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ZIPOWEI RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM, FREE FALLING

 

zipowei 1

 

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Zi always knew she wanted to be involved in the music scene.

 

From primary school choirs to secondary school mini-sessions in her classrooms during free periods, she always seized the opportunity to belt out a few tunes.

 

On some occasions, this involved approaching random classmates in hallways and singing to them.

 

Writing songs since age 13 has helped Zi develop her formula as she delivers lyrics laced with vulnerability and soul in expressions of love, hope, healing, and fun.

 

A graduate of the University of Ibadan and currently participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Zipowei has made her debut in the music scene with the official release of her first single, “Free Falling,” in October 2022.

 

Social Media Handles

Instagram- @Zipowei

Twitter- @Mindofzi

Tiktok – @Zipowei

 

 

FREE FALLING LYRICS BY ZIPOWEI 

Baby I don’t have a definite plan

I just go with the flow

I’m not trying to scare you away 

I just want you to know 

 

That I’m free falling through the motions

Salsa dancing with my emotions

Butterfly stroking through the ocean 

Just a steady groove

 

And I have been falling for you 

Look I have been grinding for two

You tell me you love me

You tell me you got me  

But I cannot tell if it’s true 

There’s no turning back on this

Baby I’m passionate 

There is nobody but you  

Cause I have been falling for you 

I have been grinding for two baby

 

Baby I don’t wanna string you along

So I’m setting it straight

Baby I don’t wanna lead you on

So know before it’s too late

 

That I’m free falling through the motions

Salsa dancing with my emotions

Butterfly stroking through the ocean 

Just a steady groove

 

And I have been falling for you 

Look I have been grinding for two

You tell me you love me

You tell me you got me  

But I cannot tell if it’s true 

There’s no turning back on this

Baby I’m passionate 

There is nobody but you  

Cause I have been falling for you 

I have been grinding for two baby

 

 

I don’t need you to tell me you got me

I know how this goes 

So I’m trying to take it slow 

Keep my cool, Yeah it’s blue

Steady groove, I’m chill 

Yeah, it’s true

Yeah, it’s true

 

That I’m free falling through the motions

Salsa dancing with my emotions

Butterfly stroking through the ocean 

Just a steady groove

A steady groove

A steady groove 

Yeah

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2023: Don’t Bother about Run-off, Atiku Will Win at the First Ballot ,  Campaign Assures INEC

November 19, 2022

 

Press Statement

 

 

The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to bother itself with any preparation for a run off in the 2023 Presidential election as the Presidential Candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, will win at the first ballot.

 

Our campaign counsels INEC not to listen to diversionary narratives by apologists of the deflated All Progressives Congress (APC) who are ostensibly seeking ways to derail the election, having realized that their Party has been rejected.

 

The campaign urges INEC to deploy its resources towards conducting a free, fair, transparent and credible election that will be generally accepted by majority of Nigerians.

 

Our campaign is confident that by every indices and data available, our Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, will win the Presidential election of February 25, 2023 at the first run.

 

The APC has seen defeat ahead as Nigerians are quickly reaching a consensus on the fact that the APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is not electable.

 

We urge Nigerians to remain resolute in their determination to vote in their choice, Atiku Abubakar, and take every step necessary within the ambit of the law to protect their votes.

 

Signed:

 

Kola Ologbondiyan

Spokesperson

Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organization

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DELTA WOMEN TASK KOGI CENTRAL VOTERS ON NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN

 

  • CALL CDW STATEMENT FOOLISH TALK, SHEER NONSENSE, FAKE NEWS

 

  • EXPRESS READINESS TO HOST AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN IN WARRI ON SATURDAY

 

A group, Delta Women Vanguard, on Sunday described the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Senatorial Candidate in Kogi Central, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as the defender of the people.

 

‘’What the time demands is a woman with strength, who by practical, creative and visionary leadership can embark on a new beginning; a woman with a sense of mission in a rescue operation; a woman of vision and focus; a woman with courage to face difficulties. Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is dedicated to the uplifting of the Ebira man, woman and youth’’

 

The group also declared its readiness to host the PDP, Kogi Central flag bearer in Warri on Saturday, November 19, 2022.

 

A statement issued in Warri urged Kogi Central voters to reject narrow minded, untrustworthy, manipulative, selfish and unpatriotic candidates.

 

‘’Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is polished, beloved by the wonderful people of Kogi State and her name is etched in their minds. We are determined to convince Kogi Central people. We shall urge the voters to reject Kogi APC in 2023’’

 

DWV National Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Esther Umukoro in the statement in Warri, applauded Akpoti-Uduaghan for raising a lot of women and youths to a higher level of existence and sacrificing to enable them to enjoy good life.

 

‘’We will make Kogi Central voters be aware of the issues involved in the 2023 senatorial election and the advantage they stand to gain by voting for PDP. We will explain her ideals and priorities and how best to solve the problems of Kogi Central. We will then tell why they have to vote for Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’’

 

The statement underscored the desire of the good people of Kogi Central to break away from the stranglehold of Governor Yahaya Bello and his cronies.

 

‘’They will know who has a better grasp of the issues at hand and who is better equipped to solve them. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not a typical Nigerian politician who speaks from both sides of the mouth’’

 

The statement also emphasized Akpoti Uduaghan’s benevolence, wisdom, charm, competence, roles played at critical points in the development of Kogi Central and identification with public worthy causes.

 

‘’Kogi Central is behind in development requirements. Kogi APC will no longer be allowed to pollute the stream from which the people drink’’

 

The group accused those parading as Concerned Delta Women of advertising ignorance and prejudicing the minds of people by deliberate lies and perversion of the truth.

 

‘’It is foolish talk and sheer nonsense. These renegades do not have the rectitude to speak on marriage, development and the future of Kogi Central’’.

 

‘’No crumbs, however tempting, should distract Kogi Central voters from ensuring the electoral victory of Akpoti-Uduaghan in 2023’’ the statement added.

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U.S MIDTERM ELECTIONS: PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES NIGERIAN-AMERICANS ON ELECTION VICTORY

 

President Muhammadu Buhari extends warmest congratulations to eight Nigerian-Americans on their victory in the U.S. midterm elections.

In Georgia State, Segun Adeyina, Gabe Okoye, Solomon Adesanya, Tish Naghise, and Phil Olaleye won their legislative seats as State Representatives in their Districts.

Similarly, Carol Kazeem won the Pennsylvania State Representative in District 159, Esther Agbaje was re-elected as Minnesota State Representative in District 59B, while Dr. Oye Owolewa was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives (Shadow Representative) in Washington D.C.

In prayerful wishes for a successful tenure in office, President Buhari thanks them for their invaluable support and partnerships, over the years, with groups affiliated with the ideals and objectives of Nigerians in Diaspora associations in the United States.

Restating his unflinching support for every Nigerian excelling at home and abroad, President Buhari believes that compatriots who succeed in good causes are assets to the nation and the continent, noting that their contributions will always be remembered and celebrated.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 9, 2022

PDP Guber Candidate, Fubara: You Can’t fight Against ‘Godsent”, You’ll Fail – Obuah

 

The Director General, Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council, Bro Felix Obuah has advised those opposed to the state governorship candidate, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to disembark because it amounts to fighting a lost battle.

Speaking against the backdrop of Sir Fubara’s court victory over the suit seeking his disqualification from the 2023 general election in the state, Bro. Obuah described the PDP flag bearer as ‘Godsent’.

The immediate past PDP State Chairman, Bro. Obuah reminded such persons that nobody has ever fought anybody destined by God for an assignment and succeeded.

Drawing further insight from the scriptures, Bro Obuah referred to those opposed to the party’s choice for the office of Governor of Rivers State and their prospective counterparts to the divine instruction, “touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm”.

“Whether or not you like it, the party has chosen its candidate and all that is expected of every other partyman is to rally round him and ensure victory for the party. Everybody cannot be governor at the same time and besides, God has His own plans for every individual to be made manifest at the fullness of time,” he counseled.

Bro. Obuah, immediate past Sole Administrator, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) congratulated Sir Siminalayi Fubara over the court victory and assured that God who has started the victory spree will crown it with overall victory during the election proper and celebration to His glory and to the joy of all PDP members in the state.

He also lauded His Excellency, Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike for all his landmark achievements in the state that have raised the bar of governance to an enviable height, making the PDP the choice destination for all political office seekers in the state and assured that his efforts will not be in vain as PDP is poised to continue the winning streak which he has established as a legacy.

 

Signed

 

Jerry Needam

Special Adviser On

Media and Publicity

To Bro Felix Obuah,

Director General,

PDP Campaign Council.

 

November 8, 2022

 

 

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: Law firm disowns document

A law firm, Indemnity Partners, has dissociated itself from a document in respect of Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan.

‘’Our attention has been drawn to a letter trending on social media purporting to have been issued from our law firm in respect of our client and her husband’’.

‘The law firm said in a statement signed by B. C. Igwilo SAN that the document was inauthentic and of dubious origin.

‘’ That letter is inauthentic and of dubious origin’’.

The firm urged the discerning public to ignore the document in circulation in its entirety.

‘’We categorically distance ourselves from the purported letter and its alleged contents’’ the statement added.

 

Below is the full text of the disclaimer

INDEMNITY PARTNERS

LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, NOTARIES PUBLIC

 

4th November 2022

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

DISCLAIMER

We are solicitors for Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Our attention has been drawn to a letter trending on social media purporting to have been issued from our law firm in respect of our client and her husband.

We categorically distance ourselves from the purported letter and its alleged contents.

That letter is inauthentic and of dubious origin.

Accordingly, we urge the discerning public to ignore it in its entirety.

 

  1. C. Igwilo SAN

Indemnity Partners

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES FBN ON 40 YEARS OF CROSS-BORDER BANKING IN THE UK

President Muhammadu Buhari extends warm felicitations to the Board, Management, and Staff of First Bank Nigeria (FBN) for cross-border services in the United Kingdom for 40 years, sharing almost 130 years of banking experience.

President Buhari notes the competence and professionalism that have become the hallmark of FBN over many years, winning and retaining the trust of customers in Nigeria, and beyond, like in the United Kingdom, and successfully consolidating on its benchmark of reliability and professionalism.

As the FBN, United Kingdom celebrates 40 years anniversary, the President believes the strength and buoyancy of any country depend largely on the capacity of the banking sector, extolling the organization for steady rise and expansion, with remarkable awards for transparency, accountability, and reliability.

President Buhari congratulates FBN, the United Kingdom for the milestone, and well-deserved acceptance and credence, urging the bank to further leverage on its strengths to retain the trust and confidence of the banking public.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 8, 2022

 

 

We’re ready for APC, Bello in 2023 – Kogi Youths

  • Urge Kogi Central PDP candidate not to be distracted
  • Vow to retire Kogi APC candidates in 2023
  • Say Governor Yahaya Bello afraid of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rising political profile

 

Youths in Kogi State on Sunday endorsed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate in Kogi Central, Chief Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, as their choice candidate for the February National Assembly election.

‘’’The good people of Kogi Central deserve a better senator with sound understanding and intellectual depth. Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is suitable and capable of leading the way out of the quagmire we find ourselves today’’

They also chided Governor Yahaya Bello and his cronies for misleading Nigerians, embarking on laughable exercise and suicide mission and placing Kogi State both on the map of national and international ridicule.

‘’Governor Yahaya Bello and his cronies are overwhelmed by the rising political profile of Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. They simply want to be mischievous’’

Meeting under the aegis of Ebira Youths Coalition (EYC), the youths described the N10 billion allegations as purely absurd, diversionary and unnecessary distraction.

‘’Nothing will stop Akpoti-Uduaghan from occupying the Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2023’’.

Rising from an emergency working committee meeting held in Okene, Kogi State, the youths vowed to resist to the last drop of their blood any attempt by Bello and APC members to manipulate the 2023 elections’’

‘’Kogi APC is already heading for the rocks occasioned by its parochialism, deceit and betrayal of the people’s mandate. We will not subscribe to anything evil in 2023. The voters are interested in the emergence of an honest, consistent and credible woman as Kogi Central senator in 2023’’

Speaking through its National Director of Information and Orientation, Dr. Ihiampe Jato, the youths condemned the governor for orchestrating a campaign of calumny against Akpoti-Uduaghan, with a view to impugn her integrity and malign the transparency stance of the Kogi Central PDP candidate.

They praised Akpoti-Uduaghan for her peaceful disposition and gentility.

‘’Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will make Kogi Central a more salubrious clime. She will promote an environment safe for life and the growth of business’’

They also applauded her for bringing smiles on the faces of Kogi people.

‘’Kogi Central is about to be emancipated from anti-development forces’’

They urged the electorate to come out and vote in February and March, 2023.

‘’We are waiting for the National Assembly election. We know Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will win. The people will vote for PDP’’

They also urged Nigerians to ignore fake stories sponsored by Kogi APC lepers in Abuja and Lokoja.

‘’We need a vibrant and well-focused senator who has the interest of the district at heart; a woman who is academically sound and administratively skillful; a very deft master strategist who doesn’t talk with both sides of mouth; a woman who will deliver the dividend of democracy to the wonderful people of Kogi Central’’

 

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s popularity, strength threat to Bello, Kogi APC leaders, says PDP Chieftain

  • Accuses APC of making Kogi State torture, kidnapping and killing chambers
  • Urges Buhari to call Yahaya Bello to order
  • Calls Safiu Governor Yahaya Bello’s loyalist  
  • Says PDP ready to take campaign against violence in Kogi State to Europe and America
  • Insists on adequate security

A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi, Chief Otenyiete Otuhuo, said the popularity and strength of the party’s senatorial candidate in Kogi Central had thrown Governor Yahaya Bello and other All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in the state into panic mode.

 

‘’What they are seeing is the beginning of PDP’s victory in 2023. APC should be ready to move out of Kogi State. We do not want war. It is time that the APC realized that it has failed Kogi State people politically’’

He also condemned APC leaders for making Kogi State some sort of torture, kidnapping and killing chambers.

 

Okene Local Government Chairman, Hon Abdulrazak Yusuf, a few days ago gave one week notice to PDP in the local government area to vacate its party secretariat. Safiu, a loyalist of Governor Yahaya Bello and a man on the pay roll of Abdulkarim Asuku, Chief of Staff to Bello, was abducted for dumping the ruling party in the state.

 

In a statement in Lokoja, the PDP leader accused Bello and other top government functionaries of employing all kinds of tactics and blackmail to harass and intimidate members of the opposition.

 

Particularly Ohuhuo criticised Bello for his undemocratic conduct and breach of the peace in Kogi State.

 

He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call Yahaya Bello to order.

‘’Despotism and flagrant abuse of power represent the basic fabric from which the Yahaya Bello led APC administration is woven today. Something should be done to curtail the excesses of Kogi government officials and military personnel in the state’’

 

He also urged the police to arrest Kogi State APC officials for crimes against humanity.

 

‘’Kogi APC officials have steadily kidnapped, harassed and beaten individuals that have been critical of Yahaya Bello’s policies’’

 

The PDP stalwart commended Bello for exposing APC tactics to Kogi electorate, who now fully understand how the party wants to execute its 2023 political plan in the state.

 

‘’Governor Yahaya Bello and his co-travellers are not intelligent enough. Rather than face PDP squarely, they are looking for cheap distractions. Their efforts to cause more divisions and confusion among Kogi people are becoming new sources of strength and urgency to dislodge them in 2023’’.

 

The statement underscored rallies and seminars held by different groups to condemn thuggery and violence in Kogi State.

He also praised Kogi people for creating and sustaining a culture of resistance.

 

‘’Our people are eager to take the crusade to Europe and America. That is the next option if they continue to harass, intimidate, kidnap and kill members of the opposition’’

 

ASUU: Paying lecturers half salaries unlawful, SERAP tells Buhari

 

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “direct the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, and the acting Accountant General of the Federation, Sylva Okolieaboh to immediately reverse the apparently illegal deductions from the salaries of members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for October 2022.”

 

SERAP is also urging him to “direct Mr Ngige and Mr Okolieaboh to pay ASUU members full salaries for the duration of their strike action.”

 

The Federal Government recently allegedly paid half-salaries to members of ASUU for the month of October, 2022. Some professors reportedly received salaries ranging from N71,000 to N121,000 for October.

 

In the open letter dated 5 November, 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Paying half salaries to ASUU members solely for exercising their human rights is patently unlawful and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and international standards.”

 

SERAP said, “The alleged deductions from the salaries of ASUU members also amount to punishing them for exercising their right to strike.”

 

The letter, read in part: “The deductions are illegal and disproportionate. The deductions may also be construed as a deliberate attempt to take away the right to strike, and to make ASUU a lame duck.”

 

“The right to strike implies the right of workers not to be punished for striking. ASUU members do not therefore forfeit their salaries because they exercise their right to strike.”

 

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our requests in the public interest.”

 

“Illegal deductions from the salaries of ASUU members may also violate the right to work, and to respect of the dignity inherent in a human being.”

 

“The deductions are also incompatible with the prohibition of all forms of exploitation and degradation of man particularly cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment and treatment.”

 

“The deductions also implicitly violate the right of members of ASUU to an adequate standard of living for themselves and their families, including to the continuous improvement of living conditions.”

 

“Strikes are an essential means available to workers and their organizations to protect their interests.”

 

“The right to strike is an intrinsic element of the right of association recognized under the Nigerian Constitution, ILO conventions, and human rights treaties to which the country is a state party.”

 

“Indeed, the right to strike and that of entitlement to full pay for days of strike are essential elements of trade union rights.”

 

“Paying ASUU members or any workers half salaries solely for lawfully and peacefully exercising their right to strike constitutes an impermissible restriction on the right to freedom of association including the right to strike, which is an essential element in the principle of collective bargaining.”

 

“The application of any purported ‘no work, no pay’ rule to deduct from the salaries of ASUU members would be clearly inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and international standards.”

 

“The right to strike is a keystone of modern industrial society. No society which lacks that right can be democratic. Any society which seeks to become democratic must secure that right.”

 

“The ILO Committee on Freedom of Association has stated that the imposition of sanctions for strike action is not conducive to harmonious labour relations.”

 

“According to the Resolution concerning the Abolition of Anti-Trade Union Legislation in the States Members of the International Labour Organisation, member states including Nigeria must ‘ensure the effective and unrestricted exercise of trade union rights, including the right to strike by workers.’”

 

“Another ILO resolution, titled, ‘Resolution Concerning Trade Union Rights and their Relation to Civil Liberties’ called for action in a number of ways ‘with a view to ensuring full and universal respect for trade union rights including the right to strike in their broadest sense.’”

 

“Protecting fundamental human rights including the right to strike is not simply about States fulfilling their legal obligations. It is also about them creating democratic and equitable societies that are sustainable in the long run.”

 

“Without protecting a right to strike, freedom of association, in particular the right to organize activities for the purpose of promoting and protecting workers’ interests, cannot be fully realized.”

 

“Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution; and the country’s international obligations including under the International Labour Organization [ILO] Conventions, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.”

 

“SERAP notes that ASUU recently suspended its eight months industrial action following interventions from the Court of Appeal, which upheld an earlier decision from the National Industrial Court NIC.”

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

6/11/2022

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.orgnews@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

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

 

North-Central leaders express surprise, unhappiness on Kogi government terrorism statement 

  • Move against APC
  • Endorse Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Top leaders of the North Central zone on Friday urged the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo to desist from a campaign of calumny, hate and deception.

‘’Such empty posturing cannot fool the good people of Kogi State. The Commissioner for Information and Communication is talking rubbish. He knows the real terrorist in the state’’

The highly respected leaders also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the Yahaya Bello led All Progressives Congress (APC) government to avoid continuous illegal approach to governance and public issues as it is now becoming a stigma on the ruling party and the Kogi State Government.

‘’We want to use this opportunity to inform Mr. President and the wonderful people of Kogi State that the terrorism statements by the Commissioner for Information and other officials of the Kogi State government are all lies’’

In a statement issued at the weekend in Abuja by the Chairman, Congress of Concerned North Central Leaders (CCNCL), Alhaji Mohammed Suleiman, the leaders noted the frivolity, ignorance and mischief that informed the commissioner’s recent statement.

The commissioner for information embarked upon this latest charade in a vain attempt to deflect attention from the woeful performance of Yahaya Bello.

They condemned the Kogi State government’s skirmish against the opposition, the draconian rulership of Yahaya Bello and the havoc done to the North Central zone by holding down one of the great prospects of the Middle Belt region.

‘’We condemn in strong terms the kidnapping of opposition members in Kogi State. We see this as a very bad trend for the state. We enjoin President Mohammadu Buhari to unravel the people behind this criminal act as the public opinion and petitions lay this at the door step of some powerful members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State.

Principally, the leaders carpeted the APC for abandoning Kogi youths to the ogre of unemployment.

They listed misery, poverty, violence, economic mismanagement and human destruction as key achievements of the APC administration in Kogi State.

‘’What is Governor Yahaya Bello’s performance? He has performed disgracefully. The Yahaya Bello led APC government is oppressive, ugly and blight in the heart of the North Central. Kogi State is now rated highly in the halls of infamy’’

They urged Kogi voters to reject tired souls and con-men whose only motivation is self-enrichment at the expense of the suffering masses.

They also urged the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Kogi Central Senatorial district, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, not to be intimidated over the 2023 senatorial race.

‘’Kogi Central needs a senator who can find solutions to the district’s enormous economic, social and political problems. Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has the integrity, dynamism, courage and vision to address problems and take the senatorial district to the Promised Land’’

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

BUHARI LISTS GAINS, EXPECTATIONS AS NIGERIA-CAMEROON BORDER BRIDGE AND JOINT BORDER POST IS COMMISSIONED 

  • “We have delivered”,  says Fashola, Nigeria’s Works and Housing Minister 
  • As Presidents Buhari, Biya say the Border Bridge and Joint Border Post will enhance trade and fight against terrorism in the region
  • You must act in the most professional manner as well as in line with global best practice -Buhari to officials manning Joint Border Post 
  • Jubilation galore as border communities of the two countries roll out drums to celebrate the event

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has in Ikom, Cross River State, commissioned the Nigeria-Cameroon Border Bridge and Joint Border Post listing the gains and expectations of the two countries to include boost in trade and efforts of the two countries to combat terrorism.

President Buhari, who performed the ceremony jointly with his Camerounian counterpart, Paul Biya, spoke as Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN took a holistic view of the projects and declared to the large audience that attended the event, “We have delivered”.

The President also said the commissioning of the 1.5 metre Bridge and Post, funded by the two governments, as well as the African Development Bank (AfDB), would increase the volume of trade and commerce between the two countries.

Represented at the occasion by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada, the President told the audience of top officials and members of the border communities as well as security agencies at the venue, “The government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria expects that this Joint Border Bridge and Post will enhance security patrol and cooperation in this part of our border with the Republic of Cameroon”.

“While we have confidence that this project will accomplish its set target, it is also our hope that it will complement the current efforts of the Federal Republics of Nigeria and Cameroon to combat the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism in our region”, the President declared adding that the activities of violent extremists have become a major challenge to the development of the sub regions.

According to him, “This menace has continued to threaten our economies and the maximization of the potentials of our countries as well as cause political upheavals and menace in our region. Hence it is our hope that the commissioning of this project will accelerate the efforts of our gallant security personnel who are already doing very well in securing our territories”.

Expressing delight that the project would enhance the volume of economic activities in regions particularly as well as facilitate the movement of goods and services within the countries along the Corridor, President Buhari said it would also serve as a critical link between the countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and those of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

Describing the completion and commissioning of the project as timely, President Buhari declared, “Therefore, we expect that the commissioning of this Joint Border Bridge and Post will not only strengthen the already existing cordial relationship between Nigeria and Cameroon but will enhance cooperation between ECOWAS and ECCAS countries”.

“We also pray this project will enhance interconnectivity of our people and communities and also increase the standards and reduce the barrier to interregional trade and strengthen border security”, he said adding that it would certainly “deepen inextricably the fraternal and cultural bond already existing between Nigerians and Camerounians living along the border communities”.

President Buhari said the project, which, according to him, “is part of the ongoing Nigeria-Cameroon Multinational Highway Transport Facilitation Programme”, would remain a visible testimony to the continuing cooperation and good neighbourliness between Nigeria and Cameroon as well as regional economic communities.

“This Bridge and the Joint Border Post are proof that when African regions work with African institutions of standard, critical developmental projects can be achieved in record time”, the President said expressing delight that both Nigerians and Cameroonians living in the border areas have remained jubilant since the completion of the Bridge and Joint Border Post.

According to him, “Such excitement symbolizes the resolve of our people and governments to remain connected in spite of our seemingly artificial boundaries”.

Commending the government and people of Cameroon for their cooperation and support towards the completion of the project, the President also thanked the funding partners, particularly the African Development bank (AfDB), for their role in financing the project adding that under the leadership of Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, “the Bank has become by all standards a beacon of support in all matter relating to Africa’s development efforts to ensure the timely completion of this project”.

Conscious of the diplomatic importance of the project to both countries, Buhari declared, “Let me also underscore that in order to maximize the benefits of this project, Nigerian and Cameroonian officials who will be saddled with the responsibility of manning the border posts in particular must act in the most professional manner as well as in line with global best practice with effect from today”.

In his own remarks, his Cameroonian counterpart, President Paul Biya, said the Bridge and Post facilities are expected to help increase trade and strengthen cooperation between countries of the ECOWAS and those of the ECCAS in general, and between Cameroon and Nigeria in particular.

President Biya, who was represented by the Cameroonian Minister of Public Works, Mr. Emmanuel Nganou Njoumessi, said the direct beneficiaries of the programme “are the transport services users, as well as the 11million inhabitants (3m in Cameroon and 8m in Nigeria) in the programme area representing 7% of the total population of the two countries”, adding that the programme would reduce overall transport cost and improve the living conditions of the populations living along the road.

The President said the Programme for the transport facilitation of the Bamenda-Enugu road Corridor was conceived by the founding fathers as a confidence building measure to strengthen relations between Nigeria and Cameroon following the strained relations arising as a result of the Bakassi Peninsula issue.

He explained further that the 443 kilometre long Bamenda-Enugu Corridor comprises the Cameroon Bamenda-Mfum-Ekok Road sections, the Nigerian road sections of 240 kilometres, the bridge over the Munaya River in Cameroon and the border bridge of 230 metres Mfum-Ekok Bridge over the Cross River.

Delivering his welcome address earlier, Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, while expressing delight that the project has been delivered according to the scheduled time, declared “We have delivered. I can say with pride that our job has been done for the benefit of the people of Nigeria and Cameroun which the bridge connects.”

Also commending the vision of the founding fathers in conceiving the project, the Minister acknowledged with gratitude the roles played by the funding partners, the Ministry’s Engineers and Directors as well as the host communities of Nigeria and Cameroon.

“The most important thing about this project is that the Bridge not only connects Nigeria and Cameroon but it begins a journey of a Trans-Africa connection.  The Nigeria/Cameroon Multinational Highway from Enugu in Nigeria to Bamenda in Cameroun is also part of the Dakar-Lagos-Mombasa-Kenya Trans-African Highway and this is the significance of this project”, the Minister said.

In an interview, the Clan Chief of the host community, Ajassor, His Royal Highness Anthony Ntui Etta II, who represented the Paramount Ruler of the Town, expressed gratitude to the governments of Nigeria and Cameroon for their commitment to the execution and completion of the projects adding,  “The Ajassor Clan  are indeed very happy and grateful for the project”.

He added, “The significant of this project cannot be overemphasized as it will strengthen the already existing bond of affinity and further boost trans-border commercial activities between our communities with our kith and kin of Ekok border community in Cameroon and even beyond”.

The colourful ceremony carried out on the 1.5 metre Bridge and at the new Border Post was witnessed by top officials of both countries and representatives of ECOWAS and ECCAS as well as the funding partners, the AfDB, the European Union (EU), who also delivered goodwill messages, and other stakeholders like the Hon. Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, his Ministry of Power counterpart, Hon. Goddy Jedy Agba as well as Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial  District, Professor Sandy Onor.

The ceremony was spiced by traditional dancers from the host communities of both countries.


HAKEEM BELLO

SPECIAL ADVISER,

COMMUNICATIONS

TO THE HON. MINISTER

5TH NOVEMBER, 2022

 

 

 

Kogi Elders Decry Yahaya Bello’s performance

  • Condemn abduction of Safiu, brother to Bello’s Chief of Staff
  • Back PDP in 2023
  • Task Buhari, security chiefs, others on kidnapping, political assassination

 

Top leaders of Kogi State on Thursday accused Governor Yahaya Bello of turning the domestic lives of the people upside down.

They also described the governor as a despot, symbol of oppression and erratic character.

In a statement in Lokoja, the leaders urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address the spate of kidnapping in Kogi State.

The statement issued by the Chairman of Kogi Indigenous Forum (KIF), Alhaji Mohammed Suleiman, accused the ruling party of abducting members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

 

Safiu, stepbrother of Abdulkarim Asuku, the Chief of Staff to Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, was abducted on Monday

Particularly, the notable leaders accused the ruling party of hatching a destructive plan, orchestrating violence and deliberating using hit squads to destabilize the opposition in the state.

They described the Kogi State governor as a desperate and confused person who has no value for human life.

‘’Governor Yahaya Bello enjoys seeing the people in misery’’

The Igala, Ebira, Okun, Bassa Nge, Kakanda, Bassa-Komo and Oworo leaders underscored violence, terror and feelings of hatred against the opposition.

The eminent leaders blamed Bello for failing to address the state’s pressing needs.

They called on the electorate to vote out APC in the 2023 elections.

‘’PDP will break the back of APC. It will beat the ruling party, others in the 2023 elections’’

The group of respected leaders in the state scolded Bello for putting APC in an extremely difficult position.

‘’APC members in Kogi State are living in cloud-cuckoo land. Humiliation and embarrassment await Kogi APC 2023’’.

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU PREACHES UNITY, TOGETHERNESS, AS NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF CULTURES KICKS OFF IN LAGOS

 

  • ‘We’re ready to Showcase Tourism, Export Creative Ideas to Global Market’ – Governor

 

Lagos State, on Wednesday, became the convergence of Nigeria’s diversity and cultures. The State literally turned the centre stage for the exhibition of local customs, arts and traditions in what appeared to be the largest cultural carnival in the country.

 

An array of elegantly dressed troupes from 29 states of the federation kept the guests’ attention hooked to flamboyantly rehearsed pageantry, flaunting the nation’s rich cultural heritage in the full glare of local and international audience.

 

The contingents are participants in the week-long festival tagged “EKO-NAFEST 2022”. The 35th National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) is being organised by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC).

 

Top Government officials, foreign envoys, traditional rulers, cultural ambassadors, NGOs, and schoolchildren made the roll call of guests at the festival’s opening ceremony held Mobolaji Johnson Pavilion, Onikan.

 

Lagos became the fourth time host of NAFEST, a cultural fiesta initiated in 1970 to foster national integration, strengthen understanding and unity among diverse ethnic groups and promote the peaceful co-existence.

 

The event will feature various competitions and non-competitive activities, including excursion trips to various tourist sites in the host city.

 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu declared the fiesta opened, charging the participants and audience to exhibit “true spirit of Lagos”, which he explained to be the State’s “accommodating nature” towards visitors.

 

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos Government accepted the event’s hosting right in demonstration of its love for cultural advancement and promotion of togetherness.

 

As melting pot of culture and hub of commerce, the Governor said Lagos would continue to export the nation’s rich heritage and entertainment to the global market, thereby attracting foreign investment into the local creative and entertainment sector.

 

He said: “Lagos State Government is proud to be hosting NAFEST for the fourth time, having hosted the first edition in 1970. The foundational objectives of the festival is in line with our administration’s goals for the promotion of entertainment and tourism, which are a key pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda. We are deliberate about promoting every aspect of tourism, arts and culture, which is why we make it a practice to support, partner and collaborate in activities that would further strengthen our cultural heritage and promote our unity in diversity.

 

“For the next seven days, delegates from the states across the federation will be showcasing and celebrating our country’s cultural heterogeneity. As headquarters of entertainment and foremost commercial nerve centre of Africa, Lagos will continue to represent our country globally in creativity, music, films and culture. As a State, we are committed to supporting local talents and help them to export their creative ideas to the global market where they can exchange them for values.”

 

Sanwo-Olu re-echoed the need to use the cultural platform to engender peaceful co-existence and promote unity. He told the cultural troupes to eschew issues that that promote division and stoke tension.

 

As 2023 general elections draw close, the Governor urged the participants to use the opportunity to support leaders that would leverage the multi-cultural heritage and language to unify the country and bring back the spirit of togetherness among all citizens.

 

Rather than allowing differences in language and culture to divide them, Sanwo-Olu told participants to see the diversity as resources to be developed for collective advantage.

 

He said: “We are in the campaign season as our nation’s general elections has been scheduled to hold within the first quarter of next year. As political office holders continue to engage the electorate at this period, it is important to re-echo the message of unity and peaceful co-existence which NAFEST platform provides.

 

While we celebrate the Nigerian heritage and cultural diversity here today, my clarion call is that we take this an opportunity to elect leaders who will recognize and take advantage of our rich, multi-cultural heritage and language to unify us as a people and as a nation which was the intention of our founding fathers.”

 

Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, advised the cultural to use the opportunity of the festival to explore the tourism sites in different parts of Lagos, especially the waterway transportation system being developed by the State Government.

 

She said peaceful co-existence remained the catalyst for national development, urging the delegates to engage in dialogue and activities that would guarantee the peace throughout the period of the event.

 

NCAC Director General, Otunba Segun Runsewe, expressed appreciation of the Council to Gov. Sanwo-Olu and members of the Local Organising Committee for putting necessary facilities and logistic arrangements in place for the hosting of the event.

 

He said: The contents of EKO-NAFEST 2022 have been deliberately drawn to reflect and resonate the importance of peace across our nation. The event also emphasises the need to mobilise our collective conscience to fully embrace our diversity in the interest of progress and prosperity.”

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

09 NOVEMBER 2022

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

SANWO-OLU MEETS 36 FINALISTS, AS JAKANDE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY TAKES OFF 

 

…30 selected fellows to start programme January 

 

All is set for the inaugural session of Lateef Jakande Leadership and Fellowship Academy to take off, with the presentation of 36 finalists shortlisted for the programme to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the State House, Alausa, on Tuesday.

 

The meeting with the Governor formally ended the rigorous application process, which received over 3,000 applications across the country. The finalists will be prune to pave the way for the first cohort of 30 trainees, who will be admitted to start the fellowship next January.

 

Sanwo-Olu instituted the Leadership Academy to immortalise the first civilian Lagos Governor, the late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, who governed the State between 1979 and 1983.

 

The Academy was initiated with the objective to train and nurture young leaders with the right values and leadership skills to build institutions across sectors and make lasting impact on the society.

 

The finalists consisted mainly of youths from diverse backgrounds and sectors.

 

Sanwo-Olu, who had personal interaction with all the shortlisted candidates, said the initiative focused on leveraging education and mentoring to raise a new set of leaders that would sustain the values and legacy of the late Jakande in public governance.

 

Education, the Governor said, was one of the most iconic programmes of the Jakande administration, stressing that the best way to honour the late ex-Governor was to revive his most impactful legacy.

 

He said: “This Leadership Academy, for me, is part of my donation and legacy to give back not just to Lagos, but the entire country. The worth of a leader is not just being a leader, but how many future leaders he can raise. We created this fellowship to be a national project. The late Alhaji Lateef Jakande only governed Lagos for four years, but he made lasting impression on all the citizens and his name is etched on the minds of everyone.

 

“When the thought about setting up the Academy came, we said to ourselves we didn’t want to name another street or estate after Jakande, because his name has had a lot of that. We thought about establishing an institution that will sustain and project the values for which the late Jakande was known. We seek to raise young leaders that will take up the baton of leadership in years ahead and the only way we can do that is to be intentional and be deliberate in scouting for brilliant young people who are best in their own areas.”

 

Sanwo-Olu said the fellowship participation was intentionally limited to the age bracket that had opportunities for future leadership. This, he said, was to ensure seamless transferring of leadership baton to young people and create a better future for them.

 

The Governor emphasised the fellowship would promote diversity and balance gender inclusion, noting that the objective was not to leave anyone behind in equipping young people with leadership qualities that would transform them to change makers.

 

He said: “I believe all the shortlisted candidates have all it takes to make the change they desire to see. All we need to do is to help you build your capacity and push out the skills in you. If all these skills are harnessed, there will be nobody that will not learn from the other. This is our intention.

 

“I’ve listened to the stories and seen the passion you all have brought into this. Given the detailed selection we have done, I believe we are on the right track to achieve the goals of this initiative. I can imagine the output we will be coming up with one year down the line. Not only will you be ready to change the world, I believe you will be ready to take over the world.”

 

Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle, said the process through which the finalists were picked was competitive and thorough, noting that the fellows would be taken through rigorous training that would expose them to the procedures of public governance and administration.

 

She said the selected fellows would also have international exposure in the course of the training.

 

Some of them told the Governor their intentions for applying for the fellowship during personal interaction.

 

Miss Alexis Ogechukwu Ogba said she looked forward to imbibing values that would enable her raise her impacts in the health sector.

 

Hakeem Alausa, a young civil servant, hoped he would be able to build my capacity in policy development and implementation.

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

09 NOVEMBER 2022

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

BOOST IN TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE FOR KANO, JIGAWA  AS FG APPROVES DUALIZATION, RECONSTRUCTION OF SECTION TWO OF KANO-HADEJIA ROAD

  • Over 350 jobs expected as dualization/reconstruction work begins on the Section II of the 82 km single and dual carriageways 
  • The road will open up settlements within the project vicinity and provide access for the evacuation of goods and services, says Fashola

In pursuance of its objective of improving transportation infrastructure across the six geopolitical zones of the country, the Federal Government has approved the dualization and reconstruction of the Kano-Kwannar-Danja-Hadejia Road traversing Kano and Jigawa States in the North West Zone of the country.

The approval given by the Federal Executive Council covers the 82-kilometre Road, which is a composition of both single and dual carriageways of two and four lanes respectively as Section II, comprising 58 KM single carriageway and 24 KM dualized carriageway length with the dualized section located in Kano City.

The FEC approval which was sequel to a memorandum dated October 31, 2022, and presented to it by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, covers the Section of the road which begins at Yankaba Roundabout located in Kano City, traversing through Gunduwawa, Jogana, Gezawa, Guruma, Kagadama, Kawo, Gabasawa, Unguwan Ari, Limawa and terminates at Tsalle Village linking both Kano and Jigawa States.

Stating the reasons for seeking the approval for the contract worth N94.14 billion, Fashola, said the road when completed would open up settlements within the project vicinity and provide access for the evacuation of goods and services adding that the socio-economic life of the host communities would also be enhanced.

The Minister explained to the Council that the Ministry had earlier on February 21, 2022, requested and obtained from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) the approval and a Certificate of “No Ojection” for the procurement procedure for the contract adding that the BPP granted the approval vide its letter dated April 8, 2022.

Fashola also informed the Council through the Memorandum that Due Diligence/Post Qualification conducted on the company showed that it is capable to execute the contract and is duly registered under the Nigerian law and fully compliant with the Nigerian Local Content Policy.

While itemizing the Scope of work on the road, the Minister said the road would also improve the socio-economic lives of the people within the stretch of the different communities in the project areas adding that the condition of the existing road pavement is characterized by failures such as potholes, loss of shoulder material and alligator cracks with complete loss of pavement structure at the other sections.

The Minister said there was also need to bring the dual carriageway section formerly constructed by the Kano State Government to the Ministry of Works’ standards and specifications, listing some of the construction improvements required on the existing road to include clearing on both sides of the road, provision of natural occurring materials that meet the specification as fill materials and provision of suitable laterite as base.

Other improvement materials required, the Minister stated, include provision of 60mm asphaltic concrete wearing course on carriageway junction and laybys as well as provision of new and replacement of access culverts at major turnings and junctions along the road, among others.

 

HAKEEM BELLO

SPECIAL ADVISER,

COMMUNICATIONS

TO THE HON. MINISTER

5TH NOVEMBER, 2022

 

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU INAUGURATES MINI HOUSING SCHEME, VOCATIONAL CENTRE IN SURULERE

…LSDPC Regenerates Criminal Hideout, Builds 20-Unit Apartments For Residents

From the dust of a filthy parcel of land emerges the Love Garden – an elegantly designed residential development in Surulere built by the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC).

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, led members of the State cabinet to commission the 20-unit two-bedroom apartments located on Olorogun-Allen Street, Surulere.

The opening of the mini-housing scheme was greeted by spontaneous jubilation in the neighbourhood. Residents, in their number, trooped out to receive and appreciate Governor Sanwo-Olu for transforming what used to be a criminals’ hideout into a cosy residential asset.

The suspended twin three-storey development sits on 2,719.30m square land belonging to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

Besides, the Governor also opened a vocational training centre built by LSDPC on Owolewa Street in Surulere.

Sanwo-Olu said the redevelopment of the abandoned land had not only provided accommodation for residents, noting that a major security threat in the area had also been solved.

The Governor said the transformation further reiterated the commitment of his Government to urban regeneration and infrastructural renewal. He commended the two agencies for the collaboration that led to the development.

“The land on which this project is sited used to be a security liability for residents of this neighbourhood. It was previously a massive school compound before the school was moved out of the site. The land was taken over by people of questionable character, who committed all sorts of atrocities and constituted threats to the residents’ peace. We had a conversation with SUBEB for the conversion of this fallow asset into a living asset.

“Today, the elegantly designed residential edifice is the outcome of the collaboration between LSDPC and SUBEB. We have created an enabling environment for Government agencies to collaborate with the private sector in order to reduce the housing needs of our people. Now, the beneficiaries of this scheme can raise their family in this nice ambience and serene environment. Community members will also live in harmony, as we have eliminated a major threat to their peace.”

Sanwo-Olu said the provision of safe and comfortable housing schemes for the citizens remained a key objective of his Government’s programmes, noting that the intervention had helped his administration to raise standards of living.

He said the State Government remained committed to scaling up access to safe and convenient housing while strengthening partnerships with the private sector to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

More housing projects, the Governor said, will be inaugurated before the end of the year. He charged beneficiaries to maintain the structure and encourage activities that would sustain the investment.

“For residents living in this neighbourhood, this development presents an opportunity to key into the Government’s urban regeneration programme and improve their environment to raise the quality of living. We must join hands to ensure the mega status of Lagos is sustained,” Sanwo-Olu said.

LSDPC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, said the housing scheme was built to reflect simplicity and elegance, while also being complemented with contemporary infrastructure. The apartments, he said, have dedicated uninterrupted power source in addition to being connected to the national grid.

Joseph said the Owolewa Vocational Centre was built by LSDPC as a Corporate Social Responsibility to give back to the Surulere community to further aid the State Government’s efforts at empowering young people with modern skills.

“I salute the maturity and cooperation displayed by the SUBEB management during the period of discussion to change the use of the property and rights to acquire it. Today, the outcome has become a win-win situation for both the LSDPC and SUBEB,” Joseph said.

Facilities in the mini scheme include a security section, water system, expansive car parking space and electricity supply system.

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

08 NOVEMBER 2022

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI SALUTES JIM OVIA ON HIS BIRTHDAY, COMMENDS HIS SERVICE TO SOCIETY

President Muhammadu Buhari wishes a Happy 71st birthday to Jim James Ovia CFR, CON, businessman and founder of Zenith Bank, Africa’s largest commercial bank, referring to him as a symbol of service and dedication.

He praised him for his life of service to society.

“Jim Ovia,” according to the President, “is a beloved citizen,” praising him for his visionary accomplishments in business and banking in particular, and “for his efforts to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks as demonstrated by the success of Zenith Bank, which he founded in 1990, as well as his commitment to the welfare of the nation and its people.”

President Buhari commended the banker for identifying with the administration from its inception, and for his support for the reform policies engendered by it.

In wishing Jim Ovia a happy birthday, President Buhari urged him to continue his service to the nation and its people and “to do even more in these tough times.”

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 4, 2022

ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE ABUJA GAZETTES ABUJA GUIDE ABUJA MORNING NEWS ABUJA NEWS ABUJA NEWSPAPERS ABUJA NOW ABUJA STAR ABUJA TELEGRAM ADAMAWA RECORD ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE ADAMU GARBA ADAVI CHRONICLE ADAVI COMET ADAVI NATION ADAVI NEWS ADAVI PUNCH ADEJE DAILY ADEJE FACTS ADVERTISING AGBARHO NEWS AGBOR ADVERTISER

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: Law firm disowns document

A law firm, Indemnity Partners, has dissociated itself from a document in respect of Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan.

‘’Our attention has been drawn to a letter trending on social media purporting to have been issued from our law firm in respect of our client and her husband’’.

‘The law firm said in a statement signed by B. C. Igwilo SAN that the document was inauthentic and of dubious origin.

‘’ That letter is inauthentic and of dubious origin’’.

The firm urged the discerning public to ignore the document in circulation in its entirety.

‘’We categorically distance ourselves from the purported letter and its alleged contents’’ the statement added.

 

Below is the full text of the disclaimer

INDEMNITY PARTNERS

LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, NOTARIES PUBLIC

 

4th November 2022

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

DISCLAIMER

We are solicitors for Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Our attention has been drawn to a letter trending on social media purporting to have been issued from our law firm in respect of our client and her husband.

We categorically distance ourselves from the purported letter and its alleged contents.

That letter is inauthentic and of dubious origin.

Accordingly, we urge the discerning public to ignore it in its entirety.

 

  1. C. Igwilo SAN

Indemnity Partners

ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE

North-Central leaders express surprise, unhappiness on Kogi government terrorism statement

  • Move against APC
  • Endorse Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Top leaders of the North Central zone on Friday urged the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo to desist from a campaign of calumny, hate and deception.

‘’Such empty posturing cannot fool the good people of Kogi State. The Commissioner for Information and Communication is talking rubbish. He knows the real terrorist in the state’’

The highly respected leaders also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the Yahaya Bello led All Progressives Congress (APC) government to avoid continuous illegal approach to governance and public issues as it is now becoming a stigma on the ruling party and the Kogi State Government.

‘’We want to use this opportunity to inform Mr. President and the wonderful people of Kogi State that the terrorism statements by the Commissioner for Information and other officials of the Kogi State government are all lies’’

In a statement issued at the weekend in Abuja by the Chairman, Congress of Concerned North Central Leaders (CCNCL), Alhaji Mohammed Suleiman, the leaders noted the frivolity, ignorance and mischief that informed the commissioner’s recent statement.

The commissioner for information embarked upon this latest charade in a vain attempt to deflect attention from the woeful performance of Yahaya Bello.

They condemned the Kogi State government’s skirmish against the opposition, the draconian rulership of Yahaya Bello and the havoc done to the North Central zone by holding down one of the great prospects of the Middle Belt region.

‘’We condemn in strong terms the kidnapping of opposition members in Kogi State. We see this as a very bad trend for the state. We enjoin President Mohammadu Buhari to unravel the people behind this criminal act as the public opinion and petitions lay this at the door step of some powerful members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State.

Principally, the leaders carpeted the APC for abandoning Kogi youths to the ogre of unemployment.

They listed misery, poverty, violence, economic mismanagement and human destruction as key achievements of the APC administration in Kogi State.

‘’What is Governor Yahaya Bello’s performance? He has performed disgracefully. The Yahaya Bello led APC government is oppressive, ugly and blight in the heart of the North Central. Kogi State is now rated highly in the halls of infamy’’

They urged Kogi voters to reject tired souls and con-men whose only motivation is self-enrichment at the expense of the suffering masses.

They also urged the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Kogi Central Senatorial district, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, not to be intimidated over the 2023 senatorial race.

‘’Kogi Central needs a senator who can find solutions to the district’s enormous economic, social and political problems. Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has the integrity, dynamism, courage and vision to address problems and take the senatorial district to the Promised Land’’

 

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LAGOS APC REMAINS UNBEATABLE, TINUBU BOASTS AS HE REUNITES WITH POLITICAL BASE

 

PRESS RELEASE

…Says party has become stronger than he left it

…Ganduje, Shettima join Sanwo-Olu’s consultative meeting Arewa community in Alaba Rago

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, returned to his political base for the first time after winning the party’s presidential ticket in fiercely contested primaries.

Tinubu was at Lagos APC secretariat on Acme Road in Ogba on Wednesday for the party’s caucus meeting, shelving other engagements to reunite with his political family.

Activities in the area were brought to a halt, as Lagos APC leaders, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) members and thousands of party faithful received the presidential candidate.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led all members of the State Executive Council to the meeting presided over by the Lagos APC chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.

Tinubu told the gathering that he returned to his political base to meet the Lagos APC family stronger than he left it. He said those entrusted with the administration of the party affairs after he weaned himself off the supervisory duty had not made him regret his decision to pursue his presidential ambition.

Tinubu passed a vote of confidence on Sanwo-Olu and other party leaders for nurturing the APC political machinery in the State, stressing that the party remained unbeatable in Lagos.

He said: “I left Lagos for Abuja, leaving the party members with Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat, leaders of the Governor’s Advisory Council and other party leaders. They are the ones who released me to go to Abuja to contest. I left with many doubts and I was uncertain about what would be the fate of the party. I was constantly in touch with the Governor and his deputy.

“Sometimes, I would call the party chairman and ask them if we were doing the right thing in Lagos. The reports they always gave me gave me more courage and confidence to move on with my engagement in Abuja. I thank all of our leaders for keeping the party stronger. I handed over to you an undefeated platform in Lagos. The manner with which the party affairs have been conducted shows these people have fairly managed the home base.”

Tinubu recalled that his journey to secure the party’s presidential nomination in Abuja was littered with uncertainties, but said the support raised from Lagos APC leadership boosted his confidence to move on and win the primaries.

The party’s National Leader said he was in the presidential race to win, but said his fate was in the hands of the party members who, he said, must work hard to get votes for the party at the polls.

Tinubu urged party supporters to move out to the communities in their numbers and canvass voters. The work, he said, must start with the 57 local council chairmen, charging them to reach out to aggrieved members of the party at the grassroots in order to deliver more votes for APC at the general elections.

He said: “Our Local Government chairmen must do better than any other person in delivering votes for our party. You met this party already built with structures across the communities. There may be little cracks here and there, you know what to do. Manage your anger. There is no politics without anger and pain. But with the pain comes the joy of victory.

“We are giving you an assignment to go back and recruit others. We must forget about the opposition, let’s put out effort on the voters. This is the time to reach out to aggrieved members and invite them back to the party fold. This is not the time to be angry and spill the beans. We must work together to achieve the bigger goal before us.”

Sanwo-Olu said APC in Lagos was facing the most critical election, noting that winning the presidency would be the biggest political prize to win.

The Governor told the party supporters not to rest on their oars, asking them to work for the party’s victory across boards.

He said: “Asiwaju has done several things for all of us in one form or the other. He has come to this same place to support several of us as governors, senators, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly members. He has done the assignments effortlessly in the past 23 years without asking for anything.

“God has now given us the unique opportunity today for us for the first time to also raise his hands up as our donation of the best in class to the entire country. I urge all of us to work for the victory of Asiwaju at polling unit by polling unit, ward by ward, and local government by local government.”

Earlier in the day, Sanwo-Olu attended a political consultative meeting with the Arewa community in Alaba Rago, a predominantly Hausa-Fulani neighbourhood in Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

The Governor was in the company of the APC Vice Presidential candidate, Sen. Kashim Shettima, and Kano State Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje to the forum where he met with the leadership of various Hausa traders in the area.

Also in Sanwo-Olu’s entourage were the Director of Administration of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Hajia Hadiza Bala Usman, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure, Arc Kabiru Abdullahi, chairman of Arewa people in Lagos, Alhaji Yusuf Badaru, Galadima of Lagos, Alhaji Aliyu Banbado, Baba Oja of Alaba, Alhaji Ibrahim Malami, and a businessman, Alhaji Nasiru Aliko Koiki.

The consultation turned out to be a political rally, as youths in the area displayed various banners in support of Tinubu’s presidential ambition and Sanwo-Olu’s re-election.

The Lagos Governor said the consultation was part of his political discussions with non-indigene groups residing in the State, thanking the Hausa-Fulani community for supporting the efforts of his administration to scale up infrastructure and amenities in the LCDA.

Sanwo-Olu told the gathering that the Arewa community’s continued cooperation and support remained vital to keep APC on the winning track in Lagos and ensure the party’s candidates across board were successful in the general elections.

He said: “I’m happy to join you today in furtherance of our consultation on the future of our State. I thank you for the peace and tranquility enjoyed among all non-indigene groups in this part of Lagos. We can only achieve our development goals when we stay united and work together. Iba LCDA has not been left out in our development programme.

“You have seen the good work we are doing in Iba and the infrastructure projects we are delivering in this area. We will be completing the Lagos-Badagry highway soon. The stretch towards Okokomaiko is the final work, which will be completed by the end of the year. The General Hospital we are currently building in Iba will also be completed. We will move inside Ojo and take up Kemberi-Afromedia Road.”

Ganduje, who spoke in Hausa, said he offered to meet with the Lagos Arewa community because of the need to speak with one voice with respect to electing Tinubu as president and continuation of Sanwo-Olu’s mandate, as well as all APC candidates from the State.

Tinubu, the Kano helmsman said, embodied all qualities of a thoroughbred and detribalised Nigerian, saying the APC presidential standard bearer accorded utmost respect to all tribes, cultures and faiths.

Ganduje said the decision of the North to back Tinubu for president had already been sealed. What remains, he said, is for Lagos to produce votes that will supersede the voting strength for the APC.

He said: “We are here today with good tidings and we have brought you good news. As far as the Northern part of this country is concerned, the issue of Tinubu presidency is already completed. We are waiting for you Lagosians to come out and support this with your votes. In Kano, Asiwaju will get more votes than any state will give him. We challenge you Lagosians to promise us that you will defeat Kano in the choice of Tinubu.”

Shettima said 2023 would be a payback time for Tinubu in the North, given that the APC presidential standard bearer had backed candidates from the North in previous national elections.

“For us in the North, this is a payback time for Tinubu. We are people of honour; we must honour our pledge and commitment. We urge you to vote for all candidates of APC in Lagos, from president to governorship and all legislative offices. I call on you to vote en masse for Governor Sanwo-Olu and support his good work,” Shettima said.

Responding on behalf of the Arewa community, Badaru said Hausa people in Lagos remained committed to the cause of APC and would double their efforts to ensure the party’s candidates in the State got elected.

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

02 NOVEMBER 2022

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

GANDUJE, SHETTIMA JOIN SANWO-OLU’S CONSULTATION WITH AREWA COMMUNITY IN ALABA RAGO

 

  • ‘We’ll keep our bond with APC’ – Arewa leaders

 

 

Alaba Rago, a predominantly Hausa-Fulani community in Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, was a beehive on Wednesday, as thousands trooped out to receive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on consultative meetings with the residents.

 

The Governor was in the company of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice Presidential candidate, Sen. Kashim Shettima, and Kano State Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje to the forum where he met with the leadership of various Hausa traders in the area.

 

Also in Sanwo-Olu’s entourage were the Director of Administration of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Hajia Hadiza Bala Usman, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure, Arc Kabiru Abdullahi, chairman of Arewa people in Lagos, Alhaji Yusuf Badaru, Galadima of Lagos, Alhaji Aliyu Banbado, Baba Oja of Alaba, Alhaji Ibrahim Malami, and a businessman, Alhaji Nasiru Aliko Koiki.

 

The consultation turned out to be a political rally, as youths in the area displayed various banners in support of presidential ambition of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu’s re-election.

 

The Lagos Governor said the consultation was part of his political discussions with non-indigene groups residing in the State, thanking the Hausa-Fulani community for supporting the efforts of his administration to scale up infrastructure and amenities in the LCDA.

 

Sanwo-Olu told the gathering that the Arewa community’s continued cooperation and support remained vital to keep APC on the winning track in Lagos and ensure the party’s candidates across board were successful in the general elections.

 

The Governor reiterated his commitment to complete all ongoing projects in the area and initiate new ones.

 

He said: “I’m happy to join you today in furtherance of our consultation on the future of our State. I thank you for the peace and tranquility enjoyed among all non-indigene groups in this part of Lagos. We can only achieve our development goals when we stay united and work together. Iba LCDA has not been left out in our development programme.

 

“You have seen the good work we are doing in Iba and the infrastructure projects we are delivering in this area. We will be completing the Lagos-Badagry highway soon. The stretch towards Okokomaiko is the final work, which will be completed by the end of the year. The General Hospital we are currently building in Iba will also be completed. We will move inside Ojo and take up Kemberi-Afromedia Road.”

 

Ganduje, who spoke in Hausa, said he offered to meet with the Lagos Arewa community because of the need to speak with one voice with respect to electing Tinubu as president and continuation of Sanwo-Olu’s mandate, as well as all APC candidates from the State.

 

Tinubu, the Kano helmsman said, embodied all qualities of a thoroughbred and detribalised Nigerian, saying the APC presidential standard bearer accorded utmost respect to all tribes, cultures and faiths.

 

Ganduje said the decision of the North to back Tinubu for president had already been sealed. What remains, he said, is for Lagos to produce votes that will supersede the voting strength for the APC.

 

He said: “We are here today with good tidings and we have brought you good news. As far as the Northern part of this country is concerned, the issue of Tinubu presidency is already completed. We are waiting for you Lagosians to come out and support this with your votes. In Kano, Asiwaju will get more votes than any state will give him. We challenge you Lagosians to promise us that you will defeat Kano in the choice of Tinubu.”

 

Shettima said 2023 would be a payback time for Tinubu in the North, given that the APC presidential standard bearer had backed candidates from the North in previous national elections.

 

The Vice Presidential candidate cited instances where Tinubu sacrificed personal ambition and offered political sanctuary to Northern political figures, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and former chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu. He added that Tinubu’s backing of President Muhammadu Buhari paved the way for the current administration.

 

“For us in the North, this is a payback time for Tinubu. We are people of honour; we must honour our pledge and commitment. We urge you to vote for all candidates of APC in Lagos, from president to governorship and all legislative offices. I call on you to vote en masse for Governor Sanwo-Olu and support his good work,” Shettima said.

 

Responding on behalf of the Arewa community, Badaru said Hausa people in Lagos remained committed to the cause of APC and would double their efforts to ensure the party’s candidates in the State got elected.

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

02 NOVEMBER 2022

 

2023 Guber: Fubara Is The Next Governor Of Rivers State – Obuah

Though nothing should be left to chances in next year’s general elections, but it is very obvious that the governorship flag-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the next governor of Rivers State, Bro Felix Obuah, Director General, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Rivers State Campaign Council has declared.

The Director General of the PDP Campaign Council in Rivers State, Bro Obuah stated this while addressing a cross section of his followers from parts of the state who visited him in Port Harcourt.

The assurance he said, is predicated on the visible quality leadership and good governance that has become the hallmark of the PDP-led government in the state ably powered by His Excellency, Chief Bar. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

Bro Obuah pleaded with the followers to continue to toe the path of wisdom and cast their votes wisely, stressing that the PDP guber candidate, Sir Fubara has all the attributes required to sustain the infrastructural revolution in the state by Gov Wike for the interest of the larger Rivers majority.

“Everyone of you is therefore expected to be fully committed to this vision in your various localities and you will not regret it.

You know that government is a continuum. “The important thing is that His Excellency has established the legacy which has to be followed by the party till such a time good governance becomes the true and only character of political leadership in the State.

“That was the formula adopted by the largest democracies of the West. The organized system didn’t just fall from the blues. With your support and commitment it can be replicated in Rivers State, God being on our side”, Bro declared.

 

Jerry Needam

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity

To Bro Felix Obuah

Director General

Rivers PDP Campaign Council.

November 1, 2022.

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

TINUBU MEETS BUSINESS LEADERS IN LAGOS, PRESENTS ECONOMIC BLUEPRINT

 

  • Sanwo-Olu to private sector: ‘Only Tinubu among contenders has magic wand to turn challenges to opportunities’

 

Business leaders, investors and captains of industry across various sectors now have a glimpse into the economic agenda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

Tinubu and his team, on Tuesday, shared details of his economic blueprint with the organised private sector during an interactive meeting with industrialists, business executives, entrepreneurs and foreign investors in Lagos.

 

The forum, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, was organised at the instance of the Lagos State Government.

 

Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, foremost entrepreneur and investor, Tony Elumelu, and founder of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia, led the pack of business leaders that graced the event, which was also attended by Tinubu’s running mate, Sen. Kashim
Shettima, APC governors and party stalwarts.

 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu set the tone for the engagement, noting that Tinubu’s meeting with the organised private sector players way ahead of his fellow contenders in the presidential race demonstrated the APC candidate’s commitment and seriousness to drive the desired change expected in the national economy.

 

The Lagos Governor said his predecessor was no stranger to the needs, concerns and interests of the private sector, stressing that Tinubu, as a visionary political economist, understood the pulse of investors and possessed the magic wand to turn around contemporary challenges facing the business community and change their concerns to positive results.

 

Sanwo-Olu said: “Asiwaju Tinubu is a man that has been able to combine political acumen with the understanding of the economy and economics of every jurisdiction. As Governor of Lagos, Tinubu pioneered several firsts which still stand till today. During Asiwaju’s tenure, he initiated the idea of the Economic Summit as a catalyst for economic development. He started in Lagos with the Ehingbeti Summit in 2001. That summit has continued to lead the successive administrations after him into various applaudable economic agendas.

 

“Under the Tinubu’s leadership, Lagos became the first sub-national entity to bring about the Independent Power Project (IPP) and first state to initiate the idea of establishing a seaport. Yesterday (last Monday), that vision came to fruition as we witnessed the completion of Lekki Deep Seaport. This speaks to the sheer doggedness and audacity of this man of vision. Eko Atlantic City is today the biggest real estate developed in this part of Africa through reclamation of the ocean. All thanks to the vision of Asiwaju to turn problems to opportunities.”

 

The Governor said the immersion of private sector professionals in public governance was an idea fiercely pursued by Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos Governor, stressing that the APC candidate created a first-rated private sector-driven cabinet that remained the envy of every government in the current republic.

 

Sanwo-Olu said Tinubu would bring his private sector dexterity and acumen to bear in administering the country, as the APC presidential standard bearer understood the pains and concerns of those in the business sector.

 

“Today, Tinubu is here as a politician and leader of our party. On the other side, you all see a man that is compassionate, intelligent, business-driven and has acumen to solve the challenges the private sector experiences on a daily basis. I present to you the man that has what it takes to lead this country forward to the prosperous future with Renewed Hope,” Lagos Governor said.

 

Tinubu said the 2023 presidential election presented another opportunity for Nigeria, which, he said, stands at the threshold between indifference and greatness.

 

He said the cardinal programmes of his economic policies would not be limited to the sole domain of one sector, noting that the benefits would be reaped in the cooperation between government and the private sector.

 

Tinubu said the private sector and the government should constantly be at war, but must not wage the battle as enemies. He said the government and business community must stand as inseparable allies to combat common enemies of scarcity, underdevelopment, joblessness and the fear they brought to the polity.

 

The APC candidate said his administration would be targeting double digit GDP for the country to reduce the poverty rate and revive industries by bringing the nation’s industrial policy to life.

 

Tinubu said: “I share a few ideas that provide some insight into my vision for a more prosperous and secure nation where hope is renewed and despair rebuffed. All Nigerians must be partners in our better future. We must maintain the spirit of respectful and productive dialogue. At times what I say may help you. Other times, what you say may enlighten me. We must always talk and confer with the best of intentions. Just as I maintain open-door policy before the election, I shall continue to honour it after the election.

 

“We shall not be satisfied by bolstering traditional sectors. We will foster productive excellence in new areas, such as manufacturing and the Nollywood entertainment sector. Through active participation in the digital economy, we shall make Nigeria a leader, instead of a bystander, in the fourth industrial revolution. We will seek a consumer credit revolution, working in concert with the banking sector. Credit at affordable rates enables the purchase of more home made products and the construction of more homes. The standard of living shall rise and the strength of the business sector shall increase in similar measure.”

 

The APC presidential candidate said his experience in both private sector and public office afforded him a special appreciation of the economic potency that could be achieved leveraging collaboration between the government and the business community.

 

Tinubu said Lagos was the appropriate location for the private sector engagement, because the State’s economic growth had become his visible experiment that could support his claim of competency and ability.

 

He said: “We turned this Lagos into a safer, more prosperous place where people can go about any legitimate vocation or venture regardless of their ethnicity, religion, region or prior social station. We did more than open Lagos for business. We opened the door for all Nigerians to join and experience the decent things progressive democratic governance can bring.

 

“May I remind you that when I first entered office, Lagos was a different story. My team and I developed a development master plan for Lagos. I can say that plan has been largely successful. The pragmatic problem solving and teamwork that has improved the fortunes of Lagos, is what I want to bring to the nation. I ask for your help as the task ahead is doable but also difficult.”

 

Shettima told the business community Tinubu remained fit to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari, dispelling the claims that the APC candidate is not physically capable to lead.

 

The Vice Presidential candidate said: “We are not preparing for an Olympic, but an institution that harnesses the talents of humans to greatness. The respect the black man gets across the world is connected to the performance of Nigeria. We are not promising you heaven and earth, we are promising a hope for a better tomorrow.”

 

The Director General of Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, noted that marketing Tinubu to the business community won’t be a difficult task, given the antecedent of the candidate in turning hopeless people to business owners.

 

Also, the APC National Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, who was represented at the event, said the party’s presidential candidate had the gravitas and the capacity to lead, saying Tinubu’s vision highlighted a new path of prosperity for Nigeria.

 

“Put your confidence in Asiwaju, he will not disappoint you,” Adamu told the business community.

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

01 NOVEMBER 2022

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JULIUS BERGER HOLDS INVESTOR RELATIONS FORUM

  • “The Company, today, is endowed with the largest market share, and have limited competition of similar scale, quality and financial capacity….”, says Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Nigeria’s engineering construction market leader and preferred partner for infrastructural development across the country, held its investor relations forum event.

The event which was co-anchored by the company’s managing director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter and Financial Director, Mr Christian Hausemann, also had shareholders and investors in attendance. The According to Engr. Dr. Lars Richter, the purpose of the company’s Investor Relations Forum is to highlight Julius Berger’s “business, operations, financial highlights and key investment considerations to investors, as a compelling investment opportunity in the construction industry.”

 

Dr. Richter commenced proceedings at the investors’ forum with an executive summary of the company’s current profile. He confidently stated, “The Company, today, is endowed with the largest market share, limited competition of similar scale, quality and financial capacityWe have a strong brand equity, a seasoned management, an experienced and diverse Board of Directors, and a well-defined Diversification Strategy; all projecting for a strongly-rooted and positive business outlook further strengthened by a favourable operating environment…”

Julius Berger, said Dr. Richter, “is synonymous with the best quality infrastructure in Nigeria, and the company is assigned a National Scale Rating of A- with a Stable Outlook assigned a National Scale rating of A.”  He emphasized the over 50 years presence and leadership of the company in the construction industry in Nigeria, during which period Julius Berger “…completed 600 building projects, completed over 20 industrial facilities and 130 infrastructure projects Nationwide.” The Company, he added, is structured along three key segments – Civil works, Building Works and Services and with 7 subsidiaries, specializing in executing complex works that require the highest level of technical expertise and Nigeria- specific knowhow. Core competencies of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, said Richter, “cover all project phases, including planning, design, engineering, construction, maintenance and operation, for infrastructure, industry and building projects.”

The Financial Director, Mr. Christian Hausemann thereafter spoke to the financial highlights saying on a healthy note that Julius Berger’s “…cash balances exceed total borrowings for most of the review period implying a negative Net Debt position.”  Mr. Hausemann added that “…sustained and improving interest coverage ratios providing adequate buffer for interest expenses”

On the reason for Julius Berger’s strong and stable portfolio footing, Dr. Richter said “…the Company enjoys long standing relationships with public and private sector clients in Nigeria due to its effectiveness in executing complex building and infrastructural projects over the past 50 years and the recognition of the brand for world class quality.” Speaking further on the company’s business outlook, the Julius Berger managing director said, “Nigeria’s construction sector is set to expand, and this will support growth in civil works, building works and ancillary service. Richter added, “We expect the construction industry to be one of the key drivers of GDP growth in the near term and as such, outpace the GDP growth rate.

Two concerned shareholders, Mr. Oladele Akande Mr. Kayode later asked questions about the company’s receivables, and how the illiquidity of foreign exchange is affecting the company’s business. Both enquiries was essentially about what steps the executive management is taking to mitigate those challenges. The Financial Director responded saying that there has been growth in receivables in the period under review (2022). He added, however, that Management keeps monitoring the situation with a view to proactively mitigating any potentially negative headwinds. The managing Director, Dr. Richter added that the diversification into cashew processing and exports by the company, amongst other options, was also a strategy meant to mitigate the effects of the forex challenge to the company’s operations.

According to Dr. Richter, “In fact, we have shown by our diversification into cashew processing and exports that we (Julius Berger) can do another business besides our core construction business. Our diversification policy and initiative has contributed to the company’s revenues, even as a start-up venture.”

With regard to environmental environment issues, the Company implements health, safety and environmental (HSE) policies and procedures predicated against the principles of OSHAS 18001 and ISO 14001 and benchmarked against national and global standards, encouraging continual improvement of HSE performance. Julius Berger has a record of Lost Time-Frequency Rate of 0.19, which is less than one Lost Time Injury for every five million man-hours worked. Over 2,500 persons are trained on a wide range of HSE issues including safe tipping, hazard recognition, lifting and rigging and roadwork safety. The Company’s fleet generation takes into account, reduction of fuel consumption, exhaust emission and low-cost effective maintenance.

Proactive with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is a proud and founding member of NIBUCCA, the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS. There is also the Julius Berger ‘Food for Our Communities’ campaign by which the company distributes food to communities in Lagos, Ogun, Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Anambra and Delta States as well as to the FCT. The company’s donations to hospitals and orphanages, as well as its educational assistance and book donation initiatives to schools, all work to forge and foster good relations to promote social and economic inclusivity by supporting community-based initiatives, local business and the local workforce.

 

Corporate Governance is an integral driver of Julius Berger’s stakeholder value. The Company continues to take initiative to promote and educate key personnel on significant aspects of Corporate Governance as well as the several Governance policies of the Group. Julius Berger became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in 2016, and the company has remained committed to supporting all 10 UNGC Principles of human rights, labour rights, the protection of the environment, and anti-corruption. The Company is rated by the Corporate Governance Rating System (CGRS), the rating system responsible for incentivizing sound corporate governance practices. Julius Berger remains committed to supporting all 10 UNGC Principles of human rights, labour rights, the protection of the environment, and anti-corruption. Julius Berger respects the rights of employees to belong to any union of their choice as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Industry Procedural Agreement.

On climate action, Julius Berger states that it is committed to actively seeking out opportunities to create shared value to enhance both current and future potentials for the company, its staff and the country. The company has a pledged alignment with the ten universal principles of the United Nations Global Compact, and is certified to construct green building solutions according to LEED standards

Looking ahead, Dr. Richter said Julius Berger plans to maintain strong shareholder value, uphold its reputation for reliability and unmatched record of success, acquire strategic construction projects for core business, and further strengthen its client mix. The company, said Richter, also intends to sustainably grow its subsidiaries and AFP furniture production, ramp up production in the newly established cashew business; and continue diversification efforts in accordance with its strategy criteria.

As the leading brand in Nigeria’s engineering construction sector, Julius Berger continues to garner significantly impressive and meritorious awards. The recent awards include the 2022 ‘The Most Reliable Engineering Construction Company’ award at the Nigeria Annual Transport Awards; ‘The 2022 Nigeria’s Most Valuable Brand in Building and Construction Services at #iambrandnigeria’s Top 50 Brands’ (which is the 7th consecutive award at the annual event); ‘The 2021 Best Customer Experience Company Award in Nigeria’ by Julius Berger AFP, the furniture production facility of the Company; and ‘The 2020 Julius Berger AFP award as Nigeria’s Furniture Company of the Year’ (4th consecutive award) at the Abuja International Housing Show Award.

On a closing note, as the event came to its end, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter thanked the many investors and participants for taking time off their tight and competing schedules to attend the 2022 Investors forum of the company. He expressed the company’s sincere appreciation to investors for their active interest in the business of Julius Berger. He assured investors and shareholders that with the statistical positive outlook for Julius Berger’s core business, its sustainable subsidiaries and active diversification policy, the company is not only well prepared for the future, but Julius Berger is indeed the new real time attraction for investors in the market.

Julius Berger commenced operations in Nigeria in 1965. The Company was, however, incorporated as a private limited liability company in 1970 and became a publicly listed entity on the Nigerian Exchange Limited in 1991.

Since its pioneer project in 1965, the construction of the Eko Bridge in Lagos, Julius Berger has played a pivotal role in the development of Nigeria’s industrial and civil infrastructure. Across Nigeria, the name Julius Berger is synonymous with the best quality infrastructure in Nigeria.

 

 

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Julius Berger Services provides educational assistance scholarships for students in host communities

 

 

 

 

Nigeria’s leading and most reliable shipping company, Julius Berger Services Nigeria Limited, hosted its Educational Assistance Award Program for Host Communities on Tuesday 26th October at its Warri Port terminal. The event is part of the company’s ever-expanding corporate social responsibility initiatives, in furtherance of its sustainability policy to meaningfully contribute and enhance the development of people in its host communities.

Julius Berger Services Nigeria Limited stated that, as a sensitive part of its business culture, the company goes beyond the essential profit-making motive to strongly partner with its host environment and people for mutually progressive development, advancement and growth.

The company at the event in Warri awarded educational assistance scholarships running into several millions of Naira to twenty-four students from Ogbe-Ijoh and Ugbomefa communities. Julius Berger Services Nigeria Limited awarded the scholarships to assist both tertiary and secondary institutions’ students from its host communities.

The Chairman, Scholarship Board of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, Chief Sylvester Tiebebedigha. Secretary General Ogbe-Ijoh kingdom, Comrade Mefe Alagba. Youth Chairman Amoma, Toritseju omagbemi, Youth Chairman Lucky, among other representatives of the host communities expressed their profound gratitude to Julius Berger Services Nigeria Limited for the kind and foresighted developmental gesture.

The General Manager, Julius Berger Nigeria Services, Captain Rainer Jensch who was unavoidably absent due to pre-scheduled official assignments, was represented by Manager Sales and Public Relations, Mr Henry Osunbor who gave the key note speech on his behalf.

Mr Osunbor admonished the beneficiaries to remain focused in their studies and be diligent in their academic and professional development because of the strategic importance of education to their future. According to Osunbor, …It cannot be over-emphasized that education is the best gift society and industry can give to children. It is the only hope for trans-generational sustainability which is also the enduring and driving operational philosophy of Julius Berger. Osunbor also urged the representatives of the communities and their youth leaders to counsel their children and wards to use the funds for the purpose for which it is provided, adding that the company, as a proactive policy, remains ever mindful and committed to progressively do more, to positively affect and lift lives in its host communities.

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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s popularity, strength threat to Bello, Kogi APC leaders, says PDP Chieftain

  • Accuses APC of making Kogi State torture, kidnapping and killing chambers
  • Urges Buhari to call Yahaya Bello to order
  • Calls Safiu Governor Yahaya Bello’s loyalist  
  • Says PDP ready to take campaign against violence in Kogi State to Europe and America
  • Insists on adequate security

A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi, Chief Otenyiete Otuhuo, said the popularity and strength of the party’s senatorial candidate in Kogi Central had thrown Governor Yahaya Bello and other All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in the state into panic mode.

 

‘’What they are seeing is the beginning of PDP’s victory in 2023. APC should be ready to move out of Kogi State. We do not want war. It is time that the APC realized that it has failed Kogi State people politically’’

 

He also condemned APC leaders for making Kogi State some sort of torture, kidnapping and killing chambers.

 

Okene Local Government Chairman, Hon Abdulrazak Yusuf, a few days ago gave one week notice to PDP in the local government area to vacate its party secretariat. Safiu, a loyalist of Governor Yahaya Bello and a man on the pay roll of Abdulkarim Asuku, Chief of Staff to Bello, was abducted for renouncing violence and dumping the ruling party in the state. There is a video online where a top government official in Kogi State vowed to send Safiu to where he brought him from.

 

In a statement in Lokoja, the PDP leader accused Bello and other top government functionaries of employing all kinds of tactics and blackmail to harass, intimidate and members of the opposition.

 

Quoting from a petition to the Chief of Naval Staff, the PDP chieftain said Hon Musa Adelabu, a PDP chairman of Okene Local Government Area was abducted/kidnapped on the 10th day of August 2018 from his residence.

 

According to Shedrack Demaki, Principal Partner, Demaki and Demaki, Rufai Jimoh was abducted/kidnapped on the 27th day of January 2021 along old Ageva Secretariat on the Lagos Highway while Mr Hadi Abdulmaliki was abducted/kidnapped on the 3rd day of January 2022 at Ihiima.

 

‘’Mr Kasim Ismaila was also kidnapped on the 21st day of December at Agaminana. Ismaila Momoh was abducted from is house by gun men. Mr Monday Idowu was abducted on the 10th day of January 2022 by the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Abdulraheem Ohiare at Ihima. Abdulazeez Salami was abducted by Abdulheem Ohiare on the 10t day of July 2019’’

 

Particularly Ohuhuo criticized Bello for his undemocratic conduct and breach of the peace in Kogi State.

 

‘’Series of kidnapping and abductions were orchestrated and carried out by government officials”

 

He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call Yahaya Bello to order.

 

‘’Despotism and flagrant abuse of power represent the basic fabric from which the Yahaya Bello led APC administration is woven today. Something should be done to curtail the excesses of Kogi government officials and military personnel in the state’’

 

He also urged the police and navy to arrest Kogi State APC officials for crimes against humanity.

 

‘’Kogi APC officials have steadily kidnapped, harassed and beaten individuals that have been critical of Yahaya Bello’s policies.’’

 

The PDP stalwart commended Bello for exposing APC tactics to Kogi electorate, who now fully understand how the party wants to execute its 2023 political plan in the state.

 

‘’Governor Yahaya Bello and his co-travelers are not intelligent enough. Rather than face PDP squarely, they are looking for cheap distractions. Their efforts to cause more divisions and confusion among Kogi people are becoming new sources of strength and urgency to dislodge them in 2023’’.

 

The statement underscored rallies and seminars held by different groups to condemn thuggery and violence in Kogi State.

He also praised Kogi people for creating and sustaining a culture of resistance.

 

‘’Our people are eager to take the crusade to Europe and America. That is the next option if they continue to harass, intimidate, kidnap and kill members of the opposition’’