I won’t be distracted despite challenges, says Fubara.

I won’t be distracted despite challenges, says Fubara.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara yesterday said that he would not permit any distraction from the huge task of defending the interests of the people, despite the prevailing challenges.

The governor spoke at Ngo, headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area, shortly after he inspected the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity road project.

Fubara recalled that during the electioneering campaigns, the Andoni section of the road was in horrible condition, adding that months after the decision was taken to re-award the contract, the road was being fixed.

He said: “I have to say that the contractor has done a very good job. Although, we observed that about one kilometres of road that will lead to the council secretariat was somehow not captured in the scope and I think it will be proper that we do that alongside. 

“So, we will continue to do our best, not minding the challenges we are facing. The most important thing is that we have taken our oath to defend our people and protect their interest, and we are not going back on that.”

Fubara said he was determined to complete the road project that had lingered for over 20 years as part of his commitment to bequeath an enduring legacy that would serve the needs of the people for years.

He said: “What I keep saying to everyone is, what are we bequeathing to our people? Their interest is the most important thing and governance is about the protection of lives and property. 

“These include providing quality services and one of those things is like this road. Posterity has just blessed me with this project. It is something that they couldn’t achieve for over twenty years but within the space of six months, and I have been able to sort it out. It is a credit and a big one to our administration.”

A youth leader, Mr Dick Nkakeek, who appealed to the governor to construct Andoni internal roads, including that of Oyorokoto town.

Fubara, who urged the residents to exercise patience, assured that his administration will consider the internal roads in Andoni once the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity road had been completed.

Meets Sade Adu first Nigerian ever to win a Grammy award.

Meets Sade Adu first Nigerian ever to win a Grammy award.

By Comr Olamide Akinwumi J. 

 Folasade Helen Adu, CBE a Nigerian-born British singer, songwriter, and composer was born on January 16th 1959 in Ibadan, Nigeria to a professor father Adebisi and a British nurse Anne Hayes. Her father is the first graduate of statistics in Nigeria. She spent her early years in Nigeria having contacts with her hometown, Ikere-Ekiti where her grandfather was one of the most influential men.

After her parents separated when she was four, her mother, Hayes moved to Essex, England with Sade and her brother Banji. After her secondary school education, she moved to London to study fashion design at Saint Martin’s School of Art.

In between her time in school, she took up modelling jobs. Later on, she joined a band, Pride and became a backup singer. An enthusiast, she came into songwriting partnership with the group’s guitarist, Stuart Matthewman and they performed at gigs. One song that caught the attention of recording companies was “Smooth Operator.”

In 1983, Adu and Matthewman left Pride to start a band, Sade. They were joined by the keyboardist Andrew Hale, bassist Paul Denman and drummer Paul Cook. Adu became so popular so that at her first show in Heaven’s nightclub, over 1000 people did not get access to the club. That same year, she performed at the US and by October, Epic Records signed her and in 1984 signed her band.

After the group’s signing, Adu dropped an album, “Diamond Life”. The album became the best-selling debut by a female vocalist and one of the best-selling albums of all-time with an international sale of over six million copies as well as stayed at number one on music top charts.

The following year, they released “Promise”. The album stayed on the Billboard 200, got multiple platinum certifications in the US and Europe and earned the group a Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

In 1988, the group released “Stronger Than Pride” and in 1992, “Love Deluxe.” She went on hiatus after the birth of her child.

In 1986, she landed a role in a film “Absolute Beginners” and in 2000, released “Lovers Rock”. “Lover’s Rock” was unlike her jazz style. It took on a pop sound and won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.

In 2002, she was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire(OBE). In 2010, the group released “Soldier of Love” and it got the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

In 2018, she did the soundtrack “Flower of the Universe” for Disney’s 2018 film A Wrinkle in Time.

Sade was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2002 for services to music, and stated her award was "a great gesture to me and all black women in England". She was promoted to Commander of the same Order (CBE) in the 2017 Birthday Honours, also for services to music. In 1986, she became the first Nigerian-born artist to win a Grammy Award when she was named Best New Artist. In 2023, Sade was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Her marriage to the Spanish film director Carlos Scola Pliego in 1989; her child's birth in 1996, and her move from urban London to rural Gloucestershire, where she now lives with her partner, have consumed much of her time and attention.

She is also the most successful Solo Artiste in British history to have over 50 million sales with 110 music albums.

House summon ex-minister Sirika over Air Nigeria project.

House summon ex-minister Sirika over Air Nigeria project.

The House of Representatives yesterday mandated its Committee on Aviation to summon a former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika for a briefing on the status of the Air Nigeria project.

He is to brief the committee on the project – from the point he handed it over and provide insights into a wide range of controversies and allegations surrounding the project.

The House also invited Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo to brief the committee on the national carrier project.

Also invited are the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to brief the committee on the Air Nigeria project and its certifications, as applied to the national carrier.

The House also invited the eight local airlines and their associations to enable the Green Chamber have a full overview of the project.

The committee is also to carry out a forensic audit of the process of Air Nigeria and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

The House urged the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the ministries of Budget, National Planning and Finance to furnish it with requisite data and financial resources on the project.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion, titled: Need to Investigate the National Air Carrier Project, moved by Tarkighir Dickson.

The House recalled that in 2016, Sirika proposed an aviation roadmap with a national carrier as the signature project to deliver it to Nigerians by the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

It said the former minister approached Ethiopian Airlines a few days before the handover to provide an aircraft that could be made available to Nigerians as an aircraft belonging to

Air Nigeria while the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had issued an Air Transport Licence to Air Nigeria as the name for the proposed national carrier.

The House said it was aware that the last administration spent billions of naira, ostensibly to acquire a new national carrier but the status of the project remained unclear, regardless of the billions of taxpayers’ funds utilised on the project.

Senate confirms 11 S’Court justices, urges more funding.

Senate confirms 11 S’Court justices, urges more funding.

The Senate, on Thursday, okayed 11 Justices shortlisted for appointment to the Supreme Court.

The confirmation of the 11 Justices came a day after the Senate received a letter from President Bola Tinubu, requesting the screening and confirmation of the Justices.

It was reported that the Senate, on Wednesday, referred the nominees to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for vetting.

At the Thursday plenary, the committee submitted its report, which was considered and adopted by the Senate.

With the confirmation of the 11 Justices, the Supreme Court will now have the full complement of 21 Justices prescribed by the Constitution.

The confirmed Justices include Justice Haruna Tsammani (North-East); Justice Moore Adumein (South-South), Justice Jummai Sankey (North-Central), Justice Chidiebere Uwa (South-East) and Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme (South-East).

Others are Justice Obande Ogbuinya (South-East), Justice Stephen Adah(North-Central), Justice Habeeb Abiru (South-West), Justice Jamilu Tukur (North-West), Justice Abubakar Umar (North-West) and Justice Mohammed Idris (North-Central).

The chairman of the committee, Senator Tahir Monguno, while presenting his panel report, said the nominees possessed the requisite qualifications and experience to sit on the Supreme Court bench, adding that there were no petitions against them.

He, therefore, recommended their confirmation.

Senators, who spoke before the confirmation, had expressed concern over the delay in the appointment of justices for the Supreme Court bench.

Senator Seriake Dickson canvassed that in the event of subsequent vacancies, a provision for their immediate replacement should be made.

He said, “Anytime these vacancies occur, they should be filled immediately. I want to draw that to the attention of the President. There shouldn’t be delay so that we don’t become a laughing stock.”

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, said it was important to immediately screen and appoint Justices whenever there was a vacancy on the apex court bench.

Senator Orji Kalu stressed that the funds allocated to the Supreme Court in the 2024 budget be reviewed upwards to ensure its effectiveness.

He said, “The Senate should look at the budget of the Judiciary because even the state courts are in a mess. How can they give good justice? This is not the way it was before; we were doing better.”

Tinubu's Wife Splashes N25 Million Cash Largesse On Ekiti Elderly Citizens.

Tinubu's Wife Splashes N25 Million Cash Largesse On Ekiti Elderly Citizens 

......Excited Beneficiaries Got N100,000 Each, Pray for Nigeria's First Lady for Gesture.

The Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) of Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, has supported 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 years and above in Ekiti State with N100,000 each.

The President's wife's largesse to the elderly in Ekiti was aimed at cushioning the effects the economic situation of the country and alleviate their burden during the festive period.

Senator Tinubu's financial support for the elderly which was tagged "Better Days Ahead" is an economic empowerment borne out of a steadfast commitment to the wellbeing of the elderly citizens and it marks a significant stride in the nation's collective pursuit for a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Presenting the cash support to the Ekiti beneficiaries in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, Senator Tinubu disclosed that the sum of N950 million was earmarked for disbursement to the elderly citizens in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers' Wives Association (DEPOWA).

Represented by the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Senator Tinubu explained that N25 million would be shared to elderly citizens in each of the states of the federation and the FCT as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Senator Tinubu said: "This scheme is to support Two Hundred and Fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers' Wives Association (DEPOWA).

"These selected beneficiaries will receive a sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) each. This is to cushion the effect of the economic situation and to alleviate to the burdens of our esteemed elders during this festive period. 

"We are committed to ensuring that each state receives this gesture, without discrimination. As we approach the festive season, it becomes very important to emphasize the significance of prioritizing our elderly citizens in our initiatives.

"By reaching out to the people who elderly this festive period, we not only honour their contributions but also acknowledge the unique encounters they face." 

The President's wife appreciated the wives of the Governor's,State Coordinators of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and partners who have supported with free medical screening and the distribution of other sundry items to the beneficiaries.   

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Oyebanji, also advocated for prayers for President Bola Tinubu for him to lead the nation aright and for his wife (Senator Remi) to keep on making the difference in the lives of Nigerians especially the less privileged.

The benefiting elderly citizens were full of praises and prayers for Mrs Tinubu for doling out N100,000 to each of them as financial support at a time they least expected. They also hailed Dr Oyebanji for her acts of kindness to the less privileged.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Ekiti All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders' Forum, Prof. Muyiwa Igbalajobi, hailed Senator Tinubu for what he described as "her uncommon care for the elderly and prioritizing their welfare."

Another senior citizen, Chief Ronke Okusanya, said it was fulfilling for governments at both federal and state levels to take interests in the matters of the elderly.

She said: "The welfare of the elderly is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Help us appreciate Mrs. Remi Tinubu for this gesture and we also appreciate our First Lady in Ekiti for what she has been doing for us."

The beneficiaries offered words of prayers for President Tinubu, Mrs Tinubu Governor Oyebanji and Dr Oyebanji for giving them hope and making them happy at the Yuletide season.

Offering prayers both in Christian and Islamic ways, they prayed for the success of the Tinubu Administration to make a difference in the country and also prayed long life for the President and First Lady.

Oyebanji Enlists Monarchs' Backing to Tackle Rising Land, Chieftaincy Tussles.

Oyebanji Enlists Monarchs' Backing to Tackle Rising Land, Chieftaincy Tussles.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has enlisted the support and ingenuity of the traditional rulers in resolving some of the knotty issues bordering on exponential increase in cases of land and chieftaincy tussles in the state.

Oyebanji made the request in Ifaki Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area of the State, on Thursday, at the end of the year get- together organised by traditional rulers under the umbrella of the Majority Obas of Ekiti Land (MOBEL).

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said the government will be banking on the experiences of traditional rulers, as prescribed authorities in their domains, in settling some of the crises resurging in their areas of jurisdictions to entrench peace and stability. 

He said: "Your royal majesties, let me appeal once again that you should continually deploy your wealth of experiences and skills in resolving some of the challenges bordering on land and chieftaincy disputes that are rearing their ugly heads and threatening the stability of the state. 

"We have that faith that your involvement will stem these tides and return normalcy where necessary. We appreciate God that all the over 140 autonomous towns in Ekiti and their villages are witnessing peace without any form of violence. 

"This was made possible because Ekiti enjoyed divine protection throughout the year and the government of Biodun Oyebanji was not also shirking in its responsibility of ensuring peace through diligent protection of lives and property of our dear citizens.

 "Let me say that the administration of Governor Oyebanji has great respect for our royal fathers, regardless of classes and sizes of their towns. This was why we have not been interfering with selection of obas in towns where there are vacancies in their traditional stools". 

Speaking further on the government's favourable disposition towards traditional rulers, Oyebanji added: "Our dear governor also demonstrated further respect and honour for tradition by his desire to complete the ultramodern Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers that had been adjudged as a masterpiece and best in the Southwest Nigeria. 

"This project that was rated as a flagship would give comfort to our traditional rulers in terms of administration and holding of statutory council meetings for smooth operation of the chieftaincy issues".

She saluted the patriotism of the traditional rulers in terms of support for the current administration, saying the government will continue to acknowledge your contributions to the accomplishments of the numerous developmental programmes being undertaken under the Biodun Oyebanji's government. 

"You have been performing wonderfully well and we are soliciting for more. Let me once again appreciate our royal fathers for their support and wish you good and sound health on the thrones of your forebears".

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of MOBEL and the Olomuo-Oke of Omuo Oke Ekiti, Oba Valentine Otitoju, challenged his members to be patriotic enough in dealing with issues bordering on administration of traditional matters that breaks to stabilise the system.

"We really appreciate the state government for the ways they have been administering issues in Ekiti State. We are happy in particular with the choice of Olojudo, Oba Idowu Faboro as the Chairman of traditional council.

"In terms of performance, Governor Oyebanji has been doing marvelously well. If he should continue this way, his second term is guaranteed. We salute his selfless service to our dear state and he should count on us all the time".

In his submission, the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ilori Faboro, commended the government for prioritising the welfare of his people.

Oba Faboro, who requested more dividends of democracy for his members, stated that the monarchs will continually back the policies and programmes tended toward bring economic prosperity and security of lives and property.

Ondo Acting Governor Aiyedatiwa Presents N384.5B 2024 Budget to Assembly.

Ondo Acting Governor Aiyedatiwa Presents N384.5B 2024 Budget to Assembly.

The Acting Governor Of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has on Thursday presented the 2024 appropriation bill of the state to the State House of Assembly.

The 2024 budget details presented by Aiyedatiwa says a sum of three hundred and eighty – four billion, five hundred and thirty- three million naira (N384,533,000,000.00) only was projected for the year.

Out Of Which The Sum Of One Hundred And Seventy- Two Billion, Five Hundred And Eighteen Million, One Hundred And Forty Thousand, Three Hundred And Fifty Three Naira (N172,518,140,353.00) Only, Is For Recurrent Expenditure, While The Balance Of Two Hundred And Twelve Billion, Fourteen Million, Eight Hundred And Fifty -nine Thousand, Six Hundred And Forty Seven Naira (N212,014,859,647.00) Only, Is For Capital Expenditure For The Services Of Ondo State.

The budget presentation is being witnessed by 26 State lawmakers and members of the State Executive Council including the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu as well as other top politicians and government’s officials.