The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Solidarity

  • 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.

  • Ikpeazu seeks halt to solidarity visits on governorship impasse

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has called for a stop to solidarity visits to him, following a court declaration of Dr Uche Ogah as the governor.

    The governor urged Abia State residents to live in peace and focus more on developmental issues.

    In a statement at the weekend by his Chief Press Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos, the governor said he had been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and solidarity, following the court verdict.

    The statement reads: “I wish to thank Abians for the massive and unprecedented outpouring of love and solidarity from all segments of the society to me since the attempted coup against my government by desperate power seekers.

    “I am particularly grateful to those who prayed for me, paid solidarity visits and called to express support to me and my government. I pray that the Almighty God, who alone richly rewards and answers all good prayers, reward and answer your fervent prayers, in Jesus name.”

    Ikpeazu enjoins Abiam residents and friends to continue praying for him and his government.

    The governor, who prayed for the wisdom of Solomon, quoted from 1King 3:9, asking: “Who is able to govern this great people” of God without Him?

    The statement added: “I have taken note of the cost and risk of Abians who mobilise to Umuahia (the state capital) to pay solidarity visits to me, almost on daily basis, and wish to underline the fact that their sacrifices are well appreciated.”

    Ikpeazu pledged to serve Abia residents better and take decisions that would enhance the wellbeing of the people.

    The governor advised the residents to perform their daily pursuits and stop further solidarity visits on the governorship impasse.

    rule of law and stopping corrupt individuals from using illegally acquired wealth to buy immunity from prosecution through the backdoor.

    He said his administration would always support the war against corruption because he was convinced that corruption was antithetical to peace and development.

    Ikpeazu advised his political opponents and those interested in Abia development to join hands with his administration to ensure its progress.

     

  • Solidarity rally for Tinubu in north

    Solidarity rally for Tinubu in north

    A group, Patriotic Northern Coalition for Justice, Peace and Equity, will hold a solidarity rally in Kaduna to express gratitude to the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    The National Coordinator of the coalition, Alhaji Babangida Sule-Manchok Jnr, told newsmen in Kaduna yesterday that the rally will hold immediately after the fasting period.

    He pledged that all its members across the 19 northern states in the country and beyond have been notified about it.

    He said the coalition was working for the development of the north and will therefore support any individual or group that works towards the success of the region.

    “As a group, our basic interest is to work for the progress of the country in general and the North in particular.

    “So, we will support anyone who has worked or is still working for the betterment of the region or have the interest of our region at heart.

    “By working tirelessly to ensure the victory of our son, brother, father and leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, Bola Tinubu has shown that he is a true friend of the region.

    “Even though people have grown tired of former President Goodluck Jonathan, it would have been difficult to defeat him if not for the unique commitment of Tinubu towards ensuring that his South-West region voted overwhelmingly for Buhari.”

    He went on: “So as part of our gratitude, we are organising this solidarity rally is to show him that we, the Northerners, are grateful to him for what he has done for us.

    “It is not a political rally because electioneering campaigns have come and gone. ?

    “This is a rally of gratitude and of a grateful people. In the rally, we shall also acknowledge all those who played one role or the other in the victory of Buhari.”

    Asked if there were moves by some to work against Tinubu in APC as being reported, he said: “We won’t even allow anybody or group of persons from any part of the country to plan anything against Tinubu’s interest in APC.

    “It is true that such moves are ongoing and we even know some of the people involved, but they won’t succeed.

    “Selfish politicians can’t just sit down and begin to plot against someone we in the North are planning to appreciate for what he has done for us.”

     

  • Conoil declares N2.78billion dividend

    Conoil declares N2.78billion dividend

    FOR shareholders of Conoil Plc, the front line petroleum marketing business has been good. They made this submission recently as they commended the company’s declaration of N4.00 dividend, translating to N2.78 billion cash payment for its last financial year, despite the harsh operating environment witnessed by the downstream petroleum sector, during the period.

    The shareholders expressed their delight at the company’s 44th Annual General Meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

    “We are impressed with the record performance and the balance sheet. We are indeed happy that Conoil is paying quality dividend amid the tough challenges facing downstream operators in this country. It shows that the board and management of the company hold every shareholder in high esteem,” National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu, said.

    “I am particularly pleased that the board kept to the promise made at the last meeting to boost bottom-line and ensure adequate returns on investment for shareholders. The revenue and profit growth compared favourably with industry performance. We can only wish that they continue to strengthen and consolidate on the company’s leadership position in the industry,” Executive President of Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association (NSSA), Chief Timothy Adesiyan said.

    Echoing similar sentiments, the Chairman, Ibadan Zone Shareholders’ Association, Chief Sola Abodunrin, commended the company for ensuring that the shareholders earned returns on their investments.