President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with Primate of The Church of The Lord Worldwide (TCLW), His Holiness, Most Rev. Dr. Rufus Okikiola Ositelu on his 70th birthday, joining all Church leaders, members, family and friends to share in the joyous occasion.
President Buhari rejoices with the TCLW leader as he turns a septuagenarian, taking into account his many contributions to national development, particularly in education, health, infrastructure and, most significantly, consistently upholding the nation in prayers.
The President believes the scholarly background of Dr Ositelu greatly impacted on his influence, teachings and leadership, and has translated into gains for many, showing clearly in the many leadership roles he has held, including former Vice President of Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), former President and initiator, United Aladura Churches (UAC), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and former elected member of the Central Committee, Executive Committee and Finance Committee of World Council of Churches (WCC).
President Buhari affirms that the Aladura Patriarch’s high sense of patriotism is evidenced in his position on counselling leaders on programmes and policies that directly improve the livelihood of people, empowerment of youth and women and elimination of violence against women and children, which demonstrate his love for humanity.
The President prays for the wellbeing of the church leader in health, strength and wisdom.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 23, 2022
House receives reports on 68 amendment bills, set to begin voting on March 2, as Aisha Buhari visits to canvass support for women
The House of Representatives on Wednesday admitted reports on 68 bills seeking to further amend the 1999 Constitution.
The reports were presented and laid by the Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Special Adhoc Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase.
Wednesday’s session was presided over by the Speaker, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila.
Voting on the bills will begin on Wednesday, next week, to last two days.
By the provisions of Section 9 of the constitution, a bill seeking to alter any part of the constitution must secure the vote of two-thirds (240) of the 360 members of the House to pass.
Gbajabiamila had already asked every member to endeavour to attend the two sittings next week (Wednesday and Thursday) when the votes would be taken on the proposed amendments.
He described the proposed amendments as “far-reaching.”
Ahead of the presentation of the reports, the First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari, visited lawmakers on Wednesday and was admitted into the chamber to observe proceedings.
The first lady visited to canvass support for at least three of the bills, which deal with issues relating to women, especially participation in politics, appointments, gender balancing and gender-based violence.
The bills are, “Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for Special Seat for Women in the National and State Houses of Assembly; and for Related Matters”; “Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for Affirmative Action for Women in Political Party Administration; and for Related Matters”; and “Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to, Provide Reserved Quota for Women; and for Related Matters.”
Mrs Buhari visited in company with some female ministers, among them the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen; Minister of Finance/Budget/National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; and several women groups.
Welcoming the visitors, Speaker Gbajabiamila thanked them for devoting time to follow up on the bills and push for their passage.
The Speaker formally informed his colleagues on the reason for the visit, which he said was to observe the presentation of the reports and be part of the lobbying process.
“Our reports have three provisions that will affect women positively.
“However, there is still a lot of work and lobbying to be done.
“The reports will be considered next week, beginning from Wednesday”, Gbajabiamila stated.
The speaker commended the first lady for using the weight of her office to support many causes in the country, especially for the wellbeing of women and other groups.
Mrs Buhari, after observing the proceedings, was given permission by the House to take a bow, approach the Speaker’s Chair to greet him, before being led out of the chamber by the Chief Whip, Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno.
23/02/2022
February 23, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Salutes Reps Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu on His Birthday
…Describes Him as Voice of the Voiceless
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu on his birthday, describing him as a fearless and forthright legislator who has been outstanding in fighting for the rights and welfare of Nigerians.
Over the years, Hon. Elumelu has distinguished himself as a humble leader, quintessential legislator and beloved representative of his people, having excelled in his mandate as a lawmaker as well as the leader of the opposition in the 9th House of Representatives.
Our Party is proud of Hon. Elumelu’s relentless effort in leading the Minority Caucus to constantly put the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration on its toes through people-oriented bills, motions and fearless contributions on the floor of the House of Representatives for the entrenchment of democratic principles of Separation of Powers, Constitutional Federalism, transparency and accountability, social justice and institutionalization of credible elections in Nigeria.
Hon. Elumelu’s courageous efforts in leading the PDP Caucus and other opposition parties in the House of Representatives to ensure the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill in line with the stance of our great Party and desire of Nigerians further shows his belief and commitment towards restoring the supremacy of the people in democratic participation.
The PDP commends Hon. Elumelu for his numerous infrastructural projects and human capital development to uplift the lives of his constituents in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency of Delta State.
Moreover, the PDP acknowledges Hon. Elumelu’s contributions, as a loyal party man, with other leaders of our Party to reposition the PDP in our mission to Rescue and Rebuild Nigeria from misrule.
The PDP family congratulates Hon. Elumelu on this auspicious occasion and prays to God to grant him many more years in good health and service to our dear fatherland.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
“I was an excellent father but a woeful husband’’ Nigerian Actor and Producer, Jim Iyke discusses his marriage, spirituality and a lot more
On a new episode of #WithChude, ace Nollywood actor, Jim Iyke sits with the host of #WithChude and co-founder of Joy, Inc., Chude Jideonwo about his journey in the creative industry, dealing with the loss of his mother, his experience with grief, and his failed marriage.
Speaking during the interview, Jim Iyke shares: “There is a part of me that will take the easy route. Every time I did something mediocre in my life, I always did it when I was emotional, because I am extremely strategic and deliberate about everything I do.
I had suffered a loss. My mom was like my best friend, my co partner. People always wonder how he rise from some of these scandals, how he rises from things that are supposed to bury him. I had someone that speaks to a spirit part of me that nobody can speak to and I lost that. When I lost my mom, I could not find my feet for years. The lifestyle, spirituality, connection had already been lost.
I was not told until 72 hours after she passed. I was right in the middle of an interview in London. On the plane, while on my way back home after 72 hours, I asked myself, ‘What would she have expected of me? To take charge.
I came and I took charge as the head of the family, I couldn’t grief, I could not let myself feel.
When I was getting over it. My wife was pregnant with my first son. I had a quiet space. There was nobody to take care of, and because that was my medium to heal. All of a sudden the grief hit me, the loss hit me. I could not sleep unending days, I became irritable. I was no longer the loving man she married.
I lost my sense of humor. I lost the lion in me, and the leader in me. I just gave myself to the elements and she suffered for that. I became an obsessive dad, I took everything in me to my son and left her behind. I took all of my love and attention and I left her behind”
Akpabio gets praise for Exceptional Commitment, performance
Women in the Niger Delta region on Wednesday praised Senator Godswill Akpabio for contributing immensely to the social, economic and political development of the country.
‘’The picture in the Niger Delta region is different. It has been thirty months of development and clear evidence of competence’’.
A statement issued in Port Harcourt by the spokesperson of the Niger Delta Women Reconstruction Group (NDWRC), Dr. Anitorufa Peremoboere commended the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs for his exceptional commitment and performance.
The statement hailed Akpabio for shouldering the heavy responsibility with calmness, giving his best for the good of the Niger Delta people and pursuing with vigour and determination the change agenda of the current administration.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio is a beacon of hope and inspiration to the generality of our people’’
The women applauded Akpabio for accelerating the growth of the region, strengthening administrative infrastructure, improving staff quality and efficiency and working in complete harmony with the National Assembly.
‘’No state is shut out in the ministry’s development agenda’’
They praised the former Akwa Ibom State governor for using his expertise and intellectual capacity to address long standing challenges in the region.
‘’We need Senator Godswill Akpabio in 2023. The former Akwa Ibom State governor will not run out of Nigeria. We’ll put pressure on him to take part in the 2023 election. His name will be on the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary ballot’’
The women also commended him for raising the standard of living of the people through water and electrification schemes, road development, education and health-care delivery.
‘’We are most grateful to Senator Godswill Akpabio for the peace of the region, construction of roads and drainages and the well-being of the people’’
The statement emphasized hard work, integrity, efficiency, dignity and discipline.
‘’We disagree in toto with the points of view of some chronic grumblers outside the region’’
The women urged Akpabio’s critics to reckon with the realities, cease advertising ignorance and living in a fool’s paradise.’
‘’Akpabio’s critics do not believe in development for the Niger Delta region.
The statement also underscored the mad ambition of some politicians to mount the saddle of NDDC leadership and to share the resources to themselves and cronies.
‘’Not only there is a tendency to compare the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with North East Development Commission (NEDC), but it appears to be the vogue of fake contractors, corrupt politicians and their agents to prejudice the minds of some Nigerians by deliberate lies and perversion of the truth’’
Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan marries Natasha Akpoti
Royalty, business tycoons and politicians from around the world will meet in Okene, Kogi State on Saturday, March 5, 2022.
They are expected to attend the high society marriage of the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan to Kogi State politician and lawyer, Chief Natasha Hadiza Akpoti.
The traditional marriage ceremony is scheduled to take place in Obeiba-Ihima, Okene Local Government Area.
The time is 10; 00am.
Obasanjo laments decay in Nigeria’s education system
BY GEORGE UDOH
Nigeria Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasabjo has lamented the extent of decay in Nigeria’s education system, calling for all-inclusive reforms to effectively rescue the sector.
Chief Obasanjo who expressed this worry when the leadership of The Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities paid him a courtesy visit, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State, explained that unless the entire system is totally overhauled and comprehensively reformed, the country’s education sector will continue to decline and dwinde .
The delegation which was led by the Chairman of the CVCNU, Professor Samuel Gowon Edoumiekumo, who also double as the Vice- Chancellor Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, were in Abeokuta, Ogun State to intimate the former Nigeria on the forthcoming 60th Anniversary Ceremony of the highly revered organization slated for October 2022.
While welcoming the leadership of CVCNU, Chief Obasanjo emphasized the need for more attention to be directed towards investment in education, adding that education is a critical factor driving innovation , technological advancement and employment opportunities
According to him “one of the things we haven’t gotten right in Nigeria is education and if we get it right; it will be the basis of getting a number of other things right”.
‘ if you think education is expensive try ignorance “
While recounting with fond memories, significant and land mark achievements recorded during his tenure as the Nation number one citizen, Chief Obansanjo canvassed for government at all levels to make education accessible and affordable to all and at all levels .
Commenting on the process for the appointment of Vice Chancellor ,Chief Obasanjo urged the leadership of to restrict itself to nominations and assemblage of the necessary credentials for the appointment of Vice Chancellors , while appointment of Vice Chancellors should be the prerogative responsibilities of State Governors at the state-owned universities and the President Federal Universities
Chief Obasanjo also suggested some basic qualities required for would-be Vice Chancellor(s);
According to him, the would-be vice- chancellor should be able to provide both academic and administrative leadership to the whole university and should also have the capacity to secure a financial base sufficient to allow the delivery of the University; mission , aims and objectives
Earlier, the Chairman of CVCNU, Professor Gowon lauded Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for granting the leadership of CVCNU an audience out of his busy and crowded schedules.
He said the purpose of the courtesy visit was to tap from his wealth of experience as a reservoir of knowledge, who was once the Visitor to all the nation’s Federal Universities during his eight rule as the democratically elected President of Nigeria
Prof Gowon said this informed their visit to the one time Nigeria President , in view of the preparation to mark the 60th Anniversary Celebration of CVCNU, stressing that the visit will assist the CVCNU to have a successful outing.
In the convoy of Prof Gowon , Chairman of CVCNU, was Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu and Professor Peace Chinedum Babalola presented him with a Plague of all Nigerian University logos embellished on it.
Others include members of the delegation were; Professor Felix Kolawale Salako Vice-Chancellor Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Professor Ayobami Salami Vice-Chancellor First Technical University Ibadan, Professor Ibrahim Gbajabiamila Vice-Chancellor Crescent University Abeokuta and Professor Donald Abidemi Odeleye the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Education Lead City University Ibadan. From the Secretariat of the CVCNU we had Ms. Sylverina Olaghere Projects & Programmes Officer and Ms. Karen Daaor Communications Office
Part of the highlights of the visit was a presentation of a plaque of all Nigerian Universities logos embossed on it, to the former President by Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu and Professor Peace Chinedum Babalola
Obasanjo to Nigerians: If you think Education is Expensive, try Ignorance
The Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities on the 15th of February, 2022 paid a courtesy Visit to the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Abeokuta. This delegation was led by the Chairman of the CVCNU in the person of Professor Samuel Gowon Edoumiekumo Vice- Chancellor Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island.
The purpose for this visit was to gain insights and his wealth of experience on his role as the then Visitor to Nigerian Federal Universities, this is in view of our 6oth Anniversary which is scheduled to hold in October, 2022.
In our interaction with Chief Obasanjo, he expressed his concern in the area of our Educational Sector and mentioned that one of the things we haven’t gotten right in Nigeria is EDUCATION and if we get it right; it will be the basis of getting a number of other things right.
He summed up with the saying that goes ‘’ If you think Education is Expensive, try Ignorance”.
Discussing significant events that occurred during his tenure, he shared his thought on why the President or Governor should have the final say in the Appointment of a Vice-chancellor in Universities; and advised that the Council should be solely in charge after giving criteria and have made nominations.
Obasanjo also mentioned that he believes in Education, Education for everyone and at all levels. And also, that the interactions between the University and the Towns (Community) are not enough, they need to know what the University about.
Lastly, with regards Leadership, his advice to New Vice-Chancellors would be that; they be should be good Administrators, Sound Academically and most importantly be good in Fundraising.
Professor Gowon thanked him for giving us the privilege and audience to speak with the delegation, after which the Secretary -General of the CVCNU, Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu and Professor Peace Chinedum Babalola presented him with a Plague of all Nigerian University logos embellished on it.
Other members of the delegation were; Professor Felix Kolawale Salako Vice-Chancellor Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Professor Ayobami Salami Vice-Chancellor First Technical University Ibadan, Professor Ibrahim Gbajabiamila Vice-Chancellor Crescent University Abeokuta and Professor Donald Abidemi Odeleye the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Education Lead City University Ibadan. From the Secretariat of the CVCNU we had Ms. Sylverina Olaghere Projects & Programmes Officer and Ms. Karen Daaor Communications Officer.
OSUN APC PRIMARY: APC SOUTHWEST GOVERNORS CONGRATULATE GOV OYETOLA OVER VICTORY
Governors elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southwest, have congratulated the Osun State Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, over his victory at the last Saturday’s governorship primary election of the party in Osun State.
At a meeting held at the Ondo Governor’s lodge, Asokoro, Abuja on Monday, the Chairman, Southwest Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor , Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, said the five Governors from the region elected under the APC platform converged to congratulate and felicitate their brother Governor, Oyetola, over his victory.
“Most importantly, all of us decided to meet so that we will have the opportunity of congratulating our colleague, the Governor of Osun State who won his primary in a manner which we expected.
“So all of us are happy for him, that’s why we all stayed so long, congratulating our colleague who won the election.” Governor Akeredolu said.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Ogun State counterpart, Governor Dapo Abiodun as well as Governor Gboyega Oyetola were present at the meeting.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
February 21, 2022.