Urhobo News

Former Edo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Kassim Afegbua on Monday dismissed insinuations from some quarters that he had anything personal against Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

‘’Following my interrogation of the Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s presidential aspiration and the urgent need to cede the nomination of the PDP ticket to the Southern part of Nigeria, the alarm bells have been let loose. Expectedly, I have been called all manner of names and accused wrongly, just to extract a pound of flesh from me for daring to question the rationale for Atiku presidency in 2023 at the age of Methuselah. I do not have anything personal against Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, but I disagree with his latest resolve at being a professional aspirant or perpetual candidate from 1991 till date. Politics has a process and timing’’.

He also advised the country’s former vice president not to hesitate to contribute his own quota in his capacity as a senior citizen towards the development of the nation.

‘’Alhaji Atiku is mortally misplaced at this moment. Having put up such a strong showing in 2019, I thought very sensibly, that was the climax of a journey that started in 1990 when he initially aspired to preside over the country with Late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, easily called M.K.O Abiola. Alhaji was in that equation even though at the end of the day, he was prevailed upon to step down for MKO Abiola. And the rest is history’’.

In a statement in Abuja on Monday, Afegbua said the age of methuselah in Nigeria politics was no longer fashionable.

‘’Nigeria is a plural society with several political interests competing for attention. It is a country of many tribal leanings and clannish configurations. After the EndSars protest and the lukewarm attitude of the current president before he reluctantly addressed the nation, it became obvious that the age of methuselah in Nigeria politics was no longer fashionable. Nigerians now yearn for younger leadership who is upwardly mobile to preside over the affairs of the nation, leaders who have the technical ability and managerial acumen to preside over our disparities and ethnicities, and create a balance towards national cohesion and stability. Nigerians are looking forward to welcoming a new dawn in our body.of politics, some.kind of paradigm shift that would.give opportunity to our younger generation to politically assume a pride of place in the scheme of things’’

The former spokesman of Atiku said for stability and good governance to be achieved in Nigeria, there must be a rejection of travelling the road of the aged.

‘’ President Buhari has not helped matters. He has raised very curious remarks about the sanctity of travelling the road of the aged. Aside from being taciturn, president Buhari is not creative and result-driven. His go-slow style has affected our reading of the older generations who appear unwilling to quit the stage while the ovation is still loud. Buhari’s standoffish attitude and leadership weakness has become Atiku’s albatross. President Buhari has pointedly declared that at 79, working 6 to 8 hours daily is no joke, reason why it will be an exercise in self-destruct to chart the course of an Atiku post Buhari era’’.

He urged Atiku to honourably quit the stage for others to try their luck.

‘’From 1990 till date, Atiku Abubakar has featured in our politics at regular intervals. Remove 32 years away from Alhaji Atiku’s age; you will readily see the beauty.of a young man who got involved at such a middle age to seek the presidency of the country. After 32 years, he should honourably quit the stage for others to try their luck. That is the beauty of life’s evolutionary process. Seeking for that same position which he sought for in 1990 at this age and time is like performing a surgical operation with a blunt scalpel. His closest was the 2019 experience. Bookmakers said he won the election, but INEC thought otherwise’’

Afegbua lamented how Atiku vanished to thin air after the 2019 presidential election.

‘’After the 2019 election, when the dust of that election had not settled, when tempers were still high and emotions were still boiling, Alhaji Atiku simply vanished to thin air. He was no where to be seen. His next address was Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. When the party members wanted to see him, they had to travel to Dubai. The tribunal came, and Alhaji was nowhere near the courts. Imagine how it would have been seeing him with his Lawyers inside the courtroom, it would have given a sense of motivation and encouragement to all the factors that participated in that election. We waited, kept our eyes on the road, thinking he would join us. Alas!! He was away in the comfort zone of Dubai’s architectural wonders while we remained here in Nigeria like orphans or fatherless children. The tribunal case ended on a loss note. That was to mark another evolutionary watershed in the history of electoral petitions in Nigeria. But in all of the actions, Alhaji Atiku was absent’’.

He said it was time to discuss power shift to the Southern part of the country in 2023.

‘’When they are seeking for election, they try to act as father-figure, pretending to have the interest of the people at heart, but when you need them to give you protection, they hide in the comfort zone of their empire. For those of us who were Spokesmen of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, it was difficult getting to sit Alhaji Atiku down to robustly engage, at least to glean from his perspectives on issues. After the election, and after his escape from the shores of Nigeria, there was no post-election thank you. And this is not about material gratification. Far from it! It was simply by way of hosting a meeting to say; guys, you all are great. You made me proud and gave your all. I appreciate. No way!!. Instead, for two years, Alhaji Atiku was in Dubai, and left us in the lurch. When he returned to the country and the idea of recontesting struck his mind, he wrote personalized letters to some chosen associates, supporters and stakeholders. When I got my own letter, I asked a couple of questions. Aside from being a regular face in the political firmament of Nigeria, like Robert Mugabe to Zimbabweans, Alhaji Atiku’s aspiration was wrongly footed. The pendulum of the political equations and algorithms has to shift to the Southern part of the country in 2023’’.

He urged Atiku to support a younger element from the south as a way to assuage the feelings of the people.

‘’After an unbroken 8 years run by President Buhari, it will be immoral for any Northerner to aspire to govern the country on another run of 8 years. That would be injustice of the first order. Even if the equation becomes so compelling, we could opt for a younger element to fill the void. Contesting for presidential elections since 1990 till date without success is enough indication that he was not destined to be. At this age and time, I would rather he supports a younger element from the south as a way to assuage the feelings of the people. Political greed and selfishness has its own undercurrent. Just like power and its aphrodisiac, it makes men blind to their real intentions. Their eyes will be fixated on the aplomb of power, its allure and appurtenances. But the dynamics of the moment and the learned experiences from President Buhari’s gloomy and uneventful leadership have combined to hurt the dialectics of an Atiku aspiration’’.

Specifically, Afegbua  called for geo-political zones balancing through robust interactions and constructive engagement.

‘’The country must consciously engage with diverse interests across the land. Individual and collective interests must be cultivated. Geopolitical zones balancing through robust interactions and constructive engagement are the required process to build national cohesion. And with the way the country has become, a Southern presidency is one that will invariably calm frayed nerves and put paid to some agitations that have been threatening the unity of the country’’.

He urged Nigerians not to devote time, energy and resources in championing the aspirations of a man who has been a perpetual aspirant and a recurring decimal in our national politics since 1990

‘’The route I have taken is one borne out of my deep conviction that Nigeria needs to chart a new course of action. It is one that reminds me that if we choose to do things differently, we will achieve greater success than devote time, energy and resources in championing the aspirations of a man who has been a perpetual aspirant and a recurring decimal in our national politics since 1990. I hold no grudge. It is out of love that I have spoken truth to the man, and I welcome all the insults and abuses. Not long, my interrogations would yield the desired result and I do hope that Alhaji Atiku would not end up gnashing his teeth to lament the turn out of events with the usual malaproprian bluff; had I know. The resources he intends to lavish at this political contestation should serve other purposes that could impact on the wellbeing of his followers and supporters. The binoculars for the 2023 presidential contest does not pick the image of Alhaji Abubakar. The earlier he quits the race, the better for his cherished history, the better for his political trajectory. Those who are waiting to profit from his involvement might not like my invocations, but in the long run, it will form a basis to assess the totality of his political emanations as he ages on’’.

The Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain advised Atiku to learn from Mugabe’s journey in Zimbabwe that ended in infamy and public disgrace.

‘’At 77 in 2023, I will rather quit politics, such a vocation where insults are hurled at you, than stay put in the name of putting up a try. When the sunshine of Mugabe of Zimbabwe was ebbing, he frowned at those who gave him honest advice and romanced those praise singers who said he was the father of the nation of Zimbabwe. At the end, his fall from glory was the denouement of a journey that ended in infamy and public disgrace. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, I still wish you well’’.

PRESIDENT BUHARI PLEDGES EQUITY, FAIRNESS AND JUSTICE TO ITSEKIRIS

President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged a fair deal to the Itsekiri people of Delta State, while also extolling the patriotism of His Royal Majesty, Tsola Emiko, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri Kingdom.

The President spoke at State House, Abuja, Wednesday, while receiving the monarch and some of his chiefs.

“I’m grateful for your visit, and impressed by your patriotism. I’ve taken note of your requests, and will work on them as soon as politically possible,” President Buhari said.

The Olu of Warri said the visit was to primarily thank the President for sending a high-powered delegation to his coronation as the 21st monarch of the Kingdom, “and for your kind felicitation, goodwill and solidarity.”

He pledged the loyalty of Itsekiri people to “one united Nigeria, as we support your government’s aspiration to provide security and economic prosperity to all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, creed or religion.”

Describing President Buhari as “a dogged patriot and fervent believer in Project Nigeria,” the Olu drew attention to what he called “some burning issues that are dear to our hearts.”

The issues included the under-utilization of the four ports in Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu, all in Delta State, reconstitution of the NDDC Board, immortalizing the first Finance Minister of the country, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, and resuscitation of the Ogidigben EPZ Project, which has reportedly been abandoned.

On the NDDC Board, he said he believed the President would soon reconstitute it, “as an interested party, we genuinely want a better deal for us in the Niger Delta, as we believe charity begins at home. By this, we mean that we Niger Deltans must be ready to put the betterment of our people first in all we do. Putting our people first is the only way to make our lives better.”

On the entourage of the Olu of Warri were Chiefs Brown Mene, Oma Eyewuoma, Thomas Ereyitomi, Daniel Reyeju, Dere Awosika, and Mr Julius Rone.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

January 26, 2022

PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS AYO BAMGBOSE, NIGERIA’S FIRST PROFESSOR OF LINGUISTICS, AT 90

President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with Professor Emeritus Ayo Bamgbose, the first Professor of Linguistics in Nigeria and the Foundation President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) on the occasion of his 90th birthday January 27, 2022.

The President uses the occasion of the erudite professor’s birthday to thank him for his excellent contributions to education and scholarly understanding of Nigerian languages.

The President notes that through Bamgbose’s widely published books, journals and reviews, the renowned professor’s dedication and versatility in Orthographies of Nigerian Languages, which is recognised both nationally and internationally, will continue to be an important guide to the academia, knowledge seekers and the general public, who seek to understand Nigeria’s cultural and linguistic diversity.

President Buhari joins family, friends and well-wishers in praying that the nonagenarian enjoys more years of health and happiness.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

January 26, 2022

PRESIDENT BUHARI WISHES NIGERIAN ATHLETES PARTICIPATING IN BEIJING 2022 WINTER OLYMPICS SUCCESS, CONGRATULATES CHINA

On behalf of all Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari wishes Nigerian athletes participating in the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games success at the competition.

President Buhari trusts that Nigerian athletes participating in different events will excel at the competition, surpassing the previous record in PyeongChang, South Korea, in 2018, when the nation competed for the first time.

Recognising that the Olympic Games is a platform for closer friendship and cooperation between countries, the Nigerian leader sincerely hopes that all athletes, in the pursuit of their Olympic dream, would promote the core values of the Games: excellence, friendship and respect.

The President congratulates China on hosting the Winter Olympics, lauding Beijing for making history as the first “dual Olympic city” in the world’s Olympic history, having hosted the Summer Olympics in 2008.

As a friendly and brotherly country to Nigeria, President Buhari affirms the support of the Nigerian government and its people to China.

He believes that with China’s rich experience in organising international events, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, with the slogan “Together for a Shared Future”, will be delivered as a splendid, exceptional and extraordinary Olympic event for the world.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

January 25, 2022

IS ATIKU THE MUGABE OF NIGERIA POLITICS?

Following my interrogation of the Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s presidential aspiration and the urgent need to cede the nomination of the PDP ticket to the Southern part of Nigeria, the alarm bells have been let loose. Expectedly, I have been called all manner of names and accused wrongly, just to extract a pound of flesh from me for daring to question the rationale for Atiku presidency in 2023 at the age of Methuselah. I do not have anything personal against Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, but I disagree with his latest resolve at being a.professional aspirànt or perpetual candidate from 1991 till date. Politics has a process and timing. The timing for a fresh mandate for Alhaji Atiku is mortally misplaced at this moment. Having put up such a strong showing in 2019, I thought very sensibly, that was the climax of a journey that started in 1990 when he initially aspired to preside over the country with Late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, easily called M.K.O Abiola. Alhaji was in that equation even though at the end of the day, he was prevailed upon to step down for MKO Abiola. And the rest is history.

Nigeria is a plural society with several political interests competing for attention. It is a country of many tribal leanings and clannish configurations. After the EndSars protest and the lukewarm attitude of the current president before he reluctantly addressed the nation, it became obvious that the age of methuselah in Nigeria politics was no longer fashionable. Nigerians now yearn for younger leadership who is upwardly mobile to preside over the affairs of the nation, leaders who have the technical ability and managerial acumen to preside over our disparities and ethnicities, and create a balance towards national cohesion and stability. Nigerians are looking forward to welcoming a new dawn in our body.of politics, some.kind of paradigm shift that would.give opportunity to our younger generation to politically assume a pride of.place in the scheme of.things. President Buhari has not helped matters. He has raised very curious remarks about the sanctity.of travelling the road of the aged. Aside from being taciturn, president Buhari is not creative and result-driven. His go-slow style has affected our reading of the older generations who appear unwilling to quit the stage while the ovation is still loud. Buhari’s standoffish attitude and leadership weakness has become Atiku’s albatross. President Buhari has pointedly declared that at 79, working 6 to 8 hours daily is no joke, reason why it will be an exercise in self destruct to chart the course of an Atiku post Buhari era.

From 1990 till date, Atiku Abubakar has featured in our politics at regular intervals. Remove 32 years away from Alhaji Atiku’s age, you will readily see the beauty.of a young man who got involved at such a middle age to seek the presidency of the country. After 32 years, he should honourably quit the stage for others to try their luck. That is the beauty of life’s evolutionary process. Seeking for that same position which he sought for in 1990 at this age and time is like performing a surgical operation with a blunt scalpel. His closest was the 2019 experience. Bookmakers said he won the election, but INEC thought otherwise. After the 2019 election, when the dust of that election had not settled, when tempers were still high and emotions were still boiling, Alhaji Atiku simply vanished to thin air. He was no where to be seen. His next address was Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. When the party members wanted to see him, they had to travel to Dubai. The tribunal came, and Alhaji was nowhere near the courts. Imagine how it would have been seeing him with his Lawyers inside the courtroom, it would have given a sense of.motivation and encouragement to all the factors that participated in that election. We waited, kept our eyes on the road, thinking he would join us. Alas!! He was away in the comfort zone of Dubai’s architectural wonders while we remained here in Nigeria like orphans or fatherless children. The tribunal case ended on a loss note. That was to mark another evolutionary watershed in the history of electoral petitions in Nigeria. But in all of the actions, Alhaji Atiku was absent.

When they are seeking for election, they try to act as father-figure, pretending to have the interest of the people at heart, but when you need them to give you protection, they hide in the comfort zone of their empire. For those of us who were Spokesmen of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, it was difficult getting to sit Alhaji Atiku down to robustly engage, at least to glean from his perspectives on issues. After the election, and after his escape from the shores of Nigeria, there was no post-election thank you. And this is not about material gratification. Far from it! It was simply by way of hosting a meeting to say; guys, you all are great. You made me proud and gave your all. I appreciate. No way!!. Instead, for two years, Alhaji Atiku was in Dubai, and left us in the lurch. When he returned to the country and the idea of recontesting struck his mind, he wrote personalized letters to some chosen associates, supporters and stakeholders. When I got my own letter, I asked a couple of questions. Aside from being a regular face in the political firmament of Nigeria, like Robert Mugabe to Zimbabweans, Alhaji Atiku’s aspiration was wrongly footed. The pendulum of the political equations and algorithms has to shift to the Southern part of the country in 2023.

After an unbroken 8 years run by President Buhari, it will be immoral for any Northerner to aspire to govern the country on another run of 8 years. That would be injustice of the first order. Even if the equation becomes so compelling, we could opt for a younger element to fill the void. Contesting for presidential elections since 1990 till date without success is enough indication that he was not destined to be. At this age and time, I would rather he supports a younger element from the south as a way to assuage the feelings of the people. Political greed and selfishness has its own undercurrent. Just like power and its aphrodisiac, it makes men blind to their real intentions. Their eyes will be fixated on the aplomb of.power, its allure and appurtenances. But the dynamics of the moment and the learned experiences from President Buhari’s gloomy and uneventful leadership, have combined to hurt the dialectics of an Atiku aspiration. The country must consciously engage with diverse interests across the land. Individual and collective interests must be cultivated. Geopolitical zones balancing through robust interactions and constructive engagement are the required process to build national cohesion. And with the way the country has become, a Southern presidency is one that will invariably calm frayed nerves and put paid to some agitations that have been threatening the unity of the country.

The route I have taken is one borne out of my deep conviction that Nigeria needs to chart a new course of action. It is one that reminds me that if we choose to do things differently, we will achieve greater success than devote time, energy and resources in championing the aspirations of a man who has been a perpetual aspirànt and a recurring decimal in our national politics since 1990. I hold no grudge. It is out of love that I have spoken truth to the man, and I welcome all the insults and abuses. Not long, my interrogations would yield the desired result and I do hope that Alhaji Atiku would not end up gnashing his teeth to lament the turn out of events with the usual malaproprian bluff; had I know. The resources he intends to lavish at this political contestation should serve other purposes that could impact on the wellbeing of his followers and supporters. The binoculars for the 2023 presidential contest does not pick the image of Alhaji Abubakar. The earlier he quits the race, the better for his cherished history, the better for his political trajectory. Those who are waiting to profit from his involvement might not like my invocations, but in the long run, it will form a basis to assess the totality of his political emanations as he ages on. At 77 in 2023, I will rather quit politics, such a vocation where insults are hurled at you, than stay put in the name of putting up a try. When the sunshine of Mugabe of Zimbabwe was ebbing, he frowned at those who gave him honest advise and romanced those praise singers who said he was the father of the nation of Zimbabwe. At the end, his fall from glory was the denouement of a journey that ended in infamy and public disgrace. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, I still wish you well.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU FLAGS OFF ROAD PROJECT TO LINK OJOTA-OPEBI LINK BRIDGES, APPROACH ROADS

• Governor announces purchase of three trains for State’s Blue Rail Line
• ‘Iconic projects signpost our Greater Lagos vision’

A traffic solution proposed 20 years ago to ease off perennial gridlocks that usually stretch from Sheraton Link Road into Opebi corridor has today become a reality, as Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu flagged off the construction of a carriageway that will solve major traffic conflicts in Ikeja.

The 3.89 kilometre-long road infrastructure will open into Ojota axis in Kosofe, taking traffic from Opebi U-Turn and dropping it at Ikorodu Road via intersection that will be constructed under Odo Iya Alaro Bridge at Mende.

The road will be supported by 276 metre-long deck-on-pile bridge and 474 metre-long mechanically stabilised earth-wall approach sections.

The carriageway, which is a new connectivity, would create an easy exit for commuters leaving Ikeja-Onigbongbo axis towards Ojota and Maryland.

The project was initiated to proffer permanent solution to inadequacies of Opebi Link Bridge and the Opebi U-Turn, and to ease pressure on overburdened routes within Ikeja, with the objective to reduce travel time along the corridor.

At the groundbreaking event, Sanwo-Olu also announced that the State Government had successfully procured additional three sets of train for the Lagos Blue Line Rail project expected to be completed before the end of the year. The rail line traverses Okokomaiko and Marina.

The news came a week after the Governor completed the deal for the procurement of two Talgo trains in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the United States (U.S.) for the Lagos Red Rail Line project, stretching 37-kilometre from Abule Egba into Oyingbo.

Speaking on the road infrastructure, Sanwo-Olu described the project as “another landmark progress” recorded by his administration towards delivering requisite infrastructure in Lagos. The ceremony, he said, demonstrated the priority accorded the welfare and well-being of the residents in line with his Government’s drive towards delivering a Greater Lagos Vision.

He said: “This flag-off ceremony demonstrates the priority we accord the well-being of the people of Lagos, as we are witnessing another milestone in the implementation of the Traffic Management and Transportation Pillar of our administration’s THEMES Agenda and the State Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP). Prior to this project, there was no direct road linkage between Opebi, Maryland and Ojota. Available roads linking the areas are limited in connectivity options, thus paving the way for the high traffic volume and congestion within the Ikeja traffic network.

“We recognised the need to create permanent solution to the conflicts by initiating another legacy construction project linking Ojota, Opebi and approach roads to connect Opebi Road from its tail end with Ikorodu Road by Odo Iya Alaro. Upon completion, the carriageway will reduce travel time for Lagos and Ikorodu-bound traffic from Opebi. It will also ease the traffic situation at Opebi-Sheraton Link Road and Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way. This legacy project will not only provide a new link to commute around Ikeja and its environs, it will also enhance economic prosperity and life expectancy.”

The Governor stressed that Messr Julius Berger was favoured as preferred contractor for the iconic project, given the civil engineering firm’s capacity and track record in construction on swampy terrains.

Since his administration came on board, Sanwo-Olu said 65 road projects and dozens of junction improvement work have been completed, while over 50 road infrastructure projects were at various stages of completion across the State.

He added that the State Government’s traffic improvement work was being complemented with constant road maintenance. He disclosed that over 832 arterial and tertiary roads, covering 252 kilometres, had been rehabilitated through routine palliative activities by the Lagos Public Works Corporation.

He said: “This is to demonstrate that politics is not about lip service. We have committed substantial resources to the provision of quality roads, waterways, and rail infrastructure to the people of Lagos, just as we have invested in modernisation of infrastructure inherited from the previous administration.

“To give the people commuting options, we initiated the construction of a 37 km track rail project which is steadily progressing, in addition to the complete overhaul of our water transportation system so that we can achieve an efficient and safe transport system that suits our megacity status and befits a 21st century economy.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, said Julius Berger carried out extensive studies and engineering investigations along the project alignment two decades ago, prompting the State Government to take proceed with the construction.

She said the Governor remained determined to ensure that the project did not end up being abandoned, stressing that necessary funding mechanism had been secured to guarantee the project’s timely completion.

“Aside providing direct link between Opebi and Mende, Maryland and Ojota, this project also has two underpasses and U-Turn that will provide access for Ojota to Ikorodu as well as for Opebi-bound commuters. There is also provision for another underpass U-Turn for Phase 2 of Opebi Link Bridge Project which would eventually set a precedence for Ojota commuters to link the Third Axial Road,” Adeyoye said.

Member Representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Hon. James Faleke, who led residents to the flag-off, described the project as “a surprise gift” to Ikeja community, praising the Governor for his vision to open up the swampy channel.

Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Oladotun Olakanle, extended residents’ appreciation to the Governor for kicking off the project.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

26 JANUARY 2022

Press Statement

Dum Dekor Delighted Over Peace In Khana, Gokana

The member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor says he is delighted with the peace and tranquil atmosphere that are pervading the entire communities of his constituency.

Speaking on OgoniTV during an interview at the weekend, the federal lawmaker said he has been busy visiting all the communities in Khana and Gokana Local Government Areas, LGAs, and expressed joy that people are moving about their legitimate businesses unmolested.

He said he became happier with cultural and music carnivals taking place in the day and nights, and commended the Local Government Council Chairmen of the two LGAs as well as security agencies for the synergy and communications, calling on them to sustain the tempo.

The former Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly as well as former Commissioner for Works in the state said he is pleased with the information that people who fled their communities were now returning home, but urged those still nursing fears to come back.

“As at Friday, we held a meeting with the traditional institution from the three districts in Khana namely Ken Khana, Nyokhana and Babbe, and what we are trying to put together now is a reconciliation committee to reconcile everybody and let them go back to what they are used to doing, which is farming and fishing”, he said.

Rt. Hon. Dekor said he remains unshakable in his determination to provide quality representation to the people of his constituency.

“Part of my slogan when I was coming for electioneering campaign was that we were going to give the people a voice, and by the grace of God we are doing that.  Anybody who sees what we are doing will agree with us that we are doing that, even with the limited resources at our disposal.

“Mind you, our responsibility is very well defined which is to make laws and I’m proud to say we are doing very well in that regard.  Even if I am not to assess myself, I believe to a great extent, we are representing the people very, very well.  Even in terms of attracting projects to our people, we are doing the very best we can.

“As we speak, a bill is underway which has to do with the Niger Delta Institute for Technology and Skills Acquisition which is a federal institution we are putting in place and coming before the House.  We hope that by the grace of God and the support of my colleagues, we will drive it to a logical conclusion.

“That is on one hand.  On the other hand, we have moved a lot of motions and done a lot of advocacies.  As an individual, I have done a lot of advocacy to the extent that some of the little changes we see in HYPREP structure today, I can say we are part of the advocacy that has brought us to where we are today”, he said.

1. HON. DUM DEKOR MEDIA TEAM

January 26, 2022.

RIVPA Enjoins Journalists To Join Crusade Against Illegal Refineries

The leadership of the Independent Newspaper Publishers Association of Rivers State (RIVPA) has urged media practitioners in the state to join forces with the Rivers State government and relevant agencies in the fight against soot and environmental pollution across the state.

Making the charge in Port Harcourt, when the newly elected officers of the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) led by the chairman, Stanley Job Stanley paid him Thank You visit, Pastor Jerry Needam, Chairman of Independent Newspaper Publishers Association of Rivers State said at no time are journalists as information disseminators and change advocates called to task for public good than now and should therefore deploy all their communication skills to sensitize the populace on the dangers posed by illegal crude oil refineries to human health.

Pastor Needam said as professionals, journalists cannot but carry out their duties in this campaign by being dispassionate and committed only to public interest.

He urged the journalists not to get involved in the controversies such serious government measures are bound to trigger especially among political opponents and their supporters.

“Our own take is to inform the public on official policies, decisions, actions and corresponding reactions objectively, truthfully and fairly to all parties involved. Henceforth, any journalist that chooses to be involved and unethical in their reports do so at their own peril,” the RIVPA chairman warned.

Pastor Needam who doubles as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Sole Administrator, Rivers State Waste Management Agency, RIWAMA,  insisted that the greater public good remains the guiding principle for journalism practice and must not be compromised on the altar of personal interests and desires.

Dennis Osadebay University to commence academic activities Feb. – Okowa

Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday said Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, would commence full academic activities before the end of February, 2022.

Okowa disclosed this while fielding questions from journalists shortly after inspecting ongoing projects in the new university as well as the offices and residential apartments of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and the Chief of Staff, under construction.

He stated that all the courses of the university presented for the first year programme had  been accredited by National Universities Commission (NUC), adding that no fewer than 500 students had already been offered admission to study various courses as accredited for the university.

According to him, more students who meet the admission requirements for the accredited courses in the university would be offerred admission by the institution before the admissions come to an end.

The Governor, who inspected the Administration Building, Vice Chancellor’s Lodge, Faculty of Environmental Science, Faculty of Agriculture and the university’s gate house, expressed satisfaction with the level of work so far executed by the contractors.

While saying that the administrative building and the Vice-Chancellor’s lodge would be completed in  March, 2022, he stated that Faculty of Environmental Science which was nearing completion would be ready in February.

On Faculty of Agriculture, Okowa described it as “the star project’’ and said that it would be completed in October, 2022 and that construction of the roads connecting various faculties in the university were on course.

He also inspected the university’s gate under construction and affirmed that the Anwai/Ugbolu road would be expanded and beautified to link Ugbolu and give colour to the university and the Leisure Park and Film Village being built by his administration.

He added that the Faculty of Agricultural Science would accommodate a 500-seater auditorium and two 250-sitting-capacity auditoriums, including the Faculty’s building.

“I am quite satisfied with the level of works done in the various projects at the Dennis Osadebay University.

“We started from the administration block which has gone very far and the contractor has promised to deliver the project in March. From the progress of work, obviously, it will be delivered in March.

“Then, we went to the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge which just started three and half months ago and we have a finishimng date of March. Also this year, and l think that with the work done, that is quite fast and very achievable.

“From there, we went to the Faculty of Environmental Sciences which is near completion. We were told that by the middle of February, they will be through with that project but l am giving them an extension up to the end February.

“I must commend all the contractors for a job well done. We also saw the road project that is ongoing, that takes us very quickly into the Faculty of Environmental Sciences unlike the road we took the last time we went to inspect that project.

“But the biggest is our star project, the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences; it is a huge project. The contractor has told us that he will deliver the project in December but we told him that he should try to find how he can deliver it by the end of September, this year.

“I believe that it is doable. He has a lot of workers on site but l am sure that he can get workers who can even run shift duties.

“That is really a very huge building with a 500-seater auditorium and two 250-seater auditoriums along with the main faculty building

“We believe that by the time they complete the project, there will be a lot of space. We call it Faculty of Agricultural Science but I am sure that it is quite a huge building that will take more than the agricultural sciences faculty.

“So, for the Dennis Osadebay University, a lot has been done. We are happy with the progress of work recorded in the university and l do hope that at the beginning of April, there will be a change in that campus. For now it is no longer looking like a glorified primary school,” he added.

At the new SSG and Chief of Staff official quarters and offices, the governor announced that the project would be completed in March, 2022, and pledged his administration’s commitment to completing all ongoing projects in line with contractual agreement.

The Governor, in company with some commissioners, was conducted round the projects by the project consultant, Mr Kester Ifeadi.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU HONOURS EX-LAGOS CP, AS AIG ODUMOSU BOWS OUT OF POLICE FORCE 

• Governor to new CP: ‘Fight criminals with renewed fervour’ 

• ‘Eliminating bank robbery part of my legacy in Lagos’ – Odumosu 

The immediate past Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu, on Tuesday, inspected the final parade as a cop, taking a bow out of the Police Force.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his note of commendation, said Odumosu served Lagos and the country with every mental and physical strength he is endowed with, saying it was time for the star crime buster to drop off the uniform for a post-service life.

Odumosu’s retirement from the Force followed his recent attainment of the rank of AIG, after which the statutory retirement age set in. He was enlisted in the police on March 3, 1990 and served for 32 years.

The AIG took a bow at the Pull-out Parade and Valedictory Ceremony organised in his honour by the Lagos State Government at the Police Training Ground in Ikeja.

The event was attended by members of the State Executive Council, representative of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), former IGP, Alhaji Musiliu Smith (rtd), Oba of Lagos, Alayeluwa Rilwan Akiolu, wife of the Minister of Works and Housing, Dame Abimbola Fashola, Commissioners of Police from Southwest states, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials and family members of the retiring officer.

Odumosu, an astute law enforcement officer nicknamed “Tango One” for his exceptional skill in flushing out criminals, served as first chairman of Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce) and also the Commander of the State-funded Rapid Response Squad (RRS).

Sanwo-Olu described Odumosu as “nemesis” of criminally-minded elements, noting that the ex-Lagos Commissioner of Police had a deep knowledge of the nooks and crannies of the State.

The Governor thanked the outgoing AIG for his service to Lagos during which the State recorded receding crime rate. The Governor said Odumosu attended to his constitutional duties with vigour, courage and without giving excuses, adding that he led officers serving in the State’s Police Command from the front throughout his tenure as Commissioner.

The Governor said: “Hakeem Odumosu’s appointment in November 2019 as Commissioner of Police in Lagos came with much expectation, as it was believed that his arrival would bring the long-sought succour which many Lagosians yearned given the security challenges facing the State then. These expectations came as a result of his very deep knowledge and understanding of what security architecture of Lagos should be.

“Tango One, as we all call him, came with wealth of experience, and new approaches to pursue effective policing. Those approaches led to an improvement in security of lives and property in Lagos. He came, he saw and he is bequeathing a well-informed and motivated police command to officers serving in Lagos. He discharged his duties with diligence and emerged as outstanding police officer. I am happy to be at this occasion, which is a deserving farewell to AIG Hakeem Odumosu out of the Nigeria Police Force.”

Sanwo-Olu said Odumosu led the police in Lagos at challenging periods, pointing out that his stewardship brought back discipline and deepened character across hierarchies in the Command, especially the rank and file.

The Governor said Odumosu was leaving a big shoe in the Command, given his meritorious accomplishment as crime buster. He charged the new Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, to take up the gauntlet and build on the structure laid by his predecessor.

“It would be a disservice to AIG Odumosu if the level of policing in Lagos goes down after this moment. The least we can do is to ensure the labour of Odumosu is not in vain. I charge the new Commissioner of Police and all officers serving in Lagos Command to show renewed commitment to fight crimes and ensure security of lives is raised to the level where the State would be the envy of others in the country,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of Southwest operations, Johnson Kokumo, who represented the IGP Usman Alkali Baba, said Odumosu, throughout his years of service, did not fit into the description of “mercantile police officer” – term used to portray unethical officers, stressing that the AIG was leaving a legacy of diligence, hard work and strictness in the Force.

Smith, who is chairman of Police Service Commission, said it was time for Odumosu to take a rest after an accomplishing career in the police and settle down as a family man.

In his valedictory speech, Odumosu, accompanied by his wife, Alhaja Nafisat, said he was not leaving the Force out of tiredness, but quitting to experience civil life, having attained mandatory retirement age.

He noted that his decision to join the police was not out of joblessness but his desire to serve his fatherland after his first degree in Arts at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Odumosu, who also holds a Law degree, two Master’s degrees and Diploma certificates, advised young officers to embrace discipline, which he described as the “bedrock of the Force”.

He said: “I want to make it known that, despite challenges I faced in the course of my career, I have no regret joining the Force. The police properly groomed me to become a professional law enforcement officer that can stand tall among his peers anywhere in the world.

“As Lagos RRS Commander, the job toughened me to frontally confront daredevil armed criminals whose passion was robbing banks. Since then, bank robbery incidents in Lagos nosedived. Today, I am proud to say that there was no single bank robbery throughout my tenure as Commissioner of Police in Lagos.

“It is time for me to quit the state and continue my journey into civil life. I have played my role and delivered my line. I am retiring today, but I am not tired. Nigeria Police Force will continue to be my constituency.”

Odumosu thanked the All Progressives Congress leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu and Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola for being pillars of support throughout his service years in Lagos.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

25 JANUARY 2022

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU MOURNS DEMISE OF EX-LAGOS SSG, ADENIRAN-OGUNSANYA

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of former Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya.

Adeniran-Ogunsanya, the daughter of prominent Ikorodu born politician and associate of the late Nnamdi Azikiwe, Prince Adeniran Ogunsanya, died after a brief illness on Tuesday at 74.

She was the Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG) during the first term in office of former Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) between 2007 and 2011.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Tuesday, praised the late Princess Adeniran-Ogunsanya’s contribution to governance, growth and development of Lagos State during her tenure as the scribe of the State.

The Governor who commended the late politician and businesswoman for her impactful roles in Lagos politics, especially in Ikorodu division, commiserated with leaders and the entire people of Ikorodu on the demise of their illustrious daughter.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and political associates of the late Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya.

“The death of Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya is a big loss to Lagos State. She made a lot of positive impact and contributions during her lifetime to the growth and development of Lagos State as SSG. She also made significant impact in Lagos politics when as member of the ruling party, especially in Ikorodu.

“I pray that God will grant Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya eternal rest and give the immediate family, friends, political associates and the people of Ikorodu the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Governor Sanwo-Olu prayed.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

25 JANUARY 2022