Gov. Ugwuanyi awards contracts for multiple road projects in Igbo-Eze North, Nkanu-East, Igbo-Etiti LGAs, others
The administration of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has awarded contracts for another set of development projects across the state, totaling over N1 billion, to deepen its noble vision to develop the rural areas in line with the government’s four-point agenda.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting of the State Executive Council (EXCO), the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, stated that the projects duly considered and approved by the council include the extension of the construction of Ogurute-Mkpamute – Igogoro-Ikpamodo-Okpo-Amaja road and the Ogurute - Umuogbo-Umuokpu-Ette road both in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of the state. Engr. Nnaji noted that the present administration had constructed phase one of the two roads, adding that the newly awarded projects were the phase two.
Also approved for rehabilitation/construction, according to the works commissioner, were selected roads in Igbo-Etiti LGA, namely, the 9th Mile-Makurdi expressway- Community Secondary School road, Ozalla; the Akaibute-Ohebe Dim-Aku road and the St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Ezi Ukehe-Afia Four-Umurusi road.
On the Ozalla community road, he explained that the council “approved that an access road be created for the people, saying: “We are taking the first phase of that road into the community and it is going to be classified as a rural feeder road”.
Engr. Nnaji further explained that the Akaibute-Ohebe Dim-Aku road will be rehabilitated while the St. Mary’s Catholic Church - Ezi Ukehe-Afia Four-Umurusi road was classified as “a full construction which entails site preparation, earthwork, drainages, pavement and surfacing”.
The works commissioner added that the council equally approved the rehabilitation/construction of the second phase of Ugbawka-Nara-Nkerefi road in Nkanu-East LGA, pointing out that the project was an extension of the first phase of the road.
Other development projects approved by the council were the renovation of Enugu State Library, Enugu; rehabilitation of Amechi Uwani road, Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA and the completion work on the Bailey bridge across Nyama River connecting Amechi Uno/Obeagu communities in the same council area.
In his brief remark, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ogbuagu Anikwe announced that Enugu State emerged the best state in ICT development in Nigeria according to the recent rating by the National Council on Communications Technology. #amokelouis
There is saying that two heads are better than one. Actually it’s false when you compare what we have in Nigeria to other countries leadership structures. What we have in Nigeria is one good head in Osinbajo and another bad head in Buhari as a result, the two heads are better than one does not apply here.
This is premise on the successive success he has achieved during his occasional stincts as the Acting President. Looking at the Offa Robbery and seemingly incompetence and politicization that has dodged the occurrence courtesy of a massive incompetent man called Ibrahim Idris.
It would have been another kettle of fish if Osinbajo is Nigeria’s President. He would have wielded the big stick on Idris for his poor handling and politicization of this incidence. Several months after the killings, no one has been arraigned for this rather the prime suspect died under the watchful eyes of Idris which is a setback to enforcement of justice in this democratic era.
Why is it that the IGP has continued to act as a cog in the wheel of our nascent democracy. First in Anambra, later In Benue, now in Akwa Ibom. In Akwa Ibom, Idris believes 5 members of the state house of assembly is greater than 21 and the state has been thrown into anarchy.
Why the unending politicization of the NPF by this man that naturally should have proceeded on leave as he is due for retirement in few months time.
Let’s forget his kangaroo assumption to the exalted office of the Inspector General of Police, let’s forget his ignoble role in the spurious 2m votes Buhari garnered in Kano in 2015, let’s forget his poor handling of the eventual murder and arson of the Kano state REC and let’s forget his transmission, transmission.. Lol
Can we ask ourselves why Ibrahim Idris is still the IGP despite his incompetence and politicization of the Nigerian Police? Can we start with the poor welfare of officers of the NPF under Idris that made them protest recently in Imo?? Why is it that their welfare is not taken care of? Why is it that the IGP is personally pocketing over 1 Billion Naira annually from fees of police officers on special duty of which he has Ben running away from NASS probe? Why did Ibrahim Idris ordered the arrest of DEJI Adeyanju for protesting against the politicization of the NPF.
Why is President Buhari overlooking all his inadequacies. Daura did not do half of this before Osinbajo fired him. Is Buhari too weak to deal with Ibrahim Idris? Osinbajo has shown several times he is the better part of this pair and Uta disgusting to say the least that we have an incompetent man as the President.
This is a red flag to National Security and the 2019 elections. President Buhari must not allow an incompetent man like Idris around him, if he is doing that then it speaks volumes about his leadership abilities and should learn from Osinbajo
Nigeria’s infrastructure is presently ranked 132 of 138 countries in the World Economic Forum’s 2016-17 global competitiveness index and according to the WEF’s 2016 Executive Opinion Survey, the poor supply of infrastructure is one of the biggest constraints to doing business in the country. At the grassroots level this adversely affects communities who feel the negative impact of inadequate infrastructure, in broken schools, unmotorable roads and the lack of healthcare facilities or access to electrical power to drive the growth of businesses. With an infrastructure deficit of about $3 trillion and limited funds due to harsh economic realities, it has fallen on the goodwill of more opportuned Nigerians to step in the gap and provide school buildings, health centres and other community support programs in Nigeria’s semi-urban and rural areas.
One of those who have constantly stepped up to meet the challenges of people in his community is the APC House of Representatives candidate for the Egbeda/Ona Ara federal constituency in Oyo State. Akin Alabi is heavily involved in philanthropic works and he is the founder of Akin Alabi Foundation, a non-governmental, not for profit organization aimed at improving the well being of the average Nigerian. With the motto, touching lives one person at a time, the foundation has successfully implemented projects like building and donating classrooms to primary schools, sinking of bore holes in areas where there is scarcity of water, financial empowerment of widows and a free business and career building event popularly called Youth Enterprise Conference (YECO). At the fourth edition of the Youth Enterprise Conference earlier in the year, the foundation empowered 52 young Nigerian entrepreneurs by supporting them with the sum of N5.2 million.
Akin Alabi started investing in the community in 2014 when he donated a block of classrooms to to the Asaju Adelubi community in Egbeda Local Government Area in Oyo State to aid the state in providing critical education infrastructure in rural parts of Oyo State. He has followed that up with investments more targeted towards developing human capacity and recently got the approval of the Oyo State Government to build an ICT Center at Bioku Community High School, Ibadan. Born in Ibadan in 1977 to parents from Egbeda Local Government of Oyo State, Akin Alabi being a ardent follower of football has made significant investments in sports development in Oyo State, sponsoring the local 3SC Football Club and also creating opportunities to discover promising sportsmen at the grassroots level. He is currently building a Sports Complex at Urban Day grammar school, Old Ife road, Ibadan.
In a bid to create more sustainable means of providing critical services and needs to the people, Akin Alabi resigned from his role as the chief executive of Nairabet, an online betting company he had built from the scratch to join politics and contest for office and bring much needed reforms that would impact his community. In a recent interview with Tech Point, Oloye Akin Alabi (as he is called by supporters and friends) said “My father loved politics. As a young boy, I would accompany him to party meetings. So that’s how I fell in love with politics too. I have come to understand that politics is the most powerful tool you can use to impact society” “There are other tools you can use but that is the most powerful. You can only do so much with personal wealth. While billionaires like Dangote will run away from handling capital projects like the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Benin-Ore road or Zaria road, an ordinary minister can face it head-on. That’s how powerful government is”
According to Jenny Hodgson, executive director of the Global Fund for Community Foundations, the emergence of a new class of wealthy individuals in many developing countries has led to a rapid growth in private and family foundations which take a more holistic, long-term and flexible approach that can develop community resilience and social cohesion. Inclusive community investment initiatives like those led by Akin Alabi has shown great promise in supporting economic independence, fostering entrepreneurship and small business development which help strengthen the local economy and create opportunities within the community. This is where Akin Alabi has shown that he has what it takes to serve the interests of his people best.
2019: Udi people endorse Gov. Ugwuanyi for second term
The people of Udi North Constituency in Udi Local Government Area on Tuesday paid a thank-you visit to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State at the Government House, Enugu and unanimously reaffirmed their endorsement for his re-election in 2019.
The jubilant people of the area, comprising all the traditional rulers, stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), academics, market women and youths, among others, said they came to appreciate Gov. Ugwuanyi for giving them a sense of belonging.
They added that the governor has recognized them in the scheme of things through political appointments and provision of infrastructure such as the construction of High Court Division in Awhum, the ongoing RAMP II road project from Egede to Awhum, and the recent approval for the construction of a General Hospital in Affah, among others.
Led by the Chairman of Udi Local Government Area, Hon. Nestor Ochin and the member representing Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Amadi, the people reaffirmed their support for Gov. Ugwuanyi’s second term bid, reassuring him of 100 percent votes during the elections.
Speaking, Hon. Ochin commended the governor for the successful conduct of the PDP primaries in the state, stressing that the governor’s wisdom and commitment to participatory democracy ensured that “no single person decamped from our party in Udi” after the exercise.
“We were the first to commence reconciliation and everybody has joined our candidates to ensure that we win the elections and give you the highest number of votes”, the council chairman said.
In his remark, Hon. Amadi, who noted that “this is the first time we are experiencing infrastructural development in our area”, said: “You gave us Commissioner for Health; you gave us health facilities and you are collaborating with the federal government in the construction of Udi North ring road, and today rehabilitation of 9th Mile - Opi Nsukka road has commenced for ease of transportation during the Christmas celebration”.
Other speakers, such as Hon. Barr. Tahill Ochi; Chief Cosmas Agu, Hon. Sir. Chinedu Ani and Hon. Uche Agu, equally praised the governor for his inclusive leadership by recognizing their people in the governance of the state and reassured him that they are solidly behind his re-election bid in 2019.
Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who expressed delight at the caliber of leaders that paid him the visit, commended the unity among the people and thanked them for the support, goodwill, solidarity and prayers.
Enugu State is truly in the hands of God! #amokelouis
Less than a week to commencement of Gubernatorial campaign for 2019 election, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has adjusted campaign structure, appointing Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s aide, Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef and Lagos House of Assembly, Deputy Speaker, Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni as Directors.
The adjustment, the Guild gathered, was embarked upon to ensure that candidates of other political parties vying for the seat were kept on their toes till after the election.
Besides, the campaign team also adopted Independent Campaign Group (ICG) platform to run an inclusive campaign house that would accommodate aggrieved members and form a joint front ahead of 2019 election.
Under the new structure, 43 members of the party were appointed based on their expertise as directors and coordinators who were to serve across the three senatorial districts in the state.
After the adjustment, Tayo Ayinde was appointed as Director-General of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Independent Campaign Group (BOSICG), haven previously served in same position before the merger of Ambode and Sanwo-Olu campaign teams.
Aside him, Sanwo-Olu also appointed former APC Vice Chairman, Cardinal James Odunbaku as Deputy Director-General for the group.
At the inauguration yesterday, Ayinde announced the names of directors of the each created directorates, with various tasks tied to the entire positions.
On the list, Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) former chairman, Moshood Salvador, was announced as Assistant Director-General who would oversee the group’s affairs in West Senatorial district of the state; with responsibility of coordinating President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign in Lagos.
To handle other senatorial districts, the gubernatorial candidate appointed former lawmaker, Wahab Alawiye-King, also as Assistant Director-General for Lagos Central Senatorial district while former chairman, Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Yetunde Arobieke as Assistant Director-General for the East senatorial district.
Also on the director list were Eshinlokun-Sanni, who was appointed to oversea Research and Intelligence, Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Abdul-Lateef, was assigned for Conflict Resolution while Lagos State former Solicitor-General, Lawal Pedro, was made to handle the group’s legal affairs.
Also, former Commissioner for Agriculture, Enoch Ajiboso, was appointed as Director, Community Affairs and former Commissioner for Rural Development, Cornelius Ojelabi, as Assistant Director-General, Lagos West (Badagry axis).
As Sanwo-Olu announced his appointment, a source from APC secretariat, disclosed that the party had created nine directorates that would handle 2019 election campaign for the party in the state.
The source said that, though, the party was making efforts to compel Sanwo-Olu’s ICG to collapse 41 directorate structures to nine, but that may not be achievable since the independent campaign group’s aim was to harmonize all aggrieved party members after the recently conducted primary election.
He hinted that the party had invited Ayinde and Odunbaku on the aforementioned but met stiff resistance of directors who were earlier privy to APC plan.
According to him, the party may have no option than to stay away from the group’s structure and accept Sanwo-Olu’s campaign plan.
Meanwhile, as part of the strategy to reach rural dwellers, an arm of Sanwo-Olu’s ICG was also established to engage citizens at grassroots level across the state.
The arm, ICG Grassroots Engagement Committee, as part of its responsibility is saddled with the responsibility of coordinating street canvassers and artisans within the state.
As part of the group’s responsibility, they would mobilise Community Development Association and Community Development Committee and other grassroots based organizations, basically to ensure full participation during electioneering campaign.
As the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar celebrates his 72nd birthday, a video has surfaced of his running mate berating politicians who are above "retirement age" and yet want to rule the country.
A video of the Treasurer of the Lagos state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya also called Mc-Oluomo is going round although, it is in Yoruba, it is translated as
"We are right now in Oshogbo, who is PDP? You Saraki, you came here with all your money, what happened? We are coming for you in Kwara to take it from you"
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Deputy Governors of Enugu and Ebonyi States (Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and Dr. Kelechi Igwe), Senator Jim Nwobodo and others, at former Governor Sullivan Chime's book presentation on Friday.
Pix one: Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (middle) with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (left) and the immediate past Governor of the state, Mr. Sullivan Chime, during the book presentation on the eight-year tenure of the former governor, held in Enugu, yesterday.
Enugu State is truly in the hands of God! #amokelouis
Death of 100 soldiers :President Buhari, It's Time to Go!
The successive killings of our soldiers by Boko-Haram is a red flag to every Nigerian and here is why. The Islamic state west African Province (ISWAP) an affiliate of ISIS under the leadership of Elbinawi is currently the most deadly terrorist group in Africa and top three in the world.
Please forget Shekau, he is a rabble rouser compared to Elbinawi, Elbinawi apart from being a killer and thief loves money. Shekau has not taken a dime from Nigeria according to account by several people close to the Boko Haram sect. Elbinawi emerged after Buhari came to power and has collected millions of dollars for the Dapchi girls and other abductees.
Majority of Boko-Haram fighters arrested during the previous administration have been released by this administration including their commander's and footsoldiers under the guise of repentance by the Buhari Administration. When I say Buhari has emboldened Boko-Haram in my articles this is what I'm referring to.
Let it be on record that the United States captured some terrorists in Afghanistan 13yrs ago. Those guys are still in detention till date at Guantanamo Bay. Why? Because terrorists do not repent and do not deserve a second chance at life. They will die there (as Nigerians will say).
Here in Nigeria, there is no single Boko-Haram member in detention and none has been caught since 2015. Buhari has released all!
The recent attack on our soldiers in Jili that killed over 200 of them in April and the recent one that killed over 100 is a sign that Boko-Haram is not here to play and we must be very prayerful. As at this morning, ISIS have suffered so much casualty in the middle east that they are already looking for exit routes and they've found a good ally in Nigeria.
The recent video released by BH shows they are not here to play. It shows they've gone up higher in intelligence and equipment which supercedes that of Nigeria. Having a camera man on a war front shows they will never suffer CASUALTY as they came prepared!
At this level, it is important we make it a national responsibility to vote out President Buhari. Our soldiers are dying daily and it's reducing their strength. Nigeria, a county of over 100m people did not have up to 3m soldiers! And we want to win Boko-Haram?
The dwindling numbers of officers commissioned into the Nigerian Army since 2015 is not encouraging, the last recruitment had less than 1000 officers which means Nigerians are no more interested! Let's subtract the officers on special duty and operations in different state of the federation out of the 3 million. We simply have less than 1 million soldiers to protect Nigeria and less than 50,000 in the North East!
At this level all of us are endangered and we must accept that fact. I don't care your level of political divide. President Buhari has failed on Boko-Haram and its time to let him go. Our soldiers were killed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Today is Saturday, the President has not said anything yet. The National Assembly has spoken, Atiku has spoken, he has released a video and granted scholarship. It means Buhari does not give a damn.
Our cashtivists (sorry Activists) that nearly killed Johnathan with criticism where are they today? Tolu Ogunlesi is not aware? Lauretta is not aware? Pastor Tunde Bakare is not aware? Hadiza Bala Usman is not aware? Shame on you all!
Before you come for me, let me ask you, do you have an international passport? Do you have 500k you keep for emergency exit out of Nigeria?? If no, get your PVC and vote out Buhari!
Yesterday, Reuters reported that another terrorist attack on an army base in the village of Metele in northeastern Borno state occurred on Sunday, leading to the loss of 100 brave soldiers. One of the officers who spoke to Reuters said “The insurgents took us unawares, The base was burned with arms and we lost about 100 soldiers. It is a huge loss.” As we speak, hardly any Nigerian media platform has reported this news in the papers, causing many Nigerians to question if there is a conspiracy between the Buhari administration and the media to under-report Boko Haram attacks.
What is very curious and quite disturbing is the fact that the morning after such an attack, most of the major Nigerian newspapers did not deem it necessary to report this news. It is also quite damning that the day after the President Buhari announced his Next Level campaign, these same newspapers reported this as front page news.
Nigerians have instead, had to look to International media outlets such as Reuters and The New York Times to report without bias, the actual state of security in the country
https://i2.wp.com/leaders.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/snipping-1-3.jpg?w=729 https://i1.wp.com/leaders.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/snipping-1-4.jpg?w=693 Recall that the Federal Government in September 2015 had called for a media blackout on Boko Haram activities. Speaking during a visit by the Acting Director, Defence Information Colonel Rabe Abubakar, the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said that as long as the media keeps using sensational headlines, the insurgents would have a reason to continue. “We are helping Boko Haram with our headlines, if we stop those headlines, Boko Haram will fizzle out because there’s no incentive”
Many Nigerians have called this an unnecessary gag on the press to discourage them from reporting the incompetence of the Buhari administration to battle the security challenges it promised to resolve while it campaigned for office. In September, Nicholas Ibekwe, a journalist with online media platform Premium Times posted a tweet alleging that soon after the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, was appointed, he met with sections of the media and “begged that news about Boko Haram should be relegated from the front to the backpages”. He continued that this might be responsible for the complacent reporting of the conflict in the northeast.
The under-reporting of the attacks on Nigerian security forces and territories by the Nigerian media has prompted a sustained backlash against the presidency and the ruling APC by social commentators who continue to call out the government for devoting funds to announce the election bid of President Buhari on the front page of major Nigerian dailies, while relegating the real issues facing Nigerians to the backpages.
Award winning script writer, Tomi Adesina showed off her AMAA award on her Twitter hendle. The talented writer who is part of the Hakunde project wrote
Deploying public resources towards political ends is one of the major accusations that have been leveled against the APC by Nigerians who have come to witness impunity, nepotism and abuse of office increase at an alarming rate.
As the 2019 elections draw close, the incumbent is finding new ways to use state funds to win elections in critical states.
The APC gubernatorial candidate in Kwara State Mr Abdulrahman Abdulrazak has been enjoying a lot of financial support from his brother, Mr Isiaka Abdulrazak, the Chief Financial Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) through oil contracts and cash gifts.
Isiaka Abdulrazak, The Chief Financial Officer of The NNPC
This ugly trend is not exclusive to Kwara as a LeadersNg exclusive revealed details of how the Spokesperson for President Buhari’s re-election bid Mr. Festus Keyamo got a cash sum of N450 million from the NNPC to fund media and publicity for the Buhari Campaign. Subsidy Fraud
Mr Isiaka Abdulrazak alongside the GMD of NNPC and Mr. Maikanti Baru are the only two people in charge of the 373 Billion subsidy/under recovery fund that was illegally diverted by the Buhari administration from the NLNG dividends as revealed in a Premium times exclusive.
The Premium times exclusive came a week after the Senate had launched an investigation into the Subsidy payments under the current administration that had risen to the tune of $3.5bn without any approval by the National Assembly. State Governors initially accused the NNPC of fraudulent subsidy payments and questioned how the corporation managed to double the daily consumption of petrol from about 30 million litres to more than 60 million litres in its books thereby skyrocketing the amount paid on the fraudulent scheme.
The elder Abdulrazak was declared the winner of the highly controversial APC primaries in October by the National leadership of the Party. Mr. Abdulrazak bragged about funding the elections solely and how his wealth as an oil contractor would be the deciding factor, according to several top members of the party in Kwara, Mr Abdulrazak was chosen solely because of his promise to singlehandedly bankroll the entire party in the state despite a lack of political structure and proper developmental plans.
Mr Abdulrahman Abdulrazak and his brother Isiaka are sons of Alhaji AGF Abdulrazak. Abdulrahman is the CEO of First Fuels limited, a company he had left for sports and politics until his brother’s rise to the top of the NNPC. Abdulrazak had quit the oil business after the subsidy probes of 2012 affected a lot of oil importers that had no real business importing oil.
After his brother’s meteoric rise in NNPC in the General Buhari administration, First Fuels is back to receiving dubious contracts from the NNPC. The NNPC recently engaged First fuels and about 49 other local firms to participate in its crude lifting contracts from 2018-2020 in a move widely criticized by major players in the oil industry for the timing and obvious political undertone.
The Money Source
A United Kingdom-based public Policy assessment organisation, The Oxford Policy Management interrogated the contracts and alleged that the process had been largely influenced by the political undertones of the 2019 general elections. It explained that the rise in the number of lifters to 50 within four electoral months while Nigeria’s oil production had remained relatively at previous levels was unnecessary and highly wasteful, most especially due to the opacity involved in the contracts awarded to government cronies.
The Minister of state for Petroleum, Mr Ibe Kachikwu also accused the NNPC of awarding contracts up to $25bn without due process, Mr Kachikwu made this claim in a leaked letter to President Buhari, accusing Mr Baru of illegally awarding billions of dollars worth of contracts without the proper approval process.
The award of dubious contracts to fund several campaign groups is a recurring issue in the 2019 elections, the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and housing awarded some contracts to members of the Buhari campaign organisation to fund the President’s re-election bid.
It should be recalled that the President has actively maintained involvement in Kwara politics, he recently met with Kwara APC leaders and gave them a marching order to take over Kwara at all cost. The President’s personal involvement in this state may have led to the funding of the candidate via the illegal subsidy diversion and crude lifting contracts.
Rotary International (RI) President Barry Rassin, at the Government House, Enugu, this evening decorated Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as a Major Donor.
The RI President commended the people's governor for his hospitality, generosity, companionship and support, encouraging him to continue the good works he is doing in Enugu State.
Rassin and his wife, Esther are in Enugu State on a two-day working visit.
ITEL MOBILE REWARDS STUDENTS WITH HALF A MILLION IN THE #IGOTTHEMOVES DANCE COMPETITION Lagos, 9th November 2018 – Reiterating its commitment to empowering Nigerian youths to showcase their talents through various levels of passion, energy, and creativity; Africa’s mobile giant, itel Mobile has just concluded a seven-campus dance activation in Nigerian Universities geared towards creating awareness for its selfie-centric flagship – itel S13.
The activity tagged #iGotTheMoves dance competition started earlier in October with a visit to Nigerian universities such as Laspotech, Yabatech, Lasu, ABU Zaria, University of Ibadan and FUNNAB. In addition to this, an online contest for fans was held which also had participants battle for amazing gifts items and a whopping sum of N500,000 by dancing to itel’s theme song. The campaign was concluded with Ogundare Adenike Tosin, an undergraduate of Hospitality management in Lagos State Polytechnic emerging the winner with a cash prize of N300,000 as the offline dance champion while a sum of N100,000 each was awarded to the online winner and runner-up winner, Oreoluwa Oladapo and Akinyele Temidayo from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and Lagos State University respectively. Speaking on her victory, the ecstatic dance champion, Ogundare Adenike said: “ This is a dream come true. I had contested earlier in the campus dance competition and won N50,000 and now I won again the finals. Dancing has always been my passion and I’m grateful to itel Mobile for creating this platform for me to showcase my talent and pursue my dreams of becoming a professional dancer. With this cash prize, I can finally enroll in a dance school and become someone great. I’m so honored. Thank you itel Mobile”.
Addressing the media on the competition, Oke Umurhohwo, Marketing Communications Manager, itel Mobile, said the essence of the competition was to promote the dance culture of Nigerian and project the amazing camera sensor mounted on the itel S13 for clearer selfies “itel Mobile over the years has grown from just a feature phone brand to a smartphone brand, that understands the needs of young Nigerians, and while we have continued to tailor our devices towards providing the best mobile experiences at an affordable rate. Having the opportunity to start this dance competition is our way of showing that we care and we celebrate creativity amongst our target audience.” The electric atmosphere at the grand finale of the competition had in attendance amazing acts like Terry Apala, Victor AD, Junior Boy, and a host of other top-notch Nigerian artistes along with students Lovers of the itel brand, and lovers of dance.
Ahead of the Nov 17 bye-election for Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero federal constituency in Kwara, Gov @AbdulfataAhmed, Hon. Atunwa & others visited Olupo of Ajasse-Ipo.
Please help me check this picture very well, what could be in that “brown envelope” Is it Money? ��♂️ https:///cTmfOrd0om
Enugu State Government to honour our darling Rangers International Football Club of Enugu for her recent remarkable victory in the 2018 NFF/AITEO Federation Cup after 35 years.
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2018. Venue: Main Bowl, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. Time: 10am.
The good people of the state and indeed all teeming fans of Rangers across the country are cordially invited to celebrate the goodness of God in Enugu State, for "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice".
The European Union Ambassador/Head of Delegation in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Ketil Karlsen (middle, first picture) and the Netherlands' Ambassador to Nigeria, Robert Petri, on Tuesday, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State at the Government House, Enugu.
The duo were in Enugu State for the EU-funded Youth Votes Count Campus Outreach held at the University of Nigeria of Nigeria Nsukka.
In a brief chat with newsmen at the Government House, the EU Ambassador, disclosed that the programme was "to support a clear process of free, fair, credible and peaceful elections" and "the importance of making votes count".
Mr. Karlsen expressed delight with the giant development strides and peaceful and serene atmosphere of Enugu State.
He said that Enugu State is "one of the most orderly place we have seen in Nigeria", adding that "we enjoyed the road to University of Nigeria Nsukka".
The Ambassador stated they had "the privilege to have a very good discussion with the governor on the challenges and opportunities in Enugu State, and of course the importance of our continued partnership not only through development cooperation but also through investments and job opportunities".
Speaking further on his experience in Enugu State, the envoy said: "I must say that I have a wonderful impression, very calm and serene. So, it has been a pleasure to be here.
Enugu State is truly in the hands of God! #amokelouis
The Ekiti state governor, Kayode Fayemi is doing a tour of facilities in the state, yesterday he went to Ikogosi and today, he visited Fountain Hotel to see things for himself and it was not a pretty sight.
The governor had called the state of structures a "catalogue of disasters" earlier.
Broken down facilities, damaged roofs etc abounded and on briefed by the MD, JD Folorunsho, the former governor, Ayodele Fayose tried to lease the hotel just days before he handed over government.
Investors in the capital market continue to show disinterest in Zenith Bank, as the attempt of the lender’s Group Managing Director, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, and Chairman, Jim Ovia, to save the firm’s falling share fail to convince shareholders.
Year-to-date, Zenith Bank share has lost -8.54% value in the capital market, according to Prime Business analysis, which means an investor who paid N25.15 million to buy 1,000,000 shares of the firm at the start of January at N25.15kobo per share, has lost N2.15 million in investment.
So lack of growth prospects in Zenith Bank is forcing shareholders of the firm to sell off their shares at lower price than they bought it, in a bid to save what’s left of their investment in the bank.
Aside from investors losing part of their investment to the sell off, it has also reduced Zenith Bank’s market valuation to N722.11 billion as at Thursday, against the N789.62 billion held early January – this is a loss of N67.50 billion in six months.
In order to prevent the continuous fall in Zenith Bank share value, the management have been buying large volumes, with Jim Ovia buying 2,000,000 shares between May 9 and May 11, through his investment company, Quantum Zenity Securities & Investment Limited.
The CEO, Onyeagwu, has also been busy in the capital market, purchasing 12.10 million shares last month. Note that the acquisition of shares by top directors at a firm is some management’s way of luring the capital market into buying or demanding for their share.
However, Ovia and Onyeagwu’s acquisition wasn’t convincing enough to investors, considering Zenith Bank share depreciated by -4.16% at the end of May, reflecting heavy investor pessimism, holding believe that the share will still fall.
Ovia, has also been affected by the downward trajectory in Zenith Bank, losing N10.88 billion in the last six months, as his investment in the lender dwindled to N116.42 million, from N127.30 billion.
While Onyeagwu lost N142.10 million during the same period, with his funds in Zenith Bank crashing to N1.52 billion, below the N1.66 billion he held, if all his investment in the last six months in the bank is pegged with current market price of N23.
Endorsements of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for a second term in office gathered momentum on Monday as the people of Nkanu East Local Government Area unanimously endorsed his re-election bid in 2019.
The jubilant people of the council area, who converged on the Government House, Enugu, in their large numbers, on a solidarity visit told Gov. Ugwuanyi that “we are solidly behind you and the good work of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government in Enugu State".
The people of the council area, comprising political leaders, traditional rulers, leaders of thought, academics, market women, youths and various support groups, among others, reassured the governor that “come rain, come sunshine” they will support him and his administration in the coming elections.
Speaking on their behalf, the chairman of the council, Hon. Ikechukwu Ubagu stated that the governor has performed creditably and demonstrated the political will and commitment to do more for the people of the area in particular and the state in general, stressing that he deserves a second term to complete the good work he has started in the state.
Enugu State is truly in the hands of God. #amokelouis
The PDP Presidential Candidate has admitted that even though $16 Billion was spent on? Electricity from 1999 to 2007 when he was Vice President, they did not handle the issue of electricity properly.
His exact words
"IF we had handled the issue of electricity when we were in office, by 2005, we would have provided enough electricity for people of this country.. "
This comes contrary to what he tries to display that when he was Vice-President, they did their best.
So does this mean they just squandered $16 Billion without need?
Accord Party and 44 other parties have endorsed All Progressives Congress, APC gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the 2019 election.
The endorsement came barely a month to the date set by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for the commencement of governorship election campaign in the country.
Other political parties that threw their weight behind the APC candidate ahead of the election next year were: Kowa Party (KP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Alliance of Social Democrats (ASD), Coalition for Change (C4C), Better Nigeria Progressives Party (BNPP), United Patriot (UP), Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, Young Democratic Party (YDP), Yes Electorate Solidarity, (YES), Youth Party (YP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), Peoples Redemption Party, (PRP), Peoples Progressives Party (PPP), Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN), Providence People’s Congress (PPC).
Also included were: Progressives People’s Alliance (PPA), Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), Nigeria People’s Congress (NPC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Independent Democracts (ID), Justice Must Prevail Party (JMPP), Legacy Party of Nigeria (LPN), Masses Movement of Nigeria (MMN).
The parties made the endorsement yesterday under the aegis of Coalition of Progressives Political Parties in Lagos State (CP3), assuring him of their unalloyed support before and during the election in the state.
TUC/World Bank rating; Rangers feat; Ohaneze’s nod
By Louis Amoke
The Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as usual featured prominently in the news in the last three weeks. During the period under review, Gov. Ugwuanyi was named the “2018 Sun Governor of the Year” for good governance; rapid rural development; regular payment of workers’ salaries and retirees’ pensions even without the receipt of federal allocation; nurturing peace and harmony among the political class and critical support for security agencies, among others.
Prior to this well-deserved feat, the National President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade (Dr.) Bobboi Bala Kaigama, while in Enugu for the ground breaking of 100 Housing Units for Nigerian workers, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his sterling performance in office and outstanding commitment to the welfare of the state’s civil servants.
Comrade Kaigama added that his leadership was proud of Gov. Ugwuanyi for paying workers’ salaries regularly and ensuring that they “have decent working environment”, saying, “If there is any governor that Nigerian workers can come up and work for his success particularly for his second term, we are proud to say that our members will work for you”.
The housing project under reference is being developed by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) in collaboration with Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Nigeria Employer’s Consultative Association (NECA) and the Enugu State Government. The Gov. Ugwuanyi administration in fulfillment of one of its contributions to the speedy actualization of the project, which is so dear to the workers, recently awarded contract for the construction of access roads to the site.
Also within the weeks under review, the Rangers International Football Club of Enugu staged one of the greatest soccer comebacks to win the 2018 Challenge Cup now tagged the NFF/ AITEO Cup after 35 years of the club’s last victory in the competition. It would be recalled that Enugu Rangers FC, under Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, exhibited similar historic feat when it won the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) cup – breaking the jinx of being unable to win a trophy after 32 years.
Also, the World Bank Group rated Enugu State as the second most advanced state in Nigeria towards the frontier of global good practices with regards to Ease of Doing Business.
The objective rating, which was contained in the recently released World Bank Doing Business in Nigeria 2018 report, by implication, proves that Enugu State, under the visionary leadership of Gov. Ugwuanyi has institutionalized far-reaching socio-economic reforms and provided critical infrastructure and security that have engendered a robust climate of Ease of Doing Business, creating an increased inflow of local and foreign direct investments in the state. It has also gone a long way to showcase the ingenuity of the present administration in advancing the cause of business engagements in the state through innovations, accountability, fiscal discipline and efficient public expenditure management for the overall wellbeing of the masses.
Prior to the recent World Bank rating, Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration had received an avalanche of similar verdicts and commendations from well-respected bodies. These include the Senate on the judicious utilization of the bailout funds; the BudgIT report, which listed Enugu, Lagos and Rivers as the only three states out of the 36 states of the federation that have fulfilled obligations to their workers; the recent Economic Confidential magazine verdict that listed Enugu among the seven states that are solvent with impressive over-30 per cent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to fund additional economic activities.
Others include, the fifth most competitive state in Nigeria, according to the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria; the third most debt sustainable State in Nigeria; the first state in Nigeria to publish its Audited State/Final Account for three consecutive years; first in the South East geo-political zone and ninth in the country based on IGR as against Federal Allocation; one of the twelve states in Nigeria that can survive without federal allocations, among others.
The climax of the weeks’ event in favour of Gov. Ugwuanyi was the Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s validation of the gale of endorsements for the governor’s re-election by various groups across the state and beyond. The Enugu State chapter of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, which made the stance during its rich and colouful Iri-Ji (New Yam) Festival held at the popular Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, stated that the validation was “an ultimate Seal of Authority in Igbo Land”
The highly revered body added that it was also “the most bankable promissory note that beckons on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a Certificate of Return to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Lawrence Ugwuanyi as the governor-elect in Enugu State come 2019”.
Speaking on behalf of the excited members of the organization’s state chapter, its President, Chief Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, further explained that they were amazed at the list of numerous groups in the state that have endorsed the governor for a second term in office, which included – “The traditional rulers council and the members of their cabinets; Association of former elected Local Government Chairmen; Enugu State Amalgamated Traders Association; Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS).
Others, according to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, include, “NULGE/ LG Pensioners; NURTW; National Assembly members; Enugu State Resident Doctors Association; Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT); Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC); Association of Former Members of Enugu State House of Assembly; Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), etc”.
It is also remarkable to note that the ex-councilors in the state, between 1999-2015, have thrown their weight behind the governor’s second term bid in 2019 and more groups have continued to endorse him, accordingly, based on his outstanding performance and uncommon leadership style.
Speaking further, the chapter’s President applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi’s “steady trajectory of massive infrastructural developments” stressing that it has “turned Enugu State into a huge and seamless construction site with all the tiers of government, namely the federal, state and the local at work in project implementation synergy”.
According to him, “the above observations by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State Chapter, are reinforced by the clamour for endorsements of Governor Ugwuanyi for his re-election as the governor of Enugu State in the 2019 general election”, revealing that “well over 100 groups have endorsed Governor Ugwuanyi to run for a second term” and “the list of such groups above is a tip of the iceberg”.
In his remark, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, who witnessed the historic cultural festival with Gov. Ugwuanyi and other dignitaries, noted that the validation by the Enugu State chapter of the organization was an outward demonstration of solidarity for the governor, saying that “you (Ugwuanyi) are such a humble man that I don’t know how low you can get again in order to show more humility”.
His words: “Well I cannot say anything rather than that I have noted with great satisfaction what the people of Enugu State have said today. And when I summon the next meeting of Ime-Obi Ohanaeze, which is the highest decision making organ in Igboland, we will take into consideration what was said today because Ohanaeze must look at all our governors and their respective states and say our opinions as to who has been doing well. On this note, I say congratulations to you, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as we invite you to come and appreciate what we are doing today”.
During the recent workers’ 100 housing units’ ground breaking ceremony, the TUC National President recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration had provided similar 100 units of one-bedroom apartments for the state’s civil servants between grade levels 01-10, who became proud landlords, after the state government paid 54 percent Equity Contribution.
Appreciating him further, Comrade Kaigama declared that “Gov. Ugwuanyi is second to none in the provision of workers’ welfare in the South East geo-political zone”, and “a performer and humble leader” who listens when it comes to challenges confronting the workers and the entire people of the state. He stated that the governor has set the pace for other states to emulate, stressing that “Enugu State is working under your leadership and that is not only because you are a performer, but you exhibit the sense of performance with humility”.
According to him, “we would say it anywhere because you have done it and you are still doing it. We assure that the working class not only in Enugu State but also in the entire nation is supporting you on your efforts to deliver the dividends of democracy”.
From the foregoing, it is being reaffirmed that Gov. Ugwuanyi has continued to make a positive mark in the governance of Enugu State, through his selfless service, vision, strength of leadership, sheer dexterity, and passion for the wellbeing of the people of the state – the true heroes of democracy. It is therefore, expected of the people to continue to reciprocate this gesture through their solidarity, goodwill and support.
Sustaining the legacy projects of past administrations in Enugu State
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi's administration has grabbed the bull by the horns as it commences action towards completion of the world-class state-of-the-art Enugu International Conference Centre, in keeping with its vision to promote investments and robust climate of Ease of Doing Business to boost socio-economic activities in the state and create more jobs for the teeming youth, among others.
Recall that the World Bank Group recently rated Enugu State as the second most advanced state in Nigeria towards the frontier of global good practices with regards to Ease of Doing Business.
The landmark project was initiated and built to this level by former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani's administration.
Enugu State is truly in the hands of God! #amokelouis
Wiseandtrue: Rotimi Amaechi was the chairman of governors forum then and now, he is in APC.
Shall we say that he is the origin of the problem then
As I recall he opposed it vehemently!
But you are also proving the president's claims that the economic downturn is not his fault but has been there before he was sworn in. Whether APC or PDP.
And as Peter Obi said, "each and everyone of us opposed it".
Trying to pin this on Amaechi is just wrong because everyone of then supported not saving.
Then what did President Jonathan and Mrs Iweala do watch their share of the funds? Why didn't they save independently?
In a video interview with Channels Television, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the PDP says that the present problems of the Nigerian economy was NOT created by the present government but by Governors before 2015.
He said he remembers as a governor when the former Minister for Finance Okonjo Iweala asked the government to save and the governors and everyone else said no so why are you complaining when you created this problem yesterday
This might tally with the present government stance that they met a moribund economy and the problems were already present before they got in.
The Enugu State Government has denied the rumour making the rounds that it plans to ban the operation of tricycles in the state, popularly known as “Keke”, after the 2019 general election, stating that “there is no iota of truth in it”. In a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Transport, Vitus Okechi, the state government described the allegation as “false and baseless”, stressing that “there is no such plan”. The commissioner disclosed that “the state government has implicit confidence in the leadership and membership of the Association of Tricycle Riders Transport Union in Enugu State”, adding that it “has continued to enjoy a cordial working relationship with them as partners in the development of the state.” The government therefore, stated that it will empower the tricycle operators more “after the 2019 general election in line with the policy thrust of the administration”, and urged “the public to discountenance the said rumour as there is no iota of truth in it”.
Ahead of 2019 election, All Progressives Congress, APC Youth Organizing Secretary, Idris Aregbe, has urged youths to form alliance and channel their progressive strategy towards achieving development for Nigeria.
Fielding questions from pressmen yesterday, APC Youth Organizing Secretary, Lagos Chapter, Aregbe, stressed that community leaders and youth organizations must put aside their existing differences and form positive alliances that can trigger effectual changes in the country.
Aregbe lamented that the 2015 election would have serve as the best opportunity for youths to make meaningful impact but differences between them crippled the chances.
“In the last elections, we have circled round without making meaningful impact in the Nigerian polity; so, this is a clarion call for the youths to embrace unity and make our presence felt during the forthcoming general elections, as we cannot continue to sit on the sidelines to wait for incurious minds to superintend over the affairs of our nation.”
Aregbe, who was appointed as Director, Youths and student affairs, Presidential Support Committee, Buhari 2019, (PSC), argued that the youths in the country have necessary skills to assume mantle of leadership, saying, but our differences have been our greatest problem.
“The youths make up over fifty percent of the entire population in Lagos, yet we have failed to effectively employ these numbers to drum up support for our party,” he added.
According to him, the Youth Organising Secretary’s office is willing to work with youths with ingenious ideas and strategies that could be adopted towards winning more votes for the party during 2019 general election.
Aregbe hinted that the strategy should be centered on how best the party could garner over three million votes during the Presidential, National Assembly elections, Governorship and House of Assembly for APC.
He added: “The youths are the prospects of this nation and we cannot achieve our potentials if we fail to unite and harmonize ideas that can drive the country forward to greater heights.
“The time is now for every youth to actively engage in positive programmes and initiatives that can grow the nation forward. We must abandon interests bordered on selfish gains to join progressive platforms built on the foundation of sincere ethos and perceptible ideals capable of creating opportunities for the teeming number of brilliant minds in the country.”
The youth organizing secretary noted that joining a formidable platform is a positive intent in achieving greater efficiency and championing initiatives that can better the lot of the masses.
Speaking on the gains of unity, Aregbe stressed that youth organizations must sheathe their swords and join a platform like APC where their aspirations can come to fruition.
“We have seen what others have done with the sixteen years that they have been in the corridors of power, and we have also witnessed diverse changes in different quarters just within three years and few months of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in power. These encouraging changes are visible and reassuring signs of better things to come, hence we the youths must pool our resources together to support the massive and laudable works championed by the president, vice president as well as our party leaders.”
“If we are the hope of the nation, then I am convinced that every Nigerian youth rooting for the progress of this great nation will come out en-masse to support the continuation of transformation in Lagos and the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari by joining this movement to make Nigeria better and greater,” he enthused.
Aregbe further stated that transformation is a continuous journey driven by men of impeccable wisdom and profound insight similar to those exhibited by the APC.
Politics › Ugwuanyi Awards Contracts For Multiple Road Projects In Igbo-eze North, Others by OEPHIUS(op): 1:22am On Nov 29, 2018
Is it Money? ��♂️ https:///cTmfOrd0om
