QATAR 2022 QUALIFIERS: CIVIL SERVANTS TO CLOSE 1 PM TO SUPPORT EAGLES

 Nigerian civil servants are directed to close at 1 PM Tuesday so as to give their full support to the Super Eagles who face Ghana Black Stars in the second leg of Africa qualifiers to the 2022 world cup holding in Qatar.

In a memo from the office of the Head of service of the federation signed by Dr Ngozi Onwudiwe and directed to all permanent secretaries, " there's need to mobilise support for the Nigerian Team ( Super EAGLES)

Permanent secretaries are requested to give this circular wide publicity"

The Eagles play Ghana Black Stars in Abuja Tuesday.

The first leg of the class took place in Kumasi ending in a goalless draw.

See the circular

SEN. SANI MUSA: I'LL TRASFORM APC

Senator Sani Musa

A leading APC Chairmanship aspirant and Senator representing Niger East at the National Assembly has declared his readiness and capability of becoming a transformational leader  of the All Prograssive Congress if elected as Chairman at the forthcoming elective Convention next week. 

Senator Sani Musa made the assertion while submitting his completed nomination and expression of interest forms at the All Prograssive Congress headquarters yesterday in Abuja. Answering questions from reporters at the event , the Frontline Chairmanship aspirant espoused the need for a generational shift in the leadership trajectory of the party as well as in key areas of governance in the country as the larger sections of the leadership eco-system requires injection of new vision , new ideas and new strategies.

 He further opined the Nigeria is at crossroads of delayed progress in our race to greatness as a nation because I'm of yawning gaps in areas needing transformation. 

Speaking with conviction and confidence of becoming the next APC Chairman , Sen Sani.Musa believes that transformational leadership of APC will enhance the chances of the nation benefitting from such an opportunity ..

Sen Sani Musa is among 3 aspirants who have purchased , collected  and submitted.their completed form for the March 26 contest scheduled for Eagle Square in Abuja. 

Nasir Mohammad SA to Sen Musa disclosed that  "from the huge crowd that accompanied Sen Sani Musa and the optimism of the younger generation who seem to overwhelmingly support a  young , intelligent and upwardly mobile aspirant it would not be unusual to say the Senator from Niger State has the momentum in his favour. 

Senator Musa on his part hinted "I am requesting for the endorsement.of the 80 percent youths that make up the 42 million registered members of the party because you know I am one of you and will represent you well" .

The aspirant  appealed to the party members nationwide. In a weeks time , the chances are that there shall be a new dawn at the headquarters of the All Progressive Congress.

EBONYI PDP GUBER ASPIRANT CONGRATULATES SOLUDO ON HIS INAUGURATION

Soludo taking oath of office

Frontline PDP guber aspirant in the battle for the control of Ebonyi state come 2023 Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh has congratulated Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo on his inauguration earlier today as 5th democratically elected governor of Anambra state.

Dr Ezeh who is seen as the choice of Ebonyi PDP youths and elders alike in a statement wrote: 

"I wish to heartily congratulate Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo on his successful inauguration today as the fifth executive Governor of Anambra State.

His emergence at such a turbulent time as this portends a great deal of hope for not just a better Anambra State, but that of the Southeast and Nigeria at large.

Dr Ezeh

Continuing, Dr Ezeh pointed out that this development "shows that despite the mess so far in the country's political space, which has served the nation with a plethora of leadership failures at all levels, there remains room for men of substance therein.

I am particularly pleased with his roadmap for Anambra as it conforms substantially with my model of governance in the quest for the recovery, restoration and rebuilding of not just Ebonyi State but Alaigbo in general.

I'm personally confident in the capacity and pedigree of Prof Soludo, and hereby join all other men of goodwill to pray for all the grace he needs to achieve his lofty dreams for Anambra, for Alaigbo and indeed for Nigeria.

Congratulations and to God be the glory!

WITH ME, NIGERIA MUST BE GREAT AGAIN ___SEN SANI MUSA

Senator Sani Musa, APC Chairmanship aspirant and a Senator representing Niger State in the 9th Senate has proclaimed his vision to restore Nigeria's glory days and take her  back to the prosperous years of the past. 

Speaking in a release  signed by his media aide Nasir Mohammed, Sen Musa made this declaration after purchasing his registration form as a contestant for the coveted APC Chairmanship seat scheduled for the elective Convention next week.

Senator Musa who also spoke in a chat with journalists after purchasing his form lamented that while Nigeria has wutnessed rapid infrastructural development in the railway , roads and aviation sector , a ruling party under his watch will not only continue the great strides of President Buhari but will fine-tune some other policies and execute them diligently to achieve greater results for the citizenry.

 The Chairmanship aspirant also stressed the need to commend President Buhari for rescueing the party from the brink of collapse with his intervention on the debacle witnessed on account of the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman's absence.

 Sen Musa is seen as a frontrunner in the race because of his forthrightness and life devoid of blemish.

He praised President Buhari for allowing a level playing field for all the aspirants to contest. The zoning of the Chairmanship of the APC Chairnan's position to the middle belt puts Sen Musa's chances a noth higher as we approach the Convention on March 26, 2022.

PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ENDORSE KOK

Dairo of LASODA and Bamigbetan

Persons with special needs in Ejigbo LCDA gathered together on Friday March 11, 2022 for a first of its kind meeting with Lagos State office of Disability (LASODA).

The meeting was facilitated by House of reps aspirant  for Oshodi/Isolo  federal constituency 2, Hon Kehinde Bamigbetan whose interest with people with special needs has been unwavering.

At 1pm on that day, the venue of the meeting, the conference room of Ejigbo Local Council  had become packed full  with participants drawn from all the wards  in the LCDA and beyond.

Welcoming participants to the forum the host and facilitator of the forum Hon Kehinde Bamigbetan, explained that he discovered that many persons with special needs in Ejigbo were suffering in silence in the course of his consultation with 42 communities on their needs and aspirations. 

He said many physically challenged alleged that they were not empowered by LASODA and both the deaf and blind, believed the agency wasn't doing enough to get them jobs in the state public service.

" I promised them that I will not wait till I become their representative in the Lower House of the National Assembly before addressing their demand.

 I quickly set up a meeting of the leaders of persons with special needs and we sent a letter to LASODA articulating our demands and requesting for a meeting" He said.

He thanked the General Manager of LASODA, Mr.Dare Dairo for responding promptly to the correspondence when he followed up the letter and opted to come to Ejigbo to meet persons living with special needs in Ejigbo instead of waiting for them at the LASODA office in Alausa.

Mr Dairo who could not hide his excitement on meeting stakeholders of his  agency said" This is a rare community-friendly approach to engagement that reflects the leadership style of Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu."

Explaining the plans of the agency, Dairo unveiled the prototype of a footwear factory and braille computer unit to be built in each of the five divisions of the state.

He also announced plans to build LASODA office in three  council areas, including Ejigbo LCDA andorganise the largest Empowerment programme in recent times.

Dairo urged participants to acquire skills and engage in self-employment as there not enough government vacancies to absorb everybody.

He said people without special  needs are also competing for the same jobs

Dairo added that the peculiar requirements of employing persons with special needs such as walking aids and compliant office environment discourage employers.

Assuring them of LASODA's determination to roll out programmes and projects to enhance their chances, Dairo said  Governor Sanwo-olu has approved the Empowerment programme initially slated to hold last year implying that there will be two programmes this year. 

Also addressing the participants, the chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Hon. Monsuru Bello Obe commended LASODA for responding to the persons living with special needs.

 Faces at the forum

Obe was ably represented by Hon. Lanre Adebowale, the Leader of the Legislative Arm of the Ejigbo LCDA.

Obe pledged the support of his administration to the implementation of LASODA's policies which seek to improve the condition of persons with special needs. 

Those who attended the forum could not hide their feelings for being recognised for the first time as they prayed for the success of the facilitator in his political endeavour.

EKWEREMADU'S RADIO APPEARANCE SWAYS ENUGU GUBER PERMUTATIONS

Senator Ekweremadu

OPINION

Today's radio appearance on the programme Freedom Square on Solid FM Enugu by former Deputy Senate president  Dr Ike EKWEREMADU (on Saturday 12 , 2022 )has seemingly vibrated the Enugu polity as the build up to the guber elections continues.

Ekweremadu declared for the PDP Governorship race of Enugu state yesterday 11, March, 2022.

Many agree that this new development has rattled the polity bringing fort a new topic in the state causing interested politicians to start replotting and rejigging their strategies.

I thoroughly enjoyed my self listening to the man called Ikeoha, senator representing Enugu west zone of Enugu.

Most listeners and followers of Enugu state politics must be sharing same feeling with me.

If for nothing he exposed that he has seen many things in governance in Nigeria.

With over 19 years 'up there', Ekweremadu showed he is indeed very experienced in governance and well prepared for the office he just declared for.

Why should he not be?

Take note: Ekweremadu has been LGA chairman, Chief of staff to a governor, SSG then senator, and deputy Senate president and even chairing the Ecowas parliament.

He has also taken much time to improve his academic levels. 

He indeed has very well loaded CV and portfolio.

These positions he held before now lead up to so much know - how in leadership.

In the programme, Ekweremadu was wholistic about his desire despite that he noted that he was not in the radio  programme to campaign as campaign was yet to start. 

He sounded authoritative and exposed so much eloquence.

Again he was very diplomatic and made sense.

He had very genuine answers to all questions posed by the presenter Uche Anioke who was as unbiased as possible despite his closeness to the subject.

He also was extra eloquent when he pointed at his many achievements for the people across the state.

Then prodded by the the presenter, Ekweremadu touched on his cardinal points in his hopeful Governorship including in the areas of infrastructure, water, industrialisation, agriculture, security etc.

In the case of zoning which is the biggest ticking bomb and controversial matter in Enugu politics,  the former Deputy Senate programme said their was no zoning in Enugu and if there was any, it must be on the cultural  blocks of Awgu, Agbaja, Nkanu and Nsukka. 

He said that since the other blocks have tasted power, Awgu was yet to and should be supported to take Enugu state power.

When asked about the famously touted zoning agreement, Ekweremadu said three people cannot gather in an evening outing and decide zoning in Enugu state.

He also said leaders in Enugu have one time or the other denied that there was no zoning alluding to some  media publications .

When prodded further, he acknowledged the bossship of Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, the seniority of Senator Ben Collins Ndu etc adding that he does not wish to talk issues with his leaders on the radio.

That was very smart of him.

He also took some questions and noted to some comments.

On the final note, he wished Enugu state peace.

In my opinion, it was a good impression of him on radio.

No doubt the programme may have swayed views in Enugu polity.

But it is a big battle ahead even as we all agree that God makes leaders.

I however expected senator Ekweremadu to be asked questionss on his assault in Europe so as to make him speak on the issues of Nigerians in the diaspora most of whom seem disconnected with our reality.

It would also have made him speak on his plans for diaspora Enugu state indigenes.

I mean he may have used it as a point of contact on the Igbo question.

On a lighter note,  someone  should give the revered senator some etiquette in broadcasting.

As the programme progressed, he exclaimed in Igbo  ..biko ka mu welu  break a nyuomamiri.....( please let me use this break time to ease myself)

Was it the drilling by the presenter that made him want to wee? If that is the case, I give Uche Anioke much kudos for drilling a 'big man's on air.

I laughed so much...I heard him well.

It was very audible that listeners heard him too

He would just have given a sign to the presenter to pause rather than talk into the mic.(hahaha)

However it shows he is a man without airs...very real. Being real is key you must agree. And not fake.

By Fred IWENJORA

PETE EDOCHIE IN THANKSGIVING MASS @75

 The expansive auditorium of St Mary Catholic church Trans Ekulu Enugu was earlier today filled to the brim with family, friends and well wishers of veteran broadcaster, sports commentator, journalist and actor Chief Pete Edochie as he attended a Thanksgiving mass to mark his 75 years birthday.

Born March 7, 1947, Pete Edochie started his public service career when he joined the then NBC and later transfered his services to ENBC during the civil war.

He later rose to the position of Director with Anambra Broadcasting service where he set up the first FM radio station east of the Niger better known as Sunrise 96.

Before this period, he had passed through the gamut of broadcasting, producing, presenting and directing several programmes including news, drama, sports and later heading the outside broadcasting department.

Many listeners will not forget how he made classical music very popular to many listeners.

He is also very well remembered for his role in the NTA  dramatisation if Chinua Achebes most popular novel Things fall apart of which he was honored by the Prizes pieces award.

It was after  his tenure as a broadcaster that the Nigerian movie industry came seeking his contribution.

And he has not stopped till date.

Watch out for pictures from this exceptional Thanksgiving event which saw renowned actor Kanayo O Kanayo , Steve Eboh, as early birds

By Fred Iwenjora

WHEN SENIOR CITIZENS CONVERGED ON EJIGBO

Some Ejigbo elders forum members

 It was an unforgettable gathering of Senior citizens made up mainly of retirees and other elders at Adejumo Sports Development centre, Ejigbo recently to discuss issues related to being senior members of the society.

The elders made up of men and women from all walks of life gathered on 8 February, to mark the day set up by UN to honor senior citizens.

The elders all decked in T shirts and fez caps could not hide their joy in finding a day to ease the boredom of being elderly  and shared their common problems and joys.

The convener of Ejigbo Senior citizens forum Elder Amos Johnson spoke of his happiness that at last the forum could meet after several postponements.

Others who attended were happy to meet with fellow elders to share issues about being alive in a world of much uncertainties and ill_health.

Some gave tips on agriculture, economic empowerment while others who are medically inclined shared health tips.

Some complained about societal neglect at public places like in the banks.

In all the elders shared and exchanged gifts and looked forward to another meeting which they hoped will ease the boredom of being elderly.

By Our Reporters

BAMIGBETAN NASS INTEREST CONSULTATIONS REACHES CLIMAX

Bamigbetan

The political consultations for the national assembly ambition of Hon Kehinde Bamigbetan has reached a climax with the gathering of Mandate Group members at Ifoshi ward, Ejigbo.

Since making his intentions known to contest for the seat for the Oshodi isolo federal constituency 2, the former Ejigbo Local Council Chair had embarked on consultations towards taking the final decision.

This consultation saw him traversing the 6 wards in Ejigbo namely Aigbaka, Fadu, Ailegun, Ilamose , okeafa climaxing at Ifoshi. 

ECD reporters who toured with the   former commissioner for information in Lagos State say his supporters all say yes to his ambition  egging him on.

Party faithfuls of APC in the constituency  were recalling what they consider his many achievements during his tenure as LCDA chairman.

One of his strong supporters who served as supervisor during his ( Bamigbetan's) term as Ejigbo LCDA, Hon Yemisi Alashe told ECD reporters that Bamigbetan is a sure candidate for the house of reps because of his service to humanity.

Alashe

According to her, "Bamigbetan built schools, hospitals, health centers,  roads during his tenure as chairman and will be a better rep for us at Oshodi Isolo 2 federal constituency .

Alashe said "Ejigbo people have not benefited from our house of rep members in the past  and it is my belief that Hon Bamigbetan if he accepts to serve will create many opportunities for the Youth, Women, elderly as well as 

special people and everyone in the Constituency.

"Aside from this he is gentle, humble, accommodating, accessible and straight forward.

He has interest in the betterment of the people so our people in oshodi isolo will benefit from his representation

Also speaking through her meta/fb wall,  Majority leader at Ejigbo House of councillors Hon Grace Nwankwo okere who was part of the tours said  "all the sub groups of Ojoola ward of mandate movement in  ifoshi ward  consultation meeting with kok and members.. we say KOK  IS OKAY, Asiwaju for president,Kok 4 House of Rep.,LADI for Assembly,we shall overcome......we shall overcome by the Grace of God. "