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  • Lagos at 50: Igbo Community holds solidarity session

    Lagos at 50: Igbo Community holds solidarity session

    The Igbo Community in Lagos State will hold a solidarity session on Sunday, May 28 in commemoration of 50 years of creation of Lagos State. The event will take place at Cinema Hall 1 of the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu Lagos at 12 noon.

    At a press conference jointly addressed by Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu (JP) and the member representing Oshodi/Isolo State Constituency 11 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. (Sir) Jude Emeka Idimogu (KSM) on Sunday at the Lagos State Igbo Community Centre on how Ndigbo are preparing for the solidarity celebration, Eze Nwachukwu said: “The event will serve as a platform for the Igbo Community in Lagos State to bring to the fore the immense achievements and contributions of Ndigbo to the development of Lagos State.

    “For the Igbo Community in Lagos that cuts across the Igbo-speaking peoples of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Delta, Imo and Rivers states, the celebration of 50 years of the creation of Lagos State is a moment of truth. This is the finest hour to demonstrate Igbo solidarity with the government and people of Lagos State.”

    “It is also what inspires publishing the book, Ndigbo: A Factor in Lagos State Development; a synopsis of individual and corporate roles of Nigerians of Igbo extraction in shaping what is today known as the Centre of Excellence by one of the Igbo scholars, Chief Geoffrey Umeh.”

    Eze Nwachukwu revealed that awards would be given to some Ndigbo who have distinguished themselves in their various professions and who have contributed to the growth and development of Lagos State.

    “The Igbo Community in Lagos will honour those who have attained greatness; whether dead or alive. It is incontrovertible that there are some Igbo men and women whose achievements and contributions made Lagos become a model city,” Eze Nwachukwu said.

    Speaking glowingly about the achievements of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Eze Nwachukwu noted that “Ambode’s development strides since he assumed office have been tremendous. He has made development get to the grassroots.

    “The Igbo Community in Lagos State under my leadership congratulates him on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Lagos State. Ndigbo in Lagos are happy to identify with him and the entire people of Lagos State.

    “The relationship built over the years by our forebears over five decades ago is worthy of celebration. We thank Governor Ambode under whose administration the state is celebrating its Golden Jubilee.”

    He appealed to Ndigbo at home and in the Diaspora to turn out in large numbers to be part of the celebrations.

    He disclosed that a book entitled Ndigbo: A Factor in Lagos State Development has been written in an attempt to showcase how the Igbo Community in Lagos State that comprises Igbo-speaking states of Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Delta, Imo and Rivers states have immensely impacted positively on the economy and development of the most populated Black City in the World, adding that it symbolises Igbo solidarity with Lagos State Golden Jubilee anniversary celebration.

    “The book chronicles the existing affable relationship among the Igbo and Yoruba as well as the contributions of Igbo sons and daughters to the development of the state in the past 50 years,” Eze Nwachukwu said.

    Commenting on the essence of the event, Hon. Idimogu stated that Ndigbo in Lagos are known for their enterprise and hard work, even as he said their cosmopolitan nature gives them an edge over others in areas of adventure and investment.

    “The Igbo race has invested so much in Lagos State. In terms of population, they are the most populous ethnic group residing in the state. The essence of our celebration is to wish the government and people of Lagos State well. We are happy with them for attaining 50 years as a geographical entity. We also wish to show our solidarity with them for being good hosts.

    “Again, we want to appreciate Igbo men and women who are enthusiastic about Igboism as a movement. We are optimistic that the event will bring about unity among the Igbo. The ideology that Igbo have no king is never realistic because leadership is critical to development.

    “The Southwest states have Obas who direct the affairs of the people and that is why Southwest states have recorded tremendous development. By the time we succeed in this project, we would have blazed the trail and other states will want to emulate what the Igbo had done,” he said.

    The lawmaker revealed that the Igbo do not consider being away from their ancestral homes before they invest in areas outside their homelands because they consider every part of the country they find themselves in as their homes.

    This is why, he said, the first set of Igbo men and women that resided in Lagos over 50 years ago such as Sir Louis Odumegwu-Ojukwu, among others, who was considered as the richest man in Africa during his time did business and invested heavily in Lagos, thereby contributing to its development.

    Hon. Idimogu noted that since Lagos became a geographical entity 50 years ago following its creation as a state in 1967, the Igbo have become instrumental to the development of what is now the Centre of Excellence. He expressed the necessity to celebrate those who had been immensely involved in moving the state to the current level of advancement.

    Noting that “the celebrations would be a showcase for bringing the positive contributions of Ndigbo to the growth and development of Lagos State to the front burner,” he emphasised the need for the Igbo who are critical stakeholders in Lagos affairs, to demonstrate their support to the Lagos State government and its people in celebrating 50 years of the creation of the state.

    The event, which will hold at Cinema Hall 1, National Arts Theatre, Iganmu Lagos at 12 noon prompt will have in attendance the five Southeast governors of Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, former Lagos State governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Henry Ajomale and some Senators from the Southwest among others.

  • Poly begins session after five-month break

    Poly begins session after five-month break

    Students of The Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY) in Kwara State have returned to the campus five months after the school went on break. Activities have since returned to the campus as freshers started registration, which would last for two weeks. Thereafter, returning students will register for their courses.

    A statement from the management stated that there would be penalty for students, who fail to register within the registration period. But, there would be one week extension for course registration, after which the school would penalise defaulters.

    When CAMPUSLIFE visited the registration centres last Friday, the building was besieged by students, who were moving from one office to another to beat the deadline. Some of them described the exercise as stressful, while others said there was improvement over last sessions.

    Hammed Bello, an HND II Mass Communication student, said: “The registration is stressful but I notice some improvements compared to what we had last session. In all, I am happy we are back to school after a long holiday.”

    A student of Library and Information Science, Precious Onyeche, said the registration was tough. Emmanuel Iyanda, an ND 1 Quantity Surveying, said: “The registration is tiring and stressful. I don’t know why we have to pass through this pain to get our courses registered. I am tired.”

    For Hannah Okelola, an ND II Office Technology and Management student, the resumption came at the wrong time. She said she was unhappy when the management announced the resumption, saying: “I am not financially buoyant this time.”

    But, Soliu Ahmed, an ND 1 Accountancy student, was happy after being admitted. He said: “Some have been looking forward to gain admission into higher institutions but do not have the privilege. I thank God I have a good future ahead of me.”

    Abdulazeez Adeoye, an ND II Mass Communication student, said: “I am excited to be back to school, because I have been playing around. It is over a month now that I completed Students’ Industrial and Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), but I did not engage in anything productive after that. I was at home, doing nothing.  This is why I am happy to return to school.”

  • Group hosts worship session

    A prayer group, Victorious Praying Women Ministry, will today start praise and worship session.

    The event will hold at Victory Place, 15, Nurudeen Olowopopo Road, Alausa, Ikeja in Lagos.

    The programme, themed: “Open the Flood Gates of Heaven”, will run till January 25.

    The seven-day worship will feature healing of “chronic ailment, outburst of blessings, promotion, breakthrough and solutions”.

  • NIJ begins session

    The Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ogba, Lagos has resumed academic session on Monday. The institute was re-opened after a four-month holiday.

    But Ordinary Diploma students are yet to return to the campus, when CAMPUSLIFE visited on Monday. Our correspondent saw a few Higher National Diploma students in classes, waiting in the common room.

    But the institute held an orientation for freshers last week, where the officials intimate the students on the rules and regulation of the school.

    Sandra Nwokocha, a HND II student, said many returning students may have enjoyed their in industrial training, which may have been the reason the school was empty.

    Joseph Uwana, another student, said it was normal to see the campus deserted after resumption, but added that activities would pick up naturally.

  • Poly resumes session

    The Kwara State Polytechnic (KWARAPOLY) in Ilorin has announced the resumption date for both fresh and returning students for the 2014/2015 academic session. In a statement issued on the institution’s website, returning students were expected back in school last Monday, while freshers are enjoined to be on campus next Monday.

    The school’s Deputy Rector, Mr. Afolabi Ajibola disclosed that the institution would not admit more than its quota, adding that registration process would be hastened up.

  • Pomp as St Regency College ends session

    Pomp as St Regency College ends session

    For graduands of ST & T Regency International College, located in Ikeja G.R.A. Lagos, it was emotional to finally graduate and look forward to a brighter future ahead. Most of them would be resuming at various institutions across the globe where they would exhibit their individual academic skills and talents, having gained the required academic credits and some life skills in the school

    The graduands, who looked radiant in their immaculate grey and wine attires, serenaded the audience and were in high spirit throughout the event held at the school main auditorium. They remembered  memories of the past, especially with the activities during the course of their graduation, that included the thanksgiving ceremony conducted by Rev.Fr Jude Kuti, the ankara night in which they showcased African fabrics and indigenous wears, the speech and prize-giving day and prom night for graduands.

    In her remarks, Mrs. Maggie Ibru, founder of ST & T Regency International School,  thanked staff members, family and friends for supporting the school in the last two decades. She charged the graduating students to always remember the school’s motto.

    Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Master Kolawole Oluwafikunwa, the best graduating student of 2013-2014 set, said hard work and determination to succeed were the reasons behind his success. He said his advice for students is to go out to the world and live their dreams and reach for the stars. Kolawole said he aspires to study aeronautic engineering at the university.

  • President didn’t ask for breakfast session with me, says IBB

    President didn’t ask for breakfast session with me, says IBB

    Ex-President Ibrahim Babangida yesterday said there was no time President Goodluck Jonathan requested for a breakfast session with him in Minna as part of the concluding Ramadan festival.

    He said there was no strain in the relationship between him and the President.

    Gen. Babangida, who made the clarification in a statement made available to reporters by his office in Abuja, said he would be more than willing to have unconditional breakfast meeting or any other meeting for that matter with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

    The statement said: “The attention of General Ibrahim Babangida, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has been drawn to a newspaper publication stating that the former President turned down a breakfast invitation from His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces. To state the obvious, the said report is utterly false.

    “Former President Ibrahim Babangida, in his usual humility respects the person and office of the President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR.

    “There was no time that the President requested for a breakfast meeting with General IBB, let alone turned down by the former President.

    “In fact, former President Babangida had visited President Goodluck Jonathan more than twice since his assumption of office, meetings which afforded the two leaders the opportunity to brainstorm on the challenges confronting the country.

    “It is, therefore, very unfair to the persons of former President Ibrahim Babangida and President Goodluck Jonathan to be portrayed as if there was bad blood between them.

    “Having served this country before and knowing the enormity of the challenges of governance, General Ibrahim Babangida will be more than willing to have unconditional breakfast meeting or any other meeting for that matter with the President.

    “ While General IBB will be looking forward to any of such invitation now and in the near future, it is important and appropriate on the part of the media to always cross-check their facts correctly before going around town with sensational headlines at the detriment of bona fide citizens of Nigeria, especially that of the President.

    “As a trained officer of the Nigeria military, the former President is equipped with discipline and patriotism to constituted authorities at different levels of government. “Given this orientation therefore, General IBB will honour an invitation from his Ward Councillor without equivocation, let alone an invitation from the number one citizen of Nigeria.

    “If there was any reason to refuse any invitation, General IBB will, in his humble manner, formally inform his host or guest the reason why. The publication under reference therefore is utterly out of place and a concocted one aimed at putting the two elder statesmen in bad light.

    “We hope the media will take correction and reflect these views accordingly and with similar prominence.”

  • Constitution: Public session holds Nov 10

    A public session on the review of the 1999 constitution is to hold on November 10, in the Esigie College Hall, Abudu of the Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal constituency .

    A statement by Mr Osaro Osemwengie, Legislative Aide to Hon Samson Osagie, representing Orhionmwon/ Uhunmwode Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives said the session will be under the chairmanship Justice J.O. Olubor, retired President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Edo state.

    The same session will also hold in Ovia Federal Constituency represented by Nosa Osahon, an engineer.

    The proceeding, which will be held simultaneously throughout the country as far as is practicable, will be held on same day and about the same time in all the federal constituencies across the country.

    The statement advised the people of the constituency to see the public session on the review of the 1999 Constitution as their golden opportunity to participate and contribute their views and position on issues to be included or reviewed in the constitution