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Tag: Lawmaker

  • Youth group backs lawmaker’s second term bid

    A group of youths in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State under the umbrella, Aba North Indigenous Youth Forum (ANIYF) has expressed its support for Hon. Uzo Azubuike’s second term bid at the House of Representatives.

    The lawmaker is seeking re-election to represent Aba North and South Federal Constituency in 2015.

    The group at the end of its caucus meeting said that they were endorsing Azubuike because according to them, he has impacted positively in the lives of his constituents, adding that re-electing the lawmaker would help to bring stability to legislative process in the country and ensure that the lawmaker continues in his service to the state and Nigeria as a whole.

    They also condemned a recent attack on the legislator by some group who had protested the second term agenda of Azubuike, accusing them of being sponsored by some politicians who want to cause hatred in the constituency.

    According to the communiqué which was signed by Hon. Mgbegasa Onuiri, president, Chinedu Aguwa, secretary and 11 others and a copy of which was obtained by our reporter, there was no native that belonged to AYI.

    The communiqué reads in part, “Most members of the so called AYI are not resident in Aba but are hired hoodlums and touts paid by some politicians tarnish Azubuike’s image.

    “We condemn in strong terms the activities of the so called AYI especially the criticisms they are levelling against Hon.  Uzo Azubuike, the member representing Aba North/Aba South in the House of Representatives.

    “Hon. Uzo Azubuike has through his people oriented style of representation brought joy to his constituents through regular distribution of various empowerment items. He has continued to empower the people, especially youths in the constituency. A lot of the people and students have benefitted from his soft loan scheme and scholarship programme which has been running even before he was elected to the House of Representatives.

    “While we made bold to say that AYI does not in any way speak or represent the interest of indigenous youths of Aba North, we also condemn the attack by the said group on prominent traditional rulers in Aba North for exercising their constitutional right of choice.”

    Listing out what they said was the lawmaker’s achievements since he was elected to represent them nearly four years ago, ANIYF said the constituency would not have a better alternative in Hon. Azubuike and advised the people to shun baseless sentiments, but rather should support candidates with proven records of performance.

    Nation had reported that a group under the banner of Aba Youths Initiatives (AYI) had last week protested any planned return of Azubuike who hails from Umuna-Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government, to the National Assembly to represent them, vowing that the lawmaker who they described as a “non-native” of the zone would not represent the constituency again in 2015.

  • Residents buy nomination form for lawmaker

    Indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have purchased a nomination form for the senator representing the FCT, Senator Philips Tanimu Aduda to run for a second term in 2015.

    The FCT Indigene and Geo-Political Leaders Forum, while presenting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nomination form to Aduda, said they did it because of his remarkable performance since assumption of office as FCT senator.

    The chairman of the forum, Ambassador Ayuba Ngbako, said they jointly took the decision after due consultation with different stakeholders on who will represent them effectively and they came up with a second tenure decision for Senator Aduda as the best among others.

    “This decision was not my own idea, but a collective one from all of us in the FCT. I have also seen what he has done for our people. In fact, he has made us proud, he has work with President Goodluck Jonathan for us and has brought the dividend of democracy to our door step,” Ngbako said.

    He also counselled the FCT PDP executives to be fair and provide a level playing field for all aspirants that will be going for primary under the party.

    However, Senator Aduda who has gotten approval from his people to run for second term in the Senate, expressed gratitude to residents of Abuja and the FCT political leaders for purchasing the nomination form for him.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Aduda said that such gesture will spur him  to improve on what he has been to doing for the FCT people, especially the rural dwellers, advising political leaders at all levels to know that power belongs God, that whoever is given the power to lead, should use it for the benefit of all.

     

  • Lawmaker’s jobs tools for constituents

    Lawmaker’s jobs tools for constituents

    There  is relief in Plateau North senatorial zone after its representative at the Senate, Gyang Nyam Shom Pwajok provided working tools for the residents.

    The senator purchased and distributed items worth N150 million to the people as aprt of his constitueny economic empowerment programme.

    The launching of the programme and distribution of the items were done to mark the second year anniversary of the senator in the upper chamber of the National Assembly. Senator Pwajok was elected in a by-election in 2012 to replace the late Senator Gyang Dantong who was killed by unknown gunmen at the peak of violence in the zone.

    The senator believes that he owes his people a lot for giving him the mandate to represent them in the senate.

    “It will get to a point you need to express appreciation to, not only God but also to people who gave you the mandate, those who gave you support when you needed them,” he said. “I could not have been a senator today without the consent of God and people of my constituency. I have to consider the fact that, just as I went to my people to ask for their favour to become a senator, these people also has some needs that requires my intervention. They had stood behind me to make me solve my need at that time, it is now my turn to help them solve their own need as well.

    “To that extent, it is a way of giving back to the people. The slogan of our great party the People’s Democratic Party is power to the people. So what I am doing is giving back the power to the people. My belief is that the people need a certain measure of economic empowerment for their individual or personal development.

    “Again, God has blessed me through these people, and I need to also share part of this blessing with the people. So this empowerment programme was designed to say ‘Thank You, my people’

    “Basically, as a lawmaker, we are not executive; our basic role is different from that of the executive. We make laws, appropriate government expenditure and carry out oversight functions. So our performance as law makers is supposed to be measured based on quality contribution to law making as well as protecting and defending the yearnings and aspirations of your constituency. But the kind of democracy we practice in this country is such that our people tend to measure the performance of lawmakers like the executive arm of government.

    “So, as lawmakers, we try to find a way of bridging the gap, considering the fact that our constituencies are lacking various needs of life like house, food and clothing. Then I thought that if you give them economic empowerment, they will feed themselves, cloth themselves and provide shelter for themselves with proceeds of economic activities you introduced them to through these facilities.

    “Apart from that, I see it as a way of bringing federal presence to the common people since we are part of the federal government. We just need to impact on the lives of the people that elected us in a positive way. I have lasted two years in the senate, and I thought the best way to mark this eventful two year is to provide one or two things to them.

    The items presented to people of the senatorial zone includes tricycles, sewing machines, wheelchairs, vehicles, water pump engines, computer sets, hair-dryers, electricity power generators, etc.

    This is not the first time of this gesture from Senator Pwajok, right from day one of his admission into the senate, he has developed a plan to touch the lives of his constituents in a positive way. He embarked on capital intensive projects like provision of power transformer to several rural communities, community hall, construction of primary schools, construction of primary health clinics and rural water projects.

    Some of the benefiting communities from the capital projects sponsored by the senator are Vom, Gurra Top, Bisichi, Loh, Mr Ali, Dorowa, Ganawuri, Maza, Forbur, Rahol Kanang, Vwang, Rantiya etc.

    The senator said, “I was inspired into this economic empowerment scheme because, I inherited two things from the predecessor, security challenges and challenges of poverty. And from day one, I made up my mind to tackle the two challenges together.

    “But the happy thing in spite of the security challenges is that our efforts has paid off because we have been able to address the sources of conflict, re-unite the people and restore the needed peace. And at the same time I have been able to provide certain basic social amenities for the people of my constituency.

    “So, with some efforts here and there, the spate of bloodshed has reduced significantly, people can graze their livestock and farmers can cultivate their land without any fear of attack. The next efforts are to continued to cement the prevailing cordial relationship existing among the people, so as to sustain the current peace and make it a permanent one” said Senator Pwajok.

    According Mr Chuwang Davou, Chief Press Secretary to Senator Pwajok, “The senator believes that though his constituency is located within the state capital and cover areas of the Greater Jos Master Plan, the satelite communities lack some basic social infrastructures. He also believes that it is obvious government cannot cater for all needs of its citizens considering the lean reassures at its disposal, “hence I began to look at areas where I can intervene with my own little resources. That was when I discovered my people’s needs are vast. You will be scared to know the level of poverty around you.

    Chuwang said, “Other innovations that have made positive impact on the people of the constituency was the construction of Ultra-modern town halls installed with high capacity generators in all the six local government within his constituency for social and recreation activities, some of the halls which have the capacity of accomodating over 3000 people can even serve as examination centres and seminar venue for youths of the communities.

    “Jos Township Primary school has benefited with the construction of 3-classroom blocks and VIP toilets. That project has been completed and already been put to use by students. Then a Computer center was constructed for youths of Vwang district of  Jos south LGA.

    Communities like Fobor in Jos East LGA, Mazah in Jos North Local Government Area, Rantiya in. Jos North, Rahol Kanang of Jos South, Dorowa Vilkage of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area and Gyel, Agingi, Mr Ali of Bassa Local Government Area as well as Ganawuri, Ali Kazaure are some of the communities that benefited from the Installation of 300KVA transformer or 500KVA transformers as part of his rural electricity program.

    Communities that benefited from Primary Health Care projects includes Bisichi and Fan. The communities were provided with medical facilities at their various health centers. As for communities like Vom, Makoli, Riyom, Ugwuan Galadima, Nuku, Prison service, St. Morumba, Ondus, Bakin Kogi, Rabin Biu, Bimbop etc all benefited from hand pump borehole for their peculiar water need.

    Members of the Plateau North zone were full of praises and appreciation to Senator Pwajok. One of them who got a free block moulding engine to establish a block producing factory during the launching of economic empowerment scheme, Mr Markus Azi said,

    Mrs Ladi Markus from Mazah Vilkage said, To me, I ve got a life lime today, this machine, I have been looking for a loan to buy it, but the senator has provided it for me free of charge. I am going to start my business right away”

    Miss Lydia Choji, a physically challenged member of the zone who got a wheel Chair has this to say; “I have been praying for this, as you can see, I don’t have legs to move, I can only move about on wheel chair, the only one I got from government five years ago has parked up, I kept spending money to repare it. God knows I need a new chair and God has provided for me through our Senator”

    Some young girls who got Hair Dryers to commence a hair saloon business said, “The senator gave us these equipment and the most important thing, he gave us a generator to provide us electric light to run our saloon, he has done everything for us.

    The event was witnessed by local government executive of the People’s Democratic Party, state executive of the party and deputy governor of Plateau State as well as his teaming supporters and beneficiaries.

    The constituency economic empowerment programme of Senator Pwajok was witnessed by the Senate President, Senator David Mark who presented some of the items to the beneficiaries.

    The senate president called on people of the zone to continued to support the senator in all his political endeavors. Senator Mark said, “This is one of the youngest senator in the senate and he has spent just two years. But the contribution he has made in the senate within the spate of two years is outstanding and remarkable. He made me to belief that it is not how long you stay in the senate that counts but the impact you made within a short period.

    “I will advise people of Plateau North to continue to support him because that is the kind of senator the country needs to grow our democracy,” said Senator Mark.

    Senator GNS Pwajok has been  endorsed by Governor Jonah Jang and other stakeholders in Plateau state to succeed Gov Jang in 2015 as governor of the state.

     

  • Ajimobi best performing governor, says lawmaker

    Ajimobi best performing governor, says lawmaker

    The member representing Ibadan North II in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Olusegun Olaleye, has said Governor Abiola Ajimobi remains the best performing governor in the state.

    The lawmaker said this yesterday when he distributed refrigerators and gas cookers to All Progressives Congress (APC) members at Ward 12.

    Ajimobi believes in the infrastructural economic and spiritual development of the state.

    He said neither the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nor Accord Party could develop the state.

    “I want you all to support the governor because of the achievements he has recorded in this state. He believes in massive infrastructural development and now education is taking another shape.”

  • Lawmaker’s scorecard thrills Ibadan, Ibarapa people

    Lawmaker’s scorecard thrills Ibadan, Ibarapa people

    Three and half years after his election into the House of Representatives by the people of Ibarapa/Ido Federal Constituency, Honourable Sunday Adeyemi Adepoju of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has given account of his stewardship in the National Assembly to his constituents and they are happy with him. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU was there.

    There is a time appointed for everything under the sun. For the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Ibadan/Ido federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sunday Adeyemi Adepoju , it was time recently,  to report to his constituency and showcase all his achievements to the people who elected him to the National Assembly in 2011.

    At the venue of the event, May-Joy Event Centre, Ologun Eru, Eleyele, Ibadan were the aged, artisans, market men and women, members of the various professional bodies, politicians from APC , Accord and Labour parties, students and some members of the business community amongst others.

    Many of them were there to listen to their representative on how he has fared in the past three and half years in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, while others came to drum more support for the second term bid of lawmaker who is hoping to re-contest his seat in the 2015 general election.

    The expansive hall was filled to the brim, with many more staying outside, while supporters of the lawmaker dressed in Ankara uniform with traditional drummers in their tow, relished in entertaining the people who in turn reciprocated by doling out some naira notes to appreciate their unsolicited services.

    Of course, the event was not without the presence of area boys (social miscreants) who boldly held out wraps of Indian hemp and bottles of dry gin, even with the heavy presence of armed policemen and other security operatives.

    Just before the programme proper commenced, the lawmaker provided slides of his various empowerment programmes, ranging from poverty eradication schemes to provision of solar powered street lights, solar powered bore holes, construction of blocks of classrooms, road construction and provisions of 500KVA transformers to the people of his constituency.

    The people who rented the air with songs intermittently, expressed satisfaction on his achievements and commended him for making it possible for them to enjoy some of the dividends of democracy.

    They were moved to rate the lawmaker higher in terms of achievements than the previous people who have occupied the seat in the history of the constituency.

    “I am here today to register my warm appreciation to the lawmaker, our son. I can see that he is not one of those people who will start to mess up after they have been elected into office. You can see what he did within less than four years, whereas we had somebody there before him who did not even care to remember the people who elected him into that office. I will continue to pray that more leaders like him come on board so that we can move from where we are”, Mr Akintade Oluyemisi , a resident of Ido said.

    The Ibarapa /Ido federal constituency of Oyo state comprises mainly locals whose predominant occupation is farming, with little or no presence of major industries in the area.

    Hon. Sunday Adepoju , before mounting the podium  to present his stewardship to the people, gave recognition to the role played by the former governor of Lagos state and APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in assisting him to join politics, adding that without that singular opportunity in his life, he would not have been able to stand before the audience to render to the people what he has been able to accomplish in the National Assembly.

    He similarly thanked the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi for believing in his ability, and later used the occasion to drum support for a second term for the governor.

    Some leaders of the APC led by the  Senatorial party Chairman, Prince Adefisoye Adekanye, and the

    Special Adviser to Governor Ajimobi on Political Matters, Dr. Gbade Ojo described the lawmaker as a man with the love of his people.

    Hon. Adepoju who signified his intention to re-contest the seat he presently occupies, highlighted the achievements of Governor Ajimobi   and asked for the people’s endorsement of the governor to continue his work beyond 2015 and it was greeted with approval and applause.

    In his address Adepoju said he decided to organise the event in fulfillment of his promise to the people of his constituency to present his stewardship.

    The lawmaker who said that his tenure in the House of Representatives has been fulfilling, added that his achievement was devoted to the service of the people his constituency.

    While stating that the dividends of democracy were evenly and fairly distributed among the Ibarapa and Ido areas, he noted that due to his commitment and dedication to the service of the people over 200 MTN double-seater chairs were facilitated for Obaseeku High School, Eruwa and 100 laptop computers donated to The Polytechnic, Eruwa.

    In addition, he listed provision of solar powered street lights, classroom blocks and motorised boreholes for the people of his constituency.

    The Special Adviser on Political Matters to Governor Ajimobi , Dr Ojo who urged the people to ensure that the governor was re-elected in 2015 said:”  We are happy that APC presented competent people for position of authority and not half baked politicians as was witnessed in the past PDP administration in the state.

    “The achievement of Hon.Adepoju has never been known to the people of this area until now. When the PDP was there the people testified that they never witnessed such tremendous projects in the history of the area.”

    He added that despite the short fall in the federal allocation to Oyo State, which he put at over 40 percent, the government of Ajimobi has not borrowed any kobo from the bank.

    “But that was not the case with other state governors who have gone ahead to borrow substantial amount from financial institutions. That is why it is not surprising that people are clamouring for a second term for him,” he said.

    He called for unity and cohesion among party members to ensure progress and peaceful development of the state.

    “ Because of the sterling qualities and performance of Governor Ajimobi the entire state has been transformed and the people indeed appreciated him, and that is why we are saying that he must complete his good works”, he said.

    Other party leaders who spoke at the gathering commended the lawmaker for his true representation in House of Representatives.

    They used the opportunity to urge members of the party to collect their permanent voters registration cards to enable them exercise their civic duty during the forthcoming general election.

     

  • Lawmaker remembers Anambra communities

    Lawmaker remembers Anambra communities

    There is joy in four communities in Nnewi Local Government Area of Anambra State. Why? A good road network now runs through the communities. The roads were built by the Anambra State government at the instance of the lawmaker representing the areas, Hon. Rita Maduagwu.

    The communities are Ukpor, Akwa-Ihedi, Ezinifite and Ebenator, all in Nnewi South II State Constituency.

    Apart from the roads, the lawmaker has also brought succour to the less-privileged, including widows, giving hope to the hopeless.

    It was a huge relief for the communities after years of pain on the road.

    “This is what we call quality representation and bringing dividends of democracy to the people who made you what you are and not becoming a monster to the people because you are in power,” former Commissioner for Lands, Chief John Okoli Akirika told our correspondent.

    Virtually all the dilapidated roads in the sleepy communities which had been abandoned for many years are now in good condition.

    Businesses have started booming in the areas, while the communities have been flooded by non-natives, even as foreigners are now buying lands in those communities for development purposes.

    In addition, over 20 schools have been renovated by the government in conjunction with the lawmaker.  During one of Maduagwu’s empowerment programmes held at the Central School Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area, over 80 people, including youths and widows were empowered.

    Many dignitaries, including lawmakers, attended the event. Some of the lawmakers at the event were Ikem Uzoezie, Kingsley Iruba and Obinna Emenaka. They represent Aguata 1, Nnewi South 1 and Anambra East State Constituencies respectively. They described the lawmaker as a selfless leader who takes the affairs of her constituency very seriously.

    The items distributed to the beneficiaries were hair driers, power generating sets, sewing machines, grinding machines and trailer loads of rice and beans, among others.

    Some members of her constituency told our correspondent that Maduagwu had renovated many dilapidated schools, sunk over 10 boreholes and renovated hospitals in the areas.

    Furthermore, she assured the people that more roads would be constructed in other communities by the Governor Willie Obiano.

    In a chat with our correspondent, Hon. Maduagwu who is a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) revealed that the urge to render selfless service to humanity motivated her joining politics; having seen how the people in the area had suffered for years.

    She said: “I am happy that I have made an indelible impact in all these communities within my short stay in politics. It is not for me to blow my trumpet. I leave such to my people.”

    However, she urged the beneficiaries to put the empowerment items to good use for their benefit and those of their immediate families.

    Some of the beneficiaries praised Hon. Maduagwu for remembering the needy in the society.

    A 29-year-old Miss Chinyere Nwosu, who received a hair drier, described the lawmaker as Godsend to bring about development in all the communities.

    Mrs. Justina Onyema, a widow, who received one of the sewing machines, praised Hon. Maduagwu, adding that it had never been so good for the people of Nnewi South.

    Apart from the items of empowerment which some beneficiaries received, the sum of N10, 000 was given to some of the constituents to boost their businesses. They included Ifeanyi Ebo and Chioma Okoye, among others.

    Mr. Hyacinth Maduagwu, husband of the lawmaker told our correspondent that he was not disappointed by allowing his wife to go into politics.

    He said men should encourage their wives to join politics as such women with capability and focus do achieve sustainable developments in their callings.

    Mr. Maduagwu added that his wife was complementing his developmental efforts during his tenure as the President-General of his community.

    One of the chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Albert Okpalaugo described Hon. Maduagwu has been a pillar of hope to the hopeless since she joined politics.

    He said if others elected by their communities are giving the people quality representation as Hon. Maduagwu does, most communities in the country would experience rapid development. He urged other lawmakers to emulate the lawmaker.

    The chairman of Nnewi South Local Government Area, Mr. Ossy Iyiegbu, praised the efforts of the lawmaker in making the council and communities in the area to enjoy benefits of democracy.

    The Principal of Zikson Secondary School, Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Mrs. Victoria Igwe, told our correspondent that the lawmaker had transformed schools in the state since her tenure as Chairman, House Committee on Education and Sporting, adding that sporting activities had come alive once again.

  • Lawmaker’s free medicare for constituents

    Lawmaker’s free medicare for constituents

    The member representing Bende North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Ndukwe Ojukwu has assured his constituents that their health will remain his priority.

    Hon. Ojukwu spoke at Apuanu Item during a four-day free medical treatment organised by Owani Professional Foundation (OPF), in collaboration with Ojukwu Foundation and the Methodist Church. He said health is the foundation of a every

    Ojukwu regretted the high mortality rate of infants and expectant mothers experienced in the rural areas in the past which he attributed to ignorance on the part of parents, even as he urged a change towards reducing the mortality rate.

    He praised the efforts of the team of doctors numbering 20 for their dedication to duty during the four-day free medical treatment and their excellent service which has helped in improving the health of members of his constituents.

    The lawmaker said healthy people make a wealthy nation, adding that there would be no meaningful development in a society when the health of the people is in serious jeopardy.

    Ojukwu further said the free medical treatment exercise was a yearly programme which aims at complementing the efforts of Governor Theodore Orji, whom he said has done much in the health sector.

    The lawmaker recalled that Ndukwe Ojukwu Foundation has, since 2011, settled hospital bills of all mothers who were delivered of their babies in any government hospital and maternity homes in the area.

    He noted that the emphasis on government hospitals and maternity homes aimed at discouraging expectant mothers from patronising quarks which may result in serious complications and possible deaths which his foundation aims to reduce.

    Hon. Ojukwu praised the efforts of the OPF and their boss Prof. Mba Okoronkwo who is the Dean of School of Health Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for his resilience in piloting the affairs of the body and bringing doctors to Item.

    He said their efforts have helped in reducing the high rate of infant and maternal mortality in his constituency, adding that members of his constituency will never forget them in a hurry.

    Speaking with our correspondent on their experiences, Mrs. Ijeoma Anyaele, Mr. Ikechukwu Kalu and Madam Ejije Igwe who benefitted from the free medical exercise expressed their happiness over the lawmaker’s gesture, even as they prayed God to reward the organisers for their wonderful concern for the needy.

  • Students get lawmaker’s scholarship to South Africa

    To promote the entrepreneurship and principles of free markets and liberty among the students, lawmaker representing Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency 1, Hon. Maruf Akinderu-Fatai, has given scholarship to seven students in his constituency to attend Students and Young Professionals Liberty Academy (SYPALA) in Pretoria, South Africa.

    The lawmaker, Akinderu-Fatai, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Compliance, said the sponsorship was in line with his youth development programme. He said the knowledge that would be acquired by the beneficiaries would be positively used to improve the lot of their colleagues and the nation.

    The beneficiaries will join over 100 youths from across Africa participate in the conference holding at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, with the theme: Creating the foundations for a free prosperous Africa. The event was organised by African Liberty Organisation.

    Akinderu-Fatai said he learnt about the international programme when he was invited to similar event at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Kaduna State in 2011. He said he sponsored 10 students in his constituency to the event in the year.

    Five students made the trip to Catholic University in Mozambique and six to Kabarak University, Kenya in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

    While presenting the travel documents to the beneficiaries, Akinderu-Fatai said the aim of the event was engage the youth to promote entrepreneurship, peace and liberty in Africa and train them to become successful entrepreneurs.

    He urged the students “to make us proud as ambassadors of Oshodi and Lagos.”

    The program, Akinderu-Fatai said, will draw resource persons from the academic, private sector, public and non-profit organisations, who will mentor the youth as to develop Africa.

    “The curriculum will also present case studies from different parts of the world to demonstrate the cross-cultural importance of liberty, peace and prosperity. The event will feature collaborative group project to encourage extensive interaction among participants,” he said.

  • Solomon: he ‘ll live in our memories

    The lawmaker representing Lagos West in the Senate, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, has said the brand of journalism practised by the late Vice-Chairman of The SunPublishing Ltd, Mr. Dimgba Igwe, was such that would make him live long in the memories of people.

    Solomon, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State and the Minority Whip, in a statement by his campaign office, expressed shock on the death of Igwe, whom he described as “an exemplary journalism icon, who would not mince words in communicating facts and standing by the truth through his educative and informative weekly column.”

    The grassroots politician said: “I was out of the country when the news of Igwe’s death got to me. I was devastated because I have always taken him as one of the few journalists, who have used their professional callings to raise the hope of and inspire the downtrodden in a society where the masses hardly matter.”

     

     

    I had no option but to return home to join millions of grieving Nigerians to mourn an icon of the pen profession.

    “I can only urge the late Igwe’s immediate and extended families as well as the The Sun family to seek solace in the great name and the legacy left behind by the foremost journalist. He has run a good race and given a good account of himself. He will for long live in our memories while we continue to miss his candid stand for truth on national issues.

    “My condolence also goes to an enigma and the publisher of The Sun, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, who has lost a good support, brother and friend in Dimgba Igwe. I ask the Almighty God to console him and everyone in grief at this critical time.”

     

  • Lawmaker donates to constituents

    The member representing Isin/Irepodun/Ekiti/Oke Ero Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Akeem Aiydedun has donated the sum of N4 million to the four local government areas that make up the constituency to enable them to strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC) structures in Kwara State.

    The lawmaker made the donation during a sensitisation tour of his constituency during which he fraternised with the newly inaugurated party executive in each of the four local government areas.

    He also distributed some items worth N2 million to some members of his constituency. The items distributed included clothes and motorcycles, among others.

    Party members as well as youth groups and associations received Hon. Aiydedun. Some of the groups were ABS youth group, NATA, Motorcyclists’ association, youth leaders, artisans, PMAN Ekiti, women leaders and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

    They expressed their happiness over Hon. Aiyedun’s gesture towards the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the entire youth of his constituency.

    In a statement, his media aide, Shesan Phillip had said Aiydedun had earlier donated scores of vehicles, motorcycles, dryers and power generating sets, among others to the groups. This, he said, was a way of empowering his people.

    Receiving Hon. Aiydedun during the tour, members of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the constituency pledged their support and loyalty to him and the APC. They also appreciated the state government’s efforts towards improving the well-being of the people, even as they praised Senator Bukola Saraki for his leadership of the party.