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  • Onoh celebrates Onanuga at 67

    Onoh celebrates Onanuga at 67

    The former President Bola Tinubu’s South East Spokesman and current Chairman, Forum of former Members of Enugu House of Assembly, Dr Josef Onoh, has eulogised the Special Adviser to President on Information and Strategy, Chief Bayo Onanuga as the veteran journalist clocked 67 years. 

    Onoh recalled Onanugu’s bravery and sacrifices during the fight against military dictatorship in Nigeria during the jack boot days, noting that the veteran publisher never wavered in his commitment to the restoration of democracy the country.

    He wished Onanuga more years to enjoy the fruits of his labour and the continue to push for strengthening of democracy in Nigeria, stating that his longevity is a testament to his unshakeable belief in a free and just society.

    In a his anniversary wish, Onoh said: “Happy 67th birthday to a veteran journalist, patriot, and one of the champions of democracy in Nigeria, Chief Bayo Onanuga. As Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, your wealth of experience and expertise continue to serve our nation well.

    Read Also: Onoh proposes referendum for Biafra Agitators, condemns killing of soldiers

    “I salute your courage and sacrifices in fighting against military dictatorship in Nigeria during the dark days. Your unwavering commitment to the restoration of democracy is a testament to your unshakeable belief in a free and just society.

    “Your dedication to the profession and service to our nation is an inspiration to many. May this milestone birthday be a celebration of your remarkable achievements and a reminder of the impact your work has had on our country’s journey towards democratic freedom.

    “Congratulations, Chief Bayo Onanuga! May this new year bring you continued strength, wisdom, and joy.”

  • Kano Emirate crisis: Onoh lashes Atiku, accuses ex-VP of incitement

    Kano Emirate crisis: Onoh lashes Atiku, accuses ex-VP of incitement

    President Bola Tinubu‘s former campaign spokesman in the south east, Dr. Josef Onoh has taken a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for alleged comments aimed at escalating tension in the Kano Emirship imbroglio.

    The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Abubakar had in reaction to the Kano stool logjam accused President Tinubu of meddlesomeness in the Emirate tussle, insisting that the Federal Government aided one of the parties with logistics and security guards.

    But Onoh in perforating Atiku’s claims, described the former Vice President’s statements as an act of irresponsibility from a perceived statesman.

    “I am disappointed in the former PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku, for choosing to play a dirty politics at the detriment of peace and national unity. And I ask Atiku if this is the type of Nigeria he wants to lead as a President. Had it been he won the election, he would have compromised the national security of Nigeria.”

    Read Also: Onoh hails reinstatement of Sanusi as Kano Emir

    Onoh wondered if Atiku’s statements would have formed weapons he would have used to lead a country as diverse as Nigeria if he had succeeded in his 2023 Presidential quest.

    Onoh, who is the Coordinator of Renewed Hope Support for Bola Tinubu In 2027, advised the former Vice president to always play maturity on issues of national security.

    “I want to advise Atiku to play maturity on issues as volatile as national security and cohesion of Nigeria. The respect accorded him as an elderstesman by the Presidency is not an act of weakness and there is also a limit to political rascality and when that rascality turns to compromising the national unity, there are dire consequences, hence he should guide his utterances.

    “As an elderstesman, I expect Atiku to work for peace in Nigeria not to aggravate issues. His action showed his desperation to rule Nigeria at all costs which is an illusion though,” Onoh reprimanded.

  • Onoh hails reinstatement of Sanusi as Kano Emir

    Onoh hails reinstatement of Sanusi as Kano Emir

    The former campaign spokesman of President Bola Tinubu in the South East Dr. Josef Onoh has described the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano as a well thought-out corrigendum by the people of the ancient Emirate.

    Onoh said that Emir Sanusi is a worthy Ambassador whose passion for the country has been unequalled by any of his contemporaries, precisely in his reach across all sections of Nigeria and even in diaspora.

    He noted that the reinstated Emir of Kano made sacrifices for the nation, promoted the country in the wider globe and a worthy ambassador of Nigeria who has contributed immensely to the growth of democracy in the country.

    Read Also: Onoh exhibited Tinubu’s seven wonders in seven days – Onoh

    Onoh said he reverend the people of Kano state who found the obnoxious order against Sanusi as a mistake and nuisance but reversed it for the posterity of the country.

    “I wish him many more successful and prosperous years on his renewed throne to continue his advancement of democracy in Nigeria. 

    “I also commended the people of Kano state for their maturity in the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi while maintaining peace in the Emirate for the good of the state and Nigeria,” Onoh said.

  • Onoh exhibited Tinubu’s seven wonders in seven days – Onoh

    Onoh exhibited Tinubu’s seven wonders in seven days – Onoh

    President Bola Tinubu’s former spokesman in the south east, Dr. Josef Onoh, has flaunted what he described as the President’s achievements in the first week of 2014, saying they have been “sweeping.”

    Onoh noted that in just one week, the  President has been able to demonstrate how fast and decisive a leader could be in matters of national interest, particularly when they are germane issues to a nation in a hurry to overcome challenges. 

    He stated that in one of the recent events, the Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria in charge of financial system stability, Aisha Ahmed was arrested and detained by the Department of the State Service (DSS) over alleged fraudulent acquisition of shares in Polaris bank, Titan Bank/Union Bank, including how the sum of $300 million was raised to complete the acquisition of Union Bank by Titan Bank.

    He explained in a bid to sanitise the financial system, Tinubu through the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) dissolved the board and management of Titan Trust Bank and three others, adding that the dissolution was in response to a report submitted by the Special Investigator on the CBN and Related Entities, Jim Obazee.

    According to Onoh: “Mr. President had within the week suspended a Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, over matters that have to do with alleged misappropriation of funds in governance, particularly in the present era of economic crunch when cautiousness is what is required to gain public confidence in government. 

    “In an intertwined connection, another minister was summoned over a controversial contract scam allegation.”

    He further said that President Tinubu pursuant to prudence management of funds reduced his travel entourage and dramatically cut costs on travel matters by 60%,  an action he said was in obedience to the public agreement that he should cut cost of governance, particularly while on local and foreign trips.

    “Going forward, the president in his zeal to scale up productivity, relieved the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and his Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) CEO counterpart, of their duties. 

    “It was with the same dispatch that Mr. President ordered for blacklisting of degree certificates obtained within six weeks from universities in the Republic of Benin and went further to announce plans by the federal government to build a new Chinese-built steel plant in Nigeria.

    “In the busy week, President Tinubu launched the Nigeria immigration automated passport portal to ease the pressure of citizens obtaining international passports for their travel arrangements. 

    “He went further to clear the ₦12 billion outstanding for the Super Eagles and other national teams and has begun payment for the wage support benefits to civil servants, while disbursing ₦105.5 billion for 266 road repairs across the country.

    “In the international scene, President Tinubu within the week intervened to bring peace in Sierra Leone after the November 2023 failed coup attempt in the West African country.

    Read Also: 40% varsities IGR : Onoh lauds Obi over comment on Tinubu

    “Moving forward, he approved the appointment of a new board and management team headed by Jalal Arabi for the National Hajj Commission (NAHCOM), pending confirmation by the Nigerian Senate. The appointment was to ensure hitch-free and seamless 2024 Hajj operations. 

    “The President mandated the appointees to dedicate themselves to the task of ensuring that operations of the National Hajj Commission are more efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of Nigerians. 

    “In the same vein, the President has approved the appointment of nine qualified Nigerians to serve on the board of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) under the chairmanship of Colonel Aloche Adole.

    “Clearly Mr. President has so far upheld his covenant with the people and given hope to the hopeless which is a testament of our renew hope and the major reason we are united to stand on his mandate,” he stated. 

  • Actor Natty Bruce dies at 57

    Actor Natty Bruce dies at 57

    Popular Nollywood director and producer, Natty Bruce Idigbogu has reportedly passed on at 57.

    The deceased was known for his martial arts in Nollywood.

    A movie journalist and member of the African Movie Academy Awards jury, Shaibu Husseini, announced the filmmaker’s passage on his official Facebook page.

    Read Also: Yomi Fabiyi calls out Iyabo Ojo over drug claims on Naira Marley

    He wrote: “I have just been reliably informed that light has dimmed on foremost Nollywood’s ‘martial arts’ actor Natty Bruce.

    “The green belter was passionate about integrating Martial Arts into Nollywood movies. He also tried to produce a full-length Martial Art movie. Good night Oga Natty. Bye Bye, Sir.”

  • Onoh set to open multi-billion zoological garden, apartments in Enugu

    Onoh set to open multi-billion zoological garden, apartments in Enugu

    With last week’s Supreme Court decision on the presidential election matters, Dr. Josef Onoh has declared the 2023 political process as concluded and has returned to his hospitality and wildlife conservation business.

    Onoh, who aspired for Enugu governorship, became President Tinubu’s spokesman in the southeast where he was vociferous in defense of President Tinubu’s campaigns.

    He was recently sighted at the Artis Royal Zoo in the centre of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Artis Royal is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and the fifth oldest zoo in the world, opened on the 1st of May 1838.

    Onoh lives in Paris and Nigeria. His love for animals is well known right from his childhood in Edinburgh Scotland was seen in company of various staff of the facility inspecting various enclosures with his team during the sixth day understudy visit which will terminate at Berlin Zoological Garden, Germany.

    The European zoological tour is said to be in connection with Onoh’s current hospitality and conservation project, Woodland Park Zoo and Apartments, self-funded and executed by his Company, Tenerife hospitality group.

    Tenerife is the promoter of hospitality outfits such as Jalapeños Mexican grills, Kublai Khan Mongolian restaurant, Terminal 1(Aviators club), Voodoo Lounge, Morehouse hotels, Tenerife Apartments, The Arriba Entertainment Centre, among others.

    Woodland Park zoo and Apartments is situated at Iva valley forest reserve, a colonial quarter in Enugu.

    The Tourism investment comprises 10 units of three-bedroom furnished service bungalows, 15 units of serviced one-bedroom apartments, 20 units of loft aparthotel, swimming pool, gymnasium, restaurant and lounge.

    It has various bicycle rides for all ages, quad bike and hiking experiences in the famous miliken hill, horse stables and riding experience. A zoological garden comprising of Giraffes, zebras, Eland antelopes, Cape buffalo, Thompsons gazelles, ostriches, various species of monkeys, Emu, warthogs, porcupines, gaint tortoise, deers, crocodiles, various species of snakes, peacocks, various species of Eagles, griffon vultures, servel cat, mixed bird Avery and lots more.

    Guests will experience a once-in-a-lifetime connection with nature and a feeling of Safari adventure while in the centre of the city.

    The facility will open to the public in late August 2024 and it’s the first of it’s kind in Nigeria and one of the few personal non-bank funded investments undertaken in Nigeria by few investors.

    This also will be the first major tourist investment in Enugu state since the last government-owned zoo was closed over 20yrs ago and the state zoological garden turned to high brow residential estate.

    The same occurred in Imo State government-owned zoo, bringing to present non existence of any zoological garden in the south east where children can visit.

    The Woodland park zoo and Apartments Enugu is therefore coming to fill the vacuum for provision of wildlife tourism will be one of the best individual investment to benefit and place Enugu state in the main stream growing tourism industry.

    The project estimated to gulp about N2.3bn of which almost N1.8bn has already been expended. The project is already 70 percent completed.  A proposed go cart racing track and Arcade world will be introduced late 2026 which is anticipated to gulp more than N1.7bn at the current forex rate.

    Onoh as Chairman of Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) brought out his creative ingenuity to bare. For him, the task was not just about enforcement for compliance to town planning regulations but also about creative development in the city planning. Examples of Onoh’s introduced city remodel are evident in park lane roundabout, Tunnel/Okpara Avenue junction, Otigba junction, New Haven dual carriage connection, Ebeano tunnel by Garden Avenue ramp.

    Read Also: It’s healing time, Onoh hails Tinubu’s Supreme court victory

    He also executed the Government House white lion statues, the memorial plane for 1983 plane crash victims at Akanu Ibiam international airport Enugu, just to mention but a few. Each of the projects initiated and executed by Onoh’s leadership of the ECTDA added value and strengthened the city’s physical planning.

    As the spokesman of Bola Tinubu in the southeast, Onoh made significant branding and image laundering of the APC presidential campaign in the zone that in the past was not known for the patronage of the national ruling party.

    He tackled all the opposition media wars against President Tinubu vigorously and intellectually that non ever were bold to counter his publications due to the veracity of the facts it mostly contained.

  • Onoh accuses Atiku of forgery, impersonation

    Onoh accuses Atiku of forgery, impersonation

    President Bola Tinubu’s former spokesman in the south east Dr. Josef Onoh has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of certificate forgery and impersonation, citing inconsistencies in Atiku’s primary, secondary and tertiary certificates.

    Onoh particularly alleged that the change of name Affidavit which Atiku brandishes was manufactured on a Saturday, contrary to working days which Nigerian courts use to issue such relevant documents.

    He branded Atiku as the ‘Harry Houdini’ of impersonation, adding that the former Vice President is also a ‘Cam Gerian’ parading a fake affidavit. 

    Onoh said that ‘Cam Gerians’ was a name given to Nigerian migrants to south west Cameroon who constituted the largest number of migrants after the 1961 plebiscite where they were denied Cameroonian nationality and citizenship in spite of their long stay in Cameroon and enormous contributions to the development towards their host communities and country, contrary to Atiku’s case in Nigeria where he was allowed to exercise his political liberties and eventually became the Vice president.

    Revealing Atiku’s alleged Cameroonian origin, Onoh said that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) originally paraded as “Atiku Kojoli” on his primary school certificate and as “Siddiq Abubakar” in his 1965 West African School Certificate and General Certificate of Examination (WASSCE).

    Read Also: Busted: Atiku signed his 1973 ‘Sadiq’ WAEC affidavit in court on a Saturday

    Onoh also pointed that Atiku’s change of name affidavit indicated a date of 18th August 1973 when legally regularised his name from Siddiq Abubakar to Atiku Abubakar, yet there is no clear explanation for the other name, ‘Atiku Kojoli.’

    “Marvelously, the said 18th day off August fell on a Saturday and not a working day; Atiku’s signature on the said affidavit didn’t fade after 50yrs to blend with the faded ink characters of the affidavit. Meanwhile, only Nigerian citizens can change their names in their country. Foreigners in Nigeria must first gain Nigerian citizenship before being eligible for a name change,” Onoh stated. 

    He challenged Atiku to furnish Nigerians a legal and compelling reason for opting for his assorted change of names and to produce the Deed poll executed to change his name in 1965.

    “I challenge Atiku to produce any valid document showing he was a Nigerian citizen as at 1965 and prior to the time he changed his name twice. I challenge Atiku to produce evidence that the affidavit he parades was allegedly signed, knowing that it is compulsory for the public to know that he now bears new names, Siddiq, and Atiku, which were supposed to have been published in any legacy newspaper in Nigeria of 1965 and 1973.

    “I challenge Atiku to produce, after publication, the copy of his new names, Siddiq in 1965 and Atiku in 1973, which was printed in Nigeria’s official gazette indicating he altered his names. 

    “Therefore, Atiku is parading a fake unauthenticated document and I challenge him to show proof of the aforementioned documents required for a change of name he complied with in 1965 and 1973. He should also show Nigerians a signed court affidavit confirming his name change which should not be older than one year in 1965 and 1973 and also a newspaper clipping that reflected his announcement of his name change.

    “This should also be less than a year from the date of the advertisement in 1965 and 1973. Atiku must submit the declaration/advertisement he typed with two passport-sized pictures of his then most recent appearance in 1965 and 1973, a letter of attestation from a credible source, an official announcement of the adjustment, a copy of the Official Gazette, which includes his name. 

    “It is therefore clear from the foregoing that the Chief magistrate’s court registry in Apapa Lagos was able to open for Atiku to execute his Affidavit on a Saturday because he, Atiku, is definitely the Harry Houdini of fraud and impersonation,” Onoh alleged.