News From Nigeria
Austin Taye Pedro, a senior public servant, researcher, member of cultural and community associations in Nigeria, must count himself lucky to have escaped assassination,
The son of a Second Republic politician and chieftain of defunct Action Group (AG), Chief Alfred Ayoola Pedro, Taye Pedro has a dream to be a lawmaker in Osun State. So he is following his dream by joining forces with members of cultural, political and community groups to campaign for good governance in the state.
His father, the Ile-Ife high chief in his days provided a safe haven for political refugees in his community. The Arubidi of Ile-Ife family compound became home for AG supporters sent out of various compounds and other Yoruba towns due to political victimization.
Chief Pedro, popularly called Baba Peddy of Arubidi by his numerous admirers was a ‘freedom fighter. He worked for the emancipation, and political liberation of the people through education.
But the young Pedro is sad that his vision of representing Ife East State Constituency may not be going smoothly. He is even disgusted by the actions of thugs loyal to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State.
Petro cries from the heart about his ordeal.
‘’On Tuesday, August 15, 2024 at about 8:30 pm, political thugs carrying planks, cutlasses and knives attacked me at Mile 12 , Lagos’’.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain survived another assassination attempt on May 16, 2015
‘’At about 8:00pm, political thugs numbering about four wielding sophisticated weapons attacked him at the entrance of his 82, Aina Road, Lagos flat. He was rushed to hospital for treatment’
He said it was God who saved him.
‘’On December 20, 2015, my wife left me with our two children as a result of psychological and emotional trauma’’.
The Osun State House of Assembly candidate has more pathetic stories to tell.
‘On March 26, 2016, the attacks persisted. We were attacked in our 82, Aina Road Agiliti Mile 12 Lagos flat by five political thugs with knives and cutlasses’’.
‘’On January 10, 2017, I got a call that I need to come home. My wife was attacked by three political thugs carrying machete, sticks and other weapons. She was taken to the hospital on February 4, 2017. The incident was reported to the police’ he said.
Pedro says he now fear of another attack.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, on Wednesday received the full backing of leading activists, civil society groups, lawyers, journalists and political leaders from all parts of Edo State.
‘Asue Ighodalo is the best man for the job. We’re looking forward to his election’’ the professionals said.
They also described the APC governorship candidate as dull, cold and colourless.
‘Asue Ighodalo is serious minded, purposeful, people oriented and a leader that understands what governance is all about’’
At a meeting to share perspectives and strategies on how to ensure the victory of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, the professionals vowed to ensure the defeat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo in the September 21 governorship election.
‘’Asue Ighodalo’s election is certain. The road ahead is so smooth”
Edo State Professional spokesman and member of PDP Legacy Group, Mr. Humphrey Obanor, in a statement in Benin, said the professionals extolled the current governor of Edo State, Gowin Obaseki for building strong communities, generating growth and creating opportunities for the good people of Edo State.
‘Senator Monday Okpebholo is not travelling well in public opinion polls, largely due to incompetence. He lacks a clear policy plan. His political appeal remains limited’’
The professionals praised Obaseki for fulfilling electoral pledges made, building roads, expanding business development and empowering the people.
‘’ The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is very committed to the future of Edo State. Asue Ighodalo will make Edo State great’’.
They vowed to resist all attempts to drag Edo State backward by enemies of progress.
‘’Greed and envy have set in to becloud the sense of reasoning of some individuals in Edo State. Most people see the APC candidate and his running mate as not possessing the leadership character required to lead Edo State in this new age’’
The professionals scolded Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for assaulting the sensibility of the populace with mundane rhetoric.
They highlighted economic growth in rural communities, the welfare of workers in the state, investments in electricity, clean water and better health care.
They also emphasized a better educated, healthier and more prosperous Edo State.
‘’Nothing is more critical to our state’s future than urging the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to continue in Edo State’’
Asue Ighodalo is expected to cruise to victory in the September 21 governorship election.
‘’We care about results. Asue Ighodalo’s standing in the polls is, in fact, formidable’’
Thousands will gather in Sapele on Friday to bid farewell to Wilson Santa Ebireri.
The extraordinary man, husband, father and grandfather died at the age of 71 and funeral activities will begin Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Wetland Event Centre, Sapele.
‘’We are ready. The stage is set for the final journey of Wilson Santa Ebireri’’
A statement in Sapele by Henry Ebireri said the decision to lay to rest Wilson Ebireri on Friday, September 20, 2024, was arrived at following family consultations.
‘’The body of Wilson Ebireri will be taken from Obule Hospital on a slow, one-hour journey to his Ikomi Road home on Friday’’
The gifted teacher, banker and businessman will be laid to rest at Marford Close.
‘’Wilson Santa Ebireri will be lowered into the grave at 12 noon’’.
His widow, seven children, grandchildren and siblings are expected to pay their last respects to him
‘’Wilson Santa Ebireri’s kindness, incredible energy and sense of humour will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of associating with him. However, he will be remembered for his love, leadership and passion for knowledge which saw him read over fifty thousand books’’ the statement added.
Top political leaders in Edo State on Sunday slammed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for spreading unfounded rumour, refusing to sign the peace agreement and envisaging election violence.
They also urged PDP and Labour Party members in the state to shun violence in the September 21 governorship election.
At a meeting to review strategies for the September 21 governorship election, the leaders expressed belief in Okpebholo’s capacity to restore trust in government and open new business and investment.
‘’ ’There is a strong hunger for change right now in Edo State. There is no question about APC’s expected victory as the party has very strong connection to the grassroots in the state’’
The notable leaders spoke with deep sincerity on the APC candidate’s approach, skill at persuasion and ethos.
They hailed Okpebholo for making a positive difference in the lives of the people of Esanland.
‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo is the candidate that is strong on the economy, security, infrastructure and welfare programmes’’.
Dr. Amos Obasuyi, spokesman of the Edo Rescue Mission 2024, in a statement in Igueben pronounced the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as ‘’ the right man for the governorship job’’.
‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo will run an economy driven by the private sector, improve the business environment, empower the people and ensure good governance and unity in the state’’
The influential people in Edo politics listed infrastructure, healthcare, security and, education, agriculture, industrialization, minimum wage and good jobs for all as areas of interest to the APC governorship candidate.
‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo will attract foreign investments, lower certain taxes to encourage industrialization and get rid of useless regulations that discourage economic development. He will push for more investments in roads, bridges and infrastructure’’
The statement emphasized Okpebholo’s exceptional creativity, liveliness and positive leadership traits.
’’Senator Monday Okpebholo will increase public education funding and expand state’s literacy programmes’’
The statement also highlighted economic growth, a strong focus on modern education for our children, meaningful infrastructural development that properly integrates our state from end to end, qualitative, consistent and accessible healthcare and expansion in private sector led industry that takes our youth of the streets.
They praised Okpebholo for having the type of empathy and direction Edo State needs
‘’Edo North people are looking up to Okpebholo. The Esan hope is in Okpebholo. The Benin people want Okpebholo to be the next governor of Edo State’’
They said Okpebholo has the record to govern Edo State and that the people of the state were ready to take their destiny in their hands through Okpebholo in the September 21 polls.
‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo has ideas and understands the current challenges’’
The Edo Unity Forum (EUF) on Friday showered encomiums on the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, describing him as a great asset to the state.
‘’Out of those jostling for the Edo State governor’s seat, it is doubtful if any of them is more focused, committed and level-headed like the APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo’’
The group in a statement in Auchi said that APC will convincingly coast home to victory in the September 21 governorship election.
‘’The PDP is suffering from factional divisions, problematic shallowness and lack of meaningful engagement with ordinary citizens. The party has lost its direction. The APC is solid in Edo State. The party’s candidate has heavyweights and traditional institution on his side and will coast to electoral victory’’
Signed by EUF National Chairman, Deacon Solomon Izevbigie, the group made up of business bigwigs, political leaders, senior civil servants, academics and members of civil society from Edo State denounced the PDP government for the breakdown of infrastructure in the state.
‘’We want honest, transparent and accountable leadership in Edo State. We want a governor we can trust. We want a governor with energy, vision for the rapid development of the state and dynamism to tackle challenges. Senator Monday Okpebholo wants to drive Edo State in the direction of economic growth, rehabilitate moribund industries and alleviate the suffering of the people’’
The statement underscored Opebholo’s deep love for Edo State, his excellent dedication to duty and sincerity of purpose.
‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo is an embodiment of sincerity, a lover of the downtrodden and a very compassionate gentleman’’
On the expectations of Edo people at home and abroad, the group said Okpebholo would pursue appropriate policies, create jobs, fight corruption, uphold the virtues of human rights, improve manpower development and our health care delivery system, guarantee equal opportunities and rekindle in the citizenry a faith in their fatherland’’.
The statement also emphasized Okpebholo’s pedigree in politics, administration and management of resources.
“Senator Monday Okpebholo will devote attention to the welfare of senior citizens, comply with the Beijing Manifesto and give consideration to the spread of development projects”, the group said
A group, the Edo Unity Forum (EUF), on Friday showered encomiums on the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, describing him as a great asset to Edo State.
‘’Out of those jostling for the Edo State governor’s seat, it is doubtful if any of them is more focused, committed and level headed like the APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo’’
The group in a statement in Auchi said that APC will convincingly coast home to victory in the September 21 governorship election.
‘’The All Progressives Congress (APC) is solid in Edo State. The party’s candidate has heavyweights and traditional institution on his side and will coast to electoral victory’’
Signed by EUF National Chairman, Deacon Solomon Izevbigie, the group made up of business bigwigs, political leaders, senior civil servants, academics and members of civil society from Edo State denounced the PDP government for the breakdown of infrastructure in the state.
‘’We want honest, transparent and accountable leadership in Edo State. We want a governor we can trust. We want a governor with energy, vision for the rapid development of the state and dynamism to tackle challenges. Senator Monday Okpebholo wants to drive Edo State in the direction of economic growth, rehabilitate moribund industries and alleviate the suffering of the people’’
The statement underscored Opebholo’s deep love for Edo State, his excellent dedication to duty and sincerity of purpose.
‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo is an embodiment of sincerity, a lover of the downtrodden and a very compassionate gentleman’’
On the expectations of Edo people at home and abroad, the group said Okpebholo would pursue appropriate policies, create jobs, fight corruption, uphold the virtues of human rights, improve manpower development and our health care delivery system, guarantee equal opportunities and rekindle in the citizenry a faith in their fatherland’’.
The statement also emphasized Opebholo’s pedigree in politics, administration and management of resources.
“Senator Monday Okkpebholo will devote attention to the welfare of senior citizens, comply with the Beijing Manifesto and give consideration to the spread of development projects” , the group said.
A praise night for the late Wilson Ebireri, a Niger Delta businessman, is set to take place on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Wetland Event Centre in Sapele.
The family released details about Wilson Ebireri’s funeral arrangements Friday morning.
‘’The Night of Tribute will take place on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Wetland Event Centre. A funeral mass will begin from 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024.’’
Wilson Ebireri, warmly known as Santa, died on July 12, 2024, and will be laid to rest at Marford Close, Sapele on Friday, September 20, 2024.
Called “A Night of Tributes and Celebrations,” the event promises a delightful evening filled with melody, presentations and deepest tributes dedicated to a man of great integrity and wisdom.
‘’This gathering aims to extol the virtues of this exceptional and visionary leader, celebrate his wonderful life, higher vision, legacy, contributions to humanity and great sense of humour’’ a statement signed by Henry Ovie Ebireri said.
The family also announced Okotie-Eboh Grammar School, Sapele as reception venue.
‘’A special thanksgiving mass will take place on Sunday, September 22 at St John Paul 11 Catholic Church, New Ogorode Road, Sapele’’ the statement added.
. Another batch of trainees’ graduate from company’s Plant & Equipment Academy
Against the backdrop of prevailing economic and related downturns in the country, leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc continues to support the federal government in aiding youth empowerment for a better future. This is just as another batch of trainees graduated from the Plant and Equipment Academy of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Speaking at the grand event last weekend, the company’s Director, Administration, Alhaji Abdulaziz Kaita who described the event as a celebration of another key mileage in the company’s consistency of purpose and proactive contribution to the country’s industrial and technological development and industrial advancement, said that developing Nigeria’s teeming youths for a productive future cannot be left to government alone. Patriotic corporate citizens according to Alhaji Kaita, must seek ways and opportunities to aid government in the foregoing regards.
You cannot leave everything to the Government; you also must contribute. Nigeria has one of the biggest populations of youth in the world, not only in Africa, but in the world, because 70% of the population of Nigeria are young people. So out of a population of 220 million people, 150 million people are between the age of 23 and 38 years. So, it’s very important to tap into this population which we have and train them, Kaita said.
Adding that the spate of insecurity in the land pose another cause for worries, the Director said, if we train more youth so that we can possibly take them out of the streets, all these issues of insecurities we have in Nigeria, maybe, will be over.
He disclosed that part of why the construction company established its Plant and Equipment Academy is to complement efforts of government in empowering the youths even as he challenged other corporate entities operating in the country to do same for better results. In order to complement the efforts of the Government, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, set up this Plant Academy to train people so as to complement the efforts of the Government. So, companies like Julius Berger usually contribute and help the Government to train youths to take them out of the streets, to get them employed. It is not only Julius Berger that should be doing this. I am also calling for other companies to emulate what Julius Berger is doing, to train people, so that we can take all the youths out of the streets, he further said.
Concluding, Kaita said a report of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation shows that this type of training contributes to performance. He continued: According to the report, we have about 26% increase in performance for people who are trained against those people who are not trained at all. So, I think some or most of you will get employed in Julius Berger. But even if you go elsewhere, I am sure you are going to be a big asset to the company where you go. This is something which is timely, and it is laudable too. We have trained about 40 technicians so far since we set up this academy and I think about 16 are graduating today. This is a very good achievement.
Kaita commended a major partner in this Julius Berger’s effort, Armed Forces Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Mechatronic School (AFEME for their continued support.
The Head of Julius Berger Plant and Equipment Department, Francois Roos who kickstarted the programme, praised the graduating youths for seizing the opportunity of the training programme to develop themselves as well as encouraging people around them to engage in similar training. But the most important other thing you need to do is to inspire the people around you that they would also want to be trained that they would ask your supervisors and also do not be scared to share your knowledge, you now know something; go share it with the people around you, Roos added; even as he thanked everybody that contributed to the life of the trainees for helping to fulfil their dreams.
Other senior Julius Berger officials at the event were the Head of Human Resources, Mr. Olorunfemi Ojomo; the Senior Manager, Training, Festus Akin Ogunfuyi; Talent Manager, Adeyinka Adeniyi; the Coordinator of the Academy, Ajamah Himernuel; Head of Corporate Communications Department, Mr. James Agama; and Happiness Moses mnipr, Media Relations Office.
We are confident of Okpebholo’s victory – Edo Leaders
Notable personalities in Edo State, including leaders of ethnic and youth groups, political parties, former council chairmen and past political appointees on Saturday resolved to build a united front for the September 21 governorship election.
‘’Edo is urgently in need of salvation, purposeful leadership and efficient government. Eight years of wasted opportunities are enough. The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo is a shining example of honesty, humility and quality leadership and will make Edo great, steer the ship of state back to the path of rectitude and progress’’
They also declared that “it will be a victory for APC in the September 21 Governorship Election.
“The September 21 governorship election is about the future of our state. It is also an opportunity to strengthen the bond of unity, enhance development and promote good governance. Our support for Senator Monday Okpebholo is total and we are quite confident and ready for the election” the leaders said.
Arising from a meeting in Uromi, the leaders explained that the issue of winning the September 21 election is already a foregone conclusion.
“A vote for APC is a vote for progressive policies, high management capacity and vision for serious challenges besetting the state. It is also a vote for upgrading the state’s infrastructure, creating larger space for small and medium- sized business, investing in education, healthcare, transportation, housing and urban development, upholding the rule of law, improving the living conditions of the needy, protecting our communities and offering more opportunities for our young people”
A statement issued by the Chairman of Edo Political Congress (EPC), Dr Joshua Eboigbe said Okpebholo has the personal gravitas and organizational support to take the state to the next level.
“Senator Monday Okpebholo is effective, knowledgeable, consistent and open to dialogue. He will spread employment opportunities across the state, shape our state for the better, ensure economic growth for all and greater transparency in public life and accelerate the social, political and economic development of the state.
The prominent men and women noted that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government in the state is already heading for the rocks occasioned by its parochialism, deceit and betrayal of the people’s mandate.
‘’The PDP lacks the justification and moral standing to continue in office. It has been an era of disappointment and unfulfilled promises’’
The cheerful leaders said the plans to take over the state leadership cannot be deterred by the power of incumbency.
‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo is a man of character and competence, has vision, moral fortitude, zeal, leadership, commitment and love for all. He will invest in farmers, attract local and foreign investors, promote an environment of enduring peace, progress and development, provide meaningful, sustainable and dignified employment to the youth, defuse social conflicts and give a sense of belonging to the various ethnic groups through the enthronement of political and economic justice”.
They said Okpebholo’s quest is to redeem the state.
‘’Now, more than before, Edo State needs quality and focused leadership. Senator Okpebholo will galvanize the people to self-development, energize the economy, and raise the standard of living of the people through adequate inter-village communication such as good road network, electricity, pipe-borne water, recreational facilities. He will also stimulate rural industries and show the necessary leadership by matching words with action through evolving workable development approaches, proper coordination and funding’’.