The Nation Newspaper

Tag: hails

  • Edo community hails police for arresting suspects

    The people of Igarra community in Edo State have hailed the police for arresting suspects who allegedly attempted to murder three youths in the area.

    In a statement in Benin, the state capital, by Chief Majebi Balogun, the community leaders, under the aegis of Eziobe Consultative Forum, said security agencies should deal decisively with anyone or anything that could disrupt the peace and unity of the community.

    The said no one should be allowed to take the law into his or her hands.

    The statement said: “Those of us in Benin City received the news of the apprehension and palpable fear that enveloped Igarra community over the dastardly act. Our people slept with one eye open throughout the period until the arrest of those persons and others, who are at large. They have been terrorising the community with guns.

    “Our apprehension stems from the fear of further attack, since the hoodlums declared war on us since last December 3, when the group shot five persons and burnt a vehicle for celebrating culture and tradition, which we had been celebrating for ages. The hoodlums were operating in the name of one of the traditional rulers in Igarra.

    “The forum hereby hails the Edo State Police Command for the prompt arrest of the culprits and hopes that justice will be done and the perpetrators brought to book. We urge the security agencies to improve on this feat by ridding the community of illegal arms and restoring normalcy, …especially now that 2015 (elections) are at the corner. If not, the issue of gun running would be the order of the day.

    “We urge the police to ignore the antics of some corrupt politicians either from Abuja and other places, who are won’t to jeopardise the cause of justice.”

  • Nigerians in diaspora hails Ihedioha’s achievements

    House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha was at the weekend honoured by the Progressives Association of Nigerians in Diaspora, in conjunction with the International Institute of Leadership and Governance (USA) and the International Development Institute (IDI), Washington DC.

    The event was held in Owerri, Imo State.

    The Coordinator of the programme, Dr. Charles Nzeaku, said the organisation took an interest in the National Assembly and saw how the House had maintained the separation of power since inception.

    “This could not have been possible without the cordial relationship between Ihedioha and the Speaker, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal,” he added.

    Nzeaku described Ihedioha as a dynamic lawmaker, “who discharges his responsibilities with humility and courage.”

  • Lagos Speaker hails police on Akinola’s rescue

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji has hailed the Ogun State Police Command on the rescue of the former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Dr. Peter Jasper Akinola, who was kidnapped on the Abeokuta-Lagos expressway on Tuesday.

    In a statement by his media aide, Mr. Rotimi Adebayo, Ikuforiji said he received the news of the kidnap with shock and sadness.

    He said: “For a man of God of Dr. Akinola’s status to be kidnapped in broad daylight on Christmas eve is sad indeed. It is more worrisome that the kidnap was said to have been carried out by heavily armed youths. It was, however, a great relief when I received the news of Dr. Akinola‘s rescue by men of the Ogun State Police Command.

    “We cannot thank God enough for making it possible. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that it has become necessary for us as a nation to tigthen our security system now, more than ever before.

    “While we must properly equip the federal police, the time has come to approve the take off of state police. That is the way to go now with the worsening state of security in several parts of the country.

    “State police will create job opportunities for youths in all states that embrace this novel idea. It is bound to positively impact the well-being of all Nigerians.

    “Governments at all levels must put all hands on deck to create jobs for our teeming youths as we get set to enter a new year.”

    Felicitating with Nigerians at Christmas, Ikuforiji said: “On behalf of myself, my family and my fellow legislators, I congratulate all Lagosians, and, indeed, Nigerians for being alive to celebrate another Christmas.

    “We thank the Almighty God for his mercies on us since the beginning of the year. I implore Nigerians to continue to live together in peace, irrespective of religion or tribe.

    “I urge those in positions of authority to always put our people first in all that we do.”

  • Jonathan hails Bayelsa for honouring Madiba

    Jonathan hails Bayelsa for honouring Madiba

    President Goodluck Jonathan has hailed the Bayelsa State government for honouring the late South African President Nelson Mandela.

    Jonathan said the late Mandela’s contribution enhanced the development of the Black race.

    The President was reacting to the announcement of N200 million for the development of musical talents by Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson and dedication of the International Jazz Festival held at the weekend in Yenagoa to the memory of the late Mandela.

    Culture and Tourism Minister Edem Duke re-echoed the Federal Government’s declaration of a three-day mourning for the late South African President, who fought racism and other forms of injustice.

    Major artistes at the jazz festival were Hugh Masekela, Femi Kuti, Lekan Babalola and Ego Ogbaro.

    Jonathan recalled that the late Mandela won over 250 awards, adding that the dedication of the jazz festival to him showed Dickson’s leadership virtues.

    He said: “I am extremely delighted that this government dedicates this evening of Jazz to celebrate an icon whose struggle, vision, quality,

    courage, passion, commitment, belief and integrity define the new and emerging leaders of Africa.

    “For once, an African leader is celebrated in North and South America, Asia, United Kingdom. We are also celebrating tonight with jazz the music of celebration, commemoration and dedication, the re-discovery of that kind of music that our brothers and sisters from the continent and in the Diaspora used to communicate the spirit and feelings and truly the vision of what makes us one people.

    “Only a few weeks down the line, we have seen not only the centenary pageant, the National Festival of Arts and Culture, the World Tourism Day, the Caribbean, African American Music Festival and Jazz Festival. Honestly, Bayelsa has become a destination like none other in Nigeria.”

    Dickson said his administration was committed to the development of the tourism and entertainment sectors, adding that the state would be diversified from the oil and gas sector of the economy.

    Dignitaries at the event included Rwandan and South Africa High Commissioners to Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Habineza and Mr. Lulu Louis Mnguni; the governor’s wife, Dr. Rachael Dickson; Deputy Governor Gboribiogha John Jonah; a former Information Minister Alabo Tonye Graham Douglas; captains of industry, traditional rulers and host of others.

  • Economy: Dangote hails backward integration policy

    Economy: Dangote hails backward integration policy

    President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has called for the introduction of backward integration policy in critical sectors of the economy where the nation depends on heavy importation.

    The business mogul said the step is needed to boost local production and create more jobs for the populace.

    Dangote described the backward integration policy as a good step for the nation’s industrial revolution.

    He referred to the cement industry, where the policy has helped to meet home consumption needs of the nation and even assisted export.

    The foremost business icon, who addressed reporters at the weekend in Lagos when he received a group of business executives, examined the merits of the policy.

    According to him, it encourages local manufacturers of cement to increase production to catch up with the nation’s consumption need.

    Dangote said his group of companies was leading the campaign in sugar sector, as it did in the cement sector.

    He said the group was focusing on agriculture, adding that its involvement in the sector was motivated by the desire to create more jobs, empower Nigerians and make the nation self-sufficient in food and beverages production.

    Dangote said the group believed that agriculture would absorb the teeming employable but unemployed Nigerians, because it has the potential to create the highest number of jobs.

    He said: “It is against this background that Dangote Group began to look into ways of delving into agriculture, having been a strong player in quite a number of businesses in sectors such as cement, flour, salt, beverages, real estate, iron and steel, among others, through which several thousands of Nigerians are gainfully employed.”

    The move by the Dangote Group to key into the backward integration in sugar sector, the company’s president said, was in response to Federal Government’s policy for which it set up the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) to regulate the industry.

    Dangote said: “While the sugar refining creates jobs, the sugar cane plantation aspect of the business is the real job-spinning economic activities. Hence, it is the decision of the group to bid for one of the state-owned sugar companies.

  • APC hails MASSOB for disowning APGA

    APC hails MASSOB for disowning APGA

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) for disowning its purported endorsement of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State, Willy Obiano.

    It gave the commendation yesterday in a statement through its Southeast Zonal Publicity Secretary, Osita Okechukwu.

    Okechukwu said MASSOB has, by this noble act, separated the wheat from the chaff.

    He praised MASSOB for exposing Governor Peter Obi and his “empty shell” called APGA by distancing itself from the desperados in the party.

    Okechukwu said MASSOB had not only demonstrated that it was truly pan-Igbo, but had shown that what it (APGA) had in Anambra State today was Agulu Peoples Grand Alliance, and not All Progressives Grand Alliance, which the late Ezeigbo Gburugburu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, promoted.

    The statement reads: “Chief Ralph Uwazurike and his MASSOB leadership have done Ndigbo proud, for giving Governor Obi water with the bitter cup he gave others. Hence reminding him how he abandoned MASSOB in the hour of need.

    “Was Governor Obi not the one who ordered shoot at sight against MASSOB in Onitsha in 2006?

    “How on earth can a governor, who suddenly remembered to ‘spray’ money, even on the Adoration ground, be taken serious?

    “APC could have been outraged if MASSOB has forgotten that till date, Governor Obi has neither followed up nor sued the police for the Esu River tragedy, where MASSOB members, allegedly shot by the police, were found floating.”

    Okechukwu urged MASSOB to remain steadfast and impartial.

  • Benin prince hails Oshiomhole on 5-junction project

    Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Italy, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to cooperate with state governments, irrespective of party affiliations, for growth and development.

    He said there should be an end to the shift of blame on who is responsible for road repairs, whether such road belongs to the federal or state government because the citizens suffered the blame game.

    The Crown Prince, who spoke at the inauguration of the street lights at the remodelled 5-junction in Benin City, recalled how he spent over 10 hours at a spot in Ogun State when travelling to Lagos State because the road was bad.

    He said Edo State government could fix such road if there was cooperation.

    Prince Erediauwa hailed the new look of 5-junction, saying he had not seen any governor that developed infrastructure more than Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

    The governor said 5- junction was one of the most complicated areas, which had defied solution for 25 years.

    Oshiomhole, who slammed his critics who said he would not perform in his second term, said road construction had begun across the state.

    He said: “We are committed to giving our best to the indigenes. We are indebted to the people of Benin Kingdom. Today, some states are not able to pay salaries, but we are here inaugurating projects. Over the next six months, we will not be able to inaugurate the projects we have done.

    “As elections are approaching, I know that Edo people will not allow the cockroach get back into our palm oil because they will resume sucking. They are gone forever. We will work hard to keep them away. Our commitment to rebuilding Edo State is strong. We must sustain it. We will never allow the agent of darkness to come back.”

    Oshiomhole promised to sustain his administration’s urban renewal project.

  • Ijaw rights’ group hails Clark

    An Ijaw rights and civil action group, the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), has praised Niger Delta leader, Cheif Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, for his struggle for the development of the region and Nigeria.

    The IPDI National President, Comrade Austin Ozobo and other members, including Mr Cletus Itari and Mr Afore Theodore, in statement in Port Harcourt, described Clark as a detribalised, trusted and tested legend.

    They said: ‘’Though he (Clark) is not a political officeholder, yet as a national leader of the region, he has brought positive change, and attracted infrastructure and human capital development with his position.

    ‘’Papa Clark brought Niger Delta out from marginalisation, rejection and dejection. He brought the region to political limelight. If it was not Clark, the region would have not be able to come to where we are today. N-delta is very proud of him and words are not enough to express the region’s gratitude.”

    IPDI urged political officeholders and ohter leaders of the region to emulate the good examples of Clark by channelling their energy and activities towards bringing positive change to the oil-rich region.

    Speaking on the Ijaw leaders contribution, the group said: ‘’Right from the 70s till date, Papa Clark has been involved in the struggle to emancipated the region from oppression, neglect both political and economic marginalisation.

    ‘’He established numerous primary and secondary schools, especially in the rural communities when he was a commissioner of education in then Bendel state in Ogbemudia administration.

    “Up till now only the schools established by Papa Clark in the rural communities and roads constructed with his influence remains in the rural communities in the southern delta province of the old Bendel.

    ‘’No additional efforts had been made by both past and present leaders to established more schools, including higher school of learning in the rural communities to improve the educational standard in rural areas,” IPDI added.

    As a result, they passed confidence vote over Chief Clark and assured him of their unalloyed support as “he continued his good works and not to listen to critics and blackmails by men of little value till the region gets to the promise land.”

  • Imoke hails Eagles

    Imoke hails Eagles

    Cross River State governor, Senator Liyel Imoke says he is confident the Super Eagles have already booked their flight to Brazil for next year’s FIFA World Cup following their 2-1 win against the Walya Ibex of Ethiopia in the first leg of their play-off tie in Addis Ababa Sunday evening and will only need to re-confirm it in Calabar next month when the return leg is played.

    Governor Imoke made this assertion while congratulating the team for making good the promise that they will repay the confidence he (the governor) has in them by accepting to host their home games since the qualifiers began.

    “Like all Nigerians,I congratulate the team for showing the true,never-say-never die Nigerian spirit during the match.When they were a goal down and many were already expressing the fear that a repeat of what happened in 2006 looked imminent, the boys rose to the occassion and came back to win the match,”said Imoke who was making a final inspection of plans for the annual Calabar festival which normally start in late November/early December.

    ‘The Super Eagles have certainly set a new date for the start of our annual Calabar festival because we will make the return leg of the match on November 16 here in Calabar a real carnival for the team. So our carnival will be kick-started on that date with the clinching of the 2014 FIFA World Cup ticket”,he further said and assured the team and the Nigeria Football Federation of his and the state’s willingness to pull out all the stops to ensure the return leg match will only be the icing on the cake the team has baked in Addis Ababa.

    ‘Calabar has always been a veritable fishing ground for Nigerian national teams and the Super Eagles will not be an exception.The Golden Eaglets played their qualifiers here to book their World Cup ticket. Even in athletics this is where Blessing Okagbare began her journey to winning two historic medals for Nigeria at the last IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia. It was here in Calabar she won the 100m (for the fifth consecutive time),200m and long jump titles, a feat unprecendented in the history of track and field in Nigeria. So, let the party begin,’ Imoke assured.

  • NGO hails Tinubu

    A non-governmentAL Organisation (NGO), Asiwaju Initiative Group (AIG), has hailed the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for improving the society.

    Speaking at the weekend in Shomolu, Lagos, the General- Secretary of AIG, Lagos State chapter, Comrade Tosin Odubanjo, said the NGO was established to complement Asiwaju Tinubu’s efforts in improving the society.

    He said: “We are lucky to have a person like Asiwaju Tinubu, who is championing the interest of the masses. But he cannot do it alone because of the enormity of the problems. That was why the Asiwaju Initiative Group was formed.

    “Since its establishment, the NGO has catered for the less-privileged in many areas. We have put smiles on the masses’ faces by buying the General Certificate of Education (GCE) forms for indigent students.

    “On environmental sanitation days, we choose a local government in Lagos, go there and participate in the monthly environmental sanitation. We also empower the widows financially. We embark on poverty alleviation programmes to help the poor.”

    Odubanjo said the group would be launched on October 22 in Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.