The University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), has congratulated Chief (Dr.) Kemi Emina, over his emergence as Vice-chairman of Conference of Alumni Associations of Nigeria Universities (CAANU), South-West zone.
The felicitation was contained in a congratulatory message signed by Prof. Saawua Nyityo, President, UIAA Worldwide and made available to newsmen on Saturday, December 3, 2022.
Prof. Nyityo said Dr. Emina’s epochal emergence has already engendered fond memories that would not only linger in the hearts of many, but would serve as a bold statement of the commitment and determination by CAANU, to consolidate on the uncommon transformation and unity of purpose, which will define the Association, going forward.
Nyityo equally declared that UIAA had no doubt that Dr. Emina, a former president of UIAA worldwide, would make CAANU proud, due to his outstanding successes when he held sway at the helm of the Association’s affairs.
While noting that the Odi-Ega 1 of Ebu Kingdom in Delta State is a mercurial leader who has accomplished so much in UIAA, Nyityo advised Dr. Emina thus: “Please let your experiences at UIAA be your key to success in your services at CAANU.
“UIAA prepared you to meet new challenges with flexibility and confidence and Alumni services, as you already know, exist to help us fraternize and learn from each other”.
The new UIAA worldwide President then prayed for and wished Dr. Kemi Emina well in his new position, as he strives for excellent delivery of transformational leadership.
The former two tenure President of UIAA worldwide was elected on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, at the CAANU Quarterly Meeting held in Kano, Kano State.
A group, Niger Delta Development Agenda (NDDA), has called on a group of legal practitioners, Lawyers For Justice Reform and others to properly verify their facts and provisions of the law and desist from maligning the good image of Hon. Stella Okotete, the Executive Director, Nigeria Export Import Bank (NEXIM).
Stella Okotete
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Iteveh Nur’ Ekpokpobe and Secretary, Comr. Karo Edor, issued in Port-Harcourt, the group stated that the Lawyers For Justice Reform petition was baseless, and laced with deliberate maliciousness to bring an illustrious daughter of Niger Delta to disrepute before the public.
According to NDDA, judging by the names of those who signed the petition; the CSO was playing an ethnic card and in accordance with the dictates of a faceless party which would soon be exposed.
“As a pan Niger Delta Group we shall not fold arms and watch traducers pull down one of our very best who has performed impeccably well in her capacity as the Executive Director, Business Development.
Stella Okotete
The group restated that there was no provision in the NEXIM act that lays out the qualifications for appointment of Executive Directors or any Director or the bank as appointments are purely at the prerogative of the President.
The NDDA stressed that Hon Stella Okotete has performed well in her capacity as an Executive Director which has in turn led to the growth of the bank.
“According to section 14 (1) a, b and c of Nexim act stated that the bank shall be exempted from provisions of banks and other financial institutions act (BOFIA), among others particularly section 47 of BOFIA.
“We hereby urge the public to disregard the publication forthwith as it was done with malicious intents. We also sound a note of warning to the Lawyers For Justice Reform and any other group who may pop their heads in future to turn their face away from our illustrious daughter or face the tune.” The group stressed.
It is in public domain, the way and manner the Judiciary arm of government which is the beacon of hope, has been reduced to it’s lowest ebb by the Executive. This is a system that has been in place over the years but was, however, worsened by the current administration of President Mohammadu Buhari (GCFR) since inception in 2015.
Justice symbol of the Judiciary
During the 2018 Presidential primary of the PDP, Alh. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, an aspirant in the Party then, publicly apologized to former President Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR) for leaving the PDP and helping to enthrone a tyrant and clueless man to become President of Nigeria. He said he thought Jonathan’s government was the worst in Nigeria’s recent history, he never knew or believed there would be a government worse than that of Jonathan.
This is a scenario that is about to repeat itself here in Delta state, if we are not all careful.
Following the overturn of the victory of former Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo state, by the Supreme Court, there were public outcry that encompassed the entirety of the state demanding ‘justice’ from the same arm of government that was pressured into giving a judgement that didn’t go down well with most Nigerians of goodwill.
Judges
One begins to wonder how a Party Which didn’t come second was made winner of an election by the Supreme Court, that was publicly adjudged to be fair and credible by INEC. Now, there’s no meaningful progress in Imo state since Gov. Hope Uzodinma held sway in that capacity.
Through the ballots, the APC in Delta state will record little votes across the state. It’s a fact. However, due to the nature of it’s candidate Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, the current Deputy President of the Senate, to dubiously use instruments of State and other ill-means to snatch the will and hope of the majority of the people, then Deltans need to wear the highest cover of alacrity because it’s obvious this will be the case in few months time.
APC have lost more elections on ballot to the PDP. It is due to the pressure of the federal Executive arm of State, that it secures funny Judicial verdicts across Nigeria. Such victory is no victory at all.
Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is the popular choice of majority of Deltans and as they say, Greatest happiness of the greatest number is a good and just verdict.
Justice Judiciary
The judiciary, is therefore, urged to be resolute and firm in it’s quest to be independent and to redeem it’s image. In few African Countries, their apex Courts have given verdicts against either the ruling Party or their Presidents so Nigeria shouldn’t and won’t be an exception.
I, therefore, urge the PDP and indeed Deltans, to vote Sheriff as Governor and also stand by their votes during the impending legal tussle that is most likely to emerge after the gubernatorial election next year.
PDP is the way.
PDP is the only way.
PDP is the right way.
End.
Oniobo Ofegor Collins (mnim)
National Coordinator, Movement for Nigerian Greatness (MNG)
In recent times, enemies of the Niger Delta especially Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole have harped on the “revelation” by another enemy of the Niger Delta that South South Governors have received from the Federal Government the full arrears of 13% derivatives owed them since 1999. While this assertion by Wike is patently false and designed to cause confusion in the region one must look at the intent of Nyesom Wike before jumping into conclusions.
Gov Nyesom Wike
Before we do that, we must not give credit to Wike for being the righteous Governor of the South South while the rest should be demonized. Governor Okowa was the first Governor of the South South to disclose that his government had been promised a refund of 240 billion naira from the derivative funds to be paid in instalments for 5 years. This revelation came in April 2022 when Dr Ifeanyi Okowa sought a bridge Finance from a bank as a draw down on the expected refund from the Federal Government.
Dr Okowa explained to the world that the 150billion bridge finance was not a conventional loan with a huge interest element.
Ovie Omo-Agege
As at today, contrary to wild speculations by a highly credulous populace the Dr Okowa administration has drawn only the sum of 30b naira on the bridge Finance. For the benefit of hindsight, Dr Okowa had told Nigerians in April, 2022 that he needed the bridge loan to finance some critical legacy projects like the Delta Leisure Park and Film village Asaba, the Koka junction flyover at Asaba as well as take care of outstanding pension commitment to state and Local Government pensioners in the state’s contributory pension scheme amounting to 20 billion naira and 10 billion naira respectively.
It is instructive to state that the Dr Okowa administration has received only 14.7billion naira in three instalments 4.9billion out of the 240billion approved as derivative refund to Delta state. Out of this little sum, the state Government in keeping to its promise has released the sum of 5billion naira for the payment of Pension Arrears to retirees in the State. The sum of 2.5billion naira was released for the payment of Pension Arrears for the state pensioners while the sum of 2.5billion naira was also released as “grant” to local Government Bureau for the payment of local Government and primary school retirees.
Adams Oshiomhole
This factual disclosure puts paid to the financially illiterate speculation that the 150billion bridge finance was used by Dr Okowa to fund his Vice Presidential ambition.
These types of crazy, malicious and illiterate speculations are peddled by those who do not know how government works.
Unfortunately, those who know like Nyesom Wike, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole have stood the truth on its head just to discredit the Okowa administration and indeed South South Governors just to score cheap Political points.
Nyesom Wike, from whom all these malicious propaganda sprang is looking for people to drown with him in his journey of perdition. Unfortunately, it is difficult to vilify Dr Okowa as his achievements are in the public domain.
For the records, Dr Okowa has been rated as a financially prudent Governor whose judicious use of public funds has been his signature tune. Dr Okowa’s administration is the only one in the 36 states of the Federation that has and manages four Universities and seven tertiary institutions.
Delta state is the only state in Nigeria that has 31 urban towns, each competing for access to state resources.
Yet, the Delta state Government under Dr Okowa’s watch is finishing strong with strings of accomplishments ranging from a sprawling, ultra modern State Workers secretariat that has become a cynosure in the state capital of Asaba to the Asaba leisure park and entertainment village and 15 state of the art Technical colleges, with 6 fully completed and equipped while 9 others are in varying stages of completion.
On roads, the Delta state Government under Okowa’s watch has completed 1000km and ambitious storm water control projects at Asaba and environs while replicating same in Warri/Effurun axis.
While Nyesom Wike prides himself in building bridges in Portharcourt alone, Dr Okowa has embarked on 22 bridges, some of which are the Ovwor-Effurun-Otor bridge, Agbarho-Orherhe road and bridge, Kwale-Beneku ongoing bridge, Trans-Warri roads and bridges and the Koka fly-over bridge amongst others.
On youth empowerment, Dr Okowa’s administration has empowered thousands of youths through entrepreneurial schemes while 1.1 million Deltans have been enrolled into the state’s contributory health scheme.
Dr Okowa is also credited with the completion of the Asaba Specialist Hospital and the establishment of the Advanced Diagnostic Centre and mother and child Hospital at Owa Alero.
We would not forget Dr Okowa’s giant stride in upgrading the Stephen Keshi Stadium at Asaba into an international standard stadium as well as upgrading and concessioning the Asaba airport for improved service delivery.
From the foregoing one can conveniently say that Dr Okowa, the Governor of Delta state and by the grace of God the incoming Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has paid his dues. He deserves commendation and not condemnation from his traducers. He has a lot of experience to export from Delta state to the National level.
Nyesom Wike
Okowa is unstoppable and those who are planting thorns and thistles on his way to the top are only fuelling his resolve to do more for Delta State and Nigeria.
Women members of the governing All Progressives Congress on Saturday converged on Calabar, Cross River State, for the South-South rally of the Tinubu/Shettima Women Presidential Campaign Team.
At the event, which was held at the U.J Esuene Sports Stadium, the First Lady and grand patron of the women’s team, Dr. Aisha Buhari expressed optimism that women and youths will deliver in the forthcoming general elections, noting that the party stands for peace and progress, and urged the women to be fully committed to the campaign.
The First Lady was represented by Zahra Buhari Indimi, her daughter.
Senator Remi Tinubu dancing in Calabar
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the APC presidential candidate and chairman of the women’s team, extolled the qualities of women from the South South region and pledged her commitment and that of her co-chairman, Hajiya Nana Shettima, to ensuring that women’s issues are prioritized if their husbands are elected. She further called on the women in the region to support the APC in its quest to win the upcoming elections.
Dr. Linda Ayade, wife of the Governor of Cross River State, urged women and youths to vote APC at the polls, especially as the current administration has performed well.
Governor Ben Ayade, in his remarks, thanked the women for the choice of Cross River for the women’s campaign flagoff in the South South region, and lauded the leadership qualities of the APC presidential candidate.
“Our support for Asiwaju Tinubu is not because he is perfect. Our support for Asiwaju is because of his proven excellent track record as a people person who can consolidate on the gains of the present, drive inclusive growth, and lead our country to become more prosperous. The Tinubu/Shettima ticket is the most experienced and the most progressive combination available on the ballot”, he said.
The APC National Women Leader, Dr. Betta Edu, who also hails from Cross River, assured the women of her commitment to ensuring women’s interests are protected and urged women to come out en masse to deliver a record number of votes for the APC presidential candidate.
On arrival in Calabar, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, who was represented by the Prime Minister.
University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), the umbrella body of all graduates of the University of Ibadan, on Saturday, 26 November, 2022, held its worldwide Biennial Election Congress.
Ballot boxes
As part of the convention which held at the International Conference Centre of the University, a new set of officers were elected and subsequently sworn-in to steer the ship of the association for a two-year tenure.
Ogun State Branch of UItes at the Election Congress
The immediate past Secretary of the association worldwide, Prof. Saawua Gabriel Nyityo emerged as President of the Alumni Association.
Senator Jonathan Zwingina and some college of past presidents
Also elected into the Executive Committee were; Fidelis Mbadugha Esq, 1st Vice President, Joseph Akaanan, 2nd Vice President, Prof. Joel Abolagba, 3rd Vice President while Dr. Sarah Akintola was elected Secretary worldwide.
Other members who were elected into Executive Committee were Chief C Uchemadu Abosi, 1st Assistant Secretary, Daniel Oghoghovbe, 2nd Assistant Secretary, Dr. (Mrs.) Oyinade Tomori Olujimi, Worldwide Treasurer and Dr. (Mrs.) Ruth Epochi-Olise, Financial Secretary.
UItes voting
The new Executive Committee also includes Comrade Abel Johngold Orheruata as Worldwide Publicity Secretary of the Association, Prof. Helen Adebola, Social Secretary and Ben Chuks Udoh Esq. as Legal Adviser. While Mr. Adewale Alao, Comrade Christian Purity Obileri and Mr. Patrick Oyameda were elected Ex-Officio members of the new UIAA Exco.
Electoral Officers
With the oath of office administered on the newly elected and returned executive members by, Barrister Eleri Maurice, the newly elected President of UIAA worldwide, Prof. Nyityo, commended his predecessors, Prof. Elsie Adewoye, Chief Dr. Kemi Emina, Dr. Nathaniel Merenu and Hyacinth Kyaagba, for the great work done to uplift UIAA.
While also commending distinguished Senator Jonathan Zwingina and other members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and college of past President, Nyityo appreciated UItes for keeping faith with the Association, that he loves the family life style UItes were living and appealed to all UI graduates to join the Alumni wherever they are since the Association has branches all over the world.
The Benue born Professor of History thanked the alumni for their support and called for a united front and support from every member, stating that the new executive committee will exemplify inclusion, development and expansion in the quest to reposition the alumni.
Earlier, Senator Jonathan Zwingina, who presided over the Election Congress on behalf of the other members of the BoT, called on the teeming members of the Association to rally round the newly inaugurated executive members by giving all necessary supports.
While saying that the Election Congress was held within the ambience of the UIAA Constitution guidelines, Zwingina thanked the BoT Chairman Dr. Michael Omolayole, who consulted with other members to appoint him as BoT representative to preside and supervise the conduct of the Congress.
Senator Jonathan Zwingina giving Comrade ABEL JOHNGOLD a congratulatory handshake
“It’s a privilege for me to be selected by members of the BoT to preside over this event”. He added.
While commending Chief Dr. Kemi Emina for his devotion to the Association which he said extended to Prof. Elsie Adewoye, Zwingina charged Prof. Nyityo to follow the footsteps of his predecessors in raising the ladder of the Association.
“Please learn from the good example of the two immediate past presidents of the Association. Dr. Kemi Emina worked hard and attracted laudable projects to the University. Surpass your predecessors and know that you are leading a group that’s passionate about their alma mater”: The former Nigeria Senate Leader stated.
While encouraging the new UIAA President to always respect and relate with the authority of the University of Ibadan, Zwingina charged the University management to maintain the projects that has been attracted and handed over to the school.
Some past presidents of the Association including Mr. Hyacinth Kyaagba, Dr. Nathaniel Merenu, Chief Dr. Kemi Emina and Prof. Elsie Olufunke Adewoye that attended the event in their separate statements, prayed for Nyityo to surpassed their achievements and advised the new executive members emphasized on open door policy and good team work.
Prof. Elsie Olufunke Adewoye and Comrade Abel Johngold
Other notable alumnus of the University including Dr. Michael Omolayole, Dr. Cicilia Ibru, Senator George Akume among others monitored the Election Congress via zoom.
The new executive committee will steer the affairs of the Alumni Association for the next two years.
A foremost political strategist and former member of the House of Representatives, RT Hon (Dr) Olise Enebeli Imegwu has described as uninformed and unfortunate, Chief Okemuo Tilije’s comment, during a television programme in which he faulted Lauretta Onochie’s nomination as the prospective chairman of the governing board of the NDDC, based on the erroneous premise of her not being an indigene of oil mineral producing community.
Lauretta Onochie and PMB, President Mohammadu Buhari
The former federal legislator, who is also a lawyer and speaker emeritus of the Delta State House of Assembly, observed that Tilije’s views can neither trivialise nor vitiate the extant procedure of nominating a chairman and members of the governing board of the NDDC.
“Chief Tilije simply gave his personal opinion which, at best symbolises crass ignorance of the NDDC act especially, Section 2(1a) which states that the chairman of the board shall be from an oil mineral producing states.
He further emphasised that Chief Tilije is obviously incognizant of the fact that,the President has the constitutional prerogative and latitude, to appoint a chairman from any of the oil mineral producing states in consonance with the enabling act.
“President Buhari is within the ambit of the Constitution and the enabling NDDC act to so appoint. Every well meaning Deltan should applaud President Buhari for appointing an indigene of the state as chairman of the body, because Delta State has been clamouring for her citizen to occupy that position”.
A coalition of women groups in Delta State on Friday stage a road walk as parts of efforts to end violence and harmful cultural practices against the female folk in the society.
The walk which held in Asaba was also to mark the 2022 International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women with the theme: United Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls.
Speaking, the state Focal Person, Women Aid Collective (WACOL) Mrs. Pat Gbemudu said the day officially kick started the 16 days activism against gender based violence.
Gbemudu said the objective was to create awareness and demand a more effective action from stakeholders to stop violence against women and girls.
She commended the state government for setting up a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at Asaba Specialist Hospital to handle cases of sexual abuse, rape and defilement.
Gbemudu however demanded effective implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and other laws criminalizing violence against women and girls especially harmful widowhood practices.
The focal person also called for the effective implementation by all communities of the state of emergency on violence against women and girls declared by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum in 2020.
“Communities with immediate effect to integrate the Supreme Court judgement on the right of girl-child to property inheritance into their constitution.
“All communities to include women and girls into leadership positions of community governance structure such as cabinet, town union and youth wing, through more inclusive processes for elective classes clearly spelt out in the constitution,” she added.
Receiving the women, Permanent Secretary at the state Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Kevwe Agas who stood in for the commissioner, Flora Alatan, said most of the demands had already been adopted by the state.
The Concerned Niger Delta Stakeholders (CNDS), has admonished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Delta born second in command of Nigeria’s red chamber, against stonewalling President Muhammadu Buhari’s nominees’ list of Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC) governing board, recently transmitted to the senate for clearance.
NDDC
In a statement available to journalists, the group’s spokesperson, Pere Jackson Zuokmo, disclosed that, this call has become auspicious, in view of Omo-Agege’s preference for the outdated list which had his preferred candidate, Benard Okumagba, his kinsman as the prospective Managing Director of the interventionist organisation.
The outmoded list was allegedly prepared and ferried to the national legislature for clearance in connivance with the DSO but without Mr President’s assent.
He further revealed that “ the inability of the list to sail through thus, engendered resention on the DSP’s part, which allegedly prompted him to declare that “no list other than his will see the light of the day at the Senate”.
DSP Ovie Omo-Agege
The group expressed fear over the DSP’s habitual insistence on determining membership of the governing board and other agencies where President Muhammadu Buhari would have normally, exercised his constitutional latitude to nominate individuals to such bodies.
Examples of this challenge syndrome are plethora. One that readily comes to mind is the inability of Lauretta Onochie’s clearance to the Independent National Electoral Commission, where partisanship and sundry spurious reasons were advanced to scuttle that process.
Lauretta Onochie
He also cited the instance of an interactive parley with APC faithful at Ute-Okpu in Ika North-East, where he was captured on video preening over his yeoman’s attribute that saw to the smooth adoption of the 2022 amended electoral act”.
From the group’s submission, this high ranking senator may not be unconnected with the recent appointment of a junior officer as the interim(Acting) Managing Director of the NDDC by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon Umana.
“This reeks of deliberate travesty of Muhammadu Buhari’s directive after the disengagement of the erstwhile interim administrator, Mr Akwa. The president had instructed that the most senior director in the commission should be appointed to run the affairs of the interventionist body. Rather, a junior third ranking director, Engineer Emmanuel Audu-Ahwaworua was appointed”, the statement added.
Zuokmo stated that impeccable sources close to senator Omo-Agege disclosed that he(Senator Omo-Agege) is poised to bloody President Buhari’s nose as, he averred that” he(the senator) is believed to have initiated subterranean ploys to stall the clearing process of the nominees except those he fancies, thereby exposing the commission to continual mismanagement and plundering of its revenue.
“The plot is thickening, as he(Agege) has engaged lobbyists including a southern governor to challenge PMB’s list of nominees, because according to the him, “PMB has no right to choose for Niger Deltans”, allegedly boasting that “He(the senator) would always have his say and way, because he saved President Muhammadu Buhari from impeachment”.
Ovie Omo-Agege
The (CNDS) therefore urged Niger- Deltans, to pray against any iota of confrontation to the smooth sail of the NDDC’s governing board list coming after over thirteen months in abeyance.
“ Let’s all hope that this imperial senator won’t stagnate President Muhammadu Buhari’s lofty rapid developmental drive for Niger Delta”, the statement affirmed.
Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in the state have been charged to join in the implementation of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Human Rights issues in the state.
The charge was given by the leader of the State Advocacy Team (SAT), Pastor Greg Sifo during the monthly coordination meeting, held with the various communities based organisations across the state to get reports on their success stories, recommendations and their challenges within the month.
Pastor Sifo urged the
CBOs to always put in mind the issues of GBV and Human Rights in the course of implementation in their various communities.
He said that so many did not know their rights and even when they know, might not be able to effectively implement it, considering the political, economic and social gaps that were in the society, adding that the CBOs should instantly step in to stem any of such issues promptly.
During the course of the meeting, the state programme Officer, Miss Juliet Obiajulu, disclosed that the SAT visited the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Omamuzo Erebe ESQ; the Delta State Coordinator of World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Faith Ireye; the office of the Drug Revolving Fund in the state, the Sarki of Nupe Community in Cable, Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp, Asaba Oshimili South on advocacy visits within the period.
She stated the success stories submitted by the various CBOs across the state.
There was donation of 30 chairs, canopy and tables at Umuagu Primary Healthcare Centre ( PHC) and vegetation control at the Cable Point PHC in Asaba.
Also, there was donation of a brand new ekectricity generator at Ogberikoko PHC and donation of public address equipment along with test kits at Ohorhe II PHC, both in Uvwie Local Government Area and provision of potable water in Illah PHC, Oshimili North.
Among other success stories recorded in other communities, the challenges of community restiveness, insecurity, lack of health consumables for patients were faced.
