The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Excitement

  • Excitement as Akwa Ibom welcomes Richard King

    Akwa Ibom indigenes organised a resounding reception for Prof. Richard King in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, reports Kazeem Ibrahym.

    It was a carnival of sort last Friday when a socio-political organisation in Akwa Ibom state called the Divine Mandate Organisation at their secretariat on Ikot Ekpene Road hosted presidential aide and governorship hopeful in Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Richard King.

    While the reception was going on, there was gridlock at Ikot Ekpene Road, making it difficult for vehicular movement for some hours. The residents came out in their large numbers to receive the Okuku of Idua Clan in Eket and Obong Ikkike of Uyo, Prof. King has it is fondly called.

    Prof. King, who was a member of the 2007 and 2011 Presidential Campaign Team that produced President Goodluck Jonathan, arrived the venue with his wife, Lady Laurel King acknowledging cheers from members of the public.

    The youths, market women, elders and political stalwarts also came out in their large numbers to pay homage to one of their own. Different political groups such as Akwa Ibom Redemption Movement (ARM); Akwa Ibom Frontline Youth Movement (AYFM); Prof. King Solidarity Group (PKSG); King Vision Project and Ibom Advancement Forum for Prof. King, all stormed the venue to welcome Prof. King whom they described as the man of the people.

    Even though political campaigns have not started nationwide, some of the youths carried placards with Prof. King’s name boldly written on it while urging him to heed the clarion call of the youths by contesting the 2015 governorship seat in the state.

    As one speaker spoke after the other, the situation was not different. They all pleaded with the presidential aide not to disappoint the Akwa Ibom people by not contesting the 2015 governorship election.

    The don, who is the authorized author of Presidential Campaign materials viz: (1) The Dr. Goodluck Jonathan That I Know (2007); and (2) Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan: A Personality Profile (2011), first point of call on arrival was the commissioning of Divide Mandate Organisation House.

    The Coordinator of the organisation, Chief C. H Isong, in his speech stated that the people of the state were proud to welcome home an illustrious son who had answered the call to serve the nation in many capacities at the national level.

    He commended Prof. King for being a good ambassador of the state and thanked him for all the benevolent works and goodwill he extended to the people of the state in Abuja.

    Prof. King in his remarks thanked the people for the honour done him and his wife Laurel. The don said he was overwhelmed and encourage by the remarkable reception.

    He pledged that he would continue to serve the people no matter where he finds himself.

    The don noted that the period of his absence was a period he used to gather more inspirations as to how best to keep contributing to the welfare and development of the state.

    His words: “In spite of our impressive developmental journey and the far-reaching achievements made, there is need for us to address some pertinent issues that are indices of the remaining accomplishments.

    “There is therefore an urgent need for us to reorder our stance in the very near future especially as the political climate is gradually changing ahead of the 2015 elections. Akwa Ibom state belongs to the people.

    “Consequently, the people are at liberty to take decisions that are for the overall interest of the state. I am here today to inform you that there is a forthcoming Era of New Hope in the state and I am inviting you to key into it.

    “Henceforth, you will have no reasons to compromise the strength of this coalition. Let us remain united and focused in all things including socio-economic development and politics.

    “We must be resolute in taking decisions that will positively affect us and generations yet unborn. God is with us and the platform has been set. Nothing stops us from forging ahead and achieving our goals.”

    Prof. King who later addressed reporters at his Osong Ama residence, cleared the air on the much talked about issue of his state of origin.

    The state of origin of Prof. King has been debated widely in the media. It was alleged his father hails from Delta-Igbo but the don dismissed such claims with the wave of hands, saying he was not perturbed when “outsiders” say he was not from Eket.

    He noted that no Eket man had joined to say he is not from Eket because they know where he comes from.

    His words: “Nobody from Eket has ever said that I am not from Eket. You don’t go to another person’s place and determine the citizenship of the people there. The people carrying the propaganda are people from outside Eket.

    “There is no other indigene of Eket that is more Eket than myself. I am the son of Chief John King Usoro and I am Professor Richard King. I am from Oton Awo of Ikot Ebok in Idua Clan. I am a title holder in Idua clan.

    “I am a title holder in Eket. What else do you want to hear? Do you want me to take you to where my father was buried? Maybe you would like to see the grave of some of my ancestors; maybe you may have the ability to speak with them.”

  • Excitement as GOtv berths in Calabar

    Residents of Calabar, the Cross River State capital, this week welcomed the services of GOtv, who launched in the city using the latest generation Digital Video Broadcast Standard DVB –T2, alongside four other cities.

    Mrs Elizabeth Amkpa, General Manager GOtv Nigeria, said in Calabar that after successful launches in Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Enugu, Benin, Aba, Owerri, Kano, Kaduna, Onitsha, Asaba, Uyo and Abuja, the new DTT (digital terrestrial television) service, GOtv decided to roll out its services to five additional cities this festive period. The cities are Akure, Calabar, Ogbomosho, Oshogbo, and Ife are launched with a new bouquet, GOtv Extra.

    Amkpa said, “GOtv Extra is a new bouquet being launched in Nigeria and has been created to showcase the best of GOtv. GOtv Extra offers the greatest selection of local channels made in Africa for Africa as well as the best international channels for as low as N1,500 per month.

    “We at GOtv are constantly innovating to ensure we continue to deliver the best possible digital television to Nigeria. We come from a solid corporate background and family in which MultiChoice has a proud legacy of 20 years of providing the best digital television to Africa. Thus, not only are we passionate about digital television, but we are passionate about Africa – which is why GOtv is the home of great channels – made in Africa for Africa.” said Mrs Elizabeth Amkpa, General Manager GOtv Nigeria.

    “GOtv is delivered to homes in Nigeria via the use of the latest DVB-T2 technology, which guarantees a one-off migration to the digital age. With the use of DVB-T2 technology, GOtv gives subscribers a dramatic improvement on the dividend of terrestrial frequencies. DVB-T2 technology standard allows for no less than 21 channels per frequency. With GOtv, Nigerians can experience the digital television revolution in the comfort of their homes because GOtv delivers a selection of exciting channels in great picture and sound quality.

    “GOtv subscribers will have access to an exciting selection of channels containing news, children’s programming, documentaries, series and movies which are carefully selected to cater for a variety of different tastes and family viewing needs at a very affordable price.

    “The channel lineup includes Africa Magic, M-Net Movies Zone, Africa Magic Yoruba, Africa Magic Movies, Blackbelt TV, Telemundo, Televista, Vox Africa, Sony Entertainment Television, E! Entertainment, SuperSport Blitz, SuperSport Select 2, CNN, NatGeo Wild, Disney Jnr, Nickelodeon, MTV Base, Sound City, TBN, Islam Channel, Lagos TV, NTA I, Silverbird TV, AIT, and Channels.

    “GOtv subscribers are encouraged to make use of the GOtenna (outside) for optimal signals. With the GOtenna, customers should expect uninterrupted viewing and excellent picture quality.

    “We encourage subscribers to take advantage of the GOtenna that is provided to ensure increased signal strength and better protection against mobile phone and car interference.”

  • Excitement, anxiety as Taraba awaits Suntai’s return

    Excitement, anxiety as Taraba awaits Suntai’s return

    Taraba State is on edge, following reports that Governor Dambaba Suntai will return on Sunday, after 10 months of absence. Correspondent Fanen Ihyongo captures the excitement and anxiety of the people.

    Taraba State Governor Dambaba Suntai is expected back on Sunday, after 10 months of absence. The ailing governor was hospitalised in Germany and the United States (US) hospitals, following the injuries he sustained in a helicopter crash last year. His doctors, according to sources, said he was now fit to resume work at the State House, Jalingo.

    Suntai was flown to Hannover, Germany, from where he was evacuated to the US on the advice of his Chief Physician, Prof. Zakari Yusuf Aliyu.

    The governor piloted the ill-fated Cessna 208 aircraft, which also had onboard his Aide-de- Camp (ADC), Iliya Dasat, the Chief Detail, Joel Danladi, and the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Tino Dangana. The security aides, who were treated in Germany, have since returned home.

    Suntai, who is said to be hale and hearty, is expected to depart the Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Centre and Home in New York, for home on Sunday. The acting governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, has been officially informed.

    During his long absence, there were moves to remove him, on claims that he was either incapacitated or dead. His associates say his return will disprove reportsthat his condition was sad.

    In Taraba, there is unease. Many people are anxious; some are confused. There is panic in the anti-Suntai camp. Suntai’s men ,who shifted loyalty to the acting governor are also panicky. While the governor’s family and political associates are happy, his antagonists are afraid.

    Some people actually jubilated when the accident occured on October 25, last year. To them, Suntai’s return is bad news. To those who wept, planned his return calls for celebration. In other words, it is defeat for his opponents, but triumph for his loyalists, supporters and well-wishers.

    Suntai’s deputy, Umar, who was sworn in on October 5, last year, succeeded Alhaji Sani Abubakar Danladi, who was impeached . When he became the acting governor, he prayed for speedy recovery for his boss. He is however, surrounded by fanatical supporters, who wanted him to be sworn in as governor.

    Umar’s supporters mounted pressure on him to assert himself. A source said that the deputy governor always cautioned his supporters saying it was wrong to betray a benefactor.

    He also explained that through providence became he deputy governor and acting governor. Umar also said that, even as acting governor, he has been exercising the powers of the governor as prescribed by the Constitution.

    But, some party chieftains accuse him of pretending. The former Secretary to the Government (SSG), Ambassador Emmanuel Njiwah accused him of trying to manipulate the governor, without success.

    Njiwah was among nine members of the State Executive Council sacked by the acting governor for allegedly failing to account for the N400 million Federal Government’s intervention funds for victims of the flood disaster in the state last year. But he claimed that he was fired because he refused join those who said that Suntai was incapacitated. “I cannot betray my governor (Suntai)”, Njiwah said at a press conference.

    The sacked commissioners are Anthony Jellason (Agriculture), Rebo Usman (Water Resources and Rural Development), Yakubu Agbaizo (Education), Charity Green (Women Affairs) and Jonah Agyo (Works). The sacked Special Advisers are Joshua Augustine (Revenue Matters), Mannaseh Kaura (Border Development), Tonyonga Binga (Education) and Joseph Magaji Tahwa (Rural Development).

    Apart from Binga and Tahwa, other sacked officials were indicted by the House of Assembly, which adopted the report of its investigative committee on the utilisation of the flood funds.

    “They were fired for failing to account for the N400 million federal government intervention funds provided for victims of the flood disaster in Taraba state last year”, Umar said in a statement.Binga and Tahwa bitterly, but Umar said their services were no longer required.

    The Commissioner for Health, Prince Mustapha Hammangabdo, who was also indicted by the report, resigned few hours before the acting governor’s axe. Njiwah alleged that it was the acting governor who advised Hammangabdo to resign.

    The sack has been heating up Taraba.There have been protests and counter protests.

    Njiwah said the sacked officials only spent N300 million out of the N400 millions. He accused the acting governor of trying to feast on the remaining funds. But Umar said he acted in the interest of the state.“My boss (Suntai) would have done same”, he said.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fact-finding panel of the on Taraba which visited Suntai in New York, was impressed with what it saw. Senator Hope Uzodinma-led panel was set up by the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. The committee members told the party that the governor was still fit to rule.

    A lot of political changes have taken place in the last 10 months. The House of Assembly Speaker Istifanus Haruna Gbana, was impeached and replaced with Hon. Haruna Tsokwa. Gbana was removed along with Deputy Speaker Abel Peter Diah and the Majority Leader, Charles Maijankai.

    Umar, explained that the impeached House leaders were planning to remove him. Gbana and Diah denied the allegation.

    The political situation in Taraba changed when Gbana and Diah, who are strong allies of the ailing governor, were shove aside.

    The Gbana/Diah-led House impeached the former deputy governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Danladi, to pave the way for Umar. Danladi went to court to challenge the impeachment but he lost.

    Njiwah and his group have sued the government. The sacked officials were accused by the flood victims of feasting on the relief funds. Their cries prompted the House to investigate them.

    In their suit, the sacked officials are seeking a declaration that their sack is null and void, and an order setting aside the ad hoc committee’s report of the House.

    They also want the court to restrain the acting governor from appointing other public officers to replace them. They are also praying the court to issue an order compelling Umar to apologise to them “for defamatory and/or libelous publication”.

    The defendants include Speaker Haruna Tsokwa, the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee that investigated the sacked officials, Tanko Adamu Maikarfi, and other members of the committee-Edward Baraya, Yahaya Abdulrahman, Ibrahim Adamu Imam and Yohana Iratsi Adaki.

    They alleged that the House denied them fair hearing. They also want the court to determine whether or not the failure of the ad hoc committee to invite them to respond to the allegations levelled against them did not breach their fundamental rights to fair hearing, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.

    But Speaker Tsokwa has stood his ground, saying that the sack officials were given enough time to defend themselves.

    Umar appointed Mr. Garvey Yawe, the former Chief of Staff, as SSG. The acting governor also appointed Ahmed Yusuf, an engineer, as the Chief of Staff. Yusuf had been an opposition leader in the state for many years. He was urged to defect to PDP by Suntai in May last year. The governor later appointed him as the Chairman, Board of Taraba Investment and Properties Limited.

    Umar however, has not replaced other sacked officials, apparently to dispel the claims by Suntai’s loyalists that he is “over ambitious” and that he was subverting his boss.

    The acting governor has directed other commissioners to oversee the affected ministries.

    The Commissioner for Finance, Iliya Wanapia, is supervising the Ministry of Works. Information Commissioner Emmanuel Bello oversees the Ministry of Agriculture. Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation Isa Musa is supervising the Ministry of Education. The Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, G. T. Kataps, is in charge of the Health Ministry. Environment Commissioner Danfulani Kwetaka is in charge of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Commissioner for Social Welfare,Youth and Sports Abdulhadi Haruna Lau is supervising the Ministry of Water Resources.

    Majority of the commissioners are pro-Suntai; they were appointed by him. This makes Umar to believe that they do not want him to be sworn in as substantive governor. “But being pro-Suntai does not mean being anti-Umar”, one of the commissioners said.

    “Ours is loyalty to the state government. Whoever is in the saddle has to be supported. We hear a lot of stories, such as; the acting governor is reshuffling the cabinet tomorrow, next week and so on. We don’t actually understand him”, he added.

    The Muslim elite from the Northern geo-political zone had wanted Umar to take over, so that he could run as the governorship candidate in 2015. Their belief is that, if the acting governor contests as an incumbent, he can muzzle the ruling party to give him the ticket, so that he can become the first Muslim governor, since Taraba State was created on August 27, 1991.

    As Suntai returns, he is likely to relinquish power to the Southern Zone. Although Taraba does not practice power shift, the governor had promised the zone that he would handover to one of the indigenes of the area.

    But there are still ‘doubting Thomases’, who think that Suntai will not come back. They ask: Is Suntai is returning, or an impostor? Will he be physically and mentally strong to carry on as governor?

    The pro-Umar group is angry with the acting governor for not being “decisive”. They allege that Umar is playing along with Suntai’s loyalists to shield the governor.

    Suntai will return to meet a divided state and party. His stickers are on his supporters vehicles. But Umar’s supporters also carry the acting governor’s sticker.

    Umar has allegedly opened a campaign office, where his supporters meet to plot Suntai’s fall. The office, claimed to be a PDP Youth Vanguard Secretariat, is located a few metres from the party’s office, at No 29, Barde Way, beside the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), in Jalingo.

    Suntai’s loyalists, including the PDP chairman, Mr. Victor Bala, have frowned at the move. Bala’s fate as chairman is hanging in the balance. Some stakeholders are plotting his removal.

    There has been a lull in party activities. Suntai’s absence and politics of succession have polarised the party. The camps work at cross purpose. Will the governor’s return re-unite the divided fold or deepen the crisis? Time will tell.

  • AYAC: Students express excitement as Africa athletic meet opens in Warri

    AYAC: Students express excitement as Africa athletic meet opens in Warri

    Some school children in Warri who witnessed the opening ceremonies of the maiden Africa Youth Athletics Championships (AYAC) on Thursday described the performances of cultural troupes as impressive.

    Some of the troupes included Iyanya and the Trinity Cultural Troupes, Warri. The students, numbering about 300, were invited to the Warri Township Stadium to witness the ceremonies. They hailed the performances as “a dream come true”.

    Philomena Samuel, of De Bride Primary School, D.S.C extension, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that she was excited at the live performances during the ceremonies.

    “I am happy to be here to witness such an event. I have enjoyed myself with all the side attractions,” she said.

    Samuel commended the Delta Government for inviting her school to witness the ceremonies.

    Goodluck Omatseye, a Senior Secondary 2 boy of Orhuwhorun Technical High School Samaru, said it was a privilege to be invited by the organisers. He observed, however, that the ceremonies could have been better with countries showcasing their cultural heritage.

  • Excitement as Streets of Calabar premieres

    The on-going Calabar Festival registered several more levels of excitement with the premiere of the international Nollywood comedy thriller Streets of Calabar on Friday night at the Marina Resort Cinema in the State capital.

    The event sponsored by UNICEM, which drew the cream of the entertainment industry as well as top government officials, also witnessed the launch of a Cinema at the resort to be managed by Film House Cinemas.

    Chairman of the state House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Mr. Steve Okupe, who declared the cinema open, said in line with the tourism thrust of the state, the event was another distinction added to the cap of the state.

    The movie, shot in London and Calabar, features Rita Dominic (2012 winner AMAA Best Actress Award); Wale Ojo (winner Nigeria Entertainment Best Actor Award 2012 & star of “Phone Swap”); Anthony Ofoegbu (UK actor on British TV productions “The Bill”, “Casualty” and “Spooks”); Maynard Eziashi (winner of Silver Bear 41st Berlin International Film Festival Best Actor Award for his role alongside Pierce Brosnan in “Mister Johnson”; Keppy Ekpenyong (veteran actor and star of over thirty Nollywood movies); Gordon Case (A royal Shakespearean and National Theatre actor in the UK); Lisa Kill(a new British Nollywood Starlet); Vicqui Christie (a British trained actress); writer, producer & director Charles Aniagolu (former BBC and CNN news anchor); co-director Frank Macaulay and various other cast and crew members of Streets of Calabar.

    Managing Director of Film House Cinemas, Mr. Ken Mkparu, described the opening of the cinema as a dream come true.

    He said in spite of some challenges, the enabling environment the Cross River State government and the tourism bureau provided made the project possible.

    He said the company is planning to inaugurate 25 cinemas in Nigeria in the next six years.

    He described the Marina Resort Cinema as unique because it is one of the few cinemas in the world that overlook the river.

  • Excitement, fun, as the ‘Star TV Game Show’ 2012 winds to a close

    Excitement, fun, as the ‘Star TV Game Show’ 2012 winds to a close

    WITH one minute to go and N3m at stake, this may well be the most crucial moment in Mathew Ugwu’s life. The 21 year-old old native of Imo State should be in his home base in Enugu State, eking out a living as a bricklayer. Today he is in Lagos, participating in the Star TV Game Show.

    The game is down to the wire. A razor sharp tension permeates the ambience. The fate of Ugwu’s team lies in his hands. Should they win, they will walk away with one million naira each. But the odds are against them as they are trail with 10 points. The game is the Star Dunk, an adaptation from the basketball game. The contestants are required to aim balls into a series of improvised basketball hoops. The game might well be considered easy but for the presence of a wooden screen obstructing the view of contestants. Thus Mathew Ugwu and other must aim for the basketball even with the wooden screen obstructing their view. He takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, opens them again and aims. The rest is history. Mathew Ugwu, along with the other members of the team, Chika Ikere, a native of Edo State and a Lagos based trader as well as Nwoke Jideofor, a youth corps member serving in Abuja were also winners of N1m, walk away with one million naira each in the Star TV Game Show. The excitement ripples through the live audience as they join the three winners in frenzied celebrations. ”Welcome to the millionaires club,” Gbenga Adeyinka, ace comedian and anchor of the Game Show says to the three men. As Mathew Ugwu wipes the sweat from his brow, a voice rings out from the audience, ”wipe that poverty away from your face. You are now a millionaire!!” The remark is greeted with laughter.

    That was just one of the indelible moments in the recently concluded Star TV Game Show. Indeed, it has been an exciting journey in the nation’s most popular and longest running game show. In all, 21 individuals from all walks of life won for themselves N1m each. For winners like Mathew Ugwu, the N1m represents a new lease of life for them. For Mathew, who was among the fifth batch of millionaires to emerge, his dreams of going back to school will finally come to reality. The native of Enugu State was on the verge of forfeiting his admission to the Enugu State University because he could not afford the fees. But with the N1m, his quest for education will not be truncated. “I can’t believe this. This is God’s way of sending me to school. I was going to lose my admission because my parents couldn’t come up with N120, 000. But thank God that I will go to school at last,” he stated.

    If Mathew Ugwu’s story is touching then the story of Chinedu Agoh is even more gripping. Agoh wept like a baby after he was announced as one of the winners in the third batch of the game show. The reason for his tears is understable. The Enugu State based driver spends his nights in the pavement of the underground floor in a hotel. With a monthly salary of N25, 000, Agoh could barely afford a decent apartment for himself. Rather he sends his most of his meager salary to his wife and two year old son in neighbouring Imo State. Now with the largesse, the 32-year-old man will finally be able to reunite his family. “: “I have been staying apart from my wife and son for the past six months due to lack of money to get a befitting accommodation. I currently sleep on the pavement of the underground floor of the hotel in Enugu where I currently work as a driver. The place stinks, but I have no choice but to lay my head there every night. With this one million naira; I will pay for an accommodation for us to come back together as a family and open a bank account for my son.”

    The testimony continues: Twenty-eight-year-old Olalekan Olorunsogo became a millionaire on the third anniversary of his father’s burial. “I don’t really know what to say. Today marks the day that I lost my father. And I am smiling home with N1m thanks to Star,” he said.

    However, the Star TV Game Show is not only about doling out money to winners. The game show also generates ample fun and excitement not only for the participants in the games but also the live audience. Much of this is owed to the show anchor, Gbenga Adeyinka. The ace comedian’s uncanny ability to connect with the audience and the participants certainly gives Star TV Game an edge over others. With his humour and witty refrains, there is hardly a dull minute in the Star TV Game Show. The humour merchant, it was, that coined several hilarious phases to depict points won during every game. While Etwetwe means 5 points, Igbagba is for 10 points while Ofilingi is for twenty points. As ridiculous as they may sound, it became a hit with the audience and participants of the game show.

    As for the show audience and participants, selected from bars in cities across the country the experience goes beyond winning the prize money. All the Participants brought to Lagos and are lodged in the posh Mainland hotels for a night before they are taken for the game show proper. Joseph Adikpo, a Kaduna based teacher was opportune to attend the third edition of the game show. ”He says: For me, I haven’t been to Lagos before. This is a wonderful experience for me. I am so happy that Nigerian Breweries will bring me all the way from Kaduna to Lagos for the Game Show,” he says. Henry Olalekan is a retiree based in Jos, Plateau State. He talks about his experience of coming all the way from Jos to Lagos for the game show, “It has been a wonderful experience for me. It feels like a holiday for me because I have always craved for a trip to Lagos.” Jude Nwehu, who is a business man also based in Jos is happy with the reprieve that the trip to Lagos for the Star TV Game Show afforded him. ”I am just glad to be here. There are so much killings and bombings in Jos when I stay so I am thankful for this opportunity to be away from the violence,” he said. As for Francis Omamogie, a graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, he can’t help but recollect his very first flight experience, which he attributes to the Star TV Game Show. “Ýou won’t believe that before coming for this event I had never boarded a plane before. The Star TV Game Show gave me the first opportunity of entering a plane in my life.” This surely will not be the last time as Omamogie won one million naira in the TV Game Show.

    In addition to the experience, the audiences have the opportunity of meeting top entertainers during the event. A host of Stars including Tiwa Savage, Sound Sultan, KC and M.I were present to handover the cheque prizes to the winners.