Urhobo News

President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja said leaders in the private and public sectors should be more mindful of their positions as “trustees of the people”, urging them to always work towards leaving a legacy that will be long remembered.

“I wish that leaders will arise and stand up to be counted among leaders who have distinguished themselves to do the right thing and leave their footprints on the sands of time,’’ he stated.

Speaking at the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) held at the Conference Centre in the State House, President Buhari commended the 44 recipients of the awards, which include former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan.

“Today, I am happy to have the opportunity to recognize 44 persons and organizations who have distinguished themselves across many sectors of the government and indeed, the economy.

“I am particularly happy to recognize His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, my predecessor for his contribution to peacebuilding from the Niger-Delta region, which has snowballed into peace in the region and now, around the world. Since leaving office, he has deployed his rich experience to ensure peace in many parts of Africa and has led mediation talks in several parts of the globe.

“I want to also specially recognize Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Chairman of BUA International Limited for his interventions in Education through the BUA Foundation, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), and his personal philanthropic initiative. This initiative funds tertiary education institutions in Nigeria from its yearly $100million ASR Africa Fund for Social Development and Renewal. I am happy that five (5) Universities have so far benefited with many more to come,’’ he said.

The President urged public servants to make accountability and integrity their watchwords.

“I am equally elated to have some State Governors and my Ministers receive this award. This is to put on record that this award is born out of empirical evidence of performance and not politics. This award is a recognition of the giant strides you all have made towards the transformation of Nigeria and you have consistently put hard work and dedication at the center of your initiatives.

“Let me use this opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ for your contributions to the transformation of our country. This award is a validation of your approach, but much more as a motivation for you and other upcoming leaders to continue doing more towards the attainment of a better Nigeria in all sectors of the economy,’’ he added.

While thanking organizers of the event, The Best Strategic Media (TBS), led by Ms. Mariam Mohammed, a Publisher and Public Relations expert, for the continuous support of his administration, President Buhari said the initiative was commendable “for deploying one of the best indices to determine the level of performance of Public Officers.’’

“I know that Public Officers will be challenged to perform above board now that they know they are being monitored by the people,’’ the President noted.

President Buhari said he was delighted that the maiden edition of the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) was a private-sector initiative, organized by The Best Strategic Media in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to recognize excellent service delivery.

According to him:

“Public Service is a public trust where officers and even employees must be accountable to the people whom they should serve at all times with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency. They are expected to act with patriotism and think out of the box in order to solve the many problems facing the people they lead.

“At present, issues of corruption continue to affect the civil services in many countries, around the world. Several reasons for these issues still exist because of deeply rooted problems like nepotism, cronyism, political patronage as well as lack of transparency and accountability. These vices distract them from delivering on their mandate and aspirations.

“The unsystematic enforcement of law and institutional mechanisms for holding civil servants and public officials accountable for their actions will always lead to a negative impression to the citizens.”

In his remarks, the former President, Jonathan, who received an Award for Peace Building, thanked the President for always making out time to encourage initiatives that recognize the contributions of individuals and institutions to nation-building.

“On behalf of all those that have received awards, I wish to say a very big thank you to the President and organizers,’’ Jonathan said.

Describing the event as unique, the former President assured that the awards will serve as an impetus for more service to the nation and humanity.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said the entire event was “purely a private sector driven initiative’’ that would be encouraged to become an annual event, based on acceptance.

The SGF said the award was a scorecard of the administration of President Buhari, and other leaders in the country, as it reflected different interests and political persuasions.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

October 21, 2022

FUTURE OF NIGERIA SAFER IN OUR HANDS, PRESIDENT BUHARI DECLARES, AS TINUBU BEGINS CAMPAIGN, UNVEILS ACTION PLAN

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja declared that despite the unfavourable circumstances of global economic downturns, the Covid-19 pandemic, and very low international oil prices resulting in low revenue, the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government has ”managed to make Nigeria stable,” laying a solid foundation for progressive growth.

The President also said in the seven years journey as a government, the party has every reason to be proud of its achievements amid the inherited systemic corruption and local challenges of insecurity.

The President, who stated this at the unveiling of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) and the Action Plan of the APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledged to be at the forefront of electing the former Lagos State governor as his successor.

He said electing Tinubu would consolidate the achievements of his administration as the presidential candidate has the capacity, visionary leadership and track record to do more.

”It would be disastrous to allow a situation that will lead to the reversal of the progress our country has made. Let me add that I joyfully accept the position of the chairman of the campaign council we are unveiling today.

”Our candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is too well known for his capacity and can-do spirit. He stands tall in his track records as a democrat, a champion of the rule of law, a man at home in every part of our country, and a truly visionary leader. All you need to do is think of Lagos in 1999 and 2022!

”I, therefore, want to assure all party members and supporters of our government that I will be at the forefront of this campaign.

”This election is even more important than the election of 2015 that brought us into power. The cost of losing the gains our country has made is much more than the need to stop the haemorrhage that led to our coming together nearly nine years ago.

”I want to charge every member to put in all their efforts during the next four and half months of campaign to ensure we record a resounding victory in all our elections nationwide. The future of this country is safer in our hands, ” he said.

Highlighting the achievements of the APC-led administration, President Buhari noted that under his watch, Nigeria’s security personnel are better equipped and motivated.

He added that the exploits of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the battlefield have led to massive and successive operational successes in the quest to secure the country and provide adequate protection for lives and property of all citizens.

”The efforts of our men and women in the armed forces over the last years are beginning to yield positive outcomes. We are gradually taking back our country from foreign-inspired bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists in the northeast and northwest and other parts of our country.

”We are equally combating separatists, oil thieves and bandits in the southeast and south-south of the country

”Our administration remains committed to progressively eliminating all flashpoints of insecurity nationwide. We would triumph over the enemies of our country; in whatever forms and shapes they appear.”

President Buhari also scored his administration high on infrastructure, saying ”our commitment to stimulate our nation’s economy through massive infrastructural development has not been misplaced.”

”We are already seeing the unprecedented infrastructure across the country. The real impacts of our efforts will be felt more as the various projects are completed and put to use in the coming days.”

The President who described the APC President candidate as ”the Jagaban, my friend, partner, and brother,” said the occasion was important to him for two reasons.

”First, it is significant to note that this unveiling is the third by our Party. I have had the opportunity of unveiling two Action Plans. I had the privilege of presenting our party’s manifesto of Change in 2014.

”It was a manifesto that signposted our collective desire to arrest the directionless journey our country was headed under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The second time was in 2018 when I unveiled the Next Level agenda of our government.

”The second reason this occasion is significant is that we are having our first transition within our party where I am in the last year of my two-term mandate, and we have a new candidate to lead our party into another Presidential election.

”The events preceding our Presidential primaries and the conduct of the primaries were important milestones in the development of our internal democracy and party politics.

”I must congratulate the leadership of our party, other stakeholders, and the entire party members for the success of the exercise. We can say with confidence, that our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is charting a steady course in our journey towards enthroning lasting democratic culture in our body polity.”

The President also thanked party officials in the National Executive Council, the Zonal, State, Senatorial, Local Government, and Ward executives for their unalloyed support to his administration and the great efforts and outstanding commitment to the cause of the party and democracy.

He urged them to be mindful of the importance of building a strong and purposeful political party, recounting that the project of pulling ”Nigeria back from the precipice in 2015 was made possible by putting together a formidable party peopled by many who have made a vow to work for a Nigeria we all can be proud of.”

President Buahri charged party members to uphold the supremacy of the party, operating within the guidelines as stipulated in their Constitution.

”It is worth reiterating the fact that we are stronger today only because we continue to support the Party.

”For us to develop an enduring democracy in our country, we must first subscribe to the supremacy of our Political Party.

”We must subject ourselves to the rules and learn to operate within the guidelines as stipulated in our Party’s Constitution.”

The President reiterated his congratulations to Asiwaju Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, for the victory at the Primaries, commending the maturity and sportsmanship of other contestants.

He expressed delight that most of the aspirants transferred their structures, including campaign offices to the party’s candidate after the primaries, adding that this is a demonstration of the commitment of the party leaders and members to the cause of the party and democratic practices.

He challenged party members to see themselves as ”ambassadors of progressive principles and exemplify the best of us in their action and words.”

In his remarks, Tinubu declared:

”I seek to become the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because I know the way. My experience and past performance have shown that it will be through collective effort and national endeavour that we join hands, cross the divides and achieve our vision. I ask you to join Senator Shettima and I on this journey.”

On his Agenda for Renewed Hope for Nigeria, the APC Presidential candidate said standing on the foundation emplaced by the current administration, his administration will among other things, build a Nigeria, especially for the youth, where sufficient jobs with decent wages create a better life.

He said his administration would export more and import less in order to earn more foreign exchange and strengthen the naira.

”We will deliver food security and affordability by continuing to prioritise agriculture and assist farmers and other players in the agricultural value chain through the enlightened agricultural policy that promotes productivity and guarantees robust income.

”We will modernise and expand public infrastructure to stimulate economic growth at an optimal rate. Generate, transmit and distribute affordable electricity to give our people the necessary power to drive their businesses and brighten their homes.

”Our national economy will grow, succeed and be respected. We will embolden and support young people and women to participate more in politics and governance, harnessing emerging sectors such as the digital economy, entertainment, tourism, sports to build today, for the Nigeria of tomorrow.”

Tinubu also promised to provide economic opportunities to people living with disability, the poor and vulnerable, saying ”we will build a Nigeria where no parent is compelled to send a child to bed hungry.”

He added that his administration will also make basic healthcare, education, and housing accessible and affordable for all.

On security, Tinubu promised to establish ”a bold and assertive policy that will create a strong yet adaptive national security architecture and action to obliterate terror, kidnapping, banditry, and other crimes from the face of our nation.”

National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Adamu, said the APC is set for self-succession in 2023 presidential and general elections, buoyed by ”the dint of hardwork, perseverance, discipline, good governance and far-reaching policies of the Buhari administration which has pulled back Nigeria from the brink and stabilised the country.”

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

October 21, 2022

PRESS STATEMENT

21st October, 2022

DELTA PDP CELEBRATES SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT, SAYS ITS VICTORY FOR PDP FAMILY; PARTY NOW FULLY PREPARED TO WIN 2023 ELECTIONS

Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has celebrated the Supreme Court judgement which confirmed Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as the duly elected, substantive, and authentic Governorship candidate of the Party in the 2023 general elections.

The joyous mood of celebration was conveyed and contained in a statement by the State Publicity Secretary Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, who noted emphatically that the long-drawn litigation over the matter of the Party’s authentic Gubernatorial candidate had initially given the opposition false hope but with the judgement now delivered by the Supreme Court and the matter fully settled, the PDP is now much stronger and will be more united and formidable going into the 2023 elections.

Dr. Osuoza’s statement, which described the judgement as victory for the Delta PDP family and further appealed to all party faithful, especially Olorogun David Edevbie, to close ranks and march with full confidence and authority, into the Party’s campaigns, which has already commenced with vigour, reads: “The Delta State PDP heartily rejoices with all our faithful, loyal and committed members of the PDP family, as we celebrate the Supreme Court judgement, which finally confirmed Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as our duly elected governorship candidate and party flagbearer, for the 2023 election.

“The litigation, which centred around the legal affirmation of our authentic Governorship candidate, had initially given fleeting but misplaced expectations to the fractured opposition APC, but their hopes have been comprehensively and completely dashed with the decisive judgement of the Supreme Court, which has now settled the matter once and for all.

“We congratulate all members of our great PDP Delta family over this massive judgement from the Supreme Court which has not only settled all doubts and disquiet in our party, but has most importantly, strengthened our position and resolve to embrace our campaigns with renewed energy and vigour, as we march towards victory in 2023.

“As we celebrate this very important landmark judgement which is a major family victory in the life of our party, we hereby appeal strongly and sincerely to all our members, especially Olorogun David Edevbie, to wholeheartedly embrace the Supreme Court’s decision, in our collective quest to build a most formidable campaign team that will not only decimate the opposition, but also deliver resounding landslide victories in all our elections, especially the Governorship poll.

“Now that the legal fireworks are over and done with, we call on all our loyal, committed, and unwavering party members, to come together as one big united family, sheath their swords and let bygones be bygones. Our ultimate goal now is to win the 2023 general elections in all positions and with everyone joining hands and all pulling in one definite, unwavering direction towards victory, we will be totally unbeatable and even more formidable, as the party of the people.

“Delta is PDP and PDP is Delta!!!

PDP! Power to the People!!

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza

State Publicity Secretary,

PDP, Delta State.

22 October 2022

Dirt For Good: OMO educates students on plastic recycling across thirty schools 

In a move to inspire a more responsible citizenry on sustainability practices, OMO, Africa’s biggest laundry brand, has launched an educational campaign across schools to engage and educate children on plastic recycling through its Dirt For Good campaign, a holistic approach towards reducing waste, promoting sustainability and creating better communities.

Dirt for Good is a 3-week programme focused on making children and youths a part of the solution towards addressing plastic waste and littering by sensitizing and encouraging the collection and recycling of plastic waste, and proper waste disposal practices with thirty schools to be engaged through this initiative across Lagos.

Speaking at an event in Karis Schools, a private educational institution in Magodo Phase 2, the Brand Manager, OMO, Chinonyerem Opara, emphasized the need to take urgent action on sustainability and climate change, stating that Nigerian children are the changemaker generation that can impact the future of their environment.

“Global studies have consistently shown the negative impacts of plastic waste on the environment”, said Chinonyerem Opara, Brand Manager, OMO. “For example, it can cause intestinal damage when ingested by fishes and turtles. These plastic bags, bottles and other objects flow into canals and water reservoirs and end up partially or completely clogging them. With the huge surge we are currently experiencing, addressing plastic waste and recycling is no longer a local issue, but a global concern for everyone”.

“The low level of recycling in Nigeria, which is less than 12%, and inadequate waste collection are a huge threat to plastic pollution management”, said Yemisi Lawal, Chief Operating Officer, Wecyclers. “An estimated 367 million tonnes of plastic were produced in 2020 alone – about 12 tonnes (12,000kg) of plastic waste produced every second that year. If we are to find a listing solution to waste pollution, it begins by influencing change across all communities, even with students”.

According to the Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nigeria generates about 32 million tonnes of waste per year, among the highest in Africa. Of the waste generated yearly, 2.5 million tonnes is plastic waste, most of which (70 percent) ends up in landfills, sewers, beaches and water bodies.

The Dirt For Good Campaign is lending a voice to the global concern on plastics and wastes in line with the brand purpose which is to ‘Power up the world’s changemakers to get Dirty For Good’ and encourage the young people to take action on these issues to make a change for the future.

Photo 1 Caption:  

L-R: School Administrator, Karis School, Ugoh Chukwudi; Admin Officer, Food and Beverage Recycling Alliances, Yejide Abiferin; Head, Communication and Sustainable Business, Unilever Nigeria, Godfrey Adejumoh; Chief Operation Officer, Wecyclers Nigeria Limited, Oluwayemisi Lawal and Brand Manager OMO, Unilever Nigeria PLC, Chinonyerem Opara, at the OMO Plastic Program activation in Lagos to educate students on waste management.

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About OMO

OMO is Unilever’s largest detergent brand with a dominant presence in several countries, including Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain, India, and Thailand. The brand operates with a central belief that taking action alongside others has a positive impact on young people’s wellbeing, their communities, and the planet. Hence, they are constantly empowering and supporting people to roll up their sleeves and take action on what matters to them, no matter how messy.

A sustainability-driven brand, each new and improved version of OMO is engineered to be tougher on stains, but kinder to the planet.

21 October 2022

Burna Boy, Tems among top nominees for “Soul Train Awards” 2022 presented by BET 

• CKay, Fireboy DML nominated For ‘Best New Artist’ 
• “Soul Train Awards” 2022 premieres Monday, 28 November at 02:00 (wat) / 03:00 (cat) live on BET Africa, repeats 28 November at 18:30 (WAT) / 19:30 (CAT) 

BET announces the host, nominees and premiere date of “Soul Train Awards” 2022 presented by BET taking place, Sunday, November 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Nigerian music superstars, Burna Boy and Tems fly Africa’s flag proudly with 4 and 3 nominations respectively. Burna Boy was nominated as the ‘Best R&B/Soul Male Artist’, while his hit single, Last Last, was nominated for the ‘Song of the Year’, ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award’ and ‘Video of the Year’. Tems’ nominations came in the ‘Best New Artist’, ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist,’ and ‘Best Collaboration’ categories.

Actor, comedian and writer Deon Cole will host an incredible night celebrating the best in soul music and the iconic legacy brand. Additionally, BET has released the official nominations for “Soul Train Awards” 2022. “Soul Train Awards” recognizes the best in Soul, R&B, and Hip Hop from both established industry legends and the next generation of promising artists. The official “Soul Train Awards” nominees, selected by a voting academy of esteemed music industry insiders, performers, and presenters.

The “Soul Train Awards” 2022 live show premieres Monday, 28 November at 02:00 WAT / 03:00 CAT on BET, DStv Channel 129. Repeats will air on the same day at 18:30 WAT / 19:30 CAT.

“Deon Cole is known for delivering razor-sharp humor and commentary across his acclaimed stand-up specials and series. Get ready to see him unleash his comedic talents like never before on the Soul Train Awards stage–and don’t say we didn’t warn you,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy. “Deon is BET family, and we are proud to have him make his hosting debut exclusively on BET. We are also equally proud to continue celebrating the legacy of Soul Train with our esteemed nominees and delivering unforgettable performances and moments that epitomize Black Excellence.”

“Hosting the ‘Soul Train Awards’ is a dream come true. I grew up watching Soul Train and ‘til this day, I’ve never met a Soul Train Line I didn’t bless with my skilled two step,” said host Deon Cole. “It is truly a privilege to be given this opportunity to celebrate Don Cornelius’ legacy, all of the amazing Black talent that illuminated our screens on the iconic TV show, and my favourite genres of music: Soul, R&B and Hip Hop.”

Beyoncé and Mary J. Blige lead “Soul Train Awards” 2022 nominations with an impressive 7 nods; Beyoncé for ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ and twice for ‘Best Collaboration’ and ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award.’ Mary J. Blige for ‘Certified Soul Award,’ ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ and ‘Best Collaboration.’  Ari Lennox garnered the second most nods with 6 nominations: ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award,’ ‘Best Dance Performance,’ and ‘Video of the Year.’ Lizzo and Chris Brown are tied at 5 nods each, followed by Burna Boy, Muni Long and Steve Lacy with 4 nods. Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic, PJ Morton and Tems each garnered 3 nominations.

The “Soul Train Awards” 2022 presented by BET will feature an exciting lineup of unforgettable performances, special moments and appearances by some of the brightest stars in Black culture and entertainment. The annual event is committed to showcasing the impact of Soul Train on music and dance from the ‘70s to today.

Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy will oversee the annual show and Executive Produce for BET with Jamal Noisette, VP, Specials & Music Programming. Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, to serve as Executive Producer of “Soul Train Awards” 2022 along with Jesse Collins Entertainment’s Jeannae Rouzan–Clay and Dionne Harmon.