the root causes of the economic challenges we face. The government must deepen its consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, to create a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to problem-solving. By working together, we can devise sustainable solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.”In these trying times, let us all remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). As we seek to bring about positive change, let us do so with a spirit of peace, love, and unity. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, support one another, and work collectively toward a better Nigeria.”We pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders, resilience and hope for our citizens, and divine intervention to guide us through these difficult times”.
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