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Tag: endorses

  • Emmanuel Udom endorses IbomFest

    Emmanuel Udom endorses IbomFest

    With the maiden edition of the Akwa Ibom heritage Festival tagged IbomFest 2016 underway, the Akwa Ibom State governor, His Excellency, Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel has announced his support for the festival.

    Billed to hold from December 15 to 17, the governor called on all would be visitors to take opportunity of the festival to visit the state and experience the artistic, cultural and tourism opportunities that abound in the state.

    Speaking at a press conference which held recently, Udom affirmed that the entire machinery of the state government was working in unity towards making sure that IbomFest 2016 would make indelible imprints in the consciousness of all guests.

    Governor Udom went on to state that the environment of Akwa Ibom State is remarkably clean and healthy while the peace and security status of the state speaks volumes.

    “Ibomfest, therefore, in the spirit of the Dakkada philosophy of our government, is positioned to contribute significantly towards the enhancement of the revenue base of the state and yield positive harvests to the people and government of the state.

    “I believe that this event will promote foreign direct investment vis-à-vis foreign exchange from visiting tourists, opportunity for establishment of trade relations with states and countries that will participate in the event, employment generation through involvement of men and women, youths, artistes, arts/ crafts vendors, transporters, food vendors, hoteliers and others in all activities throughout its duration and finally opportunity for income generation for entire communities,” he said.

    Also speaking to the members of the press, the Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State for Tourism and Development, Ini Edo stated that the festival which is themed Our Culture Beyond Borders is in line with the desire of the governor to ensure that Akwa Ibom remains the choice destination for tourists and investors and this has spurred the pace of infrastructural and socio-economic development witnessed in Akwa Ibom State.

    She also revealed that the event will help strengthen relationship between government, policy makers and private tourism operators within the state, the country and overseas towards further development of the abundant tourism potentials of the state and encouraging private sector initiatives in building of tourism infrastructure such as parks, tourists market/ souvenir shops, sit outs, guided tours and others to compliment government’s effort.”

  • LMC endorses Sharks’ shirt sponsorship deal with Eunisell

    LMC endorses Sharks’ shirt sponsorship deal with Eunisell

    The League Management Company (LMC) has approved a shirt sponsorship deal between Sharks FC of Port Harcourt and Eunisell Limited in line with provisions of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Rules and Framework.

    Salihu Abubakar, the LMC Chief Operating Officer (COO) conveyed the approval in a letter to Sharks in which he congratulated the club for securing the deal and also complying with regulations which provides that all external commercial relationships of clubs must be vetted and approved by the LMC before signing.

    Abubakar reminded other clubs that it is a breach of the rules to wear shirts with unauthorised endorsements and advised any club that is yet to have the approval of LMC to desist from further wearing of such shirts.

    He also reminded clubs that pitch panel displays must be approved by the LMC and their deployment for match day branding are to be handled by the LMC approved agency or any such persons authorised by it.

    “There are regulations guiding commercial relationships which prescribes the processes to ensure that existing rights are not violated. While we congratulate Sharks for their good fortune which we hope will grow, it is our expectation that other clubs will set up strong marketing units or engage marketing agencies to expand their revenue generating capacities”, remarked Abubakar.

    The LMC assured the clubs that it will at all times protect their interests in evaluating sponsorship deals for approval.

  • Group endorses Buhari/Osibanjo

    A group, Rivers Youths for Democratic Vanguard, (RYDV), one of the socio-political organisations in Rivers State, has endorsed the candidature of Gen. Mohammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and his running mate, Yemi Osnibajo, for the presidential election.

    Arising from an emergency meeting yesterday in Port Harcourt, the group said their decision was on the premise of the critical condition of the nation’s economy, which it says needs someone like Buhari for urgent rescue

    The leader of the group, Rev’d Fred Woke, who chaired the meeting, said as much as Governor Chibuike Amaechi is leading the change movement, there is no going back on their support for Buhari/Osinbajo ticket.

    He accused the Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of defacing the campaign posters of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a campaign strategy to misinform the people of the state that Buhari has no supporters in the state.

  • Polls: PDM endorses Buhari

    Polls: PDM endorses Buhari

    The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) has thrown its weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari in next month’s elections.

    The party’s national executive committee in a communiqué at the end of a meeting in Abuja last week ,described General Buhari as one  candidate equipped to  save Nigeria “from imminent collapse and give it a new lease of life.”

    It asked Nigerians to “reject desperate politicians who have been given a chance to prove their worth but failed,” pointing out that “Nigeria’s democracy has come to stay and would not be undermined by the desperation of those who are afraid to lose election in February 2015.”

    It said: “NEC observed that of the available presidential candidates, two clearly stand out and the two represent a clear contrast and reference point for making a clear and informed choice.

    “Of the five critical issues which NEC believes constitute the nation’s top and urgent priority at this material time, namely, unity, security, job creation, fight against corruption and the economy, it is the opinion of NEC that the incumbent who has been at the helm of affairs of the nation in the past six years had failed.

    “In contrast, his opponent had a track record of achievement in these areas as a former Head of State and Executive Chairman of Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund. NEC believes it is time for Nigerians to give him a chance.

    “In view of the foregoing, NEC unanimously resolved to support the candidature of General Muhammadu Buhari for President of Nigeria and called on all members and supporters of PDM across Nigeria to vote for him in the presidential election of February 14, 2015.”

    It condemned the call by Governor Bala Ngilari of Adamawa State  for the postponement of the forthcoming elections in his State and “wondered why it is the Governor of Adamawa, not Borno State, who is making such a call.”

    The communiqué was signed by the PDM National Chairman,Alhaji Bashir Ibrahim and the Secretary,Mr.Ifeanyi Igwe.

  • Arewa community endorses APC

    Arewa community endorses APC

    The Chairman of the Arewa Community, Lagos State, Mallam Kabiru Abdullahi, has said the group will support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general election.

    Addressing members of the Arewa community, during a visit of the APC senatorial candidate of the Lagos West, Hon. Solomon Adeola, he said the party has done much for the Hausa community.

    He said: “It is important I let you understand that the APC is our official party in Lagos State. We will vote massively for the party because we have been well protected and taken care of by the government. There is no complaint made which government refused to address.

    ‘’We will vote General Mumammadu Buhari as President, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode as governor and Hon. Soloman Adeola as Senator. These candidates have excelled in their previous assignments. They have done so well, they will get the Hausa community mandate across Lagos State,’’ he said.

    Also speaking, Hon. Adeola said the APC will clear the rot in the land and make the country safe for everybody. He noted that the Arewa in Nigeria are peace loving people but unfortunately the rudderless leadership in the country has made their homestead in the northern part of the country a theatre of war.

    He said: ‘’It is only Buhari that can address the insecurity; the records are there to prove what I am saying. I urge you all to obtain your Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) to enable you vote. It does not end there; you should stand there to ensure that your votes are not stolen when they are being counted.

    ‘’The aged can leave after voting while the youths should stay behind to secure their mandates. On our part, we will keep a tab on all the process. We will not allow them to cheat because we will be there to until the ballots are counted and announced.

    He added that the APC will continue to do its good work in the state, stressing that the pace of development could only continue if the party is voted in the coming election.

    He said: ‘’You see, Buhari alone cannot carry out the revolutionary transformation of the country, he need a National Assembly that will support his efforts. That is why you must vote the APC candidates who are aspiring to be at the House. If the PDP who will form the opposition in the coming years are in the majority in the House, they will try to frustrate him but I know we will triumph and return this country to the part of progress again.

    Adeola maintained that he will continue to identify with the Arewa community, adding they play a vital role when he was elected to the House of Representatives. ‘’I you give the APC your mandate again, we will treasure it and will not disappoint you.’’

  • MEND endorses APC candidate

    MEND endorses APC candidate

    The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari yesterday gained an unusual support as the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) endorsed him.

    MEND, in a statement circulated by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, anchored its decision on the need to deliver Nigeria, especially the Niger Delta, from the crunching effects of the reign of corruption that has become the most prevalent sign of governance in Nigeria.

    The group hailed Gen. Buhari for proposing to scrap the office of the First Lady, which it considered a drain on the commonwealth.

    “The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has, upon careful consideration of the state of the nation, endorsed and fully support the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Our decision to throw our full support behind Gen. Mohammadu Buhari stems from the pathetic state in which the country has been put by the government of Goodluck Jonathan and our strong belief in Gen. Buhari as the man and change the country needs.

    “President Goodluck Jonathan does not deserve a second more in the Presidency as soon as his tenure expires as he has continuously and blatantly disregarded the very people who voted him into office.

    “A President that told Nigerian to their faces that he does not “give a damn” when asked to declare his assets. A requirement that is constitutional on assuming the office of the President.

    “President Jonathan, since assuming his office, has setup countless number of “Committees”, none of which reports has ever been implemented. From the Nuhu Ribadu report to the KPMG and Fuel Subsidy reports, just to mention a few.

    “We re-state our disregard and lack of confidence in President Goodluck Jonathan. Rather than address the perennial issues in the country responsible for his administrations failures, he is concentrating government funds in a campaign of misinformation intended to hoodwink Nigerians who, unfortunately for him, are now wiser and smarter than he is.

    “Goodluck Jonathan’s actions, utterances and arrogance prove that he is totally disconnected with the situation facing the ordinary Nigerian and completely out of touch with reality.”

    On the situation with the Niger Delta, the MEND said: “Since President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office, the Niger Delta has experienced excruciating poverty faced by the people, worse pollution and environmental degradation and not once has he ever come out to openly condemn the destruction of our environment by the activities of irresponsible oil companies.

    “Recent reports confirm the country is losing billions of dollars in oil revenue due to oil theft. This theft has been aided by the pot-bellied Nigerian Army generals, in connivance with corrupt Nigerian government officials, the Joint Task Force and the Nigerian Navy. It is no wonder the once respected Nigerian Military has been reduced to a ragtag army by the Boko Haram terrorists. It can only take a bold and courageous man like Gen. Mohammadu Buhari to tackle the insecurity and oil theft plaguing the nation. He has done it before and he will and can do it again!”

  • Re: Babangida endorses Jonathan

    SIR: Penultimate week, all the major newspapers splashed the above as their lead story. This was  as a result of the so-called visit to the former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, by the President Goodluck Jonathan, but which was made public courtesy of the members of the journalistic profession.

    This writer is not surprised, like other Nigerians about the open endorsement of President Jonathan. This is because of the well-known antecedents of the former Head of State as a strong foe of General Muhammadu Buhari, taking into account how General Babangida overthrew the erstwhile Head of State in 1985. Since then, General Babangida does not believe in General Buhari, though they have reconciled the differences they have.

    The bottomline of this piece, is essentially that no matter what, General Babangida, cannot and is not in a position to direct the position of the north now. This is because he has lost the goodwill he has to speak on behalf of the north.

    He has lost his esteem in the eyes of the people of this country more especially he failed in his capacity as a former leader of this country and as a soldier, to use the opportunity he has to comment or advise the government to adopt measure(s) to halt what is happening in the north due to the activities of terrorists especially in the North-eastern parts of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

    The reason why General Babangida believes in the present administration is simply because he can still call the shots either they are proper or not than under General Buhari, who is a strong advocate of things to be done in the right way. It is pertinent to stress the point, that General Buhari will neither condone nor give room for corruption to thrive in whatever ramification. This time it is really the crossroads for Nigerians for a change and from all indications, the people are ready to vote Buhari.

    Things have degenerated to a level that requires the services of people like the General to move the country forward. Nobody has the capacity to put asunder the change being advocated by the people, who have not seen anything meaningful done under the ruling party, especially under the current President onathan.

    The likes of General Babangida are the architects of the myraid of problems  confronting this great country, ranging from corruption, lack of development and unemployment of teeming graduates.

    The fourth attempt for the presidency of this great country by General Buhari is consistent with the call by the people of the country, who want a radical departure from misgovernance, corruption, nepotism, etc. It is better for GeneralBabangida and his likes to be quiet as the people are ready to give them the shock of their lives in 2015.

     

    • Usman Santuraki,

    Jambutu, Jimeta-Yola.

  • Forum endorses Chime, Nwobodo

    Forum endorses Chime, Nwobodo

    As the primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) approach, Enugu State professionals operating under the aegis of the Enugu Professional Forum (EPF) have supported the senatorial ambitions of Governor Sullivan Chime and his Chief of Staff, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo.

    They are believed to be interested in the Enugu West and Enugu East senatorial seats.

    Rising from its monthly meeting yesterday in Enugu, the EPF in a communiqué by the President, Nebechi Ugo and Secretary, Tony Ugwu, also approved the processes, which led to the emergence of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the consensus candidate of the PDP for next year’s governorship election.

    The group said Chime and Nwobodo earned its endorsement following their “exceptional performance and exemplary professional approach to the issues pertaining to government, governance  and political administration.”

    It noted that the duo, by their exploits, gave the people the reason to believe again in government, especially when it is in the hands of professionals.

    The body said: “As a lawyer and administrator, Chime has, through his achievements in office, redefined public administration and good governance. He has shown that with good vision, clear conscience,  selflessness and the commitment expected of a true professional, real and enduring changes can be brought to the lives of the indigenes.”

    EPF praised Mrs. Nwobodo, whom it said, applied her professional experience and knowledge as a chartered accountant and an administrator to ensure that the governor’s vision for the state was accomplished, even in the face of financial challenges.

    The group said the duo deserved to be engaged in higher services to the state and nation, adding that it was confident that they would excel.

    It noted: “In Governor Chime and Mrs. Nwobodo, Enugu State is presenting to Nigeria, two consummate professionals and proven administrators, who have left an indelible mark on the history of governance. They belong to the best of the best and they are assets to this country.”

    The communiqué described the processes, which produced Ugwuanyi as the “quintessence of democracy”, saying although they (processes) would not foreclose primaries, they  portrayed the thinking of Enugu people.

  • Cleric endorses Ekweremadu for Senate

    Cleric endorses Ekweremadu for Senate

    A popular Enugu Catholic priest, Rev. Ejike Mbaka, at the weekend endorsed Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu for next year’s election.

    The cleric declared his support at the weekly prayer vigil at the Adoration Ministry ground in Enugu.

    He said the Deputy Senate President had done well and deserved to be re-elected.

    Rev. Mbaka said: “We have had a Senate President and we have equally had senators. But Ekweremadu has given the people of Enugu and the Southeast the feel of governance.

    “Many of the roads and development projects you see around Awgu, Oji River, Ezeagu, Aninri and many parts of Enugu and the Southeast came courtesy of the quality representation by Senator Ekweremadu.

    “Besides, he is here with his wife. He has demonstrated the ability to keep his family. That is the first test of a leadership.”

    The cleric described Ekweremadu as a man with a good heart and compassion.

    He said the church would stand by him to ensure he returns to the Senate continue his good work for Enugu and the Southeast.

    Rev. Mbaka added: “Talking about Enugu West Senatorial or Enugu State is even local politics. What is at stake here is the Igbo interest and Nigeria. The Igbo cannot sacrifice what they have because of the selfish ambition of anybody.”

  • Dangote endorses SON’s new cement classification, uses

    Dangote endorses SON’s new cement classification, uses

    Nigeria’s leading cement manufacturer, Dangote Cement Plc, has expressed satisfaction with the recent classification of cement grades and their uses by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

    The company promised  to  abide by the agency’s classification.

    Dangoted Cement said it had complied with the grading and produced the product to the specifications.

    The SON, in the wake of the building collapses across the country and the attendant controversies on the quality of cement produced in the country, summoned a meeting of stakeholders in the building and construction industry.

    The meeting reviewed the quality of standard cement and came up with a classification of cement types and their appropriate uses.

    This was aimed at stemming the suspected misapplication of the product, which had contributed to frequent building collapse.

    SON, in the new classification, warned the public to adhere strictly to the application of cement types and save the nation further structure failures.

    In the fresh review of standard, the agency restricted the use of the 32.5 grade strength to plastering of structures only.

    It said the 42.5 grade should be for the construction of buildings, beams, load bearing columns, pillars, block moulding and other structures.

    SON added that the 52.5 grade should be used for the construction of bigger projects.

    Group Managing Director of the Dangote Cement Plc, Devakumar Edwin, told a group of Kenyan businessmen, who visited the Ibese cement plant of the company at the weekend, that the decision to embark on the high quality grade was to stop building collapse.

    He hailed SON for the bold move.

    Edwin said Dangote Cement was ready to support the regulatory body to rid the nation of structure failures.

    He added: “After 28 days, the 32.5 grade gives a strength of 32.5MPA, whereas the 42.5 grade gives a curing of 42.5MPA, that is, 30 per cent higher in strength.”

    Edwin, who also spoke  in Lagos, explained that depite the high quality grade of Dangote Cement, it had not increased its price for the product.

    “China, the number one producer of cement in the world, is phasing out the entire 32.5 grade by July. India, the second largest producer of cement, phased out 32.5 grade cement 12 years back,” he said.

    The company chief, at a public hearing conducted by the House of Representatives on cement quality in Abuja, questioned why other manufacturers were producing high grade cement in their Indian factories but producing low grade in Nigeria.