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Independence: Nigeria Challenges  Surmountable,  Says Nasarawa Speaker.

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Nasarawa State House of Assembly Speaker, Mr Danladi Jatau, has urged Nigerians to keep hope alive, stating that the numerous challenges bedevilling the country were surmountable.

Jatau, in a statement by his Press Secretary, Jibrin Gwamna, on Tuesday in Lafia, appreciated Nigerians for their patience, loyalty, understanding, and support to the government.

The speaker acknowledged the country’s challenges, ranging from insecurity to economic hardship, stating, however, that there was hope to overcome them.

Jatau saluted the relentless efforts of the founding fathers and noted that their efforts would never go in vain.

He said that the progress and development achieved so far in the country was a result of Nigerians loyalty, patience, understanding, and support for both the past and present governments in the country.

The speaker congratulated all Nigerians at 64 and Nasarawa state citizens at 28 and wished for more fruitful and rewarding years ahead.

He noted that despite challenges, significant progress has been made since creation, as both the state and the country are not stagnant.

“I want to appreciate our founding fathers for ensuring that we got independence in the country.

“Since we got independence in the country, so far so good; the country is progressing and is moving forward despite our challenges; we are not stagnant as a nation and as a state”, he said.

Jatau also urged Nigerians to use the independence anniversary and reflect on the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers.

He called on all to strive towards ensuring that their labours were never in vain by contributing positively to the development of the country.

Nigeria @ 64: Former Lawmaker Drums Support For FG

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Abia, Chief Sam Onuigbo, has expressed pride in Nigeria’s achievements, as the country marks its 64th independence anniversary.

Onuigbo, representing the South-East on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission, NEDC”. commented on the country’s independence anniversary in a statement issued to newsmen in Umuahia, on Tuesday.

He expressed the need for Nigerians to unify in support of the present administration, while highlighting the rich potential and intelligence of the citizenry, both at home and in the diaspora.

According to him, the country is home to millions of brilliant minds, who are excelling globally and making significant contributions in their respective fields of endeavour.

Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency (2015 to 2023), was born on Oct. 1, 1960 in Umuahia.

He expressed the importance of unity in driving the nation’s progress further.

He urged Nigerians to put their differences aside and come together to support government’s efforts aimed at addressing the country’s challenges.

He highlighted some of the milestones achieved in the country’s tertiary education sector.

The former legislator, who is also the Chairman, Climate Change and Security Committee of the NEDC board, acknowledged the resilience of the Nigerian people, despite the hurdles.

God Told Me Not To Contest Election In 2027 – Ortom

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Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom

The immediate past governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has said that God told him not to contest any election in 2027.

Ortom made the disclosure yesterday in Makurdi when Peoples Democracy Party ,PDP, G-14 members paid him a courtesy visit.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that G-14 members are elders of the PDP in the 14 Tiv speaking local government areas in Benue.

The former governor said that he had no option but to respect God’s wish.

He admitted that he failed to consult God before joining the 2023 election, hence his defeat.

Ortom stated that the PDP was determined to take over the Benue Government House in 2027.

“I’m not contesting the 2027 election. I knew why I lost the election in 2023. I didn’t consult God. My people purchased the forms for me, and I accepted them without consulting God.

“God has revealed everything to me. He has asked me to wait for him,” he said.

Ortom further disclosed that while serving the state as governor, he made far-reaching sacrifices, including abandoning his family and friends at some point for state matters.

The former governor promised to continue to support the party, adding that no one’s ambition should be above the interest of the party.

According to him, after he left office, he wanted to go on sabbatical, but the elders objected.

Ortom said nobody has the powers to disband the revered PDP G-14 group, not even him as the leader of the party.

“As a leader of the party in the state, I lack the powers to dissolve the group. So nobody can disband this group.

“G-14 is the elders forum of the PDP in Benue. If anything must happen, I must know first because I am the leader,” he said.

On the forthcoming congresses, he said, the national secretariat had already approved the ward and local government congresses of Benue, adding that the state congress would hold on October 3rd.

Lofty Dreams Of Founding fathers attainable with collective actions – Soludo

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SOLUDO

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra yesterday said the lofty dreams of Nigeria’s founding fathers were attainable if Nigerians re-dedicate themselves to the service of the country through collective actions.

Soludo made the assertion during his March Past remarks in Awka, at the Independence Day Parade to mark the nation’s 64th anniversary.

He said there was the need to go back and rekindle the flame that ignited the determination of the founding fathers to fight for and obtain independence.

“For 64 years, we have been striving to build this more perfect nation. We have made progress and leaps in various ways, but we still live with our challenges.

“My message today is that amidst our challenges, our tomorrow will be greater and brighter. I see prosperity and hope that the dreams and labour of our founding fathers will never be in vain.

“Our founding fathers had lofty dreams for us and they are not unattainable. We just need collective actions by putting our abundant human and natural resources together.

“If Nigerians, together, can build upon the foundation of our founding fathers, Nigeria will be far greater than what our founding fathers dreamt for us. I believe we can”, he said.

The Governor promised that his administration would continue to work round the clock to deepen democratic governance in the state.

“I want to assure residents of Anambra that brighter and better days are ahead. With the just concluded Local government elections, we will deliver the dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.

“We will continue to prioritise sound qualitative education for our children, because that is the bridge for the future, as well as the welfare of government workers and pensioners in the state”. 

NILDS DG Lauds National Honours On Senate President,  Speaker

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Akpabio and Abbas

Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman has hailed the conferment of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON, conferred on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

This was contained in a statement signed by the director-general. 

The same token of felicitation was extended to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas who received the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, CFR, award.

Professor Sulaiman said both honours on the two leaders of the 10th National Assembly, who are the chairman and the alternate chairman of the Governing Council of NILDS could not have come at a more auspicious time than now when the nation is  marking her 64th independence anniversary. 

He said the honours did not get to him, members of the National Assembly and Nigerians as a surprise because they are rewards and recognition deservedly conferred on them by President Bola Tinubu. 

While thanking the Commander- in- Chief, C-in-C,  for recognising and rewarding the patriotic and excellent services of the leadership of the second arm of government, he said the awards will spur the duo to be more proactive in bolstering the executive- legislative symbiotic relationship in building a virile nation. 

The director-general said the symbolism of  the national honours are hinged on their trajectory of creditable performance which will bolster their confidence in service delivery to the country. 

The former minister of national planning on behalf of the entire NILDS family extended hearty congratulations to the new award recipients and pledged the unwavering loyalty of the institute in the promotion of democratic principles, enhanced legislative processes and good governance. 

Cholera Outbreak Kills 11 In Benue 

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cholera

Agency Report 

Eleven persons have been confirmed dead with six others in critical condition, following a cholera outbreak in Apaogbozu community in Apa, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.

This was disclosed to newsmen in Makurdi by the immediate past Secretary of Ado Local Government Council, Dr Perpetual Okafor, who hails from the area.

According to her, the outbreak was reported about four days ago.

Okafor said the epidemic has killed 11 persons and left about six people in critical condition.

“The first day that the cholera outbreak occurred, three deaths were recorded. Yesterday, about four persons also died and this evening, we lost four persons.

“As I speak with you, six others who went for church service since yesterday were caught in the web.

“They are right inside the church; nobody is there to help us remove them. I had wanted to enter the church but I couldn’t. It was an emergency situation. Our people are dying seriously.

“We wanted to hire private medical personnel to assist us in treating the remaining affected victims who are in critical condition, but we couldn’t because the resources are not there. We have nobody to assist our people.

“Lives have been lost and many are down. Whosoever knows the agency that can come to our rescue should help us please. It is an emergency.

“I am calling on the Benue State government and other public spirited individuals to come to our aid so that our people will not be completely wiped away by this dreaded disease.

“The situation is far above our community,” Okafor lamented.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Yanmar Ortese, confirmed the situation, but failed to give the number of casualties recorded so far.

However, he said information available to him indicates that there is only one suspected case of cholera in the area, adding that staff of the ministry are already working on it.

“The deputy speaker, House of Assembly drew my attention to it today. 

“I called the emergency operation center under my ministry to verify if the claim is true and they told me there is one suspected case.

“From what they said, the person is having diarrhea and also vomiting. They will move quickly and take samples to see if it is actually cholera or not.

“That is the information for now. We already have our public health staff who are everywhere and they are doing surveillance. So it is only a suspect from the area and our staff are working on it.

“They will take samples to see if it is actually cholera or not. That is the information for now,” the commissioner said.

Ohanaeze Reaffirms Rivers Right To Produce President-General

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From CHARLES ONYEKWERE 

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has reiterated its stance that Rivers State will produce the next president-general come January 2025. 

This decision was rooted in Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Constitution, which guarantees Rivers State’s right to the leadership role.

In a statement released yesterday by the factional Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organisation warned against attempts by two South-East governors and certain political leaders to disrupt this constitutional process.

Isiguzoro emphasised that any effort to bypass Rivers State’s right to the presidency will be met with strong resistance from Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Ohanaeze expressed gratitude to Igbo people globally for their participation in the 2024 Igbo Day celebration held on September 29. 

The statement stressed the critical need to preserve the unity of the Igbo nation by following the constitutional process, noting that any disruption could have long-lasting negative effects on the identity and cohesion of the people.

Ohanaeze alleged that two South-East governors, in collaboration with a former head of state from the South-West and a prominent opposition figure in the 2023 presidential elections, are working to transfer the presidency to Abia State. 

According to the statement, this coalition, along with external entities such as the Pan Niger Delta organisation, is seen as a calculated attempt to undermine the Igbo identity and maintain divisions dating back to the Biafra War.

The organisation pointed out that these political maneuvers were driven by ambitions related to the 2027 elections, aiming to exploit the situation for personal gain at the expense of Igbo unity.

Ohanaeze reaffirmed that the emergence of a president-general from Rivers State is non-negotiable and must be respected. 

NHSA Reiterates Commitment To Sustainable Water Mgt

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BY ANTHONY OCHELA, ABUJA 

Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NHSA, has reiterated its commitment to ensure sustainable water management, essential to the nation’s growth, health and resilience against climate change.

Director-General of the agency, Umar Mohammed stated this yesterday in a message titled ’64th Independence Day Message from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.’

Mohammed said the nation’s 64th Independence Day celebration is a moment to reflect on its journey as a nation and the vital role that water resources play in its development.

According him, “Our agency has worked tirelessly to monitor and manage Nigeria’s vast water resources, providing critical data that supports effective planning and response to flooding, drought and other hydrological challenges.

“The agency plans to implement proactive measures to tackle the challenges of climate change and rising rainfall patterns.

“This will include enhanced monitoring, improved drainage system and community awareness programmes to better prepare for extreme weather events.

“The goal is to strengthen resilience and minimise the impact of flooding on the affected communities.”

The head of NHSA noted that on this significant day, it is pertinent to recognize the importance of collaboration among government agencies, local communities, and stakeholders. 

Mohammed urged Nigerians to appreciate the nation’s natural resources and advocate for their preservation.

Akpabio, IGP, Arthur Eze For Patriotism Award

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By MBACHU GODWIN, Abuja

President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Ekwetokun and business mogul, Prince Arthur Eze are amongst prominent Nigerians that will be bestowed Nigerian Patriotism Award.

According to the organizers, the award which is slated for Wednesday, 2nd, October, 2024, at Nicon Luxury, Abuja is to recognize Nigerians that have contributed to the Peace, unity and growth of the country.

In a statement by Comrade John – nteka Ekong Umo which reads in Parts “The stage is set for the highly anticipated Nigerian Patriotism Awards 2024, a prestigious event dedicated to honoring the individuals and organizations whose extraordinary contributions continue to shape the future of Nigeria. Slated for October 2, 2024, at the renowned Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, this event promises to be a night of recognition, inspiration, and celebration as we applaud the achievements of those whose dedication to the nation often goes unheralded.

“The Nigerian Patriotism Awards stand as a beacon of national pride, serving to highlight exceptional service, integrity, and innovation across various sectors. This year’s ceremony will shine a spotlight on an array of distinguished awardees, showcasing their significant impact on the social, economic, and cultural fabric of Nigeria.

Each of these award categories represents the highest level of excellence in their respective fields, with honourees selected based on their significant contributions to national development, innovation, and leadership. Whether in business, entertainment, or public service, the Nigerian Patriotism Awards is a platform that highlights those whose unwavering dedication to the nation exemplifies true patriotism.

“The event will bring together distinguished leaders from various industries, including government dignitaries, business moguls, prominent media personalities, and cultural icons. The evening will feature captivating performances, inspirational speeches, and heartfelt moments as Nigeria’s finest are celebrated on the grand stage. With an atmosphere of elegance and pride, the awards ceremony will set a new benchmark for excellence and national pride.

“The Nigerian Patriotism Awards 2024 is not just an event, but a movement—one that seeks to inspire future generations, promote selfless service, and foster a deeper sense of national identity and pride. As we celebrate these remarkable individuals and organizations, we invite the nation to join in recognizing those who strive every day to make Nigeria a better place for all.”

NEMSA Reaffirmed Commitment To Enforcing Standards In Power Supply

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By ABAH ADAH, Abuja

Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, has affirmed its commitment to enforcing technical standards and regulations to ensure safe and reliable electricity supply to the people.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the agency and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, CEIF, Engr Aliyu Tukur Tahir gave the assurance while congratulating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and all Nigerians on the 64th Independence Anniversary.

Acknowledging the unflinching support of Mr President and Adelabu, the Minister of  Power, to NEMSA, the CEIF  assured Nigerians of the Agency’s determination to effectively discharge its mandate which includes: enforcement of technical standards and regulations, technical Inspection, testing and certification of all categories of electrical installations, including  electricity meters to ensure  efficient production and delivery of safe, and reliable power supply, and guarantee safety of lives and property in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NESI, and allied industries in the country

While urging unity and adherence to core values such as justice and fairness, Engr Tahir emphasised NEMSA’s role in preventing electrical accidents and ensuring quality in electrical installations.

“The agency remains dedicated to its mandate of technical inspection, testing, and certification to enhance safety in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry”, he said.

In a statement issued from his office on Monday, September 30, 2024, Engr Tahir urged Nigerians to make the country a safe and better place by imbibing the values and principles of the founding fathers.

These values, he said, were patience, sacrifice, piety, faith in God, justice and fairness, support for one another, and persistent reliance on the Creator in all areas of their daily lives.

“It has been 64 years since our nation got her independence. The grace that has sustained us as a nation has proven without doubt, the love God has for us. The fact that we have survived and lived with the concept of “Unity in diversity” with diverse language, culture and religion, is a proof that we have truly grown as a nation and a people. 

“Indeed, there are some setbacks; however, one cannot deny the fact that even the most powerful nations have these setbacks.

“It is therefore important that we take a collective effort in rebuilding our dear nation by striving to make our country a better and safe place by following the values and principles taught by our fathers”, he said. 

The NEMSA boss urged Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, stability and prosperity in the country, stressing the importance of unity in overcoming the current challenges in the nation.