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Tag: Yakubu Gowon

  • Edo 2020: Gowon endorses Obaseki for second term

    Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.) has endorsed Governor Godwin Obaseki for a second term in office, noting that the governor has done exceptionally well in infrastructure and economic development in the state.

    Gowon, who is in the state with his wife, Mrs Victoria Gown, to attend the Founder’s Day celebration of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), urged the governor to continue the good work he has started.

    According to him, “I was in Edo when he was elected governor of the state. I know the efforts he has contributed in the state. He should continue the good works he is doing as governor. He is doing exceptionally well.”

    He described Edo State as his second home, and that he was happy to be in the state, adding, “I am in Benin to chair the 46th Founders’ Day anniversary of the UBTH and to launch the endowment fund to improve the institution’s service delivery. My wife is also here. She unveiled the institution 46 years ago.”

    Read Also: Obaseki appoints 14 permanent secretaries

    Governor Obaseki commended Gowon for taking a special interest in the development of Edo State, noting that the establishment of UBTH and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) during his time as Head of State brought immense development to the state.

    “As far back as 40 years ago, he took a special interest in Edo State. He came with his wife and unveiled federal institutions in the state. That passion and commitment is still there and he decided to come again to add more value to what he started. It is something we should be proud of and thankful about,” the governor said.

     

  • I did not slump, says Gowon

    A former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has described as untrue claims that he slumped in Delta State on Friday, May 3, during the funeral ceremonies of former Military Governor of defunct Midwest Region, Major General David Ejoor.

    The report went viral last week, causing a stir across the land. Gowon is now 85 years old.

    But the former Nigerian leader described the news as sensational while addressing the congregation during the thanksgiving service for the 32nd annual Fresh Fire Convention of Gethsemane Prayer Ministries (GPMI) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital yesterday.

    The convention had as its theme ‘Jesus: Access to Greater Glory’.’ The programme also features the dedication of the church’s Bethel Prayer Suites, Retreat and Conference Centre, at the Chapel of Light, Eleyele area of the city.

    Gen Gowon, who is the national chairman of Nigeria Prays, was represented at the occasion by the Secretary of the Christian group, Evangelist Austen Kemie. He lamented that some sections of the media sold itself to falsehood.

    He said: “I am representing General Gowon at this gathering. He said he did not slump as reported in the news few days ago. Though he is 85 years old, he is still waxing stronger and stronger. But, the false news went all over the world.

    “He (Gowon) said calls were coming to him from Canada, America, United Kingdom and other countries of the world on the news that he slumped. He asked me when we spoke if I could see how strong he was. He said he could walk 10miles.”

    Read also: Gowon caves in to emotion as Ejoor goes home

    The retired general felicitated with the ministry on the dedication of your Bethel Prayer Suites, Retreat and Conference Centre.

    He said: “It is, indeed, another significant milestone in the life of Gethsemane Prayer Ministries worldwide. However,  as much as I wish to attend, due to earlier commitment, I was unable to attend. But, I am with you in spirit and in truth.

    “Wishing you success and God’s blessing on this occasion. Our prayer is that the new retreat center will serve as a centre of excellence and an enduring legacy, not only for Gethsemane Prayer Ministries,  but the entire body of Christ. On behalf of Nigeria Prays, I send my sincere congratulations”.

    In his vote of thanks at the end of the convention and dedication service, the President, GPMI, Rev. Moses Aransiola, expressed appreciation to the former Head of State, the executive arm of Nigeria Prays and other men of God, who graced the occasion, for their prayer to the nation and for their gestures to his ministries.

    Aransiola, who called for concerted efforts of all towards nation building and the work of God, said: “I want all the people to know that God will continue to honour the prayers of his people and bless the work of their hands.”

  • NEMA, Edo distribute relief materials to victims of River Niger surge

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the Edo State Government has distributed relief materials to victims of 2018 flood disaster caused by the surge of the River Niger in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.

    The materials distributed include 75 sewing machines, 60 grinding machines, 42 hair dryers and 75 fishing nets.

    Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Special Duties, Mr Yakubu Gowon, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for providing the materials which he said will enable the victims of the River Niger upsurge to bounce back to life.

    He assured that those involved in distributing the materials to the victims will ensure the materials are accounted for.

    Read Also: Edo govt dispels rumours of PMS scarcity

    Edo State team Supervisor for NEMA, Mr Christian Omeje while presenting the relief materials to the Director of Administration and General Services, Esan South East Local Government Council, warned against selling or abandoning the materials.

    Among the flood victims who were presented with the materials include Mrs Ohifueme Agbonwangue, who was got a hairdryer; Mrs Shaibu Eghonghon, received a sewing machine; Mr Ebhojie Monday got fishing nets, and Mrs Alenkhe Rita got a grinding machine.

    Director of Administration and General Services in Esan South East LGA, Mr Jimoh Isah, thanked the federal and state governments for their support, promising to ensure that victims of the flood get the relief materials.

    The beneficiaries also thanked the federal and state government for assisting them.

     

  • Rainstorm: Edo promises relief materials to Ofunama Community

    Following the devastating rainstorm in Ofunama Community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, the Edo State Government has promised to assist those affected with relief materials.

    Governor Godwin Obaseki, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Mr. Yakubu Gowon, said the state government will assist victims of the incident.

    According to him, “We are here to assess the level of damage caused by the rainstorm. The incident brings to the fore the need to be environmentally conscious and strive to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. We have undertaken a tour of the affected areas in the community and will ensure that the community gets the necessary support to spring back to life.”

    READ ALSO: Edo cult killings: Our fight is generational, says cultist

    He said that the state government is strengthening its emergency response institutions to be able to effectively respond to emergency such as the one that was witnessed in the community, noting, “We are strengthening the relevant emergency institutions in the state to be able to respond to the issues that arise from this sort of issue as well as undertake sensitisation on practices that can mitigate the effects.”

    One of the victims, Mrs. Zelon Areoro, expressed appreciation to the governor for coming to their aid, noting that the community would be relieved if assistance came their way so they can go back to their normal life.

    Chairperson of Ofunama Community, Pastor Abel Ajemiri, thanked the governor for the gesture, noting that the community appreciates the state government for the quick response.

  • CURBING UNEMPLOYMENT WITH NYSC

    When the Scheme was founded in the era of Gen. Yakubu Gowon, shortly after the 1967 Civil war which lasted three years, it was with the aim of promoting peace and unity among ethnic nationalities.

    Since, as commonly said, a society where there is no peace, there’s no achievement.

    On the other hand, however, the scheme has only done little in putting an end to tribal-based conflicts, as not a few inter-ethnic genocides have followed its establishment.

    Even a lot of Corpers of seek to be redeployed when they get posted to areas deplete of their kinsmen. They don’t feel safe being in another man’s land.

    About 300,000 graduates, according to Vanguard Newspaper, are mobilized every year by NYSC.

    It is common knowledge, however, that many of these graduates are half-baked and quacks. Many can hardly even speak or write correctly in English. Due to the indeficiency in our education system, many lack the industrial knowledge of their field of study.

    Yet, they spend a whole year in NYSC, teaching, some sitting indolently in Local governments, without any addition to their industrial skills. While those they that do are those who have ‘legs’ in certain big companies.

    Read Also: TIME TO REPLACE NYSC WITH N-POWER

    Meanwhile, when a graduate of Yoruba is posted to a hospital, or a graduate of Adult Education to a Stock Exchange firm, what kinds of manpower do you expect in the labour market?

    For a nation to develop, every youth must be readied for the realities of the economy, and how to strive in spite of it, rather than because of it. It is, therefore, the duty of the government to strengthen the cause of entrepreneurship in the NYSC.

    Even the allowances of Corpers— the N19,500— cannot take care of their needs, let alone help them in starting up a business of their own. The 70billion Naira yearly allocations to NYSC should be thus put to better use.

    Provide funds for prospective entrepreneurs among Corpers, and curb the menace of unemployment in Nigeria.

    BAMIDELE AYOBAMI LUKMAN, USMANU DANFODIYO UNIVERSITY, SOKOTO

  • Gowon laments proliferation of quarkery in medical laboratory practice

    Nigeria’s Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon decried the high rate of quackery of quarkery in the practice of medical laboratory science in the country, saying it poses serious threat to the society.
    Gowon who spoke on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing stakeholders during the Council’s 50th  anniversary celebration said that without high quality service by the Medical laboratory science practitioners, the health sector will be in serious danger.He therefore urged the Council to step up its quality and check mechanism, in order to halt the menace.

    He also urged the Federal government to intensify measures at combating quarkery in the laboratory science profession and other sectors in the health system.

    He that setting up of the Council has set the tone for a sound laboratory system, as the bedrock of a solid health delivery in Nigeria.

    He equally suggested that serious consideration should be given to curbing the proliferation of bodies within the health sector, so as to promote efficiency in the health sector.

    According to him, there is need for all various health practitioners in Nigeria to work in synergy under one umbrella, to ensure efficient healthcare services in the country.

    This, he said will greatly reduce unnecessary friction and unhealthy competition in the Nigeria’s health.

    In his goodwill message, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanre, aid worth celebrating, as the Council has over the years carved a nitch for itself and contributed its quota in the National health system.

    Read Also: Gowon’s prayer group holds special service in Lagos

    He urged the Council to not rest on its effort to continue striving towards achieving the objectives of the Council.

    He therefore reiterated that the Federal government through the ministry of health would continue supporting and partnering with the Council in strengthening healthcare services in Nigeria.

    Earlier in a welcome address, MLSCN’s Acting Registrar, Tosan Erhabor, described the theme of the golden jubilee which is on “medical laboratory science profession in Nigeria: Past, present and future” was quite apt.

    Erhabor noted that the country currently have 28966 Medical Laboratory Scientists, 24435 Medical Laboratory Technicians and 15253 Medical Laboratory Assistance on its register.

    He however regretted that the country was yet to have the number of of medical Laboratory scientist that will cater for the needs of about 192 million Nigerians.

    The Acting registrar therefore assured Nigerians that efforts are being made to bridge the gap.

    Speaking on the achievement of the council in the last 50 years, he said the council has been able to accredit 25 universities running the programme.

  • Obasanjo, Oshiomhole, Akpabio storm Jonathan’s book launch

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and former governor of Akwa Ibom state, Obong Godswill Akpabio caused a disruption of the public presentation of a book on ex-President  Goodluck Jonathan’s book launch at Transcorp-Hilton, Abuja on Tuesday.

    A very jubilant crowd hailed and clapped as the three eminent Nigerians came in, wading through a thick crowd that includes many eminent citizens, including former leaders, Yakubu Gowon, Abdsalam Abubakar, diplomats and leaders from several African countries.

    The coincidence of their entry completely ‘marred’ the book review being presented by retired Justice Alfa Belgore as the audience’ jubilant exultations drowned out his voice and the giant loudspeakers.

    Oshiomhole stole the show when he walked up to former President Jonathan who rose from his front seat position, shook hands and warmly embraced him.

    The overcapacity audience at the Congress Hall of Transcorp-Hilton hotel, Abuja soaked in adulations of ex-President Jonathan whose 180-page book; “My Transition Hours” was being presented.

    Chief Host of the occasion, Governor Seriake Dickson who stated that his Bayelsa state gave Nigeria two great presents – crude oil and ex-President Jonathan- launched the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation with announcement of a N100m grant, six hectares of land and N5 million monthly support for administrative costs.

    Former President of Ghana, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar, former Aviation minister, Osita Chidoka and others had, in turns, presented highly commendable remarks about Goodluck Jonathan and peaceful disposition that ensured smooth handing over to the current President in spite of other African leaders’ tendency to do otherwise.

     

  • Atiku, Gowon, Abdulsalam attend Jonathan’s book launch

    Former heads of States, Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalam Abubakar and former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party,  Atiku Abubakar, are currently attending the book launch of former President, Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.

    The book launch is taking place at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton hotel in Abuja.

    Read Also:Buhari to Jonathan at 61: You are an inspiration to youths

    Also present at the book launch are former President of Ghana, John Mahama, President of AfDB, Akinwumi Adesina and some governors elected under PDP.

    President Muhammadu Buhari is represented at the event by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

    Also present at the book launch are Federal and state legislatures elected under PDP.

    The book: “My transition Hours” gives an account of what happened in the build up to 2014 elections.

    Details shortly…

  • 2019: Gowon urges Buhari, Atiku, others to accept results in good faith

    As the 2019 general election draws closer, a former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon on Tuesday appealed to politicians across parties contesting key political offices to in the interest of National unity and cohesion accept the result of the forthcoming elections in good faith as the wishes of the people.

    Particularly, Gowon urged the leading presidential contestants on the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari and that of the leading opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to prepare to accept the eventual result of the forthcoming presidential poll for the country to continue to move forward peacefully.

    The former Head of State made the appeal in Ibadan while responding to questions from journalists after the opening of an exhibition in honour of an Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Oladipo Akinkugbe, held at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

    The event organised to flag off week-long activities for the tripartite celebration of Akinkugbe’s 60th years anniversary as a doctor of medicine; 50th years as a professor of medicine, 85th birthday and retirement from public service.

    The event was attended by the Chairman, Board of Management of UCH, Alhaji Ibrahim Shettima; Chief Medical Director of UCH, Prof. Temitope Alonge; Wife of the former head of state, Mrs Victoria Gowon, the celebrant, Prof Akinkugbe and his wife Prof Sade Akinkugbe, former Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof Abiodun Ilesanmi among others.

    Gowon, who ruled from 1966 to 1975, described Akinkugbe as his longtime friend and lecturer to his wife when she was in the school of nursing at UCH, noting that their friendship dated back to 1957 when they met in the United Kingdom.

    He enjoined the political gladiators to imbibe the same spirit displayed by the former President Goodluck Jonathan in conceding defeat after the 2015 presidential poll, in the interest of the unity and peace of the nation.

    Read Also: Buhari, Gowon, observe Independence Day parade at Eagle Square

    Gowon said, “What happened last time (2015), if you remember, there was so much tension and the tension was so high that if things had gone wrong, Nigeria would be on fire. Then, as a result, (former) President Jonathan agreed at the early stage to say he accepted the results and congratulated Gen Buhari. Now, this is the way.

    “I was in Ethiopia on African Union (AU) mission. The feeling before what happened was tension, anxiety, and worry by all in all African states. When the result was announced, I was just leaving Ethiopia to come back to Nigeria; come and see the joy in the people of Africa at that meeting.

    “So, that was the sort of things I will really say we should have so that we can have a peaceful election that is credible, peaceful and people should accept the results of the election for the sake of Nigeria.

    “Where things go wrong, try to improve for the next time. It is my hope and prayer that things will go well. I hope all of you will play your parts to ensure a peaceful election.  If you make your own contributions that way, then we will be well.

    “I have come to see what Prof Akinkugbe has achieved. He deserves all the encomiums as an emeritus professor. He has done a lot and has left a lot for the future generations. I hope all of you will give credence to his achievements, and I hope many others will follow his example. This is what I will say that all of you must do your best in whatever you are doing to promote the good of your country; make your suggestions to make things good and better.”

    The Chief Medical Director of UCH, Prof Alonge, in his remarks, noted that Akinkugbe practised his trade directly and indirectly for over four decades, adding that the UCH “revels in your achievement and felicitate with you today as you finally hang your companion – the stethoscope.”

    In his remark entitled, “Come and let us celebrate our medical icon together”, the UCH boss recounted Akinkugbe’s efforts during his tenure as the chairman of the institution Board of Management between 2000 and 2003, to include “channelling the path to tow and the hospital has not lost focus ever since. His candid, frank and sometimes seemingly unpleasant counsel cannot be discarded even if you disagree with his style.”

  • Buhari, Oshiomhole others to grace book launch on Bénin Monarchy

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, President Muhammadu Buhari, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon are expected to join other distinguished Nigerians at the launch of a new book on the Bénin Monarchy.

    Speaking at a pre-launch press briefing in Bénin City, Chairman of Global Book Presentation Committee (GBPC), Ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi, said the book was published under the auspices of the Oba Ewuare Foundation in collaboration with the Benin Traditional Council.

    Ambassador Uhomoibhi said 18 scholars contributed to the book after thorough research.

    Uhomoibhi said the Bénin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II would also launched a new City at Ugoneki village in Uhunmwode local government area.

    He described the book as an ‘incredible historical book that is a unique and distinctive publication from the perspectives of aesthetics and intellectual content.’

    According to him, “The book weighs about 6.8 kilogrammes with 18 scholars, some of whom are most highly respected authorities within and outside Nigeria on Benin History”, adding that it has 559 pages of meticulously researched articles and 441 iconic images.

    Ambassador Uhomoibhi said the book launch promised to be an epoch event that would herald the unveiling of the culmination of Oba Ewuare II committed effort to uphold the heritage and effectuate the regeneration of the unique essence of Benin kingdom in the consciousness of the world.

    In his contribution, a member of the 10-man committee, HRH. Prof. Gregory Akenzua, said the book presents a new dimension to other books on the kingdom because it was authored by a diplomat, and the perspective, more broader.

    He added that besides the October 20th public presentation and launch slated to take place in Benin City, the British Museum and major capitals of the world have indicated interest to also book launch respectively.