Category: Latest

By Christian Aburime 

Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has launched the “Farm To Feed Campaign” initiative.

The programme which aims to encourage and mobilize Ndị Anambra to venture into farming and a flagged off by the Governor at a farm in Amansea, Awka North local government area.

Performing the function, Governor Soludo revealed that the initiative is one of the positive steps to move the state and country forward.

“We are here as part of our own response to the issues surrounding hunger.

“While others in some places are protesting, Anambra state is not protesting.

“I want to thank our youths and everyone who are going about their businesses.

“We are here to take positive steps to move the state and country forward.

“Our people are not participating in the protest, not because they don’t feel the pain, but because they want to be part of the solution.

“The youths want to embrace their destinies and I want to commend you for that”, he added.

“This is citizens’ action against hunger in partnership with government. We want to turn our challenges into opportunities.

The Governor recalled that his administration has already distributed over one million palm and coconut seedlings, with a target of ten million seedlings before the end of his government.

“The farm to feed campaign is a simple partnership deal to end hunger within the next 12 months.

“The citizens have a lot to do, including public servants. The only job allowed by the constitution for public servants is farming.

The Governor recalled that 40 years ago, the late Sunny Okosun sang a song titled; “Which way Nigeria”, where he noted that Nigerians have been singing songs of lamentations for decades, stressing that it is now time for action.

“In that song, Sunny Okosun sang that every little thing that goes wrong, people blame the government”.

“Let’s turn farming and agriculture as the new national pride.

“I agree there is hunger in the land…do something about it.

“If everyone starts producing, the pressure on food prices will reduce. Turn every vacant piece of land to farm, rent a space if you can, but plant something.

“Here in Anambra, we will continue to do more.

He expressed readiness to collaborate with organisations and work out schemes, saying that soon, his administration will celebrate the farm champions.

“Local government chairmen, churches, and other stakeholders should take the campaign down to their people.

“Ndị Igbo aren’t protesting because they believe in hard work.

“We’ve seen far worse conditions before, but we are resilient people, and by a dint of hard work, we shall prevail.

“Let us get to work, every citizen, one at a time, protest, but be the change you desire,” the governor added.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor expressed elation at the event and the Governor’s zeal of thinking through the challenges of the times, that is in line with the solution agenda.

“His mind is at work. This is a progressive idea for ndị Anambra and the nation that will bring comfort to the hardship, “he added.

Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Head of Service, Barrister Theodora Igwegbe, Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, among others, told stories of how their farm efforts were successful.

The wife of the governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim accompanied the governor to the event including the Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi

Symbolic planting by the Governor, his wife, and others is also featured at the event.

 

Emmanuel Clement

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will address the nation in a broadcast on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 7:00 am.

In a release signed by the Special Adviser on Media, Chief Ajuri Ngelale stated that Television, radio, and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to plug into the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.

He noted that the broadcast will be repeated on the network services of the NTA and the FRCN at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm on the same day.

It will be recalled that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Bola Tinubu, to address Nigerians amidst the ongoing #Endbadgovernance nationwide protest, saying his silence was worrisome, and had worsened agitations.

In a statement released by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, on Saturday, the party urged the president to urgently address the nation on steps to reduce prices of petroleum products, curb naira free fall, and other biting economic issues.

 

Emmanuel lkpeama 

The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed profound sorrow over the painful passing of Ms Onyeka Onwenu, MFR, a beloved Nigerian music icon and distinguished daughter of Ndigbo, as she died on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the age of 72.

In his condolence message signed by his Chief Secretary Mr Christian Aburime,Governor Soludo commiserated with her family and the Nigerian music industry as he described Ms. Onwenu as an unforgettable, beautiful beacon of joy and inspiration, widely recognised for her remarkable contributions to music and film.

The Governor went further to recall how the deceased, who was affectionately known as the “Elegant Stallion,” began her illustrious music career in the 1980s. Her debut album, “For the Love of You,” released in 1981, marked the beginning of a career that would see her produce numerous albums and timeless hits, including the iconic “One Love.”

He said,”Beyond her musical achievements, she also made significant strides in Nollywood, earning accolades for her performances and her commitment to the arts.”

“In addition to her entertainment career, Ms. Onwenu was a dedicated social activist and politician, using her platform to advocate for positive change and uplift her community.”

“Her legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and steadfast commitment to the betterment of society, making her an irreplaceable figure in the hearts of many.”he submitted

Governor Soludo, therefore, extends his most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Onyeka Onwenu and all those who were touched by her artistry and spirit. He prays that her soul rests in peace and that her contributions to music and society continue to inspire future generations.

 

Dear Lagosians,

Today, I stand before you deeply committed to the well-being and prosperity of our great state.

Lagos has always been a beacon of hope and resilience, reflecting the brilliance and energy of our diverse cultures.

For weeks, we’ve faced the prospect of protests aimed at ending what some call “bad government.” While the intentions may be noble, some narratives suggesting it’s a means to change the government by non-constitutional means are troubling.

Is a protest the catalyst for progress we need now? Will it ensure our challenges vanish in ten days? Will it lower food prices or inspire economic growth? I strongly believe it won’t. Instead, it could undo the modest gains we’ve made.

Are there challenges? Yes. Is the government addressing them? Absolutely. Significant efforts are underway across many sectors to alleviate our people’s pain and pave the way to lasting prosperity.

This week, President Tinubu signed a new minimum wage into law. Student loans are being disbursed to ease financial burdens, and local governments now have financial autonomy to enhance governance efficiency.

The foreign exchange crisis is being creatively tackled. The sale of crude oil to local refineries in Naira will save $7.9 billion annually and strengthen our currency. The Presidential Initiative on CNG is also attracting private investments.

We need patience for the benefits of these economic reforms to blossom. Protests can’t achieve in days what economic reforms can in weeks and months. Our nation, under President Tinubu’s courageous leadership, is on the right path.

In Lagos, we launched EKOCARES to cushion the effects of economic reforms. From discount markets to reduced transport costs, and free medical care, we are committed to easing the burdens on our people.

We’ve increased bursaries and scholarships for Lagos students, ensured free education for new elementary students, and our workers earn above the national minimum wage.

We can do more, and we will.

Reflecting on the tragic events of the EndSARS protest in 2020, it began peacefully but was later hijacked, resulting in immense destruction and loss.

We will NOT allow history repeat itself. During the protests, we saw the destruction of valuable properties and institutions: Lagos High Court, 45 police stations, 12 Local Government offices, 7 Fire Stations, and the Forensic Centre, among others.

The City Hall, Nigeria Ports Authority headquarters, and traditional rulers’ palaces were also destroyed.

Malls, shops, offices, and hundreds of brand-new BRT buses were lost. Such devastation only sets us back economically and socially.

Our goal is a peaceful and prosperous Lagos. We must avoid economic destabilization that can make us poorer. Let’s unite, embrace dialogue, and build a peaceful, prosperous Lagos.

To ensure safe and peaceful expression, the Police have designated Gani Fawehinmi Park and Peace Park for protests. These locations will be secured to protect our citizens and prevent chaos.

Let’s work together to build a Lagos that is safe, secure, and prosperous for all. Our strength lies in our unity, and our future depends on maintaining peace and stability.

God bless Lagos State.

God bless Nigeria.

Babajide olusola sanwoolu
Lagos state governor

….…As Eze Ojukwu urges lgbos to shun protest,calls for peaceful dialogue.

…… Appeal to President Tinubu, Sanwo Olu to release Kanu and Nwajagu 

Emmanuel lkpeama

Ahead of the planned protest slated to hold Thursday,1st August to August 10 Nationwide,the The Eze Ndigbo of Amuwo Odofin,Eze Augustine Sunday Ojukwu and the entire Ohaneze Ndigbo Amuwo Odofin Chapter has distanced itself from the proposed National protest, stating that Ndigbo in Amuwo Odofin will not participate in any demonstration, emphasizing their commitment to peace and stability in the state.

Speaking with lnvestigator News in his palace,Eze Ojukwu appeal to all Nigerians to exercise patience with the present administration as the President is doing everything possible to fix the economy of the nation, while urging them to consider alternative means of expressing their grievance through dialogue or petition that will yield positive results.

He said,”l know that things are so rough in the country at the moment,but l am appealing to all Nigerians to have a rethink and seek dialogue with the government. This government is just one year old and the government cannot solve the problem within one year,so let us give the president more time because protesting will make things worse as it will not bring food on our table, rather unscrupulous element will hijack the aim and vision,therby causing more havoc and bring more hardship in the country and breakdown of law and order in the state.”

“I have called my people in Amuwo Odofin and some stakeholders to shun the planned protest as it will not bring positive results to us, rather it will cause more hardship. Let me use this opportunity to beg lgbos in Lagos not to be involved in the protest as we will not want a repeat of the EndSars in the state,the President should be given more time to fix the economy “he stated.

Eze Ojukwu who is the Eze Udo ll of Amuwo Odofin also called the lgbo parents in Amuwo Odofin to warn their children not to participate in the protest for the safety of their lives, appealing to all the traders in traders in BBA international trade complex, Building martials Treaders in BBA international tread complex, Building martials market Complex and other markets Festac to go about there normal busines as they are not in Lagos to protest or cause mayhem but to help build the society for the benefit of their family.

He called on President Tinubu to look critically into the issues being raised by the protesters and see how he can solve the problem of economic hardship that is affecting the citizens.

Iwuanyanwu: We have lost an lroko
Eze Sunday Ojukwu expressed sadness over the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Senator ifeanyi Ubah, stating that it is a big loss to the entire lgno nation.

Ojukwu who described lwuanyanwu as an lroko stated that he was a respected Elder Statesman and detribalized Nigeria.

According to him,he contributed his quota to the development of his people and the country at large,as he was very passionate about the interest, growth and development of all lgbos at home and in the diaspora, especially Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.

Eze Sunday Ojukwu opined that Senator lfeanyi Ubah and Chief Iwuanyanwu Emmanuel are known as mouthpiece of lgbos in Nigeria.

“Iwuanyanwu is a great loss to the lgbo nation,l could remember vividly well when we had issues of demolition in Amuwo Odofin,he came in person, pleaded with the state government and the issue was resolved immediately. The people of Amuwo Odofin, Ohaneze Ndigbo and South East general would greatly miss this great men who have impacted lives when they were alive.”

“It is painful that the two of them died when South East and Nigerians.need them most as both of them were an accomplished businessmen and dedicate their lives to the service of the country”he submitted.

He reiterated the call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu and Eze Fredrick Nwajagu,Eze Ndigbo of Ajao who had been in prison as a key towards restoring peace in the nation and South East general, while appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu to come to the rescue of the region,so that peace and joy can be restored back to their families and the entire lgbo nation.

Apostle Paul Odola, the General Overseer of Dominion Power Assembly International, has countered the recent claim by Pastor Abel Damina of Power City International that he (Damina) ordained the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche and gave him direction into ministry.

Recall that Damina had always claimed that he was the one who ordained Dr Enenche into ministry and gave him direction on how to start his now global ministry, a claim many people have faulted.

Damina had also claimed that he ordained both Dr Enenche and Apostle Odola same day into ministries.

Speaking for the first time on the controversy in an interview with newsmen, Apostle Odola faulted Damina’s claim, stressing that Pastor Enenche was already an established minister before his path crossed that of Damina very breifly in 1995.

He said, “I’ve been privileged to know Dr. Abel Damina in 1988 and Dr. Paul Enenche since 1994, and that was the first time Dr. Paul Enenche came into the picture.

“At the time Dr. Paul came into the picture, he was already a man of God in his own right. I have a particular handbill where Dr Paul featured as a guest speaker in 1995.

“In that handbill, there was one pastor called Dr Friday Yanga. Dr Paul came into the picture already as a minister of the gospel, fireful and vibrant. He often attended conferences that Damina organized then.

“There was this Jos Prayer Conference that was going on then that Dr. Paul attended. When the ICMA movement became a church, Dr. Paul came in as an associate minister. Sometimes he went around preaching, so we didn’t get to see him on Sundays. If he was around, he just came in for the service.

“I had the opportunity to invite Dr Paul to minister for us in Bauchi State in 1995. He was then a man of God in his own right. He came to that meeting with Dr Becky, his wife, and their daughter, Deborah, his mother in-law. He was anointed, fireful, a man of God in his own right by all standards.

“We had the opportunity of coming around Dr. Joshua Talena and Dr. Damina, and it was very clear that Dr. Paul was different. He was different from us in so many ways. He was different in his lifestyle, his approach to ministry, and his morality. At one of the conferences we had in Uyo in 1996, Dr Paul also attended. It was obvious that Dr Paul had his own approach, his own lifestyle, and ministry. He only came around as an associate.

“We always knew he had a ministry that was going to be global because of his approach to life and ministry, which was quite different from ours.

“His very strict and high standard of living was different from ours because we were all young men then. The way he is today, I am not surprised.

“If Dr Abel Damina claims to have trained or ordained Dr Paul Enenche into ministry, it is false.

“When a man who had his own ministry and was already in ministry associates with you at one point in time, it does not mean you ordained him into ministry. It is just like saying John the Baptist ordained Jesus into ministry. Today, we can see that Dr Paul Enenche had it and was intentional about it while he was with us.

Asked how long Dr Paul’s association with Damina lasted before he founded his church, Odola said, “The interaction was quite brief because Dr Paul was already in ministry and only associated with us. He realized that the company was not befitting for him and he left.

“On our part, our youthful exuberance was very obvious, so Dr Paul, sensing and understanding that, had to completely dissociate himself from us. That interaction and association were brief. I think it was that lack of principle and youthful exuberance that he observed. When he came around, he didn’t stay too long and today, the difference is clear.”

Speaking on the claim that Damina was part of the inaugural service of Dunamis Church in Abuja, Odola said, “To the best of my memory, Dr Paul had already started the church in Abuja when Dr Damina and I came for one of his conferences. I was part of that conference. The church had already started before Dr Abel Damina was invited to come as a guest minister.

“As a matter of fact, we were all surprised at what the church had grown to be within a short period. Obviously, I don’t think it was the inaugural meeting that we came for because the church had already started and Dr Abel was invited as a guest speaker and we all came together.

“Anyone with us then would know that Dr Paul Enenche knew where he was headed and what he wanted to do. People like Rev Talena could tell that Dr Paul came in with the understanding of ministry and where he was headed.

“When it was time to start his own ministry, we all knew he was going to leave.

“Dr Paul had always shown clearly that he knew where he was going and what he wanted to do in ministry.

“I want to say this with all sincerity. I invited him (Dr Paul) to preach in our church in Bauchi in 1995 because I saw that he was quite different among us. He was the first person that ever came to preach when I answered the call.

“I did it because I saw what he had and who he was. Today, I am not surprised at what the Lord has used him to do. I had the privilege of taking a tour of the Glory Dome recently, and I want to say that people only see the Dome from the outside. They have no idea of the Glory Dome except if they go and visit and experience it like I did. Dr Paul is not just a gift to our nation; he’s a gift to our generation.

“What he has been able to do by the hand of God, no man can claim. No man can claim that he has inspired it. He is a generational gift and consistently remains an inspiration to our generation. I think everyone in their right senses should give this man the honor he deserves and learn from what God is using him to do.

“Dr Paul Enenche, I must say this with all sincerity is one of the greatest voices we have in the body of Christ. He is more or less like the current father of our faith because, whether we like it or not, the older generations are phasing out.

“He is one of the current fathers of faith that my generation of ministers is looking up to. Let’s talk about the lives that he has touched. In every country he has gone to, presidents and leaders of that nation attend his crusades. Such a man should be given the honor he deserves.

“So, Dr Damina’s comments regarding Dr. Paul Enenche are completely unfounded.”

Emmanuel lkpeama 

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, is dead.

This was confirmed in a statement on Thursday by Jide Iwuanyanwu, the son of the late Chief Emmanuel.

According to the statement, the 82-year-old Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday after a brief illness.

“The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announces the demise of our patriarch, Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo,” the statement read.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday July 25, 2024 after a brief illness. He was aged 82. Chief Iwuanyanwu before his death was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.”

Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife, Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, many children and grandchildren.

The statement stated that the burial details will be announced later by the family after due consultations.

 

Felicia Asuquo,Abuja 

President Bola Tinubu has approved the reinstatement of Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, as the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

A statement released by the Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Monday, said the president reached the decision following a performance review of the HYPREP Project Coordinator and concluded that he is fit to discharge his functions following the regulations guiding the execution of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

It said, “By the directive of the president, the reinstatement of the HYPREP Project Coordinator takes immediate effect.”

The development comes after the Movement for The Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), and some youth leaders in Ogoni, Rivers State, gave the Federal Government 24 hours, to reinstate Zabbey.

In a statement, MOSOP argued that Prof. Zabbey, a non-partisan Ogoni, is highly qualified and dedicated to the role, which focuses on the environmental remediation of Ogoni land based on the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Report.

In the statement signed by MOSOP President, Prof. Olu Wai-Oguso, the group demanded the immediate reinstatement of Prof. Zabbey to complete his tenure, ensure that HYPREP is not used to settle political scores and allow appointed HYPREP Coordinators to serve their full terms for stability and growth in Ogoni.

MOSOP threatened to block the new appointee from entering Ogoni and seal the HYPREP office in Port-Harcourt if a non-Ogoni is appointed as HYPREP Coordinator.

It said, “MOSOP insists that HYPREP must serve the Ogoni people and not political interests.”

The leadership change in HYPREP has continued to attract reactions since its announcement.

On Saturday, July 13 a press release signed by Ngelale, announced the approval of the appointment of Dr. Olufemi Adekambi as the new HYPREP coordinator.

On its part, representatives from the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP), Ogoni Youths Federation, Ogoni Students Association Worldwide, and the Association of Ogoni Martyrs, among others, expressed their dissatisfaction. They argue that Ogoni has qualified individuals to run the project, which was initiated through the efforts and sacrifices of the Ogoni people without federal assistance.

The youth leaders insisted that if the presidency did not reinstate Prof. Zabbey, whom they believed was performing well, they would have no choice but to shut down all project sites.

Brinuazor Emmanuel, NYCOP President, and Daniel Karakpon, National President of Ogoni Students Worldwide, emphasise their commitment to resist the resumption of Dr Olufemi Adekambi, the newly appointed HYPREP Project Coordinator, who is set to start officially on Monday after his appointment began on Saturday, July 13.

Felicia Asuquo,Abuja

Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo has said that governors will review the Supreme Court verdict that granted financial autonomy to local government councils.

Soludo stated this on Thursday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, noting that the verdict by the apex court is great

He said,“That’s great. I mean, the Supreme Court is the final authority and I am a democrat. I believe in the rule of law. And once the Supreme Court has spoken, it has spoken. I want to reassure you that the governors would look into the matter,as the Governors Forum in their meeting will review this,” he said.

Soludo noted that the move will free up funds for local government areas and promote accountability, while reassuring his resolve to conduct local government elections in the South-East state after years.

“We need to promote accountability. We need to promote transparency in the utilisation of public resources at all levels, to be able to lift the burden of the common man,” the Anambra State governor said.

“When I was elected into office, that’s one of the things I promised our people [to conduct local government election] because in Anambra, I think the first local government election we had was in 1998.”

He said, “I promised the people of Anambra that we’re going to have local government election, and I stated that in my inaugural speech. We’ve just passed the Independent Electoral Commission Law of Anambra State and we’re putting together the institutions to be able to organize that. It is a promise I made and when I make a promise, I am serious about keeping it.”he submitted.

 

 

Emmanuel Clement 

President Bola Tinubu has announced the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

The President disclosed this on Tuesday when he inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms at the Council Chamber in the State House in Abuja.

The Committee is to be chaired by the President, with the former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (EFCC), Attahiru Jega, as the Deputy Chairman.

The Committee is expected to propose recommendations aimed at fostering a peaceful co-existence between herders and farmers while ensuring the security and economic well-being of all Nigerians.