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Julius Berger Commiserates and rallies to the aid of flood victims across its operational areas….as Company  Donates Food to Flood Victims

Julius Berger Commiserates and rallies to the aid of flood victims across its operational areas….as Company  Donates Food to Flood Victims

  • State governments laud company for food donations

 

In continuation of its determination to touch the lives of communities and with its strong commitment to its Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has again donated food items to flood victims at its different operational regions, namely Abuja-Kano Road, Bayelsa and Port Harcourt.

 

Julius Berger donated bags of rice to help ameliorate the effect of the devastating flood incident on the lives of the affected people.

 

At Bayelsa, Julius Berger’s Team lead to donate the rice in Yenagoa, Regional Project Coordinator, Chief Sam Ngbor said, “the management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc wishes to commiserate with the government and good people of Bayelsa State over the flood incident that has enormously disrupted lives and economic activities in some parts of the state. It is without doubt this incident has resulted in untold hardship and unbearable conditions in recent times.” Continuing, Chief Ngbor said, “…as part of our efforts to support the government and good people of Bayelsa state in this trying time, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc hereby donates one hundred bags of rice to the flood victims to help ameliorate the effect of the unfortunate natural disaster.” Julius Berger, said Chief Ngbor, donated the bags of parboiled rice to support the efforts by the state government on reassuring flood victims in the state of better life ahead. He prayed for God’s continued intervention in permanently comforting the victims of the floods.

 

Speaking after receiving the donation, Bayelsa state Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Iselema Gbaranbiri thanked Julius Berger “for (Julius Berger’s) efforts in dealing with aftermath of the ravaging floods which was unprecedented and affecting Ijaw land deep into our communities.” With the Commissioner to receive the food donation in Yenagoa was a member of the Bayelsa State Flood Management Committee, Mr. Mac-Ake Prince, and the Commissioner’s Personal Assistant, Mr. Princewill Azaru.

 

In Port Harcourt the Rivers State Capital, the exercise was similar with the presentation of the donated items by Chief Sam Ngbor.

 

Receiving the donated items on behalf of Rivers State government in Port Harcourt, a senior official of the State’s Flood Management Task Force, Mr. Dabrabaye Briggs thanked Julius Berger “for (the company’s) kind gesture and I pray that God rewards you always.”

 

At the Abuja-Kano road project corridor, the team lead of Julius Berger CSR Team, Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim explained that Julius Berger’s tradition is to continually reach out to its host communities through multi-pronged emergency and palliative interventions or its planned long-term community empowerment and development schemes.  He said: “We remain committed partners to the Nigerian development project. We would continue to do more to ensure that we give back to society through the platform of our CSR.” He said, “…this donation is part of the company’s deliberate way of making positive impact in the lives of not just homes but its hosts communities.”

 

The Village Head of Birnin Yaro Community, Kaduna State, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Rajab, received the food items with excitement saying, “…we are very excited for the compassionate steps taken by Julius Berger. These donations will put smiles on people’s faces and bring happiness to homes. The flood came destroying farmlands and leaving homes hungry. We want to sincerely thank the company for its very healthy sense of Corporate Social Responsibility by which it gives back to benefit its host communities. This is indeed an outstanding contribution. We now have food items to help families these festive periods. We thank the Management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. On behalf of my people, we say Thank You”.

 

At the Bebeji L.G.A, Kano State, Julius Berger’s CSR efforts were also commended and gratefully acknowledged by the village Head and community. The District Head of Bebeji, Alhaji Tijjani Abdullahi Kuki, who was present at the event said, “I want to thank the construction leader, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the kind gestures and contributions made to our community”. He recalled that “Julius Berger also last year, came to the community’s hospital and donated large number of beds for the use of the hospital, during the covid-19 lockdown. Julius Berger again, he said, donated palliatives to aid families and now another donation made to aid families affected by the flood. The company has given a lot of assistance to our community”. He expressed gratitude to Julius Berger saying, “…we will continue to support the company as we have always done. On behalf of the people, we extend our gratitude to the management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for these acts of kindness. ”

 

The Julius Berger delegation to the AKR food donation to flood victims included Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim, Michael Ashofor and Olivia Uzoma, amongst others.

 

The food donation to flood victims is a continuing implementation of the company’s ‘Food for our Communities’ campaign as well as its ‘Emergency response’ initiative, both of which are key pillars of Julius Berger’s operational CSR strategy.

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Again except for the Presidency Integrity Group rejects Atiku Okowa vows to support all the party’s candidates

Again, Integrity Group rejects Atiku, Okowa, vows to support all the party’s candidates, except for the Presidency

 

Today, I want to thank my creator, the Almighty God and to state unequivocally the very essence of my being a great believer and an advocate of truth, equity, justice and fairness in all my endeavours.
Equally, as a great believer in the age-long golden adage that says “a prophet is not appreciated in His own domain”, I owe this occasion to the honour recently accorded me by the fearless fighter and firm believer in fairness and justice, the  Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, who bestowed on me along other distinguished Nigerians, the highest honour of Rivers State.
I say I feel most appreciated for being considered worthy of such an important honour. Thank you, Your Excellency and May God always be your pilot.
I make bold to say that I remain firm in my commitment to the advocacy of the very core principle of the founding fathers of our great party,  the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This principle is called ‘rotation and zoning’, the very Foundation  and Political Spinal Cord that has held our great party together since its formative hours in 1998.
This is what some of us refer to as ‘Turn by Turn Nigeria Limited’, a  tradition of inclusiveness, deeply embedded and deep-rooted in the general concept of equity, fairness and justice.
This is boldly written in our party constitution and we are determined to defend this legacy left for us by Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Chief Bola Ige and other founding fathers of our great party.
My humble self and my co-travelers in the struggle for justice and fairness, the G5 governors, now called the  Integrity Group, want to make it abundantly clear, without any equivocation, that we remain committed and loyal members of  PDP, despite the present crisis.
In my recent address to the zonal committee of the party, I had reminded them in these words, “Zoning is the very glue that has invariably sustained the Nigerian democracy itself for 23 years. It is the architectural pillar holding the frame of our infant democracy. Embedded in the zoning logic is the truism of fairness, justice and collective accommodation”
Our disagreement is about the unilateral, selfish and subjective action of a few to sow a seed of discord which, if we are not careful, may lead to the disintegration of our great party.
Despite the ongoing inept attitude of the gladiators holding us down, we are ready and will, with all the strength we can muster, God helping us,  support all the party’s candidates, except for the Presidency because the top party managers definitively refuse to share the six top positions before the general elections and not after election as being canvassed by these few people.
By insisting that the presidential candidate,  national chairman and Director General of the Presidential Campaign Council of PDP should come from a particular section of the country, you are trying to destroy the culture and norms of the party in a nation with diverse ethnic groups and sectarian plurality, where the strong fiber of national union is still much tenuous, where suspicions still flare, where sectarian divide is yet volatile.
I make bold to say the recourse to the principle of zoning is the stop gap that induces a sense of belonging and unity among our people.
It creates a feeling that none will be elbowed out of our common patrimony. It guarantees that someday, power will shift in such a rotational order that every section of our multi-plural society will occupy a seat at the center.
There is no room here for wobbly, indecisive representation. Our position must be clear and not woolly. Our vision must be deliberate, assertive on the path of justice and truth. Personal interest must be discarded on the greater altar of national cohesion. The narrow partisan canvas must be jettisoned for the larger purity of the strengthening of the national union.
The greater summative interest of the Nigerian state is far superior to any recourse to ethnic corridor or sectarian pathway.
Ours is a potentially great nation. The building fundaments of a progressive society are achievable when we are willing to surrender the narrow purview of self-aggrandizement for the selfless embrace of the national good.
Our nation has not reached a stage where the indices of tribes and sectarian liaisons are completely voided from the political bearings. They are still there. Our structures are delicate, fragile, weak, flailing in the wind.
Stability is a graduating process. That very process is first to achieve a sense of inclusiveness. From the vast, sweeping Savannah of Sokoto to the mighty shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos, from the endless undulating landmass of Borno to the mangroves of Delta, from the furthest reaches of the forest of Ekiti to the primordial hills of Enugu – the constituents of the Nigerian Union must be assured that there is a governing fairness in the land, that the scales of Justice swings appropriately, that none is perceived in privileged attributions, that all the more than 600 ethnic groups have an equitable and fair share in the Nigerian Sun. It is when this is established, that we can boast of a solid arrival at nationhood.
Before I conclude, I want to reiterate the importance of the fairness doctrine in all our institutions whether it is party organization, the private sphere, or the public space.
Wherever there is no justice, wherever there is no inkling of equitable principle in the guidance of our institutions, there is an inevitable succumb to chaos, disorderliness, and self-help.
Rules must be obeyed. The pivotal fundament of law and order must be adhered to. We cannot and we must not cut corners to sooth the transient emotions of the moment.
What is just is just. What is right is right. Justice denied in any undertaking is justice destroyed. It is a death knell to the necessary balance that holds any union together.
This is the destructive path that must not and should not be taken.
Finally, I hereby plead, exhort, enjoin, that we should swiftly return to the path of justice, fairness and equitable balance.
Let me crave the indulgence of this eminent gathering to digress to another salient issue of national interest, which is to enjoin the management of our financial system, to take a cursory look at the dire straits our national economy has been plunged into.
In my humble opinion, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policy on the ongoing currency rebranding will only further destroy the economy of the nation.
To come up with the latest CBN pronouncement on daily cash transaction, with the present ugly state of our everyday life of epileptic power supply, high rate youth unemployment and sundry social challenges can only lead to one thing: fiscal and economic suicide.
All over the country, from Sokoto to Onitsha, to Jankara  market here in Lagos, the people will only be more burdened  with such policy as our economy is presently cash based in outlook.
The CBN policy is just too sudden. It will rather make the people sink deeper into misery and poverty. I make bold to say that the country cannot cope with what I foresee as an anti-people policy.
80% of businesses are still cash based, so it is only instructive for Mr President to wade into this rudderless monetary policy of the CBN.
Nigeria can not just move away from a cash based economy to a complete cashless regime overnight like the CBN wants to implement. Please note that the internet service is still epileptic and electric power is hardly available. How can we transact financial business in this state of hopelessness.
I appeal to Mr. President to intervene immediately before we fall headlong into calamitous abyss.
A word is enough for the wise
May God bless our Nation and let me wish you all a Merry Christmas and a bountiful New year in advance.
Thank You All

Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, CON, GSSRS, FNSE, MBA, mni
The Atona Oodua of Yorubaland

 

.Donates N10m To FOWOSO, Gifts Girl With Highest Score In UME N1million

 

 

….gives Kudos to women

 

 

Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, billionaire business mugul and candidate of Al Progressives Congress(APC) Ondo South for 2023 general elections was on Wednesday night honoured by Foundation For Wives Of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO) for his contribution

 

Ibrahim, who was the Chairman of the award night, in his remark appreciated the First Lady of the state for bridging the gap between the state government and the women through the Foundation.

.

Describing FOWOSO as an incredible institution that is building the lives of women in the state, Ibrahim said the Foundation should be institutionalised.

 

According to him, “I want to appreciate the First Lady of our dear state, the Ada Owere 1, for her efforts in building women in the state.

 

“She’s bridging the gap between the state administration and the women through FOWOSO.

 

“The First Lady fills the social gap between the state administration and the women in the state.

 

“FOWOSO has become an institution and should be institutionalised.

I hereby call on everyone in our state to support this institution for the success of the visions of the First Lady.”

 

Moreover, Dr. Ibrahim commended women folks for the yeoman’s job they’re doing at the home front.

 

He emphasized the importance of women to their husbands, noting that they were created to ensure that husband succeed in life.

 

“Tonight I want to seize this opportunity to appreciated women for keeping the home front and the children.

“You are all incredible. You take care of the home, you take care of the children.

 

“There’s no complete man without a woman. Women take care of the men. I commended you for the courage. Outside God, the next person is my wife. And that should be the case for every man.

“Woman should be the angel to guide for the benefit of mankind.”

 

Making his donation towards FOWOSO project, Ibrahim said: “It’s normal for me to donate to FOWOSO. The first lady is an incredible woman. I donate N10M million to FOWOSO.”

 

Different categories of award were presented at the event.

 

Dr. Ibrahim was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation HE4SHE Award in recognition of his support for FOWOSO and Women programmes.

 

The state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, was also presented an award.

 

His deputy, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who represented him at the dinner and award night, received award on his behalf.

 

 

Seven young girls also won Rising Star Award in Breast Cancer Advocacy, Arts, Solar Technology, Academics, Ability In Disability.

 

Catherine Igbalaiye, who won the award for Academics, was selected having scored the highest mark in UME.

 

Dr. Ibrahim gifted her a sum of N1million to assist her in pursuit of her academics.

 

 

Mrs. Bukola Akosile represented the Lagos State First Lady

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GOVERNOR NYESOM WIKE AWARDS JULIUS BERGER MANAGING DIRECTOR OTHERS HIGHEST CIVIL AWARD OF RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT….as Engineering Construction leader also receives ‘Lifetime Reputation Award’ from the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Public Relations

GOVERNOR NYESOM WIKE AWARDS JULIUS BERGER MANAGING DIRECTOR, OTHERS HIGHEST CIVIL AWARD OF RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT….as Engineering Construction leader also receives ‘Lifetime Reputation Award’ from the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Public Relations

It was a celebration of excellence, professionalism, nationalism and good success in Port Harcourt last Saturday as His Excellency Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State conferred the State’s most dignified civil awards on some deserving citizens and significant corporate players with manifestly developmental business operations in the State.

Amongst the iconic dignitaries so recognized and given the important awards by the Rivers State Government was the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engineer Dr. Lars Richter, the company’s South-south and South-east Regional Manager, Engr. Juergen Fischer and the company’s Special Projects Manager in Port Harcourt, Engr. Rimon Marisho. The Managing Director and the two other senior officials of the company were awarded the Rivers State Medal of the Order of GSSRS (Grand Service Star of Rivers State). It is the highest civil award made by the Rivers State Governor to any individual.

Governor Wike said the Government awarded the GSSRS Medal of honour to the Julius Berger Managing Director, Engr. Lars Richter and his Regional Manager and Special Projects Manager, Engr. Juergen Fischer and Engr. Rimon Marisho, respectively, for the unmatched productive capacity and technical competence exhibited by Julius Berger as the company successfully partnered with his administration to deliver the promised and planned infrastructural renewal and development of Rivers State, and Port Harcourt in particular.

The operations of the company as it delivered its contracted works for roads, bridges and flyovers in Rivers State, also generated a multiplier effect on employment opportunities for the people of the State, and that, in turn, had a positive empirical effect on crime reduction in the State, said Governor Wike.

Governor Wike therefore on behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State cited, commended and thanked the Julius Berger Managing Director and his workaholic operational team as a worthy, successful partner in progress for  the steady and irreversible infrastructural development and socio-economic advancement of Rivers State.

Other recipients of awards at the ceremony in Port Harcourt includeed the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Shehu Malami who was also vested with GSSRS; His Excellency Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State (GSSRS); His Excellency former Governor Olabode George who was vested with the Medal of Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS); and His Excellency former Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State (DSSRS).

The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Shehu Malami gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the award recipients as the ceremony came an end.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Lagos has awarded Julius Berger Nigeria Plc its ‘Lifetime Reputation Award’

Speaking at the event considered as Nigeria’s Communication Industry Oscars in Lagos last weekend, the President and Chairman of Council of the NIPR, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, fnipr, said that “the Award signifies the very consistently positive image and inspiring reputation of the company, for a very long time.” According to the President of NIPR, Malam Muhktar Sirajo, to underscore the Award given to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is the fact that the company was the sole awardee who got the voting public united in one voice, adding, “this underscores the very positive image and reputation of the company in a very long time.”

 

He further said that the Award is deserving recognition to Julius Berger’s revered consciousness of its reputation and its media communications excellence in its numerous endeavours. Urging the company to continue the existing good work of positively managing its reputation, the NIPR president congratulated Julius Berger specifically for the feat of being the sole nominee for the Award category and winning the grand prize.

 

The Chairman Lagos NIPR, Mrs Comfort Obot Nwankwo had similar words of praise for Julius Berger. She said that, “to underscore the importance of what Julius Berger has achieved is to be mindful of the fact that Lagos NIPR keeps raising the bar of the awards….So, for the NIPR Lagos to declare an individual or organisation as deserving of an Award which we usually determine via online voting, it must be seen and taken to be the reality on ground. Congratulations to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.”

 

Very important dignitaries at the Lagos NIPR Award ceremony included Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, immediate past president of NIPR, Dr Rotimi Oladele, Vice President of the NIPR, ACG Wale Adeniyi, current Chairman of Lagos NIPR, Mrs Comfort Obot Nwankwo, the Lagos State police commissioner, amongst several others.

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

5th December, 2022

 

TONY NWAKA’S JOURNEY IN VAINGLORY AND PRIDE THAT PRECEDES THE FALL

 

The attention of the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council has been called to the effusions by one Tony Nwaka, Ph.D, the candidate of the feeble and futile All Progressives Congress (APC) seeking to represent the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal constituency in the House of Representatives in 2023.

 

A statement by Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, Deputy Director, Media, and Publicity Committee, Delta State PDP Campaign Council stated that the party would have ignored the childishly silly and excessive boastfulness of Tony Nwaka about his personal abilities and achievements, but thought it necessary to respond for the sake of those who may have been taken in by the error and false presentation.

 

The intervention is also to deflate the puerile assertions and invectives thrown against the person of Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the effective Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the pride of Aniocha/Oshimili and PDP in the Green Chambers, and the party’s candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in the 2023 elections.

 

It is important to let Tony Nwaka know that nobody is against his right to seek to contest for the election to represent the people of Aniocha/Oshimili in the House of Representatives. Of course, he is already the candidate of the lackluster and wicked APC, otherwise referred to as the proverbial ‘Bad Drug” that has thrown this nation into negativities in all ramifications from which the PDP seeks to rescue and reset Nigeria. But we ask him to go out there and campaign, rather than indulge in an exercise of vainglory, deceptively woven to goodwill the people.

 

The Delta PDP calls on Tony Nwaka to back down from his high horse of futile academic exercise that is not a prerequisite for winning elections. It is mindless of him to want to destroy Ndudi Elumelu, whose good works remain sweet-smelling savour before the good people of Aniocha/Oshimili by pandering to base and irresponsible sentiments.

 

Which ideas does Tony Nwaka of APC have that he wants to offer? Is it the idea of one from a political party that has been acknowledged by Nigerians and Deltans in particular, as a party of liars and political deceits? Or is it an idea of one from a political party that has set Nigeria on a downward spin? Where was Tony Nwaka when his ruling party unsettled the good people of Nigeria by afflicting them with poverty, so much so that the nation has now become the poverty capital of the world? Through unmitigated cluelessness, the economic prosperity of Nigeria has been thrown overboard by the APC Federal Government, and here is someone claiming he has ideas to give to the people of Aniocha/Oshimili when he could not give his ill-informed party the idea to stimulate this country and put her on the path of economic growth?

 

Let’s ask Tony Nwaka what idea has he given to his ruling party to ease the insecurity situation in the country, as well as make the farms less harmful a place to go to by farmers?

 

Nigerians have rejected APC and all its candidates, beginning with the sick Presidential candidate, Tony Nwaka for their cluelessness. So, have the good people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency rejected Tony Nwaka.

 

For the good people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the PDP candidate for the 2023 election, like the good wine, he does not need to be bushed. His antecedents in good representation over the years, with tangible and verifiable results speaks volumes about his acceptability by the people.

 

Tony Nwaka should not seek to hypnotize the people with his unproductive sweet tongue; we challenge him to go to the polls, where Ndudi Elumelu, his Achilles’ heel is waiting to give him a resounding defeat and fall.

 

PDP! Power to the people!!

 

 

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza.

Deputy Director/Secretary,

Media and Publicity Committee,

Delta State PDP Campaign Council.

 

 

 

Chief Joe Omene Exposes Real Omo-Agege, Describes Him As Greedy, Self-Centred, Betrayer, Worst Delta Politician Ever.

 

By Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza.

 

We have always known that Delta APC Gubernatorial candidate and Deputy Senate President, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, is not the sanctimonious, squeaky clean, Knight in shiny Armour saviour, his obsequious loyalists and some of those selected smiling photographs on social media and Google images portray.

 

But we had refrained from deconstructing him at a personal level since we are not a political party that succumbs to low, dirty personality propaganda and hoped that one day, someone very close to him would do us the favour of presenting him the way he really is.

 

Today, the chickens have finally come home to roost as Chief Joe Omene, a great leader, elder statesman, and former President General of the Urhobo Progressives Union, UPU, has literally exposed and derobed Omo-Agege, leaving him bare to tan in the harsh electoral harmattan season of Delta’s political landscape.

 

A recent 6 minutes, 57 seconds trending video, posted on Social media by RERO TV, left no one in doubt about Omo-Agege, as High Chief Joe Omene, took the Deputy Senate President to the cleaners, in a caustic, unsympathetic, and forthrightly authoritative, sage-like baritone, which tore the reputation, personality and integrity of the Delta State APC Gubernatorial Candidate to shreds.

 

Hear him: “The Omo-Agege you’re seeing, just think of any politician from Urhobo, he’s the worst. He’s a very greedy man, self-centred, and everyday, when I see him criticize Governor Okowa in the papers I just laugh. Assuming he becomes Governor, he will be far worse.

 

“He is also a betrayer. Just look at the people he started working with, he has betrayed all of them,” the distinguished Urhobo leader declared.

 

This was just the first salvo in a steady six minutes profiling of Omo-Agege, which is better heard than reported, except to hint that Chief Omene went on to give a graphic and detailed commentary of how the Delta APC Guber candidate betrayed former Governor, Chief James Ibori, who brought him into Government from the United States and gave him top positions like SSG and Commissioner Special Duties, only to be betrayed because Omo-Agege did not get the Governorship ticket.

 

Chief Omene revealed how Omo-Agege betrayed Chief Great Ogboru, who was instrumental in ensuring the two Senate tenures he’s now enjoying and even the UPU, which stood as guarantor for his Senatorial ambition as Deputy Senate President, only for him to deviously embark on a divide and rule regime as the highest political office holder in Delta Central and Urhoboland, in order to exploit the division in Delta Central political structure, for his own selfish ambition.

 

He even called those who endorsed him for the position of Deputy Senate President “insurgents”, after he had secured the position. Hear Chief Omene again: “We endorsed him without any preconditions and even wrote to President Buhari as the umbrella body of Urhobo ethnic nation, but he later called us insurgents after he had got the position.

 

“He called us insurgents, but when we were endorsing him we were not insurgents o. After endorsing him and getting what he wants we became insurgents. How can a lawyer say something like that about people who were in Court? It’s not proper for a lawyer.”

 

Shedding light on Omo-Agege’s clannish development agenda, Chief Omene had this to say: “You’re the Senate President (sic). As the (Deputy) Senate President he brought Law School, where did he site it? Orogun! He brought Polytechnic, where did he site it? Orogun! He brought so many other things, where did he site them? Orogun! He didn’t site anyone in any other part of Urhoboland. No ooo.

 

“That will tell you the kind of person he will be, assuming some people vote for him foolishly to become Governor. He does not have the overall interest of Urhobo,” the great Urhobo elder statesman said unflinchingly.

 

Delta PDP has never had any doubts about the Chameleonic nature of Ovie Omo-Agege. He was once a member of our great party and the circumstances under which he left the party were less than noble, disturbingly dishonourable, acrimoniously petty, and uncharitably rancourous, as he fermented all manner of disharmony within party ranks in his selfish quest to overturn an already accepted zoning arrangement, because of his “emi lo kan” mentality, just like his Presidential candidate in APC.

 

Chief Joe Omene has done Deltans a great service by exposing the real Ovie Omo-Agege to the world and we are quite gratified by this honest revelation. We have also been vindicated in our unwavering position that even in his own community and so-called stronghold, Ovie Omo-Agege already has major trust, personality, and integrity issues and the initial effervescence of his emergence which is fast fading, will continue to dissipate and evaporate rapidly, as the 2023 election draws ever closer.

 

 

 

© Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza is the State Publicity Secretary, PDP, Delta State & Deputy Director, Media, and Publicity Committee, PDP Campaign Council.

Press Statement

 

Obuah Lauds Wike’s Foresight Over State Honours

 

…Says Sim Is Experienced Public Officer

 

Bro Felix Obuah, recipient of Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS) says Governor Nyesom Wike should be commended and appreciated for being in touch and actively alive to every good deed for public interest from any quarter in the State.

 

His Excellency is not only sensitive to such deeds but also most willing to reward such hard work and dedication, the Director-General of Rivers State PDP Campaign Council, Bro Obuah further added.

 

Bro Obuah noted that the ability to appreciate and reward hard work is a divine character which is a remarkable attribute of Governor Nyesom Wike which nobody will deny him whether friend or foe.

 

The immediate past State PDP Chairman and former Sole Administrator, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Bro Obuah, made the remarks while speaking to newsmen after receiving the State Honours Award, Saturday night.

 

He simply described Gov Wike as a good man who does not hide his feelings about anything and says it as he deems it right.

 

“This is one attribute that endears him to me as you can easily know his position on any matter. This rare attribute helps to treat matters with dispatch.

 

“No wonder all the projects embarked upon by his administration are executed and delivered as planned.

 

“Let me once again, enjoin our people to continue to support and pray for His Excellency and his administration even as we expect yet another experienced public officer in the person of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed him after he has completed his tenure to the glory of God”, Bro Obuah prayed.

 

 

Jerry Needam

 

Special Adviser Media and Publicity

To Bro Felix Obuah,  Director-General,

PDP 2023 New Rivers Vision Campaign Council,

Rivers State.

 

 

2023: Don’t be deceived by fake promises, Okowa tells Nigerians

 

Vice-Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has called on Nigerians to be prayerful and watchful in order not to be swayed by politicians with fake promises.

 

He said that with the 2023 general elections a few months away, some politicians had started making empty and unrealistic promises to Nigerians as was the case in 2015.

 

Okowa made the call at the Thanksgiving Service to mark the end of the Annual Convention of Pasture of Life Ministries International, Asaba.

 

He said that the task to rebuild Nigeria was herculean, but pointed out that many people aspiring to lead the country did not understand the enormity of the problem facing the nation.

 

According to him, the times we are in Nigeria is very difficult and many persons want to make it look like its very easy to rebuild Nigeria, that will be deceitful of any man to say so.

 

“We were deceived in 2015 at the campaigns because promises were made in such a manner that people said let’s drive out Jonathan’s and the APC came into government and we are where we are today.

 

“Here again people are beginning to its easy to fix Nigeria in 6 months but when you have not been in governance you will not understand exactly what the situation is and for somebody who says it’s easy to fix Nigeria, it means the person does not even know the depth of the problem of Nigeria as at today,”

 

The PDP Presidential running mate said a lot of work needs to be done, adding that it requires the collective responsibility of every citizen to turn things around for the country.

 

“There is a lot of work to be done, and it requires great leadership and followership to work together to fix this country.

 

“It requires the collective efforts of our fathers and mothers but it also requires a lot of our youths to work together because people who don’t understand the workings of governance can easily be deceived.

 

“We must seek the face of God, we must ask God prayerfully to allow His will to be done for this nation. So, we must all arise and pray that the will of God be in this nation so that we are not deceived again like we were deceived in 2015,” he added.

 

Okowa further said Nigeria had never been so indebted like it is now saying, “the level of debt that we are in now in this country, we have never seen it before since 1999.

 

“All l ask is that our youths should shine their eyes, pray, don’t be deceived again. Some people who told us that the naira and the dollar will become equal were deceitful.

 

“There are somethings that they will tell you and you will know that it is not possible because you have knowledgeable mind and you are educated.

 

“So, let us not just accept everything that people say, let us be cautious and prayerful and the Lord will truly guide us as a nation.

 

“As to whether Nigeria will return back to glorious days and surpass, yes it will; will it take time? yes also. We need to be prayerful,” Okowa stated.

 

Guest Preacher Bishop Emmah Isong of Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI), Calabar, in his sermon “Them that love God” told Christians not to struggle to make it in life but just love God for all things work together for good to them that love God.

 

He urged Christians to love God and always pray for the nation in all they do and God will always show up in their lives, stressing that, “when you love God stumbling blocks put on the way against you will become stepping stones for you,” Bishop Isong said.

 

Welcoming guests earlier, Presiding Bishop of Pasture of Life International, Bishop Jude Akhere had thanked the Governor for his immense contributions to the growth and development of the state.

 

He said he had lived in Asaba for 36 years and knew what the city looked like before the Okowa administration came on board.

 

He described Okowa as a governor with determination to change the status of Asaba capital city with several projects including Stephen Keshi Stadium; Professor Chike Edozien Secretariat; Maryam Babangida Way; DLA Road; Koka Flyover and Interchange

Asaba Storm Water Drainage; Okpanam Road; Asaba Leisure Park and Film Village.

 

Bishop Akhere also lauded the Governor for the establishment of three new universities, widow’s monthly payment; Youth Empowerment Programmes; Contributory Health Insurance as well as free health care for children under 5 and pregnant women had contributed immensely to the reduction maternal mortality in the state.

 

2023: Uduaghan urges Isoko nation to vote PDP candidates

 

As the Delta South Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward-to-ward campaign train berths at Isoko South, immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has called on the people to vote for all candidates of the party in the 2023 general elections.

 

Speaking at Umeh in Isoko South Local Government Area on Monday, Uduaghan said the state government executed some legacy projects in the community, including the famous Umeh Road and called on them to reciprocate government’s kind gesture by voting for all candidates of the party in the general elections.

 

He lauded an illustrious son of the area, Chief Duncan Afahokor for attracting development to the community, describing him as a “hero”.

 

“My dear people of Isoko nation, today I am very emotional, because this community has produced a hero that we are not giving the right recognition.

 

“Chief Barr Duncan Afahokor is a hero and I thank him again for what God used him to do for the people of Umeh community.

 

“Through him, we constructed the Umeh Road, Umeh Primary School and other projects which have no doubt transformed the community today. So I call on you all to vote more so that you can get more,” Uduaghan added.

 

He urged the people to shun all entreaties from opposition parties describing their promises as fake and unrealistic.

 

He called on the people to vote for Atiku Abubakar and Ifeanyi Okowa for President and Vice-President; Sheriff Oborevwori for Governor; Michael Diden for Senate; Engr Jonathan Ukodhiko for House of Representatives and Hon. Ferguson Onwo and Bino Obowomano for House of Assembly.

Director-General of the Delta PDP Campaign Council, Chief Solomon Funkekeme reminded the people of all the good projects done for the community and urged them to cast their votes for all party candidates.

 

The campaign train which also visited Okpolo/Enhwe, Igbide, Emede and Olomoro wards, had in attendance Chairman Delta South PDP Chief Julius Takeme; Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Stella Omu; Senatorial candidate Hon. Michael Diden; Hon. Nicholas Mutu; Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi; and Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko.

 

Others include Majority Leader Delta State House of Assembly Hon. Ferguson Onwo; MD/CEO DESOPADEC Bashorun Askia Ogieh; High Chief Mike Loyibo, Commissioner for Transport Chief Mike Okah: Commissioner for Trade and Investments Churchill Amagada and Chairman Isoko South PDP Chief Godspower Obaro.

 

The rally also featured defection of some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP. They said they were leaving because the APC had failed Nigerians.

 

 

 

 Okowa congratulates Obiora Okonkwo at 57

 

Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta, Sen (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated business mogul and Chairman, United Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, on his 57th birth anniversary.

 

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, Okowa lauded the Ogidi-born consumate entrepreneur for his acknowledged accomplishments and contributions to the socio-economic growth of Nigeria.

 

He described Obiora, a former governorship candidate in Anambra State and currently, the state’s Director of Atiku-Okowa 2023 Presidential Campaign Committee, as a savvy businessman and great philanthropist, with a huge passion for touching lives positively.

 

Okowa remarked that as an astute politician, Obiora had added immense value to the Atiku-Okowa Presidential Campaign in Anambra.

 

“My brother, Obiora, you are a pride of Ndi-Igbo, and I must commend you for your huge investments in the socio-economic and political development of your state, Anambra, and Nigeria.

 

“You have contributed immensely to the greater popularity and acceptability of the Atiku-Okowa ticket of the PDP in Anambra and the South-East of which we remain grateful to you and your colleagues,” he said.

 

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you, an illustrious son of Anambra and Igbo nation, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, on your 57th birth anniversary.

 

“Your contributions to entrepreneurship and economic development in Nigeria will continue to inspire us in our quest to rescue, reset and rebuild our country, Nigeria.

 

“It is my prayer that God will continually bless you with robust health and more years of service to Him and humanity,” he added.

 

 

2023: Esiso urges Deltans to vote Oborevwori for inclusive governance

 

Delta State Chairman Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Kingsley Esiso has called on the electorate in the state to vote for the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori for inclusive governance and democratic dividends.

 

Esiso who made the call at the party’s ward-to-ward campaign rally at Aviara, Irri, Oleh and Uzere Wards in Isoko South Local Government Area, also urged the people to vote for all candidates of PDP in the 2023 general elections to enable the party rescue, reset and rebuild the country.

 

He said that Deltans have decided not to vote for a man who will turn government to personal and family property.

 

Esiso said a vote for Oborevwori and other PDP candidates was a vote for inclusive governance and an opportunity to resolve the many challenges bedevilling the nation.

 

He urged the people to join hands with the party to drive away the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that they brought no development but hunger, poverty, economic stagnation and insecurity across the country.

 

The rally which also featured defection of some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP, had in attendance Deputy State Chairman Chief Val Areyenka; Chairman Delta South PDP Chief Julius Takeme; Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Stella Omu; Senatorial candidate Hon. Michael Diden; Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi; and Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko.

 

Others include Majority Leader Delta State House of Assembly Hon. Ferguson Onwo; Chief Ross Uredi; MD/CEO DESOPADEC Bashorun Askia Ogieh; Prince Johnson Erijo, Commissioner for Trade and Investments Churchill Amagada; Chief Iduh Amadhe; Dr Paul Oweh; Hon. Victor Asasa; Hon. 2023: Esiso urges Deltans to vote Oborevwori for inclusive governance

 

Chairman Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Delta, Chief Kingsley Esiso has called on the electorate in the state to vote for the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori for inclusive governance and democratic dividends.

 

Esiso who made the call at the party’s Ward-to-ward campaign rally at Aviara, Irri, Oleh and Uzere Wards in Isoko South Local Government Area of the state, also urged the people to vote for all candidates of the PDP in the 2023 general elections to enable the party rescue, reset and rebuild the country.

 

He said that Deltans have decided not to vote for a man who will turn government to personal and family property.

 

Esiso said a vote for Oborevwori and other PDP candidates was a vote for inclusive governance and an opportunity to resolve the many challenges bedevilling the nation.

 

He urged the people to join hands with the party to drive away the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that they brought no development but hunger, poverty, economic stagnation and insecurity across the country.

 

The rally which also featured defection of some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP, had in attendance Deputy State Chairman Chief Val Areyenka; Chairman Delta South PDP Chief Julius Takeme; Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Stella Omu; Senatorial candidate Hon. Michael Diden; Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi; and Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko.

 

Others include Majority Leader Delta State House of Assembly Hon. Ferguson Onwo; Chief Ross Uredi; MD/CEO DESOPADEC Bashorun Askia Ogieh; Prince Johnson Erijo, Commissioner for Trade and Investments Churchill Amagada; Chief Iduh Amadhe; Dr Paul Oweh; Hon. Victor Asasa; Hon. Christian Iteire; Dr Michael Tidi and Chairman Isoko South PDP Chief Godspower Obaro.; Dr Michael Tidi and Chairman Isoko South PDP Chief Godspower Obaro.

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Floods: SERAP sues Buhari over failure to probe ‘missing trillions of ecological funds’

Floods: SERAP sues Buhari over failure to probe ‘missing trillions of ecological funds’

 

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari over “the failure to probe the spending of trillions of ecological funds by governments at all levels—federal, state and local governments from 2001 to date, and to ensure the prosecution of suspected perpetrators of corruption and mismanagement of public funds.”

 

Joined in the suit as Respondents are the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.

 

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently said that no fewer than 600 persons died and 1.3 million rendered homeless as a result of the floods that ravaged most states across the country, with destruction of properties worth billions.

 

In the suit number FHC/L/CS/2283/2022 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is asking the court to “direct and compel President Buhari to promptly and thoroughly investigate the spending of Ecological Fund by governments at the Federal, state and local government levels from 2001 to date.”

 

SERAP is also asking the court to “direct and compel President Buhari to ensure that suspected perpetrators of corruption and mismanagement of trillions of ecological funds are promptly brought to justice, and any missing public funds fully recovered.”

 

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that, “the failure to probe the alleged missing trillions, prosecute suspected perpetrators and recover any missing public funds is a fundamental breach of constitutional and international legal obligations.”

 

SERAP is also arguing that, “impunity for corruption in the management of Ecological Fund will continue as long as high-ranking public officials go largely unpunished for their alleged crimes.”

 

According to SERAP, “It is in the public interest to direct and compel President Buhari to probe these allegations so that evidence can be taken before the court and the truth about the spending of ecological funds revealed, and justice served.”

 

SERAP is also arguing that, “the Federal Government has violated the obligations to protect and uphold the human rights of those affected, and to provide them with access to justice and effective remedies.”

 

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyer Kolawole Oluwadare, read in part: “the Federal Government has the legal obligations to address the calamitous consequences of flooding for the human rights of millions of people, and to prevent and address the consequences that climate change may reap on human rights.”

 

“According to the audit of the Ecological Fund Office carried out by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, (NEITI), the total amount received by the fund from December 2011 to November 2016 alone was N277 billion.”

 

“The operations of the Fund from 2012 to 2016 reportedly showed that some of the disbursements were not utilised for the purpose for which it was established. During these periods, N74,170,932,645.20 was released to State Governments to solve ecological problems in their States.”

 

“Although ecological funds are shared across the three tiers of government, and emergency management agencies, the funds are managed and supervised by the Federal Government.”

 

“The Federal Government has the legal obligations to prevent and address the threats to human rights that result from climate change, and to provide access to justice and effective remedies for victims when these rights are violated.”

 

“The Federal Government has a positive obligation to protect individuals against the threat posed to human rights by climate change, regardless of the causes, and to effectively address the aftermath of the flooding such as deterioration in health, diminishing access to safe drinking water and susceptibility to disease.”

 

“Climate change also has the potential to exacerbate existing threats to human rights in the country. Rising global temperatures will jeopardise many people’s livelihoods, increasing their vulnerability to poverty and social deprivation.”

 

“Many years of allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the spending of Ecological Fund and entrenched impunity of perpetrators have undermined the ability of governments at all levels and emergency management agencies to prevent the impact of flooding on the human rights vulnerable Nigerians.”

 

“Allegations of corruption and mismanagement have undermined the ability of authorities at all levels to invest in drainage systems, and to tackle soil erosion and climate change challenges across several parts of the country.”

 

“The funds released for ecological projects are characterised by mismanagement, diversion of funds, substandard and abandoned projects fully paid for. Ecological funds have also been allegedly spent for other purposes such as election campaigns and political patronage.”

 

“Prevention of corruption in the spending of the Ecological Fund, and preventing and addressing the challenges caused by climate change are serious and legitimate public interests.”

 

“There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for alleged corruption and mismanagement in the management of the Ecological Fund.”

 

“Nigerians have the right to know how the public funds budgeted to address ecological challenges are spent. Publishing the details of allocations of the Ecological Fund since 2001 would promote transparency, accountability, and reduce the risks of corruption in the spending of the funds.”

 

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

4/12/2022

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

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Delta to Buhari: Okowa not among 'pilfering' governors

Delta to Buhari: Okowa not among ‘pilfering’ governors

 

Delta Government on Friday dissociated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa from the allegation by President Muhammadu Buhari that some governors were involved in diverting local government funds.

 

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, at a news conference in Asaba said Okowa’s administration had remained transparent and accountable to the people and would never be counted among governors (if any) that steal local government funds.

 

He stated that in case the President had information that such pilfering happened in some states, “ the reverse is the case in Delta, where rather than touch the funds of local governments, the governor gives them nothing less than N300 million monthly to augment their salaries and pension bills, and remain afloat’’.

 

According to Ifeajika, I want to say that Mr President, as one who has all the information about issues in the country, knows the governors who fall into that category of the so-called ‘thieves’ he was referring to.

 

“We all know that our own Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, does not belong there. He was one of the first governors, if not the first, to embrace local government autonomy when it was agreed on just like he did with the judiciary and the legislature.

 

“He went as far as getting legislation to grant autonomy to the legislature and the judiciary. He allowed them to run autonomously. And, for a man, who allowed these organs of government to have autonomy, he cannot have anything to do with funds belonging to the local governments.

 

“I repeat that the government of Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, every month, augments the finances of local governments in the state with  more than N300 million to make sure they are able to pay their salaries and stay afloat.

 

“He does that religiously monthly; so, for a man who does that, how can he be among those who steal local government money?

 

“Our governor is not part of it. You are also aware that the government of Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa recently released N5 billion for pension arrears; N2.5 billion of that was a grant to the local government for payment of pensions.

 

“It is a grant to the local government; they are not going to pay. The governor did that because the local governments have to fund their activities, pay their teachers and healthcare workers,” he stated.

 

Okowa’s spokesman also took a swipe at Deputy President of the Senate and All Progressives Congress Governorship Candidate in the state, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, for lying about consulting Governor Okowa on the status of PTI-Eku-Agbor road.

 

Ifeajika said that Omo-Agege knew that the road was under contract and he knew the contractor who abandoned the road.

 

“I have told you before that lying is in the DNA of Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege just like it is in the APC. But beyond lies, his utterances obviously smack of malice and mischief.

 

“In a meeting with CAN members in Sapele some days ago, he told them that he had asked Okowa to furnish him with information about the status of the road from PTI through Agbor.

 

“I wonder how Omo-Agege, Deputy President of the Senate, would be asking the governor to furnish him with such information when he can easily find out about the road as a federal officer.

 

“Again, he lied when he said that he was doing that because the contract for that road had been awarded previously. But, if that is the case, all he needed to do was to use his good office to return the contractor to site.

 

“He said he wanted that information to enable him to put the road contract in NDDC’s budget. So, what happened to the first contract? If a contract was awarded, as a Deltan, all he needed to do was to find out what happened to the first contract.

 

“Well, Deltans are Deltans and they know the truth. He said N80 billion has been approved for that same project again through NDDC. We have heard him but, until we see the contractor deployed to work, we cannot believe him.

 

“He said again that because of insecurity, oil companies have left the state, Warri particularly. We all know where insecurity comes from. It is one big thing that the APC administration has given to Nigerians.

 

“It is their flagship gift to Nigerians, and his comment on insecurity is a great indictment on the Federal Government where he is a big stakeholder,” he stated.

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Nasarawa Court Sends Internet Fraudster To Jail

Nasarawa Court Sends Internet Fraudster To Jail

 

Justice N.I. Afolabi of the Federal High Court sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State has convicted and sentenced one Adikpe Philip to jail for internet fraud.

He was jailed on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 after pleading guilty to one-count charge bordering on internet fraud, upon his arraignment by the Makurdi Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The charge reads: “That you, Adikpe Philip, sometime in July, 2022 in Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud sent electronic messages to one Keith Anderson and other foreign nationals, that materially misrepresented facts which reliance was place upon and caused them to suffer loss, thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 14 (2) of Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under the same section of the Act”.

The defendant pleaded “guilty” to the charge.

Upon his plea, the prosecution counsel, M. Yusuf prayed the Court to convict and sentence him as charged.

Justice Afolabi convicted and sentenced him to one year imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira).

The convict started his journey to the Correctional Centre when he was arrested by operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Command of the EFCC for impersonating foreigners and using their identities to defraud other foreigners.

 

 

N19.9m Fraud: EFCC Closes Case against Yobe Auditor General for Local Government

The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, closed its case in the ongoing trial of the Auditor General for Local Government, Yobe State, Alhaji Idris Yahaya before Justice Muhammad Lawu Lawan of the Damaturu State High Court, Yobe State.

The defendant allegedly obtained the said sum from the Office of the Auditor General for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Yobe State, for the purchase of an official vehicle, a 2015 Toyota Corolla and diverted part of the money to his personal use.
The count read: ”That you, Yahaya Lawal Idris, being the Auditor General for Local Government, Yobe State, between the 20th to 21st day of May 2017 at Damaturu, Yobe State within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, received the sum of N19,900,000.00 via your personal account number 1001480930 with account name Alhaji Yahaya Idris domiciled with United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) from the Local Government Audit Account Number 5030030060 domiciled with Fidelity Bank Plc for the purchase of a brand new Toyota Corolla 2015 Model, did dishonestly misappropriate the gross sum of N10,100,000.00 (Ten Million, One Hundred Thousand Naira) only being the money made for the purchase of the said brand new Toyota Corolla 2015 for the Office of the Local Government Auditor General, Yobe State, and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 308 of the Penal Code Cap 102 Laws of Yobe State of Nigeria and punishable under section 309 of the same Law.”

Yahaya was first arraigned on Wednesday November 9, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

At today’s sitting, prosecution counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed, called four witnesses and tended several documents in evidence before closing the case of the prosecution.

The first prosecution witness, Rabiu Isa who is a car dealer in Kano told the court that sometime in 2017 the defendant came to his car stand and negotiated to buy a 2016 Toyota Corolla car for N9.8m and requested to be issued a blank receipt.
The PW3, Emmanuel Andrew, a representative of United Bank for Africa, narrated how the defendant withdrew the inflow of N19,900,000 from the account of the Yobe State Local Government Auditor General.

“On the 28th March, 2017 there was an inflow of N19, 900,000 from the account of Yobe State Local Government Audit to the defendant’s account and on the 21st March, 2017 there was a transfer of N9.8m in favour of NAZ Motors Limited for the purchase of a vehicle.

“On August 4, 2017, the defendant transferred the sum of N700, 000.00 (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira) to one Shettima Babule. On August 15, 2017, there was another transfer from the defendant to Alhaji Gambo Haruna in the sum of N3.200, 000 (Three Million Two Hundred Thousand Naira),” he said.

Benjamin Young Etah an operative of the EFCC and PW4, told the court that upon receipt of a petition from Zero Corruption Hundred Percent Development against the defendant, his team wrote investigation activities letters to banks and responses were analyzed.

According to him, the petitioner alleged that Wakil included several names on the Government Payroll and acquired several properties worth millions of Naira.

“Investigations revealed that two quotations were submitted from two different companies namely El-Hmazat Investment and Brisco; while Brisco’s quotation was approved, the defendant went to NAZ Motors and purchased a vehicle and diverted the balance of N10.1m.

“One Alhaji Haruna Gambo who is a land vendor in Damaturu, Yobe State also received some amount of money from the defendant,” he said.

Justice Lawan adjourned the matter till December 7, 2022 for the defendant to open his defence.

 

Alleged N260m Fraud: Court Sends Ex-Gusau Varsity VC, Prof. Garba to 35 Years in Prison

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, December 1, 2022 secured the conviction of Professor Magaji Garba, a former Vice Chancellor of Federal University Gusau, as Justice Maryam Hassan Aliyu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Garki, Abuja, found guilty of a five count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and forgery and sentenced him to 35 years jail term.

Garba was arraigned by the EFCC on October 12, 2021, for allegedly extorting various sums from a contractor on the pretext of awarding him a N3 billion contract for the perimeter wall fencing of the University.

The offence is contrary to section 1 (1) (a) and punishable under section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

Count two of the charge reads: “That you, Professor Magaji Garba, whilst being the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Gusau on or about the 15th of May, 2019 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N100,000,000 (One Hundred Million Naira) from Alhaji Shehu Umar Sambo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ministaco Nigeria Limited, a contractor executing the construction of the Grand Convocation Square of the Federal University, Gusau under the false pretence of awarding a project for the perimeter wall fencing of the University valued at the total sum of N3,000,000,000.00 (Three Billion Naira) which representation/pretense you knew to be false”.

Count three reads: “That you, Professor Magaji Garba, whilst being the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Gusau on or about the 1st August, 2019 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N150,000,000.00 (One Hundred and fifty Million Naira from Alhaji Shehu Umar Sambo, Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of Ministaco Nigeria Limited, a contract executing the construction of the Grand Convocation Square at the Federal University, Gusau under the false presence of awarding a project for the perimeter wall fencing of the University valued at the total sum of N3,000,000,000.00 (Three Billion Naira), which representation/ pretense you knew to be false”.

He had pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, thereby setting the stage for his full trial.

After calling witnesses and tendering so many documents, which were admitted in evidence, the EFCC closed its case on December 14, 2021.

Delivering judgment today, the trial judge said the court was satisfied that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

He pronounced the defendant “guilty” on the five counts, and sentenced him to seven years on count 1-3 without option of fine and seven years imprisonment on counts 4 and 5, with option of N10 million fine each.

 

EFCC Docks Man For Alleged N72.4m Theft In Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, December 1, 2022, arraigned one Onoja Peter before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on a six-count charge bordering on an alleged theft to the tune of N72,449,000.

The offence is contrary to Section 278 (1) (a) and (b) and Section 285 (1) of the Criminal of Lagos State of Nigeria 2021.

One of the counts reads: “Mr. Onoja Peter, sometime between February 2016 and December 2016 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, stole by fraudulently converting to your own use the sum of N15,900,000, property of National Union of Food Beverages and Tobacco Employee, NUBTE.”

Another count reads: “Mr. Onoja Peter, sometime between January 2019 and August 2019 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, stole by fraudulently converting to your own use the sum of N16,830,000, property of National Union of Food Beverages and Tobacco Employee, NUBTE.”

He is further accused of defrauding the Union of the sums of N8,499,000; N9,900,000; N11,030,000; and N10,290,000 at different times.

He pleaded “not guilty” to all the counts when they were read to him.

The prosecuting counsel, Anita Imo, prayed the court for a trial date to enable the prosecution prove its case against the defendant, and for the remand of the defendant at the Correctional Centre.

The defence counsel, Paul Okoli, prayed the court for the remand of the defendant at the EFCC custody pending the determination of his bail application.

Justice Dada adjourned the case till January 23, 2023, for trial.

The defendant was also ordered to be remanded at the Correctional Centre of his choice pending the filing and hearing of his bail application.

 

 

DON’T TAMPER WITH OUR CAMPAIGN MATERIALS AGAIN, BAYELSA APC WARNS GOVERNOR DIRI

Bayelsa State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government under Mr. Douye Diri to never again tamper with its campaign materials.

APC in a statement on Wednesday by its State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, revealed that on Tuesday night officials of the Bayelsa State Government in cahoots with unknown security elements were seen removing Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima 2023 Presidential Campaign posters and banners across Yenagoa.

APC Presidential Campaign Council is expected in Yenagoa on Thursday for a rally promoting the 2023 presidential bid of Tinubu. In readiness of this, the party leadership, support groups and sundry politicians had festooned the state capital with campaign materials supporting the party’s candidates.

APC described the action of the Bayelsa State government as “reckless, lawless, petty and provocative”.

“Bayelsa State belongs to all of us, irrespective of party lines. In this season of politics, we have a right to support any candidate of our choice. No authority can stop us from promoting our candidate. Never again should the government of Mr. Douye Diri tamper with our campaign materials”, the APC Spokesman said.

“For a government that did not even win the votes of the people at the last governorship elections, this act must rank as the lowest of the low”.

The party has since reported the matter to the police authorities in the state.

DOIFIE BUOKORIBO

State Publicity Secretary

All Progressives Congress (APC)

Yenagoa

30 November 2022

ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS, BAYELSA STATE CHAPTER

#382, MBIAMA/YENAGOA ROAD; KPANSIA; YENAGOA

 

 

 

December 1, 2022

Press Statement

Oshiomhole is False-hearted, Unstable – Atiku/Okowa Campaign

…Describes His Comment on PDP’s Candidate as Thoughtless

The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization has described the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Deputy Director-General of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Organization, Mr Adams Oshiomhole as an unstable and falsehearted character who should be disregarded by Nigerians.

Nigerians are appalled by the reckless comments made by Oshiomhole, who being distraught by the increasing popularity of the PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar has now resorted to hauling insults and vituperations against the person of Atiku as witnessed in his Channels TV Politics Today interview on Wednesday.

Oshiomhole is behaving like someone suffering from acute Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD). This can only explain why the former APC National Chairman, who was disgraced out of office, continues as a chattering roller coaster and a musical chair politician who specializes in making unfounded comments and inventing fictitious claims against others just to draw undue attention to himself.

Nigerians can recall how Oshiomhole in 2016 described Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as an impostor, a fake pastor, rusticated student, a career dropout, acid bath assailant, liar, treasury looter; an incompetent and questionable character, who is only good for night meetings and not fit to be the governor of Edo state, only to turn around in 2020 to state that these damaging allegations were mere political statements.

Nigerians expect Adams Oshiomhole to note that Presidential Campaign addresses serious issue and not a platform for throwing tantrums and irresponsible commentaries.

In that regard, Nigerians are not ready to accept such apparent HPD attitude from him towards the nation’s preferred leader, Atiku Abubakar.

In any case, Nigerians will not be surprised to see Adams Oshiomhole turning around at Atiku Abubakar’s inevitable victory and inauguration on May 29, 2023, to condemn Asiwaju Tinubu and declare his current unsavory comments against Atiku Abubakar as mere political statements.

If Oshiomhole has honour or means well for this nation, he ought to have resigned as Deputy Director General of Asiwaju/Shettima Presidential Campaign after series of shameful revelations of reported allegations touching on the integrity of the APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Instead of forum-shopping from one television station to the other, Oshiomhole ought to be explaining Tinubu’s deluge of questioning over alleged forgery, perjury, treasury looting; inconsistencies in age, name ancestry, educational qualifications as well as the link to nefarious trafficking that led to his forfeiture of a whopping sum of $460,000 to the United States of America in a narcotic matter.

Oshiomhole should help his candidate (Tinubu) to account for how the photograph of former Governor Donald Duke was allegedly stolen and used for Asiwaju documentary to campaign as a candidate for the 2023 election.

Our campaign holds that contrary to the garments of unity which Oshiomhole is forcing on Tinubu, the Presidential Candidate of the APC lacks antecedents that will showcase him as a believer in a truly united and indivisible Nigeria.

It is imperative to note this accounts for the discussion gaining traction in the public space where Asiwaju Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate, is alleged to be plotting the relocation of the Federal Capital from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, back to Lagos, despite denials by his campaign.

Moreover, Oshiomhole is not in any position to preach about matrimonial competence and sanctimony as he has not explained the whereabouts of his imported foreign wife to Nigerians.

It is important for Oshiomhole to note that Nigerians have moved beyond Tinubu as they have already attained consensus across the political, ethnic and religious divides to vote in Atiku Abubakar as a pan-Nigerian and unifier that will rescue our nation from the shambolic rule of the divisive, insensitive and corrupt APC.

Of course, Nigerian have come to a consensus that our nation needs a visionary leader, like Atiku Abubakar and certainly not a bat with its inadequacies, specie inconsistencies and aversion to light.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

Spokesperson

Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organization.

 

I Will Conquer The Ocean In Bayelsa As I Did In Lagos ― Tinubu

The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, on Thursday promised to build primary and secondary drainage canals that would protect Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State from flood if he is voted into office as president of Nigeria.

Tinubu stated this in Yenagoa during the Bayelsa State APC Presidential Campaign Council rally at the Ox-Bow Lake Pavilion, Swali, Yenagoa.

He said if elected, he would proffer permanent solutions to issues of flooding across Bayelsa, just the way he did in Lagos, as well as reclaimed lands the Atlantic Ocean have washed away in all coastal communities of the state.

Speaking further he said “today I bring great news to Bayelsa, and that news is that hope and salvation is here, prosperity is here, that employment is back, that happiness is here, that high prices of good are gone. No matter how much they try to frustrate this news, we will bring it to you.

“Where we are is Bayelsa, one of the most blessed with mineral resources in this country. The wealth that would have prevented you from dying in flood. But the poverty developing party could not help you. They collect your money and tell you lies. They lie to you too much.

“It is about time you sweep them away because they keep making promises to you and cannot fulfil them. Where is the road Initiated by Yakubu Gowan? Where is the East-West road? Where is the opportunity for broadband? Where is their head? Where are their brains?

“I promise you that I will build thousands of experts of employment. I promise you a technical hub that will give you job opportunities. I promise you that your houses, your father’s house, your mother’s house, your dear parents will no longer be watched away by the flood.

“Take your broom, take your PVC let’s chase them away. Let them go along with this flood. If you hear of their lies; you will know that these termites, cockroaches and rats are not willing to leave you with leftovers. I promised to conquer the Atlantic Ocean in Bayelsa just as I did in Lagos many years ago.”

Also speaking, the coordinator of the APC Campaign Council in the state and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, said that Bayelsa remains an APC-controlled state in spite of the fact that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stole the mandate of Chief David Lyon through the court in 2020.

He said “you can see that even after they stole the mandate from us, they don’t even know what to do with it. Look at the state of the State. Today I am not here to talk about Bayelsa, I am here to talk about Bola Tinubu. He has a track record nobody can beat.

“I am very sure that Tinubu is the next President of Nigeria because both Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar are no match to our candidate, going by their track records. Take it from me, Tinubu is the only candidate that has the capacity to expand our economy to accommodate the children we give birth to every day.”

 

BRAIN DRAIN RESULTS FROM INSECURITY, DEARTH OF REQUISITE EQUIPMENT IN NIGERIA -WIKE

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has identified the intractable insecurity situation in Nigeria as one reason why most professionals leave the shores of the country in droves for greener pastures.

Governor Wike spoke on the cause of brain drain at the inauguration of the Renal/Dialysis Centre and House Officers Quarters at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

The Rivers State governor maintained that welfare of doctors and other professionals are not primarily the sole reasons for brain drain in the country. He noted that because of the looming unemployment situation in the country, most people now opt going outside of Nigeria for the dream job they required.

Even when some of professionals are employed within Nigeria, governor Wike insisted that such persons are not provided with the requisite equipment to use in their various organisations and industries.

“When you talk about brain drain, it is not only associated with the medical profession. So many people leave this country because of unemployment. So many people have left this country because of insecurity. So many people have left this country because where they work the equipment is not there.

“It is not only just because of welfare, that is why you see brain drain, no. It is not correct. Even professors in the university in the various faculties of law, faculties of engineering most of them leave because the tools to work are not there.

“But you are lucky you (RSUTH staff) have the tools here. So, clap for us first that we have provided the basic things. Today, you’re lucky, you’re working in a teaching hospital where you can find the equipment, at least, to make your job easier for you. So, it is not as bad as where the equipment are not there.”

Governor Wike reiterated that it was out of grateful heart that he thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the release of 13% derivative fund arrears, from 1999 to date, that was never paid by previous administration to States in Niger Delta.

He wondered why saying thank you is an offense and a particular governor feels offended over the thank you said to President Buhari over the release.

The said governor, according to governor Wike had gone in national television to say that money spent to do a 3km road in his State would be used to construct more than 15 flyovers elsewhere.

“Simply because I said you people should thank President Muhammadu Buhari for releasing 13 percent arrears to us. I did not abuse anybody. Did I? All I said is please thank him, that if he did not release this arrears to me and some of our states, it may have been difficult for me to even talk about building a Renal Centre, Cancer and Cardiovascular centre, Basic and Clinical Sciences faculty, House officers quarters. I don’t think saying thank you is an offence.

“On television, I heard one of the governors said in his state to do 3 kilometre road will do more than 15 flyovers. Rivers State, is it not Niger Delta State? Don’t we have riverine areas in Rivers State? Amayanabo of Opobo said since he was born, he has never driven by road to Opobo.

“The day he drive by road to Opobo, he said, God is it possible that in my own time I will not go through the river again, I am now driving by road to Opobo. That is a major riverine area. By the grace of God this December (2022) we are going to commission the first phase of Trans-Kalabari Road. That is a major riverine area.

Speaking further, governor said, “I didn’t know that people are sick about the flyovers I do. Okay, sorry. I don’t want you to be sick again. I won’t do again. Instead of you to appreciate and ask somebody how are you doing this, and justify what you’re doing.

“I have turned the state capital around using a major construction firm like Julius Berger Nigeria PLC. If you know you have the capacity, if you know you have what it takes go and take Julius Berger and see whether you can pay salary.”

Governor Wike pointed to how determined he was in creating the space for medical education that led to the establishment of medical college at the Rivers State University (RSU), which hitherto was not in existence before he assumed office.

“To tell you it is not just flyovers, look at the health sector alone. As at the time we came, this State had no medical college, only the University of Port Harcourt had, and you see how competitive being a federal university. How many of our people get admission to read medicine and other related courses.”

About a 100 students of Rivers origin, he informed, at the PAMO university of medical sciences are also placed on State government scholarship, and who upon graduation, are to gain automatic employment into government establishment.

Governor Wike said while equipment are provided, and medical facilities upgraded, the manpower gap is also being filled.

The governor maintained that the current congestion that is experienced at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) is being addressed.

He explained that in the coming days, the Gynecology department will move to the Mother and Child Hospital and other departments moving to their dedicated facilities like the Maxillofacial and Kersely Harrison Hospital.

Speaking on the projects, Governor Wike urged Nigerians to seek medical assistance from the Renal/dialysis Centre because it has the best equipment and personnel to offer requisite services.

There is already an ongoing arrangement, governor Wike hinted, towards an effective management of the centre to ensure sustainability.

Governor Wike also advise the house officers to imbibe maintenance culture so that they can always keep the quarters clean and maintain the structure.

In his speech, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Friday Aaron said the two projects inaugurated are signature of the genuine love of governor Wike for the State.

Dr. Aaron recalled that the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) was already constructing a Renal Dialysis Unit and governor Wike noticed that if allowed in its form, will be limited in the service it will offer.

The CMD said governor Wike directed an expansion of the unit into a world class centre that will diagnose renal cases, perform dialysis and do transplant of kidney. This, he said is because the governor believes that Rivers people deserve the best.

In his address, commissioner for health, Prof. Princewill Chike said the Renal Centre is one of the best in Nigeria that has been provided by governor Wike for his love for the health sector.

The centre, he pointed out, is a one storey building that has lift that can take 13 person per time.

According to him, there are also doctors and nurses call rooms, water treatment unit, and a 6bed space dialysis area.

Prof. Chike also informed that on the first floor, there are two theatres, one is for where kidney donor and recipient are kept, with equipment to ensure the marching of the kidney.

He said the second theatre is where the transplanting of the kidney is done and the situation properly monitored.

Prof. Chike said there is 100kv standby generating set and 30kva inverter with 6 solar plates to ensure regular power supply.

The chairman, Nigeria Medical Association, Dr. Ebi Robinson commended governor Wike for building the Renal centre and equipping it with latest state of the art medical equipment that will enhance the productivity of doctors in the hospital.

November 30, 2022.

 

 

Senator Albert Bassey convicted, sentenced to 42 years imprisonment by Justice Agatha Okeke

Albert Bassey, senator representing Akwa Ibom North East at the National Assembly was, on Thursday, convicted and sentenced to 42 years imprisonment by Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.
The court found him guilty of six-count of money laundering preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Senator Bassey was prosecuted by the anti-graft agency on allegation of receiving vehicle valued at N204 million as bribe from companies linked to one Olajide Omokore, a contractor who executed a N3billion contract for the Government of Akwa Ibom State whilst Senator Bassey was Commissioner for finance and Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee

The offence contravenes Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and is punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

One of the charges against the senator reads, “That you, Albert Bassey, whilst being the Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom State and Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee, IMDLCC sometime in December 2012, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly took possession of a vehicle (Infinity QX 56 BP) valued at N45,000,000.00 at the instance of one Olajide Jones Omokore (whose companies had contracts with Akwa Ibom State Government at that material time), when you reasonably ought to have known that the said vehicle formed part of proceed of unlawful activity (to wit: corruption) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act”.

Upon arraignment, the senator pleaded not guilty to the charges setting the stage for his full trial. In the course of trial, EFCC called several witnesses and tendered documents that were admitted in evidence as exhibits.

One of the witnesses, Ngunan Kakwagh, an investigator with the EFCC, revealed how Olajide Omokore, a contractor, bought vehicles for Senator Albert after receiving N3bn contracts when he was Commissioner for Finance in Akwa Ibom State.

Kakwagh, informed the court that the anti-graft agency traced about N3bn payments from the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee, to the accounts of Canwod Dredging Company Limited, Bay Atlantic Limited, Sahel Engineering, Power Nigeria Limited and Network Services Nigeria Limited – all linked to Omokore.

“My team further traced money from Omokore’s company account to the account of Skymit Limited, and when we invited Skymit to tell us the reasons for the money, we were told that it was for the purchase of vehicles.

“So, my investigation revealed that the accused, while he was the Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee, Omokore and his companies received monies from the Akwa Ibom State Government and the IMDLCC.

“Also, Omokore bought cars from Skymit Limited for the accused”, the witness added.

The vehicles include Infinity QX 56 BP, valued at N45million; Toyota Land Cruiser V8 BP, valued at N40million; Range Rover, valued at N40million; Toyota Hiace, High Roof, valued at N27million; Toyota Hiace High Roof, valued at N16million and Toyota Hilux 4×4, valued at N36million.

The court on May 5, 2022 closed the case of the defence following the failure of the lead defence counsel, Kanu Agabi to continue the trial of the serving senator.

Delivering judgement, Justice Okeke held that the court was satisfied that the prosecution had proved the case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt and convicted him as charged.

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

‘MY RE-ELECTION BID BASED ON ACHIEVEMENTS’, SANWO-OLU DECLARES AS GOVERNOR UNVEILS CAMPAIGN BRAND

 

  • Lagosians propagate ’Greater Lagos Rising’ in roadshows, boat concerts

 

A multi-dimensional roadshow, comprising power bikers, activation rigs and mobile advertising vans, was spotted across cities in Lagos State on Wednesday with flashes of an appealing slogan: “A Greater Lagos Rising”. The overall activities formally flagged off the re-election campaign of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

 

In riverine communities, hundreds of residents rolled out branded canoes in a special sea show, traversing the Lagos waterways to kick off the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship electioneering.

 

The events culminated into a press briefing held in Ikeja, where Gov. Sanwo-Olu and Director General of the APC Governorship Campaign Council, Sen. Ganiyu Solomon, unveiled the campaign assets, including theme, colour and font branding.

 

Represented by Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the Governor declared: “I am running on records; get ready for more.”

 

Sanwo-Olu said the theme of his second term campaign reinforced continuity of his achievements in first term. He said the idea of “Greater Lagos Rising” captured the passion and resilience of young creative citizens toiling to change the story of the State in music, movies, fashion, sports, manufacturing and technological innovations.

 

The Governor said renewal of his mandate would further strengthen his administration’s resolve to scale up efficiency of his development blueprint, known as THEMES Agenda, and unlock more socio-economic opportunities for hardworking residents.

 

He said: “Our campaign assets capture the audacity and spirit of Lagos in the rising of the city. The campaign assets are not some forms of self-adulation but fitting credit to the contributions of hardworking Lagosians, especially the youth, to the height Lagos has attained today. This campaign is not about me and my team alone. It is a tribute to all our youths who are doing amazing works to put Lagos on the global map. Renewing our mandate will represent people’s confidence in the collective progress we have made in the last three and half years against all odds.

 

“There is no doubt we are running on records. Evidence of our achievements abounds to discerning minds. Lagos is on the threshold of history as the first sub-national to deliver on a mass rail system; the Blue Rail Line is being test run ahead of commissioning and operations in the coming weeks. The Red Line is also scheduled for commissioning in the first quarter of 2023. We have completed and inaugurated 16 housing schemes within this first term. Our people are confident that we can do a lot more after they witnessed the commissioning 62 fire-fighting vehicles in a day to keep our citizens safe.

 

“This administration, within three years, upgraded two tertiary institutions to degree-awarding schools to raise human capital and prepare our young people for future jobs. Our Government trained 18,000 teachers under the Eko Excel Initiative. People who benefited from Ilera Eko Health Insurance scheme now see the proof that something is changing in the State. Honest residents know that Imota Rice Mill and the Lekki Deep Sea Port are incontrovertible proofs that a greater Lagos is indeed rising and unfolding before their eyes. Now, imagine what we can do with additional four years.”

 

The Governor explained the essence of yellow as dominant colour in the campaign materials, noting that the shade symbolised the energy, youthfulness, enthusiasm, optimism and happiness which are common expressions among Lagos residents.

 

The brand colour also came with a mix of foggy, signifying warmth, transformation, freedom and fun said to be hallmarks of the State.

 

All the colours used, Sanwo-Olu said, collectively evoked the resilience of the State to remain on the path of progress, despite being hit by global COVID-19 pandemic and the violence resulting from ENDSARS protests.

 

He said: “Our campaign will be reinforcing the energy, remarkable audacity and unbroken resilience of our people. Rising is a proof of growth. Our actions in the last three and half years have blended into our Greater Lagos mantra, with the State rising and transforming before our very eyes.

 

“When we say a ‘Greater Lagos is Rising’, we are drawing attention of our citizens to the positive changes taking place all over the State, including growth of our economy, breath-taking rebuilding of Lagos and the renewal of hope in citizens. Let us write a new history.”

 

Solomon said the party would be rolling out campaign materials to all nooks and crannies of the State to showcase the achievements of the Sanwo-Olu administration, urging residents of Lagos to support the effort to renew the Governor’s mandate.

 

Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Sam Egube, said Sanwo-Olu’s re-election bid was proper. He noted that Lagos rose in its challenging period, saying: “Mr. Governor never allowed those challenges to bring Lagos on its knees.”

 

Egube said the simultaneous development of two rail lines, building of a deep seaport and delivery of international standard bus stations were evidence that Greater Lagos had started to rise.

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

30 NOVEMBER 2022

 

 

Yoruba World Centre to support FG on new education policy

 

The International Centre for Yoruba Arts and Culture (Yoruba World Centre) has pledged to support the Federal Government on its new education policy.

The Centre stated this in a letter of congratulations written to the Minister of Eduction, Alhaji Adamu Adamu.

 

In the letter, personally signed by the Coordinator, Ogbeni Alao Adedayo, the YWC said it upheld the scaling through of this proposal as one big achievement that would be recorded for the tenure of the current Minister, pleading that all should come together to see to the workability of the policy.

 

On Wednesday, the Federal Executive Council, at its meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, approved a new Language Policy which now makes mother tongue a compulsory medium of instruction from Primary classes 1 to 6. The Yoruba World Centre, in its first reaction to this, maintained that, “This is time for us to celebrate, because Nigeria now follows the ways of many developed nations.

 

“Using mother tongue for instructions at the early stage of the children has helped many nations of the world to develop, and it is one of the obstacles facing our education sector in Nigeria as pupils taught with foreign languages grow to fall in love with foreign cultures and ideas, abandoning anything indigenous, including the love for their own community and country.

 

“Here at the Yoruba World Centre, we are very sure the Federal Government and Nigerians shall reap bountifully from this new policy. This is why we are supporting the policy with all our resources, by bringing all stakeholders together to ensure we all give a helping hand that will facilitate an all-round success for the implementation of the policy.”

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI FLAYS CORRUPTION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM, PROMISES TO ACT ON NIPSS REPORT ON STRENGTHENING LOCAL GOVERNANCE

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja flayed the tendency of some chief executives to encourage corruption at the local government system, thereby inhibiting development at the grassroots.

The President spoke at a parley with members of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) No. 44 (2022) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.

He narrated his personal experience on stemming the tide of corruption in the local government system after the presentation of the report of NIPSS SEC 44.

After listening to comments on the Course 44 presentation, themed ‘‘Strengthening Local Governance in Nigeria: Challenges, Options and Opportunities”, by some members of the Federal Executive Council, who aired their personal views on enhancing the autonomy of local governments, the President narrated his own experience on the treatment of local governments by some State governments.

‘‘I found it necessary to digress after reading my speech and this digression is as a result of my personal experience.

‘‘What they did, this is my personal experience, if the money from the Federation Account to the State is about N100 million, N50 million will be sent to the Chairman but he will sign that he received N100 million. The Governor will pocket the balance and share it with whoever he wants to share it with.

‘‘And then the Chairman of the local government must see how much he must pay in salaries and to hell with development. When he pays the salaries of the bigman, the balance he will put in his pocket.

‘‘This is what’s happening. This is Nigeria. It’s a terrible thing; you cannot say the person who was doing this is not educated.’’

President Buhari urged public office holders to be guided by their conscience and personal integrity wherever they find themselves.

He pledged that the recommendations contained in the presentation of SEC 44 will be painstakingly studied by the Government with the view to implementing its recommendations.

Declaring that his administration has done so much in building trust between the government and the people, the President noted that the report would largely assist in the provision of good governance to the people at the grassroots levels and by extension win back their trust in government.

‘‘It is obvious that government cannot afford to pay lip-service to the recommendations contained in this report.

‘‘I assure you that the Report will be treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves. Government will study the report with the view to implementing the carefully detailed recommendations,’’ he said.

Commending the quality of the report, the commitment and dedication that went into it, President Buhari said the National Institute can always be trusted to deliver on very critical and sensitive assignments of national importance.

He expressed delight that the Institute has been exceptional in handling several assignments, and the current submission is a commendable improvement on the existing standards.

‘‘The quality of the presentation, and the confidence with which they were made, strongly attests to the quality of training the participants received during the course. I congratulate you for justifying the confidence and trust reposed in each and every one of you by your respective nominations.

‘‘I am also happy with the level of knowledge and discipline you have all openly demonstrated. I have been briefed of the rigorous training process you all underwent at Kuru. Your graduation therefore is well deserved,’’ the President told the 89 participants of Senior Executive Course 44.

He added that he was convinced that they are all now well equipped for the strategic tasks, increased responsibilities, and positions of authority of trust.

‘‘I challenge you to go back to your various establishments, units, posts, beats, departments, directorates, Ministries, Parastatals, commissions, commands, agencies to revitalize, reinvigorate, reform and rejig your various platforms and spheres of influence, responsibility and leadership,’’ he said.

After listening to some demands by the leadership of NIPSS, President Buhari promised to look into some of the challenges facing the Institute, adding that no government establishment exists without challenges.

He assured them that his administration is poised to complete the review and passage of the NIPSS establishment act and condition of service before handover in May 2023.

To this extent, the President directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Office of the Head of Service of the Federation to take all necessary steps to its actualization.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof Ayo Omotayo, said the Course participants undertook study tours of 14 States of the Federation, six African countries and six countries outside Africa.

‘‘This enabled them to have both local and international perspectives on local governance, how to overcome challenges in achieving it, identify the available opportunities to strengthen it and develop workable options to be considered by government in strengthening local governance,’’ he said.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 1, 2022

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JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC WINS NIGERIA’S 2022 HIGHEST DIVIDEND GROWTH AWARD AT 25TH PEARL AWARDS IN LAGOS

JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC WINS NIGERIA’S 2022 HIGHEST DIVIDEND GROWTH AWARD AT 25TH PEARL AWARDS IN LAGOS

Nigeria’s foremost engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has won the award as the company with the ‘Highest Dividend Growth’ in the country’s stock market for the business year 2022.

The meritorious award which is strictly based on objective facts and figures already in the public domain through the Securities and Exchange Commission, was given to Julius Berger at the 2022 Pearl Awards ceremony which held at the iconic Eko Hotels in Nigeria’s business and financial hub, Victoria Island, Lagos. This year’s awards is themed ‘Sustaining Excellence through Tenacity.’ According to the Nigerian Stock Market Annual [NSMA], which was presented to stakeholders and the very distinguished guests at the ceremony, the 2022 Pearl awards criteria and methodology is based on nine distinct criteria. These include turnover growth, earnings yield, returns on equity, dividend yield, dividend growth, dividend cover, net asset ratio, profit margin ratio; and share price appreciation. Julius Berger Nigeria Plc won in the Market Excellence Awards category, where each award is made in recognition of entire market leadership in respect of the indices listed above.

According to the former Chairman, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Mazi Sam Ohuanbunwa, in its almost three decades of consistency, transparency and objectivity as facts-based, the Pearl Awards have encouraged companies to promote good corporate governance and ascending performance. This, he said, meaningfully underscores the theme for the 2022 Pearl Awards: ‘Sustaining Excellence through Tenacity.’

The Pearl Awards Report 2022 in scoping out the research for the awards, states that “…in line with the broad policy oft he Pearl Awards Project, data used in appraising companies were gathered from verifiable sources including Annual Reports of quoted companies and the Nigerian Exchange Limited’s [NGX] Daily Official List 2021’’. The Report further states that ‘‘for the purpose of being current with the reports used, a cut-off period was established, which ranged between June 2021 and June 2022.’’

It would be recalled that Julius Berger Plc had earlier announced a visionary growth policy based on a tripartite business strategy that revolves around the company’s  core construction business, its subsidiaries and a robust diversification policy. This growth strategy was recently highlighted and celebrated at the company’s well-attended and widely reported Investor Relations Forum by the Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter as the pivot upon which the company has progressively and productively built its success and status as every serious investor’s destination.

At the prestigious award ceremony in Lagos, which was graced by the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu in person, the Chairman of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mr Mutiu Sunmonu, CON, the company’s Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter, Board members, Mrs Gladys O. Talabi and Mr Ernest C. Ebi, MFR, FCIB, FIOD, were also in attendance. Other guests in the Julius Berger delegation to the event included the company’s Senior Executive, Strategic Business Development, Mrs Ndifreke Nkochio, Mr Seyi Johnson, and the Head of Julius Berger’s Media Relations Office, Prince Moses Duku.

Other recipients of the worthy awards at the event were the Dangote Group, Presco Plc, Transnational Corporation Plc, Guiness Nigeria Plc, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, N.E.M. Insurance Plc, United Capital Plc, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Courteville Business Solutions Plc, Dangote Cement Plc, TotalEnergies Marketing Nig. Plc, UH Real Estate Investment Trust, Transcorp Hotels Plc, Learn Africa Plc, Nigerian Aviation Handling Co. Plc, Multiverse Mining and Exploration Plc, , Universal Insurance Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Wema Bank Plc, amongst others.

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Delta monarch Okpe Union officials fight dirty

Delta monarch, Okpe Union officials fight dirty

 

25th November, 2022.

 

*From the National Secretariat of the Okpe Union.*

 

*UPDATES ON THE LAW SUIT AND MOTIONS IN COURT FOR THE AUTONOMY OF THE OKPE UNION.*

 

The President General of the Okpe Union, Prof. Igho Natufe has directed that the National Secretariat of the Okpe Union issues the following updates to the various branches and members of the Union concerning the law suit and motions in courts aimed at protecting the autonomy of the Okpe Union.

 

  1. The substantive suit instituted on behalf of the elected National Executive Council of the Okpe Union in April, 2022 at the Federal High Court, Lagos has its judgment fixed for the 9th of December, 2022. In the same vein, hearing of the motion at the Federal High Court, Abuja, for the vacation of the Order of that Court which empowered the appointment of trustees for the Okpe Union by the Imposed Interim Committee is fixed by the Court for the 28th of November, 2022.

 

  1. The summary of what is before the courts in the above two cases is whether a Traditional Ruler in Nigeria can dissolve the elected executive leadership of a registered organisation under the Corporate Affairs Commission and impose another leadership against the provisions of the constitution of the organisation and its history of democratic transfer of leadership.

 

  1. It is our hope that if the above two legal actions are positive, the position that the Okpe Union is an autonomous organisation as envisioned by its founding fathers for the protection of the interests of the average Okpe man and woman shall be maintained. Every step that has been taken previously to undermine the autonomy of the Okpe Union including the recent plans to illegally  arrange a kangaroo election to counter the elected National Executive Council would be known to the Okpe Nation and the whole world as a nullity.

 

  1. The National Executive Council led by Prof Igho Natufe which delegates of the various branches of the Okpe Union freely elected on the 15th of May 2021 remains poised to implement its electoral promises of making the Okpe Union vibrant and proactive again.

 

*Signed:*

 

*Akpederin Kingsley Ehensiri Esq.,* General Secretary

 

Okowa mourns former Delta lawmaker, Michael Ogwilaya

 

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has commiserated with the Ogwilaya family and people of Emevor over the passing of one of the pioneer members of Delta House of Assembly, Hon. Michael Ogwilaya.

 

The late Ogwilaya, who represented the defunct Isoko North Constituency II between 1992 and 1993, died at 70 after a brief illness. Until his passing, he was a chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta.

 

In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, Okowa expressed sadness at the passing of Ogwilaya, and said that the incident was a big loss to the deceased’s family, the PDP and Emevor community.

 

According to him, the passing of the PDP chieftain is a big blow to our party, his family, Emevor community and Isoko North, especially at this period, and considering his immense contributions to the party’s fortunes in the state.

 

The governor remarked that the late “gentleman-politician”, contributed to the growth and development of his community and local government area, and that he would be greatly missed by his political associates and others close to him.

 

He said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of an astute politician and a gentleman of amiable personality.

 

“Michael Omokaro Ogwilaya was a renowned party leader, a man of peace who was passionate about the development of his people of Emevor and Isoko North.

 

“The news of his death was shocking and a great loss because he was a valued asset to PDP and had distinguished himself in the service of the party and his people.

 

“His huge contributions to our party’s victories in several elections in Emevor and Isoko North remain laudable”.

 

Okowa prayed to God to accept the deceased’s soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends to bear his demise.

 

 

 

Atiku’ll tackle insecurity with job creation – Aniagwu

 

Peoples Democratic Party PDP Presidential Campaign Spokesman, Mr Charles Aniagwu says the party’s Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar would in addition to other measures create jobs to solve the perennial insecurity and poverty bedevilling Nigeria.

 

Aniagwu who spoke on Arise Television on Saturday said until jobs were created in the country, insecurity would continue to fester.

 

He stressed that without jobs it would be impossible to solve the hydra-headed insecurity with its attendant effect on the nation’s socio-economic landscape.

 

“Earlier today in Lagos, our Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa had a successful dialogue with Corporate Nigeria with the great investors like Africa’s greatest industrialist Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Herbert Wigwe and many others in attendance.

 

“The discussion centered mainly on the economic issues like job creation and how to ensure that a number of comatose industries are brought back to life and to recover our country from where we are now.

 

“Atiku believes that not until we are able to bring back the jobs the issue of insecurity will remain a challenge.

 

“He was also able to deal with a number of interwoven factors of how to address the security challenge with a view to ensuring that the economy becomes more robust.

 

“All of these issues he wants to address to be able to recover our country are well encapsulated in five thematic areas in his policy document ‘My Covenant With Nigerians’.

 

“Beyond that, we have made it clear that Atiku will continue to engage with different segments and sectors of our society and today’s engagement is one of such arrangements believing that this document cannot be exhaustive,” Aniagwu said.

 

He said Atiku would run an administration that would support a free-market economy which will involve the stakeholders in the private sector, adding that the PDP led government would tackle the causative factors making Nigerians to navigate towards the dollar.

 

“He will ensure that Nigeria’s education is sector is developed such that Nigerians would no longer find it attractive to source for dollar to pay school fees abroad.

 

“Atiku will also improve on the health sector such that funds spent on medical tourism would be a thing of the past.

 

“Once the causative factors are addressed, the dollar will automatically take the back seat because the naira can only be stable by stimulating productivity among the different sectors of the economy.

 

“The discussions today also centred on what he is going to do to bring back the jobs, to recover the economy and to ensure that we begin to have value for our naira, productivity and many other things that could help revive the industries,” Aniagwu stated.

 

 

God behind our successes in Delta – Okowa

 

Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has attributed successes recorded by his administration, including prevailing peace in the state, to the praying culture introduced by his regime.

 

He stated this in his remarks at the National Hymn Festival 2022 at the University of Lagos, on Saturday.

 

Okowa disclosed that prayers had helped tremendously in stabilizing the state and made the sustenance of peace in the state possible.

 

He said that aside the daily supplications to God at the Government House Chapel and other religious activities in the state, his administration ensured that May 29 (Democracy Day) every year was dedicated to prayers and Thanksgiving to God, since 2015.

 

The governor expressed the hope that his successor would sustain the culture to ensure that peace and prosperity reigned in the state.

 

He commended authorities of University of Lagos for collaborating with the organisers of the festival and sued for its sustenance.

 

He urged the people to pray for Nigeria and its people for unity and peace, especially as the country prepared for 2023 general elections.

 

Highpoint of the event was an Award to the governor by the organisers for his contributions to the growth of the Church in Nigeria and for his outstanding performance in Delta.

 

Other awardees were the Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola and her predecessor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe

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Engr. Dr. Lars Richter assures rehabilitation works will not disrupt normal flow of government work JULIUS BERGER WILL DELIVER REHABILITATED FEDERAL SECRETARIAT ON SCHEDULE…. MD

JULIUS BERGER WILL DELIVER REHABILITATED FEDERAL SECRETARIAT ON SCHEDULE…. MD, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter assures rehabilitation works will not disrupt normal flow of government work

 

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE MANAGING EDITOR

henryebi@yahoo.com

08036977194

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Foremost engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has assured the Federal Government over the quality of work to be done on the Phase 1 section of the Federal Secretariat, Abuja.

 

Managing Director of the company, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter who was represented at the flag-off of rehabilitation works on the first Phase of the secretariat by Regional Manager for Abuja Operations, Engr. Oliver Berger in a short speech said the Federal Secretariat was first built by Julius Berger decades ago and has stood the test of time. “It might interest you to know that this building, the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase 1, for which we have been awarded a contract to rehabilitate, is one of our company’s proud legacies”, he said, adding that, “our company’s relationship with the Federal Secretariat Complex dates back over three decades. Oliver Berger recalled that “On January 22, 1990, Julius Berger was given the contract to build the Federal Secretariat, and we are proud to say that the building’s structure is still strong to this day, making it a point of reference for quality construction.”

 

He further said the rehabilitation work will bring the building back to its former glory “and infuse it with an impressive touch of modernity”. The main work, he continued, “is fixing up the wet areas, which include tearing down and replacing all the plumbing components, tiles, partitioning walls, ceilings and all the pipes and cables for the mechanical and electrical systems”. Other aspects of the rehabilitation works to be effected by Julius Berger include repairing the roof by replacing the old felting that has reached the end of its life span; installing a new booster station with pumps to serve the entire building, rehabilitation works on the lighting, aluminium vents, natural stone flooring, glass panels and painting. “The building’s two lifts will be replaced with new ones, while the emergency stair cases will be upgraded for easier and safer exit. The 10th and 11th floors which were damaged by fire a while ago will now undergo renovations”, Oliver Berger said.

 

On fears of disruptions to the daily work of Government in the Federal Secretariat, he said, “…as it is our usual tradition at Julius Berger, working seamlessly on an operating site, we have come up with a plan to fix up this building without getting in the way of the officials who work there. Along with doing our work in phases and weekends, one notable intervention is giving the client portable toilets to use while the wet areas are being fixed”. He assured that the company will in conjunction with the users of the building ensure that all works are carried out successfully, while still providing comfort to the civil servants at work.

 

The Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, who flagged off the rehabilitation on Tuesday at the complex, described the exercise as a milestone in the efforts of the FCTA to rehabilitate public buildings and infrastructure in the Nation’s capital. He said that the secretariat complex, like many other public buildings in the FCT, was constructed 30 years ago and hence require rehabilitation adding that the exercise came as a result of several discussions with the Head of the Civil Service, Dr. Mrs. Folashade Esan, who was passionate about providing a conducive working environment for civil servants.

 

Speaking on funding, the Honourable Minister said the budgetary provisions were a constraint and called for serious efforts to ensure adequate funding. He also frowned at the level of abuse on public buildings in the FCT and called for reforms in the existing procurement system for the maintenance of public facilities.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Yemi Folashade Esan, commended the FCTA for working to ensure that the environment where civil servants spend most of their time was conducive, noting that the rehabilitation would come with increased productivity. She added, “I am glad that the FCT with the FCDA, alongside Julius Berger is working to make sure that the environment is very conducive for civil servants. I am also looking forward to the end of this rehabilitation”.

 

 

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad explained that the Federal Executive Council, after due process, graciously approved the award of the Phase 1 of the contract to Messrs. Julius Berger Nigeria Plc with completion period of 24 months. He added that the rehabilitation work would be carried out in phases to ensure that government activities are not paralyzed as the works are being executed.

 

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IN NIAMEY, AFRICAN LEADERS SHARE TESTIMONIES ON PRESIDENT BUHARI’S STERLING LEADERSHIP QUALITIES

  • GUINEA BISSAU PRESIDENT: WITHOUT BUHARI, I WOULDN’T HAVE BECOME PRESIDENT
  • OIL MOGUL, INDIMI, DONATES 1000 COPIES OF BUHARI’S BIOGRAPHY TO AU SUMMIT DELEGATES

African leaders, who attended the launch of the French version of the book entitled ‘‘Muhammadu Buhari: the Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria’’, in Niamey on Thursday, have shared glowing testimonies on the leadership qualities of the Nigerian leader.

President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger Republic, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, Head of the Transition Military Council and President of Chad, and former President of Niger Republic, Mahamadou Issoufou gave speeches at the launch of the French version of President Buhari’s biography authored by John Paden, a Professor of International Studies at George Mason University, northern Virginia, United States.

The event took place at the margins of the African Union Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification, as well as the Extraordinary Session on African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), running from November 20 to 25, 2022 in the capital city of Niger Republic.

Shortly after his arrival in Niamey, President Buhari had earlier inaugurated a 3.8km and 160m wide Boulevard named after him by the Government of the Republic of Niger.

Speaking at the book launch, the President of Niger described the Nigerian leader as ‘‘an austere man, uncompromising, humble man, an ardent patriot and a committed democrat.’’

‘‘Professor John Paden, you were well inspired to have chosen to write about the life and work of an exceptional man. I commend your work for being comprehensive, objective, and for shedding new light on the personality of the patriot, the courageous military man, and the conscientious politician that is President Muhammadu Buhari.

‘‘Nigeria is Niger’s main trading partner. It is therefore normal for any Nigerien politician to follow the evolution of political life in Nigeria. That is why I have closely followed Muhammadu Buhari’s political struggles, especially his participation in the presidential elections from 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015.

Bazoum disclosed that the fight against Boko Haram being waged together with Nigeria and other neighbouring countries in the Lake Chad Basin has allowed him to discover the strategist and statesman in Buhari, who is ‘‘determined to ensure peace for his country and the sub-region.’’

‘‘His fight against corruption and for good governance has earned him the esteem of all. It is a pleasure to work with a man of conviction like him.

‘‘I am sure that those who read the book will not fail to draw useful lessons for their political or professional careers. They will not fail to learn life lessons at all. This book will certainly educate the younger generation,’’ he said.

Embalo, who is also the current chairman of ECOWAS, told guests at the event that his father was equally called Muhammadu and was born the same year as Muhammadu Buhari.

‘‘I just want to emphasize that there is a reciprocating affection for this man. Today l am the President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, firstly it is God and secondly it is this man, Baba. Thank you very much,’’ the Guinea Bissau leader said.

He added that the book is a portrait of a great African leader, saying:

‘‘I pay homage to President Buhari for his patriotism and commitment in maintaining peace in our sub-region.

‘‘We have an Avenue in Guinea Bissau bearing Buhari’s name since a year ago. Baba, as I fondly call him, is a mentor, always available to offer solutions. Baba is a tireless artisan in the maintenance of peace and solidarity in the sub-region.’’

On his part, the President of Chad described President Buhari as a very experienced man with a great dream for Nigeria and a clear vision for Africa.

‘‘President Buhari brings a heritage and a source of knowledge for us all. Thank you for this inestimable gift, Mr President.

‘‘President Buhari is undoubtedly an icon whose role and action makes the African voice to be heard in the world. He has always contributed to development in Africa by protecting and defending Africa and Africans. You are undoubtedly a model. You taught us perseverance in politics.

‘‘As a major actor in fight against terrorists and trans-border insecurity especially in the Lake Tchad region where Boko haram is, I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the relations between my country Tchad and Nigeria and to President Buhari for his availability especially in difficult times,’’ he said.

Issoufou, the immediate past President of Niger, praised the incumbent for launching the French version of the book, whose idea was conceived during his tenure as President.

He recounted that he graced the launch of the English version of the book in 2016 in Abuja, commending the author for documenting the life ‘‘of an exceptional man.’’

‘‘As a military head of state, his primary preoccupation was fighting corruption, and even now as a democratic president, he is a leader who knows the close links between security, democracy and development.

‘‘His fight against Boko Haram, organised crimes and corruption are notable. Part of his priorities include education and health development, climate change, democratic transition.

‘‘I agree with John Paden to state that Buhari is known for patience, honour, faithfulness and sense of duty. These helped him rule Nigeria differently from a military leader.

‘‘He is Mr Dignity and Mr Truth as he’s called and a sincere friend of Niger,’’ the former President said.

One of the book reviewers, Prof Abdallah Adamu, former Vice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) said President Buhari has rightly earned the name ‘‘Mai gaskiya’’, which is translated to mean, “someone who keeps his words”.

He added that the author, John Paden, has fairly provided a biography of the current Nigerian President where he exposed the qualities of President Buhari that may not be known to many.

‘‘The author is very much qualified to give an account of President Buhari, having been involved in Nigerian politics in the 1970s and 80s,’’ he said.

Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation, recounted the role played by the President’s nephew, Mamman Daura, in the publication of the book, describing him as the initiator and driving force.

‘‘It is a book on the personality, character, content of President Buhari, what he stood for and what he still stands for,’’ Sirika said.

Sirika and three other Nigerians, Mohammed Indimi, Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources (OER), Sayyu Dantata, Chief Executive Officer, MRS Holdings Limited and Farouk Adamu Aliyu, a chieftain of the All Progressives received awards from the President of Niger for their roles in fostering excellent bilateral relations between Nigeria and Niger.

Oil mogul Indimi donated 1000 free copies of the book to AU Summit delegates in Niamey.

The President of the Niger National Assembly, Seini Oumarou, Prime Minister, Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, the High Representative of the President of the Republic of Niger, Foumakoye Gado and the Presidents of the Institutions of the Republic were also present at this ceremony.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 25, 2022

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MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO COMBAT MULTIPLICITY OF THREATS IN WEST AFRICA: PRESIDENT BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for greater cooperation among neighbouring countries with Nigeria to better combat escalating volatilities and multiplicity of threats across West Africa and the Sahel.

The President was speaking on Thursday in Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic, at the launch of the French version of his biography, Muhammadu Buhari: the Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria, after inaugurating a 3.8km length and 160m wide Boulevard named after him by the Government of Niger Republic.

‘‘My remarks will not be complete if I did not mention the escalating volatilities and multiplicity of threats across our region of West Africa and the Sahel.

‘‘The ever-evolving nature of the threats we face underlines the need for enhanced coordination. There is no doubt that we have made incremental progress in our collective fight against terrorism and other trans-border crimes.

‘‘However, a lot remains to be done, especially in the face of renewed efforts by violent extremist groups to expand their operations and footholds in West Africa,’’ the President said at the book launch attended by President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger Republic, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau as well as the current Chairman of ECOWAS, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, Head of the Transition Military Council and President of Chad, and former President of Niger Republic, Mahamadou Issoufou.

Expressing the belief that ending terrorism and trans-border crimes in the region is achievable, President Buhari reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to bilateral as well as multilateral initiatives, with neighbouring partners such as Niger, Chad and Cameroun, toward realising this objective.

On the launch of the French version of his biography, the President said it was his fervent hope that it ‘‘would serve as a clarion call to emerging leaders across Africa, and inspire them to always be guided by the core values of hard work, integrity and patriotism.’’

He added that the lessons from the book should spur leaders to also work in accordance with the rule of law and constitutional constraints.

The Nigerian leader thanked President Bazoum for the honour bestowed on six Nigerians in August of this year, in recognition of their roles in strengthening the bonds between the two nations.

He described the relationship between Nigeria and Niger as a true one, characterized by shared history, values and tradition.

‘‘No wonder our people are able to coexist peacefully across our shared border, which spans over 1500 kilometres, and we remain the best of brothers and neighbours.

‘‘It gives me great pleasure to note that President Bazoum has taken active steps to consolidate those fraternal bonds since assuming leadership in April last year.

‘‘Mr. President has undoubtedly championed the expansion of frontiers of cooperation between our two countries and fostered an environment of mutual trust, further underscoring the importance that Niger attaches to the strategic nature of our relations.

‘‘It is within this context that I find it auspicious that Mr. President dedicated time and resources to translate into the French language, a book chronicling my modest life,’’ he said.

President Buhari also commended former President Issoufou for initiating the project and the incumbent for seeing to its completion and launching it.

‘‘There is no greater honour than when one’s life is considered worthy of emulation.

‘‘Your kindness translated through this gesture, is a further testament to the affinity that exists between our two peoples since time immemorial,’’ he said, expressing deep appreciation to the Nigerien President ‘‘for the enviable honour’’ bestowed on him in a profound way.

The book reviewer was Prof Abdallah Adamu, former Vice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

At the occasion, the President of Niger decorated four Nigerians for their roles in fostering excellent bilateral relations between both countries.

They are Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation, Mohammed Indimi, Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources (OER), Sayyu Dantata, Chief Executive Officer, MRS Holdings Limited and Aliyu Farouk, APC chieftain.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 24, 2022

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PRESS RELEASE

 

 

LAGOS RECORDS LOWEST ROBBERY INCIDENTS IN DECADES

 

…Sanwo-Olu: ‘LSSTF model largely successful, its triumphs justify donors’ confidence’

 

…149 robberies foiled by police, cache of arms recovered

 

For the third consecutive year, Lagos State has recorded no single case of armed robbery attacks on banks and other financial institutions operating within its boundary. The development hinted a significant improvement in security surveillance and the sustainability of measures adopted in checking organised crimes.

 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, shared the progress with stakeholders in the security circle and private sector donors at the 16th Town Hall Meeting on security organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) at Civic Centre in Victoria Island.

 

Sanwo-Olu said his administration adopted a technology-driven strategy that enabled the security agencies respond proactively ahead of potential breaches at vulnerable spots, including a web of undercover operations to frustrate armed attacks on possible targets. This, he said, has bolstered the confidence of the financial institutions to freely move their cash around the State with limited risks.

 

The Governor said the collaborative security approach had yielded significant results in crime fighting, leading to a sharp reduction in rate of criminality across Lagos.

 

In the last 12 months, the State recorded only 21 incidents of armed robbery – the lowest rate in the last decades. From last year November till date, the police and combined team of security agencies have foiled 149 armed robbery attempts across communities.

 

Sanwo-Olu said the State had not only boosted the morale of the security personnel with constant training and provision of equipment, but had also raised its capacity to contain emerging threats.

 

He said: “As a Government, our approach to security is holistic and collaborative. Our security policy is driven by the need to engender a wholly secure environment that enables the wellbeing, prosperity and fulfilment of all the residents. We consider no amount of investment too big to be put forward in ensuring the progress we have achieved since inception is sustained. In the last three and a half years, we have continued to maintain the record of zero incident of robbery attack on banks or any other financial institution operating in our State.

 

“LSSTF has been at the forefront of these security efforts. Through the agency, we have continued to provide interventions to the police and other security agencies operating in Lagos in the areas that include operational capacity, training and logistics. Our efforts have yielded encouraging results in crime fighting, as Lagos remains largely safe for business and living. This relative peace and safety that we have been experiencing in this massive mega city will not be compromised. We will continue to strengthen the security operation to ensure the progress recorded is not reversed.”

 

Next week, the Governor said Divisional Police formations will get 25 new pick-up trucks to assist in quick response to security threats in their areas of operation.

 

Sanwo-Olu said the State Government’s intention to employ digital surveillance in combating emerging crimes had started to take shape, given the phased rollout of technology tools, including high-definition cameras to monitor strategic locations across the State.

 

The Governor sent a loud warning to criminals still operating in Lagos to vacate the State before the law caught up with them. He pledged not to spare any effort in making the State unsafe and inhabitable for criminals.

 

Provision of security, Sanwo-Olu said, should not be seen as a one-way process, urging residents to collaborate and provide information to security agencies whenever they notice suspicious activities within their communities.

 

He said: “I am sending a strong and loud message to all purveyors of crime and criminality in Lagos. We will stay ahead of your intentions and actions, and we will fight you with everything we have. There will be no room for actions that undermine our well-being and our capacity to achieve our dreams and aspirations.”

 

The Governor said the LSSTF model adopted by the State in raising security standards had been effective, urging private sector donors to contribute their quota for the sustainability of the Fund.

 

LSSTF Executive Secretary, Dr. Abdur -Razaq Balogun, noted that the constraints necessitating the establishment of the Fund were far from being fully addressed, but said there was no alternative to the resource model in scaling up security response.

 

Since 2019, Balogun said LSSTF had provided 240 units of fully equipped operational vehicles to all security agencies in Lagos, in addition to provision of 230 units of motorbikes and security accessories, including 100 digital walkie-talkie, 167 cellular communication gadgets, 2,000 units of Level 4 bulletproof vests and ballistic helmets, among others.

 

Despite the successes achieved in the year, the LSSTF boss said the Fund had received the lowest public donation to the tune of N153 million, representing 6.3 per cent of public donations received in 2021.

 

Appealing for more funding from the private sector, Balogun said: “The necessity for crime-fighting agencies is continuous, as we must accept that crimes are still with us. As this is an election period, political violence is another clear danger we are facing. There is need to raise the capabilities of our security agencies to contain these threats as we approach general elections.”

 

Reviewing of crime report between November 2021 till date, Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, said Lagos Police Command arrested 146 armed robbers in 149 foiled attempts. In the same year, Lagos recorded 52 cases of cultism-related attack, with 240 suspected cultists arrested and charged.

 

The police chief disclosed that 89 high-grade arms and 376 assorted ammunitions were recovered, while 280 dangerous weapons, including cudgels, were seized from criminals.

 

Alabi said: “In the period under review, Lagos Police Command recorded a remarkable feat in crime fighting when we began checkmating the activities of commercial motorcycle riders, following Mr. Governor’s proscription of Okada in the State. Crimes being committed using motorcycles have reduced. Out of 8,105 Okadas we impounded from last year, 4,815 were seized between June and September 2022.”

 

The Commissioner appreciated the Governor for material and logistic support rendered to the State Police Command, assuring that his men would not rest on their oars towards ensuring peace and safety in Lagos.

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

24 NOVEMBER 2022

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Election Converging Complexities In Water Terrain, Jimoh Ibrahim Commends INEC For Job Well Done

 

 

Billionaire business mogul and candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ondo South in the 2023 general elections, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim has commended Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) for conducting elections in the riverine communities in Ondo State despite the terrain.

 

 

He gave the commendation on Thursday while on familiarization tour of ward to ward at Igbobini, Apoi in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state.

 

 

Ibrahim noted that considering the terrain of the riverine communities in Ondo South senatorial district, the INEC officials who travel on the sea to perform their duties in the communities were really patriotic.

 

 

He noted that INEC could have raised different excuses to avoid going to most of the island communities in the district during election period.

 

 

According to him, “Today, I must commend INEC officials for coming to the communities in Ese-Odo Local Government to conduct electoral exercise.

 

 

” It’s not easy to travel on water for two hours in the name of performing official duties as electoral officers during the election period.

 

 

“I marvelled at the rate of waves and the way speed boats manoeuvre on the sea while sailing and the level at which the are prone to common mishap in the terrain.

 

 

“It is worthy of commendation and definitely all officers sent to our riverine communities by INEC are truly patriotic.

 

 

” We must all join hands to support INEC before, during and after the election to make the exercise worthwhile.”

 

Okowa urges youths to leverage on govt training programmes to unlock potentials

 

Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on Thursday, charged youths in the state to leverage on the opportunities provided by the state government to acquire vocational skills that would unlock their potentials in life.

 

Okowa who is the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), gave the charge while flagging off the third cycle of the Rural Youth Skills Acquisition (RYSA) programme at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp at Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.

 

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government ( SSG), Chief Patrick Ukah, the governor disclosed that, RYSA like other state government’s empowerment programmes, had been strategically designed to tackle the problem of youth unemployment in rural communities with a view to checkmating rural-urban drift.

 

He said the inauguration of RYSA was a testament of his administration’s quest to continue to provide opportunities for youths in the state to explore their potentials so as to enable them become self employed and wealth creators in a globally competitive business environment.

 

According to him, RYSA comprises of two components which he listed to include the hands-on skills training aimed at upscaling the vocational skill of participants and the community business school which focuses on life skills, mindset change, leadership and business management skills development necessary for participants to become successful enterprenuers.

 

While saying that three participants from each of the 270 electoral wards in the state were drawn into the third cycle of RYSA making it a total of 810 participants, Governor Okowa encouraged the participants to emulate their predecessors by taking the training with utmost sense of seriousness and responsibilitiy.

 

“Today’s event is a testament of our administration’s quest to continually provide opportunities for youths in the state to be self employed and wealth creators.

 

“Like all our empowerment programmes such as Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP); Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP); Women Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Programme (WESAP) and the Girls Entrepreneurship and Skills Training (GEST) Programme, the Rural Youth Skills Acquisition Programme have been strategically planned and designed to tackle the problem of youth unemployment in our rural communities to curb rural-urban drift.

 

“The focus of RYSA is to concentrate efforts at developing youth entrepreneurs in rural communities who will stimulate the growth and development of businesses in their immediate communities,” the governor said.

 

He, therefore, commended the management and staff of Ministry of Youth Development for ensuring that each of the cycles of the RYSA programme was successful.

 

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwunyenga urged the trainees to be good ambassadors of the training programme by making a difference in words and action to enable them actualize their dreams.

 

Comrade Egwunyenga said the training would expose the participants to a lot of new ideas that would enable them to contribute their quota to the local economy and the stronger Delta agenda.

 

“I wish to reiterate the State Government’s willingness to ensure that you get the best from this training Programme and we believe in your potentials and trust that, as participants in the programme, your skills will be sharpened and your knowledge of business management greatly improved.

 

“However, you must also keep to your own end of the bargain by being disciplined throughout the training duration and pay attention to details, that is the only way you can get the best of the training programme.

 

“It is crucial to emphasize that by studying properly and working hard, you set a good example for other youngsters who might eventually apply for the programme.

 

“You must, therefore, be determined to be good ambassadors of the programme and truly make a difference in words and action,” Egwuyenga stated.

 

 

Okowa mourns Delta-born gospel singer, Sammie Okposo

 

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has commiserated with the Okposo family and people of Isoko in the state over the passing of renowned gospel singer, Sammie Okposo.

 

The late Okposo hailed from Ivori-Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta. He reportedly passed on in the morning of Nov. 25, in Lagos. He was 51.

 

Okowa, in the condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, expressed sadness over the passing of the “Wellu Wellu” crooner, saying that it was a big loss to the deceased’s family, Deltans and lovers of gospel music across the world.

 

According to him, the passing of the popular gospel artiste is a big blow to music lovers, his family, Ivori-Irri community and Isoko nation, considering his immense talent and outstanding contributions to the growth of gospel music locally and globally.

 

The governor described the late Okposo as a “gentleman gospel artiste”, who contributed to the growth and development of modern entertainment industry in Nigeria.

 

He said that as one of the scions of the gospel genre of the music industry, Okposo would be greatly missed by his colleagues and fans.

 

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of an illustrious son of our state and a great minister in gospel music.

 

“The news of his death was shocking and it is  indeed, a great loss because he was a valued asset to Deltans and Nigerians, especially as his songs continue to inspire many to worship God,” he said.

 

Okowa prayed to God to accept the deceased’s soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends to bear his exit.

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“JULIUS BERGER STILL THE MOST RELIABLE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY IN NIGERIA; PAY THEM THEIR MONEY AND THEY GET THE JOB DONE WITH EXCELLENT RESULTS”

“JULIUS BERGER STILL THE MOST RELIABLE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY IN NIGERIA; PAY THEM THEIR MONEY AND THEY GET THE JOB DONE WITH EXCELLENT RESULTS”

“JULIUS BERGER STILL THE MOST RELIABLE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY IN NIGERIA; PAY THEM THEIR MONEY AND THEY GET THE JOB DONE WITH EXCELLENT RESULTS”

  • Former Governor of Edo State and ex-Chairman of APC, His Excellency, Comrade Adams Oshiomole

Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, meritoriously acclaimed as the country’s most reliable partner for infrastructural and building construction services, has again been adjudged “…the most reliable construction company in Nigeria”. This was the emphatic submission of the former Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Comrade Adams Oshiomole who was also a former Chairman of the country’s ruling party, the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Adams Oshiomole made the assertion in Port Harcourt the Rivers State Capital where Julius Berger’s technical signature of excellence and commanding engineering brilliance eloquently tells the worthy story of the company’s matchless operational strength, contractual commitment, progressive loyalty to besting its own leading records of reliability as the nation’s contractor of choice for durable infrastructures and building construction. The former Edo State Governor, made the remarks when, as special guest of honour of the Rivers State Government, he commissioned the eight flyover built by Julius Berger in the Rivers State capital, the Rumuepirikom flyover bridge at the Rumuepirikom roundabout in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

At the ceremony, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, celebrated and thanked Julius Berger for its committed professional partnership with the State Government for the development of critically needed infrastructure in the State for the beneficial use of the Rivers people and, indeed, Nigerians.

Speaking at the event in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter said that the contract for the construction of the Rumuepirikom flyover was awarded to the company on the 6th day of May, 2021 with a completion period of twelve months. The project, Richter emphasized, was completed as contracted even as it was achieved with ‘good quality.’ Richter thanked the community which had to endure “huge inconveniences” during the construction period. He commended the community for its peaceful and very kind cooperation while the construction works lasted. Very significantly, the Managing Director singled out Governor Wike for appreciation particularly for his consistent moral and financial support to the company throughout the construction of the flyover, which led to the successful delivery of the project.

Comrade Oshiomole, later in reference to the Julius Berger Managing Director’s remarks by which Engr. Dr. Lars Richter commended and thanked Governor Wike for his moral and financial support to the company for the success of the project, got the large audience roaring with meaningful laughter when with good-natured chuckle he asserted that “to achieve this type of great and qualitative infrastructure that is visible in Port Harcourt for all of us to see, Julius Berger does not need moral support…Just pay them their money and they get the job done with excellent results; they remain matchless in terms of contractual performance, engineering competence and technical quality”. Oshiomole also commended and congratulated the Rivers State Government for its wisdom and prudence in subscribing to the proven and lasting Julius Berger quality and impeccable engineering standards in its execution of serious infrastructural works in the State.

Earlier during the festival of projects commissioning, the Sir Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, also built by Julius Berger and equipped by General Electric, was also commissioned by the Rivers State Government. His Royal Highness, Ado Bayero, CFR, the Emir of Kado, was the Special Guest of Honour at the commissioning of the hospital.

Governor Wike used the event to celebrate the historical cooperation between the Kano emirate and the Rivers people. The highly respected Emir prayed for the continuation of the special relationship between the Kano and Rivers people.

Engr. Dr. Richter in his remarks at the ceremony also thanked Governor Wike for the trust reposed in Julius Berger to handle the project which is a pioneering initiative in Nigeria in many significant ways. , He described the Centre in Port Harcourt as “a state of the art and modern medical facility specialized to deliver high level diagnosis and treatment for chronic diseases in Nigeria”, adding that “the hospital is designed specifically as a cancer treatment facility, featuring advanced healthcare services such as chemotherapy and nuclear medicine.” Dr Richter asserted that the hospital will serve as both a catalyst and inspiration as well as a new standard for the development of essential healthcare solutions in Nigeria. Richter added that the Centre would turn Rivers State to a new medical tourism destination.

The Sir Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre in Port Harcourt consists of a fully equipped chemotherapy ward, a dedicated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Critical Care Unit (CCU) patient wards and private isolation bed areas. It also consist of a pathology laboratory, radiology department with both MRI and CT Scanning facilities, doctors’ consulting rooms, a pharmacy and a restaurant and coffee shop facility for patient and visitor refreshment. Richter said all of the above facilities were conceived by the Rivers State Government, and built by Julius Berger to alleviate human suffering and provide next level health care to Nigerians and the international community in Nigeria. On behalf of the Board and executive management, Dr Richter  commended and thanked Governor Wike for his foresight and vision which birthed the ‘momentous project’ now delivered by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

The 9th flyover bridge, the Nkpolu-Oroworukwo flyover for which contract was awarded to Julius Berger on Monday, 22nd February, 2022, was contracted for delivery in 12 months. At the Contract signing ceremony in Port Harcourt, the Julius Berger MD, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter, with palpable professional confidence, had assured Governor Wike and the people of Rivers State that, with the strong commitment of the client, the 9th flyover would also be successfully delivered as scheduled and to the highest technical standard, “the Julius Berger standard.” Within the planned contract schedule, Julius Berger operationally worked and delivered the Nkpolu-Oroworukwo flyover and it was commissioned by the Rivers State Government on Thursday, 17th November, 2022. As the Rivers State Government and people celebrated the commissioning of the Nkpolu-Oroworukwo flyover bridge with the Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Peter Obi, Dr. Lars Richter again thanked Governor Wike for giving Julius Berger the opportunity of being its preferred technical partner for the huge infrastructural transformation and urban renewal of Rivers State, particularly Port Harcourt. Engr. Dr. Richter also thanked the Nkpolu-Oroworukwo community for its peaceful and helpful cooperation and support throughout the construction of the project.

Another Julius Berger constructed road project, the Mgbuitanwo internal road project in Emohua local government area was also commissioned on Monday 21st November 2022 in Rivers State. The former Governor of Kano State and former Minister of Defence, His Excellency, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso, a distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) was the Special Guest of Honour at the event in Mgbuitanwo in Rivers State.

Dignitaries at the commissioning ceremonies in Port Harcourt also included the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, DSSRS; members of the State Executive Council; the Honourable Speaker and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Chairman and members of the Rivers State Council of Chiefs; Rivers State Women, Youths and cultural organizations as well members of the Press.

The Julius Berger delegation to the ceremonies was led by the company’s Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter. Other Julius Berger officials at the project commissioning ceremonies in Port Harcourt and Mgbuitanwo included the regional manager, South-south/South-east operations, Engr. Juergen Fischer, Project Coordinator, South-south/South-east Chief Sam Ngbor; Special Project Manager, Port Harcourt, Engr. Rimon Marisho; Project Manager Port Harcourt, Engr. Therna; and the head of Media Relations Office, Prince Moses Duku, amongst others.

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