Senators Uche Ekwunife, Stella Oduah and Abiodun Olujimi have extolled the leadership and humane virtues of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu in the celebration of her 64th birthday, September 21, 2024.

While congratulating Remi Tinubu the former Lawmakers in a joint statement issued from Abuja on Friday expressed that the First Lady represents a Beacon of Hope for all African Women.

The former Lawmakers who represented Anambra Central, Anambra North and Ekiti South lauded the efforts of Oluremi Tinubu who was also their colleague in the 9th Assembly representing Lagos Central.

According to the statement, the progress recorded so far in the country can't be told without mentioning the contributions of the First Lady who has immensely assisted the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in steering the affairs of the Nation.

Though the occasion calls for thanksgiving and celebration the Former Lawmakers however noted that it is also an opportunity for the citizens to support the administration's efforts in tackling the Nation's challenges.


"Dear amiable First Lady, we , your colleagues of the 9th Assembly, join your family, associates , well wishers and all Nigerians to celebrate the addition of another year to tour life.

"While we thank God for giving you yet another opportunity to celebrate another year, we are delighted and extremely proud of your immense legislative, Executive and philanthropic contributions to Nation Building, most especially the attainment of the Renewed Hope Agenda of tour dear Husband and our President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.


"Your exploits since the inception of this Administration has no doubt proven that you are indeed an Amazon of Hope worthy of emulation.

"You have consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service, leadership, and the preservation of progressive democratic ideals.

"Your pet projects such as the Unity Fabric, Home Garden Initiatives and innovations targeted at reducing poverty and empowering Nigerians particularly women to become self-reliant is indeed commendable.

"On this auspicious occasion, we pray for your continued good health, strength, and fulfillment.


Happy 64th Birthday, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, OON!

madridguy:
He has played his part in the movement. May Allah accept his soul and other brave warriors.

The reconstruction and rehabilitation of Nine Additional schools in Arochukwu LGA of Abia North in Abia State has commenced in earnest as facilitated by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu representing the zone at the National Assembly.

The development makes it a total of 19 basic schools either renovated or built by the Chairman Senate Committee on Privatisation since elected to the Senate in 2019.

Shedding more light, the former Abia Governor in a statement issued by his Media office on Monday said that the renovation and refurbishment of classrooms underscored his unwavering love for the people of Arochukwu.

Speaking on the renovation and construction of 50 schools captured in the 2024 Budget he submitted , he added that this would significantly enhance the learning and teaching environment for the staff and students in his constituency.

A statistical analysis showing the gains of Arochukwu was provided by the Senator; "With the additional schools, Arochukwu Local Government Area now has the highest number of renovated schools out of the 59 schools in Abia North.

He added; "When completed, the newly refurbished classroom blocks will provide an inspiring and conducive environment for learning, elevating the academic experience for both students and teachers.

According to the statement, the projects can be summarised as follows: Ndi Emene Community Primary School: Classroom reconstruction for a safe and conducive learning environment; Amaogbo Community Primary School*: Classroom, library, and office renovations to enhance the overall learning experience; Okeke Central Primary School: Classroom, library, and office renovations to improve infrastructure and provide a better learning space; Amuri Community Primary School: Renovation of 3 classrooms for a safe and conducive learning environment; ⁠Obinkita Central Primary School: Renovation of 3 classrooms to enhance the overall learning experience; Aggrey Ibom Primary School: Renovation of 2 classrooms and 1 store to improve infrastructure; Ututu Central Primary School: Renovation of 3 classrooms and 2 offices for better learning and administrative facilities; Umuzombo Community Primary School, Ihechiowa: Renovation of 4 classrooms to expand capacity and improve the learning environment and Okpo Primary School: Renovation of 2 classrooms, 1 office, and 1 store to improve infrastructure and provide necessary facilities.

“These comprehensive projects demonstrate a strong commitment to investing in education and providing students with the resources they need to succeed by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu,” the statement noted.

The lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, has called on President Bola Tinubu to replace the humanitarian affairs ministry with the national social security agency under the office of the president.

Sen Nwoko made the call in an open letter to the president.

The letter issued on Tuesday, August 26, was titled: ‘Reimagining Nigeria’s Social Safety Net: A Call to Replace the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with the National Social Security Agency under the Office of the President.’

Nigeria, according to the lawmaker, stands at a pivotal crossroads with the pervasive issues of poverty and the societal decay it perpetuates, reaching a level of urgency that can no longer be ignored.

He said: “Your Excellency, in the face of these challenges, it is imperative that we reassess our approach to social welfare in Nigeria. The current framework, embodied by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, has not only fallen short of addressing these issues but has also perpetuated a cycle of dependency and poverty. This ministry, while well-intentioned, has proven to be a temporary bandage on a deep and festering wound. This approach does not respect the inherent dignity of our people. It treats them as dependents rather than as citizens with rights.


“Social security should be recognised not as an act of benevolence, but as a fundamental right. It is time to rethink our strategy and implement a transformative change that will pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for all Nigerians.

“I respectfully urge you to consider establishing a National Social Security Agency, directly under the Office of the President, to replace the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. This agency would target and address the needs of the vulnerable population through a more efficient and sustainable system, one that truly empowers rather than pities, one that upholds the dignity and respect every Nigerian deserves.

“A system that ensures citizens feel truly secure, confident that no matter the circumstances, their basic needs for food and shelter will be met, a system that will provide the government with the necessary space to focus on other critical aspects of governance, free from unprovoked backlash due to perceived neglect or lack of support.”

Shedding light on those he considered vulnerable, Sen Nwoko said: “When we speak of the vulnerable, we must recognise them for who they truly are: our elderly who have served this country, now left without the security of a pension; our disabled who are daily fighting for a life of dignity in a society that overlooks their needs; our widows and orphans, left without a breadwinner and struggling to survive; the unemployed who seek work but find only closed doors; and those who have suffered unimaginable loss—whether through accidents, violence, or abandonment—and are now forgotten by the system that should protect them.

“These are the faces of Nigeria’s vulnerable population, and it is our moral obligation to ensure that they are not just seen but also supported with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Naijadaily:
Barely 48 hours after hosting an all stakeholders Reconciliatiory meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his Igbere residence, former Governor of Abia State Orji Uzor Kalu has just been received by the incumbent Abia State Governor, Alex Otti at his Nvosi, Ngwa private residence Abia State.

The Abia-North Senator arrived at the home of Otti at exactly 5pm , the Senate Committee Chairman on Privatisation and Commercialisation was accompanied by a few of his close Aides.

Decked in his usual white attire and a Red hat , Kalu alighted from his Black Prado Jeep and exchanged warm pleasantries with the State Governor who was already awaiting Kalu’s arrival at the entrance.

In a brief address with newsmen Kalu informed that the purpose of the visit is to discuss issues pertaining to the progress of the state and to brief the Governor with happenings at the National Assembly while commending the Governor's efforts to transform the state.

On his part the Governor commended Kalu for his representation, he also urged Politicians to set aside their political affiliations and focus on moving the state forward.

Shortly after both leaders headed straight into the building for subsequent engagements.


The August meeting comes less than 48 hours after Senator Kalu held a "unification" meeting with members of his All Progressives Congress, APC at his Igbere camp Neya country home.

The meeting drew the attendance of loyalists of the Party's 2023 Governorship candidate Ikechi Emenike and other stakeholders of other National ruling Party.

According to news reports of what transpired at the meeting ,Abia State Chairman of the Party , Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu described Kalu as a "Priceless Asset" to the party in the state and the National level.

Ononogbu recalled how Kalu’s fatherly guidance helped him reconsider resigning his chairmanship amidst party infractions, declaring Kalu’s home as the fortress of the party in Abia State.

He also urged the warring factions to sheath their swords while lamenting the lack of unity among stakeholders, which had caused losses in the last general elections.

Chairman of Kalu’s OUK Mr. Sunday Ogbaja Orjisi also lamented that fighting within the party caused them to lose Governor Otti to the Labour Party after he dumped the Party prior to the General elections.

"Some people have taken advantage of the disunity and on behalf of the OUK Movement we have all agreed to work with the APC Chairman. APC has all it takes to be in the government house.

"Even Governor Otti is a member of the APC but we lost him to the opposition. There should be no discrimination for us to make progress. All factions must be carried along by all the leaders, Ojirsi said.

@mynd44

Details later …



https://thewhisperer.ng/2024/06/21/just-in-abia-governor-alex-otti-hosts-senator-orji-kalu-behind-closed-doors-photos/

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Hundreds of OUK Movement Leaders drawn across the entire 103 wards of Abia North again reasserted their loyalty to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu representing the zone in the 10th National Assembly.

The ward Chairmen of the various Senatorial wards on Tuesday reaffirmed their solidarity behind the Political aspirations of the Kalu, pledging not to be swayed by inducements from the opposition.

Converging at the former Governor's Igbere Country home in Bende, the Local Government and ward Chairmen re-dedicated their loyalty to the Lawmaker citing his leadership style and development strides in their Senatorial zone.

On the behest of the Senate Committee on Chairman on Privatisation and Commercialisation, the leaders gathered to interact with their Senator. In their separate remarks votes of confidence were cast on Senator Orji Kalu with each leader promising to intensify their efforts.

Each member also received vocational training materials and food items.

"There is no going back" said the Chairman of Ohafia LGA, Mr. Jackline Umeh who in his address noted that Kalu has been unrelenting in supporting the welfare of the group's members.

Our Senator has been supporting the movement massively most especially in our welfare. We remain where we are with him , there is no going back", Umeh remarked.


Bende LGA Chairman, Mrs Ann Elendu explained how useful the vocational items sewing machines will be to youths in each ward of her local government.

According to her the 2027 political ambition of Senator Kalu is a done deal.

She asserted; "We continue to remain grateful to God for bringing Orji Kalu to us , like you know this is a typical practice borne out of his goodwill, magnaminty and compassion for people.

"If he decides to contest 100 times he shall win, no matter what we will continue to stand solidly behind him.

"At every meeting with him he makes sure he empowers us, this time he has given us 21 sewing machines for our local government wards.

"This will help with the training of youths in our LGA interested in fashion designing and this will assist them to become self-reliant to make a living in this harsh economy.

An appeal was made to avoid the mistakes and misconduct perpetrated by members during the 2023 general elections. According to Ohafia Barracks Ward Chairman Mrs Ginika Ezeaka members must avoid being compromised saying that members of her ward will continue to back Senator Kalu.


She said; "I want us not to repeat the mistakes of the 2023 election, anyone who has been given any responsibility must deliver 100 percent without compromise. Don't play double games as you can see the slogan has changed and this is a new era.

Ward Leader Arochukwu ward 4, Nkechi Nwadike appealed for improved support to enable members of her ward hood meetings regularly affirming that their loyalty remains unshaken.

The rebranded slogan of the organisation was hailed by the Item ward D Chairman Hon. Chief Alaezi Onyekwere John who described it as a welcome development.

He pointed out that the new slogan which states that "anyone who works must reap" is motivational , and reiterated the loyalty of his members.

Alaezi also known as Akajiugo 1 of Item Okpi thanked Kalu for his impacts in the Senatorial District;

"The new slogan is commendable because anyone who works should be able to reap from his or her sweat. I'm making no mistake this is the Best Senatorial district in Abia-North. Even on social media our Senatorial District rated as the best.

"There is a task ahead and we have agreed to face it squarely without retreating. We will continue to do our best to make sure that our Senator remains unbeatable.

Kalu in his address commended members for their efforts urging them to intensify their commitment , he outlined some of his welfare interventions.

He said; "We have been rendering assistance to our members, if you have any problem, reach out to your leaders. I urge you to redouble your dedication and take this work seriously because there is a task ahead. We can achieve more if we are united.

"Recently one of your members was shot , I had to call the commissioner of Police directly and the person was hospitalised.

He appealed to his supporters to continue to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is working very hard to make life easier for all.

“I know things are very tough. It is not easy anywhere, but the president is working very hard to make things easy for all. It is time to unite and support the president to move Nigeria forward for the good all,” he said.

SoNature:


My point is that these senators should stop building pig houses in the name of classroom blocks. Our world has moved. You cannot budget 300 million for a project and end up giving 20 million to a contractor and expect the best. Please let's stop defending mediocrity.

SoNature:
Imagine the kind of classroom blocks senators are building in 21st century. I thought I would see very beautiful pictures when I saw transform.

These senators should be taking classes from Femi Gbaja on what decent infrastructural projects should look like. The world is upgrading its infrastructure and Nigeria cannot continue to exist in isolation.

Pix: See what your colleagues in a lower legislative house did in his constituency.