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  • Ekwueme a detribalized Nigerian – Okorocha

    Ekwueme a detribalized Nigerian – Okorocha

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has joined other eminent Nigerians and Igbo leaders to mourn the death  of former Vice President,  Dr. Alex Ekwueme who passed away in a London hospital.

    The Imo governor described  the late elder statesmanas an epitome of a detribalized Nigerian.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor,   Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, in a statement said, “the Governor of Imo  State,  Owelle Rochas Okorocha has received the sad news of Dr. Alex Ekwueme, the former Vice President of Nigeria, with great shock, describing him as an epitome of detribalized  Nigerian, and therefore died as a statesman”.

    The statement continued that, “nine years after the civil war, the rest of Nigerians re-enacted or reinforced their faith and belief in the Igbo as one of the major tripods of the nation through Dr. Alex Ekwueme who was elected the Vice President of the nation with Alhaji Shehu Usman Shagari as the President”.

     The governor  also noted that “Dr. Ekwueme launched the Igbo into national politics since the second Republic and refused to be cajoled into playing tribal politics, and until his death, Dr. Ekwueme remained in the mainstream of Nigerian politics because of his firm believe in oneness of the nation”.

     According to the governor, Dr. Ekwueme was a good example of the kind of politics the Igbo should be playing at any given time and has left behind a befitting legacy”.

     He said Dr. Ekwueme’s peaceful and honest dispositions both in his politics, public and private lives are worthy of emulation, adding that, “the only regret about Dr. Ekwueme at the moment is that he has died at a time his wealth of experience and his wise advice would have been most needed and most useful to all Nigerians of goodwill.

     The governor said “Nigerians and of course, Ndi-Igbo in particular would greatly miss Dr. Ekwueme and prays that the good LORD should grant his soul eternal rest”.

  • Netherlands announces supportive budget for outstanding Nigerian artists

    Netherlands announces supportive budget for outstanding Nigerian artists

    The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria on Monday announced its first cultural exchange project and a supportive budget to outstanding Nigerian artists.

    The embassy’s Head of Delegation, Mr Michel Deleen, said in Lagos that the budget was meant to promote exchanges between Dutch and Nigerian artists.

    “For the very first time, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria will be engaging in a cultural exchange with Nigeria.

    “Let me announce that under our international cultural budget, we are now going to be promoting a link between individual artists from Nigeria and the Netherlands, to enhance our cultural exchanges.

    “We have realised that there are huge cultural exchange opportunities in Nigeria that should be harnessed.

    “We now have a small budget for supporting exchanges between Dutch and Nigerian artists,’’ he said.

    Deleen, who enjoined Nigerian artists to avail themselves of the budget, however, said that the grant was meant for outstanding Nigerian artists.

    The Head of the Netherlands Delegation in Lagos also said that there would be a criteria for the selection of the benefiting artists.

    “We have standards for would-be Nigerian artists to benefit from the grant.

    “They really need to be credible, transparent and outstanding, to fit into our criteria for selecting artists abroad,’’ he said.

    Deleen said that already, an exhibitor from the Netherlands, Mr Kadir Van Lohuizen, would be participating in this month’s Lagos Photo exhibition.

    He said that Lohuizen would be doing an exhibition on “Where shall we go? The human consequences of the rising sea level’’.

    Deleen also said that another Dutch artist, Ms Anja Sijben, would be coming to Lagos in December, to participate at the Iwaya Cultural Arts Festival.

    NAN

  • Ekwueme ‘s death, big loss to the nation, Nigerian communities in S/Africa

    Ekwueme ‘s death, big loss to the nation, Nigerian communities in S/Africa

    The Nigerian communities in South Africa says the passing away of Dr Alex Ekwueme, former Vice President,  is a big loss to the nation.

    Ekwueme died in a London clinic, aged 85 on Sunday.

    Mr Adetola Olubajo, President, Nigeria Union, South Africa, said this on the telephone from Pretoria on Monday, that Nigerians in that country received the news with shock.

    He described Ekwueme as a politician with exceptional policies rarely seen among “ the political gladiators currently dominating our political climate.

    “He was upright, cerebral, courageous and loyal to the country while he was serving in various public offices.

    “His wealth of experience and contributions to the political landscape in Nigeria will be greatly missed.

    “In 1995, he proposed the six geopolitical zones which Nigerians now use for decision making on national issues, Olubajo said.

    According to him, as first executive vice president of Nigeria, it is a public knowledge that  Ekwueme left office poorer than he was when he entered it.

    “This cannot be said of Nigerian politicians anymore,” the President said.

    Olubajo said that Nigerians in South Africa commiserated with his family, friends, and associates.

    “ We love him, but God loves him more. Adieu father of the nation, and elder statesman per excellent and true nationalist,” he said.

    Read Also: Ekwueme dies at 85

     

  • Queen Elizabeth, husband Philip celebrate 70 years of marriage quietly

    Queen Elizabeth, husband Philip celebrate 70 years of marriage quietly

    Queen Elizabeth and husband Prince Philip marked their platinum wedding anniversary with a small family get-together on Monday, a far cry from the pomp and celebration which greeted their marriage 70 years ago.

    The couple married at London’s Westminster Abbey on Nov. 20, 1947, just two years after the end of World War Two, in a glittering ceremony which attracted statesmen and royalty from around the world and huge crowds of cheering well-wishers.

    Seventy years on, no public events are planned.

    Elizabeth, now 91, and her 96-year-old husband, who retired from active public life in August, will celebrate the milestone with a private party at Windsor Castle, the monarch’s home to the west of London.

    That contrasts with their silver, golden and diamond wedding anniversaries when they attended thanksgiving services at the thousand-year-old Abbey, where the queen was crowned and where her grandson and his wife, William and Kate, were married in 2011.

    However, the Abbey itself will mark the occasion with a full peal of its bells involving 5,070 changes of sequences, with the 70 reflecting the anniversary, which will last more than three hours.

    “Congratulations to The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh as they celebrate their Platinum Wedding anniversary,” Prime Minister, Theresa May, said on Twitter.

    “They have devoted their lives to the service of the UK and the Commonwealth – my best wishes to them both on this special occasion.”

    The wedding of Princess Elizabeth, as she then was, to the dashing naval officer Philip Mountbatten was seen as raising the nation’s spirits amid an austere background of rationing and shortages that followed the war.

    “Millions will welcome this joyous event as a flash of colour on the hard road we have to travel,” said former Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.

    Five years later, Elizabeth succeeded her father George VI on the throne and has ruled for the following 65 years, more than any other monarch in British history, with Philip by her side throughout.

    “The support he gives to my grandmother is phenomenal,” Prince Harry said in a documentary to mark her 60th year on the throne.

    “Regardless of whether my grandfather seems to be doing his own thing, sort of wandering off like a fish down the river, the fact that he’s there – I personally don’t think that she could do it without him.”

    While the couple’s marriage has remained strong, three of their four children have seen their unions end in divorce, most notably heir Prince Charles’s ill-fated union with his late first wife Princess Diana.

    “He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years,” Elizabeth said in a speech to mark the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary in 1997.

    Royal historian Hugo Vickers said the secret of their long marriage was their mutual support and devotion to duty.

    “They don’t waste a jolt of time wondering whether we like them or not – they just get on with the job,” he said.

    “On the occasions, when I have been lucky enough to see them together, they always look incredibly comfortable in each other’s company.”

    NAN

  • FRSC threatens to arrest, prosecute drunk drivers in Bayelsa

    FRSC threatens to arrest, prosecute drunk drivers in Bayelsa

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Bayelsa command, has threatened to apprehend and prosecute drunk drivers especially, during the yuletide.

    Mr Ikechukwu Igwe, the state FRSC Sector Commander, who made the threat in an interview in Yenagoa on Monday, said the command had procured equipment to detect liquor from the breathe of motorists.

    “We have gotten machine that we shall be using to detect drunk drivers in order to safeguard lives and property of road users.

    “When we arrest you, you will be prosecuted according to the law; so, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.

    “Speed limit and over-loading violation are some of the major causes of fatal accidents on the highways,” he said.

    Igwe however, disclosed that the command recorded only eight road crashes between September and October.

    He explained that out of the eight crashes, three were fatal while five were serious.

    “The fatal crashes are those that involved loss of lives while the serious crash is when people have injuries.

    “Though, we thank God, the incidence of crashes has reduced in the state; I must tell you that, so far in the month of November, no accident has been recorded.

    “Yes, we attribute the reduction in road traffic crash to the corps’ improved operations and enforcement of speed limiting device ,” he said.

    Igwe, however commended the activities marking the Africa Road Safety Day/ World Day of remembrance for Road Traffic Victim, saying it was strategic to sensitize the general public on the need for safer road.

    The Road Safety Day held between Nov. 13 and Nov.19, was a global awareness on the road safety issues among stakeholders for prevention of traffic-related injuries and deaths.

    NAN

  • APGA, South Africa congratulates Obiano

    APGA, South Africa congratulates Obiano

    The South Africa chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA ) on Monday called on losers of  Saturday`s governorship election in Anambra to join Gov. Willie Obiano`s administration.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission`s returning officer, Mr Zanna Akpagu said  Obiano, candidate of the All Progressives  Grand Alliance (APGA)  scored 234,071 votes to win  the governorship election

    Mr  Henry Onyekumnaru, its chairman, said this on a telephone chat from Durban, South Africa on Monday, that Obiano`s victory was overwhelming.

    “It was a very good one. I led an APGA delegation from South Africa to join Anambra people in ensuring that the party won the election.

    “Its a very happy development and we are overwhelmed with the support Anambra people gave to our party,” he said.

    Onyekumnaru, however, called on candidates of the other parties to join Gov. Obiano`s administration in the task of developing the state.

    He said “ to the contestants, it was a great fight. Now that we have known who owns the grassroots, I call on them to join APGA to ensure that policies put in place to make Anambra great are well implemented,”

    The chairman urged the governor to carry along everybody, especially opposition candidates by giving them a sense of belonging.

    “The governor should also ensure that promises made are implemented. We urge him to continue with the massive roads being built and other infrastructures and remember to carry along, candidates of other parties in the election,” Onyekumnaru said.

    NAN

  • Bello congratulates Obiano, lauds Buhari for good poll conduct

    Bello congratulates Obiano, lauds Buhari for good poll conduct

    Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Sunday congratulated Mr Willie Obiano on his re-election as the Governor of Anambra.

    He described Obiano’s re-election  as a ”well-deserved victory”.

    In a congratulatory message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Petra Onyegbule, in Lokoja, Bello commended President Muhammadu Buhari for ensuring a level playing ground for all candidates in the election.

    He said that the president’s action was a proof by the APC-led Federal Government to ensure credible, free, fair and peaceful elections and respect for the rule of law under his leadership.

    “On behalf of the Government and good people of Kogi State, I congratulate the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Mr. Willie Obiano, for a well-deserved victory.

    “I equally congratulate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, on the peaceful, free and fair election in Anambra State, acceptable to all.

    “Ensuring a peaceful, free and fair election is a testament to the fact that President Buhari embodies and exemplifies the Change Mantra of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “The voice of the people spoke loudly and it has resonated for all to hear. This is the singular most prominent feature of a democracy which allows people to choose their leader out of many contestants,” he said.

    Bello, however, applauded the candidate of APC, Mr Tony Nwoye, for putting up a good fight, and described him as “a winner through whom the APC has become entrenched in Anambra State.

    “As a people, we shall continue to consolidate on the gains we have made over the past 16 years as we break new progressive frontiers.”

    Obiano of APGA won the election with  234, 071 votes ahead of  APC who scored 98, 752 votes and Oseloka Obaze of PDP with 70, 293 votes.

    Thirty-six candidates contested the election.

    NAN

  • NNPC, Chevron sign $1.7bn deal to increase crude, gas production

    NNPC, Chevron sign $1.7bn deal to increase crude, gas production

    Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC ) and Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) have executed the final phase of an Alternative Financing Agreement to increase crude production by about 39,000 barrels per day.

    The agreement, signed in London, is also expected to achieve an incremental peak production of about 283mmscfd of gas, NNPC Group Managing Director, Dr Maikanti Baru, made the disclosure in a statement on Sunday.

    The statement was issued by Mr Ndu Ughamadu, Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division  of NNPC.

    Baru said the increment to be achieved by the agreement would spread “over the remaining life of the asset ( 2045 ).”

    According to him, the project, which is about 92 per cent completed, will cost 1.7 billion dollars, with 780 million dollars and is expected to be funded by third-party.

    He said it would produce natural gas liquids and condensate extracted from the Sonam and Okan fields located in OML 90 and 91 in the Niger Delta.

    Baru described the deal as a step in the right direction which would grow the nation’s daily production and support the Federal Government’s strategic domestic gas-to-power aspirations.

    He said the project would include the completion of the Sonam non-associated gas (NAG) well platform and Sonam living quarters platform; drilling of seven wells in the Sonam field and the Okan 30E NAG well.

    It will also include the completion of the 20” x 32Km Sonam pipeline and Okan pig receiver platform and development of the associated facilities, Baru added.

    “As we speak now, the facilities are 100 per cent completed while wells are 40 per cent executed,” he  said.

    In carrying out the project, the NNPC/CNL Joint Venture (JV) adopted a two-stage financing approach: Stage 1 which provided 400 million dollars sourced from Nigerian Commercial Banks achieved financial close on Aug. 1, 2017.

    Stage 2, (signed on Nov. 17), is set to provide 380 million dollars from International Commercial Banks (ICBs).

    Out of the 780 million dollars total financing for both stages, Chevron’s co-lending totals 312 million dollars while NNPC’s portion of the total facility stands at is 468 million dollars.

    Speaking further on the Alternative Financing approach, Baru explained that it was aimed at plugging NNPC’s shortfall in funding JV cash call obligations including settlement of pre-2016 cash call arrears.

    “It will also enable full funding of NNPC’s JV obligations to restore investors’ confidence and stimulate further Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) as we are beginning to witness,” he noted.

    The Managing Director of CNL, Mr Jeff Ewing, said his company supported the Federal Government’s aspirations to sustain oil and gas production.

    “We know the important role gas supply to the domestic market plays in growing power generation.

    “We also understand government’s need to seek alternative sources to fund profitable and bankable JV Projects,” Ewing added.

    In August, two sets of alternative financing agreements on JV projects were executed between the NNPC/CNL JV (project Falcon) and the NNPC/SPDC JV (Project Santolina).

    Both are aimed at boosting reserves and production in line with the Federal Government’s aspirations for the Oil and Gas Industry.

    NAN

  • Ekwueme dies at 85

    Ekwueme dies at 85

    Former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, is dead.

    His brother, Igwe Laz Ekwueme, who announced this in a statement, said that the elder statesman died at a London clinic at about 10 p.m. on Sunday.

    “Ekwueme family regrets to announce the peaceful passing away of their patriarch, the former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme,’’ he said.

    Ekwueme, who turned 85 years in October, was reported to have collapsed in his residence in Enugu a few weeks ago.

    He was immediately taken to Memfys Nuerosurgery Hospital in Enugu from where he was moved to London for further medical attention on the orders of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Ekwueme was the Vice President to Alhaji Shehu Shagari between 1979 and 1984.

    NAN

  • Police confirm release of kidnapped FETHA CMD

    Police confirm release of kidnapped FETHA CMD

    The Ebonyi Police Command on Sunday, confirmed the release of the kidnapped Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) Dr Emeka Ogah.

    It can be recalled that Ogah was kidnapped on Nov 15 at Ajaokuta, Kogi on his way to Abuja on an official assignment.

    The CMD was kidnapped alongside the hospital’s Director of Administration, Chief Christopher Ogbu and Mr Sylvester Ugama, the Director of Finance while his driver escaped with bullets wounds from the abductors.

    ASP Loveth Odah, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), gave the confirmation in an interview with NAN, noting that Ogah and others have reunited with their families.

    “The kidnap victims were released by the abductors on Saturday night around the area they were abducted and they are presently in good state of health.

    “I cannot confirm whether ransom was paid for their release but the kidnapping unit of the command is working in collaboration with its counterpart in Kogi to track and arrest the kidnappers,” he said.

    Dr Ifeanyi Ariom, Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association ( NMA ) Ebonyi chapter, thanked God for the release.

    “We appreciate the demonstration of love and solidarity shown by all, particularly the Ebonyi government,” he said.

    Gov. David Umahi had on Friday while addressing protesting doctors and other hospital staff, vowed that his administration would ensure that the victims were released without harm.

    “When they are released, I will come into the hospital and find out if bad eggs were involved because this matter does not matter whether it is a state or federal institution.

    “The rights of our people would always be respected and anybody who doesn’t want to stay here can go to another place and stay.

    “People who feel that an Ebonyi man cannot be a CMD will be made to know that an Ebonyi man can be such and if the CMD is doing some wrong things, we can sit down and discuss such,” he said.

    NAN