The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council, has mourned the passing of the senator representing Anambra South, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
In a press release by the state chairman of the union, Emeka Odogwu, the union said it wishes to condole with the immediate family of the late Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the late Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, (Ebubuchukwu Uzo Nnewi), Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, on his untimely death.
The release further read: “NUJ Anambra State condoles with Mr President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the entire National Assembly, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, his constituents and his local government area, for this irreparable loss.
“The passing of Senator Ubah, who reportedly died in the United Kingdom during a walkout with his son aroused sorrowful emotions and grief as nobody expected given that he was full of life few days ago.
“Not only that, it is regrettable considering his personality and the office he is currently holding as the Senator, representing Anambra South District.
“Worst still, this is a man, who has just offered himself to run for the 2025 gubernatorial election under the umbrella of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
“However, from the different testimonials, Senator Ubah was an outstanding philanthropist who left indelible footprints on the sands of time in all ramifications, such as charity, selfless services, and benefactor to many.
“As we commiserate with the wife, Barr Mrs Uche Ubah, and children, the family, the Senatorial District, Anambra State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we enjoin all of us to glorify the Almighty God for the wonderful life he lived and good legacies he left behind.
“NUJ, as a Union and journalists working in different media houses across the world benefited from Dr Ubah’s philanthropy in one way or the other. NUJ shares with all concerned in this moment of grief and we pray that the Almighty God will grant the immediate family and all of us the fortitude, and strength to bear irreparable loss.
“Of course there is no doubt that the good work performed by the most distinguished Senator on earth before his demise will speak volume for him. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.”
Anambra NUJ mourns Senator Ifeanyi Ubah
Anambra NUJ mourns Senator Ifeanyi Ubah
Landslides kill 45 in India
Landslides in India triggered by pounding monsoon rains have killed at least 45 people with at least 250 others rescued from a landscape transformed by mud and debris, officials said Tuesday.
The southern coastal state of Kerala has been battered by torrential downpours, with blocked roads into the disaster area at Wayanad district complicating relief efforts.
District official D.R. Meghasree told reporters that 45 people were dead and another 116 were in hospital for treatment.
“My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on social media platform X.
Images published by the National Disaster Response Force show rescue crews trudging through mud to search for survivors and carry bodies on stretchers out of the area.
Homes were caked with brown sludge as the force of the landslide’s impact scattered cars, corrugated iron and other debris around the disaster site.
India’s army said it had deployed more than 200 soldiers to the area to assist state security forces and fire crews in search and rescue efforts.
Kerala state excise minister M.B. Rajesh said more than 250 people in total had been rescued so far, The Hindu newspaper reported.
Modi’s office said families of victims would be given a compensation payment of $2,400 (200,000 rupees).
More rainfall and strong winds were forecast in Kerala on Tuesday, the state’s disaster management agency said.
• ‘Alarming rise in landslides’ –
Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who until recently represented Wayanad in parliament told lawmakers that the scope of the devastation was “heartbreaking”.
“Our country has witnessed an alarming rise in landslides in recent years,” he added. “The need of the hour is a comprehensive action plan to address the growing frequency of natural calamities.”
Monsoon rains across the region from June to September offer respite from the summer heat and are crucial to replenishing water supplies.
They are vital for agriculture and therefore the livelihoods of millions of farmers and food security for South Asia’s nearly two billion people.
But they also bring destruction in the form of landslides and floods.
The number of fatal floods and landslides has increased in recent years, and experts say climate change is exacerbating the problem.
Damming, deforestation and development projects in India have also exacerbated the human toll.
Intense monsoon storms battered India earlier this month, flooding parts of the financial capital Mumbai, while lightning in the eastern state of Bihar killed at least 10 people.
Nearly 500 people were killed around Kerala in 2018 during the worst flooding to hit the state in almost a century.
India’s worst landslide in recent decades was in 1998, when rockfall triggered by heavy monsoon rains killed at least 220 people and completely buried the tiny village of Malpa in the Himalayas.
AFP.
Mahmood resumes office as Permanent Secretary, promises to build on existing foundation
The Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office (CMO) in the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF, Dr Fatima Mahmood has promised to build on the already laid foundation by her predecessor, Mr. Adeoye Adeleye.
Mahmood, who was recently appointed as a Federal Permanent Secretary by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was received by the outgoing Permanent Secretary Mr. Adeleye Adeoye along with the Directors and staff of Office during the handing over ceremony, on Monday, in Abuja.
The new Permanent Secretary, while soliciting the cooperation and dedication of staff, promised to run an open-door policy, and hit the ground running to deliver and consolidate on the gains of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCCSIP-25) to civil servants and Nigeria at large.q2
“To make the Service more innovative, challenging and competitive, we need to invest in Human Capital to improve the growth trajectory we aspire to achieve”, she added.
Mahmood on a lighter note stated that she is a “Technology Junkie” and as such she promised to expose Civil Servants to modern technological skills that are fit for purpose.
She urged staff to work assiduously as a team and have the right mindset to deliver quality service to the Public in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present Administration, as well as contribute to the development of the Service and the country at large.
Dr. Fatima praised Mr. Adeleye Adeoye for his relentless efforts in moving the Career Management Office forward and promised to always consult him in moving the Office to greater heights.
The high point of the event was the presentation of a letter of credence by the Emir of Katagun, Bauchi State, Alhaji Muhammadu Umar to Dr. Fatima Mahmood.
The Emir was represented by a 3-man Committee from the Emirates Council.
Earlier, the outgoing Permanent Secretary of Career Management Office, Mr. Adeleye Adeoye who has just been redeployed to the Federal Ministry of Transportation, expressed satisfaction and self-fulfillment serving in the OHCSF, which he termed the engine and coordinating room of the Service.
Mr Adeoye stated that as Permanent Secretary CMO, he has learnt some useful techniques, skills, and innovation, thanking President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, CFR given him the platform to serve the nation.
He urged the new Permanent Secretary to give her best because the task ahead is enormous, assuring that his doors will remain open.
Earlier in his welcome address, Director of Learning and Development, in the OHCSF Mr. Atabor Ademu applauded the outgoing Permanent Secretary for pushing staff under his Office out of their comfort zone for better performance.
The ceremony was well attended by a number of staff from the Bauchi Emirate Council, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, where the new Permanent Secretary served as a Director before her appointment, colleagues, family members, friends, and well-wishers.
Mahmood resumes office as Permanent Secretary, promises to build on existing foundation
Zone LG ticket to Ado-Odo/Igbesa, Ogun youth group tells Abiodun
The Coalition of Ado-Odo/Igbesa Indigenous Youths on Tuesday lamented the longstanding dominance of the Ota axis in the running of the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government at the expense of the people of Ado-Odo/Igbesa.
They claimed that for fairness and equity, the election of the chairmanship of the local government should have revolved between the axes of Ota and Ado-Odo/Igbesa that make up the council area.
The youth group therefore urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to ensure that this error is corrected in the forthcoming LG elections in the state by ensuring that the chairmanship ticket is zoned to Ado-Odo/Igbesa.
The group disclosed this in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Comr. Temitope Taiwo and made available to our correspondent.
The statement read, “Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, In Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, the Ado-Odo/Igbesa state constituency has had minimal representation in the local government council, with only two instances Hon. Musefiu Olatunji Lamidi and Hon. Abayomi Tella.
“This contrasts starkly with the Ota axis, which has enjoyed prolonged dominance, as evidenced by the tenures of the Late Dr Salami elected, Hon. Rotimi Rahmon Arúgbó elected, and Hon. Wasiu Lawal as caretaker Chairman, among others. Most recently, Hon. Sheriff Musa Adewale (Sam 20) elected further solidified this imbalance.
“The Ado-Odo/Igbesa state constituency has also suffered from unequal distribution of developmental projects and resources. Under Hon. Sherif Adewale Musa’s leadership, 12 projects were commissioned, with only two allocated to the Ado-Odo/Igbesa state constituency area one at Alapoti ward and the other at Lusada.”
It added that the disparity calls for urgent attention to enable everyone to benefit equally from the dividends of democracy.
“This striking disparity underscores the urgent need for a more balanced approach in resource allocation, ensuring that all constituencies benefit equally from the dividends of democracy.
“Community leaders and citizens are now collectively urging Governor Dapo Abiodun and other party leaders to acknowledge the gravity of the situation.
“We appeal that the LG chairmanship candidate for the upcoming council polls should be nominated from Ado-Odo/Igbesa. This would not only help address past inequities but also pave the way for a more inclusive and representative local government”, the statement added.
Stanel boss: Ex-President Jonathan congratulates Dr Stanley Uzochukwu on 40th birthday
Nigerian former president, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, GCON, has felicitated the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Stanel Group, Dr Stanley Uzochukwu, CON, on his 40th birthday.
This is contained in a statement personally signed by the former President titled: “Goodwill Message On Your 40th Birthday.”
The statement reads, “Happy 40th birthday to my son Stanley.
“I am pleased that God has kept you alive these four decades and have shaped you into the amazing person you are today.
“I commend you for your uncommon ability, and innovation in business, especially in the area of Oil and Gas, and, lately, in the hospitality industry where you already hold sway In the luxury hotel segment with the recently opened The Delborough Hotel Lagos.
“As one of Nigeria’s youngest business leaders, you have been inspiring many other young entrepreneurs across the country with your hard work and doggedness which has seen you rise from humble beginning to now leading the multibillion-naira enterprise, as chairman and CEO of stanel group.
“I am also impressed that you have been using your God-given abilities and potentials to touch and impact others through works of charity. In this regard, I congratulate you, also, as you launch the Stanley uzochukwu foundation which, I am told, will focus on improving the lot of women, youths and children.
“I am quite pleased with your achievements as a young entrepreneur.
“Happy birthday Stanley. Keep it up!”
Goodwill Message (2)
Stanel boss: Ex-President Jonathan congratulates Dr Stanley Uzochukwu on 40th birthday
Why Igbo youths won’t join hunger protest
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing has explained the reason why Igbo youths will not participate in the upcoming nationwide protests which have been scheduled from August 1 to 10, 2024.
Addressing journalists in Enugu on Monday after an Emergency Convention of Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders 2024, titled “State of the Nation,” Ohanaeze said the South East region has ample reasons to protest, including widespread economic hardship, massive youth unemployment, and poor representation in governance.
Reading their resolutions, the acting National President, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, said Ohanaeze youths aligns with the decision of their fathers that Igbo should not join the protests rather they will engage the government in a constructive dialogue to address their peculiar challenges.
However, after consulting with youths across the region, the group has opted to engage in dialogue with the Federal Government and South East governors to address the region’s unique challenges and work towards finding lasting solutions.
This approach, according to them, seeks to foster constructive collaboration rather than confrontation, aiming to yield more effective and sustainable results for the region’s youth.
Okpalaezeukwu maintained that while the hunger protest is within the constitutional rights of the people and also justifiable owing to the current state of affairs of the country, it is feared that the protest could result in the loss of lives and property of Igbo citizens that characterised the Endsars protest of 2020.
He said, “We need one more state to balance the South East with other zones. We have many of our young people, including Nnamdi Kanu who are held across different detention centres unjustly.
“But we don’t want a repeat of the destruction of our investments across the country because we will become the targets anywhere the protest holds.”
“We will engage in meaningful dialogue to ensure that our voice is heard, moving forward and that equity, fairness and a sense of belonging is guaranteed.”
He regretted that the protest had not started yet, adding, “Igbo businessmen and their businesses both in Abuja, Lagos, and other major cities are being threatened. We don’t want the killing and destruction of our people’s property across the country.
“We demand that Igbo youths be appointed into political positions in the country to be part and parcel of the government.
“We hope that since the government has ended the civil war in the South East, with continued constructive dialogue all the things that are agitating the South Easterners would be addressed.”
Abia vows to intensify efforts against criminals
Abia State Government has vowed that it will not allow criminal elements to destroy the modest achievements made so far under the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Kanu, made this known on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
He said that the state government has zero tolerance for criminal activities and would not condone it, explaining that armed criminal elements Monday morning engaged security personnel at Aba.
“Earlier today, criminal elements engaged the security personnel in a gunfight at Umuode community, along the Port Harcourt -Enugu Express Road, and later at Umuojima in Osisioma where they were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the security forces.
“In the ensuing gunfight, one of the gunmen was neutralized, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot injuries”
The commissioner further said that one of the vehicles belonging to the criminal elements, a Highlander vehicle was abandoned by the fleeing gunmen and is now under the custody of the security agencies.
He said that credible intelligence reports showed that the hoodlums were on the prowl to cause mayhem in the state and urged members of the public to be vigilant.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (retd.) said the state government has reviewed its strategies in the fight against crime and criminality.
“So my assurance is that going forward, it’s going to be a different ball game in the fight to rid our state of all kinds of criminal elements.
“There was no loss on the side of the security agents.”
He assured that the game has changed as it is no longer business as usual, adding that the security agencies were on the trail of the fleeing criminals.
Recall that in an effort to curtail crime associated with motorcycles and tricycles in the state, the state had announced plans to enumerate and re-register tricycles and motorcycles in the state.
The government noted that the essence of the registration and restriction was to secure lives and property of innocent citizens and residents of the state.
HARDSHIP: Tinubu is also protesting on behalf of citizens —Information minister, Idris
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has stated that President Bola Tinubu is already protesting the economic hardship in the country by addressing food availability and affordability.
He stated this during a press briefing at the presidential villa in Abuja on Monday.
According to him, “the president has listened to the voices of all those who are planning this protest. And the message is that there is no need for it,” he said.
“Indeed, the president is already protesting on their behalf by doing those things that they want a government to do. For example, the effort that the government is making in ensuring that food is being made available.
“The last council meeting here at the briefing, we announced that a number of trucks, 20 precisely, had been given to the state governors for onward distribution to those who actually are in need of them to the poorest of the poor in society and those who are actually in need. Food being made available.
READ ALSO:Keyamo overrules NAMA’s 800% levy increase, cites economic hardship
“But the government did not stop there, there is also rice that is being sold at about 50 percent of its cost — a bag of rice is being sold as we speak now.
“This rice has been taken to various centres across all the states of the federation and is being sold at N40,000. Centres have been created so that those who need this rice can go there and buy this rice at N40,000.
“In the first instance, about 10 trucks have been made available to each of these states and indeed this is just the beginning. I know that some of the comments you hear are that it is never enough.
“The government has not pretended that these supplies are indeed enough. But these are necessary first steps that are being made, and more of such interventions are being made in the interim.”
The post HARDSHIP: Tinubu is also protesting on behalf of citizens —Information minister, Idris appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
N70,000 minimum wage demonstrates Tinubu’s love for Nigerian workers – Lado
The Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Sen. Basheer Lado, has said the signing into law the recently passed new minimum wage reflected President Bola Tinubu’s feeling for the plight of Nigerians.
Lado noted this in a statement made available to TVN in Abuja on Tuesday, stressing that the expeditious passage and assent to the minimum wage bill demonstrated that President Tinubu was a man of his words.
He added that it was a promise kept for the Nigerian workers and the citizens too, adding that, “with time, the people-centric governance model would turn the fortunes of this nation.”
The presidential aide recalled that Tinubu promised Nigerian workers a living wage during his electioneering campaign, hence, the signing of the bill into law was a word kept, adding that the provision for upward review of the wage for workers every three years against the former five years was a good development.
He said: “This shows that workers take home pay will continue to take them home under the present administration.
“The President deserves the commendation of all for staying true to his promise.”
Lado also commended Nigerian workers for their resilience and contribution to nation building over the years.
He urged them to put in more effort in the delivery of effective services for the growth and development of the nation.
He further commended the Organised Labour Movement led by President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero and President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo.
He lauded their painstaking, mature and peaceful negotiations that led to the over 100 per cent rise in workers’ wages from N30,000 to N70,000.
Lado equally commended the National Assembly, led by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass for the swift passage of the Minimum Wage Bill.
N70,000 minimum wage demonstrates Tinubu’s love for Nigerian workers – Lado
Ghana president, Mahama felicitates with Dr Stanley Uzochukwu at 40
Former Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama has sent a message of felicitation to Nigerian young businesses leader, Dr Stanley Uzochukwu on his 40th birthday.
President Mahama acknowledged and highlighted the successes of Dr Stanley in his 30s and wished he could replicate his investments in Ghana.
He said, “Stanley, you are more than a friend to me. I consider you more like my younger brother. It’s four (4) decades (forty years) since you came into this world and yet you’ve achieved far more than somebody else will achieve in a lifetime.
“I wish you all the best on this happy day. I wish you good luck; I wish you long life, good health and may God continue to prosper you.
“You are doing well in your business in the Oil and Gas sector and may more opportunities open up to you.
“Aside from that, your iconic investment which is The Delborough Hotel is such a wonderful place to stay. I consider it a home away from home and you have hosted me several times there.
“You hosted other important dignitaries and that shows the standard of The Delborough. Prince Harry, Meghan and the Angolan President and many other people have found it very comfortable to live in The Delborough.
“I’m looking forward to you duplicating The Delborough here in Ghana in the future as I told you already.
“Your philanthropy is also renowned and your work especially in the education space is going to be very beneficial to the children of Nigeria. May God continue to prosper you so that you can continue to share your kindness to others who are not as fortunate.
“Happy birthday my brother Stanley and God bless you.”
Ghana president, Mahama felicitates with Dr Stanley Uzochukwu at 40
