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Tag: Jubilation

  • Jubilation in Epe over Ambode’s victory

    Jubilation in Epe over Ambode’s victory

    Many drinking spots in Epe, Lagos State, were on Sunday thrown open to supporters and well-wishers of All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Akinwunmi Ambode who was declared winner of the state’s governorship election.

    INEC had announced that Ambode secured 811,994 votes to beat his closest rival Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 659, 788 votes.

    Ambode is from Epe.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that residents trooped in their thousands into the streets jubilating over the victory of their son as soon as the announcement was made.

    NAN also reports that  youths in their hundreds rushed down to Ambode’s resident at Papa area to celebrate the victory only to discover that he had travelled to Lagos to await the announcement of the result.

    However, those who thronged to the governor-elect’s resident did not come back empty-handed as they were t entertained by musicians  and  given gifts such as hand towels, rice, sugar and cash.

    NAN correspondent also reports that some APC stalwarts in the area organised parties in their houses to celebrate the victory.

    Some of the residents, who spoke with NAN, said that they believed the victory would bring some positive developments to the community.

    Mr Ibrahim Agbadanla, former councillor, ward A3 said that over the years, the community had suffered from lack of amenities and believed that Ambode’s victory would change the situation.

    Agbadanla said that Ambode, who he described as  a true son of the community knew what was lacking in the community and would do his best to ameliorate the situation.

    Also speaking with NAN, Mr Alao Magaji, a local politician said that the community had every reason to celebrate as it was the first time that one of their  own had  made such a significant achievement.

  • Jubilation as Cocodia joins Restoration Excos

    Jubilation as Cocodia joins Restoration Excos

    Chief Collins Cocodia seems to be one of the most loved politicians in the Bayelsa West Senatorial District especially judging from the crowd that turned up to felicitate with him in a ceremony to mark his elevation as a commissioner in the Restoration Cabinet of Governor Seriake Dickson.

    The event centre was congested as lovers of Cocodia trooped to Osiri Road in Yenagoa to grace the occasion. Most notable politicians in the senatorial district and friends of Cocodia from other parts of the state were present.

    An elder statesmen, Chief Thompson Okorotie, was the Chairman of the occasion. Chief Ayakeme Whisky, an aspirant for the senate, was present. Serving and former commissioners as well as traditional rulers and chairmen of community development committees took the centre stage to welcome the new Commissioner for Youth Development.

    It was like the affairs of the women as different women groups adorned in their best wrappers and blouses to match took over the arena. They danced alongside Cicodia to good music. In fact, the elevation of Cocodia from the office of the Sagbama Representative of Dickson to a commissioner excited them.

    It was also a period of counseling as many lovers of Cocodia took to the microphone to advise him. Governor Dickson had before the party swore-in Cocodia.  The Governor while addressing him noted that, as a new member of the Restoration Team, he should strive hard to bring his wealth of experience garnered in his previous portfolio to bare on his new assignment.

    Dickson said Chief Cocodia’s appointment was based on the hard work, trust and zeal, he brought to bare on his previous job, which has endeared him to the present administration.

    His words: “I also want to charge you now that, we are going into a more political time, so use all the skills that you have. You are a well known and tested politician. Bring all the skills that you have to bear on the process of supporting the government of restoration.

    “The present administration’s stance on issues of development and prosperity, transparency and accountability as well as criminality is well known and as such the new commissioner should work towards meeting the expectations of the government and the people.

    “Now you have joined the first 11 team of the restoration team. You have come into government at a time that the character of our government has been well formed and properly established.

    “We are known as a government of transparency, prudence, focused; we are known as a performing government all over our state and country and even beyond.

    “We are also known as a government that abhors corruption; a government that does not tolerate violence and criminality.

    “We are a government that has come to bring about development and to spread prosperity. These are the essential principles upon which our restoration government is erected.”

    Apart from the governor, Cocodia also got good dose of advice from his guests. Okorotie thanked God for the appointment and asked him to make good use of it.

    “Whatever position you are occupying, get the best out of it. Whatever you are doing, do it well”, the elder told his son.

    Also, the chairman community development committees, Mr. Are Toru thanked the governor for appointing their son as a commissioner.

    The elated Cocodia said his appointment was divine. He said he would work hard to make his ministry relevant in the scheme of things. He disagreed with people who claimed that there was nothing in the ministry.

    He said:  “There were earthly calculations before, but now God has done his calculation. The governor has extended his bridge. Some people say that some ministries are better than others, but to me all of them are the same.

    “I believe that wherever you find yourselves, you should do well with the position. Some even say there is nothing in some ministries. To me, I will squeeze water from the rock and make something happen. God has considered me worthy for elevation.

    “I want to guarantee you that we will deliver all our candidates come next elections. It is a divine call for me to serve the state in a bigger capacity. Some years back, l was just an office assistant.

    “I didn’t know that my elevation will be this sudden. Since l am in charge of the youths, I want to promise you that 2015 will be peaceful. Bayelsa will be peaceful and we will try to create jobs by looking at ways to lift embargo on employment.”

  • Jubilation as Imo communities get transformers

    Jubilation as Imo communities get transformers

    For several decades, lack of electricity had been a recurrent dilemma in most rural communities of Imo State. The situation resulted in mass rural-urban migration with its negative consequence on agricultural production. Many of these communities have been craving for the provision of such vital social amenity. Any wonder members of the backward communities literally worship any individual or administration that provides any of the needed amenities for them?

    For instance, those indigenous to 11 communities in Ahiazu Mbaise, Aboh Mbaise, Ezinihitte, Ngor-Okpala and Owerri Municipal local government Areas of the state were excited when transformers were donated to them. For them, it indicates that years of darkness in the respective communities will soon be over.

    The people will forever be grateful to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha who distributed 5000KVA transformers to each of the communities.

    A member of one of the benefitting communities, Mr. Austine Anyanwu, described the gesture as unprecedented in the history of the state, even as he added that the communities had waited in vain for the state government to rescue them from darkness.

    He noted that some of the communities have not had electricity since their existence, while others that were connected to the National Grid had been without light for over three decades as a result of damaged transformers or power lines.

    According to him, the Deputy Speaker’s generosity will go a long way in boosting economic activities in the villages and reduce the rate of rural-urban migration.

    Presenting the transformers to the leaders of the benefiting communities, Ihedioha said the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) was an excellent measure by the Federal Government to ensure regular and uninterrupted power supply in all  the nook and cranny of the country.

    He further noted that the Federal Government decided to privatise the PHCN for efficiency and productivity. He said the action has resulted in improved electricity supply.

    The lawmaker  plealed that “there should be continuity in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-controlled Federal Government to enable President Goodluck Jonathan  consummate his transformation agenda for the people.”

    Hon. Ihedioha urged members of the communities to adopt maintenance culture and to guard against vandalisation of the facilities, even as he advised them to ensure regular payment of their bills to avoid disconnection by the officials of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).

    He also advised them to seek professional advice in installing the transformers for maximum use, assuring that he will extend the gesture to other communities that are still in darkness across the state.

    Apart from the distribution of the 11 transformers, the Deputy Speaker had also attracted the construction of a mega 132x33MVA Power Station located at Ibeku in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, which has reached about 80 per cent completion stage.

    He also facilitated the construction of  five 15x11MVA injection stations at Umuneke, Ngor-Okpala, Ahiara Junction, Ezinihitte, Owerri Municipal, among other locations.

    When fully operational, Ihedioha said the injection stations will drastically reduce pressure on the only sub-station serving the entire Imo State, adding that the state can only be industrialised through steady power supply.

    He further said with improved power supply, artisans and operators of other vocations that rely on electricity will soon become employers of labour.

    The Vice-Chairman of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Mr. Kester Enwereonu, who was present at the presentation ceremony, restated the determination of the Federal Government to ensure regular supply of electricity in all parts of the country.

    He promised to take necessary steps to install the transformers at no financial cost on the communities. He urged the citizens to safeguard the facilities.

    Replying, a former Chairman of the Orlu Local Government Area, Mrs. Andeline Asika, praised Hon. Ihedioha for his generosity. She advised the communities to reciprocate the gesture by supporting his governorship ambition in 2015.

  • Jubilation in Falconets’ camp

    Jubilation in Falconets’ camp

    • As Nigeria beats FIFA deadline

    There was joy in the camp  of the Falconets when news  broke in that a court order restraining the Aminu Maigari led executive board from running Nigeria Football by justice J.P. Lot of Jos high court has been jettisoned.

    The team is expected to participate in the FIFA U-20 female World Cup from August 5th but an impending court case meant that the country risked participating except the case was withdrawn of which the country risked been banned.

    But when news filtered into the camp, that the case has been withdrawn, the team officials and players could not hide their joy.

    There had been tension in the camp as the FIFA deadline of 17th July drew closer.

    Some of the players who spoke with the team media officer Elizabeth Carr among them were Okaeme patience, Nnodim Sarah, Oshoala Asisat and Adeboyejo Yetunde said their dreams of participating in the 2014 FIFA U -20 Women’s World Cup is now a reality.

    “Let me state the fact that we have been very worried, thinking our training will be in vain following the earlier suspension of the country by the world football governing body FIFA. This news has given us hope, our doubts have be settled. Our prayers have been answered. We are happy right now we can not wait to intensify our training.

    “We have never stopped believing that we can win the World Cup but with the looming FIFA ban we thought that we would never achieve that ambition but now we give God the glory and state here that we will still win the Cup,” they stated.

    They further commended the Federal government, Nigeria Football Federation and all stakeholders for the joint effort in resolving these issues.

    “We want to promise Nigerians that our going to Canada is not only to participate, but to bring the Cup home. We are happy because even with the uncertainty our coaches still continued with our routine training. So we are prepared to storm the world,” the players added.

    An elated Peter Dedevbo, coach of the team, said that with the new development, work continues.

    “I had faith that the matter will be resolved that’s why I continued with my training. I used the period as if the team was on training tour. We are fully ready for the tournament.

    “There is no cause for alarm our dream is to do Nigeria proud and by the grace of God it is achievable,” said Dedevbo.

    He said team’s officials had played an important role in calming the players and encouraging them not to lose focus.

    “You will recall that the team was air bound to Canada for its training tour on Monday 7th July but could not make it due to the FIFA threat of suspension. I have a formidable team and I know they will make the nation proud,” the coach added.

    The Falconets are in Group C along with England, Mexico and Korea Republic.

  • Jubilation in Offa

    Thousands of Offa residents poured onto the streets yesterday, following claims that the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) Chairman, Dr Uthman Ajidagba, had disowned the purported announcement of the Offa Local Government’s rerun result on Radio Kwara.

    The town had been quiet since Radio Kwara claimed that the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) Segun Olanipekun, was declared winner of the Saturday rerun poll, contrary to the results from the 12 wards.

    The results showed a wide margin win by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Prince Saheed Popoola.

    The town came alive when the residents learnt that Ajidagba had disowned the controversial Radio Kwara broadcast.

    “Today, fortunately, has turned out to be one of the happiest days of my life. In the morning, we woke up to the terrible news of our mandate being stolen from us. But now, we hear another news that Radio Kwara acted on its own and at its own peril,” said Ibrahim Anifowoshe, a meat retailer.

    “Somebody in Offa just confirmed to me that there’s plenty broom jubilation right now, contrary to the earlier result,” said Olayinka Owolewa on twitter Sunday evening.

    In her tweet at 6:47pm, Bolaji Ojo said: “Offa rerun update: Jubilation in Offa at the moment as Saheed Popoola (APC) returns from KWASIEC office in Ilorin.”

    There was no official statement from the KWASIEC on the status of the election result. Neither has it issued a statement about it disowning the Radio Kwara announcement that triggered criticism from the APC.

  • Jubilation, skirmishes in Taraba as Suntai returns today

    Jubilation, skirmishes in Taraba as Suntai returns today

    Excitement pervades Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, as the people await Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai today. He is billed to return to the state after a 10- month absence.

    He is due to fly in from the United States of America (USA) where he has been receiving further treatment after his initial discharge from Germany.

    He had been flown out of the country late last year following the multiple injuries he suffered in the October 25, 2012 plane crash at the Yola Airport.

    The governor, a pilot, flew the plane.

    With him in the ill-fated Cessna 208 aircraft were his Aide de Camp (ADC), Iliya Dasat, Chief Detail Joel Danladi and Chief Security Officer (CSO) Tino Dangana.

    All the security aides have since recovered and returned to the country.

    “The state is in the mood for a big celebration,” Commissioner for Information Emmanuel Bello told The Nation.

    There were, jubilations in the streets and drinking joints all through Friday night to Saturday.

    Bali –the local government area l of the governor- was most agog.

    Suntai’s deputy, Alhaji Garba Umar, who has been acting, yesterday asked “every Taraba person” to “come out” and welcome the governor.

    Umar said he wants to make his boss’ reception “very special.”

    There were, however, skirmishes in some quarters between Suntai’s supporters and the acting governor’s.

    Some people especially from Umar’s northern part of the state had wanted Suntai removed on health ground and Umar made substantive governor.

    The move was fiercely resisted by Suntai’s supporters who alleged religious sentiments in the plot to remove him.

    Suntai’s stickers were seen on his supporters’ vehicles, while Umar’s stickers adorned his supporters’ vehicles.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported from New York yesterday that Suntai will be departing the USA today for Jalingo on a chartered flight.

    Quoting a family source, NAN said enough seats could not be secured for those accompanying Suntai, hence the chartered flight.

    The source also said another reason was because all the commercial airlines operating direct flight from New York to Nigeria were fully booked.

    He, however, declined to name the flight, airport and time of departure as well as the time of arrival in Jalingo, but said the governor’s wife, Hauwa, had left for home to prepare for the arrival of her husband.

    The governor’s wife had in a telephone interview on Aug. 20 said that her husband was expected to depart the Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Centre and Home, New York, on Aug. 25.

    Suntai had spent four months at the rehabilitation centre, following injuries he sustained in an aircraft crash on his way to Yola on Oct. 25, 2012

  • Imo bishop saga: Jubilation as Onaiyekan holds maiden mass

    •Ihedioha assures cleric of support

    Despite came yesterday for Catholic faithful in Ahiara Diocese of Imo State as His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, held his first mass amid jubilation.

    The Cardinal, who was appointed administrator of the Diocese by the Vatican after Bishop Peter Okpalaeke was rejected, was received by jubilant priests and the parishioners at the Mater Ecclesiae Cathedral Parish, Ahiara, Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area.

    He assured the congregation that he would do his best to discharge his duties within the confines of his mandate, thanking the church for the warm reception.

    Speaking after the mass, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, assured Cardinal Onaiyekan of his support and that of the Diocese.

    “I want to join my brothers and sisters to warmly welcome and indeed assure you of our support and cooperation as you discharge your duties as the Apostolic Administrator of this Diocese.

    “There is no better way to express our heartfelt joy than the way and manner our people have shown gratitude and welcomed Your Eminence. Therefore sir, please convey to the Holy See our gratitude for sending you to this place,” he said.

    Ihedioha added: “I indeed bear testimony to my people that in you they will find a true father and brother and we are sure that your presence will address the crises that have recently engulfed the diocese.”

    The Deputy Speaker, who is a Knight of the Anglican Church, said he was trained in a Catholic School and has a strong affinity with the Church, which he said is the traditional church of most people in Mbaise, where he comes from.

    An address presented by the President of the Diocesan Priests, Rev Benedine Ekechukwu, assured Cardinal Onaiyekan of the diocese’s cooperation to make his assignment easier.

    It urged him to look critically and appreciate deeply the issues that led to the crises and find a solution that will be accepted both by God and the Diocese.

  • Jubilation as GSM is restored in Yobe

    There was jubilation yesterday in Yobe State as mobile telephone services were restored in the state.

    Most residents, who spoke with our correspondent, were happy over the development.

    Inua Sani, a taxi driver, said the restoration of GSM services showed that the security situation had improved.

    “They took away the network because of the security situation. Now that we have it back, it means Yobe is gradually moving away from the bad times into good times.

    “I am sure that the security situation has improved if not the security will not allow it to come back. We thank Allah,” he said.

    There were growing concerns among the residents as poor connectivity marred the restoration of the networks. Several calls could not be connected.

    “My battery has ran down as I am talking to you. Since the network was restored, I have not made one single call because of how poor the service is.

    “Maybe the congestion is too much or the network is too weak. But I am happy that it’s back all the same. At least we have hope now,” said a civil servant, who simply identified himself as Abduallahi.

    It was learnt that in the major towns in the state, including Damaturu, Gashua, Nguru, Potiskum, Gaidam, among others, services have been restored.

  • Okorocha returns amid jubilation

    Okorocha returns amid jubilation

    •Gives N200,000 to driver

    There was widespread jubilation in Owerri, the Imo State capital, yesterday, following the return of Governor Rochas Okorocha, who was flown abroad for medical treatment.

    On April 19, the governor’s convoy collided with a Mercedes Benz on the Orlu/Owerri road.

    Gaily-dressed women and youths, who converged on strategic locations, danced and praised God for the governor’s safe return.

    Addressing reporters at the Government House, Okorocha, who was flanked by members of the State Executive Council and party supporters, said he was hale and hearty.

    The governor announced a donation of N200, 000 to the driver of the car that rammed into his convoy, Osita Nnewuihe.

    Okorocha thanked all who prayed for his recovery; he advised motorists to be cautious and careful.

    “I am back and I am hale and hearty, I learnt the police arrested the driver of the car but I am happy that he has been released on bail.

    “No charges will be pressed against him, even though investigations showed that he has no driver’s licence.

    “I have forgiven him and I am making a donation of N200, 000 to him to repair his car.

    “I am happy to be back. I had to travel to re-examine the extent of injuries I sustained and the doctors have certified me fit.

    “Let me reassure the good people of Imo State that there is nothing wrong with me because the doctors thoroughly examined me and said I am now okay.”

    Nnewuihe, who thanked Okorocha for his magnanimity, said: “When the incident occurred I never knew it was the governor who was involved.

    “I was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, where I was admitted but later security operatives invaded the hospital and took me away after they told me I collided with the governor’s convoy.

    “Today, I thank God that the governor is back and in good health, it was not intentional.”

    Deputy Governor Eze Madumere said: “I am relieved that my boss is back. Even though the affairs of the state did not suffer any set back during his absence, it is still a huge relief to have him back.”

     

  • Jubilation in Benin over judgment

    Jubilation in Benin over judgment

    RESIDENTS of Benin City yesterday trooped out en mass at the city center and some major streets in wild jubilation over the verdict of the Supreme Court dismissing attempt to question the educational qualification of Governor Adams Oshiomhole for the governorship election

    The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal had in October, 2012, ruled that Oshiomhole’s educational qualification raised by Charles Airhiavbere, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party was not a ground in the original petition.

    Residents who painted their faces with white chalk, as a mark of solidarity with the governor shouted ‘Iyare-Iyare’ (God has answered our prayers) in Benin; “Congratulations to our Comrade Governor.”

    Many of them, who later converged on the Government House, said the Supreme Court verdict had finally nailed the coffin of those they called ‘enemies’ of democracy.

    Addressing the crowd of supporters, the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, expressed joy and thanked the people for their support for the Comrade Governor.

    An elated Odubu said: “If you recall, at the beginning of the tribunal sitting, I said that it was dead on arrival based on my training and experience in electoral matters as a trained lawyer.

    “As far as we are concerned, it was a serious abuse of court process. First, the oracle spoke, they did not believe, now God has spoken through the Supreme Court and I am sure they now believe.”

    Also responding, Samson Osagie, Minority Whip of the House of Representives from Orhionmwon /Uhunmwode Federal Constituency, said the judgment of the Supreme Court reaffirmed the Edo people’s mandate given to Comrade Oshiomhole.