₦airaland Forum

Atiku Abubakar meeting with a delegation of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Dubai. He looks forward to a grassroots campaign

I see these people who just got to know Atiku last night are complaining of why he operates from Dubai.... Hahahaha. Una think say e get time for una? Na biz as usual. He lives in Dubai, not Nigeria. Only spends Naija money in Dubai

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 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, for 2019 will surely end in praise. Enugu State is truly in the hands of God! #amokelouis

"THE MAN DAVID":
AYODELE DAVID-ADESUA was born on the 13th of December 1973 at Ijesa Isu Ekiti in Ekiti state,Nigeria to the family of Mr and Mrs James Adesua. His father Mr James Adesua of blessed memory was a retired soldier while his mother Mrs Comfort Adesua is a trader.

He attended Hosanna African Church primary school 2 Ijesa Isu Ekiti,Ekiti state where he was selected as the school head boy between 1986/87 session ,comprehensive High School,Ijesa Isu Ekiti, where he was selected as the senior prefect JSS campus (oloja-ase)between 1988/89 session.

He was at various times class captain both at the primary and secondary schools. He moved to lagos Nigeria for his post secondary and tertiary education. He attended Lagos State university(LASU) where he obtained a degree in Industrial Relations and personnel management. He obtained a certificate in Conflict Resolution and Management from A.A.Management Training and consultancy London, United kingdom.

Ayodele David-Adesua is a philanthropist who believes in the creation and equitable distribution of wealth. He has tenaciously held on to the words of Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) the Scottish born American industrialist that "surplus wealth is a sacred trust which its possessor is bound to administer in his life time for the good of the community". As a result,David has been at the vanguard of creating opportunities for people to be self reliant through various empowerment and entrepreneur programs.


His passion for humanity is ardent, his love for Ekiti state and his kinsmen unrivalled. His determination to see everyone,particularly the youth around him succed,recently earned him the chieftaincy title of Baba ewe of Ijesa Isu Ekiti and also Baba ewe ijo African Church cathedral Ijesa Isu Ekiti. Just like a manufacturer of products,David believes in making people. He gives people the proverbial fish as well as teaching them how to fish.


He has a special ministry for helping. He helps willingly and gives generously such that everyone that comes around him is always blessed. He is a proponent of religious tolerance and does not miss any opportunity to bless faithfuls of other religion. David enjoys taking responsibility by shaping people's condition and making their concerns his own. Everything about David is about people,people and people.

David is an Entrepreneur with expertise in property brokerage and security consultancy with over 50 employees. He is the president of Distinct Empowerment Foundation. David has a transformation agenda for EKITI STATE and he is presently the candidate of Democratic Alternative(DA) in the forthcoming Ekiti State House of Assembly election slated for February 2019. David is above all God fearing. He is married with lovely children.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) Lagos State chapter governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured leaders of various Islamic and christian bodies that he would not leave any stone untouched, should he get elected as governor of the state during forthcoming governorship election.

Besides, Sanwo-Olu also promised non-indigenous groups, including Hausa community, Ijaw group, Igbo, Nupe, Ibera among others who reside in Lagos, that his government would ensure that a participatory administration is put in place, such that would carry all groups along, in policy and program wise,



The Director General, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organisation (BOSCO), Tayo Ayinde, said that the need to recognize contributions of religious bodies, as well as that of other groups, must not be denied and that the governorship candidate has demonstrated strength for participatory government that would have all communities as entity of his administration.

Speaking during a meeting with Islamic and christian leaders of various groups in Lagos, yesterday, Ayinde explained that Sanwo-Olu’s administration, should he get elected, would recognize and give all bodies sense of belonging, and as well pay adequate attentions to needs of every members of non-indigenous groups who reside in Lagos.



He disclosed that the governorship candidate and BOSCO, under his leadership, had met with various groups including those considered as grassroot managers and that the motive behind the move was to ensure that all stakeholders were carried along on policy and program of Sanwo-Olu.

According to him, the governorship candidate’s priority has remain on how Lagos residents, religious bodies, other various groups will be well informed and carried along on policy of incoming administration and BOSCO has continued spreading the gospel.

“Sanwo-Olu’s aim is to inculcate needs of every communities into his policy and programs and that is why he has been meeting with groups since after he was announced winner of Lagos chapter of APC recently conducted governorship primary election”.



“The incoming governor has been communicating his readiness to run a participatory government because he has understanding on needs of people particularly that of religious bodies and indigene of other states who are residing in Lagos”.

The campaign group’s head stated that BOSCO would continue its recognition of groups and individuals who have been exhibiting interests and pledging supports for Sanwo-Olu’ candidacy, and that the office was opened to others communities who were yet to show up.

However, in a separate development, Ayinde informed leaders of students’ unions of various tertiary institutions in Lagos, who had also pledged support for Sanwo-Olu, that the campaign office would not hesitate to work with unions, should they extend supportive hands to the organization.



At an interactive session, the DG assured the leaders that the governorship candidate would recognize all Lagos tertiary institutions’ student unions and ensure they participate in his administration’s police and programs after 2019 governorship election.

"Almost 6 months ago, we have been looking for ways to talk to our Governor & we call ourselves LGA Chairmen, how would u know If what u are doing is okay or not.. " - Chairman Mainland LGA, Mrs Rashidat Omolola Essien (Chair of Chair).... #SanwooluForGovernor pic.twitter.com/wECOSA3lPF

— Jubril A. Gawat (@Mr_JAGs) September 29, 2018