The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ekweremadu

  • Ekweremadu advises youths

    The Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Parliament), Senator Ike Ekweremadu yesterday called for more youths involvement of youths in the activities of ECOWAS institutions.

    Ekweremadu, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Uche Anichukwu, spoke when the current Miss ECOWAS Peace Ambassador, Zirra Banu, visited him in Abuja. He noted that the youth and women of the sub region have a pivotal role to play in the actualisation of the ECOWAS Vision 2020, which among other noble ideals, envisages the transformation of ECOWAS from an ECOWAS of states to an ECOWAS of people.

    The Speaker, who is also the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, said the Parliament would work closely with the ECOWAS Peace Ambassador in achieving the objectives of the Parliament to lift the fortunes of youths and women of the sub-region.

    “For us at the ECOWAS Parliament, ECOWAS Vision 2020 is real; we are interested in seeing ECOWAS blossom with the many years of efforts towards integration really impacting more lives of the ordinary citizens; and I believe youths, in particular, have a crucial role to play in this regard because the tomorrow we are trying to build belongs to them,” Ekweremadu said.

    The ECOWAS Peace Ambassador lauded the contributions of the ECOWAS Parliament towards defending democracy and stability in Niger Republic, Republic of Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, and Guinea Bissau.

     

  • Ekweremadu makes case for ties between Nigeria, China

    Ekweremadu makes case for ties between Nigeria, China

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu yesterday called for collaboration between the parliaments of Nigeria and China.

    He said that such has become imperative given the emerging primacy of parliamentary diplomacy in the world.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Uche Anichukwu, Ekweremadu made the call when he received the Ambassador of the Peoples’ Republic of China to Nigeria, Mr.Deng Boqing in his residence.

    Ekweremadu noted that the establishment of a closer parliamentary relationship between the two nations was not only desirous given the leadership role they play in their respective continents, but also important in accelerating the pace of development of both countries.

    He said:“We are prepared to develop more areas of cooperation with you and one such area is parliamentary relationship between Nigeria and China; as representatives of the people, it is important that we develop some parliamentary relationship because parliamentary diplomacy is a new set of diplomacy that is working in the world today.

    “Nigeria and China, being big countries in Africa and Asia, respectively, it is important that we develop our parliamentary relationship so as to take full advantage of this new vista of international relations.”

    Ekweremadu was quoted to have noted China’s prominent role in world politics and applauded the excellent relationship the Asian nation has developed with Africa and Nigeria in particular.

  • Ogbodo’s death: Ekweremadu visits The Guardian, family

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday, joined sympathisers, who thronged the Abuja Bureau of The Guardian newspapers, over the death of its Assistant Political Editor, Mr. John Abba-Ogbodo.

    Ekweremadu, who also visited the family of Ogbodo, described the late journalist as a consummate professional, who showed “patriotism and friendship in the discharge of his duties.”

    The Deputy Senate President who acclaimed the virtues of the late reporter, noted that Ogbodo maintained a good personal relationship without comprising his principles.

    He said: “Something very important I need to say about him is that he was very professional as he maintained a good personal relationship with people without compromising his principles. I also understand he was just promoted as Assistant Political Editor of The Guardian newspapers and it is a testimony to his competence and values.

    “I can imagine the bright future that was ahead of him, but which has come to such an abrupt end and I deeply understand what it means to lose a person of such great value”.

    He described the late Ogbodo as a member of the larger Senate family, who would be missed, not just by The Guardian and his family but also by the Senate and the nation in general.

    “I have therefore come for myself, for my office, and indeed for the Senate to express our heartfelt condolences to his family, to The Guardian, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and indeed to all those who would miss him.”

    Ekweremadu prayed for the peaceful repose of late journalist and fortitude for those he left behind to bear the irreparable loss.

    On ground to receive Ekweremadu was the Abuja Bureau Chief of the Newspapers, Mr. Madu Onuora.

    Onuora said the late Ogbodo was a hardworking employee, who distinguished himself professionally.

    He praised Ekweremadu for the visit and his concern, saying “We want to put it on record that you are a compassionate leader; you have been with us since the incident occurred. Your office has been with us and we appreciate your compassion”

     

     

  • Senate stands still for Super Eagles

    Senate stands still for Super Eagles

    The Senate on Tuesday stood still for the Super Eagles.

    This followed a motion on the superlative performance of the team at the just ended African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

    The motion entitled: “Nigeria’s glorious outing at the AFCON 2013” was sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and 107 others.

    No Senator wanted to be left out of the success story of the Super Eagles in South Africa as players were singled out one after the other for praise.

    Besides, consideration of the motion was one rare moment when Senators threw politics overboard, and in one accord, poured encomium on the nation’s football ambassadors.

    As if praises were not enough, the lawmakers gave a standing ovation to the Super Eagles describing them as the new kings of African football.

    The lawmakers unanimously adopted a resolution urging Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi to rescind his reported resignation in the interest of the growth of the country’s sports.

    Other resolutions are – to commend and congratulate the Super Eagles for winning the trophy and making the nation proud.

    -To congratulate Coach Stephen Keshi and his technical team.

    -To commend and congratulate President Goodluck Jonathan for this achievement and for motivating the team.

    – Urge Mr. President and the Federal Government of Nigeria to reward the team handsomely materially and also by conferring befitting National Honours Awards on them.

    – Call on the managers of sports in Nigeria to sit up and return to the grassroots to develop the nation’s abundant sports talents to sustain this new dawn in the nation’s football and sports in general.

    – To urge Coach Stephen Keshi to rescind his resignation in the interest of growth of sports in Nigeria.”

    Ekweremadu in his lead debate said the AFCON trophy had eluded the country for the past 19 years since she last won it in 1994.

    He noted that until this year, the performance of the Super Eagles had been grossly dissatisfactory to the generality of Nigerians, while Nigerian football had nosedived abysmally.

    Ekweremadu urged the Senate to note with pleasure, “the splendid performance of the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Nigeria’s emergence as champion of Africa at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in South Africa.”

    The Senate, he added, should also note with “delight the tenacity of spirit, patriotic zeal as well as unity and team spirit displayed by players, coach, and entire team management.”

     

  • Ekweremadu, governors hail Super Eagles’ victory

    Ekweremadu, governors hail Super Eagles’ victory

    The Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, has congratulated the Super Eagles on their emergence as the new champions of Africa.

    Nigeria beat Burkina Faso 1-0 to win the competition for the third time in a tension soaked final on Sunday in Johannesburg.

    In a congratulatory message in Abuja, Ekweremadu described the Super Eagles’ lifting of the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in South Africa as “a new dawn in Nigerian football.’’

    He noted that the emergence of the Super Eagles as the champions of Africa was especially symbolic as Nigeria was marking its 100 years of existence as a nation.

    Ekweremadu urged all Nigerians to imbibe the patriotism, commitment, faith, and zeal demonstrated by the Eagles despite being written off early in the competition.

    “Winning the trophy on the threshold of our centenary is symbolic and I urge Nigerians to emulate the team’s spirit, patriotism and unity.’’

    The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Nigeria won the trophy for the first time when it hosted the tournament in 1980 and the second time in 1994 in Tunisia.

    Also Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun hailed the victory of the Super Eagles over the Stallions of Burkina Faso, describing it as instructive.

    This is contained in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, on Monday.

    Amosun described the success of the Nigerian team as “great”, especially coming at a time when many people had written the team off.

    “It shows that as a nation we can always achieve our dreams if we are dedicated, committed and unwavering in the face of daunting challenges,” the governor said.

    Amosun recalled that the Eagles went to the championship as ”an underdog”, but the ”can do it” spirit in an average Nigerian kept motivating them at every stage until they won the trophy.

    “Our dream of a great and united nation is always within our reach and attainment if we are committed and regard our challenges as mere stepping stones to the much-desired destination,” Amosun noted.

    The governor congratulated the Eagles and Nigerians for the AFCON success and the restoration of Nigeria’s glory in Africa football.

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the mental and physical development of the youth in the state so that they could continue to win more laurels for the state and Nigeria in general.

    In Maiduguri, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno congratulated the Super Eagles for their victory in South Africa.

    Shettima said this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Communications, Isa Gusau, in Maiduguri.

    “I wish to congratulate the Super Eagles, their coaches and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for their victory at the AFCON finals.

    “I also wish to congratulate the President and all Nigerians on the victory,” he said.

    Shettima said the victory was a good omen for Nigeria.

     

  • Ekweremadu tasks President Mahama on unity

    DEPUTY Senate President Ike Ekweremadu yesterday called on the newly inaugurated President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama to unite all political interests in the West African country by running an inclusive government.

    Ekweremadu, who doubles as Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) Parliament, gave the advice in a goodwill message to the President and people of Ghana on the occasion of the president’s inauguration issued by his media aide Uche Anichukwu in Abuja.

    He described President Mahama’s emergence as a “rendezvous with destiny” and extolled the Republic of Ghana as “a great inspiration for democracy in the West Africa sub-region.”

    Ekweremadu’s message reads: “You have a divine opportunity to be a statesman and true leader to all Ghanaians, irrespective of political and other leanings; it is an opportunity to carve a niche for yourself in the annals of this great Republic in the footsteps of your illustrious processors and great sons and daughters of Ghana who left indelible marks in the struggles for liberty, democracy, peace, and development in the entire black race.

    “History therefore beacons on you to consolidate democratic values and rally your great countrymen and women on the path of unity and prosperity.”

    He also urged the Ghanaian President to take another look at the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Foreign Investment Act, 1994 and the recurring issues arising from it with a view to ensuring the protection of the businesses of all West African nationals in the spirit of integration and relevant ECOWAS Protocols.

     

  • Nigeria’s future is bright, says Ekweremadu

    Nigeria’s future is bright, says Ekweremadu

    The Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu yesterday assured Nigerians that 2013 would yield the dividends of democracy, peace and prosperity.

    The lawmaker, who delivered his New Year message in Abuja, said: “I believe enough groundwork has been laid for the actualisation of the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government and for surmounting the challenges facing the nation.

    “With the early passage of the 2013 budget, more maturity on the path of institutions of governance and a greater sense of responsibility, love, unity, and patriotism among Nigerians; I have no doubt that the future is bright for the nation, despite the present challenges.”

    Ekweremadu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Uche Anichukwu, noted that the National Assembly would go beyond the passage of the 2013 budget to lay emphasis on oversight of the institutions of governance to ensure implementation for the benefit of the masses.

    He urged the people to pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation.

    The Deputy Senate President wished Nigerians a happy and prosperous New Year.

  • 2013 will be better – Ekweremadu

    2013 will be better – Ekweremadu

    Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has assured Nigerians that the year 2013 will yield better dividends of democracy, peace, and prosperity.

    Ekweremadu stated this on Monday in Abuja in a press statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Uche Anichukwu.

    He said: “I believe enough groundwork has been laid towards the actualisation of the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government and towards surmounting the many challenges facing the nation.”

    The Deputy Senate President expressed optimism that with the early passage of the 2013 budget, Nigeria was on the right track to attaining greater achievements.

    “With more maturity on the part of government institutions, greater sense of responsibility, love, unity, and patriotism among Nigerians, I have no doubt that the future is bright for the nation, despite the present challenges,” the News Agency of Nigeria quoted Ekweremadu as saying in the statement.

     

  • Jonathan commiserates Ekweremadu

    President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu on the death of his older brother, Prince Chukwuemeka Ekweremadu.

    The President, in a statement by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the news of the death was “very shocking, sad and regrettable”.

    He noted that the late Prince Ekweremadu had “many years ahead of him to accomplish more goals in life”.

    The President said it must have been a traumatic experience for the Deputy Senate President to lose a loving and worthy brother.

    He urged the senator and the Ekweremadu family to take consolation in the fact that the deceased made an indelible mark in his services to Enugu State and his community.

    The President prayed God to grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss and the soul of the deceased eternal repose.

     

  • Follow due process, says Ekweremadu

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has urged those agitating for states to follow due process .

    According to him, the constitution amendment cannot create states but can provide procedures for state creation.

    The Deputy Senate President said the Senate would also carry out another public hearing in all the geo-political zones on Thursday and Friday.

    He said the creation of states is cumbersome because the 36 states has to vote.

    Ekweremadu said it was a give-and-take exercise and appealed to governors and stakeholders to close ranks and decide on the states to be created.

    “Let us coordinate ourselves,” he said.

    Responding to a question on the sovereign national conference, Ekweremadu said it is not provided for in the constitution.

    The Deputy Senate President said what is in the constitution is the amendment of “the constitution and we are a country ruled by law therefore things extra constitutional, extra legal otherwise is anarchy.”

    He pointed out that this is the first time the Nigerian constitution is receiving input from the grassroots and that people should be free to say their mind.