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Wigwe, spouse, son buried in Rivers

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Wigwe, spouse, son buried in Rivers

The remains of former Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe; his wife, Doreen Chizoba and first son, Chizzy, have been buried in a private tomb inside the Wigwe University which he built in Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The bodies were moved from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Isiokpo after a funeral service to the private mausoleum and buried around 2.45 pm.on  Saturday.

At the graveside, tears flowed freely as the bodies were lowered into the grave.

Wigwe, alongside his wife, Doreen, and son, Chizzy. died in a helicopter crash in California near the Nevada border, United States of America.

Also involved in the crash was the Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo,

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has promised the state government’s commitment to supporting Wigwe University.

Dignitaries present at the funeral service include Kayode Fayemi, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Bukola Saraki, Aliko Dangote, Sanusi Lamido, Alex Otti, Dapo Abiodun, and Babajide Sawno-Olu.

Also present are Senate President Godswill Akpabio, James Ibori, CEO of GTCO Holdings, and Segun Agbaje, among other dignitaries.

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Fubara guarantees Rivers help for Wigwe varsity

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Fubara guarantees Rivers help for Wigwe varsity

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has promised the state government’s commitment to supporting Wigwe University.

Fubara disclosed this on Saturday after the funeral service of the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, in Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Wigwe, alongside his wife, Doreen, and son, Chizzy. died in a helicopter crash in California near the Nevada border, United States of America.

Also involved in the crash was the Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo,

The governor said, “I want to say our brother has finished his work, though short. We, as a government, will do everything with the Wigwe Foundation to immortalise one thing.

“It is not the bank, the bank might have a new identity, a new boss to run it, other ventures will also have their names; but one thing that has his name is Wigwe University.

“We will do everything within our power to make sure the dream will continue to live just as he has planned it.”

Fubara questioned the mourners as to why they kept chasing worldly desires, stressing the significance of impacting lives rather than struggling for power.

“This one has to do with the political class, what is all these struggle all about? You want to kill, you want to bury, what is it all about?

“This is a man who was not a politician, he made his money through our investments, he had the world in his palm financially, he controlled even the political classes; but today, with all the power financially couldn’t control life. Is it not enough to ask ourselves why are we struggling? Why are we not making an impact on the lives of our people?” he queried.

Dignitaries present at the funeral service include Kayode Fayemi, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Bukola Saraki, Aliko Dangote, Sanusi Lamido, Alex Otti, Dapo Abiodun, and Babajide Sawno-Olu.

Also present are Senate President Godswill Akpabio, James Ibori, CEO of GTCO Holdings, and Segun Agbaje, among other dignitaries.

Tinubu to unveil development of Minna agro-processing zone

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Tinubu to unveil development of Minna agro-processing zone

President Bola Tinubu is expected to inaugurate an agro-processing zone, agricultural equipment and the remodelled Minna International Airport on Monday.

The state Governor Mohammed Bago said, while inspecting the projects on Saturday, that about 2,000 hectares would be utilised for the agro-processing zone project.

Also on the inspection team was the President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Chris Isiguzo.

Bago said about 1,000 hectares would be utilised for drip irrigation and greenhouses while an additional 1,000 hectare was specifically for processing dairy products.

He added that the remodelling of the international airport in Minna had reached 99 per cent completion.

“Niger State sells an average of half a million cattle to Nigerians and people outside Nigeria daily.

“We don’t need to transport these cattle by road at all. You can take the meat that is frozen from the airport to anywhere and it will create employment, enhance the value chain,” the governor added.

On the agro zone, he said water would be piped from Shiroro dam for use by farmers at the site.

“We are constructing about 140 kilometres of water irrigation channels to this place from Shiroro dam,” he said.

The governor said the projects would be executed in partnership with some foreign companies.

“This project is an ambitious 50-year programme, but the first phase will be finished in the next few years so that Mr. President can commission it.

“We are bringing in 80 Megawatts of power to this airport,” he added.

He said the government would offer tax holidays for companies willing to move to the state.

“Niger State has strategically positioned itself now to become Nigeria’s water reservoir so that the overflow from all these dams and rivers can now be stored for irrigation and we plug them during a crisis,” he added.

The NUJ president commended the governor for the initiative.

“Coming here today to see the massive transformation that is ongoing in this place speaks volumes about the commitment of the present administration in the state.

“If you go around the airport, you can see that it can compete with any other airport in Africa and that shows that the government has invested so much in this airport,” he added.

He said that the idea of locating the agro-processing zone within the airport was a great idea.

“Before now, we were dependent on oil, but there is a need to diversify and that is what the governor has done by focusing on agriculture,” Isiguzo said.

NAN

Man Utd bounce again in opposition to Everton after two penalties

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Man Utd bounce again in opposition to Everton after two penalties

Everton paid for conceding two first-half penalties at Old Trafford as Manchester United bounced back to winning ways to keep their Champions League hopes for next season alive with a 2-0 victory on Saturday.

Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford converted from the spot to extend Everton’s winless run in the Premier League to 11 games.

Victory takes United to within eight points of fourth-placed Aston Villa and three of Tottenham in fifth.

Defeat leaves Everton still just five points above the relegation zone, having played two more games than 18th-placed Luton.

Back-to-back defeats to Fulham and Manchester City had dented a charge from Erik ten Hag’s men towards the top four.

But with Villa and Tottenham facing off on Sunday, the Red Devils made the most of Everton’s mistakes to close on their rivals for a return to the Champions League.

Alejandro Garnacho scored a goal of the season contender when the sides last met in November with a stunning overhead kick.

The Argentine was again the difference between the sides as it was his quick feet that twice provoked spot-kicks.

James Tarkowski was the first Everton defender lured into a mistimed challenge on 10 minutes and Fernandes rolled home his eighth goal of the season.

Scoring goals has been Everton’s shortfall all season and it was a familiar tale for the Toffees.

A combination of Amadou Onana and Ben Godfrey should have opened the scoring just three minutes in.

Three times Dwight McNeil then tried his luck with his closest effort flashing inches wide.

And even when the visitors did hit the target, Andre Onana produced a flying save to deny James Garner.

Instead, they soon trailed by two due to another self-inflicted blow.

Garnacho danced through a series of challenges on the edge of the box before he was chopped down by Godfrey.

Just like he did at Goodison Park earlier in the season, Fernandes passed over penalty duties to Rashford.

Jordan Pickford was unable to deny his England international teammate as Rashford fired home his fifth goal in nine Premier League games.

Pickford did succeed in keeping the score down as he denied Fernandes a second from a well-struck free-kick and low drive that was arrowing towards the bottom corner.

Garnacho was also wasteful with a series of chances to add a goal to his involvement in the two penalties.

However, United were bailed out by Everton being even more toothless up front.

For the 16th time in 28 league games this season, United gave up 16 or more shots on their goal.

But Everton failed to make any of their 20 efforts count.

And they nearly conceded a third penalty in stoppage time when Rashford was wiped out by Jarrad Branthwaite, but the offside flag came to Everton’s rescue.

AFP

Umahi threatens to revoke highway contract In Edo 

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Umahi threatens to revoke highway contract In Edo 

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, on Friday threatened to terminate the multi-billion naira Benin/Sapele and Ologbo Road reconstruction if the contractors, Levant Construction Company, failed to comply with the scope and specification of the work.

The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the work and subsequently ordered the ministry’s supervising engineers to issue a warning letter to the contractors on Monday and after 14 days should they fail to do the right job, he would personally terminate the job.

Umahi who is on an inspection tour of work done on federal roads in Edo stated that contractors in the country were playing politics with Nigerians and warned that he would not tolerate such under his watch.

He said, “By Monday give them a warning letter to start permanent work and if by Monday they didn’t start give 14 days’ notice of termination. We paid multi-billion naira for this job and we have seen that a lot of contractors in this country are just playing politics with us and we have emphasised this on several occasions.

“We will pay mobilisation fee to a contractor, we will never pay variation on price for that amount we have paid and that is the problem with Levant and after 14 days of notice of termination, if they don’t adhere to the term of the come, I will come and terminate the job myself.

“You cannot do this kind of job in your country, it can only happen in Africa. You can’t collect our money and be misbehaving like this. It is a big shame, look at how people are suffering everywhere and we should be happy clapping for you. I have had more than 10 meetings with them on this Job. If anything goes wrong they will call the President,” he added.

The minister continued with the inspection of the Benin, Ekpoma Auchi and Abuja Expressway.

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Feminine creatives who’ve damaged data

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Feminine creatives who’ve damaged data

In celebration of the International Women’s Day, NAOMI CHIMA takes a look at female creatives who have broken different records in their careers

Agbani Darego

A model, Asenite ‘Agbani’ Darego, made history as the first African woman to win the prestigious beauty pageant—Miss World—in 2001.

The event took place at the Sun City Entertainment Centre in Sun City, South Africa, where Darego beat 93 contestants from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Prior to that landmark achievement, the model, who hails from Rivers State, had already distinguished herself by winning the ‘Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria’ pageant that same year, earning her the opportunity to represent the country on the international stage.

Following her Miss World triumph, Darego further solidified her place in the global spotlight by placing seventh in the Miss Universe competition, a remarkable feat that made her as the first Nigerian to be among the top 10 semi-finalists of the compeition.

In the course of her modelling career, she has worked with big names in the global fashion industry, such as Naomi Campbell; and renowned brands like L’Oréal.

 

Funke Akindele

A popular actress, filmmaker and politician, Funke Akindele, aka Jenifa, has indeed has a flourishing career.

She recently attained a significant milestone with her blockbuster movie titled, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’, becoming the first Nigerian producer to surpass the billion-naira mark in global sales.

Released on December 15, 2023, the film is currently the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of all time.

Akindele began her remarkable journey to cinematic success with her breakout series, ‘Jenifa’, which propelled her into the limelight in 2009. Over the years, she has consistently delivered hits, including ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’, and ‘Battle on Buka Street’, showcasing her versatility as an actress and producer.

Notably, the 46-year-old entertainer ventured into politics in 2023, running for the position of Deputy Governor of Lagos State on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party.

In addition to her exploits in the entertainment industry, Akindele is also a philanthropist, who is dedicated to empowering young girls in Nigeria.

Her contributions extend beyond the silver screen, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact on society.

 

Mo’Abudu

Mosunmola Abudu, popularly known as Mo Abudu, has carved a niche for herself as a visionary entrepreneur and trailblazer in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape.

As the founder of EbonyLife TV, the Ondo State-born entrepreneur made history as the first Nigerian woman to own media house and cimema. Since its inception in 2013, EbonyLife TV has expanded its reach across Africa and the UK, offering a diverse range of programming tailored to a global audience.

Her EbonyLife Films has also produced successful films such as ‘The Wedding Party’, and ‘Òlòtūré’. Her collaborative efforts with international organisations such as Netflix and BBC have further cemented her reputation as a formidable force in the industry.

 

Kafayat Shafau-Ameh

Kafayat Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy, has made significant contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry as a dancer, choreographer, and fitness coach.

Her groundbreaking achievement came in 2006 when she broke the Guinness World Records for the longest dance party, showcasing her exceptional talent and endurance.

Since then, Kaffy has continued to inspire audiences with her dynamic performances, choreographing for numerous celebrities and appearing on global platforms like MTV.

Beyond her contributions to dance and entertainment, she has also authored bestselling memoirs and books, sharing her expertise and experiences with aspiring dancers.

As the founder of a fitness company, Kaffy promotes health and wellness, advocating for active lifestyles and physical fitness. Her entrepreneurial spirit and global recognition highlight her impact on the entertainment landscape.

 

Chimamanda Adichie

Chimamanda Adichie stands as a trailblazing figure in Nigerian literature. She made history as the first Nigerian female writer to deliver the inaugural BBC Reith Lectures in 2022, drawing inspiration from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s iconic ‘Four Freedoms’ speech. Her literary prowess has earned her numerous accolades, including induction into the esteemed American Academy of Arts and Sciences in October 2017, and the PEN Pinter Prize in 2018.

Hailing from Enugu State, Adichie has been hailed as a leading figure among a new generation of critically acclaimed authors, with her work resonating strongly in the United States of America. Throughout her career, she has garnered recognition for her short stories, including being shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Writing in 2002, and winning the David T. Wong International Short Story Prize in 2003.

The literary genius from Enugu State has her impact extending beyond her literary achievements. She has been honoured with 16 honourary doctoral degrees from institutions around the world, cementing her status as a revered figure in global literature.

Drug producers lament excessive manufacturing prices, import responsibility

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Drug producers lament excessive manufacturing prices, import responsibility

The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has lamented the high cost of import duty and the high cost of operation in the country.

The group said the high cost of medications is influenced by the high cost of customs duty, cost of production, and inflation.

PMGMAN is a sub-group of MAN, representing all the manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and allied products in Nigeria.

Speaking with Saturday According, the Chairman of PMGMAN, Oluwatosin Jolayemi said though the rising cost of drugs in the country is not new, the group is worried.

Jolayemi said, “The PMGMAN is certainly concerned but the rising cost is not a new thing. The new thing is the regime that the custom has introduced now, apart from the dollars sliding.

“The Customs decide to use the parallel market rate as their rate of judging duty instead of using the official market rate. Apart from the indiscretional use of picking of HS-Code which increases the duty on each of the products.

“So, we are facing different battles in the industry apart from the dollar uncertainty, we are fighting the battle of duty indiscretion, we are fighting the high cost of operation when it comes to the cost of power; all these costs will certainly increase the cost of production and cost of medication.”

Jolayemi noted that operation funds are being eroded by the devaluation of the naira.

“It’s not only the pharmaceutical industry that is facing this but everyone that is manufacturing that has to bring in any form of raw materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients, packaging materials, that are not locally procured faces the same thing. Now in the case of PMGMAN to be specific, there is no shortcut to medicines, you cannot even adjust quality because the moment you adjust quality, your product becomes substandard.

“So, what is going to happen as time goes on is that you will begin to see that companies will begin to make up their minds on the brands they want to continue to carry. If they import and they notice that some products are just too expensive, they cannot pass on the products because of the price, they will decide to just leave those products, and go with the ones they think they are comfortable with. So, there is no stability in the costing any more, and again there are no credit sales anymore,” he explained.

Proferring ways forward, the PMGMAN chair urged the Federal Government to consider giving about a 40 per cent rebate on every calculated duty, which would provide relief in the import duty.

“The other thing they could do is to look at how to make sure the industry gets like a revolving fund, where industries could have access to funding at the single digit to increase your production, so as not to have an issue of stock out.

“Then the government should begin to look at pharmaceutical manufacturing of medicines, as a security issue. We should understand that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. If we are sick and we cannot have access to medication, then we are all going to be sick. Except the government pays special attention to the health industry, and particularly the pharmaceutical industry, the hospitals merely become consulting rooms.

“Medicines are very important for security purposes to be able to guarantee a quality of life that we require as a nation. So, I think medicine should be seen as a priority issue for security purposes. They should pay attention to the pharmaceutical industry, though they are doing that already, they need to sit with the pharmaceutical industry to ask what to do because nobody in government is into manufacturing, and they don’t know the problems of manufacturers.

“So, they keep talking to themselves and keep looking for solutions for manufacturers without involving the manufacturers, then it is just an exercise into futility,” he said.

Jolayemi added that there is a need for political will to improve medicine security in the country.

“Except we begin to see the production of medications as a priority, as a people, and as a nation, we might continue to say the same thing over and over again, and until then, we are not going to reach any reasonable conclusion,” he said.

Ladies residing with HIV/AIDS search inclusion in palliative scheme

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Ladies residing with HIV/AIDS search inclusion in palliative scheme

The Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria has called on both the Federal and State Governments to include them in palliative distribution, social investment funds, and conditional cash transfers among others.

The National Coordinator of the association, Esther Hindi, made the call on Friday at a programme to commemorate International Women’s Day in Asaba, the Delta state capital.

Hindi said this year’s theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” was to empower women with life-building skills to reduce their vulnerabilities.

She said, “The International Women’s Day 2024 campaign theme ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress” is a call to Action for investment in women in all sense of belonging.

“It is also a call to accelerate and value investment in women and girls living with HIV in all diversities to enjoy their rights and live a decent livelihood.

“Therefore, we call on the government both nationally and in states to include women living with HIV in social investment funds, conditional cash transfers, include WLWH in palliative distribution and create employment opportunities for WLWH.

“Our women have been working at the facilities as volunteer Mentor Mothers for over 15 years. Let the Ministry  of Health help us employ our women.”

She noted that the association had provided mental health training for young adolescent girls living with HIV to provide mental health counselling to their peers

In her remarks, the Delta State Coordinator of ASWHAN, Rita Amuwah, said the association was proud of its values and mission to work together to create a positive impact in the state and community with great exclusive insights and ideas together.

She thanked the state Director of women’s affairs, and the program manager SACA among others for all support over the years.

“We are thrilled to have you join us in this year’s International Women’s Day celebration and looking for a better celebration”, she said.

They urged the Federal and State Ministry of Justice, Human Rights Commission, and House of Assembly to ensure domestication of anti-stigma law and enforcement where need be, to protect the rights of women living with HIV and to give them an enabling safe space.

Anambra first girl distributes well being provides to aged

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Anambra first girl distributes well being provides to aged

Dr Nonye Soludo, the wife of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has given out no fewer than 27,000 cartons of multivitamin supplements to over 26,000 elderly people in the 326 wards across the state.

The elderly, comprising octogenarians and those above the age of 50, also received healthy living tips and bags of rice at the occasion, which took place at the headquarters of Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board conference hall in Awka, on Friday.

Speaking during the healthy living tips, which were also part of the celebration of International Women’s Day, Soludo stressed that multivitamins were designed to tackle poor dieting by supplementing vitamins and minerals the body needs to thrive.

She noted that the gesture was part of her “Healthy Living Initiative,” designed to make Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland for both the young and elderly.

She said, “With this, we are gradually tackling poor dieting in Anambra State. Old age is a blessing. It is a stage of life that we will all get to. It is just a matter of time. So, we need to plan and prepare to do better in taking care of the elderly in our society to improve their lives.

“Many aged persons are lonely, unhealthy and unkempt, this is why ‘Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo’ as part of its programmes is prioritising care for the elderly.

“These multivitamin supplements will help to increase the quality of life of the elderly in our communities so that they can age gracefully and successfully.

“Multivitamins are designed to fill gaps in your diet. Multivitamins are food supplements that combine different vitamins and minerals. They aim to fill nutritional gaps in the diet and are commonly taken in the form of pills, tablets, capsules, or liquids.

“Multivitamins aim to prevent or correct micronutrient deficiencies or to support the proper intake of nutrients when the diet alone is not enough to provide them.”

The governor’s wife added that the “Healthy Living Initiative” was also initiated in the state to take care of and maintain the elderly and indigent people, regardless of their political affiliation.

Speaking earlier, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike who appreciated the first lady for her generosity said, “We made provisions for 80 elderly persons in each of the 326 wards and our councillors will help to distribute the multivitamin supplements at their various wards.

“The multivitamin supplements are essential nutrients that they need for their body and brain to function well.

“This is part of the ‘Healthy Living’ campaign that our society should not abandon the elderly because they are still very relevant.”

The Anambra State Commissioner for Special Duties, Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche equally appreciated the governor’s wife for her kind gesture and urged the councillors to efficiently distribute the multivitamins to the elderly in their wards.

The councillors from the various wards received the cartons of supplements for onward distribution to the elderly people in their communities.

Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke to journalists, described the gesture as a work in progress, calling on successive governments to build on the successes of the incumbent administration.

Catholic church seeks return, reintegration of IDPs 

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Catholic church seeks return, reintegration of IDPs 

The General Assembly of the Catholic Diocese of Wukari in Taraba state on Saturday appealed to the state government whose primary duty is to ensure the welfare of citizens, to facilitate the return and reintegration of internally displaced persons to their communities.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the First General Assembly of the diocese held in Wukari, Taraba State, and signed by the Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Mark Maigida Nzukwein and Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Simon Akuraga.

The general assembly noted that the process of reconciliation needs justice and peace to flourish. This can only be possible when internal wounds caused by conflict are carefully given curative measures through dialogue and conscience formation of the warring parties.

The statement read, “The past and ongoing conflicts in Taraba state especially in the Central and Southern parts is a complex phenomenon where thousands of people are being killed and displaced. In most cases, the conflicts are oversimplified, under-reported, or completely neglected. The conflicts are either about land, politics, and conquest.

“The church acknowledges that conflict has always been the bane of development and the cause of tension. Apart from killing an individual or group emotionally and spiritually, destructive conflicts hurt group cohesion, promote interpersonal hostilities, divert energies, create bad feelings, lead to high labour turnover, and costly litigations and it can even kill physically.

“The Catholic Church of the Diocese of Wukari calls on all those who are actors in the lingering conflicts to sheath their swords, forgive one another embrace peace, and give way for the preservation of human life and physical development.

“We call on the Taraba State government whose primary duty is to ensure the welfare of citizens, to facilitate a successful return and reintegration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the State as the farming season approaches. This vital tool can bring about a lasting peace that forms an intrinsic component of peace-building plans.

“This is no doubt a complex and daunting process, often requiring resources, technical skills, and meticulous planning. We strongly believe that if painfully followed will in the end help in tackling food insecurity in the State and beyond.”

While applauding the free education policy of the government of Taraba State, the church called on the government to give support to mission schools and return the Mission schools taken over by the government to the Church.

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