(5595,1,'2024-09-26 09:57:58','0000-00-00 00:00:00','&nbsp;\n\n...As NEC Inspects Projects in Anambra\n\nBy Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu\n\nFollowing the conclusion of 5-Day inspection and tour of various projects executed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo in Anambra State, the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide - Youth Wing, has passed a vote of confidence on the Governor, asking him to continue with what they described as good works he (the Governor) is done in the state, emphasizing that Soludo\'s reelection remains sacrosanct.\n\nThe position of the NEC members was made known to Newsmen in Awka during a World Press Conference organised by the body. Addressing the Press shortly after tour of projects, the National Leader Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide - Youth Wing, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu gave the Governor clean bill health, stating that he has done noble and deserves to be re-elected.\n\n\'The Governor’s re-election is done and dusted. As part of our strategies towards holding political office holders in all Igbo speaking States accountable, we have concluded a five day project inspection tour in Anambra State. Our focus was on the projects and programs of the Soludo administration from 2022 till date.\n\n\'As the apex youth leadership organisation in Igbo land, we consider it a crucial responsibility of ours to regularly monitor developmental programs across Igbo land in order to have firsthand information on how our elected representatives deploy public resources at their disposal for the benefit or otherwise of Ala Igbo and Ndigbo. This exercise is important in helping us design our public enlightenment and mobilisation programs for Igbo youths worldwide.\n\n\'We are aware that the Solution government of His Excellency Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR was inaugurated on the 17th of March 2022, after a resounding victory in the election of 6th November, 2021. Our organisation played a prominent role in ensuring that the election took place, after successfully engaging with some of our brothers who felt that the election should be boycotted. We mobilised youths across the 21 LGAs of the State to participate actively in the election and also resist attempts by extraneous forces to either truncate, hijack or manipulate the election. 30 months after the inauguration of this administration, we are delighted to return to a rapidly changing Anambra State under the visionary and transformative governance model as championed by His Excellency Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR.\n\n\'Over the last five days, we have been going round Anambra State to physically inspect and confirm the existence of the numerous projects that the Solution government is putting in place for the benefit of Ndi Anambra.\n\n\'We are impressed with the administration\'s passion for youth development, as demonstrated through its targeted programs for the youths of Anambra State. Some of these programs include, the One Youth, Two Skills programme Phase 1&amp;2 of the administration, which aims to empower our teeming youths with relevant and life changing skills that could turn them from job applicants to job creators, and from poor, struggling youths, to powerful wealth creators. We are happy to confirm that more than 5000 Anambra youths, both indigenes and residents have so far benefited from this program. We are also delighted to learn through our interaction with our brother, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Agha Mba, that the Governor is not resting on his oars in his determination to empower our youths, as he shared other forthcoming youth empowerment programs being designed by this administration.\n\n\'We are also impressed by the Solution government\'s diligent implementation of the free education programme to our children from Primary School to Junior Secondary school. His Excellency\'s huge investments in the education sector are also commendable. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education programme, the massive employment of about 5000 teachers for Anambra public schools, the upgrading of public infrastructure, review of the Anambra School Curriculum to better reflect the realities and demands of the 21st century, the establishment of the Anambra State Education Advisory Council, the equipment of public libraries with basic books and the provision of laptop computers and wifi to schools in Anambra, are among the many mouthwatering improvements we noticed in Anambra education sector under the Solution Government. The insistence on quality education by private school proprietors goes to show the interest of the Governor in ensuring that our children\'s education is not compromised under any guise.\n\n\'In the health sector, we are pleased to confirm that His Excellency Professor Chukwuma Soludo has not relented in providing improved healthcare for our teeming population. The establishment of the Drugs Quality Control Lab at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, COOUTH, Amaku, a Medical Oxygen Production Plant and the Endoscopy Unit at the General Hospital, Onitsha, as well as the deployment of Hematology Analysers to the laboratory departments of General Hospitals in Agulu and Nnewi, modernisation and renovation works at different general hospitals in the State as well as employment of over 1000 health workers and his maternal health policy that makes childbirth free of charge and less stressful to our wives and mothers are among the reforms we noticed in the health sector. We support the clampdown on quack or substandard health facilities in the State, because our people deserve the best.\n\n\'We are aware of the troubling security situation in the State before this administration came into office, which saw hoodlums overrunning about eight LGAs in the State. Our investigations show the presence of a robust and carefully designed security architecture which has seen, to the liberation of virtually all the communities and LGAs in Anambra. We are especially encouraged by the involvement of Anambra youths in the local security operations in the State. We advise that Technology and more of Non Kinetic is done in this area, especially, as it concerns the speedy dispensation of justice, so that many of our youths who are being held in various detention centres without trial can be expeditiously tried, and those who are innocent, released to make something good out of their lives. In the interest of National Security, we Urge the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA), the Attorney General of the Federation(AGF) and the Chief Judge of Nigeria(CJN) and other appropriate quarters to expeditiously consider and address these challenges.\n\n\'We commend the governor for his fiscal prudence, which has made it possible for him to avoid the debt trap. Our investigations show that the Governor has not borrowed a dime since the inception of his administration, yet, he continues to pay pensions and salaries of public servants, while embarking on many audacious projects across the State. We commend the Governor and appeal to him, to, in line with the new Minimum Wage Act by the Federal Government, unveil a new wages package for Anambra civil servants, to ameliorate the harsh economic realities presently ravaging the country.\n\n\'We visited many project sites across the State, and we are impressed with the quality, speed, and vision of the many legacy projects of this administration. The Urban Regeneration program of the Governor going on across Onitsha, Awka, Nnewi and Ekwulobia is highly commendable.\n\n\'We were at the brand new Anambra Government House and Governor\'s Lodge currently going on in Awka. Situated on a 23 hectare land, the structures, landscaping and other facilities that are being speedily erected are marvelous. We are also enthralled by the fact that the Governor has taken the initiative to ensure that this befitting Government House edifice, apart from being one of the best in the country is also projected to be the most environmentally friendly Government Houses in Nigeria, with Zero Pollutions and Emissions.\n\n\'The Solution Fun City, which is a positive imitation of the renowned and popular Disneyland in Florida and other parts of the developed world, leaves no doubt, that Professor Soludo is keen on not just providing good infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and economic stability for the people of Anambra, but also cares for their emotional and physical wellbeing. The Solution Fun City is a one stop recreational centre, where the people of Anambra and those from outside shall come to relax, wind down and physically exercise themselves, in a safe, organised and fully secure environment.\n\n\'Onitsha is wearing a new look, some of the notorious slums in Onitsha have, in the last thirty months become new and highbrow cities. We were at Okpoko, where we visited some of the completed road projects, General Hospital and other important social amenities, have been provided for the people. At Ochanja, we were delighted to see a previously refuse dumb turn to a solid road infrastructure with beautiful road furniture and ornamentals which have been put in place by this administration.\n\n\'On our way to inspect the Ekwulobia Flyover, which is projected to be the longest flyover in the entire Eastern region, we passed through the 26.4 kilometres Amansea, Awka, Ndiukwuenu, Awa, Ufuma road project, which has been completed. We are impressed by the quality of job done on the road and immensely delighted with the massive investments in real estate in that axis as a result of this road project.\n\n\'We wish to call on Ndi Anambra to continue to support the great visions of Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR her, as there is no doubt that he has the ideas, the courage and the will to build an Anambra of our collective dreams.\nWe therefore direct the State And Local Leaderships of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing in Anambra State to canvass support for the Solution Administration across the 21 LGAs and 326 political wards in the State, especially during the forthcoming Local Government Council elections.\n\n\'May we also use this opportunity to announce the constitution of OHANAEZE NDIGBO YOUTHS WING BURIAL COMMITTEE for our departed leader, Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu - Ahaejiagamba of Igbo land.\nThe Committee is chaired by ......... and the Secretary is ........ All Commissioners for Youth across all Igbo speaking States are automatic members of the committee.\n\n\'May we also reiterate our readiness to working in harmony with both the National Planning Committee by SEGOF and LOC as already constituted, for the Burial of our departed Legend. The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide - Youth Wing, is determined to accord ourFather, Icon and Mentor, a most befitting funeral.\n\n\'May we also congratulate all the newly elected Chairmen and councillors in Imo and Enugu States. We urge them to deploy the huge resources available to them, to bring development to the grassroots.\nWe therefore urge other States of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Rivers to ensure Peaceful and successful LG council elections. We shall entertain no excuses for any laxity in delivering the dividends of democracy to our people at the grassroots,\' he concluded.','Soludo\'s Re-election Done, Dusted, Acting National Leader Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide - Youth Wing','','draft','open','open','','','','','2024-09-26 09:57:58','2024-09-26 09:57:58','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5595',0,'post','',0),(5597,1,'2024-09-27 06:44:59','2024-09-27 06:44:59','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5598 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240927-WA0006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nBy Udodirim Oti, Awka\r\n\r\nHis Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. MacAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo, of Alor, in Idemilli South Local Government Area, has described his nomination as the \"NUJ Philanthropist of the Decade\" as his best award nomination ever.\r\n\r\nIgwe Okonkwo who is also the Ezedioramma 3 of Alor kingdom, made this known after receiving the nomination letter presented to him by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State Council Chairman, Comrade Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, on behalf of the union.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe presentation which took place at his Alor palace was witnessed by some Alor indigenes and some NUJ members in attendance.\r\n\r\nThe obviously excited first class Royal father expressed happiness for emerging the preffered choice for the highly coveted maiden honour which would be bestowed on him at a colourful ceremony billed for November 7, 2024 at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press center, NUJ Secretariat Complex, Awka.\r\n\r\nJustifying his emergence, Igwe Okonkwo traced his generous heart of giving to his childhood \"I saw myself giving out what I had at a young age. Even while I was in secondary school, I share my things with fellow students at school.\r\n\r\n\"I have trained more that 30 billionaires, 20 in Alor and 10 across other communities. At Eke Umuogbo (a location in Alor town) we gave out lands, developed them and handed them over to people; we even built the Catholic church there as well. In 2014, 150 keke Napep were shared to our people while about 72 students are beneficiaries of my scholarship scheme .\r\n\r\n\"In Alor, I have built houses for indigent families in my community. Fifteen people are beneficiaries of my SUVs largesse. Its important to mention that I do not discriminate no mater your denomination or belief.\r\n\r\n\"I am overwhelmed because I don\'t know that people are watching what we have been doing since my assention to the throne of my ancestors. Infact, this award will be the best award I am going to receive.\r\n\r\nEarlier the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, while making the presentation stated that the nomination did not come so easy because of the processes it took to arrive to this final stage after defeating over a 100 other contestants who are also ably qualified.\r\n\r\nOdogwu further explained that selecting the nominee was a huge task but that the panel did a meticulous job while he vehemently resisted every attempt to compromise the process.\r\n\r\n\"It is not about money, rather it\'s about what people are saying about your philanthropic gestures. He noted that Igwe Okonkwo of Alor will be making history on 7th day of November, 2024 when the award will be bestowed on him being the first ever to be so recognised by NUJ in New Anambra and old Anambra State.\r\n\r\nDr Odogwu said in line with NUJ, Anambra State tradition, elaborate arrangements is in top gear including massive publicity both online and traditional media including bill boards, newspapers, radio, television and digital platforms to deliver a resounding ceremony.\r\n\"We are happy all of you are here affirming what we are saying today\" Odogwu said to Alor youths present at the occasion.\r\n\r\n\"Under my watch as the NUJ chairman in the past three years, no one can toil with the union. We have capacity to deliver a successful event. We will celebrate him because he deserves it.\r\n\r\nAlso speaking at the occasion, Kasie Abone, threw more light into the rigourous process the award nomination was subjected to ensure the emergence of the best candidate.\r\n\r\nAccording to her, over 100 candidates who were nominated went through screening before the best emerged.\r\n\r\nWinning the \"Philanthropist of the decade\" means that you ascended the throne prepared to touch the lives of your subjects otherwise it will not make sense that you won the award.\r\nSo, from the first day on the throne he started touching the lives of his people. It is something of honor that you won especially as it coincides with your 10 years anniversary on the throne. It is worthy of celebration.\r\n\r\nWhat makes NUJ award nomination process tough is that we want to be sure that we get the most credible person and that person must emerge through popular votes .\r\n\r\n\"We put you on a scale for us to know whom we are bringing to the world; the scale surely titled in your favour.\r\n\r\n\"Odogwu as our chairman puts a magic touch into wharever he does. When he signs something it means that that thing has credibility and authenticity\', Kasie concluded.','NUJ Philanthropist Of The Decade Award Nomination Is My Best Award Nomination In Life\", Says Igwe Dr. MacAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo Of Alor Kingdom','','publish','open','open','','nuj-philanthropist-of-the-decade-award-nomination-is-my-best-award-nomination-in-life-says-igwe-dr-macanthony-chinedu-elibe-okonkwo-of-alor-kingdom','','','2024-09-27 06:45:18','2024-09-27 06:45:18','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5597',0,'post','',0),(5598,1,'2024-09-27 06:44:28','2024-09-27 06:44:28','','IMG-20240927-WA0006','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20240927-wa0006','','','2024-09-27 06:44:28','2024-09-27 06:44:28','',5597,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240927-WA0006.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5599,1,'2024-09-27 06:44:59','2024-09-27 06:44:59','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5598 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240927-WA0006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nBy Udodirim Oti, Awka\r\n\r\nHis Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. MacAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo, of Alor, in Idemilli South Local Government Area, has described his nomination as the \"NUJ Philanthropist of the Decade\" as his best award nomination ever.\r\n\r\nIgwe Okonkwo who is also the Ezedioramma 3 of Alor kingdom, made this known after receiving the nomination letter presented to him by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State Council Chairman, Comrade Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, on behalf of the union.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe presentation which took place at his Alor palace was witnessed by some Alor indigenes and some NUJ members in attendance.\r\n\r\nThe obviously excited first class Royal father expressed happiness for emerging the preffered choice for the highly coveted maiden honour which would be bestowed on him at a colourful ceremony billed for November 7, 2024 at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press center, NUJ Secretariat Complex, Awka.\r\n\r\nJustifying his emergence, Igwe Okonkwo traced his generous heart of giving to his childhood \"I saw myself giving out what I had at a young age. Even while I was in secondary school, I share my things with fellow students at school.\r\n\r\n\"I have trained more that 30 billionaires, 20 in Alor and 10 across other communities. At Eke Umuogbo (a location in Alor town) we gave out lands, developed them and handed them over to people; we even built the Catholic church there as well. In 2014, 150 keke Napep were shared to our people while about 72 students are beneficiaries of my scholarship scheme .\r\n\r\n\"In Alor, I have built houses for indigent families in my community. Fifteen people are beneficiaries of my SUVs largesse. Its important to mention that I do not discriminate no mater your denomination or belief.\r\n\r\n\"I am overwhelmed because I don\'t know that people are watching what we have been doing since my assention to the throne of my ancestors. Infact, this award will be the best award I am going to receive.\r\n\r\nEarlier the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, while making the presentation stated that the nomination did not come so easy because of the processes it took to arrive to this final stage after defeating over a 100 other contestants who are also ably qualified.\r\n\r\nOdogwu further explained that selecting the nominee was a huge task but that the panel did a meticulous job while he vehemently resisted every attempt to compromise the process.\r\n\r\n\"It is not about money, rather it\'s about what people are saying about your philanthropic gestures. He noted that Igwe Okonkwo of Alor will be making history on 7th day of November, 2024 when the award will be bestowed on him being the first ever to be so recognised by NUJ in New Anambra and old Anambra State.\r\n\r\nDr Odogwu said in line with NUJ, Anambra State tradition, elaborate arrangements is in top gear including massive publicity both online and traditional media including bill boards, newspapers, radio, television and digital platforms to deliver a resounding ceremony.\r\n\"We are happy all of you are here affirming what we are saying today\" Odogwu said to Alor youths present at the occasion.\r\n\r\n\"Under my watch as the NUJ chairman in the past three years, no one can toil with the union. We have capacity to deliver a successful event. We will celebrate him because he deserves it.\r\n\r\nAlso speaking at the occasion, Kasie Abone, threw more light into the rigourous process the award nomination was subjected to ensure the emergence of the best candidate.\r\n\r\nAccording to her, over 100 candidates who were nominated went through screening before the best emerged.\r\n\r\nWinning the \"Philanthropist of the decade\" means that you ascended the throne prepared to touch the lives of your subjects otherwise it will not make sense that you won the award.\r\nSo, from the first day on the throne he started touching the lives of his people. It is something of honor that you won especially as it coincides with your 10 years anniversary on the throne. It is worthy of celebration.\r\n\r\nWhat makes NUJ award nomination process tough is that we want to be sure that we get the most credible person and that person must emerge through popular votes .\r\n\r\n\"We put you on a scale for us to know whom we are bringing to the world; the scale surely titled in your favour.\r\n\r\n\"Odogwu as our chairman puts a magic touch into wharever he does. When he signs something it means that that thing has credibility and authenticity\', Kasie concluded.','NUJ Philanthropist Of The Decade Award Nomination Is My Best Award Nomination In Life\", Says Igwe Dr. MacAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo Of Alor Kingdom','','inherit','closed','closed','','5597-revision-v1','','','2024-09-27 06:44:59','2024-09-27 06:44:59','',5597,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5599',0,'revision','',0),(5600,1,'2024-09-27 08:45:27','2024-09-27 08:45:27','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5601\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240927-WA0011-300x196.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"196\" />\r\n\r\nThe National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has appealed to stakeholders in the medicine sales value-chain to actively join the agency to checkmate substandard and falsified medicines.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe Director of NAFDAC in South-East, Mr Martins Iluyomade, made the plea in Enugu on Thursday during a one-day NAFDAC Community Sensitisation on Substandard and Falsified Medicines in Nigeria.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIluyomade said that the war against\r\nsubstandard and falsified medicines\r\ninvolves all stakeholders in the medicine supply and sales value-chain to ensure an holistic fight and assured verifiable results in the near future.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAccording to him, the culture of keeping silence should stop as medicine sales do not have profit gains implication only but it has many lives saving implications.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"All of us have a duty to protect everyone around us against substandard and falsified medicines as we have to think of taking critical stand against those that engage in the unwholesome practice.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"As I speak, I am sure someone is somewhere still faking medicines and such injurious medicines find their into the drug markets and health facilities.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"We should stand against substandard and falsified medicines and report to NAFDAC anyone selling or distributing chalks and other unwholesome substances as medicines,\" he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEarlier, Mr Collins Ogedegbe, State Coordinator of NAFDAC in Enugu State, said that the sensitisation involved all stakeholders as NAFDAC believe that \"it is necessary to engage in continuous dialogue to ensure no link in the medicine supply and sales value-chain is left behind.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"We want to work with everybody as a team and ensure there will be no hiding place for any unwholesome practice within the medicine supply and sales value-chain in Enugu State,\" Ogedegbe said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSpeaking, Mr Oliver Ezemba, Chairman of National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED), Ogbete Main Market (Unit A) Enugu, lauded NAFDAC as well as Bill and Melida Gates Foundation for the sensitisation and enlightenment of NAPPMED members and other stakeholders.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEzemba noted that it was gratifying that all members of NAPPMED had closed all shops to come and learn as well as ensure they follow due regulations and be more careful as they conduct their medicine sales businesses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"NAPPMED has been partnering in an active manner with NAFDAC and other agencies or bodies involved in medicine value-chain supply and sales all these years.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"With today\'s interface and sensitisation, we will fashion out ways to work closely and by doing that checkmate all forms of substandard and falsified medicines sales and outlets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"I sincerely believe that when we collectively do this, we will be safe-guiding the lives of everybody around us,\" he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose that attended the sensitisation included: community pharmacists, representative of traditional rulers and community leaders as well as the media.','NAFDAC urges medicine sales stakeholders to actively checkmate substandard medicines.','','publish','open','open','','nafdac-urges-medicine-sales-stakeholders-to-actively-checkmate-substandard-medicines','','','2024-09-27 08:45:27','2024-09-27 08:45:27','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5600',0,'post','',0),(5601,1,'2024-09-27 08:44:37','2024-09-27 08:44:37','','IMG-20240927-WA0011','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20240927-wa0011','','','2024-09-27 08:44:37','2024-09-27 08:44:37','',5600,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240927-WA0011.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5602,1,'2024-09-27 08:45:18','2024-09-27 08:45:18','','IMG-20240927-WA0011','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20240927-wa0011-2','','','2024-09-27 08:45:18','2024-09-27 08:45:18','',5600,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240927-WA0011-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5603,1,'2024-09-27 08:45:27','2024-09-27 08:45:27','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5601\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240927-WA0011-300x196.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"196\" />\r\n\r\nThe National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has appealed to stakeholders in the medicine sales value-chain to actively join the agency to checkmate substandard and falsified medicines.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe Director of NAFDAC in South-East, Mr Martins Iluyomade, made the plea in Enugu on Thursday during a one-day NAFDAC Community Sensitisation on Substandard and Falsified Medicines in Nigeria.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIluyomade said that the war against\r\nsubstandard and falsified medicines\r\ninvolves all stakeholders in the medicine supply and sales value-chain to ensure an holistic fight and assured verifiable results in the near future.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAccording to him, the culture of keeping silence should stop as medicine sales do not have profit gains implication only but it has many lives saving implications.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"All of us have a duty to protect everyone around us against substandard and falsified medicines as we have to think of taking critical stand against those that engage in the unwholesome practice.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"As I speak, I am sure someone is somewhere still faking medicines and such injurious medicines find their into the drug markets and health facilities.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"We should stand against substandard and falsified medicines and report to NAFDAC anyone selling or distributing chalks and other unwholesome substances as medicines,\" he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEarlier, Mr Collins Ogedegbe, State Coordinator of NAFDAC in Enugu State, said that the sensitisation involved all stakeholders as NAFDAC believe that \"it is necessary to engage in continuous dialogue to ensure no link in the medicine supply and sales value-chain is left behind.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"We want to work with everybody as a team and ensure there will be no hiding place for any unwholesome practice within the medicine supply and sales value-chain in Enugu State,\" Ogedegbe said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSpeaking, Mr Oliver Ezemba, Chairman of National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED), Ogbete Main Market (Unit A) Enugu, lauded NAFDAC as well as Bill and Melida Gates Foundation for the sensitisation and enlightenment of NAPPMED members and other stakeholders.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEzemba noted that it was gratifying that all members of NAPPMED had closed all shops to come and learn as well as ensure they follow due regulations and be more careful as they conduct their medicine sales businesses.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"NAPPMED has been partnering in an active manner with NAFDAC and other agencies or bodies involved in medicine value-chain supply and sales all these years.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"With today\'s interface and sensitisation, we will fashion out ways to work closely and by doing that checkmate all forms of substandard and falsified medicines sales and outlets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"I sincerely believe that when we collectively do this, we will be safe-guiding the lives of everybody around us,\" he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose that attended the sensitisation included: community pharmacists, representative of traditional rulers and community leaders as well as the media.','NAFDAC urges medicine sales stakeholders to actively checkmate substandard medicines.','','inherit','closed','closed','','5600-revision-v1','','','2024-09-27 08:45:27','2024-09-27 08:45:27','',5600,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5603',0,'revision','',0),(5604,1,'2024-09-28 20:18:03','2024-09-28 20:18:03','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5605\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240928-WA0061-281x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"281\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nBy Karen James\r\n\r\nTensions flared during the Anambra State local council election on September 28, 2024, as irregularities were reported in Anyamelum Local Government Area. The election was abruptly halted by Mr. Ezeanaekwe Chidi Mark, an Electoral Officer with the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC). Surrounded by security forces, including the local Divisional Police Officer (DPO), the Department of State Services (DSS), soldiers, and members of the central vigilante group, Mr. Mark cited orders from his commission to abort the ongoing electoral process due to alleged malpractice.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nAccording to reports, Mr. Mark revealed that the entire set of election result sheets for Anyamelum LGA had been sold to the highest bidder, prompting the cancellation of the election. This triggered outrage among local youths, who accused the electoral officer of corruption and demanded accountability. The situation escalated when the youths, equipped with video evidence, confronted Mr. Mark, who admitted to handing over the result sheets to Mr. Mgbechi Emmanuel Igwebuike, a resident of Amaikwe community in Omor.\r\n\r\nThe crowd’s anger quickly turned to violence, with the youths attempting to lynch the electoral officer. However, the swift intervention of Hon. Bernard Mmaduaburochukwu Udemezue, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, helped de-escalate the situation. Hon. Udemezue’s arrival at the council headquarters prevented the mob from taking matters into their own hands, saving Mr. Mark from potential harm.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5606 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240928-WA0060-221x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"221\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nDespite the presence of security personnel, the youths refused to release the detained electoral officer, citing distrust in the authorities. They alleged collusion between Mr. Mark and the security officials stationed at the local government headquarters. As of now, the situation remains tense, with local authorities working to restore order and address the growing concerns surrounding the integrity of the election in Anyamelum LGA.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5607 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240928-WA0062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nThis incident has raised further questions about the credibility of the Anambra State local council election, as similar reports of irregularities have emerged from other areas, putting the overall transparency of the process under scrutiny.','Assembly member, Udemezue save  electoral officer from mob\"','','publish','open','open','','assembly-member-udemezue-save-electoral-officer-from-mob','','','2024-09-28 20:18:03','2024-09-28 20:18:03','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5604',0,'post','',0),(5605,1,'2024-09-28 20:16:33','2024-09-28 20:16:33','','IMG-20240928-WA0061','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20240928-wa0061','','','2024-09-28 20:16:33','2024-09-28 20:16:33','',5604,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240928-WA0061.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5606,1,'2024-09-28 20:17:07','2024-09-28 20:17:07','','IMG-20240928-WA0060','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20240928-wa0060','','','2024-09-28 20:17:07','2024-09-28 20:17:07','',5604,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240928-WA0060.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5607,1,'2024-09-28 20:17:44','2024-09-28 20:17:44','','IMG-20240928-WA0062','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20240928-wa0062','','','2024-09-28 20:17:44','2024-09-28 20:17:44','',5604,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240928-WA0062.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5608,1,'2024-09-28 20:18:03','2024-09-28 20:18:03','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5605\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240928-WA0061-281x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"281\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nBy Karen James\r\n\r\nTensions flared during the Anambra State local council election on September 28, 2024, as irregularities were reported in Anyamelum Local Government Area. The election was abruptly halted by Mr. Ezeanaekwe Chidi Mark, an Electoral Officer with the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC). Surrounded by security forces, including the local Divisional Police Officer (DPO), the Department of State Services (DSS), soldiers, and members of the central vigilante group, Mr. Mark cited orders from his commission to abort the ongoing electoral process due to alleged malpractice.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nAccording to reports, Mr. Mark revealed that the entire set of election result sheets for Anyamelum LGA had been sold to the highest bidder, prompting the cancellation of the election. This triggered outrage among local youths, who accused the electoral officer of corruption and demanded accountability. The situation escalated when the youths, equipped with video evidence, confronted Mr. Mark, who admitted to handing over the result sheets to Mr. Mgbechi Emmanuel Igwebuike, a resident of Amaikwe community in Omor.\r\n\r\nThe crowd’s anger quickly turned to violence, with the youths attempting to lynch the electoral officer. However, the swift intervention of Hon. Bernard Mmaduaburochukwu Udemezue, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, helped de-escalate the situation. Hon. Udemezue’s arrival at the council headquarters prevented the mob from taking matters into their own hands, saving Mr. Mark from potential harm.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5606 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240928-WA0060-221x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"221\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nDespite the presence of security personnel, the youths refused to release the detained electoral officer, citing distrust in the authorities. They alleged collusion between Mr. Mark and the security officials stationed at the local government headquarters. As of now, the situation remains tense, with local authorities working to restore order and address the growing concerns surrounding the integrity of the election in Anyamelum LGA.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5607 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240928-WA0062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nThis incident has raised further questions about the credibility of the Anambra State local council election, as similar reports of irregularities have emerged from other areas, putting the overall transparency of the process under scrutiny.','Assembly member, Udemezue save  electoral officer from mob\"','','inherit','closed','closed','','5604-revision-v1','','','2024-09-28 20:18:03','2024-09-28 20:18:03','',5604,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5608',0,'revision','',0),(5609,1,'2024-10-01 11:31:50','2024-10-01 11:31:50','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5610 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20240929-WA0020.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\nThe former Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu, says Nigerians have reasons to count their blessings as the nation marks her 64th Independence Anniversary on Oct. 1.\r\n\r\nOkechukwu, a Foundation member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said that the Independence Day calls for a sober reflective celebration notwithstanding the prevailing socioeconomic realities of hunger on ground in the country.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\nThe APC chieftain said this to newsmen on Sunday in Enugu while speaking on why Nigerians should celebrate the 64th Independence Anniversary as a nation.\r\n\r\nThe Federal Government had declared Tuesday, Oct. 1, as a public holiday to allow Nigerians make praise thanksgiving, meditate, pray and if possible fast for the turnaround of the fortune of the nation.\r\n\r\nAccording to Okechukwu, one without being immodest and despite the prevailing economic hardship, hunger, poverty and the growing inequality in the land, we still have a lot to celebrate.\r\n\r\n“I was five years old by Independence in 1960; and it is good when we introspectively look inward and count our blessings.\r\n\r\n“Among such blessings is a united country; a burgeoning population dotted especially with youth’s demographic advantage, more universities, tertiary institutions, secondary and primary schools, more hospitals, roads and rails among others.\r\n\r\n“I honestly thank Almighty God,” he said.\r\n\r\nOn whether the current socio-economic indices can change, Okechukwu said that he believed that the country was on the threshold of that era when “policies of public interest and common good will triumph over selfish policies of planlessness.”\r\n\r\nHe noted that since Nigerians are good followers, in no distance time leadership would emerge “who will adopt Amilcar Cabral’s ageless maxim and commit class suicide to progressively transform our dear country.”\r\n\r\nHe said, “My take with due respect to our leaders is that our previous and current leadership had good intentions, but lacked the political-will to commit class suicide.\r\n\r\n“For without class suicide how can leadership utilise our abundant human and material resources to lift millions out of poverty and effectively ignite Nigeria’s rapid revitalisation?”','64th Independence: Nigerians have reasons to count blessings, notwithstanding hunger - Okechukwu','','publish','open','open','','64th-independence-nigerians-have-reasons-to-count-blessings-notwithstanding-hunger-okechukwu','','','2024-10-01 11:31:50','2024-10-01 11:31:50','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5609',0,'post','',0),(5610,1,'2024-10-01 11:31:35','2024-10-01 11:31:35','','IMG-20240929-WA0020','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20240929-wa0020','','','2024-10-01 11:31:35','2024-10-01 11:31:35','',5609,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20240929-WA0020.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5611,1,'2024-10-01 11:31:50','2024-10-01 11:31:50','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5610 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20240929-WA0020.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\nThe former Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu, says Nigerians have reasons to count their blessings as the nation marks her 64th Independence Anniversary on Oct. 1.\r\n\r\nOkechukwu, a Foundation member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said that the Independence Day calls for a sober reflective celebration notwithstanding the prevailing socioeconomic realities of hunger on ground in the country.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\nThe APC chieftain said this to newsmen on Sunday in Enugu while speaking on why Nigerians should celebrate the 64th Independence Anniversary as a nation.\r\n\r\nThe Federal Government had declared Tuesday, Oct. 1, as a public holiday to allow Nigerians make praise thanksgiving, meditate, pray and if possible fast for the turnaround of the fortune of the nation.\r\n\r\nAccording to Okechukwu, one without being immodest and despite the prevailing economic hardship, hunger, poverty and the growing inequality in the land, we still have a lot to celebrate.\r\n\r\n“I was five years old by Independence in 1960; and it is good when we introspectively look inward and count our blessings.\r\n\r\n“Among such blessings is a united country; a burgeoning population dotted especially with youth’s demographic advantage, more universities, tertiary institutions, secondary and primary schools, more hospitals, roads and rails among others.\r\n\r\n“I honestly thank Almighty God,” he said.\r\n\r\nOn whether the current socio-economic indices can change, Okechukwu said that he believed that the country was on the threshold of that era when “policies of public interest and common good will triumph over selfish policies of planlessness.”\r\n\r\nHe noted that since Nigerians are good followers, in no distance time leadership would emerge “who will adopt Amilcar Cabral’s ageless maxim and commit class suicide to progressively transform our dear country.”\r\n\r\nHe said, “My take with due respect to our leaders is that our previous and current leadership had good intentions, but lacked the political-will to commit class suicide.\r\n\r\n“For without class suicide how can leadership utilise our abundant human and material resources to lift millions out of poverty and effectively ignite Nigeria’s rapid revitalisation?”','64th Independence: Nigerians have reasons to count blessings, notwithstanding hunger - Okechukwu','','inherit','closed','closed','','5609-revision-v1','','','2024-10-01 11:31:50','2024-10-01 11:31:50','',5609,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5611',0,'revision','',0),(5612,1,'2024-10-01 11:38:09','2024-10-01 11:38:09','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5613 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241001-WA0011.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"192\" height=\"263\" />\r\n\r\nThe former Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr Ben Nwoye, says the hardship Nigerians are experiencing at this time is a “growth pain”.\r\n\r\nNwoye said this to newsmen in Enugu on Monday while fielding questions on why Nigerians should celebrate the nation’s 64 Independence Anniversary.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nIt would be recalled that the Federal Government had declared Tuesday, Oct. 1, as a public holiday for Independence Day to allow Nigerians to pray and fast to seek help from the Almighty for the nation’s fortune.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNwoye noted that he was optimistic that Nigeria and Nigerians would survive the current socioeconomic challenges facing the country right now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAccording to him, I have hope that we as a nation will come out stronger than we were as soon as the effects of the programmes being executed by the administration of President Bola Tinubu come into life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“The hardship we are experiencing at this time is a growth pain.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Other great nations in modern history passed through similar experiences before attaining the greatness they are enjoying today.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“So, we must keep hope alive as we celebrate Nigeria at 64,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the celebration proper, the APC chieftain noted that “absolutely, we have many reasons to celebrate our nation at 64 years.”\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNwoye said that the country is vastly blessed with so many human and material resources.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Everywhere we go on planet earth, we have people of Nigerian descent excelling in different works of life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“In medicine, science and technology, we have Nigerians making us proud worldwide.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“In nursing and other allied health service areas, we have Nigerians taking the lead globally.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“In education and Information technology we are on top of the game,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe former chairman noted that politically, Nigeria had become the beacon of hope for Africa.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“For over 25 years, we have enjoyed uninterrupted democracy. We are the largest democracy in Africa, and among the largest in the entire universe,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNwoye also prayed for God’s protection, wisdom and guidance on the nation’s leaders as well as God’s blessings and socioeconomic progress on the Federal Republic.','64th Independence: Hardship being experienced is growth pain – ex-Chairman APC, Nwoye','','publish','open','open','','64th-independence-hardship-being-experienced-is-growth-pain-ex-chairman-apc-nwoye','','','2024-10-01 11:38:21','2024-10-01 11:38:21','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5612',0,'post','',0),(5613,1,'2024-10-01 11:37:50','2024-10-01 11:37:50','','IMG-20241001-WA0011','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241001-wa0011','','','2024-10-01 11:37:50','2024-10-01 11:37:50','',5612,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241001-WA0011.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5614,1,'2024-10-01 11:38:09','2024-10-01 11:38:09','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5613 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241001-WA0011.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"192\" height=\"263\" />\r\n\r\nThe former Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr Ben Nwoye, says the hardship Nigerians are experiencing at this time is a “growth pain”.\r\n\r\nNwoye said this to newsmen in Enugu on Monday while fielding questions on why Nigerians should celebrate the nation’s 64 Independence Anniversary.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nIt would be recalled that the Federal Government had declared Tuesday, Oct. 1, as a public holiday for Independence Day to allow Nigerians to pray and fast to seek help from the Almighty for the nation’s fortune.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNwoye noted that he was optimistic that Nigeria and Nigerians would survive the current socioeconomic challenges facing the country right now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAccording to him, I have hope that we as a nation will come out stronger than we were as soon as the effects of the programmes being executed by the administration of President Bola Tinubu come into life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“The hardship we are experiencing at this time is a growth pain.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Other great nations in modern history passed through similar experiences before attaining the greatness they are enjoying today.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“So, we must keep hope alive as we celebrate Nigeria at 64,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the celebration proper, the APC chieftain noted that “absolutely, we have many reasons to celebrate our nation at 64 years.”\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNwoye said that the country is vastly blessed with so many human and material resources.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Everywhere we go on planet earth, we have people of Nigerian descent excelling in different works of life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“In medicine, science and technology, we have Nigerians making us proud worldwide.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“In nursing and other allied health service areas, we have Nigerians taking the lead globally.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“In education and Information technology we are on top of the game,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe former chairman noted that politically, Nigeria had become the beacon of hope for Africa.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“For over 25 years, we have enjoyed uninterrupted democracy. We are the largest democracy in Africa, and among the largest in the entire universe,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNwoye also prayed for God’s protection, wisdom and guidance on the nation’s leaders as well as God’s blessings and socioeconomic progress on the Federal Republic.','64th Independence: Hardship being experienced is growth pain – ex-Chairman APC, Nwoye','','inherit','closed','closed','','5612-revision-v1','','','2024-10-01 11:38:09','2024-10-01 11:38:09','',5612,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5614',0,'revision','',0),(5615,1,'2024-10-03 09:54:14','2024-10-03 09:54:14','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5616 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/download-48.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"214\" height=\"236\" />\r\n\r\nBy Karen James\r\n\r\nAnambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, is facing growing concerns over his administration’s relationship with the media. Journalists, often referred to as the “Fourth Estate of the Realm” for their crucial role in fostering transparency and accountability in governance, are feeling sidelined by the governor’s team. Several members of the press have voiced frustration, claiming that the governor’s aides have made it increasingly difficult for them to engage with the administration, hindering the flow of information to the public.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nJournalists, who play a pivotal role in shaping public perception and documenting government progress, believe that their exclusion could negatively impact Governor Soludo’s administration and its prospects for a second term. Many see this as a missed opportunity for the government to highlight its achievements and initiatives, and to address public concerns more directly.\r\n\r\nCritics argue that the strained relationship between Soludo’s administration and the press may reflect a deeper issue of transparency and openness. Some fear that the actions of the governor’s aides, who have been accused of blocking access and limiting interactions with the media, suggest a lack of appreciation for the critical role journalists play in society.\r\n\r\nObservers warn that alienating journalists could backfire, as public support and a clear communication strategy are essential for political success. They argue that by mending relations with the media, Governor Soludo could foster a more positive image of his administration and better communicate his achievements and vision for Anambra’s future.\r\n\r\nGoing forward, political analysts and media professionals alike urge the governor to reconsider the barriers his aides have reportedly put in place. For Governor Soludo, a stronger partnership with journalists could be key to securing widespread public support and ensuring the success of his administration’s initiatives.','Governor Soludo Urged to Strengthen Ties with Journalists Amid Concerns Over Media Relations','','publish','open','open','','governor-soludo-urged-to-strengthen-ties-with-journalists-amid-concerns-over-media-relations','','','2024-10-03 09:54:14','2024-10-03 09:54:14','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5615',0,'post','',0),(5616,1,'2024-10-03 09:53:39','2024-10-03 09:53:39','','download (48)','','inherit','open','closed','','download-48','','','2024-10-03 09:53:39','2024-10-03 09:53:39','',5615,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/download-48.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5617,1,'2024-10-03 09:54:14','2024-10-03 09:54:14','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5616 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/download-48.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"214\" height=\"236\" />\r\n\r\nBy Karen James\r\n\r\nAnambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, is facing growing concerns over his administration’s relationship with the media. Journalists, often referred to as the “Fourth Estate of the Realm” for their crucial role in fostering transparency and accountability in governance, are feeling sidelined by the governor’s team. Several members of the press have voiced frustration, claiming that the governor’s aides have made it increasingly difficult for them to engage with the administration, hindering the flow of information to the public.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nJournalists, who play a pivotal role in shaping public perception and documenting government progress, believe that their exclusion could negatively impact Governor Soludo’s administration and its prospects for a second term. Many see this as a missed opportunity for the government to highlight its achievements and initiatives, and to address public concerns more directly.\r\n\r\nCritics argue that the strained relationship between Soludo’s administration and the press may reflect a deeper issue of transparency and openness. Some fear that the actions of the governor’s aides, who have been accused of blocking access and limiting interactions with the media, suggest a lack of appreciation for the critical role journalists play in society.\r\n\r\nObservers warn that alienating journalists could backfire, as public support and a clear communication strategy are essential for political success. They argue that by mending relations with the media, Governor Soludo could foster a more positive image of his administration and better communicate his achievements and vision for Anambra’s future.\r\n\r\nGoing forward, political analysts and media professionals alike urge the governor to reconsider the barriers his aides have reportedly put in place. For Governor Soludo, a stronger partnership with journalists could be key to securing widespread public support and ensuring the success of his administration’s initiatives.','Governor Soludo Urged to Strengthen Ties with Journalists Amid Concerns Over Media Relations','','inherit','closed','closed','','5615-revision-v1','','','2024-10-03 09:54:14','2024-10-03 09:54:14','',5615,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5617',0,'revision','',0),(5618,1,'2024-10-04 06:53:46','2024-10-04 06:53:46','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5619 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241003-WA00081-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nThe successful conduct of local government elections in Anambra State, more a decade after the exercise was last conducted, depicts the capacity by the Chukwuma Soludo administration, to keep promises made to the people.\r\nThe Anambra State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Surveyor Obi Emeka Chukwudi gave the view in a chat with TNC correspondent in the aftermath of the exercise held across the state last Saturday.<!--more--><!--more-->\r\nGovernor Soludo in his inaugural speech on March 17 2022 after he was sworn in for his first term as governor, promised to conduct local government elections in the state within two years.\r\nThirty months after he came into office, the local government elections were conducted in the state by the State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC.\r\nAccording to Obi, the conduct of the election portrays the governor as a leader committed to keeping his social pact with the people.\r\nObi also noted that with the inauguration of the Local Government officials, democracy will be deepened at the grassroots and communities will begin to feel the direct impact of government again.\r\nHe tasked the newly-elected Local Government Executive Chairmen to get to work immediately and ensure that they drive the kind of transformation the people at the local level have been yearning for.\r\nThe NYCN boss also harped on the need for the Council bosses to partner with the NYCN to float youth empowerment programmes that will impact the lives of the young people in the communities.\r\n“As a council, we are happy with the conduct of local government elections after over a decade. This is very dear to us and we commend the governor for keeping his word.\r\n“We are not expecting anything less than development and lasting solution to the teething challenges facing the grassroots people including insecurity, lack of infrastructure, poor youth inclusion, among others.\r\n“The elected council chairmen have no excuse than to fulfill their promises to the people,” Obi maintained.\r\nThe Anambra youth leader observed that Anambra youths by their participation in the Local Government Elections, have shown that they have the capacity to actively pray their role in the state and nation’s political arena.\r\nHe acknowledged that majority of the chairmanship and councillorship candidates across various political parties were youths, while the voters also were mainly youths,\r\nAccording to him, the development shows political maturity among Anambra youths and portrays a bright future for the state.\r\n\"We are pleased with our youths’ level of participation. Across all political parties, youths were well represented and I tell you, Anambra State will be better for it, because we are breeding a generation of politically-conscious youths who will take over the reins of power in future,” Obi enthused.','Anambra Youths hail LG Elections, as Promise made and kept by Soludo','','publish','open','open','','anambra-youths-hail-lg-elections-as-promise-made-and-kept-by-soludo','','','2024-10-04 06:53:46','2024-10-04 06:53:46','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5618',0,'post','',0),(5619,1,'2024-10-04 06:53:31','2024-10-04 06:53:31','','IMG-20241003-WA0008(1)','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241003-wa00081','','','2024-10-04 06:53:31','2024-10-04 06:53:31','',5618,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241003-WA00081.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5620,1,'2024-10-04 06:53:46','2024-10-04 06:53:46','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5619 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241003-WA00081-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nThe successful conduct of local government elections in Anambra State, more a decade after the exercise was last conducted, depicts the capacity by the Chukwuma Soludo administration, to keep promises made to the people.\r\nThe Anambra State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Surveyor Obi Emeka Chukwudi gave the view in a chat with TNC correspondent in the aftermath of the exercise held across the state last Saturday.<!--more--><!--more-->\r\nGovernor Soludo in his inaugural speech on March 17 2022 after he was sworn in for his first term as governor, promised to conduct local government elections in the state within two years.\r\nThirty months after he came into office, the local government elections were conducted in the state by the State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC.\r\nAccording to Obi, the conduct of the election portrays the governor as a leader committed to keeping his social pact with the people.\r\nObi also noted that with the inauguration of the Local Government officials, democracy will be deepened at the grassroots and communities will begin to feel the direct impact of government again.\r\nHe tasked the newly-elected Local Government Executive Chairmen to get to work immediately and ensure that they drive the kind of transformation the people at the local level have been yearning for.\r\nThe NYCN boss also harped on the need for the Council bosses to partner with the NYCN to float youth empowerment programmes that will impact the lives of the young people in the communities.\r\n“As a council, we are happy with the conduct of local government elections after over a decade. This is very dear to us and we commend the governor for keeping his word.\r\n“We are not expecting anything less than development and lasting solution to the teething challenges facing the grassroots people including insecurity, lack of infrastructure, poor youth inclusion, among others.\r\n“The elected council chairmen have no excuse than to fulfill their promises to the people,” Obi maintained.\r\nThe Anambra youth leader observed that Anambra youths by their participation in the Local Government Elections, have shown that they have the capacity to actively pray their role in the state and nation’s political arena.\r\nHe acknowledged that majority of the chairmanship and councillorship candidates across various political parties were youths, while the voters also were mainly youths,\r\nAccording to him, the development shows political maturity among Anambra youths and portrays a bright future for the state.\r\n\"We are pleased with our youths’ level of participation. Across all political parties, youths were well represented and I tell you, Anambra State will be better for it, because we are breeding a generation of politically-conscious youths who will take over the reins of power in future,” Obi enthused.','Anambra Youths hail LG Elections, as Promise made and kept by Soludo','','inherit','closed','closed','','5618-revision-v1','','','2024-10-04 06:53:46','2024-10-04 06:53:46','',5618,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5620',0,'revision','',0),(5622,1,'2024-10-06 16:20:25','2024-10-06 16:20:25','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5623\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241006-WA0009-300x234.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"234\" />\r\n\r\nMr Peter Obi today worshipped with the students of Holy Rosary College in Nsugbe, marking a significant occasion as the Holy Rosary Sisters celebrate 100 years since their foundation by Bishop Joseph Shanahan in 1924. The college at Nsugbe is also celebrating its 10th anniversary. It will be recalled that Obi laid the institution’s foundation in 2013. The event forms part of a series of activities commemorating the centenary of the religious order, renowned for its commitment to education and healthcare apostolates.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nEarlier, on Saturday, Mr Obi attended a special Mass at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity in Onitsha, where the Holy Rosary Sisters and their well-wishers gathered to honour their century-long legacy of service. Speaking after the Mass, Mr Obi praised the sisters for their unwavering dedication to education and healthcare, urging them to continue their invaluable work that has shaped lives and communities.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5624\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241006-WA0010-300x238.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"238\" />\r\n\r\nLater, at Holy Rosary College, Nsugbe, Mr Obi demonstrated his continued support for education and healthcare by presenting the institution with a cheque for ₦120 million for their headquarters at Enugu. ₦100 million of the generous donation is intended to support their educational and health outreach programmes, reflecting his commitment to these critical sectors, while ₦20 million is specifically for the college at Nsugbe, which was a redemption of a cheque he signed for them when he was Governor but was cancelled when Obi left.\r\n\r\nDuring the ceremony, Mr Obi emphasised the vital role of the Holy Rosary Sisters in nurturing the next generation through quality education and compassionate healthcare. He remarked on the significant impact they have had over the years, describing them as pillars of progress and development in Nigeria. He appealed to them to continue rendering services to humanity without division based on creed or any other unwholesome consideration.\r\n\r\nThe Chaplain of the school, Rev Fr James Okafor, in his sermon, spoke about the legacy of the Holy Rosary Sisters, highlighting the selfless sacrifices they have made over the past century. He called on the students to embrace the values of discipline, hard work, and service that the Sisters embody. He also called on Nigerians, especially the privileged to learn how to give back to the society from Mr. Peter Obi.\r\n\r\nSpeaking to the press, the Regional Leader of the Holy Rosary Sisters, Sr Ifeyinwa Muoegbunam echoing the sentiments of the principal of the school, Sr Oluchi Nnolim, thanked Mr Peter Obi for the visit. They recalled that Obi had laid the foundation of their school in 2013, helped them erect most of the structures, and has continued to assist them in various ways.\r\n\r\nMr Obi’s participation in the centenary celebration and his financial support are part of his broader vision to uplift education and healthcare across the country. The event concluded with a special prayer for the continued success of the Holy Rosary Sisters’ mission and for the future generations of students who will benefit from their work.\r\n\r\nCaption for the pic\r\nMr. Peter Obi (middle, in black) presenting a cheque of ₦120 million to the Sisters of the Holy Rosary, which includes ₦100 million for their Enugu headquarters to support health and education, and ₦20 million to their school at Nsugbe as repayment for the amount he signed for them as Governor, which was later stopped by the government.','Obi Donates ₦120 Million at Holy Rosary Sisters’ Centenary for Education and Health Outreach','','publish','open','open','','obi-donates-%e2%82%a6120-million-at-holy-rosary-sisters-centenary-for-education-and-health-outreach','','','2024-10-06 16:20:25','2024-10-06 16:20:25','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5622',0,'post','',0),(5623,1,'2024-10-06 16:19:01','2024-10-06 16:19:01','','IMG-20241006-WA0009','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241006-wa0009','','','2024-10-06 16:19:01','2024-10-06 16:19:01','',5622,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241006-WA0009.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5624,1,'2024-10-06 16:19:32','2024-10-06 16:19:32','','IMG-20241006-WA0010','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241006-wa0010','','','2024-10-06 16:19:32','2024-10-06 16:19:32','',5622,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241006-WA0010.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5625,1,'2024-10-06 16:20:00','2024-10-06 16:20:00','','IMG-20241006-WA0011','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241006-wa0011','','','2024-10-06 16:20:00','2024-10-06 16:20:00','',5622,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241006-WA0011.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5626,1,'2024-10-06 16:20:25','2024-10-06 16:20:25','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5623\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241006-WA0009-300x234.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"234\" />\r\n\r\nMr Peter Obi today worshipped with the students of Holy Rosary College in Nsugbe, marking a significant occasion as the Holy Rosary Sisters celebrate 100 years since their foundation by Bishop Joseph Shanahan in 1924. The college at Nsugbe is also celebrating its 10th anniversary. It will be recalled that Obi laid the institution’s foundation in 2013. The event forms part of a series of activities commemorating the centenary of the religious order, renowned for its commitment to education and healthcare apostolates.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nEarlier, on Saturday, Mr Obi attended a special Mass at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity in Onitsha, where the Holy Rosary Sisters and their well-wishers gathered to honour their century-long legacy of service. Speaking after the Mass, Mr Obi praised the sisters for their unwavering dedication to education and healthcare, urging them to continue their invaluable work that has shaped lives and communities.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5624\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241006-WA0010-300x238.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"238\" />\r\n\r\nLater, at Holy Rosary College, Nsugbe, Mr Obi demonstrated his continued support for education and healthcare by presenting the institution with a cheque for ₦120 million for their headquarters at Enugu. ₦100 million of the generous donation is intended to support their educational and health outreach programmes, reflecting his commitment to these critical sectors, while ₦20 million is specifically for the college at Nsugbe, which was a redemption of a cheque he signed for them when he was Governor but was cancelled when Obi left.\r\n\r\nDuring the ceremony, Mr Obi emphasised the vital role of the Holy Rosary Sisters in nurturing the next generation through quality education and compassionate healthcare. He remarked on the significant impact they have had over the years, describing them as pillars of progress and development in Nigeria. He appealed to them to continue rendering services to humanity without division based on creed or any other unwholesome consideration.\r\n\r\nThe Chaplain of the school, Rev Fr James Okafor, in his sermon, spoke about the legacy of the Holy Rosary Sisters, highlighting the selfless sacrifices they have made over the past century. He called on the students to embrace the values of discipline, hard work, and service that the Sisters embody. He also called on Nigerians, especially the privileged to learn how to give back to the society from Mr. Peter Obi.\r\n\r\nSpeaking to the press, the Regional Leader of the Holy Rosary Sisters, Sr Ifeyinwa Muoegbunam echoing the sentiments of the principal of the school, Sr Oluchi Nnolim, thanked Mr Peter Obi for the visit. They recalled that Obi had laid the foundation of their school in 2013, helped them erect most of the structures, and has continued to assist them in various ways.\r\n\r\nMr Obi’s participation in the centenary celebration and his financial support are part of his broader vision to uplift education and healthcare across the country. The event concluded with a special prayer for the continued success of the Holy Rosary Sisters’ mission and for the future generations of students who will benefit from their work.\r\n\r\nCaption for the pic\r\nMr. Peter Obi (middle, in black) presenting a cheque of ₦120 million to the Sisters of the Holy Rosary, which includes ₦100 million for their Enugu headquarters to support health and education, and ₦20 million to their school at Nsugbe as repayment for the amount he signed for them as Governor, which was later stopped by the government.','Obi Donates ₦120 Million at Holy Rosary Sisters’ Centenary for Education and Health Outreach','','inherit','closed','closed','','5622-revision-v1','','','2024-10-06 16:20:25','2024-10-06 16:20:25','',5622,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5626',0,'revision','',0),(5627,1,'2024-10-06 21:50:42','2024-10-06 21:50:42','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5628 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241006-WA00201-221x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"221\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nBy Ejike Anyaduba\r\n\r\nAlbert Speer was Hitler’s minister for war production and armaments. He probably was the only officer in the Nazi government who defied Hitler and lived. He was also among the very few who did not commit suicide and were given fairly short prison term at the trial in Nuremberg.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nQuite early in life, the architect –turned Nazi minister, Speer, met Hitler unceremoniously on the stump and caught his attention. He was undressed for the campaign and was conspicuously different. On the orders of the Fuhrer, he was given an extra Nazi uniform with the swastika, whereupon he was interviewed. On realizing that Speer was an architect and a firm believer in Nazism (Hitler likes architecture very well) he sent him to understudy Professor Paul Ludwig Troost. Troost was the master builder who handled majority of Hitler’s architectural designs and converted the Barlow Palais in Munich into the headquarters of the Nazi Party among other works.\r\n\r\nSurprised, but pleased, with the turn of events, Speer went to consult a seer. He wanted very much to know what the future held for him. After peering at a crystal ball, the fortune-teller told him to go home that he would rise early and retire early. The death of Professor Troost in 1933 was to set Speer’s career on a rapid upward trajectory. He ascended to the position of Hitler’s chief architect at 28 and held it for 12 years. On his 9th year as the chief builder, Speer was made Reich’s minister for war production and armaments, and entrusted with the vital task of keeping the German war machine rolling. Speer’s position on Hitler’s hierarchy of evil was complete.\r\n\r\nBut Speer was a gentleman Nazi at least that much he claimed before the jury at Nuremberg. He equally denied being a willing anti-semitic Nazi, but rather a reluctant participant in Hitler’s quest for worldwide domination who was swept away by the currency of history.\r\n\r\nDetermined to escape the noose, Speer nearly almost successfully convinced his captors that he was sufficiently restrained in the prosecution of the war with regard to preservation of life, especially in the dying days of the Nazi regime.\r\n\r\nOutflanked by the enemy, and faced with certain defeat, particularly after the Battle of the Bulge (the Ardennes Offensive) which was German’s last major offensive to keep the port of Antwerp; split the Allied Forces and force them to negotiate, Hitler issued the Nerobefehl( the Nero Decree – scotch earth decree).\r\n\r\nIssued 19th March, 1945, the decree was to ensure demolitions in the Reich territory in such a way as to leave Germany completely barren of life that would welcome the victorious Allied Forces. In his book, Inside the Third Reich, Speer claimed he intentionally disobeyed Hitler’s order and gave counter order, insisting on life after the Third Reich. He was summoned to the Berlin Bunker for questioning where he maintained his position and defied the Fuhrer to apply punishment as was appropriate. Hitler did not.\r\n\r\nHowever, Richard J Evans was to counter this claim by Speer. In his seminal review essays on the political, economic, cultural and social history of Germany through war and reunification, Evans described Speer’s claim of defying Hitler’s orders as “pure invention”.\r\n\r\nOn May 23, 1945, barely one month after Hitler committed suicide, having earlier asked his personal pilot General Hans Baur to write on his tomb stone when he was gone that he (Hitler) was betrayed by his generals, Speer was arrested on the orders of General Dwight Eisenhower (commander of the Allied Forces) alongside Grand Admiral Karl Donitz, the leader of the provisional German government and successor of Hitler.\r\n\r\nA little over six months later - November 20, 1945, after General Alfred Jodl signed German military surrender, Speer was put on trial at Nuremberg together with twenty-one other highest ranking Nazi officers.\r\n\r\nHe was arraigned on four count charges of participating in common plan and conspiracy, crimes against peace, war crimes and crimes against humanity. After about a year on trial, on October 1, 1946, Speer was convicted of capital crimes and sentenced to 20 years in Spandau prison.\r\n\r\nHe was sent alongside six others, including Rudolf Hess, who was Hitler’s former deputy. Three others Hjalmar Schacht, Franz von Papen and Hans Fritzsche were discharged and acquitted for want of convincing evidence while twelve others among them Alfred Jodl, Alfred Rosenberg, Joachim von Ribbentrop, Hans Frank, Julius Streicher, Wilhelm Keitel, Wilhelm Frick, Fritz Sauckel, Arthur Seyss-Inquart et al were hanged. Herman Goering founder of the Gestapo (German secret police) and chief of the German air force committed suicide by poison on the eve of the scheduled execution while Martin Bormann was condemned in absentia.\r\n\r\nSpeer probably saved his life and wriggled free of the hang man’s noose because among other things he was able to prove to the trial judges that he was ignorant of the holocaust, distanced himself from the other defenders, admitted to collective responsibility and willingly served as star witness against the other leading Nazis.\r\n\r\nPerhaps he also survived the noose just to fulfill a decided fate. At age 40, Speer had climbed the heights, attained significant positions in the Nazi Germany and retired. He rose early and retired early. He died on September 1, 1981, at the age of 76.\r\n\r\nEjike Anyaduba\r\n\r\nWrites from Abatete','Albert Speer- Hitler’s minister who escaped the noose at Nuremberg','','publish','open','open','','albert-speer-hitlers-minister-who-escaped-the-noose-at-nuremberg','','','2024-10-06 21:50:42','2024-10-06 21:50:42','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5627',0,'post','',0),(5628,1,'2024-10-06 21:50:27','2024-10-06 21:50:27','','IMG-20241006-WA0020(1)','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241006-wa00201','','','2024-10-06 21:50:27','2024-10-06 21:50:27','',5627,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241006-WA00201.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5629,1,'2024-10-06 21:50:42','2024-10-06 21:50:42','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5628 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241006-WA00201-221x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"221\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nBy Ejike Anyaduba\r\n\r\nAlbert Speer was Hitler’s minister for war production and armaments. He probably was the only officer in the Nazi government who defied Hitler and lived. He was also among the very few who did not commit suicide and were given fairly short prison term at the trial in Nuremberg.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nQuite early in life, the architect –turned Nazi minister, Speer, met Hitler unceremoniously on the stump and caught his attention. He was undressed for the campaign and was conspicuously different. On the orders of the Fuhrer, he was given an extra Nazi uniform with the swastika, whereupon he was interviewed. On realizing that Speer was an architect and a firm believer in Nazism (Hitler likes architecture very well) he sent him to understudy Professor Paul Ludwig Troost. Troost was the master builder who handled majority of Hitler’s architectural designs and converted the Barlow Palais in Munich into the headquarters of the Nazi Party among other works.\r\n\r\nSurprised, but pleased, with the turn of events, Speer went to consult a seer. He wanted very much to know what the future held for him. After peering at a crystal ball, the fortune-teller told him to go home that he would rise early and retire early. The death of Professor Troost in 1933 was to set Speer’s career on a rapid upward trajectory. He ascended to the position of Hitler’s chief architect at 28 and held it for 12 years. On his 9th year as the chief builder, Speer was made Reich’s minister for war production and armaments, and entrusted with the vital task of keeping the German war machine rolling. Speer’s position on Hitler’s hierarchy of evil was complete.\r\n\r\nBut Speer was a gentleman Nazi at least that much he claimed before the jury at Nuremberg. He equally denied being a willing anti-semitic Nazi, but rather a reluctant participant in Hitler’s quest for worldwide domination who was swept away by the currency of history.\r\n\r\nDetermined to escape the noose, Speer nearly almost successfully convinced his captors that he was sufficiently restrained in the prosecution of the war with regard to preservation of life, especially in the dying days of the Nazi regime.\r\n\r\nOutflanked by the enemy, and faced with certain defeat, particularly after the Battle of the Bulge (the Ardennes Offensive) which was German’s last major offensive to keep the port of Antwerp; split the Allied Forces and force them to negotiate, Hitler issued the Nerobefehl( the Nero Decree – scotch earth decree).\r\n\r\nIssued 19th March, 1945, the decree was to ensure demolitions in the Reich territory in such a way as to leave Germany completely barren of life that would welcome the victorious Allied Forces. In his book, Inside the Third Reich, Speer claimed he intentionally disobeyed Hitler’s order and gave counter order, insisting on life after the Third Reich. He was summoned to the Berlin Bunker for questioning where he maintained his position and defied the Fuhrer to apply punishment as was appropriate. Hitler did not.\r\n\r\nHowever, Richard J Evans was to counter this claim by Speer. In his seminal review essays on the political, economic, cultural and social history of Germany through war and reunification, Evans described Speer’s claim of defying Hitler’s orders as “pure invention”.\r\n\r\nOn May 23, 1945, barely one month after Hitler committed suicide, having earlier asked his personal pilot General Hans Baur to write on his tomb stone when he was gone that he (Hitler) was betrayed by his generals, Speer was arrested on the orders of General Dwight Eisenhower (commander of the Allied Forces) alongside Grand Admiral Karl Donitz, the leader of the provisional German government and successor of Hitler.\r\n\r\nA little over six months later - November 20, 1945, after General Alfred Jodl signed German military surrender, Speer was put on trial at Nuremberg together with twenty-one other highest ranking Nazi officers.\r\n\r\nHe was arraigned on four count charges of participating in common plan and conspiracy, crimes against peace, war crimes and crimes against humanity. After about a year on trial, on October 1, 1946, Speer was convicted of capital crimes and sentenced to 20 years in Spandau prison.\r\n\r\nHe was sent alongside six others, including Rudolf Hess, who was Hitler’s former deputy. Three others Hjalmar Schacht, Franz von Papen and Hans Fritzsche were discharged and acquitted for want of convincing evidence while twelve others among them Alfred Jodl, Alfred Rosenberg, Joachim von Ribbentrop, Hans Frank, Julius Streicher, Wilhelm Keitel, Wilhelm Frick, Fritz Sauckel, Arthur Seyss-Inquart et al were hanged. Herman Goering founder of the Gestapo (German secret police) and chief of the German air force committed suicide by poison on the eve of the scheduled execution while Martin Bormann was condemned in absentia.\r\n\r\nSpeer probably saved his life and wriggled free of the hang man’s noose because among other things he was able to prove to the trial judges that he was ignorant of the holocaust, distanced himself from the other defenders, admitted to collective responsibility and willingly served as star witness against the other leading Nazis.\r\n\r\nPerhaps he also survived the noose just to fulfill a decided fate. At age 40, Speer had climbed the heights, attained significant positions in the Nazi Germany and retired. He rose early and retired early. He died on September 1, 1981, at the age of 76.\r\n\r\nEjike Anyaduba\r\n\r\nWrites from Abatete','Albert Speer- Hitler’s minister who escaped the noose at Nuremberg','','inherit','closed','closed','','5627-revision-v1','','','2024-10-06 21:50:42','2024-10-06 21:50:42','',5627,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5629',0,'revision','',0),(5630,1,'2024-10-08 08:53:52','2024-10-08 08:53:52','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5631 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241008-WA0006-279x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"279\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nKenechukwu Ofomah\r\nAwka\r\n\r\nThe construction of the Ekwulobia flyover by the Anambra State Government will usher in the unprecedented economic transformation of the Old Aguata Region, a former Banker, Chief Eusebius Onyemelukwe has said.\r\nOnyemelukwe, a chieftaincy title holder from Igbo-Ukwu in Aguata Council Area of the state was speaking on Sunday after he paid a visit to the project, to have an on-the-spot assessment of the bridge.<!--more-->\r\nMany quarters have criticized the Ekwulobia Flyover bridge as a misplacement of priority, considering the huge amount of money the project is gulping from the state coffers, while some had argued that the import of the project would have been maximized, had it been sited in other developed parts of the state.\r\nBut, according to Chief Onyemelukwe, the location of the project is both strategic and deliberate, as it will pave way for the economic turnaround of not just Ekwulobia, but also the neighbouring communities in the Old Aguata Union, OAU, the Anambra South Senatorial Zone as well as the nearby states of Imo and Abia.\r\nHe noted that the perennial gridlock that usually character the Ekwulobia roundabout, causing untold hardship to motorists during festive periods, will now be a thing of the past, while the aesthetics of the entire area will be unleashed.\r\nThe renowned banker acknowledged the multiplier effect the project will also have on the value of properties within the area will be enormous, thereby boosting the economy of the area, adding that through the development the project will bring to the area will discourage rural-urban migration.\r\n“This is a well-thought-out initiative from the Anambra State Government, because it has so much benefits, not just for people of Ekwulobia, but also for people of Anambra South Senatorial zone and Ndi Anambra in general.\r\n“I am particular about the sufferings of the people of this area during festive periods due to massive gridlock. Many of our people who travelled all the way from abroad, Lagos, Abuja and other places, get stuck here for hours due to the challenge.\r\n“If this flyover is completed, it will make for smooth transportation of humans and goods, because parts of Aguata such as Nkpologwu, Amesi, Achina, Uga and other areas are very good in palm oil production.\r\n“Also, this project, which is the type you find in very developed cities, will help de-emphasize the rural-urban drift, that has left the rural places in dire need of professionals across various fields. With these kinds of things, health workers, teachers and other professionals will have no difficulty coming or even living here,” he posited.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5633 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241008-WA0007-214x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"214\" height=\"300\" />\r\nSpeaking on his reason for visiting the project, Onyemelukwe said it is the responsibility of citizens to always monitor government projects in their communities, to ensure that they are executed in a manner that will benefit them.\r\nHe regretted that the people have been so excluded from government business for so long, resulting in the formation and execution of projects that have no single bearing on their welfare.\r\n\"Through this activity, I want to embolden our people to begin to ask questions of the government, about what it is doing in their localities.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5632\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241008-WA0008-300x170.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"170\" />\r\n“This will ensure that people who have no idea as to what governance is, will never find their way into positions of authority.\r\n“So, I encourage our people in Aguata, Anambra South and the entire state, to embrace the task of proactive citizenship, by getting involved in things that affect them in government,” Onyemelukwe said.','Ekwulobia Flyover: Ex-Banker, Eusebius Onyemelukwe slams Soludo’s Critics, backs project to urbanize Old Aguata Region','','publish','open','open','','ekwulobia-flyover-ex-banker-eusebius-onyemelukwe-slams-soludos-critics-backs-project-to-urbanize-old-aguata-region','','','2024-10-08 08:53:52','2024-10-08 08:53:52','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5630',0,'post','',0),(5631,1,'2024-10-08 08:52:16','2024-10-08 08:52:16','','IMG-20241008-WA0006','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241008-wa0006','','','2024-10-08 08:52:16','2024-10-08 08:52:16','',5630,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241008-WA0006.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5632,1,'2024-10-08 08:52:53','2024-10-08 08:52:53','','IMG-20241008-WA0008','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241008-wa0008','','','2024-10-08 08:52:53','2024-10-08 08:52:53','',5630,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241008-WA0008.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5633,1,'2024-10-08 08:53:32','2024-10-08 08:53:32','','IMG-20241008-WA0007','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241008-wa0007','','','2024-10-08 08:53:32','2024-10-08 08:53:32','',5630,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241008-WA0007.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5634,1,'2024-10-08 08:53:52','2024-10-08 08:53:52','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5631 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241008-WA0006-279x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"279\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nKenechukwu Ofomah\r\nAwka\r\n\r\nThe construction of the Ekwulobia flyover by the Anambra State Government will usher in the unprecedented economic transformation of the Old Aguata Region, a former Banker, Chief Eusebius Onyemelukwe has said.\r\nOnyemelukwe, a chieftaincy title holder from Igbo-Ukwu in Aguata Council Area of the state was speaking on Sunday after he paid a visit to the project, to have an on-the-spot assessment of the bridge.<!--more-->\r\nMany quarters have criticized the Ekwulobia Flyover bridge as a misplacement of priority, considering the huge amount of money the project is gulping from the state coffers, while some had argued that the import of the project would have been maximized, had it been sited in other developed parts of the state.\r\nBut, according to Chief Onyemelukwe, the location of the project is both strategic and deliberate, as it will pave way for the economic turnaround of not just Ekwulobia, but also the neighbouring communities in the Old Aguata Union, OAU, the Anambra South Senatorial Zone as well as the nearby states of Imo and Abia.\r\nHe noted that the perennial gridlock that usually character the Ekwulobia roundabout, causing untold hardship to motorists during festive periods, will now be a thing of the past, while the aesthetics of the entire area will be unleashed.\r\nThe renowned banker acknowledged the multiplier effect the project will also have on the value of properties within the area will be enormous, thereby boosting the economy of the area, adding that through the development the project will bring to the area will discourage rural-urban migration.\r\n“This is a well-thought-out initiative from the Anambra State Government, because it has so much benefits, not just for people of Ekwulobia, but also for people of Anambra South Senatorial zone and Ndi Anambra in general.\r\n“I am particular about the sufferings of the people of this area during festive periods due to massive gridlock. Many of our people who travelled all the way from abroad, Lagos, Abuja and other places, get stuck here for hours due to the challenge.\r\n“If this flyover is completed, it will make for smooth transportation of humans and goods, because parts of Aguata such as Nkpologwu, Amesi, Achina, Uga and other areas are very good in palm oil production.\r\n“Also, this project, which is the type you find in very developed cities, will help de-emphasize the rural-urban drift, that has left the rural places in dire need of professionals across various fields. With these kinds of things, health workers, teachers and other professionals will have no difficulty coming or even living here,” he posited.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5633 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241008-WA0007-214x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"214\" height=\"300\" />\r\nSpeaking on his reason for visiting the project, Onyemelukwe said it is the responsibility of citizens to always monitor government projects in their communities, to ensure that they are executed in a manner that will benefit them.\r\nHe regretted that the people have been so excluded from government business for so long, resulting in the formation and execution of projects that have no single bearing on their welfare.\r\n\"Through this activity, I want to embolden our people to begin to ask questions of the government, about what it is doing in their localities.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5632\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241008-WA0008-300x170.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"170\" />\r\n“This will ensure that people who have no idea as to what governance is, will never find their way into positions of authority.\r\n“So, I encourage our people in Aguata, Anambra South and the entire state, to embrace the task of proactive citizenship, by getting involved in things that affect them in government,” Onyemelukwe said.','Ekwulobia Flyover: Ex-Banker, Eusebius Onyemelukwe slams Soludo’s Critics, backs project to urbanize Old Aguata Region','','inherit','closed','closed','','5630-revision-v1','','','2024-10-08 08:53:52','2024-10-08 08:53:52','',5630,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5634',0,'revision','',0),(5635,1,'2024-10-09 07:38:49','2024-10-09 07:38:49','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5636 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241009-WA0011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\nBy Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu\r\n\r\nAs part of the activities lined up for the inauguration of NUMTEN Anambra State Council, the Chairman of National Union of Market Traders Employers of Nigeria (NUMTEN), Anambra State Council, Prince Comrade Nnamsom Nwafor-Orizu alongside the Secretary of the Union, Comrade Ikechukwu Ugwuoke Great, on Tuesday, 8th October 2024, visited the Comptroller of Labour and Employment, Oji-Ogbuehi Bernadine in her office in Awka, Anambra State Capital.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nSpeaking shortly after arriving the Comptroller\'s office, the NUMTEN Boss thanked her for warmly receiving the leadership of the Union, saying that the NUMTEN would assist her in achieving the set objectives of her office, noting that they have the personnel to drive any noble and noteworthy agenda.\r\n\r\nNwafor-orizu while addressing the Comptroller informed her about the official inauguration of NUMTEN Anambra State Council to be held in Awka and appealed to her to attend.\r\n\r\nReceiving the NUMTEN officials, Oji-Ogbuehi appreciated them for coming to identify with her, emphasizing that he would do everything within her powers to ensure that they succeed in their onerous task of sanitizing and adding more values to the markets, even as she promised to give the Union all the needed support and encouragement.\r\n\r\nIt would be recalled that Prince Comrade Nwafor-Orizu and his team recently visited the State\'s Head of Service (HoS) , Barr. Okwy Igwegbe, mni as a way of familiarising with her and as well intimate her about the workings of the most sought after Union in Nigeria today.','Courtesy Call: NUMTEN Anambra State Chairman, Secretary Visit Comptroller Federal Ministry of Labour And Employment in Awka','','publish','open','open','','courtesy-call-numten-anambra-state-chairman-secretary-visit-comptroller-federal-ministry-of-labour-and-employment-in-awka','','','2024-10-09 07:38:49','2024-10-09 07:38:49','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5635',0,'post','',0),(5636,1,'2024-10-09 07:38:31','2024-10-09 07:38:31','','IMG-20241009-WA0011','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241009-wa0011','','','2024-10-09 07:38:31','2024-10-09 07:38:31','',5635,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241009-WA0011.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5637,1,'2024-10-09 07:38:49','2024-10-09 07:38:49','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5636 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241009-WA0011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\nBy Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu\r\n\r\nAs part of the activities lined up for the inauguration of NUMTEN Anambra State Council, the Chairman of National Union of Market Traders Employers of Nigeria (NUMTEN), Anambra State Council, Prince Comrade Nnamsom Nwafor-Orizu alongside the Secretary of the Union, Comrade Ikechukwu Ugwuoke Great, on Tuesday, 8th October 2024, visited the Comptroller of Labour and Employment, Oji-Ogbuehi Bernadine in her office in Awka, Anambra State Capital.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nSpeaking shortly after arriving the Comptroller\'s office, the NUMTEN Boss thanked her for warmly receiving the leadership of the Union, saying that the NUMTEN would assist her in achieving the set objectives of her office, noting that they have the personnel to drive any noble and noteworthy agenda.\r\n\r\nNwafor-orizu while addressing the Comptroller informed her about the official inauguration of NUMTEN Anambra State Council to be held in Awka and appealed to her to attend.\r\n\r\nReceiving the NUMTEN officials, Oji-Ogbuehi appreciated them for coming to identify with her, emphasizing that he would do everything within her powers to ensure that they succeed in their onerous task of sanitizing and adding more values to the markets, even as she promised to give the Union all the needed support and encouragement.\r\n\r\nIt would be recalled that Prince Comrade Nwafor-Orizu and his team recently visited the State\'s Head of Service (HoS) , Barr. Okwy Igwegbe, mni as a way of familiarising with her and as well intimate her about the workings of the most sought after Union in Nigeria today.','Courtesy Call: NUMTEN Anambra State Chairman, Secretary Visit Comptroller Federal Ministry of Labour And Employment in Awka','','inherit','closed','closed','','5635-revision-v1','','','2024-10-09 07:38:49','2024-10-09 07:38:49','',5635,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5637',0,'revision','',0),(5639,1,'2024-10-09 16:47:08','2024-10-09 16:47:08','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5641 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241009-WA0031-300x227.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"227\" />\r\n\r\nThe Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has pledged to render continuous excellent and innovative electricity services to its esteemed customers especially the residents of South-East.<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5640\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241009-WA0032-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />\r\n\r\nThe acting Managing Director of EEDC, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Enugu while declaring open the company’s Customer Service Week.<!--more-->\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMupwaya charged employees of the company to renew their commitment and determination to exceed customers’ expectations by providing courteous, timely and impactful services.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAccording to him, EEDC believes and strives for excellence and together, we will continue to power (provide) our people in the South-East and beyond with excellent, caring and innovative service always.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe said that the company had deployed advanced and cutting edge technologies to ensure improved customers’ positive experience and seamless interface on all customers service/want being achieved in real-time and speed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This is a significant moment for us to reflect on our journey, acknowledge our achievements and celebrate the critical role each one of you plays in delivering exceptional service to our customers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“The theme for this year, \"Above and Beyond,\" could not be more fitting, as it captures both the essence of our transformation and our unwavering commitment to exceeding customer expectations.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every one of you.\r\n\r\n“Together, we are not just delivering reliable power—we are providing an outstanding customer experience despite the many challenges we face,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe acting managing director, however, noted that the company had encountered obstacles, such as insufficient revenue and the constraints imposed by industry regulations.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe said, “I am proud to share that EEDC is making steady progress toward financial sustainability. Through business process re-engineering and innovative solutions, we are steadily increasing our revenue collections and reducing losses month after month.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Our deployment of advanced ICT systems and the successful conversion of aluminum transformers to copper wound transformers using reverse engineering have introduced ground-breaking innovations with the potential for significant cost savings and improving customers’ positive experience.”\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSpeaking, Head, Customer Service, EEDC, Mrs Ijeoma Ogudebe, encouraged all staff to step outside their comfort zones in ensuring that excellent services are delivered to our customers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOgudebe said, “Going above and beyond requires empathy, resilience and courage.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“When we go above and beyond, the results are immeasurable and we build stronger relationships that create lasting impact leaving a good taste in the mouth of our customers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Going above and beyond is not about what we do. It is about who we become and becoming the best version of ourselves.”\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCustomer Service Week is an annual international event held yearly in the first week of October put together to recognise the importance of customer service and the contributions of all frontline staff who support customers on a daily basis.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a public service-based company - EEDC- will commemorate the week from Oct. 8 to Oct. 12 and it involves all staff, electricity stakeholders and customers (residents of South-East).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe theme for 2024 Customer Service Week is “Above and Beyond”, with a focus on “Going the extra mile for our customers and each other”.','EEDC pledges to render continuous excellent, innovative electricity services to S/Eas','','publish','open','open','','eedc-pledges-to-render-continuous-excellent-innovative-electricity-services-to-s-eas','','','2024-10-09 16:47:08','2024-10-09 16:47:08','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5639',0,'post','',0),(5640,1,'2024-10-09 16:46:34','2024-10-09 16:46:34','','IMG-20241009-WA0032','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241009-wa0032','','','2024-10-09 16:46:34','2024-10-09 16:46:34','',5639,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241009-WA0032.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5641,1,'2024-10-09 16:46:54','2024-10-09 16:46:54','','IMG-20241009-WA0031','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241009-wa0031','','','2024-10-09 16:46:54','2024-10-09 16:46:54','',5639,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241009-WA0031.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5642,1,'2024-10-09 16:47:08','2024-10-09 16:47:08','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5641 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241009-WA0031-300x227.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"227\" />\r\n\r\nThe Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has pledged to render continuous excellent and innovative electricity services to its esteemed customers especially the residents of South-East.<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5640\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241009-WA0032-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />\r\n\r\nThe acting Managing Director of EEDC, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Enugu while declaring open the company’s Customer Service Week.<!--more-->\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMupwaya charged employees of the company to renew their commitment and determination to exceed customers’ expectations by providing courteous, timely and impactful services.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAccording to him, EEDC believes and strives for excellence and together, we will continue to power (provide) our people in the South-East and beyond with excellent, caring and innovative service always.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe said that the company had deployed advanced and cutting edge technologies to ensure improved customers’ positive experience and seamless interface on all customers service/want being achieved in real-time and speed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This is a significant moment for us to reflect on our journey, acknowledge our achievements and celebrate the critical role each one of you plays in delivering exceptional service to our customers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“The theme for this year, \"Above and Beyond,\" could not be more fitting, as it captures both the essence of our transformation and our unwavering commitment to exceeding customer expectations.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every one of you.\r\n\r\n“Together, we are not just delivering reliable power—we are providing an outstanding customer experience despite the many challenges we face,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe acting managing director, however, noted that the company had encountered obstacles, such as insufficient revenue and the constraints imposed by industry regulations.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe said, “I am proud to share that EEDC is making steady progress toward financial sustainability. Through business process re-engineering and innovative solutions, we are steadily increasing our revenue collections and reducing losses month after month.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Our deployment of advanced ICT systems and the successful conversion of aluminum transformers to copper wound transformers using reverse engineering have introduced ground-breaking innovations with the potential for significant cost savings and improving customers’ positive experience.”\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSpeaking, Head, Customer Service, EEDC, Mrs Ijeoma Ogudebe, encouraged all staff to step outside their comfort zones in ensuring that excellent services are delivered to our customers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOgudebe said, “Going above and beyond requires empathy, resilience and courage.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“When we go above and beyond, the results are immeasurable and we build stronger relationships that create lasting impact leaving a good taste in the mouth of our customers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Going above and beyond is not about what we do. It is about who we become and becoming the best version of ourselves.”\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCustomer Service Week is an annual international event held yearly in the first week of October put together to recognise the importance of customer service and the contributions of all frontline staff who support customers on a daily basis.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a public service-based company - EEDC- will commemorate the week from Oct. 8 to Oct. 12 and it involves all staff, electricity stakeholders and customers (residents of South-East).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe theme for 2024 Customer Service Week is “Above and Beyond”, with a focus on “Going the extra mile for our customers and each other”.','EEDC pledges to render continuous excellent, innovative electricity services to S/Eas','','inherit','closed','closed','','5639-revision-v1','','','2024-10-09 16:47:08','2024-10-09 16:47:08','',5639,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5642',0,'revision','',0),(5643,1,'2024-10-09 16:56:55','2024-10-09 16:56:55','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5644\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241009-WA0042-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nThe Rangers International Football Club Foundation has inaugurated a four-man committee to nurture football enthusiasts to coordinate its Street Soccer League in the Neighbourhoods.\r\n\r\nInaugurating the committee in Enugu on Monday, the Chairman of the Foundation, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, said the League would be a catch-them-young programme that promotes resilience among youths within neighbourhoods.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nAmaraizu said that Emeka Okeke, a former Crime Busters Football of Enugu player, would be the chairman of the committee, adding that he would supervise the coordinators and matches.\r\n\r\nHe said the League which will commence tentatively on Oct. 20, would be an U-15 boys and girls event that would feature many neighbourhoods football clubs.\r\n\r\nAccording to him, it will begin from the Trans Ekulu neighbourhood in the Enugu metropolis as a pilot scheme to other parts of the South-East and the entire country.\r\n\r\n“The Street Soccer League for Neighbourhood will be used to promote Olympic sports values and will also be used to achieve crucial outcomes.\r\n\r\n“It will be used to strengthen neighbourhood resilience, create a platform of self-discovery, improve mental health and general well-being for these categories of youths.\r\n\r\n“We have also started our mapping and selection of players by our team of Street football League coordinators within our identified pilot neighbourhood, Trans Ekulu neighbourhood axis of Enugu.\r\n\r\n“Street football is important because it is an engine for self-discovery and community resilience as many national and international football stars are products of this league.\r\n\r\n“We hope to diversify into other sporting events under the multi-sports activity framework of our partner, Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation for more community impact and a greater society,“ he said.\r\n\r\nAmaraizu said that the foundation will stop at nothing with its partners for a collective building of a greater community through various life changing programmes.\r\n\r\nResponding, Okeke promised to carry out the task of supervising the coordinator and matches optimally to ensure a successful event.\r\n\r\n“We are going to stick to the template given to us by the foundation to guide our work.\r\n\r\n“This is to ensure that the League is hitch-free and involve the participation of the greater number of U-15 youths in each neighbourhood.”\r\n\r\nThe Rangers International Football Club Foundation is an initiative of Rangers International FC of Enugu.','Rangers Foundation inaugurates 4-man committee on Street Soccer League','','publish','open','open','','rangers-foundation-inaugurates-4-man-committee-on-street-soccer-league','','','2024-10-09 16:56:55','2024-10-09 16:56:55','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5643',0,'post','',0),(5644,1,'2024-10-09 16:56:41','2024-10-09 16:56:41','','IMG-20241009-WA0042','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241009-wa0042','','','2024-10-09 16:56:41','2024-10-09 16:56:41','',5643,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241009-WA0042.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5645,1,'2024-10-09 16:56:55','2024-10-09 16:56:55','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5644\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241009-WA0042-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nThe Rangers International Football Club Foundation has inaugurated a four-man committee to nurture football enthusiasts to coordinate its Street Soccer League in the Neighbourhoods.\r\n\r\nInaugurating the committee in Enugu on Monday, the Chairman of the Foundation, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, said the League would be a catch-them-young programme that promotes resilience among youths within neighbourhoods.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nAmaraizu said that Emeka Okeke, a former Crime Busters Football of Enugu player, would be the chairman of the committee, adding that he would supervise the coordinators and matches.\r\n\r\nHe said the League which will commence tentatively on Oct. 20, would be an U-15 boys and girls event that would feature many neighbourhoods football clubs.\r\n\r\nAccording to him, it will begin from the Trans Ekulu neighbourhood in the Enugu metropolis as a pilot scheme to other parts of the South-East and the entire country.\r\n\r\n“The Street Soccer League for Neighbourhood will be used to promote Olympic sports values and will also be used to achieve crucial outcomes.\r\n\r\n“It will be used to strengthen neighbourhood resilience, create a platform of self-discovery, improve mental health and general well-being for these categories of youths.\r\n\r\n“We have also started our mapping and selection of players by our team of Street football League coordinators within our identified pilot neighbourhood, Trans Ekulu neighbourhood axis of Enugu.\r\n\r\n“Street football is important because it is an engine for self-discovery and community resilience as many national and international football stars are products of this league.\r\n\r\n“We hope to diversify into other sporting events under the multi-sports activity framework of our partner, Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation for more community impact and a greater society,“ he said.\r\n\r\nAmaraizu said that the foundation will stop at nothing with its partners for a collective building of a greater community through various life changing programmes.\r\n\r\nResponding, Okeke promised to carry out the task of supervising the coordinator and matches optimally to ensure a successful event.\r\n\r\n“We are going to stick to the template given to us by the foundation to guide our work.\r\n\r\n“This is to ensure that the League is hitch-free and involve the participation of the greater number of U-15 youths in each neighbourhood.”\r\n\r\nThe Rangers International Football Club Foundation is an initiative of Rangers International FC of Enugu.','Rangers Foundation inaugurates 4-man committee on Street Soccer League','','inherit','closed','closed','','5643-revision-v1','','','2024-10-09 16:56:55','2024-10-09 16:56:55','',5643,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5645',0,'revision','',0),(5650,1,'2024-10-11 20:03:33','2024-10-11 20:03:33','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5651 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241009-WA00321-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />\r\n\r\nThe Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) says it will be embarking on massive disconnection of indebted electricity customers in South-East.\r\n\r\nEEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Emeka Ezeh, on Friday in a statement, advised customers to promptly pay their electricity bills before the disconnection team gets to their premises.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nEzeh noted that failure to pay the electricity bill would attract a reconnection fee in addition to the outstanding amount being owed.\r\n\r\n“Customers can pay their bills at the EEDC Cash Offices or any collection agent location nearest to them, and they must not wait for the marketers to visit before they can pay their bills.\r\n\r\n“It is expected that the current electricity bill, which is for energy consumed in the previous month, is paid by the 12th day of the succeeding month.\r\n\r\n“Customers that have arrears should endeavour to clear their bills or take advantage of our ongoing discount scheme – ASAP.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5652\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241011-WA0052.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" />\r\n\r\n“Pay your bills promptly and on time and save yourself the inconveniences of being disconnected or surcharged,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEzeh said that EEDC could only sustain its operations and service to its esteemed customers when electricity bills are paid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“EEDC is committed to serving you and wants you to help us serve you better,” he added.','EEDC embarks on massive disconnection of indebted electricity customers in S/East','','publish','open','open','','eedc-embarks-on-massive-disconnection-of-indebted-electricity-customers-in-s-east','','','2024-10-11 20:03:47','2024-10-11 20:03:47','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5650',0,'post','',0),(5651,1,'2024-10-11 20:02:47','2024-10-11 20:02:47','','IMG-20241009-WA0032(1)','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241009-wa00321','','','2024-10-11 20:02:47','2024-10-11 20:02:47','',5650,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241009-WA00321.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5652,1,'2024-10-11 20:03:22','2024-10-11 20:03:22','','IMG-20241011-WA0052','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241011-wa0052','','','2024-10-11 20:03:22','2024-10-11 20:03:22','',5650,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241011-WA0052.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5653,1,'2024-10-11 20:03:33','2024-10-11 20:03:33','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5651 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241009-WA00321-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />\r\n\r\nThe Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) says it will be embarking on massive disconnection of indebted electricity customers in South-East.\r\n\r\nEEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Emeka Ezeh, on Friday in a statement, advised customers to promptly pay their electricity bills before the disconnection team gets to their premises.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nEzeh noted that failure to pay the electricity bill would attract a reconnection fee in addition to the outstanding amount being owed.\r\n\r\n“Customers can pay their bills at the EEDC Cash Offices or any collection agent location nearest to them, and they must not wait for the marketers to visit before they can pay their bills.\r\n\r\n“It is expected that the current electricity bill, which is for energy consumed in the previous month, is paid by the 12th day of the succeeding month.\r\n\r\n“Customers that have arrears should endeavour to clear their bills or take advantage of our ongoing discount scheme – ASAP.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5652\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241011-WA0052.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" />\r\n\r\n“Pay your bills promptly and on time and save yourself the inconveniences of being disconnected or surcharged,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEzeh said that EEDC could only sustain its operations and service to its esteemed customers when electricity bills are paid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“EEDC is committed to serving you and wants you to help us serve you better,” he added.','EEDC embarks on massive disconnection of indebted electricity customers in S/East','','inherit','closed','closed','','5650-revision-v1','','','2024-10-11 20:03:33','2024-10-11 20:03:33','',5650,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5653',0,'revision','',0),(5654,1,'2024-10-11 20:14:41','2024-10-11 20:14:41','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5655\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241011-WA0054-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nGov. Peter Mbah says Nigerian Army dedication to service remains instrumental to reduction in incidents of insecurity to lives and property in Enugu State.\r\n\r\nMbah, represented by his Deputy, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai, said this on Friday during the inauguration of renovated one storey with 10 blocks of classroom having a brand new computer hall, library and seats and desks at Community Secondary School, Mbu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe inaugurated project is part of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special Civil-Military Intervention Projects meant for communities of top army personnel who had served the country with dedication and sacrifice.\r\n\r\nMbah noted that since the COAS deployes the current General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, insecurity generally had continued to decline and \"our people are better for it\".\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\nThe governor appreciated the COAS, GOC, commanders and troops for their commitment to keep the country safe especially Enugu State, adding that \"the Nigerian Army remains the pride of the country\".\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5656\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241011-WA0056-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />\r\n\"The government is grateful to the Nigerian Army numerous humanitarian services in the state in terms of education, health and provision of other social services meant to improve the welfare and lives of our people.\r\n\r\n\"We also thank the COAS for the renovated one storey 10 blocks of classroom with a functional computer hall and other amenities at Community Secondary School, Mbu as well as other projects executed in the state,\" he said.\r\n\r\nMbah called on the community to protect the project jealously as they continue to support government programmes, adding: \"The students of this school should continue to be good ambassador of the school, community and state.\"\r\n\r\nEarlier, the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, lauded the people of Isi-Uzo council area and Enugu State for their relentless support leading to the successes recorded by the Nigerian Army in its operations and humanitarian impact projects.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLagbaja, represented by the GOC 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, encouraged the people of Enugu State to continue to support the Nigerian Army and being recruited to the Nigerian Army at different levels \"to serve our great country\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe explained that the COAS Special Intervention Project was meant to improve civil-military relations and bring relief and succour to host communities as well as connect serving top officers to development within their communities of origin.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5657\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241011-WA0057-300x126.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"126\" /><!--more-->\r\n\"I laud the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for supporting Nigerian Army\'s operations, projects and programmes.\r\n\r\n\"The community should make judicious use of the project and all facilities provided to uplift education and human dignity as well as maintain and protect the facilities to last long for generations of students,\" he said.\r\n\r\nThe Project Executor, Maj.-Gen. Jonathan Ugwuoke, commended the COAS for approving and funding the impactful project for educational advancement of students of the community and lifting the financial burden of renovating the school off the people.\r\n\r\nUgwuoke, who is the Commander, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, said: \"I sincerely appreciate the COAS and the Nigerian Army for the honour done to my community, the good people of Mbu and myself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"My community, today, feels the warm impact of the Nigerian Army through renovating the one storey 10 blocks of classroom, which is the first historical storey building in the entire old Isi-Uzo council area.\"\r\n\r\nProf. Festus Agbo, the President-General of the community, thanked the Nigerian Army, COAS, GOC and their son, Maj.-Gen. Ugwuoke for making the project a reality, while pledging the community\'s commitment to protect the school and its facilities.\r\n\r\n\"The Nigerian Army has taken away misery from our pockets and I assure you that we will strictly protect the school and its facilities,\" Agbo said.\r\n\r\nMaster Sunday Mbah, the Senior Prefect of the school, thanked the Nigerian Army for the gesture, adding that the renovated and fully equipped one storey building had uplift the landscape and dignity of the school.\r\n\r\n\"Previously, the roof of the building was leaking; doors and windows blown off by wind storm and the foundation of the building threatened by erosion as well. However, today the story changed for the better,\" Mbah said.','Gov. Mbah says Nigerian Army dedication to service instrumental to security in Enugu','','publish','open','open','','gov-mbah-says-nigerian-army-dedication-to-service-instrumental-to-security-in-enugu','','','2024-10-11 20:14:41','2024-10-11 20:14:41','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5654',0,'post','',0),(5655,1,'2024-10-11 20:13:02','2024-10-11 20:13:02','','IMG-20241011-WA0054','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241011-wa0054','','','2024-10-11 20:13:02','2024-10-11 20:13:02','',5654,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241011-WA0054.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5656,1,'2024-10-11 20:13:44','2024-10-11 20:13:44','','IMG-20241011-WA0056','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241011-wa0056','','','2024-10-11 20:13:44','2024-10-11 20:13:44','',5654,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241011-WA0056.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5657,1,'2024-10-11 20:14:15','2024-10-11 20:14:15','','IMG-20241011-WA0057','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241011-wa0057','','','2024-10-11 20:14:15','2024-10-11 20:14:15','',5654,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241011-WA0057.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5658,1,'2024-10-11 20:14:41','2024-10-11 20:14:41','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5655\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241011-WA0054-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nGov. Peter Mbah says Nigerian Army dedication to service remains instrumental to reduction in incidents of insecurity to lives and property in Enugu State.\r\n\r\nMbah, represented by his Deputy, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai, said this on Friday during the inauguration of renovated one storey with 10 blocks of classroom having a brand new computer hall, library and seats and desks at Community Secondary School, Mbu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe inaugurated project is part of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special Civil-Military Intervention Projects meant for communities of top army personnel who had served the country with dedication and sacrifice.\r\n\r\nMbah noted that since the COAS deployes the current General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, insecurity generally had continued to decline and \"our people are better for it\".\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\nThe governor appreciated the COAS, GOC, commanders and troops for their commitment to keep the country safe especially Enugu State, adding that \"the Nigerian Army remains the pride of the country\".\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5656\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241011-WA0056-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />\r\n\"The government is grateful to the Nigerian Army numerous humanitarian services in the state in terms of education, health and provision of other social services meant to improve the welfare and lives of our people.\r\n\r\n\"We also thank the COAS for the renovated one storey 10 blocks of classroom with a functional computer hall and other amenities at Community Secondary School, Mbu as well as other projects executed in the state,\" he said.\r\n\r\nMbah called on the community to protect the project jealously as they continue to support government programmes, adding: \"The students of this school should continue to be good ambassador of the school, community and state.\"\r\n\r\nEarlier, the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, lauded the people of Isi-Uzo council area and Enugu State for their relentless support leading to the successes recorded by the Nigerian Army in its operations and humanitarian impact projects.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLagbaja, represented by the GOC 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, encouraged the people of Enugu State to continue to support the Nigerian Army and being recruited to the Nigerian Army at different levels \"to serve our great country\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe explained that the COAS Special Intervention Project was meant to improve civil-military relations and bring relief and succour to host communities as well as connect serving top officers to development within their communities of origin.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5657\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241011-WA0057-300x126.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"126\" /><!--more-->\r\n\"I laud the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for supporting Nigerian Army\'s operations, projects and programmes.\r\n\r\n\"The community should make judicious use of the project and all facilities provided to uplift education and human dignity as well as maintain and protect the facilities to last long for generations of students,\" he said.\r\n\r\nThe Project Executor, Maj.-Gen. Jonathan Ugwuoke, commended the COAS for approving and funding the impactful project for educational advancement of students of the community and lifting the financial burden of renovating the school off the people.\r\n\r\nUgwuoke, who is the Commander, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, said: \"I sincerely appreciate the COAS and the Nigerian Army for the honour done to my community, the good people of Mbu and myself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"My community, today, feels the warm impact of the Nigerian Army through renovating the one storey 10 blocks of classroom, which is the first historical storey building in the entire old Isi-Uzo council area.\"\r\n\r\nProf. Festus Agbo, the President-General of the community, thanked the Nigerian Army, COAS, GOC and their son, Maj.-Gen. Ugwuoke for making the project a reality, while pledging the community\'s commitment to protect the school and its facilities.\r\n\r\n\"The Nigerian Army has taken away misery from our pockets and I assure you that we will strictly protect the school and its facilities,\" Agbo said.\r\n\r\nMaster Sunday Mbah, the Senior Prefect of the school, thanked the Nigerian Army for the gesture, adding that the renovated and fully equipped one storey building had uplift the landscape and dignity of the school.\r\n\r\n\"Previously, the roof of the building was leaking; doors and windows blown off by wind storm and the foundation of the building threatened by erosion as well. However, today the story changed for the better,\" Mbah said.','Gov. Mbah says Nigerian Army dedication to service instrumental to security in Enugu','','inherit','closed','closed','','5654-revision-v1','','','2024-10-11 20:14:41','2024-10-11 20:14:41','',5654,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5658',0,'revision','',0),(5659,1,'2024-10-12 21:42:23','2024-10-12 21:42:23','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5660 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241012-WA0082-169x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nBy Karen James\r\n\r\nAs the world marks the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, Dr. Isoken Ibie has sent a heartfelt message, calling for greater attention to the education and well-being of girls. In her statement, Dr. Ibie emphasized the importance of education, urging governments to make schooling accessible to all girls. She praised the Ministry of Women Affairs for its efforts in rescuing vulnerable children, especially girls, and called on political women to unite in building a better country for future generations.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nDr. Ibie expressed concern for girls who are abused or forced into begging, stressing that these issues must be addressed before reintegrating them into schools. She urged parents, guardians, and religious leaders to support girls in society, advocating for their empowerment through education. In her message, she highlighted the power of education and upbringing in shaping a girl’s future, asking the community to entrust their well-being to God and prioritize their success.\r\n\r\nSpeaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, Girls’ Vision for the Future, Dr. Ibie underscored the need for urgent action in promoting girls’ voices and protecting them from harmful influences, particularly through social media. She noted that girls represent the hope for a better tomorrow, and society must work together to ensure their welfare and empowerment as they navigate their paths toward a brighter future.','Dr. Isoken Ibie Advocates for Education and Empowerment as World Celebrates 2024 International Day of the Girl Child','','publish','open','open','','dr-isoken-ibie-advocates-for-education-and-empowerment-as-world-celebrates-2024-international-day-of-the-girl-child','','','2024-10-12 21:42:23','2024-10-12 21:42:23','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5659',0,'post','',0),(5660,1,'2024-10-12 21:42:04','2024-10-12 21:42:04','','IMG-20241012-WA0082','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241012-wa0082','','','2024-10-12 21:42:04','2024-10-12 21:42:04','',5659,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241012-WA0082.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5661,1,'2024-10-12 21:42:23','2024-10-12 21:42:23','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5660 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241012-WA0082-169x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nBy Karen James\r\n\r\nAs the world marks the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, Dr. Isoken Ibie has sent a heartfelt message, calling for greater attention to the education and well-being of girls. In her statement, Dr. Ibie emphasized the importance of education, urging governments to make schooling accessible to all girls. She praised the Ministry of Women Affairs for its efforts in rescuing vulnerable children, especially girls, and called on political women to unite in building a better country for future generations.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nDr. Ibie expressed concern for girls who are abused or forced into begging, stressing that these issues must be addressed before reintegrating them into schools. She urged parents, guardians, and religious leaders to support girls in society, advocating for their empowerment through education. In her message, she highlighted the power of education and upbringing in shaping a girl’s future, asking the community to entrust their well-being to God and prioritize their success.\r\n\r\nSpeaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, Girls’ Vision for the Future, Dr. Ibie underscored the need for urgent action in promoting girls’ voices and protecting them from harmful influences, particularly through social media. She noted that girls represent the hope for a better tomorrow, and society must work together to ensure their welfare and empowerment as they navigate their paths toward a brighter future.','Dr. Isoken Ibie Advocates for Education and Empowerment as World Celebrates 2024 International Day of the Girl Child','','inherit','closed','closed','','5659-revision-v1','','','2024-10-12 21:42:23','2024-10-12 21:42:23','',5659,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5661',0,'revision','',0),(5663,1,'2024-10-13 07:52:58','2024-10-13 07:52:58','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5664 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241013-WA0006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n...Says Research, Key to Problem Solving, Reconciliation in Nigeria\r\n\r\nBy Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu\r\n\r\nThe Guest Lecturer for the Second Edition of HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe Lecture Series, Professor Pat Utomi, has identified research as the key for solving the problem of peace and reconciliation in Nigeria, even as he called for an effective national orientation agency, a redesigned National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, and values-based political parties as the lee way to social reconciliation and accommodation where truth and justice count.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nProfessor Utomi who stated these at the event themed: “Achieving Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria: the Public Relations Approach”, held at the ETF Auditorium, COOU, Igbariam Campus described discontentment as a global phenomenon, saying that understanding what is fueling it remains critical in prescribing solutions; adding that the nature of political parties which have evolved in Nigeria and the quality of leadership in the country have led to despondency which requires the creation of goodwill rooted in evidence based prescriptions for a Nigeria devoid of the dysfunctions of ethno-religious and other cleavages.\r\n\r\nIn his opening remark, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Dr Ben Ndi Obi observed that celebrating a worthy personality such as Obi Nnaemeka Achebe, alive, is the greatest honour that can be confered on a living legend.\r\n\r\nSen. Obi described the theme of the event as critical at this moment when Nigeria is in dire need of peace, noting that a peaceful atmosphere is key to sustainable development.\r\n\r\nWelcoming the participants, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha stated that the University has adopted the lecture series as one of its flagship events, expressing delight that NIPR is partnering the COOU to celebrate a great Nigerian icon, describing the partnership as one that aligns with the three Vs of her administration which are values, viability and visibility.\r\n\r\nThe President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku in his address observed that Nigeria is not at its best in terms of reputation, hence the need for NIPR to assist the nation in singing a new song by instituting Nigeria Reputation Management Group to rebuild the nation’s reputation.\r\n\r\nDr Neliaku stressed the need to promote public relations as a core leadership function that can engineer effective communication between leaders and citizens to enhance good governance, as well as the need for responsible alliance to make leaders accountable for whatever they do or say.\r\n\r\nIn their separate speeches, the special guest, Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya, who is the Chairman, House of Representative Committee on Police Institutions; and the chairman, National planning committee, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu represented by the Vice Chairman of Council, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura noted that the theme of the lecture captured the conversation needed in Nigeria today where eminent personalities gather to speak on how to entrench peace in the country, describing Obi Alfred Achebe as an icon of peace and reconciliation in Nigeria who should be emulated by the youths for building bridges.\r\n\r\nFor his part, the Commissioner for Information, Anambra State, Dr. Law Mefor commended the NIPR and COOU for designing such a platform to fashion strategies for peaceful coexistence in Nigeria, adding that Anambra State government under Prof. Charles Soludo is creating a conducive environment for all, through massive infrastructural development.\r\n\r\nResponding, the celebrant, HRM, Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe narrated his thirty years experience at Shell Development Company PLC where he honed his public relations practice, pointing out that peace and reconciliation are the principles of his administration.\r\n\r\nWhile harping on the role of PR in peace and reconciliation with the courage to tell the truth, Obi Achebe stated that leadership matters in all aspects of life which comes with good conscience, intentional vision on the right path, and calls for a good country where everybody is treated with fairness.\r\n\r\nThe event themed: “Achieving Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria: the Public Relations Approach”, held at the ETF Auditorium, COOU, Igbariam Campus was well attended by eminent personalities across Nigeria from all walks of life, government functionaries, traditional rulers, and Onitsha traditional Chiefs, Otu Odu with Onitsha Youths, including COOU students.','HRM Achebe Lecture Series: Effective NOA, Redesigned NYSC, Values-based Political Parties Lee way to Social Reconciliation - Prof. Utomi','','publish','open','open','','hrm-achebe-lecture-series-effective-noa-redesigned-nysc-values-based-political-parties-lee-way-to-social-reconciliation-prof-utomi','','','2024-10-13 07:52:58','2024-10-13 07:52:58','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5663',0,'post','',0),(5664,1,'2024-10-13 07:52:43','2024-10-13 07:52:43','','IMG-20241013-WA0006','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241013-wa0006','','','2024-10-13 07:52:43','2024-10-13 07:52:43','',5663,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241013-WA0006.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5665,1,'2024-10-13 07:52:58','2024-10-13 07:52:58','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5664 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241013-WA0006-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n...Says Research, Key to Problem Solving, Reconciliation in Nigeria\r\n\r\nBy Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu\r\n\r\nThe Guest Lecturer for the Second Edition of HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe Lecture Series, Professor Pat Utomi, has identified research as the key for solving the problem of peace and reconciliation in Nigeria, even as he called for an effective national orientation agency, a redesigned National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, and values-based political parties as the lee way to social reconciliation and accommodation where truth and justice count.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nProfessor Utomi who stated these at the event themed: “Achieving Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria: the Public Relations Approach”, held at the ETF Auditorium, COOU, Igbariam Campus described discontentment as a global phenomenon, saying that understanding what is fueling it remains critical in prescribing solutions; adding that the nature of political parties which have evolved in Nigeria and the quality of leadership in the country have led to despondency which requires the creation of goodwill rooted in evidence based prescriptions for a Nigeria devoid of the dysfunctions of ethno-religious and other cleavages.\r\n\r\nIn his opening remark, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Dr Ben Ndi Obi observed that celebrating a worthy personality such as Obi Nnaemeka Achebe, alive, is the greatest honour that can be confered on a living legend.\r\n\r\nSen. Obi described the theme of the event as critical at this moment when Nigeria is in dire need of peace, noting that a peaceful atmosphere is key to sustainable development.\r\n\r\nWelcoming the participants, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha stated that the University has adopted the lecture series as one of its flagship events, expressing delight that NIPR is partnering the COOU to celebrate a great Nigerian icon, describing the partnership as one that aligns with the three Vs of her administration which are values, viability and visibility.\r\n\r\nThe President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku in his address observed that Nigeria is not at its best in terms of reputation, hence the need for NIPR to assist the nation in singing a new song by instituting Nigeria Reputation Management Group to rebuild the nation’s reputation.\r\n\r\nDr Neliaku stressed the need to promote public relations as a core leadership function that can engineer effective communication between leaders and citizens to enhance good governance, as well as the need for responsible alliance to make leaders accountable for whatever they do or say.\r\n\r\nIn their separate speeches, the special guest, Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya, who is the Chairman, House of Representative Committee on Police Institutions; and the chairman, National planning committee, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu represented by the Vice Chairman of Council, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura noted that the theme of the lecture captured the conversation needed in Nigeria today where eminent personalities gather to speak on how to entrench peace in the country, describing Obi Alfred Achebe as an icon of peace and reconciliation in Nigeria who should be emulated by the youths for building bridges.\r\n\r\nFor his part, the Commissioner for Information, Anambra State, Dr. Law Mefor commended the NIPR and COOU for designing such a platform to fashion strategies for peaceful coexistence in Nigeria, adding that Anambra State government under Prof. Charles Soludo is creating a conducive environment for all, through massive infrastructural development.\r\n\r\nResponding, the celebrant, HRM, Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe narrated his thirty years experience at Shell Development Company PLC where he honed his public relations practice, pointing out that peace and reconciliation are the principles of his administration.\r\n\r\nWhile harping on the role of PR in peace and reconciliation with the courage to tell the truth, Obi Achebe stated that leadership matters in all aspects of life which comes with good conscience, intentional vision on the right path, and calls for a good country where everybody is treated with fairness.\r\n\r\nThe event themed: “Achieving Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria: the Public Relations Approach”, held at the ETF Auditorium, COOU, Igbariam Campus was well attended by eminent personalities across Nigeria from all walks of life, government functionaries, traditional rulers, and Onitsha traditional Chiefs, Otu Odu with Onitsha Youths, including COOU students.','HRM Achebe Lecture Series: Effective NOA, Redesigned NYSC, Values-based Political Parties Lee way to Social Reconciliation - Prof. Utomi','','inherit','closed','closed','','5663-revision-v1','','','2024-10-13 07:52:58','2024-10-13 07:52:58','',5663,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5665',0,'revision','',0),(5668,1,'2024-10-16 01:03:17','2024-10-16 01:03:17','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5669 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241016-WA0015-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />\r\n\r\nThe Anambra State House of Assembly passed two progressive legislations pursuant to its powers under the Constitution (Anambra State Economic Planning and Development Law, 2024; and Anambra State Local Government Administration Law, 2024), and I have signed them into law. This has generated commentaries and debates especially in relation to their consistency or inconsistency with the recent Supreme Court judgement and the mantra of “local government autonomy.” My media team, other members of my government as well as well meaning Nigerians have vigorously defended these progressive laws and that should suffice. At this moment in Nigeria, being a state governor is not a fanciful job, especially given the gamut of allegations and innuendoes levelled against governors vis-a-vis local government funds. In the circumstance, any comment by me would be construed as self defence. However, I have a citizen duty to clarify and contribute to the discourse—especially as one who has been extensively involved in the debate and search for a more perfect union.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nAt the outset, let me make an important disclosure. I am a federalist and a proponent of competitive federalism for a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, vast country as Nigeria. From my limited knowledge, I do not know any federation (except perhaps some variants in Brazil) where a uniform local government system is provided for in a federal constitution or where the local government is treated as a de-facto federating unit. I understand that the issue of appropriate local government system was vigorously debated by the framers of the 1999 Constitution and a compromise was to insert Sections 7 Constitution which, among others, empowers each State through its House of Assembly to make laws which provide “for the establishment, structure, composition, finance, and functions...” of the local governments. Pioneered by Lagos State about 2004 several states have various laws pursuant to these Constitutional powers. The composition or structure of local governments in Lagos or Ebonyi state is certainly different from Anambra.\r\n\r\nAlso, the debate as to whether local governments should be part of the federal constitution or left to each federating unit (state) to determine its own appropriate local government system is still an unsettled matter. The APC committee on restructuring Nigeria proposed scrapping the local government from the Constitution of Nigeria. As the former chairman of planning and strategy committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, I know that the published position of Ndigbo in 2018 was that local governments be scrapped from the Constitution and let each state/region determine the type of local administration that suits it. Similar positions have been argued by Afenifere, PANDEF, Middle Belt Forum, etc. This is an issue for another day.\r\n\r\nIn the context of our evolving federalism, I see the recent Supreme Court judgment regarding the direct transfer of funds belonging to the local governments as an important contribution to our search for effective and transparent administration of resources at the local level. I see the judgment as an opportunity for public good. Given the Constitutional mandate for joint planning between the State and local government, I see the judgment as an opportunity for greater transparency and predictability regarding the sources and uses of funds, as well as greater coordination and collaboration between the State and local government. If there was any state where the State-Local Government Joint Accounts Committee did not manage the LG funds transparently, the Supreme court judgment is an opportunity and mandate to do it differently by further empowering the LG administration.\r\n\r\nBut there is more work to be done. We all need to think through how the funds transferred to the LGs should be appropriated, spent, or accounted for. Monies meant for the federal or state governments are not spent by the president or governors. The National Assembly and State Assemblies make appropriation laws on how and by whom the monies should be spent and provide oversight functions. What happens to the monies directly sent to the LGs? Who spends the monies, on what and how will they be accounted for?\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5670 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241016-WA0016-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />\r\nThis is where Section 7 of the Constitution comes handy, and the Anambra State House of Assembly has risen to the occasion. Happily, the Supreme Court did not nullify Section 7 of the Constitution. The new laws by Anambra House of Assembly are therefore consequential to give operational life to the Supreme Court judgment and not to undermine it. If the State House of Assembly abdicates this constitutional duty, the Local Government will then have no law on the use and management of its finance which the Constitution has given the State House of Assembly (and only the House of Assembly) the mandate to legislate on. Indeed, in many states the House of Assemblies retain the power to suspend or remove chairpersons of local governments.\r\n\r\nBy the way, isn’t the legislative authority exercised by the State Assemblies under Section 7 of the Constitution similar to the powers granted by the Constitution to the National Assembly over the Federal Capital Territory and its Area Councils? I understand that the Senate President had recently at one of the Plenary Sessions rhetorically asked if it was indeed possible to grant the kind of “autonomy” some people talk about without major amendments to the Constitution. Many Nigerians ask the same question. I also understand that the Senate recently resolved to begin the process of Constitutional amendment in this regard. This is a welcome development. But until that is done, our laws pursuant to the Constitution and designed to give operational effect to the Supreme Court judgment remain subsisting and valid.\r\n\r\nA critical instrument for muddling through our evolving federation and delivering higher efficiency and effectiveness in development is through structured collaboration among the tiers of government. No tier of government enjoys absolute autonomy. For example, the FGN has exclusive right over solid minerals, but the States have exclusive right over the land. Only a collaborative framework will maximize benefits from natural resources. Currently, there is a collaborative funding for the security agencies. The States and LGs contribute tens of billions monthly and deducted directly from FAAC every month towards the funding of the armed forces which are exclusively under the FGN. At the state levels, each state is spending a fortune of its own revenues on logistics and operational costs for the federal security agencies. The FGN, States and LGs are jointly paying for the FGN initiative on metering, etc. The states understand the above “emergency measures” as part of the collaborative arrangements to make Nigeria work better. A federal agency, the Debt Management Office (DMO) must clear any state government seeking to borrow from domestic financial system, while the National Assembly must approve States’ external borrowing. The federal UBEC insists on counterpart funding by states before it can release federal funds for basic education and also supervises the utilization of the contributions by states. There is a dozen or more areas of oversight of federal agencies over State finances. The above illustrations are simply to make the point that no tier of government can function in absolute autarky without collaboration with others. Given the functions assigned to the LGs by the Constitution, it is impossible to see how they can perform them without active collaboration with State governments. Because the Constitution did not envisage \"absolute autonomy\" for the Local Governments, it gave the State House of Assembly powers to make laws for them and equally did not create a Local Government Judiciary distinct from the State Judiciary.\r\n\r\nThe two legislations passed by the progressive Anambra House of Assembly seek to achieve three objectives: consistency with the Constitution and judgment of the Supreme Court; enhanced transparency and productive collaboration; and promotion of sustainable finance, democracy, and development at the local government. The laws seek to codify the collaborative arrangements to promote transparency and accountability. We seek to avoid ad-hoc or arbitrary arrangements---- building to last! The good news is that the eminent jurists at the Supreme Court did not outlaw collaboration and cooperation among the LGs in funding joint or common services, nor did they nullify Section 7 of the Constitution. What the new laws simply require is that ALL the chairmen/mayors of the local governments, meeting under the aegis of the State Economic Planning Board (similar to the National Economic Council) decide what percentage of their revenues to contribute to a Joint Local Government Account to pay for common/pooled services such as: (a) payment of salaries, allowances, gratuities and pensions of workers and retirees under the Local Government Service Commission; (b) provision and maintenance of primary, adult and vocational education including all salaries, allowances, gratuities and pensions payable in that regard; (c) provision and maintenance of primary health services including all salaries, allowances, gratuities and pensions payable in that regard; (d) payment of allowances to traditional rulers and Presidents-General of the communities; (e) Subventions to the Local Government Service Commission; and even for community security.\r\n\r\nWhat many people do not know is that the Constitution puts primary education and primary health care under the local governments. Many also do not know that primary school teachers are pooled under the UBEC—Universal Basic Education Commission. Workers in all the LGs are also pooled staff under the Local government service commission. Ditto for primary health workers. Absolute autonomy would mean that each LG would have its own primary education policy, employ its own teachers, and pay them whatever it can afford and whenever it can do so, etc. Now that Anambra has free education for primary and secondary education in all public schools, some LGs may decide that they cannot afford it. It might even get to a point where some LGs might ask “non-indigenes” who are workers in the LGs or teachers in primary schools to “go home” to their LGs of origin due to budgetary or other constraints.\r\n\r\nIndeed, absolute autonomy of LGs would mean that institutions that pool resources and workers would be scrapped including the Local Government Service Commission, Local Government Pension Board, the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), the Primary Health Care Agency, etc. Does it mean that the federal UBEC or Federal Ministry of Health would have to deal with each of the 774 LGs in respect of primary education or primary health care instead of coordinated through the State UBEC or state primary health care agency? This would be a recipe for humongous chaos, not only for the administration of local government and pensions, but more so in the primary education and primary health sectors. My administration inherited 4 years arrears of gratuity which we have been clearing systematically. How do you share the outstanding balance among the LGs or pay pensions to over 15,000 LG retirees who served the LGs as a pool without pooling of funds? Some years ago, some LGs rejected teachers posted to their LGs because it would jack up their wage bill.\r\n\r\nYes, our nascent federation is evolving but some of us as practitioners are determined to make it work for the people while we have the opportunity. I believe in building enduring institutions, especially ones founded upon due process, transparency, and rule of law. People remind me that many of the institutional reforms we established at the CBN still endure. Since assumption of office as Governor 30 months ago, we have devoted a lot of efforts in reforming and strengthening institutions, including the local government administration. Today, Anambra State under my watch is ranked number 1 among the 36 states on fiscal transparency by BudgIT, and among the top five states on financial sustainability. We inherited a local government system with four-year arrears (2018-2022) of gratuity to retired primary school teachers and other staff of local government. We have restructured their finances back to sustainability. Everyone who retired from the local government and State civil service since my tenure is paid gratuity/pension, and we are on course to clear the outstanding arrears soon. Three years’ arrears on counterpart funding for Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has been cleared, resulting in billions of Naira recently invested in our primary schools. Some 326 primary health centres are being constructed or modernized in all the 326 wards in the state as well as employing hundreds of medical personnel to man the primary health centres. Most of the local government secretariats have been remodelled and equipped, and the LG system is once again alive. This is not to mention that 3,615 out of the 8,115 new teachers recruited under my administration are for primary schools and they are being paid. We do not want to go back!\r\n\r\nSo, the laws are designed to protect our gains so far and strengthen the system for the future consistent with the Constitution and laws. I always remind myself that I am a bird of passage, and eventually, I will leave office. But we must build to last--- for the next generations. More specifically, the new laws are designed to protect our workers at the local level and protect our primary education and primary health care from chaos and collapse. Many teachers and pensioners wrote me to passionately plead that they do not want the agony of the 1990s--2003 when some primary school teachers in some LGs were paid and others owed salaries. I just read a report that the organized labour (particularly the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE; Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT; and Nigerian Union of Pensioners) were urging the FGN not to transfer workers/teachers salaries to the local government in the name of “local government autonomy”. No law protects the workers against nonpayment of salaries or pensions by governments. In Anambra we want to ensure that we do not wake up and hear that some LGs paid salaries of primary school teachers and others did not or that some pensioners are paid and others not, or that some contribute towards UBEC counterpart-funding while others do not. The laws seek to create a framework to ensure that the basic functions mandated by the Constitution for the local governments are discharged as a matter of first-line charge or the irreducible minimum. With these laws, workers, and retirees from the local government system in Anambra (primary school teachers, primary health workers, workers in the local government system under the local government service commission) can sleep with their two eyes closed. The LGs and State government can also collaborate in the security of the communities, just as the States and FGN collaborate in funding even the federal security agencies.\r\n\r\nIt is equally important to understand that the Constitution mandated this collaboration between the States and Local Governments when in its section 7 (3), it provides that \"it shall be duty of a local government council within the State to participate in economic planning and development of the area referred to in sub section 2 of this section and to this end, an economic planning board shall be established by a Law enacted by the House of Assembly of the State\". This provision gave rise to the establishment of the Anambra State Economic Planning Board of which all the local government chairpersons are members and who, among other things, decide on the percentage to be contributed to the Local Government Joint Account. It is important to appreciate that this money is not handed over to the State but remains with the Local Governments under a joint pool for the discharge of certain services by the local governments which services are uniform/common among the local governments as stated earlier.\r\n\r\nIn sum, the laws ensure that the State can function in a cohesively planned, transparent and sustainable manner to maximize the security and welfare of the citizens. They constitute a very smart solution to a possible systemic threat.\r\n\r\nGovernors are often accused of seeking to “control” LG funds with insinuations that LG funds are mismanaged. Of course, in a society where public office is seen as “dinning table” and public trust is low, people judge others by their own standards: by what they would do if they were in the position. I often ask: control for what? While I cannot hold brief for every governor, I know that most states are struggling to ensure a solvent local government system. I wish I can be spared the headache, if not for the predictable collateral damage to the system if we abdicate from structured oversight and collective accountability. The challenge ahead can be daunting given the quantum rise in wage bills because of the new minimum wage, as well as consequential rise in future pension/gratuity payments. Without active collaboration and coordination between state and local governments, many LGs will end up in a huge financial mess, requiring bailouts by state governments or will FGN directly intervene in every case of insolvency among the 774 LGs?\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, the progressive legislations by the State Assembly are designed to unleash the creative powers of the LGs, encourage peer learning, optimal development outcomes in planning and execution among the LGs, as well as novel accountability and transparency. The laws are ingenious by creating multiple layers of collaborative oversight whereby the LGs agree on monies to set aside and managed collectively by them for common services or first-line charges, while the rest is appropriated by the Congress of Councillors in each LG. In an innovative sense, the legislative powers – including powers of appropriation and oversight now largely reside with the local government legislature—Congress of Councillors, which is empowered to make bye-laws, which are in the nature of regulations, for the Local Governments (as it is the House of Assembly that is empowered by the Constitution to enact laws to guide the Local Governments).\r\n\r\nSince neither the Constitution nor the Supreme Court judgment prescribes the manner of appropriation, expenditure, and audit/accountability for local government funds, the House of Assembly and the Congress of Councillors fill in the blanks under the new laws pursuant to Section 7 of the Constitution. The evolution of our federalism is a work-in-progress, and the new Anambra laws constitute creative and progressive additions to institution-building. May the Federal Republic of Nigeria continue to win!','Nigeria’s Evolving Federalism and the Search for Sustainable Local Government Administration','','publish','open','open','','nigerias-evolving-federalism-and-the-search-for-sustainable-local-government-administration','','','2024-10-16 01:03:17','2024-10-16 01:03:17','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5668',0,'post','',0),(5669,1,'2024-10-16 01:02:26','2024-10-16 01:02:26','','IMG-20241016-WA0015','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241016-wa0015','','','2024-10-16 01:02:26','2024-10-16 01:02:26','',5668,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241016-WA0015.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5670,1,'2024-10-16 01:03:02','2024-10-16 01:03:02','','IMG-20241016-WA0016','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241016-wa0016','','','2024-10-16 01:03:02','2024-10-16 01:03:02','',5668,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241016-WA0016.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5671,1,'2024-10-16 01:03:17','2024-10-16 01:03:17','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5669 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241016-WA0015-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />\r\n\r\nThe Anambra State House of Assembly passed two progressive legislations pursuant to its powers under the Constitution (Anambra State Economic Planning and Development Law, 2024; and Anambra State Local Government Administration Law, 2024), and I have signed them into law. This has generated commentaries and debates especially in relation to their consistency or inconsistency with the recent Supreme Court judgement and the mantra of “local government autonomy.” My media team, other members of my government as well as well meaning Nigerians have vigorously defended these progressive laws and that should suffice. At this moment in Nigeria, being a state governor is not a fanciful job, especially given the gamut of allegations and innuendoes levelled against governors vis-a-vis local government funds. In the circumstance, any comment by me would be construed as self defence. However, I have a citizen duty to clarify and contribute to the discourse—especially as one who has been extensively involved in the debate and search for a more perfect union.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nAt the outset, let me make an important disclosure. I am a federalist and a proponent of competitive federalism for a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, vast country as Nigeria. From my limited knowledge, I do not know any federation (except perhaps some variants in Brazil) where a uniform local government system is provided for in a federal constitution or where the local government is treated as a de-facto federating unit. I understand that the issue of appropriate local government system was vigorously debated by the framers of the 1999 Constitution and a compromise was to insert Sections 7 Constitution which, among others, empowers each State through its House of Assembly to make laws which provide “for the establishment, structure, composition, finance, and functions...” of the local governments. Pioneered by Lagos State about 2004 several states have various laws pursuant to these Constitutional powers. The composition or structure of local governments in Lagos or Ebonyi state is certainly different from Anambra.\r\n\r\nAlso, the debate as to whether local governments should be part of the federal constitution or left to each federating unit (state) to determine its own appropriate local government system is still an unsettled matter. The APC committee on restructuring Nigeria proposed scrapping the local government from the Constitution of Nigeria. As the former chairman of planning and strategy committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, I know that the published position of Ndigbo in 2018 was that local governments be scrapped from the Constitution and let each state/region determine the type of local administration that suits it. Similar positions have been argued by Afenifere, PANDEF, Middle Belt Forum, etc. This is an issue for another day.\r\n\r\nIn the context of our evolving federalism, I see the recent Supreme Court judgment regarding the direct transfer of funds belonging to the local governments as an important contribution to our search for effective and transparent administration of resources at the local level. I see the judgment as an opportunity for public good. Given the Constitutional mandate for joint planning between the State and local government, I see the judgment as an opportunity for greater transparency and predictability regarding the sources and uses of funds, as well as greater coordination and collaboration between the State and local government. If there was any state where the State-Local Government Joint Accounts Committee did not manage the LG funds transparently, the Supreme court judgment is an opportunity and mandate to do it differently by further empowering the LG administration.\r\n\r\nBut there is more work to be done. We all need to think through how the funds transferred to the LGs should be appropriated, spent, or accounted for. Monies meant for the federal or state governments are not spent by the president or governors. The National Assembly and State Assemblies make appropriation laws on how and by whom the monies should be spent and provide oversight functions. What happens to the monies directly sent to the LGs? Who spends the monies, on what and how will they be accounted for?\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5670 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241016-WA0016-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />\r\nThis is where Section 7 of the Constitution comes handy, and the Anambra State House of Assembly has risen to the occasion. Happily, the Supreme Court did not nullify Section 7 of the Constitution. The new laws by Anambra House of Assembly are therefore consequential to give operational life to the Supreme Court judgment and not to undermine it. If the State House of Assembly abdicates this constitutional duty, the Local Government will then have no law on the use and management of its finance which the Constitution has given the State House of Assembly (and only the House of Assembly) the mandate to legislate on. Indeed, in many states the House of Assemblies retain the power to suspend or remove chairpersons of local governments.\r\n\r\nBy the way, isn’t the legislative authority exercised by the State Assemblies under Section 7 of the Constitution similar to the powers granted by the Constitution to the National Assembly over the Federal Capital Territory and its Area Councils? I understand that the Senate President had recently at one of the Plenary Sessions rhetorically asked if it was indeed possible to grant the kind of “autonomy” some people talk about without major amendments to the Constitution. Many Nigerians ask the same question. I also understand that the Senate recently resolved to begin the process of Constitutional amendment in this regard. This is a welcome development. But until that is done, our laws pursuant to the Constitution and designed to give operational effect to the Supreme Court judgment remain subsisting and valid.\r\n\r\nA critical instrument for muddling through our evolving federation and delivering higher efficiency and effectiveness in development is through structured collaboration among the tiers of government. No tier of government enjoys absolute autonomy. For example, the FGN has exclusive right over solid minerals, but the States have exclusive right over the land. Only a collaborative framework will maximize benefits from natural resources. Currently, there is a collaborative funding for the security agencies. The States and LGs contribute tens of billions monthly and deducted directly from FAAC every month towards the funding of the armed forces which are exclusively under the FGN. At the state levels, each state is spending a fortune of its own revenues on logistics and operational costs for the federal security agencies. The FGN, States and LGs are jointly paying for the FGN initiative on metering, etc. The states understand the above “emergency measures” as part of the collaborative arrangements to make Nigeria work better. A federal agency, the Debt Management Office (DMO) must clear any state government seeking to borrow from domestic financial system, while the National Assembly must approve States’ external borrowing. The federal UBEC insists on counterpart funding by states before it can release federal funds for basic education and also supervises the utilization of the contributions by states. There is a dozen or more areas of oversight of federal agencies over State finances. The above illustrations are simply to make the point that no tier of government can function in absolute autarky without collaboration with others. Given the functions assigned to the LGs by the Constitution, it is impossible to see how they can perform them without active collaboration with State governments. Because the Constitution did not envisage \"absolute autonomy\" for the Local Governments, it gave the State House of Assembly powers to make laws for them and equally did not create a Local Government Judiciary distinct from the State Judiciary.\r\n\r\nThe two legislations passed by the progressive Anambra House of Assembly seek to achieve three objectives: consistency with the Constitution and judgment of the Supreme Court; enhanced transparency and productive collaboration; and promotion of sustainable finance, democracy, and development at the local government. The laws seek to codify the collaborative arrangements to promote transparency and accountability. We seek to avoid ad-hoc or arbitrary arrangements---- building to last! The good news is that the eminent jurists at the Supreme Court did not outlaw collaboration and cooperation among the LGs in funding joint or common services, nor did they nullify Section 7 of the Constitution. What the new laws simply require is that ALL the chairmen/mayors of the local governments, meeting under the aegis of the State Economic Planning Board (similar to the National Economic Council) decide what percentage of their revenues to contribute to a Joint Local Government Account to pay for common/pooled services such as: (a) payment of salaries, allowances, gratuities and pensions of workers and retirees under the Local Government Service Commission; (b) provision and maintenance of primary, adult and vocational education including all salaries, allowances, gratuities and pensions payable in that regard; (c) provision and maintenance of primary health services including all salaries, allowances, gratuities and pensions payable in that regard; (d) payment of allowances to traditional rulers and Presidents-General of the communities; (e) Subventions to the Local Government Service Commission; and even for community security.\r\n\r\nWhat many people do not know is that the Constitution puts primary education and primary health care under the local governments. Many also do not know that primary school teachers are pooled under the UBEC—Universal Basic Education Commission. Workers in all the LGs are also pooled staff under the Local government service commission. Ditto for primary health workers. Absolute autonomy would mean that each LG would have its own primary education policy, employ its own teachers, and pay them whatever it can afford and whenever it can do so, etc. Now that Anambra has free education for primary and secondary education in all public schools, some LGs may decide that they cannot afford it. It might even get to a point where some LGs might ask “non-indigenes” who are workers in the LGs or teachers in primary schools to “go home” to their LGs of origin due to budgetary or other constraints.\r\n\r\nIndeed, absolute autonomy of LGs would mean that institutions that pool resources and workers would be scrapped including the Local Government Service Commission, Local Government Pension Board, the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), the Primary Health Care Agency, etc. Does it mean that the federal UBEC or Federal Ministry of Health would have to deal with each of the 774 LGs in respect of primary education or primary health care instead of coordinated through the State UBEC or state primary health care agency? This would be a recipe for humongous chaos, not only for the administration of local government and pensions, but more so in the primary education and primary health sectors. My administration inherited 4 years arrears of gratuity which we have been clearing systematically. How do you share the outstanding balance among the LGs or pay pensions to over 15,000 LG retirees who served the LGs as a pool without pooling of funds? Some years ago, some LGs rejected teachers posted to their LGs because it would jack up their wage bill.\r\n\r\nYes, our nascent federation is evolving but some of us as practitioners are determined to make it work for the people while we have the opportunity. I believe in building enduring institutions, especially ones founded upon due process, transparency, and rule of law. People remind me that many of the institutional reforms we established at the CBN still endure. Since assumption of office as Governor 30 months ago, we have devoted a lot of efforts in reforming and strengthening institutions, including the local government administration. Today, Anambra State under my watch is ranked number 1 among the 36 states on fiscal transparency by BudgIT, and among the top five states on financial sustainability. We inherited a local government system with four-year arrears (2018-2022) of gratuity to retired primary school teachers and other staff of local government. We have restructured their finances back to sustainability. Everyone who retired from the local government and State civil service since my tenure is paid gratuity/pension, and we are on course to clear the outstanding arrears soon. Three years’ arrears on counterpart funding for Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has been cleared, resulting in billions of Naira recently invested in our primary schools. Some 326 primary health centres are being constructed or modernized in all the 326 wards in the state as well as employing hundreds of medical personnel to man the primary health centres. Most of the local government secretariats have been remodelled and equipped, and the LG system is once again alive. This is not to mention that 3,615 out of the 8,115 new teachers recruited under my administration are for primary schools and they are being paid. We do not want to go back!\r\n\r\nSo, the laws are designed to protect our gains so far and strengthen the system for the future consistent with the Constitution and laws. I always remind myself that I am a bird of passage, and eventually, I will leave office. But we must build to last--- for the next generations. More specifically, the new laws are designed to protect our workers at the local level and protect our primary education and primary health care from chaos and collapse. Many teachers and pensioners wrote me to passionately plead that they do not want the agony of the 1990s--2003 when some primary school teachers in some LGs were paid and others owed salaries. I just read a report that the organized labour (particularly the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE; Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT; and Nigerian Union of Pensioners) were urging the FGN not to transfer workers/teachers salaries to the local government in the name of “local government autonomy”. No law protects the workers against nonpayment of salaries or pensions by governments. In Anambra we want to ensure that we do not wake up and hear that some LGs paid salaries of primary school teachers and others did not or that some pensioners are paid and others not, or that some contribute towards UBEC counterpart-funding while others do not. The laws seek to create a framework to ensure that the basic functions mandated by the Constitution for the local governments are discharged as a matter of first-line charge or the irreducible minimum. With these laws, workers, and retirees from the local government system in Anambra (primary school teachers, primary health workers, workers in the local government system under the local government service commission) can sleep with their two eyes closed. The LGs and State government can also collaborate in the security of the communities, just as the States and FGN collaborate in funding even the federal security agencies.\r\n\r\nIt is equally important to understand that the Constitution mandated this collaboration between the States and Local Governments when in its section 7 (3), it provides that \"it shall be duty of a local government council within the State to participate in economic planning and development of the area referred to in sub section 2 of this section and to this end, an economic planning board shall be established by a Law enacted by the House of Assembly of the State\". This provision gave rise to the establishment of the Anambra State Economic Planning Board of which all the local government chairpersons are members and who, among other things, decide on the percentage to be contributed to the Local Government Joint Account. It is important to appreciate that this money is not handed over to the State but remains with the Local Governments under a joint pool for the discharge of certain services by the local governments which services are uniform/common among the local governments as stated earlier.\r\n\r\nIn sum, the laws ensure that the State can function in a cohesively planned, transparent and sustainable manner to maximize the security and welfare of the citizens. They constitute a very smart solution to a possible systemic threat.\r\n\r\nGovernors are often accused of seeking to “control” LG funds with insinuations that LG funds are mismanaged. Of course, in a society where public office is seen as “dinning table” and public trust is low, people judge others by their own standards: by what they would do if they were in the position. I often ask: control for what? While I cannot hold brief for every governor, I know that most states are struggling to ensure a solvent local government system. I wish I can be spared the headache, if not for the predictable collateral damage to the system if we abdicate from structured oversight and collective accountability. The challenge ahead can be daunting given the quantum rise in wage bills because of the new minimum wage, as well as consequential rise in future pension/gratuity payments. Without active collaboration and coordination between state and local governments, many LGs will end up in a huge financial mess, requiring bailouts by state governments or will FGN directly intervene in every case of insolvency among the 774 LGs?\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, the progressive legislations by the State Assembly are designed to unleash the creative powers of the LGs, encourage peer learning, optimal development outcomes in planning and execution among the LGs, as well as novel accountability and transparency. The laws are ingenious by creating multiple layers of collaborative oversight whereby the LGs agree on monies to set aside and managed collectively by them for common services or first-line charges, while the rest is appropriated by the Congress of Councillors in each LG. In an innovative sense, the legislative powers – including powers of appropriation and oversight now largely reside with the local government legislature—Congress of Councillors, which is empowered to make bye-laws, which are in the nature of regulations, for the Local Governments (as it is the House of Assembly that is empowered by the Constitution to enact laws to guide the Local Governments).\r\n\r\nSince neither the Constitution nor the Supreme Court judgment prescribes the manner of appropriation, expenditure, and audit/accountability for local government funds, the House of Assembly and the Congress of Councillors fill in the blanks under the new laws pursuant to Section 7 of the Constitution. The evolution of our federalism is a work-in-progress, and the new Anambra laws constitute creative and progressive additions to institution-building. May the Federal Republic of Nigeria continue to win!','Nigeria’s Evolving Federalism and the Search for Sustainable Local Government Administration','','inherit','closed','closed','','5668-revision-v1','','','2024-10-16 01:03:17','2024-10-16 01:03:17','',5668,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5671',0,'revision','',0),(5672,1,'2024-10-16 18:19:16','2024-10-16 18:19:16','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5673\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241016-WA00841-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\nDr Ronke Adewale-Johnson\r\n\r\n“It’s an unfathomable paradox”, ruefully stated the woman sitting next to me at the discussion segment of the three-day Energy Summit at the Landmark Events Centre when the 2024 annual conference started on Tuesday, October 15, “that a country so blessed with brilliant and talented persons could be in the present development morass”. The lady, in her early 30s and from one of the largest commercial law firms in the country, was impressed, like the rest of the considerable audience, at the presentations of executives of different power generation firms in the country. The discussants were Meyen Etukudo, the CEO of Ibom Power; Edu Okeke, CEO of Azura Power Ltd; Oti Ikomi, Vice Chairman &amp; CEO of Proton Energy Africa; and two amazons, Mrs Atinuke Taiwo, Executive Director and General Counsel of Mainstream Solutions Ltd, and Mrs Agatha Nnaji, Group Managing Director of Geometric Power.<!--more-->\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMrs Nnaji received the most sustained applause each time she spoke. Each time, she provided a new, totally refreshing insight into the electric power sector. The first insight is the imperative of aligning interests between public servants and entrepreneurs in the power sector. The second is the revelation that her Geometric Power firm has been operating effectively without government subsidies, in contrast to the case with other power generation and distribution firms in Nigeria.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe believes that Nigeria will remain in the woods unless there is a new culture and mindset in the public servants, including civil servants who run agencies dealing with the sector.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNnaji argued that if civil servants, for instance, continue to earn their salaries and benefits regardless of their performance, it would be difficult for the country to make a dent in the electricity sector. She wants civil servants to be incentivized so as to develop an entrepreneurial spirit that will benefit them and the nation.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNigerian top officials and civil servants need to learn a lesson from China in this respect. China has five government tiers, stretching from over 40,000 townships to 2,800 counties to 333 municipalities to 31 province-level regions and the national administration. One critical criterion for promoting a person from one layer to another is the number and size of investments attracted to a person’s area within a given period.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a well-circulated article entitled “What the West Misunderstands about Power in China” and published in the influential thought magazine, Noema magazine, on November 10, 2023, Xiao Ma of Peking University wrote: “The desire to reach higher positions generates incentives for local officials to reach and balance goals such as promoting growth, attracting investment, preserving the environment, and maintaining social stability.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Local leaders have to be entrepreneurial to outperform their equally motivated peers in local development. Some resort to policy experiments, transforming the local bureaucracy to make it more amicable to residents and outside investors; others lobby their superiors, in particular those in the central government, for additional policy handouts”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a popular book published in the United States in 2009 entitled The China Strategy: Harnessing the Power of the World’s Fastest-growing Economy, Edward Tse, an investment consultant based in Hong Kong who writes for Harvard Business Review, notes on page 10 that the amazing success of Chinese new cities and towns owes to officials who govern them in a way to “attract as much business as they can”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn page 18 of the book, Tse, who notes the immense patriotism in all Chinese officials, continues: “They have taken on responsibilities beyond their job description, acting as the guiding hand in the creation of China as a world-leading country. Their interests extend beyond self-enrichment to the creation of national wealth and pride. This has been the motive behind building up the infrastructure necessary to economic development. It also means a long-term commitment to ensuring incremental development, as well as a willingness to experiment and collaborate across government agencies and with the private sector”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat led Mrs. Nnaji to call for a new culture and mindset in the public agencies dealing with the power sector was a question from the moderator of her session on power generation and sustainability. The moderator, Nicholas Okafor of Belo-Osagie and Udo Udoma law firm wondered how the Geometric Power group, comprising the 188-megawatt Geometric Plant in Aba, Abia State, and the embedded Aba Power distributing firm, Nigeria’s 12th distribution power company, was able to survive despite being in limbo for 20 years as a result of deliberate man-made obstacles before it was eventually commissioned last February 26 by Vice President Kashim Shettima.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile the other electricity generation and distribution companies have been lamenting that the Federal Government, which has paid over seven trillion naira (N7tr) to them since their privatization in 2013 as subsidy, is still owing them so much money, the Geometric Power group has not received a kobo from any person as subsidy. More incredibly, the Geometric Power group it is not expecting any because it is designed to operate with no such support.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has been saying that the Federal Government is studying the Geometric Power model intending to replicate it in other parts of Nigeria. The minister says that the DisCos cover very wide territories which makes efficient management difficult, citing the example of the Ibadan DisCo that services industries in Ogun State and places in Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and even Kwara states. In contrast, Aba Power serves only nine local government areas in Abia State, making it efficient to manage.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut the more important point about Geometric Power operations, as Mrs. Nnaji revealed, is that it is Nigeria’s foremost power-integrated group, that is, it generates its own power and sells it to itself for a dedicated or niche market. Other electricity companies in Nigeria are either power generation firms or electricity distributing ones. Therefore, when other GenCos complain of not being paid by DisCos after supplying them electricity, Geometric Power doesn’t complain because Aba Power does not owe it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs Dr Shamsudeen Usman, the former Minister of Economic Planning, revealed recently, most of the 11 DisCos privatized in 2013 were hijacked by extremely greedy people in the Federal Government and their agents. They are today’s in a big mess. They are perhaps the weakest link in the country’s electricity value chain. The Federal Government, which still retains a 40% stake in them, should consider selling them to GenCos willing to purchase them. There is no future for eight of the 12 DisCos in Nigeria. There is a limit to how long the Federal Government can subsidize them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDr (Mrs) Adewala-Johnson is a business consultant in Lagos.','Fresh Insights into the Power Sector','','publish','open','open','','fresh-insights-into-the-power-sector','','','2024-10-16 18:19:16','2024-10-16 18:19:16','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5672',0,'post','',0),(5673,1,'2024-10-16 18:19:01','2024-10-16 18:19:01','','IMG-20241016-WA0084(1)','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241016-wa00841','','','2024-10-16 18:19:01','2024-10-16 18:19:01','',5672,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241016-WA00841.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5674,1,'2024-10-16 18:19:16','2024-10-16 18:19:16','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5673\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241016-WA00841-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\nDr Ronke Adewale-Johnson\r\n\r\n“It’s an unfathomable paradox”, ruefully stated the woman sitting next to me at the discussion segment of the three-day Energy Summit at the Landmark Events Centre when the 2024 annual conference started on Tuesday, October 15, “that a country so blessed with brilliant and talented persons could be in the present development morass”. The lady, in her early 30s and from one of the largest commercial law firms in the country, was impressed, like the rest of the considerable audience, at the presentations of executives of different power generation firms in the country. The discussants were Meyen Etukudo, the CEO of Ibom Power; Edu Okeke, CEO of Azura Power Ltd; Oti Ikomi, Vice Chairman &amp; CEO of Proton Energy Africa; and two amazons, Mrs Atinuke Taiwo, Executive Director and General Counsel of Mainstream Solutions Ltd, and Mrs Agatha Nnaji, Group Managing Director of Geometric Power.<!--more-->\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMrs Nnaji received the most sustained applause each time she spoke. Each time, she provided a new, totally refreshing insight into the electric power sector. The first insight is the imperative of aligning interests between public servants and entrepreneurs in the power sector. The second is the revelation that her Geometric Power firm has been operating effectively without government subsidies, in contrast to the case with other power generation and distribution firms in Nigeria.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe believes that Nigeria will remain in the woods unless there is a new culture and mindset in the public servants, including civil servants who run agencies dealing with the sector.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNnaji argued that if civil servants, for instance, continue to earn their salaries and benefits regardless of their performance, it would be difficult for the country to make a dent in the electricity sector. She wants civil servants to be incentivized so as to develop an entrepreneurial spirit that will benefit them and the nation.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNigerian top officials and civil servants need to learn a lesson from China in this respect. China has five government tiers, stretching from over 40,000 townships to 2,800 counties to 333 municipalities to 31 province-level regions and the national administration. One critical criterion for promoting a person from one layer to another is the number and size of investments attracted to a person’s area within a given period.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a well-circulated article entitled “What the West Misunderstands about Power in China” and published in the influential thought magazine, Noema magazine, on November 10, 2023, Xiao Ma of Peking University wrote: “The desire to reach higher positions generates incentives for local officials to reach and balance goals such as promoting growth, attracting investment, preserving the environment, and maintaining social stability.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Local leaders have to be entrepreneurial to outperform their equally motivated peers in local development. Some resort to policy experiments, transforming the local bureaucracy to make it more amicable to residents and outside investors; others lobby their superiors, in particular those in the central government, for additional policy handouts”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a popular book published in the United States in 2009 entitled The China Strategy: Harnessing the Power of the World’s Fastest-growing Economy, Edward Tse, an investment consultant based in Hong Kong who writes for Harvard Business Review, notes on page 10 that the amazing success of Chinese new cities and towns owes to officials who govern them in a way to “attract as much business as they can”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn page 18 of the book, Tse, who notes the immense patriotism in all Chinese officials, continues: “They have taken on responsibilities beyond their job description, acting as the guiding hand in the creation of China as a world-leading country. Their interests extend beyond self-enrichment to the creation of national wealth and pride. This has been the motive behind building up the infrastructure necessary to economic development. It also means a long-term commitment to ensuring incremental development, as well as a willingness to experiment and collaborate across government agencies and with the private sector”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat led Mrs. Nnaji to call for a new culture and mindset in the public agencies dealing with the power sector was a question from the moderator of her session on power generation and sustainability. The moderator, Nicholas Okafor of Belo-Osagie and Udo Udoma law firm wondered how the Geometric Power group, comprising the 188-megawatt Geometric Plant in Aba, Abia State, and the embedded Aba Power distributing firm, Nigeria’s 12th distribution power company, was able to survive despite being in limbo for 20 years as a result of deliberate man-made obstacles before it was eventually commissioned last February 26 by Vice President Kashim Shettima.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile the other electricity generation and distribution companies have been lamenting that the Federal Government, which has paid over seven trillion naira (N7tr) to them since their privatization in 2013 as subsidy, is still owing them so much money, the Geometric Power group has not received a kobo from any person as subsidy. More incredibly, the Geometric Power group it is not expecting any because it is designed to operate with no such support.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo wonder, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has been saying that the Federal Government is studying the Geometric Power model intending to replicate it in other parts of Nigeria. The minister says that the DisCos cover very wide territories which makes efficient management difficult, citing the example of the Ibadan DisCo that services industries in Ogun State and places in Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and even Kwara states. In contrast, Aba Power serves only nine local government areas in Abia State, making it efficient to manage.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut the more important point about Geometric Power operations, as Mrs. Nnaji revealed, is that it is Nigeria’s foremost power-integrated group, that is, it generates its own power and sells it to itself for a dedicated or niche market. Other electricity companies in Nigeria are either power generation firms or electricity distributing ones. Therefore, when other GenCos complain of not being paid by DisCos after supplying them electricity, Geometric Power doesn’t complain because Aba Power does not owe it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs Dr Shamsudeen Usman, the former Minister of Economic Planning, revealed recently, most of the 11 DisCos privatized in 2013 were hijacked by extremely greedy people in the Federal Government and their agents. They are today’s in a big mess. They are perhaps the weakest link in the country’s electricity value chain. The Federal Government, which still retains a 40% stake in them, should consider selling them to GenCos willing to purchase them. There is no future for eight of the 12 DisCos in Nigeria. There is a limit to how long the Federal Government can subsidize them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDr (Mrs) Adewala-Johnson is a business consultant in Lagos.','Fresh Insights into the Power Sector','','inherit','closed','closed','','5672-revision-v1','','','2024-10-16 18:19:16','2024-10-16 18:19:16','',5672,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5674',0,'revision','',0),(5675,1,'2024-10-17 21:39:24','2024-10-17 21:39:24','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5676\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241017-WA0041-278x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"278\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nAba Power, Nigeria’s newest electricity distribution company, has renewed its effort to crack down on energy theft in nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia, Abia State, under its coverage.\r\n\r\nIts Feeder Team, working in conjunction with security agencies, has arrested two individuals involved in illegal meter tampering.\r\n\r\nThey were apprehended following what security sources described as overwhelming evidence of their involvement in a crime that undermines energy security in the Aba Ring-fenced Area.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe arrests took place on Orji Street, off Umule Road, Aba.\r\n\r\nIsak Adamu, an electrician, was arrested following weeks of weeks of monitoring and surveillance which revealed that he is the brain behind multiple cases of meter tampering.\r\n\r\nUdeme James, the second person arrested for energy theft, confessed during interrogation that he had been paying Adamu Seven thousand naira (₦7,000) monthly to manipulate his meter, preventing accurate readings of his energy consumption.\r\n\r\nAccording to a police officer who asked not to be named because he is not authorized to speak to the press, further investigations revealed Adamu’s linkage to a broader network of corrupt clients benefiting from his illicit services.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“He is cooperating with us to identify and prosecute those who engaged his services”, the officer added.\r\n\r\nAba Power’s Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Blessing Ogbe expressed deep disappointment in both the electrician and the customer for defrauding Aba Power, Nigeria’s 12th power distribution company.\r\n\r\n“We will implement stricter monitoring of prepaid meters to ensure energy theft is eradicated and revenue is protected”, he declared.\r\n\r\n“Legal action will be taken swiftly against offenders, in line with the 2023 Electricity Act”.\r\n\r\nHe requested the public to assist Aba Power in identifying those involved in the criminal act, emphasizing that such activities harm both the company and its customers.\r\n\r\nEngr. Ogbe also commended men and officers of the Nigerian Police Force, World Bank Police Station, Abayi, Aba, for their involvement in the investigation and successful arrests.\r\n\r\nThis crackdown follows recent comments by the Group Managing Director of Geometric Power Group, Mrs. Agatha Nnaji, who, during a Customer Service Week event this month decried the increasing rates of energy theft and vandalism.\r\n\r\nShe assured customers of improved power supply, as the company has made significant progress in resolving the gas supply challenges that have impeded turbine operations and efficient service delivery to the Aba Ring Fence area.','Aba Power Cracks Down on Energy Theft Syndicate; Vows Tougher Enforcement and Swift Legal Action','','publish','open','open','','aba-power-cracks-down-on-energy-theft-syndicate-vows-tougher-enforcement-and-swift-legal-action','','','2024-10-17 21:39:24','2024-10-17 21:39:24','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5675',0,'post','',0),(5676,1,'2024-10-17 21:39:06','2024-10-17 21:39:06','','IMG-20241017-WA0041','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241017-wa0041','','','2024-10-17 21:39:06','2024-10-17 21:39:06','',5675,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241017-WA0041.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5677,1,'2024-10-17 21:39:24','2024-10-17 21:39:24','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5676\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241017-WA0041-278x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"278\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nAba Power, Nigeria’s newest electricity distribution company, has renewed its effort to crack down on energy theft in nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia, Abia State, under its coverage.\r\n\r\nIts Feeder Team, working in conjunction with security agencies, has arrested two individuals involved in illegal meter tampering.\r\n\r\nThey were apprehended following what security sources described as overwhelming evidence of their involvement in a crime that undermines energy security in the Aba Ring-fenced Area.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe arrests took place on Orji Street, off Umule Road, Aba.\r\n\r\nIsak Adamu, an electrician, was arrested following weeks of weeks of monitoring and surveillance which revealed that he is the brain behind multiple cases of meter tampering.\r\n\r\nUdeme James, the second person arrested for energy theft, confessed during interrogation that he had been paying Adamu Seven thousand naira (₦7,000) monthly to manipulate his meter, preventing accurate readings of his energy consumption.\r\n\r\nAccording to a police officer who asked not to be named because he is not authorized to speak to the press, further investigations revealed Adamu’s linkage to a broader network of corrupt clients benefiting from his illicit services.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“He is cooperating with us to identify and prosecute those who engaged his services”, the officer added.\r\n\r\nAba Power’s Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Blessing Ogbe expressed deep disappointment in both the electrician and the customer for defrauding Aba Power, Nigeria’s 12th power distribution company.\r\n\r\n“We will implement stricter monitoring of prepaid meters to ensure energy theft is eradicated and revenue is protected”, he declared.\r\n\r\n“Legal action will be taken swiftly against offenders, in line with the 2023 Electricity Act”.\r\n\r\nHe requested the public to assist Aba Power in identifying those involved in the criminal act, emphasizing that such activities harm both the company and its customers.\r\n\r\nEngr. Ogbe also commended men and officers of the Nigerian Police Force, World Bank Police Station, Abayi, Aba, for their involvement in the investigation and successful arrests.\r\n\r\nThis crackdown follows recent comments by the Group Managing Director of Geometric Power Group, Mrs. Agatha Nnaji, who, during a Customer Service Week event this month decried the increasing rates of energy theft and vandalism.\r\n\r\nShe assured customers of improved power supply, as the company has made significant progress in resolving the gas supply challenges that have impeded turbine operations and efficient service delivery to the Aba Ring Fence area.','Aba Power Cracks Down on Energy Theft Syndicate; Vows Tougher Enforcement and Swift Legal Action','','inherit','closed','closed','','5675-revision-v1','','','2024-10-17 21:39:24','2024-10-17 21:39:24','',5675,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5677',0,'revision','',0),(5678,1,'2024-10-19 07:38:16','2024-10-19 07:38:16','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5679 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241019-WA0016-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />\r\n\r\nBy Karen James\r\n\r\nThe world celebrates Dr. Isoken Ibie’s remarkable achievement as she earns her Doctorate in Philosophy and Human Advocacy from the College of Chaplaincy and Social Sciences in Nigeria, an affiliate of African American University, Porto-Novo, and accredited by the America Council of Training &amp; Development. This milestone is a recognition of Dr. Ibie’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, justice, and human dignity through her work in academia, advocacy, and community service.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nA leader in human advocacy, Dr. Ibie’s groundbreaking contributions extend far beyond the classroom. As CEO of ISK Production and ISK Consulting, she spearheads initiatives that drive positive social change across Nigeria and Canada. Her passion for empowering marginalized communities is evident in her founding of the Nigerian Canadian Resettlement Center and the Women Supporting Women in Politics Network, organisations that have touched countless lives.\r\n\r\nDr. Ibie’s efforts have garnered international attention and prestigious accolades, including being named Best Africa Female Filmmaker at the 2023 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival and receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Her work in film and media continues to elevate stories that advocate for justice, peace, and equity.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5680 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241019-WA0014-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nThe World Peace Advocate proudly honours Dr. Ibie, celebrating not only her academic excellence but also her relentless pursuit of truth and social justice. As a beacon of hope and a force for positive transformation, Dr. Ibie’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.','Dr. Isoken Ibie Earns Doctorate in Philosophy and Human Advocacy, Honoured for Landmark Achievement in Peace and Social Justice','','publish','open','open','','dr-isoken-ibie-earns-doctorate-in-philosophy-and-human-advocacy-honoured-for-landmark-achievement-in-peace-and-social-justice','','','2024-10-19 07:38:16','2024-10-19 07:38:16','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5678',0,'post','',0),(5679,1,'2024-10-19 07:37:28','2024-10-19 07:37:28','','IMG-20241019-WA0016','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241019-wa0016','','','2024-10-19 07:37:28','2024-10-19 07:37:28','',5678,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241019-WA0016.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5680,1,'2024-10-19 07:37:58','2024-10-19 07:37:58','','IMG-20241019-WA0014','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241019-wa0014','','','2024-10-19 07:37:58','2024-10-19 07:37:58','',5678,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241019-WA0014.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5681,1,'2024-10-19 07:38:16','2024-10-19 07:38:16','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5679 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241019-WA0016-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />\r\n\r\nBy Karen James\r\n\r\nThe world celebrates Dr. Isoken Ibie’s remarkable achievement as she earns her Doctorate in Philosophy and Human Advocacy from the College of Chaplaincy and Social Sciences in Nigeria, an affiliate of African American University, Porto-Novo, and accredited by the America Council of Training &amp; Development. This milestone is a recognition of Dr. Ibie’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, justice, and human dignity through her work in academia, advocacy, and community service.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nA leader in human advocacy, Dr. Ibie’s groundbreaking contributions extend far beyond the classroom. As CEO of ISK Production and ISK Consulting, she spearheads initiatives that drive positive social change across Nigeria and Canada. Her passion for empowering marginalized communities is evident in her founding of the Nigerian Canadian Resettlement Center and the Women Supporting Women in Politics Network, organisations that have touched countless lives.\r\n\r\nDr. Ibie’s efforts have garnered international attention and prestigious accolades, including being named Best Africa Female Filmmaker at the 2023 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival and receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Her work in film and media continues to elevate stories that advocate for justice, peace, and equity.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5680 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241019-WA0014-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nThe World Peace Advocate proudly honours Dr. Ibie, celebrating not only her academic excellence but also her relentless pursuit of truth and social justice. As a beacon of hope and a force for positive transformation, Dr. Ibie’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.','Dr. Isoken Ibie Earns Doctorate in Philosophy and Human Advocacy, Honoured for Landmark Achievement in Peace and Social Justice','','inherit','closed','closed','','5678-revision-v1','','','2024-10-19 07:38:16','2024-10-19 07:38:16','',5678,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5681',0,'revision','',0),(5683,1,'2024-10-20 23:38:16','2024-10-20 23:38:16','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5684\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/download-38.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"299\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\nThe former Minister of Power, Professor Bart Nnaji, has called on the Federal Government to resume the signing of power purchase agreements (PPAs) with private sector investors to ramp up Nigeria’s electricity generation.\r\n\r\nNigeria currently has about 13,000-megawatt nameplate capacity but generates only about 5,000MW due to a number of factors, including insufficient natural gas availability for the country’s gas-fired plants, which account for 80% of national grid electricity.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nNnaji, who is the founder and chairman of Geometric Power, Nigeria’s foremost integrated electricity group, told a forum of professionals involved in the electricity value chain, including bankers and lawyers, at a large meeting organised by the Udo Udoma and Belo-Osagie law firm in Lagos today that without the resumption of the PPAs, “it will be very difficult for any investor to provide money for grid power generation”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe said that the PPAs “provide comfort to investors”, citing the example of the 450MW Azura power plant in Edo State which cost about $900m to build.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Creditors”, he noted, “were able to provide the long-term funds because of the partial risk guarantee (PRG) provided in 2012” when he was the power minister under President Goodluck Jonathan.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAccording to Nnaji, no new plants have been built by the private sector since the suspension of the PPA in 2015.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExxonMobil and General Electric of the United States which has been trying to develop a thermal plant of 1,000MW in Aba in partnership with Geometric Power have since paused action on the projects after spending hundreds of millions of dollars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt costs between $1.3m and $1.5m to build just a one-megawatt gas plant, according to Cliff Eneh, a former engineer with Texas Power and Light in the United States who is now an energy consultant in Lagos.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“The Federal Government and various state governments”, said Eneh, also a former manager with the defunct National Electric Power of Nigeria (PHCN), “don\'t have enough resources to close the well over 50,000MW gap in the country”.\r\n\r\nEgypt and South Africa, which are among Africa’s largest economies, generate 58,000MW each, but South Africa has since 2007 been experiencing load shedding because of inadequate power availability.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This shows that 58,000MW can’t be enough for us”, Eneh asserted, supporting Nnaji’s call for the reinstatement of PPAs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNnaji also told the gathering about the “great urgency to address the paralysing supply gas crisis bedevilling the country.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“A situation where Nigeria, the world’s 9th largest gas country, can’t provide gas for domestic consumption”, he continued, “isn\'t justifiable”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe revealed that his 188MW Geometric Power Plant, commissioned last February 26 by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, has “been grappling with gas scarcity, sometimes staying weeks without supplies”, despite building a 27-kilometre gas pipeline from the plant’s location in the Osisioma Industrial Layout in Aba to Owaza in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe former distinguished engineering professor in the United States observed that the challenges in the power sector “are, to a large extent, a reflection of the broader economic crisis in Nigeria”, advising the political class to embrace patriotism to solve the problems.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“When I was the Minister of Science and Technology in 1993”, he recalled, “all government officials and government establishments were using locally assembled Peugeot vehicles which provided thousands of citizens and businesses with direct and indirect jobs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGovernment officials in the United States, France, the UK, Italy, Germany, and other places use only vehicles manufactured in their countries.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“At Geometric Power, we made it a policy to patronize only locally produced vehicles like Innoson and Peugeot, just as we use Cutix and Coleman wires and cables made in Nnewi, Anambra State, and Arepo, Ogun State, respectively”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nParticipants in the forum on Nigeria\'s electricity value chain included Dafe Akpeneye, a commissioner with the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC); Kola Adesina, the chief executive of Sahara Energy; and Nicholas Okafor, head of the energy team at the Udo Udoma and Belo-Osagie law firm.','Nnaji Calls for Return of Power Purchasing Agreements to Boost Electricity Generation','','publish','open','open','','nnaji-calls-for-return-of-power-purchasing-agreements-to-boost-electricity-generation','','','2024-10-20 23:38:16','2024-10-20 23:38:16','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5683',0,'post','',0),(5684,1,'2024-10-20 23:37:48','2024-10-20 23:37:48','','download (38)','','inherit','open','closed','','download-38','','','2024-10-20 23:37:48','2024-10-20 23:37:48','',5683,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/download-38.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5685,1,'2024-10-20 23:38:09','2024-10-20 23:38:09','','download (40)','','inherit','open','closed','','download-40','','','2024-10-20 23:38:09','2024-10-20 23:38:09','',5683,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/download-40.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5686,1,'2024-10-20 23:38:16','2024-10-20 23:38:16','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5684\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/download-38.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"299\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\nThe former Minister of Power, Professor Bart Nnaji, has called on the Federal Government to resume the signing of power purchase agreements (PPAs) with private sector investors to ramp up Nigeria’s electricity generation.\r\n\r\nNigeria currently has about 13,000-megawatt nameplate capacity but generates only about 5,000MW due to a number of factors, including insufficient natural gas availability for the country’s gas-fired plants, which account for 80% of national grid electricity.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nNnaji, who is the founder and chairman of Geometric Power, Nigeria’s foremost integrated electricity group, told a forum of professionals involved in the electricity value chain, including bankers and lawyers, at a large meeting organised by the Udo Udoma and Belo-Osagie law firm in Lagos today that without the resumption of the PPAs, “it will be very difficult for any investor to provide money for grid power generation”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe said that the PPAs “provide comfort to investors”, citing the example of the 450MW Azura power plant in Edo State which cost about $900m to build.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Creditors”, he noted, “were able to provide the long-term funds because of the partial risk guarantee (PRG) provided in 2012” when he was the power minister under President Goodluck Jonathan.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAccording to Nnaji, no new plants have been built by the private sector since the suspension of the PPA in 2015.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExxonMobil and General Electric of the United States which has been trying to develop a thermal plant of 1,000MW in Aba in partnership with Geometric Power have since paused action on the projects after spending hundreds of millions of dollars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt costs between $1.3m and $1.5m to build just a one-megawatt gas plant, according to Cliff Eneh, a former engineer with Texas Power and Light in the United States who is now an energy consultant in Lagos.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“The Federal Government and various state governments”, said Eneh, also a former manager with the defunct National Electric Power of Nigeria (PHCN), “don\'t have enough resources to close the well over 50,000MW gap in the country”.\r\n\r\nEgypt and South Africa, which are among Africa’s largest economies, generate 58,000MW each, but South Africa has since 2007 been experiencing load shedding because of inadequate power availability.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This shows that 58,000MW can’t be enough for us”, Eneh asserted, supporting Nnaji’s call for the reinstatement of PPAs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNnaji also told the gathering about the “great urgency to address the paralysing supply gas crisis bedevilling the country.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“A situation where Nigeria, the world’s 9th largest gas country, can’t provide gas for domestic consumption”, he continued, “isn\'t justifiable”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe revealed that his 188MW Geometric Power Plant, commissioned last February 26 by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, has “been grappling with gas scarcity, sometimes staying weeks without supplies”, despite building a 27-kilometre gas pipeline from the plant’s location in the Osisioma Industrial Layout in Aba to Owaza in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe former distinguished engineering professor in the United States observed that the challenges in the power sector “are, to a large extent, a reflection of the broader economic crisis in Nigeria”, advising the political class to embrace patriotism to solve the problems.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“When I was the Minister of Science and Technology in 1993”, he recalled, “all government officials and government establishments were using locally assembled Peugeot vehicles which provided thousands of citizens and businesses with direct and indirect jobs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGovernment officials in the United States, France, the UK, Italy, Germany, and other places use only vehicles manufactured in their countries.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“At Geometric Power, we made it a policy to patronize only locally produced vehicles like Innoson and Peugeot, just as we use Cutix and Coleman wires and cables made in Nnewi, Anambra State, and Arepo, Ogun State, respectively”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nParticipants in the forum on Nigeria\'s electricity value chain included Dafe Akpeneye, a commissioner with the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC); Kola Adesina, the chief executive of Sahara Energy; and Nicholas Okafor, head of the energy team at the Udo Udoma and Belo-Osagie law firm.','Nnaji Calls for Return of Power Purchasing Agreements to Boost Electricity Generation','','inherit','closed','closed','','5683-revision-v1','','','2024-10-20 23:38:16','2024-10-20 23:38:16','',5683,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5686',0,'revision','',0),(5687,1,'2024-10-23 17:03:10','2024-10-23 17:03:10','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5688\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/images-63-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n...Condemns Killing of Youths\r\n\r\nBy Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu\r\n\r\nThe Anambra State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has condemned, in the strongest possible terms, what they described as a shocking and cruel massacre of youths in Nibo town, in Awka South Local Government Area by yet-to-be identified gunmen.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe killings, which took place during the Onwa Asaa festival of Nibo community instantly threw many families into unexpected mourning.\r\n\r\nIn a statement signed by the State\'s Publicity Secretary of APC, Dr. Valentine Iyke-Oliobi and made available Newsmen in Awka, \'The APC is still in shock at the audacity and cruelty of the killers and wishes to commiserate with the families of the victims who are still trying to process the calamity that has befallen them. We also commiserate with the entire Nibo community over this unfortunate tragedy that happened during the town\'s sacred Onwa Asaa traditional festival.\r\n\r\n\'The latest killings in Nibo further exposes the dire security situation in Anambra State, which keeps deteriorating as the day breaks. It becomes even more worrisome to note that the killings happened within a touching distance of the Anambra State Governor\'s Lodge, the State Police Headquarters and the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police Force. If the areas in close proximity to these government buildings are not secure, it means no where is really secure in Anambra State.\r\n\r\n\'The APC therefore calls on the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who is supposed to be the Chief Security Officer of the State to immediately launch a serious investigation into the dastardly act and begin a manhunt to bring those responsible for cutting short the lives of these 16 persons to justice. We also call on the Governor to provide immediate succour and compensation to the families of the victims, many of whom are suddenly without their breadwinners.\r\n\r\n\'Meanwhile, in the light of the seeming wave of insecurity enveloping the entire state and the apparent helplessness of the state governor to stem this ugly tide, the Anambra APC also calls on the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to, as a matter of urgency, convoke a non-partisan Anambra Extraordinary Security Summit where a coherent and practical strategy would be developed to rescue our state from descending into a war zone where everyone lives in fear.\r\n\r\n\'Ndi Anambra deserve a truly secure homeland, not one secure only in political rhetoric. We cannot sit by idly and watch the state become deserted due to mounting insecurity. No week passes by without a major security incident happening in Anambra State. Kidnapping is now widespread and brazen to the point that people are now afraid to move with their vehicles. With the way and manner criminals operate freely in our towns and cities without resistance, it is as if the State Government has relinquished control of the state to non-state actors. This must stop.\r\n\r\n\'We call on ndi Anambra to unite and come together to fight this monster called insecurity headlong before it consumes the state. There can never be any meaningful development in an environment where no one is secure and criminals on the prowl with no strategy by the government to curtail their activities. Ndi Anambra, this is our state, we must rescue it together!,\' he concluded.','Killing Massacre: Convoke Urgent Security Summit, APC Anambra Urges Soludo','','publish','open','open','','killing-massacre-convoke-urgent-security-summit-apc-anambra-urges-soludo','','','2024-10-23 17:03:10','2024-10-23 17:03:10','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5687',0,'post','',0),(5688,1,'2024-10-23 17:01:55','2024-10-23 17:01:55','','images (63)','','inherit','open','closed','','images-63','','','2024-10-23 17:01:55','2024-10-23 17:01:55','',5687,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/images-63.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5689,1,'2024-10-23 17:03:02','2024-10-23 17:03:02','','download (44)','','inherit','open','closed','','download-44','','','2024-10-23 17:03:02','2024-10-23 17:03:02','',5687,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/download-44.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5690,1,'2024-10-23 17:03:10','2024-10-23 17:03:10','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5688\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/images-63-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n...Condemns Killing of Youths\r\n\r\nBy Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu\r\n\r\nThe Anambra State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has condemned, in the strongest possible terms, what they described as a shocking and cruel massacre of youths in Nibo town, in Awka South Local Government Area by yet-to-be identified gunmen.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe killings, which took place during the Onwa Asaa festival of Nibo community instantly threw many families into unexpected mourning.\r\n\r\nIn a statement signed by the State\'s Publicity Secretary of APC, Dr. Valentine Iyke-Oliobi and made available Newsmen in Awka, \'The APC is still in shock at the audacity and cruelty of the killers and wishes to commiserate with the families of the victims who are still trying to process the calamity that has befallen them. We also commiserate with the entire Nibo community over this unfortunate tragedy that happened during the town\'s sacred Onwa Asaa traditional festival.\r\n\r\n\'The latest killings in Nibo further exposes the dire security situation in Anambra State, which keeps deteriorating as the day breaks. It becomes even more worrisome to note that the killings happened within a touching distance of the Anambra State Governor\'s Lodge, the State Police Headquarters and the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police Force. If the areas in close proximity to these government buildings are not secure, it means no where is really secure in Anambra State.\r\n\r\n\'The APC therefore calls on the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who is supposed to be the Chief Security Officer of the State to immediately launch a serious investigation into the dastardly act and begin a manhunt to bring those responsible for cutting short the lives of these 16 persons to justice. We also call on the Governor to provide immediate succour and compensation to the families of the victims, many of whom are suddenly without their breadwinners.\r\n\r\n\'Meanwhile, in the light of the seeming wave of insecurity enveloping the entire state and the apparent helplessness of the state governor to stem this ugly tide, the Anambra APC also calls on the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to, as a matter of urgency, convoke a non-partisan Anambra Extraordinary Security Summit where a coherent and practical strategy would be developed to rescue our state from descending into a war zone where everyone lives in fear.\r\n\r\n\'Ndi Anambra deserve a truly secure homeland, not one secure only in political rhetoric. We cannot sit by idly and watch the state become deserted due to mounting insecurity. No week passes by without a major security incident happening in Anambra State. Kidnapping is now widespread and brazen to the point that people are now afraid to move with their vehicles. With the way and manner criminals operate freely in our towns and cities without resistance, it is as if the State Government has relinquished control of the state to non-state actors. This must stop.\r\n\r\n\'We call on ndi Anambra to unite and come together to fight this monster called insecurity headlong before it consumes the state. There can never be any meaningful development in an environment where no one is secure and criminals on the prowl with no strategy by the government to curtail their activities. Ndi Anambra, this is our state, we must rescue it together!,\' he concluded.','Killing Massacre: Convoke Urgent Security Summit, APC Anambra Urges Soludo','','inherit','closed','closed','','5687-revision-v1','','','2024-10-23 17:03:10','2024-10-23 17:03:10','',5687,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5690',0,'revision','',0),(5691,1,'2024-10-23 17:12:32','2024-10-23 17:12:32','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5692 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241023-WA0016-142x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"142\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nBy Ejike Anyaduba\r\n\r\nNigeria relishes the moniker - the giant of Africa - which she blazons like an armorial bearing. With enormous resources and a population of about 250 million people (Professor Lumumba, the Kenyan lawyer and activist, thinks she is more than that figure) she can afford to boast about her giant.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nBut that is not enough, Nigeria accounts for one sixth of Africa’s population which stands at about 1.4billion. This population has a chance of growing more if nothing catastrophic happens by way of natural disaster or a split as was the case with Sudan- erstwhile Africa’s largest country until the secession of South Sudan in 2011.\r\n\r\nPeriodic mass death arising from Boko Haram insurgency, invasion of Fulani herdsmen, violent ethnic eruptions, unknown gunmen attack, carnage on the farm, mass death on the highway, shooting in the cathedral, jungle justice on the innocent, gang (cult) war, air crashes and road mishaps et al may threaten, but not enough to depopulate her. She had survived worse situation - an internecine war that sunders countries and leaves them tottering endlessly on the brink of collapse. But Nigeria is unwittingly up in arms against hunger which is not advised. It is going to be a war that will smoke the giant out of battlement and render her woozy in defeat.\r\n\r\nThe closest Nigeria got to a “war” with hunger and lost was during the civil war when Biafra was completely blockaded and exposed to starvation. At the time, access to Biafra by the International Red Cross for relief materials was out rightly refused by the Nigerian government, insisting it was a subterfuge to ferry arms into the secessionist state through Wharton’s Super Constellations, flying down from Lisbon. In the alternative, Nigeria proposed a land corridor, some point south of Awgu, Enugu state, through her Foreign Affairs minister, Okoi Arikpo. But the proposal was rejected by the Biafran government for two reasons. One, it was obscured by problems of definition. Two, there was the fear of being caught on the hop. The result, more debilitating hunger and escalation of kwashiorkor - a protein-deficiency disease that wasted generations of Biafran children. It can be pointed with justice that it was the deviousness of weaponizing hunger that made Biafra lose the war and not because she was outgunned or had less strength than Nigeria.\r\n\r\nSadly, something similar is playing out again. Nigerians are exposed to a hunger that is graceless, dehumanizing, sordid, and can make an otherwise thoughtful person to scoff at an advice against a plunge into the lagoon. The criminal impoverishment of Nigerians today is akin to what Marie Corelli insists robs a man of self-respect and causes him to “slink along the street vaguely abashed, instead of walking erect among fellow men in independent ease”.\r\n\r\nIt may seem an exaggeration, but not much of one, to say that a Nigerian is not as unfazed by poor leadership as he is by mass hunger. A Nigerian is a happy person and hardly wallows in self-pity or spends time regretting a troubled past. He cares less about what goes on at the decision table insofar as those on the table can provide him with basic life needs. He is apt to shrug off a grim situation and trudges on in hope of a better tomorrow. A Nigerian is a happy-go-lucky and often considered among the least depressed people in the world.\r\n\r\nHowever, the debilitating hunger has changed all that and expanded the frontiers of crime beyond perfunctory security check. Many a Nigerian lives precarious life, scrounging food for survival. A lot more who depend on daily toil for survival are fast turning into beggars. They have been pushed into shanties, under bridges, and forced to ply their trade on walkways because of exorbitant rent. It may seem not very useful to characterize the life of a beggar as inspiring no confidence and totally bleak.\r\n\r\nBut the future of an average Nigerian has gone bleak under the present government. The devil-may-care attitude of the government to the hardship in the country has debased her citizens and rendered them incapable of decent living. But it is the careless statement of those expected to provide leadership, but who do not, that will quicken her slip into avoidable crisis. Just the other day the Senate President at the height of the biting fuel crisis advised Nigerians to reduce the number of cars they use. As if that was not enough, he again advised the hapless citizens to help themselves by seizing every opportunity to eat any free food. The same Akpabio had insisted around August this year that the senate would approve the purchase of private jets, not jet, for the President regardless of the state of the economy.\r\n\r\nIt is unfortunate how unconcerned some of the leaders can be about the hardship in the country. How does reducing the number of cars by those who have more than one help the cause of the silent majority who are scrounging for food? Is fuel scarcity the problem or its high cost that affects everything? Where is the free food he advised Nigerians to help themselves to? Who cooks it? How much of the sacrifice are those of them in government making? Why must the President fly two private jets in the face of aggravated hunger?\r\n\r\nIt is becoming increasingly clear to Nigerians that their leaders are not thinking about them. In what would seem a populist position, former Rivers State Governor and immediate past Minister for Transport, Chibuike Amaechi urged the youths to go into the streets to protest the high cost of living. “I’m angry with the citizens. I have said it several times. You can see a group of people stealing your money, impoverishing you, you cannot buy fuel and anything.” Amaechi may be right in condemning the seeming complacent attitude of Nigerians to the raging hunger, but was he better in his time? Perhaps he needs to be reminded that constructing 284 kilometer Nigeria – Mardi (Niger) when some geopolitical zones within the country had none is equally impoverishing.\r\n\r\nTruth is that the hunger in the land is getting out of hand and there are traces of marasmus already. Its unremitting discomfort has continued to stretch the patience of Nigerians and may snap in violent eruptions if nothing is done to arrest it. After all it is said that a hungry man is an angry man.\r\n\r\nEjike Anyaduba\r\n\r\nAbatete','Nigeria and her ravaging hunger','','publish','open','open','','nigeria-and-her-ravaging-hunger','','','2024-10-23 17:12:32','2024-10-23 17:12:32','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5691',0,'post','',0),(5692,1,'2024-10-23 17:12:16','2024-10-23 17:12:16','','IMG-20241023-WA0016','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241023-wa0016','','','2024-10-23 17:12:16','2024-10-23 17:12:16','',5691,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241023-WA0016.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5693,1,'2024-10-23 17:12:32','2024-10-23 17:12:32','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5692 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241023-WA0016-142x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"142\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nBy Ejike Anyaduba\r\n\r\nNigeria relishes the moniker - the giant of Africa - which she blazons like an armorial bearing. With enormous resources and a population of about 250 million people (Professor Lumumba, the Kenyan lawyer and activist, thinks she is more than that figure) she can afford to boast about her giant.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nBut that is not enough, Nigeria accounts for one sixth of Africa’s population which stands at about 1.4billion. This population has a chance of growing more if nothing catastrophic happens by way of natural disaster or a split as was the case with Sudan- erstwhile Africa’s largest country until the secession of South Sudan in 2011.\r\n\r\nPeriodic mass death arising from Boko Haram insurgency, invasion of Fulani herdsmen, violent ethnic eruptions, unknown gunmen attack, carnage on the farm, mass death on the highway, shooting in the cathedral, jungle justice on the innocent, gang (cult) war, air crashes and road mishaps et al may threaten, but not enough to depopulate her. She had survived worse situation - an internecine war that sunders countries and leaves them tottering endlessly on the brink of collapse. But Nigeria is unwittingly up in arms against hunger which is not advised. It is going to be a war that will smoke the giant out of battlement and render her woozy in defeat.\r\n\r\nThe closest Nigeria got to a “war” with hunger and lost was during the civil war when Biafra was completely blockaded and exposed to starvation. At the time, access to Biafra by the International Red Cross for relief materials was out rightly refused by the Nigerian government, insisting it was a subterfuge to ferry arms into the secessionist state through Wharton’s Super Constellations, flying down from Lisbon. In the alternative, Nigeria proposed a land corridor, some point south of Awgu, Enugu state, through her Foreign Affairs minister, Okoi Arikpo. But the proposal was rejected by the Biafran government for two reasons. One, it was obscured by problems of definition. Two, there was the fear of being caught on the hop. The result, more debilitating hunger and escalation of kwashiorkor - a protein-deficiency disease that wasted generations of Biafran children. It can be pointed with justice that it was the deviousness of weaponizing hunger that made Biafra lose the war and not because she was outgunned or had less strength than Nigeria.\r\n\r\nSadly, something similar is playing out again. Nigerians are exposed to a hunger that is graceless, dehumanizing, sordid, and can make an otherwise thoughtful person to scoff at an advice against a plunge into the lagoon. The criminal impoverishment of Nigerians today is akin to what Marie Corelli insists robs a man of self-respect and causes him to “slink along the street vaguely abashed, instead of walking erect among fellow men in independent ease”.\r\n\r\nIt may seem an exaggeration, but not much of one, to say that a Nigerian is not as unfazed by poor leadership as he is by mass hunger. A Nigerian is a happy person and hardly wallows in self-pity or spends time regretting a troubled past. He cares less about what goes on at the decision table insofar as those on the table can provide him with basic life needs. He is apt to shrug off a grim situation and trudges on in hope of a better tomorrow. A Nigerian is a happy-go-lucky and often considered among the least depressed people in the world.\r\n\r\nHowever, the debilitating hunger has changed all that and expanded the frontiers of crime beyond perfunctory security check. Many a Nigerian lives precarious life, scrounging food for survival. A lot more who depend on daily toil for survival are fast turning into beggars. They have been pushed into shanties, under bridges, and forced to ply their trade on walkways because of exorbitant rent. It may seem not very useful to characterize the life of a beggar as inspiring no confidence and totally bleak.\r\n\r\nBut the future of an average Nigerian has gone bleak under the present government. The devil-may-care attitude of the government to the hardship in the country has debased her citizens and rendered them incapable of decent living. But it is the careless statement of those expected to provide leadership, but who do not, that will quicken her slip into avoidable crisis. Just the other day the Senate President at the height of the biting fuel crisis advised Nigerians to reduce the number of cars they use. As if that was not enough, he again advised the hapless citizens to help themselves by seizing every opportunity to eat any free food. The same Akpabio had insisted around August this year that the senate would approve the purchase of private jets, not jet, for the President regardless of the state of the economy.\r\n\r\nIt is unfortunate how unconcerned some of the leaders can be about the hardship in the country. How does reducing the number of cars by those who have more than one help the cause of the silent majority who are scrounging for food? Is fuel scarcity the problem or its high cost that affects everything? Where is the free food he advised Nigerians to help themselves to? Who cooks it? How much of the sacrifice are those of them in government making? Why must the President fly two private jets in the face of aggravated hunger?\r\n\r\nIt is becoming increasingly clear to Nigerians that their leaders are not thinking about them. In what would seem a populist position, former Rivers State Governor and immediate past Minister for Transport, Chibuike Amaechi urged the youths to go into the streets to protest the high cost of living. “I’m angry with the citizens. I have said it several times. You can see a group of people stealing your money, impoverishing you, you cannot buy fuel and anything.” Amaechi may be right in condemning the seeming complacent attitude of Nigerians to the raging hunger, but was he better in his time? Perhaps he needs to be reminded that constructing 284 kilometer Nigeria – Mardi (Niger) when some geopolitical zones within the country had none is equally impoverishing.\r\n\r\nTruth is that the hunger in the land is getting out of hand and there are traces of marasmus already. Its unremitting discomfort has continued to stretch the patience of Nigerians and may snap in violent eruptions if nothing is done to arrest it. After all it is said that a hungry man is an angry man.\r\n\r\nEjike Anyaduba\r\n\r\nAbatete','Nigeria and her ravaging hunger','','inherit','closed','closed','','5691-revision-v1','','','2024-10-23 17:12:32','2024-10-23 17:12:32','',5691,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5693',0,'revision','',0),(5696,1,'2024-10-27 19:46:34','0000-00-00 00:00:00','Commendations flow as Federal Lawmaker Presents One-Year Stewardship to Constituent\n\nBy : Ukpa Ewa\n\nThere was unmitigated flow of commendations Saturday, 26th of October 2024 at Emmaus House Awka, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State when the lawmaker representing Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, presented her one-year stewardship to constituents\n\nThe presentation was made at the event organized by the United Nations Women/National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) step-down programme in Anambra State.\n\nThe event brought together representatives from various groups, including clergy, traditional rulers, youths and women organizations, and stakeholders from all 34 wards in Awka to bear witness of the track records of one of the best lawmakers the constituency has ever produced.\n\nArticulating her achievements within one year in office, the member representing Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency, Prof. Lilian Orogbu disclosed that some of her achievements include reconstruction of classroom blocks at Ezioka community secondary school, Agulu Awka primary school, and community primary school Ikwodiaku.\n\nShe further dazzle the public by including the construction of a proposed mini stadium in Achalla, Awka North LGA, and provision of solar power at two health centers in Ezinato and Urum, provision of grants for small business owners, empowerment of 200 widows with grinding and sewing machines, and distribution of fertilizers as some of the few-mentioned projects in the constituency.\n\nThe lawmaker who said she secured employment for some constituents and sponsored legislative bill for the establishment of a college of entrepreneurship studies in Awka insists that legislative work is beyond yes or nay chorus in the chamber.\n\nThe ebullient lawmaker and a professor of international repute, attributed her success to the support of her constituents, her late husband\'s family, and her dedication to serving the people while describing the 10th National Assembly as \"gender-friendly\" and expressed her commitment to evolving policies and programs that would benefit her constituents.\n\nIn her assessment of the current state government under Prof. Charles Soludo, Orogbu expressed concerns about the insecurities in the state calling for more focused efforts as he commend him for the road networks in the state.\n\nIn his goodwill message, the United Nations representative Mr. Patrick Nnadozie Udefuna, emphasized the importance of enhancing women\'s political representation in Nigeria, citing their proven abilities as leaders and agents of change.\n\nIn her remarks, Awka Development Union Women\'s Wing Barr. Oge Ekweozor commended the lawmaker Hon. Orogbu for bringing the conference to women in a time like this. She said women participation in politics can be increased via a viable committee and by voting them into elective office during election.\n\nThe highpoint of the event was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Prof. Orogbu by the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) Youths, Awka.','Commendations flow as Federal Lawmaker Presents One-Year Stewardship to Constituents','','draft','open','open','','','','','2024-10-27 19:46:34','2024-10-27 19:46:34','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5696',0,'post','',0),(5697,1,'2024-10-27 19:47:53','2024-10-27 19:47:53','','IMG-20241027-WA0045','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241027-wa0045','','','2024-10-27 19:47:53','2024-10-27 19:47:53','',5696,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241027-WA0045.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5700,1,'2024-10-27 19:49:45','0000-00-00 00:00:00','Commendations flow as Federal Lawmaker Presents One-Year Stewardship to Constituent\n\nBy : Ukpa Ewa\n\nThere was unmitigated flow of commendations Saturday, 26th of October 2024 at Emmaus House Awka, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State when the lawmaker representing Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, presented her one-year stewardship to constituents\n\nThe presentation was made at the event organized by the United Nations Women/National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) step-down programme in Anambra State.\n\nThe event brought together representatives from various groups, including clergy, traditional rulers, youths and women organizations, and stakeholders from all 34 wards in Awka to bear witness of the track records of one of the best lawmakers the constituency has ever produced.\n\nArticulating her achievements within one year in office, the member representing Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency, Prof. Lilian Orogbu disclosed that some of her achievements include reconstruction of classroom blocks at Ezioka community secondary school, Agulu Awka primary school, and community primary school Ikwodiaku.\n\nShe further dazzle the public by including the construction of a proposed mini stadium in Achalla, Awka North LGA, and provision of solar power at two health centers in Ezinato and Urum, provision of grants for small business owners, empowerment of 200 widows with grinding and sewing machines, and distribution of fertilizers as some of the few-mentioned projects in the constituency.\n\nThe lawmaker who said she secured employment for some constituents and sponsored legislative bill for the establishment of a college of entrepreneurship studies in Awka insists that legislative work is beyond yes or nay chorus in the chamber.\n\nThe ebullient lawmaker and a professor of international repute, attributed her success to the support of her constituents, her late husband\'s family, and her dedication to serving the people while describing the 10th National Assembly as \"gender-friendly\" and expressed her commitment to evolving policies and programs that would benefit her constituents.\n\nIn her assessment of the current state government under Prof. Charles Soludo, Orogbu expressed concerns about the insecurities in the state calling for more focused efforts as he commend him for the road networks in the state.\n\nIn his goodwill message, the United Nations representative Mr. Patrick Nnadozie Udefuna, emphasized the importance of enhancing women\'s political representation in Nigeria, citing their proven abilities as leaders and agents of change.\n\nIn her remarks, Awka Development Union Women\'s Wing Barr. Oge Ekweozor commended the lawmaker Hon. Orogbu for bringing the conference to women in a time like this. She said women participation in politics can be increased via a viable committee and by voting them into elective office during election.\n\nThe highpoint of the event was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Prof. Orogbu by the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) Youths, Awka.','Commendations flow as Federal Lawmaker Presents One-Year Stewardship to Constituents','','draft','open','open','','','','','2024-10-27 19:49:45','2024-10-27 19:49:45','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5700',0,'post','',0),(5701,1,'2024-10-27 19:50:38','2024-10-27 19:50:38','','IMG-20241027-WA0046','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241027-wa0046','','','2024-10-27 19:50:38','2024-10-27 19:50:38','',5700,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241027-WA0046.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5705,1,'2024-10-27 19:53:00','2024-10-27 19:53:00','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5706\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241027-WA0045-1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBy : Ukpa Ewa\r\n\r\nThere was unmitigated flow of commendations Saturday, 26th of October 2024 at Emmaus House Awka, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State when the lawmaker representing Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, presented her one-year stewardship to constituents<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe presentation was made at the event organized by the United Nations Women/National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) step-down programme in Anambra State.\r\n\r\nThe event brought together representatives from various groups, including clergy, traditional rulers, youths and women organizations, and stakeholders from all 34 wards in Awka to bear witness of the track records of one of the best lawmakers the constituency has ever produced.\r\n\r\nArticulating her achievements within one year in office, the member representing Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency, Prof. Lilian Orogbu disclosed that some of her achievements include reconstruction of classroom blocks at Ezioka community secondary school, Agulu Awka primary school, and community primary school Ikwodiaku.\r\n\r\nShe further dazzle the public by including the construction of a proposed mini stadium in Achalla, Awka North LGA, and provision of solar power at two health centers in Ezinato and Urum, provision of grants for small business owners, empowerment of 200 widows with grinding and sewing machines, and distribution of fertilizers as some of the few-mentioned projects in the constituency.\r\n\r\nThe lawmaker who said she secured employment for some constituents and sponsored legislative bill for the establishment of a college of entrepreneurship studies in Awka insists that legislative work is beyond yes or nay chorus in the chamber.\r\n\r\nThe ebullient lawmaker and a professor of international repute, attributed her success to the support of her constituents, her late husband\'s family, and her dedication to serving the people while describing the 10th National Assembly as \"gender-friendly\" and expressed her commitment to evolving policies and programs that would benefit her constituents.\r\n\r\nIn her assessment of the current state government under Prof. Charles Soludo, Orogbu expressed concerns about the insecurities in the state calling for more focused efforts as he commend him for the road networks in the state.\r\n\r\nIn his goodwill message, the United Nations representative Mr. Patrick Nnadozie Udefuna, emphasized the importance of enhancing women\'s political representation in Nigeria, citing their proven abilities as leaders and agents of change.\r\n\r\nIn her remarks, Awka Development Union Women\'s Wing Barr. Oge Ekweozor commended the lawmaker Hon. Orogbu for bringing the conference to women in a time like this. She said women participation in politics can be increased via a viable committee and by voting them into elective office during election.\r\n\r\nThe highpoint of the event was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Prof. Orogbu by the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) Youths, Awka.','Commendations flow as Federal Lawmaker Presents One-Year Stewardship to Constituents','','publish','open','open','','commendations-flow-as-federal-lawmaker-presents-one-year-stewardship-to-constituents','','','2024-10-27 19:53:00','2024-10-27 19:53:00','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5705',0,'post','',0),(5706,1,'2024-10-27 19:52:49','2024-10-27 19:52:49','','IMG-20241027-WA0045','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241027-wa0045-2','','','2024-10-27 19:52:49','2024-10-27 19:52:49','',5705,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241027-WA0045-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5707,1,'2024-10-27 19:53:00','2024-10-27 19:53:00','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5706\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241027-WA0045-1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBy : Ukpa Ewa\r\n\r\nThere was unmitigated flow of commendations Saturday, 26th of October 2024 at Emmaus House Awka, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State when the lawmaker representing Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, presented her one-year stewardship to constituents<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe presentation was made at the event organized by the United Nations Women/National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) step-down programme in Anambra State.\r\n\r\nThe event brought together representatives from various groups, including clergy, traditional rulers, youths and women organizations, and stakeholders from all 34 wards in Awka to bear witness of the track records of one of the best lawmakers the constituency has ever produced.\r\n\r\nArticulating her achievements within one year in office, the member representing Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency, Prof. Lilian Orogbu disclosed that some of her achievements include reconstruction of classroom blocks at Ezioka community secondary school, Agulu Awka primary school, and community primary school Ikwodiaku.\r\n\r\nShe further dazzle the public by including the construction of a proposed mini stadium in Achalla, Awka North LGA, and provision of solar power at two health centers in Ezinato and Urum, provision of grants for small business owners, empowerment of 200 widows with grinding and sewing machines, and distribution of fertilizers as some of the few-mentioned projects in the constituency.\r\n\r\nThe lawmaker who said she secured employment for some constituents and sponsored legislative bill for the establishment of a college of entrepreneurship studies in Awka insists that legislative work is beyond yes or nay chorus in the chamber.\r\n\r\nThe ebullient lawmaker and a professor of international repute, attributed her success to the support of her constituents, her late husband\'s family, and her dedication to serving the people while describing the 10th National Assembly as \"gender-friendly\" and expressed her commitment to evolving policies and programs that would benefit her constituents.\r\n\r\nIn her assessment of the current state government under Prof. Charles Soludo, Orogbu expressed concerns about the insecurities in the state calling for more focused efforts as he commend him for the road networks in the state.\r\n\r\nIn his goodwill message, the United Nations representative Mr. Patrick Nnadozie Udefuna, emphasized the importance of enhancing women\'s political representation in Nigeria, citing their proven abilities as leaders and agents of change.\r\n\r\nIn her remarks, Awka Development Union Women\'s Wing Barr. Oge Ekweozor commended the lawmaker Hon. Orogbu for bringing the conference to women in a time like this. She said women participation in politics can be increased via a viable committee and by voting them into elective office during election.\r\n\r\nThe highpoint of the event was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Prof. Orogbu by the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) Youths, Awka.','Commendations flow as Federal Lawmaker Presents One-Year Stewardship to Constituents','','inherit','closed','closed','','5705-revision-v1','','','2024-10-27 19:53:00','2024-10-27 19:53:00','',5705,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5707',0,'revision','',0),(5709,1,'2024-11-02 12:44:12','2024-11-02 12:44:12','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5710 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0018-169x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n...Says Appointment Of VC Done in Hallowed Council Chamber Not in Hotel\r\n\r\nBy Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu\r\n\r\nThe Chairperson of the Academic Staff Union of Universities Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (ASUU-NAU), Professor Kingsley Ubaoji, says the controversially appointed Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK remains an academic doctor and not a Professor, thereby prohibiting him from leading the ivory tower.\r\n\r\nIn statement signed by ASUU-NAU Chairperson emphasized that the appointment of Vice Chancellor is done in the Hallowed Council Chamber and not in a Hotel, stating that their agitation is borne of conviction and not because he is from Ebonyi State or all those stories they told to attract sympathy.<!--more--><!--more--><!--more--><!--more--><!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe statement reads in part, \'The Pro-Chancellor set out working alone without the internal members of Council. He harrased the Ag VC and ignored all our letters to him but the first which he used to oust Prof. Ikechebelu. If he truly is playing by the rule, why would he honour and acknowledge our first letter but ignore the rest. He came with an agenda to impose someone on us. The worst is that the person is not a Professor by the documents and qualifications that makes one a professor of a university. BEFORE IT GETS DARK AT NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY\r\n-THE POSITION OF VICE CHANCELLOR OF A UNIVERSITY SHOULD NOT BE A SETTLEMENT FOR A POLITICALJOBBER\r\n\r\nAn appeal to the President and Visitor to the University to intervene in the brewing crisis in the University by IMMEDIATELY removing Dr Berrnard Odoh, who was recklessly imposed on the University as a Vice Chancellor on Tuesday 29th October 2024 and Amb. Greg Mbadiwethe Chairman of Council, who perpetrated the imposition.\r\n\r\n\'Nnamdi Azikiwe University is an institution named after Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the great African scholar, nationalist and irredentist. Given the antecedents of the great Zik of Africa, the University named after him is expected to symbolically stand in the very centre of development in Nigeria and Africa, lead in advancement of academic excellence and impactful community engagement. No wonder the founding fathers choose for the University, the motto discipline, self-reliance and excellence. This motto has continued to set us apart and has remained our constant measure in our drive to be a top-tier institution in Africa renowned for producing globally competitive graduates, and advancing knowledge through research and innovation.\r\nOn Tuesday 29th October 2024, the Pro-Chancellor and chairman of Council, who had since inception been behaving like a Pharoah, violated the solemnity and sacredness of our institution by fraudulently foisting a non-qualified person, Dr Benard Odoh as its Vice-Chancellor.Apart from Dr Benard Odoh not being qualified and not meeting the eligibility criteria, the Pro-Chancellor, violated, disregarded and undermined the rule of law and recklessly imposed him on the University, above very highly qualified academic giants.\r\nFACTS ON DR BENARD ODOH \'Dr Benard Odoh is a 1999 graduate of Geological Sciences from Nnamdi Azikiwe University.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5711\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0019-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" />\r\n\r\n\'He enrolled for and studied for a Master of Science degree in the same Geological Science Department between October 2004 and January 2006.\r\n\r\n\'He again enrolled for a Doctor of Science degree in the same Dept. of Geological Sciences (Applied Geophysics) Department in January 2006 and graduated in August 2008, a period of 2 years. It is still to be understood how he completed the Ph.D. programme in two (2) years given that the duration for a full-time Ph.D. programme in the University is six semesters (which is 3 years). Meanwhile, at the material time, he was a full-time lecturer at Ebonyi State University.This happenstance is a red flag.\r\n\r\n\'In 2009, DrBenard Odoh was offered an appointment into the Dept. of Applied Geophysics, Faculty of Physical Sciences as a Lecturer I. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of Senior Lecturer with effect from 1st October 2012.\r\n\r\n\'By a letter dated 16th October 2014, Dr Odoh sought and obtained approval to embark on a leave of absence effective 1st November 2014 – 1st March 2015, to contest for the elective position of Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was not successful in his bid for a Senatorial ticket.\r\n\r\n\'In May 2015, he was appointed Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government and through a letter dated 29th May 2015 requested and obtained approval for a four-year leave of absencefrom the University. He remained in that position till April 2018 when he resigned.\r\n\r\n\'At the time he was appointed SSG to the Ebonyi State Government, he was a Senior Lecturer. We were therefore surprised that he started using the title of a Professor.\r\n\r\n\'In 2019, he contested for the gubernatorial primaries in Ebonyi State under APC still pretending to be a Professor, but lost to Sonni Ogbuoji.\r\n\r\n\'Again in 2023, he contested for the governorship of Ebonyi State flying the flag of APGA and lost.\r\n\r\n\'Surprisingly he was in 2019 promoted to the rank of a Reader in our University under a very contentious circumstance, which elicited and still elicits controversy from his contemporaries who felt he was unduly favoured as he had not spent the requisite number of years required for the promotion. As a Union we do not have the details of how he was switching his status between political appointment, elective positions and his academic career. The law allows for leave of absence if you have a political appointment. A leave of absence means that your academic career is paused to resume when you return. However, if you are going for an elective position you are expected to resign your appointment with the University. Therefore, that Dr Benard Odoh continues to earn his promotion in the University even while running for elective positions is another red flag, and can only be explained by the past Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone.\r\n\r\n\'So in our University now, Dr Benard Odoh is a Reader. Period! Attached as evidence of his current rank is the IPPIS salary payment slip for August 2024 which clearly shows that he is paid as a Reader (See Annexure I).\r\n\r\n\'While Dr Benard Odoh has been tamed from officially using the title of a professor in the University’s official documents, he still parades himself as a Professor in his external communications and CV meant for external use.\r\n\r\n\'In the University’s Central Information Referencing and Management System (CIRMS) wherein individual staff manage their pages, he wrote that “Prof. Ifeanyi Benard Odoh is a READER in APPLIED GEOPHYSICS Department, Faculty of Physical Sciences in Nnamdi Azikiwe University.\r\n\r\n\'It is from his CV we saw that he makes a claim to an appointment as a Visiting Professor of Geophysics at the Federal University, Gusau from July 2015 to October 2017, as well as being the pioneer Head of the Department at the University within the same period. This coincides with the same period he was SSG to the Ebonyi State Government.\r\n\r\n\'A reply dated 28th October 2024 from the Registrar, Federal University, Gusau,to a request for disclosure of the academic status of Dr Benard Odoh made by Kingsley Awuka Esq. of Awuka, Okafor &amp; Partners, No 63 Old Onitsha Road, Opp. NAUTH, Nnewi, proved that the above claim is false. Part of the letter from the Registrar which is here exhibited as Annexure IIreads: \'Our records show that Dr Ifeanyi Benard Odoh never(sic) a staff nor a pioneer Head of Department of Geology. Never shown (sic) up in the department or though(sic) any course(s).”\r\n\r\n16. The above is a clear disclaimer to Dr Benard Odoh’s claim from the same University.\r\nWHAT AN ACADEMIC FRAUD! In a saner clime, this dubious and false claim is enough to expel him from the university. But rather than do that, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe has chosen to promote him to lead one of the finest academy in the country, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, which motto is DISCIPLINE, SELF-RELIANCE &amp; EXCELLENCE, values that are diametrically opposed to what Dr Benard Odoh stands for.\r\n\r\n17. But assuming without conceding that Dr Benard Odoh was actually appointed a Visiting Professor, it does not make him a Professor. It needs to be clarified that a Visiting Professor is not a full Professor. A visiting Professor is a temporary academic position that allows you to teach or conduct research at a different institution than your home one.The term “Visiting” means that it is not a permanent position and is not “tenure-track” (it is not earned by promotion). It is a mark of the deepening intellectual crisis in Nigerian Universities that even persons who have never had any academic engagement are offered “visiting Professorship” positions, but it doesn’t make them Professors.\r\n\r\n18. The rank of a full professoris a tenure-track position with requisite promotional criteria, and appurtenances of office, and carries additional administrative responsibilities associated with membership on committees that are restricted to full professors like membership of Senate. Dr Benard Odoh is not a member of the University Senate. The Senate records are there for perusal.\r\n\r\n\'The gap between a “visiting Professor” and a “Professor” is akin to the one between an “honorary doctorate” degree and an earned “doctorate” degree.\r\n\r\n\'It is crystal clear from the above that Dr Benard Odoh is not a Professor and is not therefore qualified by the criteria published to lead our academy. Regrettably, he parades a forged qualification, and a dubious character, not desiring of a true academic.\r\nSUCH A CHARACTER CANNOT BE TRUSTED WITH PRESIDING OVER THE TRAINING OF MIND AND CHARACTER, WHICH IS THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OF A UNIVERSITY. NO ONE GIVES WHAT HE HAS NOT.\r\n\r\n\'It is regrettable and painful that despite the fact that all these pieces of information were made available to the Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe-led Council, he insisted on foisting Dr Benard Odoh on the University as its Vice Chancellor in a most reckless, despicable and dictatorial manner.\r\nSETTLEMENT FOR A POLITICAL JOBBER\r\n\r\n\'Random musings about Dr Benard Odoh’s candidacy for the position of Vice Chancellor started in early April 2024 towards the end-of-tenure of the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone. And gained traction with an article on Facebook titled: UNIZIK: Is Benard Odoh Also Among The Prophets.\r\n\r\n\'The first two paragraphs of the article written by Magnus Ibegbulem are very instructive given its veracity (which has come to pass) and preemptive warning (which is the consequence ahead).\r\n\r\n\'It is here reproduced for your reading pleasure:\r\n“A university is supposed to be a model of excellence and the highest level of\r\ndecency, but it appears that politicians who are guilty of destroying the very\r\nfabrics of our democracy and nationhood are not satisfied with the destruction\r\nthey have met and are now hell bent in bringing their atrocious greed and\r\ndiabolic corruption to the hallowed citadel of learning.\r\n\r\n\'Hearing that a cabal in certain quarters has determined to foist Bernard Odoh, the former Secretary to the Government of Ebonyi state on the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University as its Acting Vice Chancellor, is both insulting to the sensibilities of the institutions stakeholders and embarrassing to the idea of academic excellence and the sanctity of Nigerian tertiary education system.\r\nTHE UNIVERSITY SHOULD NOT BE A SETTLEMENT FOR POLITICAL\r\nJOBBERS, AND IF THERE IS ANY UNIVERSITY THATCOULD BE USED\r\nFOR SUCH EXPERIMENT, IT MUST NOT BE OUR PRESTIGIOUS\r\nNNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY”. (Emphasis mine)\r\n\r\n\'Ever since this publication, the speculation that a cabal was bent on installing Dr Benard Odo as the Vice Chancellor of the University had continued to gather momentum until it finally came to accomplishment on 29th October 2024. All along, we took things for granted given that he is not qualified for the position, untilCZAR AMBASSADOR GREG MBADIWE as the Chairman of Council accomplished the task. With this accomplishment, it actually became clear that the position is being offered to him, a POLITICAL JOBBER (who has made one failed attempt at Senatorial primary, another failed attempt at Gubernatorial primary, and a failed attempt at Gubernatorial election) as a settlement.\r\n\r\nOn how the plat was hatched, \'It appeared that in picking a hatchet man for the job, the cabal found in Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, a fit and proper character. This perhaps explains why he alone out of all the previous appointees to the Council of our University in May 2024survived the review that followed the initial appointment. Hisdictatorial actions and tendencies ever since his assumption of office left no one in doubt that he has an ego to feed, and an illegitimate assignment to accomplish. From the onset, he made deliberate attempts to undermine institutional processes. Specifically, the Chairman,\r\n• Made unilateral decisions without the full composition of Council and even thereafter.\r\n• Disregarded the concern of the internal Council members, ASUU and Senate.\r\n• Undermined institutional processes, including directing the appointment of an Acting DVC to which he has no right, the premature changing of Heads of Departments midstream into their tenure to serve “their purpose” of electing their preferred candidates into Council, among others.\r\n\r\n\'A careful examination of the eligibility criteria listed in the advertisement for Vice Chancellor which Amb. Greg Mbadiwe personally published show that it is narrowly tailored to match the profile of a specific individual, rather than being broadly based to attract a diverse range of qualified candidates. This is evidenced by the exclusion of Professors from the Medical Sciences, and the emphasis and requirement of a proven record of having attracted not less than N400 million, which we consider restrictive and will disqualify numerous suitable candidates. What is the basis for N400 million as a benchmark if he had no person in mind? Such specific conditions are usually not tenable. What is often emphasised is the ability of the candidate to attract development to the University, which can come in form of grants, endowments, donations etc.The listed eligibility criteria left out very critical issues like evidence of university administrative experience, global reputation and visibility, apparently because the anointed candidate lacks such critically genuine experience. Previous copies of similar advertisements from our University and cognate institutions were provided to convince him that what he was doing was wrong, but all these were met with stubborn resistance. Representations made by MDCAN, ASUU and even representatives of the Senate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University were defiantly rebuffed. He neither replied to the several letters to him by ASUU nor acceded to the request for a meeting with the Senate. He has no modicum of respect for anybody and has not even paid a courtesy call to the Governor of the state or the traditional ruler of the host community Awka both of whom are major stakeholders and collaborators of the university.\r\n\r\n\'INFRACTIONS BY THE PRO-CHANCELLOR AND HIS CLIQUE OF COUNCIL MEMBERS IN THE SELECTION EXERCISE FOR VICE CHANCELLOR &amp; REGISTRAR. The Chairman of Council erred by believing that only the external members of Council are essential members in the exercise. Unconscious of his awful doom, marginalised and disregarded the representatives of Senate and Congregation in the entire process of appointing both the Registrar and the “purported Vice Chancellor”.\r\n\r\n\"The Pro-Chancellor disregarded essential steps in the selection process which are mandatorily provided for by the enabling law. A few instances will suffice: (a)He negotiated a consent judgement with one of the dissident Professor and known friend of Dr Benard Odoh, Prof Tony Okoye, of the Dept. of Environmental Management, who despite not having a locus standi, as he was not a contestant for the position of the Vice chancellor, sued to enforce adherence to the already published contentious eligibility criteria which he believed favoured his friend. This consent agreement was reached without the knowledge of the other defendants in the case which includes the University, the Council and the Acting Vice Chancellor. WHAT A FRAUD! In return, Prof Tony Okoye was appointed by the Chairman of Council to represent the Senate in the Selection panel for the appointment of Registrar without the consent of Senate. This is a clear case of CRIMINAL COLLUSION. What a shame to both the Chairman of Council and the usurper, Prof Tony Okoye.\r\n\r\n(b) The Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (amendments) 2012 provides for the\r\nestablishment of a Search Team to be constituted as follows: A member of Council who is not a member of Senate as chairman. Two members of Senate who are not members of council, one of whom shall be a Professor; Two members of Congregation who should not be members of Council, one of whom should be a Professor. To identify and nominate for consideration suitable persons who are not likely to apply for the post on their own volition because they feel that it is not proper to do so.\r\n\r\nThe routine practice is that this Committee is set up at the time of the advertisement so that they use the six (6) weeks advertised window to search for candidates all-round the nation. And the various constituencies to wit; Senate and Congregation, are usually required to nominate their members (which is done through a popular vote). The Chairman set up the said Committee on 22nd October 2024 and single-handedly picked members of the Committee as suggested to him by his “Vice Chancellor designate”. Meanwhile the Chairman of Council is neither a member of Senate nor Congregation.\r\nIn setting up the Committee he had proposed that they have one month to do the search given that Council had proposed interviewing candidates for the position of Vice Chancellor in the first week of December 2024.\r\n\r\n\'The unanticipated removal of the Minister of Education jolted the cabal andtheir hatchet man, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe. Not certain how things would turn out with the new Minister, they had to fast forward everything and deliver the new “Vice Chancellor” before the takeover of the new Minister on 31st October. With the interview held on 29th October, it means that the activity of the Search team was truncated, meanwhile we have it on good record that funds have been disbursed for the activity. THIS MONEY SHOULD BE RECOVERED AS IT HAS NOT BEEN used yet. (c) The same Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendments) 2012 requires that a\r\nshortlist of applicants for the position of the Vice Chancellor is made (based on the advertised criteria). No such shortlist was made. There were 18 candidates and all the 18 were invited including persons above the advertised age and persons whose documentations were incomplete. Even the routine security vetting for candidates was not done. Out of the 18 applicants who were all invited, about 15 were present. The interview which was originally scheduled for 10.00am at the Council chambers of the University was moved to a Hotel, Awka.\r\n\r\n(d) Before the interview started at about 12.10 pm, about two court summons (Motion on notice) were served on The Registrar, who refused to receive them despite being a lawyer herself. Determined not to obey any court summon, they proceeded with the exercise. A later attempt by ASUU to serve theirs was met with vehement resistance as the security men at the hotel gate were directed not to allow in any person. Inshort the court bailiff was rough handled and pushed out of the hotel. The interview ended before 2.00pm, meaning that each candidate had about 5 minutes. Candidates from many other Universities who came expecting to be thoroughly drilled left disappointed, all agreeing that the exercise was a charade.\r\n\r\n\'It was the same charade that attended the selection process for the position of the Registrar. The exercise for the selection of the Registrar was more dramatic in the sense that on the said day, the selection Committee changed venue three times as they kept running from one place to another for fear of being served a court order. They first moved from the original venue which was the Council chamber of the University to a Hotel where the Council members were lodged, then to another hotel and later back to the first Hotel used. In doing this, they exhausted the candidates. Despite having better candidates, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe selected his relation, Mrs Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike, who is married to an Awka man, without disclosing the fiduciary relationship to other members of the panel and Council.\r\n\r\n\'(f) The experience of external persons who attended both the Registrar and the Vice Chancellor selection process from other Universities was to say the least unwholesome as they left with bitter and derogatory experiences which IMPINGES ON THE CREDIBILITY AND REPUTATION OF OUR GREAT UNIVERSITY.\r\n\r\n(g) As with the Search Team, the Chairman of Council single-handedly appointed representatives of Senate and Congregation into the Selection Committees for Registrar and Vice Chancellor respectively.\r\n\r\n\'In all these, the Chairman colluded with other four (4) members of Council appointed to represent several interests to the exclusion of the internal members of Council (ie representatives of Senate and Congregation), whose presence and participation were disregarded.\r\n\r\n\'WE FEEL GREATLY DISAPPOINTED Given the above, the members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and indeed the entire staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University are: 1). Troubled by the abuse of process which has been demonstrated by the Chairman of\r\nCouncil in several ways including:\r\n(a). Solely advertising the criteria for eligibility for the position of Vice Chancellor without reference to Council.\r\n\r\n\'Refusing to consider or accept the views of internal members of Council who requested for a corrigendum to correct the ominous eligibility criteria published.\r\n\r\n\'Proceeding in reckless splendour to breach due process, after the Senate had on 16th October, 2024 requested a meeting with the Council, and resolved not to be part of the selection process, until a corrigendum to correct the ominous eligibility criteria is published and due process is complied with.\r\n\r\n\'Despising the Senate of the Universityand its request for a corrigendum to correct the ominous eligibility criteria as published, disregarding the request for a meeting with the Senate, and usurping the power of the Senate to nominate its representatives in the two selection Committees by single-handedly appointing acolytes of Dr Benard Odoh, one of whom is barely three months asa professor to interview candidates some of who have been Professors for decades.\r\n\r\n\'Appalled that the Chairman enlisted and invited for interview a candidate who is not a\r\nProfessorand who is not eligible by the criteria published. Regrettably, it has been in the\r\npublic domain that he was determined to enthrone this unqualified and wholly deficient candidate. Disappointed by the non-inclusiveness of the Internal Council members in this critical process. Hence all the key steps in the process (advertisement, search process, shortlisting) were dictated by the Chairman alone without consultations with the Internal members of Council.\r\n\r\nOn action sought,\' these unilateral actions and authoritative tendencies of the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council and his clique of external members havecaused:\r\n• Erosion of trust and loss of confidence in the Council and its leadership.\r\n• Institutional instability, creating an environment conducive for conflict and power struggles.\r\n• Damage to the image of the University, with negative impact on the institution’s reputation and credibility.\r\n\r\n\'In the immortal words of Magnus Ibegbulem,THE UNIVERSITY SHOULD NOT BE A SETTLEMENT FOR POLITICAL JOBBERS, AND IF THERE IS ANY UNIVERSITY THAT COULD BE USED FOR SUCH EXPERIMENT, IT MUST NOT BE OUR PRESTIGIOUS NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY.\r\n\r\n\'Given the above, we request the President and Visitor to the University to URGENTLY intervene in this matter by ordering the IMMEDIATEremoval of\r\n1) Amb. Greg Mbadiwe, Chairman of Council\r\n2) The four (4) other government appointees of Council. 3) Dr Benard Odoh, the “purported Vice Chancellor” from office\r\n4) Mrs Rosemary Ifeoma Nowkike, as the Registrar\r\n5) Reconstitute the Council, and (6) Order a fresh advert and selection process for a new Vice Chancellor and Registrar for the University. A stitch in time saves nine!,\' Ubaoji concluded .','UNIZIK VCship Saga: He is Dr Benard Odoh Not Professor - ASUU-NAU Chairperson','','publish','open','open','','unizik-vcship-saga-he-is-dr-benard-odoh-not-professor-asuu-nau-chairperson','','','2024-11-02 12:44:12','2024-11-02 12:44:12','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5709',0,'post','',0),(5710,1,'2024-11-02 12:40:30','2024-11-02 12:40:30','','IMG-20241102-WA0018','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241102-wa0018','','','2024-11-02 12:40:30','2024-11-02 12:40:30','',5709,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0018.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5711,1,'2024-11-02 12:42:55','2024-11-02 12:42:55','','IMG-20241102-WA0019','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241102-wa0019','','','2024-11-02 12:42:55','2024-11-02 12:42:55','',5709,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0019.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5712,1,'2024-11-02 12:44:12','2024-11-02 12:44:12','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5710 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0018-169x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n...Says Appointment Of VC Done in Hallowed Council Chamber Not in Hotel\r\n\r\nBy Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu\r\n\r\nThe Chairperson of the Academic Staff Union of Universities Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (ASUU-NAU), Professor Kingsley Ubaoji, says the controversially appointed Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK remains an academic doctor and not a Professor, thereby prohibiting him from leading the ivory tower.\r\n\r\nIn statement signed by ASUU-NAU Chairperson emphasized that the appointment of Vice Chancellor is done in the Hallowed Council Chamber and not in a Hotel, stating that their agitation is borne of conviction and not because he is from Ebonyi State or all those stories they told to attract sympathy.<!--more--><!--more--><!--more--><!--more--><!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe statement reads in part, \'The Pro-Chancellor set out working alone without the internal members of Council. He harrased the Ag VC and ignored all our letters to him but the first which he used to oust Prof. Ikechebelu. If he truly is playing by the rule, why would he honour and acknowledge our first letter but ignore the rest. He came with an agenda to impose someone on us. The worst is that the person is not a Professor by the documents and qualifications that makes one a professor of a university. BEFORE IT GETS DARK AT NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY\r\n-THE POSITION OF VICE CHANCELLOR OF A UNIVERSITY SHOULD NOT BE A SETTLEMENT FOR A POLITICALJOBBER\r\n\r\nAn appeal to the President and Visitor to the University to intervene in the brewing crisis in the University by IMMEDIATELY removing Dr Berrnard Odoh, who was recklessly imposed on the University as a Vice Chancellor on Tuesday 29th October 2024 and Amb. Greg Mbadiwethe Chairman of Council, who perpetrated the imposition.\r\n\r\n\'Nnamdi Azikiwe University is an institution named after Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the great African scholar, nationalist and irredentist. Given the antecedents of the great Zik of Africa, the University named after him is expected to symbolically stand in the very centre of development in Nigeria and Africa, lead in advancement of academic excellence and impactful community engagement. No wonder the founding fathers choose for the University, the motto discipline, self-reliance and excellence. This motto has continued to set us apart and has remained our constant measure in our drive to be a top-tier institution in Africa renowned for producing globally competitive graduates, and advancing knowledge through research and innovation.\r\nOn Tuesday 29th October 2024, the Pro-Chancellor and chairman of Council, who had since inception been behaving like a Pharoah, violated the solemnity and sacredness of our institution by fraudulently foisting a non-qualified person, Dr Benard Odoh as its Vice-Chancellor.Apart from Dr Benard Odoh not being qualified and not meeting the eligibility criteria, the Pro-Chancellor, violated, disregarded and undermined the rule of law and recklessly imposed him on the University, above very highly qualified academic giants.\r\nFACTS ON DR BENARD ODOH \'Dr Benard Odoh is a 1999 graduate of Geological Sciences from Nnamdi Azikiwe University.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5711\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0019-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" />\r\n\r\n\'He enrolled for and studied for a Master of Science degree in the same Geological Science Department between October 2004 and January 2006.\r\n\r\n\'He again enrolled for a Doctor of Science degree in the same Dept. of Geological Sciences (Applied Geophysics) Department in January 2006 and graduated in August 2008, a period of 2 years. It is still to be understood how he completed the Ph.D. programme in two (2) years given that the duration for a full-time Ph.D. programme in the University is six semesters (which is 3 years). Meanwhile, at the material time, he was a full-time lecturer at Ebonyi State University.This happenstance is a red flag.\r\n\r\n\'In 2009, DrBenard Odoh was offered an appointment into the Dept. of Applied Geophysics, Faculty of Physical Sciences as a Lecturer I. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of Senior Lecturer with effect from 1st October 2012.\r\n\r\n\'By a letter dated 16th October 2014, Dr Odoh sought and obtained approval to embark on a leave of absence effective 1st November 2014 – 1st March 2015, to contest for the elective position of Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was not successful in his bid for a Senatorial ticket.\r\n\r\n\'In May 2015, he was appointed Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government and through a letter dated 29th May 2015 requested and obtained approval for a four-year leave of absencefrom the University. He remained in that position till April 2018 when he resigned.\r\n\r\n\'At the time he was appointed SSG to the Ebonyi State Government, he was a Senior Lecturer. We were therefore surprised that he started using the title of a Professor.\r\n\r\n\'In 2019, he contested for the gubernatorial primaries in Ebonyi State under APC still pretending to be a Professor, but lost to Sonni Ogbuoji.\r\n\r\n\'Again in 2023, he contested for the governorship of Ebonyi State flying the flag of APGA and lost.\r\n\r\n\'Surprisingly he was in 2019 promoted to the rank of a Reader in our University under a very contentious circumstance, which elicited and still elicits controversy from his contemporaries who felt he was unduly favoured as he had not spent the requisite number of years required for the promotion. As a Union we do not have the details of how he was switching his status between political appointment, elective positions and his academic career. The law allows for leave of absence if you have a political appointment. A leave of absence means that your academic career is paused to resume when you return. However, if you are going for an elective position you are expected to resign your appointment with the University. Therefore, that Dr Benard Odoh continues to earn his promotion in the University even while running for elective positions is another red flag, and can only be explained by the past Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone.\r\n\r\n\'So in our University now, Dr Benard Odoh is a Reader. Period! Attached as evidence of his current rank is the IPPIS salary payment slip for August 2024 which clearly shows that he is paid as a Reader (See Annexure I).\r\n\r\n\'While Dr Benard Odoh has been tamed from officially using the title of a professor in the University’s official documents, he still parades himself as a Professor in his external communications and CV meant for external use.\r\n\r\n\'In the University’s Central Information Referencing and Management System (CIRMS) wherein individual staff manage their pages, he wrote that “Prof. Ifeanyi Benard Odoh is a READER in APPLIED GEOPHYSICS Department, Faculty of Physical Sciences in Nnamdi Azikiwe University.\r\n\r\n\'It is from his CV we saw that he makes a claim to an appointment as a Visiting Professor of Geophysics at the Federal University, Gusau from July 2015 to October 2017, as well as being the pioneer Head of the Department at the University within the same period. This coincides with the same period he was SSG to the Ebonyi State Government.\r\n\r\n\'A reply dated 28th October 2024 from the Registrar, Federal University, Gusau,to a request for disclosure of the academic status of Dr Benard Odoh made by Kingsley Awuka Esq. of Awuka, Okafor &amp; Partners, No 63 Old Onitsha Road, Opp. NAUTH, Nnewi, proved that the above claim is false. Part of the letter from the Registrar which is here exhibited as Annexure IIreads: \'Our records show that Dr Ifeanyi Benard Odoh never(sic) a staff nor a pioneer Head of Department of Geology. Never shown (sic) up in the department or though(sic) any course(s).”\r\n\r\n16. The above is a clear disclaimer to Dr Benard Odoh’s claim from the same University.\r\nWHAT AN ACADEMIC FRAUD! In a saner clime, this dubious and false claim is enough to expel him from the university. But rather than do that, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe has chosen to promote him to lead one of the finest academy in the country, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, which motto is DISCIPLINE, SELF-RELIANCE &amp; EXCELLENCE, values that are diametrically opposed to what Dr Benard Odoh stands for.\r\n\r\n17. But assuming without conceding that Dr Benard Odoh was actually appointed a Visiting Professor, it does not make him a Professor. It needs to be clarified that a Visiting Professor is not a full Professor. A visiting Professor is a temporary academic position that allows you to teach or conduct research at a different institution than your home one.The term “Visiting” means that it is not a permanent position and is not “tenure-track” (it is not earned by promotion). It is a mark of the deepening intellectual crisis in Nigerian Universities that even persons who have never had any academic engagement are offered “visiting Professorship” positions, but it doesn’t make them Professors.\r\n\r\n18. The rank of a full professoris a tenure-track position with requisite promotional criteria, and appurtenances of office, and carries additional administrative responsibilities associated with membership on committees that are restricted to full professors like membership of Senate. Dr Benard Odoh is not a member of the University Senate. The Senate records are there for perusal.\r\n\r\n\'The gap between a “visiting Professor” and a “Professor” is akin to the one between an “honorary doctorate” degree and an earned “doctorate” degree.\r\n\r\n\'It is crystal clear from the above that Dr Benard Odoh is not a Professor and is not therefore qualified by the criteria published to lead our academy. Regrettably, he parades a forged qualification, and a dubious character, not desiring of a true academic.\r\nSUCH A CHARACTER CANNOT BE TRUSTED WITH PRESIDING OVER THE TRAINING OF MIND AND CHARACTER, WHICH IS THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OF A UNIVERSITY. NO ONE GIVES WHAT HE HAS NOT.\r\n\r\n\'It is regrettable and painful that despite the fact that all these pieces of information were made available to the Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe-led Council, he insisted on foisting Dr Benard Odoh on the University as its Vice Chancellor in a most reckless, despicable and dictatorial manner.\r\nSETTLEMENT FOR A POLITICAL JOBBER\r\n\r\n\'Random musings about Dr Benard Odoh’s candidacy for the position of Vice Chancellor started in early April 2024 towards the end-of-tenure of the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone. And gained traction with an article on Facebook titled: UNIZIK: Is Benard Odoh Also Among The Prophets.\r\n\r\n\'The first two paragraphs of the article written by Magnus Ibegbulem are very instructive given its veracity (which has come to pass) and preemptive warning (which is the consequence ahead).\r\n\r\n\'It is here reproduced for your reading pleasure:\r\n“A university is supposed to be a model of excellence and the highest level of\r\ndecency, but it appears that politicians who are guilty of destroying the very\r\nfabrics of our democracy and nationhood are not satisfied with the destruction\r\nthey have met and are now hell bent in bringing their atrocious greed and\r\ndiabolic corruption to the hallowed citadel of learning.\r\n\r\n\'Hearing that a cabal in certain quarters has determined to foist Bernard Odoh, the former Secretary to the Government of Ebonyi state on the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University as its Acting Vice Chancellor, is both insulting to the sensibilities of the institutions stakeholders and embarrassing to the idea of academic excellence and the sanctity of Nigerian tertiary education system.\r\nTHE UNIVERSITY SHOULD NOT BE A SETTLEMENT FOR POLITICAL\r\nJOBBERS, AND IF THERE IS ANY UNIVERSITY THATCOULD BE USED\r\nFOR SUCH EXPERIMENT, IT MUST NOT BE OUR PRESTIGIOUS\r\nNNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY”. (Emphasis mine)\r\n\r\n\'Ever since this publication, the speculation that a cabal was bent on installing Dr Benard Odo as the Vice Chancellor of the University had continued to gather momentum until it finally came to accomplishment on 29th October 2024. All along, we took things for granted given that he is not qualified for the position, untilCZAR AMBASSADOR GREG MBADIWE as the Chairman of Council accomplished the task. With this accomplishment, it actually became clear that the position is being offered to him, a POLITICAL JOBBER (who has made one failed attempt at Senatorial primary, another failed attempt at Gubernatorial primary, and a failed attempt at Gubernatorial election) as a settlement.\r\n\r\nOn how the plat was hatched, \'It appeared that in picking a hatchet man for the job, the cabal found in Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, a fit and proper character. This perhaps explains why he alone out of all the previous appointees to the Council of our University in May 2024survived the review that followed the initial appointment. Hisdictatorial actions and tendencies ever since his assumption of office left no one in doubt that he has an ego to feed, and an illegitimate assignment to accomplish. From the onset, he made deliberate attempts to undermine institutional processes. Specifically, the Chairman,\r\n• Made unilateral decisions without the full composition of Council and even thereafter.\r\n• Disregarded the concern of the internal Council members, ASUU and Senate.\r\n• Undermined institutional processes, including directing the appointment of an Acting DVC to which he has no right, the premature changing of Heads of Departments midstream into their tenure to serve “their purpose” of electing their preferred candidates into Council, among others.\r\n\r\n\'A careful examination of the eligibility criteria listed in the advertisement for Vice Chancellor which Amb. Greg Mbadiwe personally published show that it is narrowly tailored to match the profile of a specific individual, rather than being broadly based to attract a diverse range of qualified candidates. This is evidenced by the exclusion of Professors from the Medical Sciences, and the emphasis and requirement of a proven record of having attracted not less than N400 million, which we consider restrictive and will disqualify numerous suitable candidates. What is the basis for N400 million as a benchmark if he had no person in mind? Such specific conditions are usually not tenable. What is often emphasised is the ability of the candidate to attract development to the University, which can come in form of grants, endowments, donations etc.The listed eligibility criteria left out very critical issues like evidence of university administrative experience, global reputation and visibility, apparently because the anointed candidate lacks such critically genuine experience. Previous copies of similar advertisements from our University and cognate institutions were provided to convince him that what he was doing was wrong, but all these were met with stubborn resistance. Representations made by MDCAN, ASUU and even representatives of the Senate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University were defiantly rebuffed. He neither replied to the several letters to him by ASUU nor acceded to the request for a meeting with the Senate. He has no modicum of respect for anybody and has not even paid a courtesy call to the Governor of the state or the traditional ruler of the host community Awka both of whom are major stakeholders and collaborators of the university.\r\n\r\n\'INFRACTIONS BY THE PRO-CHANCELLOR AND HIS CLIQUE OF COUNCIL MEMBERS IN THE SELECTION EXERCISE FOR VICE CHANCELLOR &amp; REGISTRAR. The Chairman of Council erred by believing that only the external members of Council are essential members in the exercise. Unconscious of his awful doom, marginalised and disregarded the representatives of Senate and Congregation in the entire process of appointing both the Registrar and the “purported Vice Chancellor”.\r\n\r\n\"The Pro-Chancellor disregarded essential steps in the selection process which are mandatorily provided for by the enabling law. A few instances will suffice: (a)He negotiated a consent judgement with one of the dissident Professor and known friend of Dr Benard Odoh, Prof Tony Okoye, of the Dept. of Environmental Management, who despite not having a locus standi, as he was not a contestant for the position of the Vice chancellor, sued to enforce adherence to the already published contentious eligibility criteria which he believed favoured his friend. This consent agreement was reached without the knowledge of the other defendants in the case which includes the University, the Council and the Acting Vice Chancellor. WHAT A FRAUD! In return, Prof Tony Okoye was appointed by the Chairman of Council to represent the Senate in the Selection panel for the appointment of Registrar without the consent of Senate. This is a clear case of CRIMINAL COLLUSION. What a shame to both the Chairman of Council and the usurper, Prof Tony Okoye.\r\n\r\n(b) The Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (amendments) 2012 provides for the\r\nestablishment of a Search Team to be constituted as follows: A member of Council who is not a member of Senate as chairman. Two members of Senate who are not members of council, one of whom shall be a Professor; Two members of Congregation who should not be members of Council, one of whom should be a Professor. To identify and nominate for consideration suitable persons who are not likely to apply for the post on their own volition because they feel that it is not proper to do so.\r\n\r\nThe routine practice is that this Committee is set up at the time of the advertisement so that they use the six (6) weeks advertised window to search for candidates all-round the nation. And the various constituencies to wit; Senate and Congregation, are usually required to nominate their members (which is done through a popular vote). The Chairman set up the said Committee on 22nd October 2024 and single-handedly picked members of the Committee as suggested to him by his “Vice Chancellor designate”. Meanwhile the Chairman of Council is neither a member of Senate nor Congregation.\r\nIn setting up the Committee he had proposed that they have one month to do the search given that Council had proposed interviewing candidates for the position of Vice Chancellor in the first week of December 2024.\r\n\r\n\'The unanticipated removal of the Minister of Education jolted the cabal andtheir hatchet man, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe. Not certain how things would turn out with the new Minister, they had to fast forward everything and deliver the new “Vice Chancellor” before the takeover of the new Minister on 31st October. With the interview held on 29th October, it means that the activity of the Search team was truncated, meanwhile we have it on good record that funds have been disbursed for the activity. THIS MONEY SHOULD BE RECOVERED AS IT HAS NOT BEEN used yet. (c) The same Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendments) 2012 requires that a\r\nshortlist of applicants for the position of the Vice Chancellor is made (based on the advertised criteria). No such shortlist was made. There were 18 candidates and all the 18 were invited including persons above the advertised age and persons whose documentations were incomplete. Even the routine security vetting for candidates was not done. Out of the 18 applicants who were all invited, about 15 were present. The interview which was originally scheduled for 10.00am at the Council chambers of the University was moved to a Hotel, Awka.\r\n\r\n(d) Before the interview started at about 12.10 pm, about two court summons (Motion on notice) were served on The Registrar, who refused to receive them despite being a lawyer herself. Determined not to obey any court summon, they proceeded with the exercise. A later attempt by ASUU to serve theirs was met with vehement resistance as the security men at the hotel gate were directed not to allow in any person. Inshort the court bailiff was rough handled and pushed out of the hotel. The interview ended before 2.00pm, meaning that each candidate had about 5 minutes. Candidates from many other Universities who came expecting to be thoroughly drilled left disappointed, all agreeing that the exercise was a charade.\r\n\r\n\'It was the same charade that attended the selection process for the position of the Registrar. The exercise for the selection of the Registrar was more dramatic in the sense that on the said day, the selection Committee changed venue three times as they kept running from one place to another for fear of being served a court order. They first moved from the original venue which was the Council chamber of the University to a Hotel where the Council members were lodged, then to another hotel and later back to the first Hotel used. In doing this, they exhausted the candidates. Despite having better candidates, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe selected his relation, Mrs Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike, who is married to an Awka man, without disclosing the fiduciary relationship to other members of the panel and Council.\r\n\r\n\'(f) The experience of external persons who attended both the Registrar and the Vice Chancellor selection process from other Universities was to say the least unwholesome as they left with bitter and derogatory experiences which IMPINGES ON THE CREDIBILITY AND REPUTATION OF OUR GREAT UNIVERSITY.\r\n\r\n(g) As with the Search Team, the Chairman of Council single-handedly appointed representatives of Senate and Congregation into the Selection Committees for Registrar and Vice Chancellor respectively.\r\n\r\n\'In all these, the Chairman colluded with other four (4) members of Council appointed to represent several interests to the exclusion of the internal members of Council (ie representatives of Senate and Congregation), whose presence and participation were disregarded.\r\n\r\n\'WE FEEL GREATLY DISAPPOINTED Given the above, the members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and indeed the entire staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University are: 1). Troubled by the abuse of process which has been demonstrated by the Chairman of\r\nCouncil in several ways including:\r\n(a). Solely advertising the criteria for eligibility for the position of Vice Chancellor without reference to Council.\r\n\r\n\'Refusing to consider or accept the views of internal members of Council who requested for a corrigendum to correct the ominous eligibility criteria published.\r\n\r\n\'Proceeding in reckless splendour to breach due process, after the Senate had on 16th October, 2024 requested a meeting with the Council, and resolved not to be part of the selection process, until a corrigendum to correct the ominous eligibility criteria is published and due process is complied with.\r\n\r\n\'Despising the Senate of the Universityand its request for a corrigendum to correct the ominous eligibility criteria as published, disregarding the request for a meeting with the Senate, and usurping the power of the Senate to nominate its representatives in the two selection Committees by single-handedly appointing acolytes of Dr Benard Odoh, one of whom is barely three months asa professor to interview candidates some of who have been Professors for decades.\r\n\r\n\'Appalled that the Chairman enlisted and invited for interview a candidate who is not a\r\nProfessorand who is not eligible by the criteria published. Regrettably, it has been in the\r\npublic domain that he was determined to enthrone this unqualified and wholly deficient candidate. Disappointed by the non-inclusiveness of the Internal Council members in this critical process. Hence all the key steps in the process (advertisement, search process, shortlisting) were dictated by the Chairman alone without consultations with the Internal members of Council.\r\n\r\nOn action sought,\' these unilateral actions and authoritative tendencies of the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council and his clique of external members havecaused:\r\n• Erosion of trust and loss of confidence in the Council and its leadership.\r\n• Institutional instability, creating an environment conducive for conflict and power struggles.\r\n• Damage to the image of the University, with negative impact on the institution’s reputation and credibility.\r\n\r\n\'In the immortal words of Magnus Ibegbulem,THE UNIVERSITY SHOULD NOT BE A SETTLEMENT FOR POLITICAL JOBBERS, AND IF THERE IS ANY UNIVERSITY THAT COULD BE USED FOR SUCH EXPERIMENT, IT MUST NOT BE OUR PRESTIGIOUS NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY.\r\n\r\n\'Given the above, we request the President and Visitor to the University to URGENTLY intervene in this matter by ordering the IMMEDIATEremoval of\r\n1) Amb. Greg Mbadiwe, Chairman of Council\r\n2) The four (4) other government appointees of Council. 3) Dr Benard Odoh, the “purported Vice Chancellor” from office\r\n4) Mrs Rosemary Ifeoma Nowkike, as the Registrar\r\n5) Reconstitute the Council, and (6) Order a fresh advert and selection process for a new Vice Chancellor and Registrar for the University. A stitch in time saves nine!,\' Ubaoji concluded .','UNIZIK VCship Saga: He is Dr Benard Odoh Not Professor - ASUU-NAU Chairperson','','inherit','closed','closed','','5709-revision-v1','','','2024-11-02 12:44:12','2024-11-02 12:44:12','',5709,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5712',0,'revision','',0),(5713,1,'2024-11-02 23:14:59','2024-11-02 23:14:59','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5714 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0024-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBy Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu\r\n\r\nIdemili North Local Government Area Headquarters, Ogidi, was a beehive of activities on Friday, 1st November 2024, as the wife of the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo Launched Healthy Living Garden Programme and Weeekly Physical Exercise in the 21 LGAs of Anambra State.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nLaunching separately the two all-important programmes at Council\'s Secretariat, Mrs Soludo showered encomuims on the Chief Servant of Idemili North, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka (Ochendo Idemili) for his proactiveness, coordination, diligence and ability to mobilize residents of Idemili north within shortest notice, saying that the choice of the Council area as a kick-off point was a well thought out plan and calculated attempt to leverage its numerical strength and massive population.\r\n\r\nUunveiling the dual programmes, Mrs Nonye Soludo explained the benefits of daily or weekly/Saturday exercise for everyone in all the LGAs saying that working out builds a sound mind for the day’s activities, cures arthritis, burns excessive fats and reduces cholesterol level, helps in blood circulation which helps longevity.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5715\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0023-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nShe requested volunteers to come out to the LGA Secretariats while Communities should converge on school fields for weekly Saturday exercise.\r\n\r\n\'Today, we came with organic seedlings like cucumber, okra, pepper, lettuce, watermelon, cabbage, vegetables like bitter leaf , green,ugu,/pumpkin, water leaf etc.. In three months, some of the vegetables will be do for harvest and we shall bring it to the Farmer’s market weekly. The farm produce will be selling at a reduced price of up to 30percent from what is sold at the open market and yet people can still make millions out of their farms,\' she said\r\n\r\nAccording to the Governor’s wife, the visions for these two programmes aimed at making organic food and vegetables available to all households, stating that the Healthy Living Garden Programme was a deliberate strategy to kick-start a long-term agricultural revolution that would make staple crops available all year round and at a very cheap and low prices.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5716\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0023-1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n\'We have over thirteen vegetables and crops for each garden, we want every local government area in Anambra State to lead this crucial move that will eventually give birth to our target of establishing designated Farmers\' Markets in the 21 local government areas of our state in three months time. Our vision for this project is cleanly tailored. And we\'re on the right path to the success story that waits ahead.\r\n\r\n\'The Healthy Living Garden Programme is a community-based initiative where each local government will be supported by the governor\'s wife, NGO, to start up their own gardens within the vicinities of the councils\' secretariat.\r\n\r\n\'The gardens shall be manned by trained workers in the local government areas, with the supervision of the local government chairman\'s wives.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5717\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0026-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" />\r\n\r\n\'Crops to be cultivated in the gardens include tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, cabbage, hot pepper, green pepper, pumpkin, sweet corn, beetroot, garden egg, scent leaves, curry, etc.\r\n\r\nThe governor\'s wife, Mrs Soludo, said that the the participating local government areas would have till the next three months to start up their farmers\' markets where every harvest would be sold at a rate cheaper than what is sold in the conventional markets.\r\n\r\nShe stated that the farmers\' markets would be opened weeekly across the twenty-one local government areas\r\n\r\nFlagging off the weekly exercise, Mrs Soludo explained that apart from building a community of physical health enthusiasts, she wished to use the programme to promote relationships and build a network of healthy living champions across the state, even as she charged the wife of the Idemili North, Lady Ebere Nkwoka to coordinate and lead the exercise.\r\n\r\nEarlier in a remark, the Idemili North Chairman, Chief Stanley Nkwoka noted that the launching of the Community Garden/Farmers Market Program was timely given the hunger experienced in the country today.\r\n\r\n\'I thank Her Excellency for choosing Idemili North because it is the most populated LGA in Anambra State. It is not just about healthy exercise alone but eating well too. We have already established our farm and in three months time Her Excellency will be here to celebrate our farmers market from our own garden. We shall also take it to grassroots including Communities in the riverine areas so that we can produce vegetables right round the year,\' the Council\'s Boss said\r\n\r\nIn their separate speeches, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike and Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor urged Anambra residents to embrace Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo’s (HLWNS).\r\n\r\nThe Health Commissioner who is the State Coordinator of HLWNS initiative advised everyone to embrace the 6 pillars of HLWNS including the working out and the farmers market angle unveiled at INLGA. \'Learn any thing or knowledge that can improve one’s health including how to resuscitate somebody who suddenly slumps in a crowd demonstrated by the Red Cross society, It can extend someone’s life tomorrow,\' he concluded.\r\n\r\nSpeaking during the event, The Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor who thanked Mrs Soludo for choosing Idemili North, his own LGA as a place to flag off the programs assured that people of Idemili North would definitely adopt the programs on weekly exercise and community/own your organic garden project because of the health and economic benefits.\r\n\r\n\'The Governor’s wife is doing a gigantic work. She is talking about a sound mind in a healthy body. She teaches our people how to engage in exercise and also eat healthy. If you lose your health you lose everything. Health first and you are sure of any other thing. If you live healthy, you will live longer and be more productive. Do it organically, no Genetically Modified Organism (GMO),”said Mefor.\r\n\r\nContributing the Idemili South Chairman, Hon Mrs Amaka Obi (Iyom Ife-Abata) eulogized Her Excellency saying that the great feats achieved by Governor Chukwuma Soludo were made possible because of the full support she gives as a good and visionary wife.\r\n\r\n\'Today, Anambra enjoys free Education, free Antenatal and delivery, good hospitals,good roads infrastructure including construction of Federal roads just to make life better for Ndi Anambra. The 1 Youth 2 skills and the empowerment have transformed our youths with about 750 beneficiaries from Idemili North. Infact, in the next election we from Anambra Central and others from the entire 21 LGAs must ensure that Soludo wins in every polling unit in the coming guber election”, said Mrs Obi.\r\n\r\nIn a vote of thanks, the Leader, INLGA legislative Council (Councillors) , Hon Samuel Arinze Anikpe (Oyinatumba Wester) eulogized Governor Soludo, saying that he had indeed brought solution to many sectors of the State, pleading that even after Soludo’s second tenure which was never in contention was completed, he Soludo should make himself available to advice those coming after him because the Solution mantra had been unprecedented.\r\n\r\nOther Dignitaries that welcomed Her Excellency during the Launch include the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA Anambra State Chairman, Chief Barrister Ifeatu Obi Okoye, Deputy Mayor Idemili North, Hon Mrs Phina Uche Onwuachu, Traditional Ruler of Oraukwu, Igwe Dr. Barr. Emeka Onuorah and his Abacha counterpart Igwe Godwin Odiegwu, Honourable Councillors, among several Soludo support groups.','Anambra\'s First Lady, Nonye Soludo Showers Praises On Idemili North Mayor As She Launches Healthy Living Garden Programme, Weeekly Physical Exercise in the 21 LGAs of Anambra State','','publish','open','open','','anambras-first-lady-nonye-soludo-showers-praises-on-idemili-north-mayor-as-she-launches-healthy-living-garden-programme-weeekly-physical-exercise-in-the-21-lgas-of-anambra-state','','','2024-11-02 23:14:59','2024-11-02 23:14:59','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5713',0,'post','',0),(5714,1,'2024-11-02 23:13:15','2024-11-02 23:13:15','','IMG-20241102-WA0024','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241102-wa0024','','','2024-11-02 23:13:15','2024-11-02 23:13:15','',5713,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0024.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5715,1,'2024-11-02 23:13:47','2024-11-02 23:13:47','','IMG-20241102-WA0023','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241102-wa0023','','','2024-11-02 23:13:47','2024-11-02 23:13:47','',5713,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0023.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5716,1,'2024-11-02 23:14:13','2024-11-02 23:14:13','','IMG-20241102-WA0023','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241102-wa0023-2','','','2024-11-02 23:14:13','2024-11-02 23:14:13','',5713,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0023-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5717,1,'2024-11-02 23:14:44','2024-11-02 23:14:44','','IMG-20241102-WA0026','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241102-wa0026','','','2024-11-02 23:14:44','2024-11-02 23:14:44','',5713,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0026.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5718,1,'2024-11-02 23:14:59','2024-11-02 23:14:59','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5714 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0024-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBy Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu\r\n\r\nIdemili North Local Government Area Headquarters, Ogidi, was a beehive of activities on Friday, 1st November 2024, as the wife of the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo Launched Healthy Living Garden Programme and Weeekly Physical Exercise in the 21 LGAs of Anambra State.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nLaunching separately the two all-important programmes at Council\'s Secretariat, Mrs Soludo showered encomuims on the Chief Servant of Idemili North, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka (Ochendo Idemili) for his proactiveness, coordination, diligence and ability to mobilize residents of Idemili north within shortest notice, saying that the choice of the Council area as a kick-off point was a well thought out plan and calculated attempt to leverage its numerical strength and massive population.\r\n\r\nUunveiling the dual programmes, Mrs Nonye Soludo explained the benefits of daily or weekly/Saturday exercise for everyone in all the LGAs saying that working out builds a sound mind for the day’s activities, cures arthritis, burns excessive fats and reduces cholesterol level, helps in blood circulation which helps longevity.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5715\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0023-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nShe requested volunteers to come out to the LGA Secretariats while Communities should converge on school fields for weekly Saturday exercise.\r\n\r\n\'Today, we came with organic seedlings like cucumber, okra, pepper, lettuce, watermelon, cabbage, vegetables like bitter leaf , green,ugu,/pumpkin, water leaf etc.. In three months, some of the vegetables will be do for harvest and we shall bring it to the Farmer’s market weekly. The farm produce will be selling at a reduced price of up to 30percent from what is sold at the open market and yet people can still make millions out of their farms,\' she said\r\n\r\nAccording to the Governor’s wife, the visions for these two programmes aimed at making organic food and vegetables available to all households, stating that the Healthy Living Garden Programme was a deliberate strategy to kick-start a long-term agricultural revolution that would make staple crops available all year round and at a very cheap and low prices.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5716\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0023-1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n\'We have over thirteen vegetables and crops for each garden, we want every local government area in Anambra State to lead this crucial move that will eventually give birth to our target of establishing designated Farmers\' Markets in the 21 local government areas of our state in three months time. Our vision for this project is cleanly tailored. And we\'re on the right path to the success story that waits ahead.\r\n\r\n\'The Healthy Living Garden Programme is a community-based initiative where each local government will be supported by the governor\'s wife, NGO, to start up their own gardens within the vicinities of the councils\' secretariat.\r\n\r\n\'The gardens shall be manned by trained workers in the local government areas, with the supervision of the local government chairman\'s wives.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5717\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241102-WA0026-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" />\r\n\r\n\'Crops to be cultivated in the gardens include tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, cabbage, hot pepper, green pepper, pumpkin, sweet corn, beetroot, garden egg, scent leaves, curry, etc.\r\n\r\nThe governor\'s wife, Mrs Soludo, said that the the participating local government areas would have till the next three months to start up their farmers\' markets where every harvest would be sold at a rate cheaper than what is sold in the conventional markets.\r\n\r\nShe stated that the farmers\' markets would be opened weeekly across the twenty-one local government areas\r\n\r\nFlagging off the weekly exercise, Mrs Soludo explained that apart from building a community of physical health enthusiasts, she wished to use the programme to promote relationships and build a network of healthy living champions across the state, even as she charged the wife of the Idemili North, Lady Ebere Nkwoka to coordinate and lead the exercise.\r\n\r\nEarlier in a remark, the Idemili North Chairman, Chief Stanley Nkwoka noted that the launching of the Community Garden/Farmers Market Program was timely given the hunger experienced in the country today.\r\n\r\n\'I thank Her Excellency for choosing Idemili North because it is the most populated LGA in Anambra State. It is not just about healthy exercise alone but eating well too. We have already established our farm and in three months time Her Excellency will be here to celebrate our farmers market from our own garden. We shall also take it to grassroots including Communities in the riverine areas so that we can produce vegetables right round the year,\' the Council\'s Boss said\r\n\r\nIn their separate speeches, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike and Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor urged Anambra residents to embrace Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo’s (HLWNS).\r\n\r\nThe Health Commissioner who is the State Coordinator of HLWNS initiative advised everyone to embrace the 6 pillars of HLWNS including the working out and the farmers market angle unveiled at INLGA. \'Learn any thing or knowledge that can improve one’s health including how to resuscitate somebody who suddenly slumps in a crowd demonstrated by the Red Cross society, It can extend someone’s life tomorrow,\' he concluded.\r\n\r\nSpeaking during the event, The Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor who thanked Mrs Soludo for choosing Idemili North, his own LGA as a place to flag off the programs assured that people of Idemili North would definitely adopt the programs on weekly exercise and community/own your organic garden project because of the health and economic benefits.\r\n\r\n\'The Governor’s wife is doing a gigantic work. She is talking about a sound mind in a healthy body. She teaches our people how to engage in exercise and also eat healthy. If you lose your health you lose everything. Health first and you are sure of any other thing. If you live healthy, you will live longer and be more productive. Do it organically, no Genetically Modified Organism (GMO),”said Mefor.\r\n\r\nContributing the Idemili South Chairman, Hon Mrs Amaka Obi (Iyom Ife-Abata) eulogized Her Excellency saying that the great feats achieved by Governor Chukwuma Soludo were made possible because of the full support she gives as a good and visionary wife.\r\n\r\n\'Today, Anambra enjoys free Education, free Antenatal and delivery, good hospitals,good roads infrastructure including construction of Federal roads just to make life better for Ndi Anambra. The 1 Youth 2 skills and the empowerment have transformed our youths with about 750 beneficiaries from Idemili North. Infact, in the next election we from Anambra Central and others from the entire 21 LGAs must ensure that Soludo wins in every polling unit in the coming guber election”, said Mrs Obi.\r\n\r\nIn a vote of thanks, the Leader, INLGA legislative Council (Councillors) , Hon Samuel Arinze Anikpe (Oyinatumba Wester) eulogized Governor Soludo, saying that he had indeed brought solution to many sectors of the State, pleading that even after Soludo’s second tenure which was never in contention was completed, he Soludo should make himself available to advice those coming after him because the Solution mantra had been unprecedented.\r\n\r\nOther Dignitaries that welcomed Her Excellency during the Launch include the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA Anambra State Chairman, Chief Barrister Ifeatu Obi Okoye, Deputy Mayor Idemili North, Hon Mrs Phina Uche Onwuachu, Traditional Ruler of Oraukwu, Igwe Dr. Barr. Emeka Onuorah and his Abacha counterpart Igwe Godwin Odiegwu, Honourable Councillors, among several Soludo support groups.','Anambra\'s First Lady, Nonye Soludo Showers Praises On Idemili North Mayor As She Launches Healthy Living Garden Programme, Weeekly Physical Exercise in the 21 LGAs of Anambra State','','inherit','closed','closed','','5713-revision-v1','','','2024-11-02 23:14:59','2024-11-02 23:14:59','',5713,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5718',0,'revision','',0),(5721,1,'2024-11-05 10:26:34','2024-11-05 10:26:34','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5722 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241105-WA0009-132x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"132\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nRAYMOND OZOJI, Awka\r\n\r\nBarely 48 hours of apprehending one of a 4-man kidnap gang who abducted a building engineer at Nimo in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State on Saturday 2nd November, 2024, the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) has arrested another member of same gang who kidnapped the building engineer.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nA video evidence of the arrested kidnap suspect showed that the Ebonyi state born daredevil hoodlum confessed to the crime and has been handed over to the police for further investigations.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile the Southeast Zonal Commander of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) ACG Mark Okem Okonkwo, said they received intelligence that one of the kidnappers who eloped while NHFSS officers were trying to rescue the building engineer under their hostage in a forest at Nimo, had returned and they swooped on him Monday 4th November, 2024 being the usual sit-at-home day.\r\n\r\nOkonkwo said that the first gang member who was arrested ab initio identified the second suspect as one of them and that the victim equally identified the second suspect as one of the criminals who abducted him at gunpoint.\r\n\r\nOkonkwo therefore solicited for more information from rural dwellers in Nimo and other neighbouring communities to enable hunters track down other fleeing gang members, stressing that Anambra forests will no longer be camps for kidnappers and other criminal elements.\r\n\r\nThe Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence) of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Amb. Dr. John Metchie extolled the intrepidity of the team who arrested the second kidnap suspect, saying that the team led by the Anambra State Commander of NHFSS Commander Destiny Jonas has done a very commendable job.\r\n\r\nMetchie also acknowledged the giant strides of the Commander-General of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Amb. Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, saying that NHFSS is making milestones under his watch.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n##','Anambra: Hunters Nab Another Member Of Kidnap Gang Who Abducted Building Engineer At Nim','','publish','open','open','','anambra-hunters-nab-another-member-of-kidnap-gang-who-abducted-building-engineer-at-nim','','','2024-11-05 10:26:34','2024-11-05 10:26:34','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5721',0,'post','',0),(5722,1,'2024-11-05 10:24:45','2024-11-05 10:24:45','','IMG-20241105-WA0009','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241105-wa0009','','','2024-11-05 10:24:45','2024-11-05 10:24:45','',5721,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241105-WA0009.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5723,1,'2024-11-05 10:26:34','2024-11-05 10:26:34','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5722 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241105-WA0009-132x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"132\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nRAYMOND OZOJI, Awka\r\n\r\nBarely 48 hours of apprehending one of a 4-man kidnap gang who abducted a building engineer at Nimo in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State on Saturday 2nd November, 2024, the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) has arrested another member of same gang who kidnapped the building engineer.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nA video evidence of the arrested kidnap suspect showed that the Ebonyi state born daredevil hoodlum confessed to the crime and has been handed over to the police for further investigations.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile the Southeast Zonal Commander of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) ACG Mark Okem Okonkwo, said they received intelligence that one of the kidnappers who eloped while NHFSS officers were trying to rescue the building engineer under their hostage in a forest at Nimo, had returned and they swooped on him Monday 4th November, 2024 being the usual sit-at-home day.\r\n\r\nOkonkwo said that the first gang member who was arrested ab initio identified the second suspect as one of them and that the victim equally identified the second suspect as one of the criminals who abducted him at gunpoint.\r\n\r\nOkonkwo therefore solicited for more information from rural dwellers in Nimo and other neighbouring communities to enable hunters track down other fleeing gang members, stressing that Anambra forests will no longer be camps for kidnappers and other criminal elements.\r\n\r\nThe Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence) of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Amb. Dr. John Metchie extolled the intrepidity of the team who arrested the second kidnap suspect, saying that the team led by the Anambra State Commander of NHFSS Commander Destiny Jonas has done a very commendable job.\r\n\r\nMetchie also acknowledged the giant strides of the Commander-General of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Amb. Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, saying that NHFSS is making milestones under his watch.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n##','Anambra: Hunters Nab Another Member Of Kidnap Gang Who Abducted Building Engineer At Nim','','inherit','closed','closed','','5721-revision-v1','','','2024-11-05 10:26:34','2024-11-05 10:26:34','',5721,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5723',0,'revision','',0),(5726,1,'2024-11-05 17:07:50','2024-11-05 17:07:50','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5727\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241105-WA0050-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nFramers, traders and businessmen in Enugu State have lauded President Bola Tinubu for supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with grants and loans that improved their businesses leading to expansion<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe farmers, traders and businessmen gave the commendation during a Town Hall meeting on Presidential Grants and Loans Scheme for MSMEs in Enugu on Tuesday.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe beneficiaries, especially those that got the Presidential Nano-business grant of N50,000, noted that the scheme “is never a scam but real with seamless protocol that made the grant access easy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr Uchenna Eneh, livestock farmer from Udi Local Government Area, said that he invested the free N50,000 grant he collected through the Presidential Grant on expanding his livestock business and “God really blessed me with the grant”.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5728\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241105-WA0049-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n“I used the money to buy two hybrid piglets and their feeds about some months ago.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“As I am speaking with you, just last week, one of the piglets gave birth to four piglets; while the other one her pregnancy had reached an advance stage and getting ready to deliver as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“So, I must say that the grant helped me a lot and I can ‘eye-mark’ what is used it for and its benefit to my business today,” Eneh said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr Chikezie Igwe, businessman dealing on provisions in Aninri Local Government Area, said that the Presidential grant had enabled his provision business to survive the harsh economy as the whole money went into his business directly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“The money was like God-sent, as it assisted me greatly to continue in business even when the cost of restocking my provision items went up at a time before the money came,” Igwe said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr Julius Azi, a sachet water producer in Awgu Local Government Area, said that the grant given to him was used to meet production needs of his factory.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAzi noted that at a time, “the production cost for sachet water skyrocketed but with the grant coming timely, we are able to stay in business till today,” he said.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5729\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241105-WA0048-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nMr Ifeanyi Obah, a printer and trader on yam tubers from Ukehe community in Igbo Etiti Local Government Area, noted that he invested the money in expanding his yam tuber sales business.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“I used it to invest in my yam sales business, as a buy in Benue State and sell in Enugu here and since getting the grant, the business had steadily grow,” Obah said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEarlier, the Bank of Industry (BOI) Manager in Enugu State , Mrs. Anulika Akabogu, said that the Federal Government through the Presidential Grants and Loans Schemes\r\nhad set up a ₦75billion intervention loan for MSMEs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAccording to Akabogu, the intervention loan is aimed at assisting the cost of production of 75,000 MSMEs in Nigeria.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe said beneficiaries would get ₦1m loan to enable them to boost their businesses, adding that those operating sole prorietorship, partnership, and limited liability company are qualified for the intervention.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"The loan has nine per cent interest rate per annum and a maximum of three years, including three months moratorium on principal and interest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Any business seeking for the intervention loan must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“MSMEs applicants will apply for the loan through a dedicated loan application portal on www.fgnboimsmeinterventionloan.boi.ng.\r\n\r\n“Only applications made on the loan portal and with complete documentation will be processed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Successfully appraised and approved loans will be disbursed accordingly”, Akabogu said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn his remark, the Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on Small and Medium Enterprises (MSEs), Mr Arinze Chilo-Offiah, commended the Federal Government for setting up the intervention grants and loans.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChilo-Offiah described the grants and loans as a huge relief to business owners and enterprises due to the high cost of operating a business in Nigeria.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe urged business owners in the state to apply for the Presidential intervention grants and loans in order to expand their businesses.','Enugu businessmen, farmer laud President Tinubu for supporting MSMEs with grants, loans','','publish','open','open','','enugu-businessmen-farmer-laud-president-tinubu-for-supporting-msmes-with-grants-loans','','','2024-11-05 17:07:50','2024-11-05 17:07:50','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5726',0,'post','',0),(5727,1,'2024-11-05 17:06:36','2024-11-05 17:06:36','','IMG-20241105-WA0050','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241105-wa0050','','','2024-11-05 17:06:36','2024-11-05 17:06:36','',5726,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241105-WA0050.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5728,1,'2024-11-05 17:07:06','2024-11-05 17:07:06','','IMG-20241105-WA0049','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241105-wa0049','','','2024-11-05 17:07:06','2024-11-05 17:07:06','',5726,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241105-WA0049.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5729,1,'2024-11-05 17:07:31','2024-11-05 17:07:31','','IMG-20241105-WA0048','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241105-wa0048','','','2024-11-05 17:07:31','2024-11-05 17:07:31','',5726,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241105-WA0048.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5730,1,'2024-11-05 17:07:50','2024-11-05 17:07:50','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5727\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241105-WA0050-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nFramers, traders and businessmen in Enugu State have lauded President Bola Tinubu for supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with grants and loans that improved their businesses leading to expansion<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe farmers, traders and businessmen gave the commendation during a Town Hall meeting on Presidential Grants and Loans Scheme for MSMEs in Enugu on Tuesday.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe beneficiaries, especially those that got the Presidential Nano-business grant of N50,000, noted that the scheme “is never a scam but real with seamless protocol that made the grant access easy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr Uchenna Eneh, livestock farmer from Udi Local Government Area, said that he invested the free N50,000 grant he collected through the Presidential Grant on expanding his livestock business and “God really blessed me with the grant”.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5728\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241105-WA0049-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n“I used the money to buy two hybrid piglets and their feeds about some months ago.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“As I am speaking with you, just last week, one of the piglets gave birth to four piglets; while the other one her pregnancy had reached an advance stage and getting ready to deliver as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“So, I must say that the grant helped me a lot and I can ‘eye-mark’ what is used it for and its benefit to my business today,” Eneh said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr Chikezie Igwe, businessman dealing on provisions in Aninri Local Government Area, said that the Presidential grant had enabled his provision business to survive the harsh economy as the whole money went into his business directly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“The money was like God-sent, as it assisted me greatly to continue in business even when the cost of restocking my provision items went up at a time before the money came,” Igwe said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr Julius Azi, a sachet water producer in Awgu Local Government Area, said that the grant given to him was used to meet production needs of his factory.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAzi noted that at a time, “the production cost for sachet water skyrocketed but with the grant coming timely, we are able to stay in business till today,” he said.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5729\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241105-WA0048-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nMr Ifeanyi Obah, a printer and trader on yam tubers from Ukehe community in Igbo Etiti Local Government Area, noted that he invested the money in expanding his yam tuber sales business.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“I used it to invest in my yam sales business, as a buy in Benue State and sell in Enugu here and since getting the grant, the business had steadily grow,” Obah said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEarlier, the Bank of Industry (BOI) Manager in Enugu State , Mrs. Anulika Akabogu, said that the Federal Government through the Presidential Grants and Loans Schemes\r\nhad set up a ₦75billion intervention loan for MSMEs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAccording to Akabogu, the intervention loan is aimed at assisting the cost of production of 75,000 MSMEs in Nigeria.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe said beneficiaries would get ₦1m loan to enable them to boost their businesses, adding that those operating sole prorietorship, partnership, and limited liability company are qualified for the intervention.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"The loan has nine per cent interest rate per annum and a maximum of three years, including three months moratorium on principal and interest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Any business seeking for the intervention loan must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“MSMEs applicants will apply for the loan through a dedicated loan application portal on www.fgnboimsmeinterventionloan.boi.ng.\r\n\r\n“Only applications made on the loan portal and with complete documentation will be processed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Successfully appraised and approved loans will be disbursed accordingly”, Akabogu said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn his remark, the Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on Small and Medium Enterprises (MSEs), Mr Arinze Chilo-Offiah, commended the Federal Government for setting up the intervention grants and loans.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChilo-Offiah described the grants and loans as a huge relief to business owners and enterprises due to the high cost of operating a business in Nigeria.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe urged business owners in the state to apply for the Presidential intervention grants and loans in order to expand their businesses.','Enugu businessmen, farmer laud President Tinubu for supporting MSMEs with grants, loans','','inherit','closed','closed','','5726-revision-v1','','','2024-11-05 17:07:50','2024-11-05 17:07:50','',5726,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5730',0,'revision','',0),(5731,1,'2024-11-08 00:55:52','2024-11-08 00:55:52','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5732 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241107-WA0032-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nIgweship Tussle: Umuoji Patriotic Citizens Group Replies Haters of Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye\r\n\r\n....Calls Them Faceless Jobbers, Describes The Online Publication As False, Malicious, Laughable\r\n\r\nFollowing an attempt by faceless individuals and impersonators to cast aspersions on the person of Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye (Ichie Omekannia N\'Okodu), CEO, Jukok Company Limited, using an unknown social media blog, a group under the aegis of Umuoji Patriotic Citizens (U.P.C), has come to the defence of their illustrious member and priceless asset.\r\n\r\nAccording to the group, Jukok Construction Boss, Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye, Ichie Omekannia, remained the people\'s choice, even as they called those behind the hatchet job as faceless jobbers, describing the online publication as false, malicious, laughable<!--more-->\r\n\r\nIn a statement signed and made available to Newsmen by the Publicity Secretary of Umuoji Patriotic Citizens (U.P.C), Mr. Ikechukwu Onwuezobe (Iron gate) said the online publication was a calculated attempt by mischief makers and haters of Umuoji to tarnish the hard earned reputation of Chief Kanayo Okoye (Ichie Omekannia), urging the general public, especially indigenes of Umuoji both at home and in the diaspora to discountenance the infamous and mischievous report.\r\n\r\nThe statement read in part, \'Dear haters of Jukok boss, (Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye, Ichie Omekannia), it has come to the notice of the patriotic and common citizens of Umuoji that the people\'s\' choice has become your headache and you now make him a trending topic on your daily activities and publications.\r\n\r\n\'Your envious and puerile publications about the Iroko of Umuoji, the people\'s choice and winner of the only recognized and endorsed Umuoji Dimechem Igweship election of May 8th 2021 by Central Executive Committee of Umuoji, and Umuoji Igwe/Regent in Council that was in line with great Umuoji Chieftancy constitution which was boldly written and generally accepted by the 23 villages that make up Umuoji Igwulube Okodu has been brought to our notice.\r\n\r\n\'Your publications in that amateur blog was also brought to our notice, ordinarily we would have ignored it because you are_ _FACELESS UMUOJI__ _Patriots and unknown but for the integrity of Umuoji Patriotic Citizens that was duly registered with C.A.C, we therefore warn the so called FACELESS Umuoji Patriots to show up and desist from their evil act or otherwise be unmasked and face legal battle with UMUOJI Patriotic Citizens as a registered association,_\r\n\r\n_\'We hereby denounce the knowledge of any group called UMUOJI Patriots and dissociate the Umuoji Patriotic Citizens from the FACELESS political detractors and warn that they let the great son of Umuoji (JUkOK Boss) be and allow peace to reign in Umuoji community.\r\n\r\n\'We are worried that _FACELESS beings can_ _hide under the name of Umuoji Patriots. Imagine the FACELESS Patriots parading a man whose belief lies in fetism, divination and oracle/consultation as the Umuoji people\'s choice?\r\n\r\n\'Umuoji as a great town is too big and mature to be cajoled into such state of quagmire by FACELESS beings. We followed our Chieftancy Constitution, conducted the Dimechem Igweship election and the people\'s choice emerged on 8th May 2021, in the person of Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye.\r\n\r\n\'All these childish and envious heart ache publications is nothing but jealousy and envy of wicked souls over the popularity of the Jukok Boss.\r\n\r\n\'It would be recalled that some members of Patriotic Citizens of UMUOji in conjunction with Regent of Umuoji as the traditional custodian authority of Umuoji and Umuoji people\'s choice (Jukok Boss) who happened to be the winner of Dimechem Igweship Election was petitioned in Awka Directorate of State Security Service (D.S.S.S) on 15th Feb 2022, after the hearing and prayers of the petitioner, the hunter became the hunted as it was ruled that people have the right to call their loved ones any tittle name of their desire and that no one can stop them.\r\n\r\n\'In conclusion, it\'s just the envy , jealousy and heartache of a loser and the acceptability and popularity of Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye, Ichie Omekannia as Igwe Elect of UMUOJI that provoked the destroyers and evil men in Umuoji to crop up. The unknown and Faceless so called Umuoji Patriots with their unnecessary envious publications.\r\n\r\n\'Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye life is not about being rich, being popular, _being educated and smart but it is about being real,_ being humble and kind, that\'s what gave him edge over others to became people\'s choice.\r\n\r\n_\'The Lame duck should pipe low, hide face and allow the choice and joy of the people of UMUOJI to be, Jukok Boss, Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye, Ichie Omekannia\" the Iroko of UMUOJI is the choice of Umuojians, he emerged on the 8th of May 2021 as the Igwe Elect of UMUOJI , with total vote counts of 473 over Chief Simeon Muogbo who pulled total votes of 459 and Chief Obi Steve Onwuachu with 359 votes.\r\n\r\n\'On Umuoji Dimechem Igweship Election of 8th May 2021 that is in line with our great chieftancy constitution in section 9.5, Umuoji people stand.\r\n\r\n_\'Just for the avoidance of doubt, there was never an election or re-run on 8th June of 2021 but a joke and charade of selection because Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye and his village people never participated, it was obvious even to the doubting Thomases that the posted result sheet by FACELESS Umuoji Patriots was not signed by the Secretary_ of _Electoral Committee and Technical Adviser. One should ask why?\', the statement read.','Igweship Tussle: Umuoji Patriotic Citizens Group Replies Haters of Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye, Denies Knowledge Of Any Group Called Umuoji Patriots, Says They Are Non-Existent, Insists Ichie Omekannia Remains The People\'s Choice','','publish','open','open','','igweship-tussle-umuoji-patriotic-citizens-group-replies-haters-of-chief-kanayochukwu-okoye-denies-knowledge-of-any-group-called-umuoji-patriots-says-they-are-non-existent-insists-ichie-omekannia-r','','','2024-11-08 00:55:52','2024-11-08 00:55:52','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5731',0,'post','',0),(5732,1,'2024-11-08 00:55:30','2024-11-08 00:55:30','','IMG-20241107-WA0032','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241107-wa0032','','','2024-11-08 00:55:30','2024-11-08 00:55:30','',5731,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241107-WA0032.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5733,1,'2024-11-08 00:55:52','2024-11-08 00:55:52','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5732 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241107-WA0032-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nIgweship Tussle: Umuoji Patriotic Citizens Group Replies Haters of Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye\r\n\r\n....Calls Them Faceless Jobbers, Describes The Online Publication As False, Malicious, Laughable\r\n\r\nFollowing an attempt by faceless individuals and impersonators to cast aspersions on the person of Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye (Ichie Omekannia N\'Okodu), CEO, Jukok Company Limited, using an unknown social media blog, a group under the aegis of Umuoji Patriotic Citizens (U.P.C), has come to the defence of their illustrious member and priceless asset.\r\n\r\nAccording to the group, Jukok Construction Boss, Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye, Ichie Omekannia, remained the people\'s choice, even as they called those behind the hatchet job as faceless jobbers, describing the online publication as false, malicious, laughable<!--more-->\r\n\r\nIn a statement signed and made available to Newsmen by the Publicity Secretary of Umuoji Patriotic Citizens (U.P.C), Mr. Ikechukwu Onwuezobe (Iron gate) said the online publication was a calculated attempt by mischief makers and haters of Umuoji to tarnish the hard earned reputation of Chief Kanayo Okoye (Ichie Omekannia), urging the general public, especially indigenes of Umuoji both at home and in the diaspora to discountenance the infamous and mischievous report.\r\n\r\nThe statement read in part, \'Dear haters of Jukok boss, (Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye, Ichie Omekannia), it has come to the notice of the patriotic and common citizens of Umuoji that the people\'s\' choice has become your headache and you now make him a trending topic on your daily activities and publications.\r\n\r\n\'Your envious and puerile publications about the Iroko of Umuoji, the people\'s choice and winner of the only recognized and endorsed Umuoji Dimechem Igweship election of May 8th 2021 by Central Executive Committee of Umuoji, and Umuoji Igwe/Regent in Council that was in line with great Umuoji Chieftancy constitution which was boldly written and generally accepted by the 23 villages that make up Umuoji Igwulube Okodu has been brought to our notice.\r\n\r\n\'Your publications in that amateur blog was also brought to our notice, ordinarily we would have ignored it because you are_ _FACELESS UMUOJI__ _Patriots and unknown but for the integrity of Umuoji Patriotic Citizens that was duly registered with C.A.C, we therefore warn the so called FACELESS Umuoji Patriots to show up and desist from their evil act or otherwise be unmasked and face legal battle with UMUOJI Patriotic Citizens as a registered association,_\r\n\r\n_\'We hereby denounce the knowledge of any group called UMUOJI Patriots and dissociate the Umuoji Patriotic Citizens from the FACELESS political detractors and warn that they let the great son of Umuoji (JUkOK Boss) be and allow peace to reign in Umuoji community.\r\n\r\n\'We are worried that _FACELESS beings can_ _hide under the name of Umuoji Patriots. Imagine the FACELESS Patriots parading a man whose belief lies in fetism, divination and oracle/consultation as the Umuoji people\'s choice?\r\n\r\n\'Umuoji as a great town is too big and mature to be cajoled into such state of quagmire by FACELESS beings. We followed our Chieftancy Constitution, conducted the Dimechem Igweship election and the people\'s choice emerged on 8th May 2021, in the person of Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye.\r\n\r\n\'All these childish and envious heart ache publications is nothing but jealousy and envy of wicked souls over the popularity of the Jukok Boss.\r\n\r\n\'It would be recalled that some members of Patriotic Citizens of UMUOji in conjunction with Regent of Umuoji as the traditional custodian authority of Umuoji and Umuoji people\'s choice (Jukok Boss) who happened to be the winner of Dimechem Igweship Election was petitioned in Awka Directorate of State Security Service (D.S.S.S) on 15th Feb 2022, after the hearing and prayers of the petitioner, the hunter became the hunted as it was ruled that people have the right to call their loved ones any tittle name of their desire and that no one can stop them.\r\n\r\n\'In conclusion, it\'s just the envy , jealousy and heartache of a loser and the acceptability and popularity of Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye, Ichie Omekannia as Igwe Elect of UMUOJI that provoked the destroyers and evil men in Umuoji to crop up. The unknown and Faceless so called Umuoji Patriots with their unnecessary envious publications.\r\n\r\n\'Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye life is not about being rich, being popular, _being educated and smart but it is about being real,_ being humble and kind, that\'s what gave him edge over others to became people\'s choice.\r\n\r\n_\'The Lame duck should pipe low, hide face and allow the choice and joy of the people of UMUOJI to be, Jukok Boss, Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye, Ichie Omekannia\" the Iroko of UMUOJI is the choice of Umuojians, he emerged on the 8th of May 2021 as the Igwe Elect of UMUOJI , with total vote counts of 473 over Chief Simeon Muogbo who pulled total votes of 459 and Chief Obi Steve Onwuachu with 359 votes.\r\n\r\n\'On Umuoji Dimechem Igweship Election of 8th May 2021 that is in line with our great chieftancy constitution in section 9.5, Umuoji people stand.\r\n\r\n_\'Just for the avoidance of doubt, there was never an election or re-run on 8th June of 2021 but a joke and charade of selection because Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye and his village people never participated, it was obvious even to the doubting Thomases that the posted result sheet by FACELESS Umuoji Patriots was not signed by the Secretary_ of _Electoral Committee and Technical Adviser. One should ask why?\', the statement read.','Igweship Tussle: Umuoji Patriotic Citizens Group Replies Haters of Chief Kanayochukwu Okoye, Denies Knowledge Of Any Group Called Umuoji Patriots, Says They Are Non-Existent, Insists Ichie Omekannia Remains The People\'s Choice','','inherit','closed','closed','','5731-revision-v1','','','2024-11-08 00:55:52','2024-11-08 00:55:52','',5731,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5733',0,'revision','',0),(5734,1,'2024-11-08 21:04:43','2024-11-08 21:04:43','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5735 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241108-WA0081-214x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"214\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nAnambra State Government has been told to intensify efforts at attracting private investors to operationalize the Onitsha River Port, as a means of opening new streams of revenue for the state.\r\nA former banker from Igboukwu, Anambra State, Chief Eusebius Onyemelukwe made the call while speaking to newsmen on the state of the economy of Anambra State.\r\nStatistics released by an investment platform, show that the Onitsha River Port has the potential to generate over N23 billion to the government.<!--more-->\r\nAlthough efforts had started by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to make the port functional in recent times, the port is yet the efforts have not materialized.\r\nAccording to Chief Onyemelukwe, although Anambra State has very huge inland waterway resources, successive governments have not been able to harness the potential to make the state known in the maritime industry in Nigeria.\r\nHe revealed that if vessels start offloading containers at the River Port at Onitsha, it will complement the state\'s commerce and industry potential.\r\nOnyemelukwe also said it will reduce the huge cost traders incur, having to move goods by road from Lagos down to the state and other parts of the Southeast.\r\n“Operationalizing the Onitsha port will be an additional source of income for the state.\r\n“I want to urge Governor Soludo to liaise with the Kogi State Government to also develop the River Port at Lokoja for easy shipping of containers to the North.\r\n“The bigger vessels that will bring these containers from abroad will trans-load to smaller vessels at the Nigerian seashore so that the smaller vessels move along the River Niger waterways to convey those containers to the River Port Onitsha and Lokoja River Port.\r\n““That way, the government also saves funds which would have been spent on rehabilitating roads due to the toll the heavy-duty trucks conveying goods by road will have on these roads.\r\n“So, it is a win-win situation for everybody,” he said.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5736\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241108-WA0082-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\nOnyemelukwe, who is also passionate about the development of Anambra South Senatorial District, advised Governor Soludo, to commit to the aggressive construction of roads, flyovers and other infrastructure, to ease movement and boost business activities in the zone.\r\n“I appeal to Governor Soludo to construct a roundabout flyover at the heart of the industrial town of Nnewi and to dualize all the roads that link to the roundabout flyover.\r\nHe said; “This project if executed, will give a leap to the economic growth and commercialization of Nnewi City to world standard.”\r\nThe financial expert also called on the state government to consider supporting private investors to develop a Modular Refinery at Aguleri in Anambra East Council Area of the state.\r\nThis he noted, will help reduce scarcity of petroleum products in the state, while contributing to the growth of the economy of the state.','Ex-banker, Onyemelukwe urges Soludo to attract Private Investors to Operationalize Onitsha River Port','','publish','open','open','','ex-banker-onyemelukwe-urges-soludo-to-attract-private-investors-to-operationalize-onitsha-river-port','','','2024-11-08 21:04:43','2024-11-08 21:04:43','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5734',0,'post','',0),(5735,1,'2024-11-08 21:04:06','2024-11-08 21:04:06','','IMG-20241108-WA0081','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241108-wa0081','','','2024-11-08 21:04:06','2024-11-08 21:04:06','',5734,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241108-WA0081.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5736,1,'2024-11-08 21:04:31','2024-11-08 21:04:31','','IMG-20241108-WA0082','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241108-wa0082','','','2024-11-08 21:04:31','2024-11-08 21:04:31','',5734,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241108-WA0082.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5737,1,'2024-11-08 21:04:43','2024-11-08 21:04:43','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5735 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241108-WA0081-214x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"214\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nAnambra State Government has been told to intensify efforts at attracting private investors to operationalize the Onitsha River Port, as a means of opening new streams of revenue for the state.\r\nA former banker from Igboukwu, Anambra State, Chief Eusebius Onyemelukwe made the call while speaking to newsmen on the state of the economy of Anambra State.\r\nStatistics released by an investment platform, show that the Onitsha River Port has the potential to generate over N23 billion to the government.<!--more-->\r\nAlthough efforts had started by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to make the port functional in recent times, the port is yet the efforts have not materialized.\r\nAccording to Chief Onyemelukwe, although Anambra State has very huge inland waterway resources, successive governments have not been able to harness the potential to make the state known in the maritime industry in Nigeria.\r\nHe revealed that if vessels start offloading containers at the River Port at Onitsha, it will complement the state\'s commerce and industry potential.\r\nOnyemelukwe also said it will reduce the huge cost traders incur, having to move goods by road from Lagos down to the state and other parts of the Southeast.\r\n“Operationalizing the Onitsha port will be an additional source of income for the state.\r\n“I want to urge Governor Soludo to liaise with the Kogi State Government to also develop the River Port at Lokoja for easy shipping of containers to the North.\r\n“The bigger vessels that will bring these containers from abroad will trans-load to smaller vessels at the Nigerian seashore so that the smaller vessels move along the River Niger waterways to convey those containers to the River Port Onitsha and Lokoja River Port.\r\n““That way, the government also saves funds which would have been spent on rehabilitating roads due to the toll the heavy-duty trucks conveying goods by road will have on these roads.\r\n“So, it is a win-win situation for everybody,” he said.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5736\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241108-WA0082-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\nOnyemelukwe, who is also passionate about the development of Anambra South Senatorial District, advised Governor Soludo, to commit to the aggressive construction of roads, flyovers and other infrastructure, to ease movement and boost business activities in the zone.\r\n“I appeal to Governor Soludo to construct a roundabout flyover at the heart of the industrial town of Nnewi and to dualize all the roads that link to the roundabout flyover.\r\nHe said; “This project if executed, will give a leap to the economic growth and commercialization of Nnewi City to world standard.”\r\nThe financial expert also called on the state government to consider supporting private investors to develop a Modular Refinery at Aguleri in Anambra East Council Area of the state.\r\nThis he noted, will help reduce scarcity of petroleum products in the state, while contributing to the growth of the economy of the state.','Ex-banker, Onyemelukwe urges Soludo to attract Private Investors to Operationalize Onitsha River Port','','inherit','closed','closed','','5734-revision-v1','','','2024-11-08 21:04:43','2024-11-08 21:04:43','',5734,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5737',0,'revision','',0),(5739,1,'2024-11-12 17:10:02','2024-11-12 17:10:02','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5740\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241112-WA0028-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nKenechukwu Ofomah\r\nAwka\r\n\r\nA key grassroots sports investor in Anambra State and Chairman, Gamechanger FC Academy, Surveyor Obi Emeka Chukwudi has described Anambra’s appearance at the Nigeria National League after over two decades, as a major achievement for youth and sports development in the state.\r\nObi made the remarks when he paid a visit to the Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Commission, Patrick Estate Onyedum in his office in Awka.\r\nRecall that Solution Football Club of Anambra State has been drawn in Group A of the Southern Conference for the upcoming 2024-25 Nigeria National League season scheduled to kick off on thirtieth November 2024.<!--more--><!--more-->\r\nThe Anambra Club was seeded as Team six A in Group A and will play against eight other Clubs such as Sporting Lagos, 1472 Football Club of Lagos, Warri Wolves of Delta State, Osun United, Madiba Football Club of Lagos, Dakkada Football Club of Akwa Ibom, Kun Khalifa Football Club of Owerri, Imo State and Gateway Football Club of Abeokuta.\r\nObi, who is the State Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN commended the State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for providing the political milieu that ensured the realization of the feat, saying the qualification will provide the opportunity for budding football talents in the state to develop themselves.\r\nHe expressed worry that such opportunities had eluded youths in the state for too long, resulting in wasted talents and retrogression in the area of sports, adding that the Anambra club’s appearance this season will mark a watershed in the efforts of the state to reclaim its lost glory in football.\r\nObi extolled the efforts of the State Sports Commission Chairman, Onyedum in driving the vision of the state government for the development of sports in the state, describing his appointment as well-deserved.\r\nHe also made a case for the integration of the State Football Association, FA Chairman, General Chikelue Iloenyosi in the affairs of football in the state.\r\nObi also called on the state governor to make investments and leverage partnerships that will ensure that the state secures a slot in the Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL next year.\r\n“We recognize the accomplishment of being in the NNL, which was made possible by Mr Governor.\r\n“Anambra youths also desire that the state will be in NPFL next year and exploring partnerships with the State FA and other critical stakeholders will make this feat achievable,” Obi noted.\r\nThe football enthusiast further appealed to the state governor to consider providing grants to the sports academies and football clubs in the state.\r\nThis he noted, will help engender and sustain growth in sports at the grassroots, giving young talents the opportunity to develop.\r\nResponding, the Anambra Sports Commission Chairman, Onyedum revealed that the state government was already making efforts to provide grants for football academies in the state, as a way of encouraging the development of young talents.\r\nCommending the State NYCN for always being at the vanguard of engagements and partnerships that will better the lot of Anambra youths, Onyedum reassured that the state government is providing support for the Solution Football team and there are prospects that they will qualify for the NPFL soon.\r\nThe visit climaxed with the presentation of plaque of recognition to the governor through the Sports Commission Chairman.','Anambra’s appearance in 2024/25 NNL Season, a major Breakthrough- Gamechanger FC Academy Boss, Obi','','publish','open','open','','anambras-appearance-in-2024-25-nnl-season-a-major-breakthrough-gamechanger-fc-academy-boss-obi','','','2024-11-12 17:10:02','2024-11-12 17:10:02','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5739',0,'post','',0),(5740,1,'2024-11-12 17:09:42','2024-11-12 17:09:42','','IMG-20241112-WA0028','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241112-wa0028','','','2024-11-12 17:09:42','2024-11-12 17:09:42','',5739,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241112-WA0028.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5741,1,'2024-11-12 17:10:02','2024-11-12 17:10:02','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5740\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241112-WA0028-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nKenechukwu Ofomah\r\nAwka\r\n\r\nA key grassroots sports investor in Anambra State and Chairman, Gamechanger FC Academy, Surveyor Obi Emeka Chukwudi has described Anambra’s appearance at the Nigeria National League after over two decades, as a major achievement for youth and sports development in the state.\r\nObi made the remarks when he paid a visit to the Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Commission, Patrick Estate Onyedum in his office in Awka.\r\nRecall that Solution Football Club of Anambra State has been drawn in Group A of the Southern Conference for the upcoming 2024-25 Nigeria National League season scheduled to kick off on thirtieth November 2024.<!--more--><!--more-->\r\nThe Anambra Club was seeded as Team six A in Group A and will play against eight other Clubs such as Sporting Lagos, 1472 Football Club of Lagos, Warri Wolves of Delta State, Osun United, Madiba Football Club of Lagos, Dakkada Football Club of Akwa Ibom, Kun Khalifa Football Club of Owerri, Imo State and Gateway Football Club of Abeokuta.\r\nObi, who is the State Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN commended the State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for providing the political milieu that ensured the realization of the feat, saying the qualification will provide the opportunity for budding football talents in the state to develop themselves.\r\nHe expressed worry that such opportunities had eluded youths in the state for too long, resulting in wasted talents and retrogression in the area of sports, adding that the Anambra club’s appearance this season will mark a watershed in the efforts of the state to reclaim its lost glory in football.\r\nObi extolled the efforts of the State Sports Commission Chairman, Onyedum in driving the vision of the state government for the development of sports in the state, describing his appointment as well-deserved.\r\nHe also made a case for the integration of the State Football Association, FA Chairman, General Chikelue Iloenyosi in the affairs of football in the state.\r\nObi also called on the state governor to make investments and leverage partnerships that will ensure that the state secures a slot in the Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL next year.\r\n“We recognize the accomplishment of being in the NNL, which was made possible by Mr Governor.\r\n“Anambra youths also desire that the state will be in NPFL next year and exploring partnerships with the State FA and other critical stakeholders will make this feat achievable,” Obi noted.\r\nThe football enthusiast further appealed to the state governor to consider providing grants to the sports academies and football clubs in the state.\r\nThis he noted, will help engender and sustain growth in sports at the grassroots, giving young talents the opportunity to develop.\r\nResponding, the Anambra Sports Commission Chairman, Onyedum revealed that the state government was already making efforts to provide grants for football academies in the state, as a way of encouraging the development of young talents.\r\nCommending the State NYCN for always being at the vanguard of engagements and partnerships that will better the lot of Anambra youths, Onyedum reassured that the state government is providing support for the Solution Football team and there are prospects that they will qualify for the NPFL soon.\r\nThe visit climaxed with the presentation of plaque of recognition to the governor through the Sports Commission Chairman.','Anambra’s appearance in 2024/25 NNL Season, a major Breakthrough- Gamechanger FC Academy Boss, Obi','','inherit','closed','closed','','5739-revision-v1','','','2024-11-12 17:10:02','2024-11-12 17:10:02','',5739,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5741',0,'revision','',0),(5744,1,'2024-11-15 21:04:06','2024-11-15 21:04:06','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5745 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/images-74.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nNigeria will soon have an institute dedicated to studying robotics and artificial intelligence, thanks to a team of scientists and engineers led by Professor Bart Nnaji, founder and chairman of the Geometric Power Group.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nNnaji, a former Minister of Science and Technology who later served as the Minister of Power, disclosed the establishment of the institute today at a lecture to mark the 100th anniversary of Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, owned by the Catholic Church in Anambra and Enugu states.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNnaji, who did his postdoctoral fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Artificial Intelligence before becoming a Distinguished Professor of Engineering and Director of the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and then moved to the University of Pittsburgh to lead a consortium of universities on a research programme funded by the United States National Science Foundation, told the audience that the Federal Government has successfully scrutinised the institute through the office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe revealed that the institute\'s application was made in 2017, and it took the government four years to establish that “it is in the national interest to have such an advanced facility.”\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe described the objectives of the institute as to engage in the learning and study of computer sciences that teach the technology of intelligent machines and robots and issue certificates to students; to train and issue certification in the design hardware that does some autonomous tasks repeatedly; and to carry out research studies in the development and analysis of algorithms that learn and perform intelligent behaviour with minimal human intervention”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDike Ejike, a mechanical engineer, power and business consultant in Abuja who attended the Bigard Seminary centenary, explained that “it is remarkable that far-reaching steps were taken to establish the institute in Nigeria long before generative artificial intelligence took the world by storm since November 30 2022 when Sam Altman and his group at OpenA1 launched ChatGTP in the United States which has radically changed the way the world learns, conducts research and does business”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThough Nnaji did not state when the institute would commence operations, the location or structure, Dike told the audience that “all Nigerians and the government should support this farsighted institute to help galvanize Nigerians into the AI race that has begun to define development in the 21st century”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDisclosing that the Bells University of Technology at Otta in Ogun State where he serves as the governing council chairman has just approved the establishment of an artificial intelligence centre, Nnaji called on the Nigerian government to prioritize Science Technology Mathematics and Engineering (STEM) subjects for Nigeria to leapfrog in developmental terms, citing the example of Vietnam which now produces 90,000 STEM talents annually, still, the pool is grossly inadequate for leading technology companies like Invidia and Apple which are competing for greater operations in the country.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Nvidia”, recalled the famous scientist, “was established in 1993 by a team led by 30-year-old Jansen Huan, originally from Taiwan, and it made a stupendous $15.3 billion profit last quarter alone whereas Nigeria, a country of over 200m people, makes not more than $25 billion from crude oil sales annually”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe counselled that world-class economics and management programmes be introduced in the country to enhance Nigeria\'s competitiveness, adding that even leading scientific institutions like NASA need excellent managers to remain well-run and business leaders need a basic knowledge of global economics to do well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNnaji, winner of the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM), the nation\'s highest honour for academic and artistic achievement, also called on the authorities of Bigard Memorial Seminary to consider upgrading the 100-year-old institution\'s academic status beyond preparing its students for Bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and theology.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Eight years of full-time and intensive studies should earn the candidates at least the licentiate or master’s degree”, he observed, asking them to borrow a leaf from the International School of Theology at Atakwu in Enugu South Local Government Area where the candidates for the Catholic priesthood graduate with a master’s degree from Duquesne University in Philadelphia, United States, after four years of studies in philosophy followed by a four-year theological programme.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe advised the institution’s leaders to affiliate the proposed postgraduate studies at Bigard Seminary with a Nigerian or foreign university, just like the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, whose postgraduate programmes are affiliated with the University of Calabar in Cross River State.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Alternatively, Bigard can apply to the National Universities Commission (NUC) to become a full-fledged university, after 100 years of existence”, Nnaji remarked to wide applause from the audience that included Reverend Father Albert Ikpenwa, a theology professor and rector of the seminary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPrevious speakers at the centenary included Francis Cardinal Arinze, former Prefect for the Congregation of Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacrament at the Vatican, who is also an alumnus of the seminary.','Nnaji Sets Up Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Institute in Nigeria, Canvasses Higher Status for 100-year Bigard Seminar','','publish','open','open','','nnaji-sets-up-robotics-and-artificial-intelligence-institute-in-nigeria-canvasses-higher-status-for-100-year-bigard-seminar','','','2024-11-15 21:04:06','2024-11-15 21:04:06','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5744',0,'post','',0),(5745,1,'2024-11-15 21:03:45','2024-11-15 21:03:45','','images (74)','','inherit','open','closed','','images-74','','','2024-11-15 21:03:45','2024-11-15 21:03:45','',5744,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/images-74.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5746,1,'2024-11-15 21:04:06','2024-11-15 21:04:06','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5745 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/images-74.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nNigeria will soon have an institute dedicated to studying robotics and artificial intelligence, thanks to a team of scientists and engineers led by Professor Bart Nnaji, founder and chairman of the Geometric Power Group.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nNnaji, a former Minister of Science and Technology who later served as the Minister of Power, disclosed the establishment of the institute today at a lecture to mark the 100th anniversary of Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, owned by the Catholic Church in Anambra and Enugu states.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNnaji, who did his postdoctoral fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Artificial Intelligence before becoming a Distinguished Professor of Engineering and Director of the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and then moved to the University of Pittsburgh to lead a consortium of universities on a research programme funded by the United States National Science Foundation, told the audience that the Federal Government has successfully scrutinised the institute through the office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe revealed that the institute\'s application was made in 2017, and it took the government four years to establish that “it is in the national interest to have such an advanced facility.”\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe described the objectives of the institute as to engage in the learning and study of computer sciences that teach the technology of intelligent machines and robots and issue certificates to students; to train and issue certification in the design hardware that does some autonomous tasks repeatedly; and to carry out research studies in the development and analysis of algorithms that learn and perform intelligent behaviour with minimal human intervention”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDike Ejike, a mechanical engineer, power and business consultant in Abuja who attended the Bigard Seminary centenary, explained that “it is remarkable that far-reaching steps were taken to establish the institute in Nigeria long before generative artificial intelligence took the world by storm since November 30 2022 when Sam Altman and his group at OpenA1 launched ChatGTP in the United States which has radically changed the way the world learns, conducts research and does business”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThough Nnaji did not state when the institute would commence operations, the location or structure, Dike told the audience that “all Nigerians and the government should support this farsighted institute to help galvanize Nigerians into the AI race that has begun to define development in the 21st century”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDisclosing that the Bells University of Technology at Otta in Ogun State where he serves as the governing council chairman has just approved the establishment of an artificial intelligence centre, Nnaji called on the Nigerian government to prioritize Science Technology Mathematics and Engineering (STEM) subjects for Nigeria to leapfrog in developmental terms, citing the example of Vietnam which now produces 90,000 STEM talents annually, still, the pool is grossly inadequate for leading technology companies like Invidia and Apple which are competing for greater operations in the country.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Nvidia”, recalled the famous scientist, “was established in 1993 by a team led by 30-year-old Jansen Huan, originally from Taiwan, and it made a stupendous $15.3 billion profit last quarter alone whereas Nigeria, a country of over 200m people, makes not more than $25 billion from crude oil sales annually”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe counselled that world-class economics and management programmes be introduced in the country to enhance Nigeria\'s competitiveness, adding that even leading scientific institutions like NASA need excellent managers to remain well-run and business leaders need a basic knowledge of global economics to do well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNnaji, winner of the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM), the nation\'s highest honour for academic and artistic achievement, also called on the authorities of Bigard Memorial Seminary to consider upgrading the 100-year-old institution\'s academic status beyond preparing its students for Bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and theology.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Eight years of full-time and intensive studies should earn the candidates at least the licentiate or master’s degree”, he observed, asking them to borrow a leaf from the International School of Theology at Atakwu in Enugu South Local Government Area where the candidates for the Catholic priesthood graduate with a master’s degree from Duquesne University in Philadelphia, United States, after four years of studies in philosophy followed by a four-year theological programme.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe advised the institution’s leaders to affiliate the proposed postgraduate studies at Bigard Seminary with a Nigerian or foreign university, just like the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, whose postgraduate programmes are affiliated with the University of Calabar in Cross River State.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Alternatively, Bigard can apply to the National Universities Commission (NUC) to become a full-fledged university, after 100 years of existence”, Nnaji remarked to wide applause from the audience that included Reverend Father Albert Ikpenwa, a theology professor and rector of the seminary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPrevious speakers at the centenary included Francis Cardinal Arinze, former Prefect for the Congregation of Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacrament at the Vatican, who is also an alumnus of the seminary.','Nnaji Sets Up Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Institute in Nigeria, Canvasses Higher Status for 100-year Bigard Seminar','','inherit','closed','closed','','5744-revision-v1','','','2024-11-15 21:04:06','2024-11-15 21:04:06','',5744,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5746',0,'revision','',0),(5748,1,'2024-11-17 16:49:25','2024-11-17 16:49:25','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5749 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241117-WA0030-244x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"244\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nGovernor Peter Mbah has congratulated Enugu State-born Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Onwe Adetshina, on her emergence as the first runner up at the Miss Universe 2024 Pageant in Mexico, saying she had demonstrated the perseverance and courage for which the people of the state were known.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nMbah, who had earlier received Miss Onwe Adetshina in October and appointed her the state’s brand ambassador also thanked Nigerians and the world for rallying behind her in her chequered journey to the pageant.<!--more-->\r\n\r\n“Congratulations to Miss Universe Nigeria and Enugu State Brand Ambassador, Chidimma Onwe Adetshina, our pride from Amurri, Nkanu West LGA, on emerging as the 1st Runner-Up at the Miss Universe 2024 Pageant in Mexico!\r\n\r\n“Chidimma\'s incredible journey and outstanding performance have filled us with immense pride, reaffirming the resilience, brilliance, and determination that define Ndi Enugu.\r\n\r\n“Against all odds, she has made Enugu and Nigeria shine brightly on the world stage, and we could not be prouder of her.\r\n\r\n“On behalf of the Government and good people of Enugu State, I say congratulations Chidimma - keep soaring to even greater heights!\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5750\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241117-WA0032-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />\r\n\r\n“Let me also seize this opportunity to thank Nigerians and the rest of the world who rallied behind her and voted immensely to enable her achieve this feat,” Mbah stated.\r\n\r\nRecall that although Chidimma had been resident in South Africa, she withdrew from Miss South Africa competition for lack of acceptance and the storm generated by her participation and joined the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant where she was crowned and went on to represent Nigeria at the just concluded 2024 Miss Universe Pageant in Mexico where she emerged 1st runner up to Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who clinched the crown on Sunday.','Gov Mbah Hails Enugu-born Chidimma on Emerging 1st Runner-up at Miss Universe Mexico 2024*','','publish','open','open','','gov-mbah-hails-enugu-born-chidimma-on-emerging-1st-runner-up-at-miss-universe-mexico-2024','','','2024-11-17 16:49:39','2024-11-17 16:49:39','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5748',0,'post','',0),(5749,1,'2024-11-17 16:48:08','2024-11-17 16:48:08','','IMG-20241117-WA0030','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241117-wa0030','','','2024-11-17 16:48:08','2024-11-17 16:48:08','',5748,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241117-WA0030.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5750,1,'2024-11-17 16:48:39','2024-11-17 16:48:39','','IMG-20241117-WA0032','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241117-wa0032','','','2024-11-17 16:48:39','2024-11-17 16:48:39','',5748,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241117-WA0032.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5751,1,'2024-11-17 16:49:12','2024-11-17 16:49:12','','IMG-20241117-WA0033','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241117-wa0033','','','2024-11-17 16:49:12','2024-11-17 16:49:12','',5748,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241117-WA0033.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5752,1,'2024-11-17 16:49:25','2024-11-17 16:49:25','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5749 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241117-WA0030-244x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"244\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nGovernor Peter Mbah has congratulated Enugu State-born Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Onwe Adetshina, on her emergence as the first runner up at the Miss Universe 2024 Pageant in Mexico, saying she had demonstrated the perseverance and courage for which the people of the state were known.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nMbah, who had earlier received Miss Onwe Adetshina in October and appointed her the state’s brand ambassador also thanked Nigerians and the world for rallying behind her in her chequered journey to the pageant.<!--more-->\r\n\r\n“Congratulations to Miss Universe Nigeria and Enugu State Brand Ambassador, Chidimma Onwe Adetshina, our pride from Amurri, Nkanu West LGA, on emerging as the 1st Runner-Up at the Miss Universe 2024 Pageant in Mexico!\r\n\r\n“Chidimma\'s incredible journey and outstanding performance have filled us with immense pride, reaffirming the resilience, brilliance, and determination that define Ndi Enugu.\r\n\r\n“Against all odds, she has made Enugu and Nigeria shine brightly on the world stage, and we could not be prouder of her.\r\n\r\n“On behalf of the Government and good people of Enugu State, I say congratulations Chidimma - keep soaring to even greater heights!\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5750\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241117-WA0032-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />\r\n\r\n“Let me also seize this opportunity to thank Nigerians and the rest of the world who rallied behind her and voted immensely to enable her achieve this feat,” Mbah stated.\r\n\r\nRecall that although Chidimma had been resident in South Africa, she withdrew from Miss South Africa competition for lack of acceptance and the storm generated by her participation and joined the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant where she was crowned and went on to represent Nigeria at the just concluded 2024 Miss Universe Pageant in Mexico where she emerged 1st runner up to Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who clinched the crown on Sunday.','Gov Mbah Hails Enugu-born Chidimma on Emerging 1st Runner-up at Miss Universe Mexico 2024*','','inherit','closed','closed','','5748-revision-v1','','','2024-11-17 16:49:25','2024-11-17 16:49:25','',5748,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5752',0,'revision','',0),(5753,1,'2024-11-17 16:52:53','2024-11-17 16:52:53','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5754\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241117-WA00311-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />\r\n\r\nThe President’s School Debate, Nigeria, PSDN, has recommended the Enugu State Debate Team to represent the country at the World Schools Debate Championship, WSDC, holding in Panama in July 2025.\r\n\r\nConveying the nomination to the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, the Chairman of the National Advisory Board, of Presidential Schools Debate, Nigeria, PSDN, Usman Muhammad, said the development was sequel to Team Enugu’s impressive outing at the last debate for secondary schools where they emerged the overall best.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nIn the letter dated November 5, 2024, Muhamad said, “This is to congratulate you on the spectacular performance of the Enugu State Debate Team at the recently concluded Inter-Secondary Schools 2024 Democracy Day National Debate Championship Finals in Abuja.\r\n\r\n“It is as a result of your State Team’s first position at the National Finals that the state has been nominated to represent Nigeria at the upcoming World Schools Debate Championship, in Panama in July 2025.\r\n\r\n“WSDC is the highest international world schools debate congregation for top debaters, globally.”\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, the Enugu State contingent, which had emerged victorious in Abuja is made up of Emmanuella Chukwuma of Holy Rosary College, Enugu; Chiamaka Okwuibe of Queen’s School, Enugu; Goodness Chinedu Chiemerie of St. Patrick’s College, Emene, Enugu; and Chibuikem Ukadike of the College of the Immaculate Conception, CIC, Enugu.\r\n\r\nThe victorious students predicated their victory on Governor Mbah’s huge investment in education, noting that Enugu students were unable to participate in the National Debate Championship for over ten years and before the coming of the present administration due to lack of support.\r\n\r\nRecall that while receiving Team Enugu at the Government House, Enugu, in September, Mbah awarded scholarship up to university level to the contingent, in addition to cash awards, saying the team’s victory in Abuja showed that his administration’s investment in education was paying off, which is 33 per cent of the state’s N521.5bn 2024 budget, the highest in the entire country.\r\n\r\n“When we made the pronouncement that we were going to spend 33 per cent of our budget on education; that for every N100, we will spend N33 on education, a lot of people thought it was mere posturing or perhaps to earn public acclaim. But we knew that if we are to achieve a zero per cent rate poverty headcount index, we must do something that is radical in our education sector,” Mbah had said.','*Enugu to Represent Nigeria at World Schools Debate Championship in Panama*','','publish','open','open','','enugu-to-represent-nigeria-at-world-schools-debate-championship-in-panama','','','2024-11-17 16:52:53','2024-11-17 16:52:53','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5753',0,'post','',0),(5754,1,'2024-11-17 16:52:41','2024-11-17 16:52:41','','IMG-20241117-WA0031(1)','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241117-wa00311','','','2024-11-17 16:52:41','2024-11-17 16:52:41','',5753,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241117-WA00311.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5755,1,'2024-11-17 16:52:53','2024-11-17 16:52:53','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5754\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241117-WA00311-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />\r\n\r\nThe President’s School Debate, Nigeria, PSDN, has recommended the Enugu State Debate Team to represent the country at the World Schools Debate Championship, WSDC, holding in Panama in July 2025.\r\n\r\nConveying the nomination to the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, the Chairman of the National Advisory Board, of Presidential Schools Debate, Nigeria, PSDN, Usman Muhammad, said the development was sequel to Team Enugu’s impressive outing at the last debate for secondary schools where they emerged the overall best.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nIn the letter dated November 5, 2024, Muhamad said, “This is to congratulate you on the spectacular performance of the Enugu State Debate Team at the recently concluded Inter-Secondary Schools 2024 Democracy Day National Debate Championship Finals in Abuja.\r\n\r\n“It is as a result of your State Team’s first position at the National Finals that the state has been nominated to represent Nigeria at the upcoming World Schools Debate Championship, in Panama in July 2025.\r\n\r\n“WSDC is the highest international world schools debate congregation for top debaters, globally.”\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, the Enugu State contingent, which had emerged victorious in Abuja is made up of Emmanuella Chukwuma of Holy Rosary College, Enugu; Chiamaka Okwuibe of Queen’s School, Enugu; Goodness Chinedu Chiemerie of St. Patrick’s College, Emene, Enugu; and Chibuikem Ukadike of the College of the Immaculate Conception, CIC, Enugu.\r\n\r\nThe victorious students predicated their victory on Governor Mbah’s huge investment in education, noting that Enugu students were unable to participate in the National Debate Championship for over ten years and before the coming of the present administration due to lack of support.\r\n\r\nRecall that while receiving Team Enugu at the Government House, Enugu, in September, Mbah awarded scholarship up to university level to the contingent, in addition to cash awards, saying the team’s victory in Abuja showed that his administration’s investment in education was paying off, which is 33 per cent of the state’s N521.5bn 2024 budget, the highest in the entire country.\r\n\r\n“When we made the pronouncement that we were going to spend 33 per cent of our budget on education; that for every N100, we will spend N33 on education, a lot of people thought it was mere posturing or perhaps to earn public acclaim. But we knew that if we are to achieve a zero per cent rate poverty headcount index, we must do something that is radical in our education sector,” Mbah had said.','*Enugu to Represent Nigeria at World Schools Debate Championship in Panama*','','inherit','closed','closed','','5753-revision-v1','','','2024-11-17 16:52:53','2024-11-17 16:52:53','',5753,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5755',0,'revision','',0),(5756,1,'2024-11-18 06:47:46','2024-11-18 06:47:46','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5757\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241118-WA0001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"285\" height=\"297\" />\r\n\r\nChief Emma Eneukwu, Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the party’s victory in Ondo is not a surprise but was earned through hard work prior to the election.\r\n\r\nIt would be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared incumbent Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa (APC) winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nEneukwu told newsmen on Monday that APC through Gov. Aiyedatiwa had worked hard in setting a record of delivering people-focused and people-oriented projects and programmes across Ondo.<!--more-->\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe said, “APC victory in Ondo State Governorship Election does not come as a surprise.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“We have set an enviable record of delivering people-focused and impact projects and programmes across the length and breadth of the state.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Our party mobilised the electorate heavily after we had massively pounded every nook and cranny of the state with all membership drive and campaigns with evidence of our people-focused projects and programmes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“The most striking feature was that all hands were on deck from the ward level to the national level of the party to ensure we got it right from the very beginning in Ondo State.”\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAccording to him, the icing of the cake was the unanimity and determination of the Progressives Governors to work with other apparatus of the party to achieve victory.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe APC chieftain noted that the “sweet victory” was a reflection of a party that “is enjoying total support of her membership from the bottom to the top”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“The leadership of our great party, APC, is focused and determined to continue to deliver resounding victories and expand all limitations.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“I congratulate Gov. Ayedatiwa, the people of Ondo State and all members of APC family on this remarkable success,” he added.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt would be recalled that Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, the Returning Officer of INEC and Vice Chancellor of University of Lokoja, on Sunday in Akure, declared Aiyedatiwa winner after results from the 18 local government areas were received and counted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAkinwumi said that the APC candidate, Aiyedatiwa, polled 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr Ajayi Agboola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 117,845 votes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr Neyo Adeyemi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came a distant third, polling 4,138 votes.','APC victory in Ondo is not a surprise – Eneukwu','','publish','open','open','','apc-victory-in-ondo-is-not-a-surprise-eneukwu','','','2024-11-18 06:47:46','2024-11-18 06:47:46','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5756',0,'post','',0),(5757,1,'2024-11-18 06:47:16','2024-11-18 06:47:16','','IMG-20241118-WA0001','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241118-wa0001','','','2024-11-18 06:47:16','2024-11-18 06:47:16','',5756,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241118-WA0001.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5758,1,'2024-11-18 06:47:46','2024-11-18 06:47:46','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5757\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241118-WA0001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"285\" height=\"297\" />\r\n\r\nChief Emma Eneukwu, Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the party’s victory in Ondo is not a surprise but was earned through hard work prior to the election.\r\n\r\nIt would be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared incumbent Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa (APC) winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nEneukwu told newsmen on Monday that APC through Gov. Aiyedatiwa had worked hard in setting a record of delivering people-focused and people-oriented projects and programmes across Ondo.<!--more-->\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe said, “APC victory in Ondo State Governorship Election does not come as a surprise.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“We have set an enviable record of delivering people-focused and impact projects and programmes across the length and breadth of the state.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Our party mobilised the electorate heavily after we had massively pounded every nook and cranny of the state with all membership drive and campaigns with evidence of our people-focused projects and programmes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“The most striking feature was that all hands were on deck from the ward level to the national level of the party to ensure we got it right from the very beginning in Ondo State.”\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAccording to him, the icing of the cake was the unanimity and determination of the Progressives Governors to work with other apparatus of the party to achieve victory.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe APC chieftain noted that the “sweet victory” was a reflection of a party that “is enjoying total support of her membership from the bottom to the top”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“The leadership of our great party, APC, is focused and determined to continue to deliver resounding victories and expand all limitations.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“I congratulate Gov. Ayedatiwa, the people of Ondo State and all members of APC family on this remarkable success,” he added.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt would be recalled that Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, the Returning Officer of INEC and Vice Chancellor of University of Lokoja, on Sunday in Akure, declared Aiyedatiwa winner after results from the 18 local government areas were received and counted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAkinwumi said that the APC candidate, Aiyedatiwa, polled 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr Ajayi Agboola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 117,845 votes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr Neyo Adeyemi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came a distant third, polling 4,138 votes.','APC victory in Ondo is not a surprise – Eneukwu','','inherit','closed','closed','','5756-revision-v1','','','2024-11-18 06:47:46','2024-11-18 06:47:46','',5756,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5758',0,'revision','',0),(5759,1,'2024-11-20 16:28:02','2024-11-20 16:28:02','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5760\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/images-70-300x280.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"280\" />\r\n\r\nPresident Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the governing council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra state.\r\n\r\nA statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu also approved the removal of Bernard Odoh, the new vice chancellor, and Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe council, led by Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Amioleran Osahon, and Funsho Oyeneyin.\r\n\r\n“The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process,” the statement reads.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5761 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/images-76.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"257\" height=\"196\" />\r\n“After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government stepped in to address tensions between the university’s Senate and the governing council of the 23-year-old institution.\r\n\r\n“The government expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process.”\r\n\r\nIn another development, Tinubu also approved the removal of Ohieku Muhammed Salami as pro-chancellor and chair of the governing council of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue state.\r\n\r\nAdvertisement\r\n“This decision followed Salami’s illegal actions, including suspending the Vice-Chancellor without following proper procedures,” the statement adds.\r\n\r\n“Despite a call from the Federal Ministry of Education to revoke the suspension, Salami refused to comply.\r\n\r\n“Instead, he allegedly resorted to abusive and threatening behaviour toward the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary.”\r\n\r\nHe said the primary responsibility of university councils is to ensure the smooth running of university activities in line with the laws that establish them.\r\n\r\nAdvertisement\r\nThe president warned university councils not to create distractions as his government works to improve the country’s education system.<!--more-->','President Tinubu dissolves UNIZIK governing council, Sacks New VC, Registrar ','','publish','open','open','','president-tinubu-dissolves-unizik-governing-council-sacks-new-vc-registrar','','','2024-11-20 16:28:02','2024-11-20 16:28:02','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5759',0,'post','',0),(5760,1,'2024-11-20 16:27:26','2024-11-20 16:27:26','','images (70)','','inherit','open','closed','','images-70','','','2024-11-20 16:27:26','2024-11-20 16:27:26','',5759,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/images-70.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5761,1,'2024-11-20 16:27:47','2024-11-20 16:27:47','','images (76)','','inherit','open','closed','','images-76-2','','','2024-11-20 16:27:47','2024-11-20 16:27:47','',5759,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/images-76.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5762,1,'2024-11-20 16:28:02','2024-11-20 16:28:02','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5760\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/images-70-300x280.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"280\" />\r\n\r\nPresident Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the governing council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra state.\r\n\r\nA statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu also approved the removal of Bernard Odoh, the new vice chancellor, and Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe council, led by Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Amioleran Osahon, and Funsho Oyeneyin.\r\n\r\n“The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process,” the statement reads.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5761 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/images-76.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"257\" height=\"196\" />\r\n“After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government stepped in to address tensions between the university’s Senate and the governing council of the 23-year-old institution.\r\n\r\n“The government expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process.”\r\n\r\nIn another development, Tinubu also approved the removal of Ohieku Muhammed Salami as pro-chancellor and chair of the governing council of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue state.\r\n\r\nAdvertisement\r\n“This decision followed Salami’s illegal actions, including suspending the Vice-Chancellor without following proper procedures,” the statement adds.\r\n\r\n“Despite a call from the Federal Ministry of Education to revoke the suspension, Salami refused to comply.\r\n\r\n“Instead, he allegedly resorted to abusive and threatening behaviour toward the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary.”\r\n\r\nHe said the primary responsibility of university councils is to ensure the smooth running of university activities in line with the laws that establish them.\r\n\r\nAdvertisement\r\nThe president warned university councils not to create distractions as his government works to improve the country’s education system.<!--more-->','President Tinubu dissolves UNIZIK governing council, Sacks New VC, Registrar ','','inherit','closed','closed','','5759-revision-v1','','','2024-11-20 16:28:02','2024-11-20 16:28:02','',5759,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5762',0,'revision','',0),(5764,1,'2024-11-21 07:36:36','2024-11-21 07:36:36','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5765 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/images-77.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"182\" />\r\n\r\nBy Joe Chukindi\r\n\r\nThe Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has hailed President Bola Tinubu for intervening in the crisis in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.\r\n\r\nPresident Tinubu had on Wednesday ordered the Minister of Education to dissolve the governing council of the institution and also remove its recently installed Vice Chancellor, Prof Benard Odoh and the registrar.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThis is coming three days into a warning strike declared by the national body of the association to protest the exclusion of their members from contesting the position of Vice Chancellor.\r\n\r\nThe chairman of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital branch of the association, Dr Amaechi Nwachukwu PhD who spoke to journalists praised Tinubu for harkening to the cry of the association.\r\n\r\nHe said the action taken by Tinubu shows that he is a listening leader, and also ready to do the right thing.\r\n\r\nHe said: \"I\'m happy that President Bola Tinubu has taken a decisive action over the crisis in UNIZIK.\r\n\r\n\"You remember that just three days ago, MDCAN commenced a warning strike. We the COOUTH chapter of the association also held a press conference where we supported our national body and quickly called for the sack of the VC, dissolution of the council, and readvertise the position of VC of UNIZIK to including medical professionals.\r\n\r\n\"We are happy that the president has shown that he wants things to be done right. We are also calling on him to look into other requests we tabled before him.\r\n\r\n\"We are asking too that any where doctors are working, be it in universities or parastatals, they should be paid with the consolidated salary structure.\r\n\r\n\"We also told him that the current review of our salary structure by the federal government, which added 35 percent of our basic to the salary, some are not paying it, while some have not paid the arrears. We are asking for him to look into all these,\" Nwachukwu appealed.','MDCAN COOUTH hails Tinubu for intervening in UNIZIK VCship crisis','','publish','open','open','','mdcan-coouth-hails-tinubu-for-intervening-in-unizik-vcship-crisis','','','2024-11-21 07:36:36','2024-11-21 07:36:36','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5764',0,'post','',0),(5765,1,'2024-11-21 07:35:24','2024-11-21 07:35:24','','images (77)','','inherit','open','closed','','images-77','','','2024-11-21 07:35:24','2024-11-21 07:35:24','',5764,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/images-77.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5766,1,'2024-11-21 07:36:36','2024-11-21 07:36:36','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5765 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/images-77.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"182\" />\r\n\r\nBy Joe Chukindi\r\n\r\nThe Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has hailed President Bola Tinubu for intervening in the crisis in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.\r\n\r\nPresident Tinubu had on Wednesday ordered the Minister of Education to dissolve the governing council of the institution and also remove its recently installed Vice Chancellor, Prof Benard Odoh and the registrar.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThis is coming three days into a warning strike declared by the national body of the association to protest the exclusion of their members from contesting the position of Vice Chancellor.\r\n\r\nThe chairman of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital branch of the association, Dr Amaechi Nwachukwu PhD who spoke to journalists praised Tinubu for harkening to the cry of the association.\r\n\r\nHe said the action taken by Tinubu shows that he is a listening leader, and also ready to do the right thing.\r\n\r\nHe said: \"I\'m happy that President Bola Tinubu has taken a decisive action over the crisis in UNIZIK.\r\n\r\n\"You remember that just three days ago, MDCAN commenced a warning strike. We the COOUTH chapter of the association also held a press conference where we supported our national body and quickly called for the sack of the VC, dissolution of the council, and readvertise the position of VC of UNIZIK to including medical professionals.\r\n\r\n\"We are happy that the president has shown that he wants things to be done right. We are also calling on him to look into other requests we tabled before him.\r\n\r\n\"We are asking too that any where doctors are working, be it in universities or parastatals, they should be paid with the consolidated salary structure.\r\n\r\n\"We also told him that the current review of our salary structure by the federal government, which added 35 percent of our basic to the salary, some are not paying it, while some have not paid the arrears. We are asking for him to look into all these,\" Nwachukwu appealed.','MDCAN COOUTH hails Tinubu for intervening in UNIZIK VCship crisis','','inherit','closed','closed','','5764-revision-v1','','','2024-11-21 07:36:36','2024-11-21 07:36:36','',5764,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5766',0,'revision','',0),(5768,1,'2024-11-23 06:22:29','2024-11-23 06:22:29','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5769 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241123-WA0007-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nThe Acting Vice-Chancellor of University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Polycarp Chigbu, on Saturday, called for a meeting for the Convocation of the University for electing one convocation representative to the Governing Council.\r\n\r\nChigbu told newsmen in Enugu that the meeting of the Convocation, which is for the sole aim of electing one convocation representative, was being called after consultation with the stakeholders of the university.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nHe said that it was the first time that such a convocation meeting would be held physically and virtually to ensure that the millions of eligible graduates of the institution wishing to attend the meeting and contest the position are given equal level playing field wherever they are globally.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This is the first time in history that a meeting of the Convocation is being called virtually and physically.The institution administration is determined to make the election process open, free, fair and credible to all that would participate.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This move is in line with the law establishing the university and the university administration returning to following due diligence, which is the hallmark of the university\'s founding fathers,” he said.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5770\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241123-WA0008-300x262.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"262\" />\r\n\r\nThe Acting Vice-Chancellor, however, called on all members and honourary graduates who wish to attend the meeting and its election to pay for the update of their membership as part of the registration and accreditation process, which is strictly online.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe said that they have to pay a token of N200 to the university account following the laid down process.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChigbu said that the laid down process had been specified in an advertisement placed in national newspapers, major information/ bill boards within the institution as well as www.unnconvocationelection.org.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“The meeting will be holding on Dec. 14, 2024 from 9a.m. at Ekpo Convocation Arena, UNN Nsukka and those that are unable to attend the meeting physically should join virtually by Zoom and vote online through www.unnconvocationelection.org,” he said.','UNN VC organises a Convocation meeting to elect member of governing council','','publish','open','open','','unn-vc-organises-a-convocation-meeting-to-elect-member-of-governing-council','','','2024-11-23 06:22:29','2024-11-23 06:22:29','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5768',0,'post','',0),(5769,1,'2024-11-23 06:21:48','2024-11-23 06:21:48','','IMG-20241123-WA0007','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241123-wa0007','','','2024-11-23 06:21:48','2024-11-23 06:21:48','',5768,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241123-WA0007.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5770,1,'2024-11-23 06:22:14','2024-11-23 06:22:14','','IMG-20241123-WA0008','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241123-wa0008','','','2024-11-23 06:22:14','2024-11-23 06:22:14','',5768,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241123-WA0008.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5771,1,'2024-11-23 06:22:29','2024-11-23 06:22:29','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5769 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241123-WA0007-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nThe Acting Vice-Chancellor of University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Polycarp Chigbu, on Saturday, called for a meeting for the Convocation of the University for electing one convocation representative to the Governing Council.\r\n\r\nChigbu told newsmen in Enugu that the meeting of the Convocation, which is for the sole aim of electing one convocation representative, was being called after consultation with the stakeholders of the university.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nHe said that it was the first time that such a convocation meeting would be held physically and virtually to ensure that the millions of eligible graduates of the institution wishing to attend the meeting and contest the position are given equal level playing field wherever they are globally.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This is the first time in history that a meeting of the Convocation is being called virtually and physically.The institution administration is determined to make the election process open, free, fair and credible to all that would participate.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This move is in line with the law establishing the university and the university administration returning to following due diligence, which is the hallmark of the university\'s founding fathers,” he said.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5770\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241123-WA0008-300x262.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"262\" />\r\n\r\nThe Acting Vice-Chancellor, however, called on all members and honourary graduates who wish to attend the meeting and its election to pay for the update of their membership as part of the registration and accreditation process, which is strictly online.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe said that they have to pay a token of N200 to the university account following the laid down process.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChigbu said that the laid down process had been specified in an advertisement placed in national newspapers, major information/ bill boards within the institution as well as www.unnconvocationelection.org.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“The meeting will be holding on Dec. 14, 2024 from 9a.m. at Ekpo Convocation Arena, UNN Nsukka and those that are unable to attend the meeting physically should join virtually by Zoom and vote online through www.unnconvocationelection.org,” he said.','UNN VC organises a Convocation meeting to elect member of governing council','','inherit','closed','closed','','5768-revision-v1','','','2024-11-23 06:22:29','2024-11-23 06:22:29','',5768,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5771',0,'revision','',0),(5772,1,'2024-11-23 10:51:38','2024-11-23 10:51:38','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5773 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241123-WA0026-240x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nHis Royal Highness Igwe Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu Ezeoranyelu Eze Ojoto (III), the traditional ruler of Ojoto community in Idemili-South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has declared that there is no crisis or civil unrest whatsoever in his community.\r\n\r\nMbamalu who spoke to HEADLINE NEWS exclusively concerning orchestrated attempts by a certain Chief Dennis Okafor who attempted to crown himself Igwe Ojoto in an uncompleted building as against government directives, said as the Chief Security Officer of Ojoto community, he could categorically say that Ojoto is calm and peaceful and everyone in the community is going about their lawful businesses contrary to fake online news reports of imaginary crisis in the community.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nIgwe Mbamalu further disclosed that the claim by sponsored bloggers that a certain DSS report on Anambra traditional stool saga was missing from the Government House was nothing but a mirage as no such documents existed.\r\n\r\nAccording to him, the Department of State Services(DSS) has its modus operandi because it is a secret agency and has its own way of handling vital information, emphasizing that information exclusive to the DSS couldn\'t have been in the Government House; urging the general public especially Ojoto people home and abroad to disregard such malicious publications because they were intended to cause disaffection and disharmony in the community.\r\n\r\nHe said since he became the traditional ruler of Ojoto, the community has witnessed massive transformations and developmental strides in all ramifications as they were reconstructing police stations burnt down by unknown gunmen.\r\n\r\nAlthough he pointed out that the only problem in Ojoto community was illegal sand mining, he said that the town union is working in collaboration with the traditional institution to end the menace.\r\n\r\nIgwe Mbamalu therefore reiterated that there are no security breaches in Ojoto and no law enforcement agents in plain clothes in his community as claimed by sponsored bloggers paid to create tension and unnecessary panic in his community.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n##','There\'s No Tension In Ojoto Community --- Igwe Mbamalu','','publish','open','open','','theres-no-tension-in-ojoto-community-igwe-mbamalu','','','2024-11-23 10:51:38','2024-11-23 10:51:38','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5772',0,'post','',0),(5773,1,'2024-11-23 10:50:54','2024-11-23 10:50:54','','IMG-20241123-WA0026','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241123-wa0026','','','2024-11-23 10:50:54','2024-11-23 10:50:54','',5772,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241123-WA0026.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5774,1,'2024-11-23 10:51:38','2024-11-23 10:51:38','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5773 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241123-WA0026-240x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nHis Royal Highness Igwe Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu Ezeoranyelu Eze Ojoto (III), the traditional ruler of Ojoto community in Idemili-South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has declared that there is no crisis or civil unrest whatsoever in his community.\r\n\r\nMbamalu who spoke to HEADLINE NEWS exclusively concerning orchestrated attempts by a certain Chief Dennis Okafor who attempted to crown himself Igwe Ojoto in an uncompleted building as against government directives, said as the Chief Security Officer of Ojoto community, he could categorically say that Ojoto is calm and peaceful and everyone in the community is going about their lawful businesses contrary to fake online news reports of imaginary crisis in the community.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nIgwe Mbamalu further disclosed that the claim by sponsored bloggers that a certain DSS report on Anambra traditional stool saga was missing from the Government House was nothing but a mirage as no such documents existed.\r\n\r\nAccording to him, the Department of State Services(DSS) has its modus operandi because it is a secret agency and has its own way of handling vital information, emphasizing that information exclusive to the DSS couldn\'t have been in the Government House; urging the general public especially Ojoto people home and abroad to disregard such malicious publications because they were intended to cause disaffection and disharmony in the community.\r\n\r\nHe said since he became the traditional ruler of Ojoto, the community has witnessed massive transformations and developmental strides in all ramifications as they were reconstructing police stations burnt down by unknown gunmen.\r\n\r\nAlthough he pointed out that the only problem in Ojoto community was illegal sand mining, he said that the town union is working in collaboration with the traditional institution to end the menace.\r\n\r\nIgwe Mbamalu therefore reiterated that there are no security breaches in Ojoto and no law enforcement agents in plain clothes in his community as claimed by sponsored bloggers paid to create tension and unnecessary panic in his community.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n##','There\'s No Tension In Ojoto Community --- Igwe Mbamalu','','inherit','closed','closed','','5772-revision-v1','','','2024-11-23 10:51:38','2024-11-23 10:51:38','',5772,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5774',0,'revision','',0),(5775,1,'2024-11-23 22:38:38','2024-11-23 22:38:38','<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5776 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241123-WA0070-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nForemost Nigerian Permanent Secretary and the first Director-General, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Chief Gordian Chukwuemeka Oranika (Ochendo Abatete), died recently at the age of 89 and will be buried on December 6, 2024.\r\n\r\nHe was the Director-General of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, between 1991 and 1994 and served under two Ministers, General Gado Muhammadu Nasko and General Jeremiah Timbut Useni. He was the Director-General when Nigeria’s capital was moved from Lagos to Abuja in December 1991. He served as the Director-General for over three years. He significantly shaped the city’s development curve during that time, marking its beautiful horizon with enduring legacies.   <!--more-->\r\n\r\nOranika was a civil servant of note whose rise to the peak of his career was not just the effort of hard work, self-motivation and discipline but also God\'s unmerited favour. He started as a diplomat with Nigeria’s Foreign Service until the Nigerian civil war broke out, which compelled him to transfer his service to the Eastern Region Government. On rejoining the Federal Civil Service after the war in 1970, he rose from Administrative Officer to Director-General in 1991 after 21 years. He had a reasonably impressive career progression that saw him work in several federal ministries and departments, including finance, science and technology, education, trade and commerce, industry, economic development, presidency (budget department), and the federal capital territory.\r\n\r\nIt is fair to argue that he left every office he occupied better than he met it and earned his stripes as a dedicated civil servant with a passion for excellence. He was diligent in his duties, selfless in service and reliable in conduct. But more than that, he possessed uncommon leadership qualities that spoke to an unwavering commitment to duty and a keen eye for detail. Speaking on these leadership qualities, General Gado Nasko, his boss at the FCT, said: “Oranika’s exceptional leadership qualities made him an invaluable asset to the Federal Ministry of Trade and Commerce and later the Federal Capital Territory. His dedication to duty and passion for excellence shone through his role as Director of Trade. He made me recognise his potential and advocated for his appointment as Director General of the Ministry of the FCT, despite his not meeting all the qualifications”.\r\n\r\nUndoubtedly, Oranika acquitted himself well in discharging his duties, earning the respect and admiration of his superiors and subordinates alike. It was clear from the rapid upward trajectory of his career that he would peak with the attainment of the position of a permanent secretary. Expectedly, his appointment as the Director-General of the F.C.T. came due, bringing innovative ideas and expanding new frontiers of development in the inchoate city. Indeed, most developments that stand the Federal Capital Territory out today as a livable city were either started or completed under Oranika\'s watch. It is a fact that the first mass recruitment of workers with Abuja\'s attainment of the status of a federal capital was carried out by Oranika as the DG. Qualified Nigerians were employed without discrimination and without recourse to wire-pulling influence. Apart from his painstaking effort in the movement of the seat of government from Lagos to Abuja, his contributions to the hosting of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) summit (now African Union -AU) in 1991 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, still resonates with the people.\r\n\r\nHumble and with no want of civility, Oranika was never caught in any form of disputation either with colleagues, friends, mates, or family. He was mild-mannered, compassionate, and always ready to assist those who had taken a tumble and were on the wrong side of life.\r\n\r\nBorn April 30, 1935, to Mr. Evarist Oranika and Mrs. Agnes Oranika, both of blessed memory from Umuebo, Agbaja Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, G. C. Oranika started his primary school at St Dominic’s Catholic School, Abatete and completed at St Joseph’s Primary School, Onitsha. He attended Christ the King College, Onitsha, on scholarship and, upon graduation, secured a job with the Nigerian Railway Corporation. Before travelling to Scotland for higher education, he did a few-year stints with the Corporation and Bulk Oil Plants of Nigeria. He got admission to read Modern History and Moral Philosophy at St Andrew’s University, Scotland. After obtaining both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the University, he proceeded to the London School of Economics, United Kingdom, for a course in Foreign Service. He worked as a diplomat with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs until the outbreak of the Nigeria–Biafra War when he transferred his service to the Eastern Nigerian Government. He rejoined the services of the Federal Government immediately after the war and rose to become a permanent secretary and the first Director General of the FCT, Abuja.\r\n\r\nA widely travelled public servant and member of national and international organisations, he was a Member of the National Institute (mni), having attended a course at the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Jos. He was also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Directors (FCIoD) and a Paul Harris Fellow. He won many awards and was heavily decorated.\r\n\r\nOranika did not forget his God and was an active Roman Catholic Christian. He was a Knight of the Order of St. Mulumba and Knight of St. Sylvester. He served his creator with unmatchable zeal and belonged to many Christian organisations, contributing immensely to the gospel\'s spread. He trained priests, built churches and renovated dilapidated ones. He was also a community leader whose contributions to the development of his Abatete community have more profound expression in the title of Ochendo Abatete, genuinely conferred on him by the community’s sovereign. He gave many scholarship, offered others job and sent yet others to overseas\' training. He had many titles from places other than his Abatete community in recognition of his contributions to their development. He was a member of the Igwe-in-Council of the Abatete ancient Kingdom.\r\n\r\nOranika was a dedicated family man. He married Dr Mrs Uche Josephine Oranika (Iyom Ijele Nwanyi – nee Aniebue), a retired civil servant and businesswoman. The marriage was blessed with seven lovely children and twenty-five grandchildren. The death of Chief G.C Oranika (Ochendo Abatete) has no doubt robbed the bereaved of strength to carry on. However, the belief that he lived a Christian life trumps the fear of losing eternity with the Father, to which His mercy admits all. His remains will be committed to Mother Earth in his home town of Abatete on December 6, 2024. He will be sorely missed. May God grant his soul eternal rest.\r\n\r\nPrince Emelie Evarist Oranika (Son)','Chief Gordian Chukwuemeka Oranika: Death of the Pioneer DG of F.C.T, Abuja','','publish','open','open','','chief-gordian-chukwuemeka-oranika-death-of-the-pioneer-dg-of-f-c-t-abuja','','','2024-11-23 22:38:38','2024-11-23 22:38:38','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5775',0,'post','',0),(5776,1,'2024-11-23 22:37:56','2024-11-23 22:37:56','','IMG-20241123-WA0070','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241123-wa0070','','','2024-11-23 22:37:56','2024-11-23 22:37:56','',5775,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241123-WA0070.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5777,1,'2024-11-23 22:38:38','2024-11-23 22:38:38','<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5776 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-20241123-WA0070-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nForemost Nigerian Permanent Secretary and the first Director-General, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Chief Gordian Chukwuemeka Oranika (Ochendo Abatete), died recently at the age of 89 and will be buried on December 6, 2024.\r\n\r\nHe was the Director-General of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, between 1991 and 1994 and served under two Ministers, General Gado Muhammadu Nasko and General Jeremiah Timbut Useni. He was the Director-General when Nigeria’s capital was moved from Lagos to Abuja in December 1991. He served as the Director-General for over three years. He significantly shaped the city’s development curve during that time, marking its beautiful horizon with enduring legacies.   <!--more-->\r\n\r\nOranika was a civil servant of note whose rise to the peak of his career was not just the effort of hard work, self-motivation and discipline but also God\'s unmerited favour. He started as a diplomat with Nigeria’s Foreign Service until the Nigerian civil war broke out, which compelled him to transfer his service to the Eastern Region Government. On rejoining the Federal Civil Service after the war in 1970, he rose from Administrative Officer to Director-General in 1991 after 21 years. He had a reasonably impressive career progression that saw him work in several federal ministries and departments, including finance, science and technology, education, trade and commerce, industry, economic development, presidency (budget department), and the federal capital territory.\r\n\r\nIt is fair to argue that he left every office he occupied better than he met it and earned his stripes as a dedicated civil servant with a passion for excellence. He was diligent in his duties, selfless in service and reliable in conduct. But more than that, he possessed uncommon leadership qualities that spoke to an unwavering commitment to duty and a keen eye for detail. Speaking on these leadership qualities, General Gado Nasko, his boss at the FCT, said: “Oranika’s exceptional leadership qualities made him an invaluable asset to the Federal Ministry of Trade and Commerce and later the Federal Capital Territory. His dedication to duty and passion for excellence shone through his role as Director of Trade. He made me recognise his potential and advocated for his appointment as Director General of the Ministry of the FCT, despite his not meeting all the qualifications”.\r\n\r\nUndoubtedly, Oranika acquitted himself well in discharging his duties, earning the respect and admiration of his superiors and subordinates alike. It was clear from the rapid upward trajectory of his career that he would peak with the attainment of the position of a permanent secretary. Expectedly, his appointment as the Director-General of the F.C.T. came due, bringing innovative ideas and expanding new frontiers of development in the inchoate city. Indeed, most developments that stand the Federal Capital Territory out today as a livable city were either started or completed under Oranika\'s watch. It is a fact that the first mass recruitment of workers with Abuja\'s attainment of the status of a federal capital was carried out by Oranika as the DG. Qualified Nigerians were employed without discrimination and without recourse to wire-pulling influence. Apart from his painstaking effort in the movement of the seat of government from Lagos to Abuja, his contributions to the hosting of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) summit (now African Union -AU) in 1991 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, still resonates with the people.\r\n\r\nHumble and with no want of civility, Oranika was never caught in any form of disputation either with colleagues, friends, mates, or family. He was mild-mannered, compassionate, and always ready to assist those who had taken a tumble and were on the wrong side of life.\r\n\r\nBorn April 30, 1935, to Mr. Evarist Oranika and Mrs. Agnes Oranika, both of blessed memory from Umuebo, Agbaja Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, G. C. Oranika started his primary school at St Dominic’s Catholic School, Abatete and completed at St Joseph’s Primary School, Onitsha. He attended Christ the King College, Onitsha, on scholarship and, upon graduation, secured a job with the Nigerian Railway Corporation. Before travelling to Scotland for higher education, he did a few-year stints with the Corporation and Bulk Oil Plants of Nigeria. He got admission to read Modern History and Moral Philosophy at St Andrew’s University, Scotland. After obtaining both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the University, he proceeded to the London School of Economics, United Kingdom, for a course in Foreign Service. He worked as a diplomat with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs until the outbreak of the Nigeria–Biafra War when he transferred his service to the Eastern Nigerian Government. He rejoined the services of the Federal Government immediately after the war and rose to become a permanent secretary and the first Director General of the FCT, Abuja.\r\n\r\nA widely travelled public servant and member of national and international organisations, he was a Member of the National Institute (mni), having attended a course at the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Jos. He was also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Directors (FCIoD) and a Paul Harris Fellow. He won many awards and was heavily decorated.\r\n\r\nOranika did not forget his God and was an active Roman Catholic Christian. He was a Knight of the Order of St. Mulumba and Knight of St. Sylvester. He served his creator with unmatchable zeal and belonged to many Christian organisations, contributing immensely to the gospel\'s spread. He trained priests, built churches and renovated dilapidated ones. He was also a community leader whose contributions to the development of his Abatete community have more profound expression in the title of Ochendo Abatete, genuinely conferred on him by the community’s sovereign. He gave many scholarship, offered others job and sent yet others to overseas\' training. He had many titles from places other than his Abatete community in recognition of his contributions to their development. He was a member of the Igwe-in-Council of the Abatete ancient Kingdom.\r\n\r\nOranika was a dedicated family man. He married Dr Mrs Uche Josephine Oranika (Iyom Ijele Nwanyi – nee Aniebue), a retired civil servant and businesswoman. The marriage was blessed with seven lovely children and twenty-five grandchildren. The death of Chief G.C Oranika (Ochendo Abatete) has no doubt robbed the bereaved of strength to carry on. However, the belief that he lived a Christian life trumps the fear of losing eternity with the Father, to which His mercy admits all. His remains will be committed to Mother Earth in his home town of Abatete on December 6, 2024. He will be sorely missed. May God grant his soul eternal rest.\r\n\r\nPrince Emelie Evarist Oranika (Son)','Chief Gordian Chukwuemeka Oranika: Death of the Pioneer DG of F.C.T, Abuja','','inherit','closed','closed','','5775-revision-v1','','','2024-11-23 22:38:38','2024-11-23 22:38:38','',5775,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5777',0,'revision','',0),(5779,1,'2024-12-04 07:29:35','2024-12-04 07:29:35','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5780\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241204-WA0015-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\nThe Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Enugu branch, has decried the spate of ‘huge extortion’ by police personnel when matters get to their official units, departments, stations and command within the state.\r\n\r\nThe association made this known on Tuesday during the opening of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Enugu Branch 2024 Law Week.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThey were reacting after a lecture delivered by a human rights lawyer, Mr Daniel Ogbe, on the title: \"Commercialisation of Policing in Enugu State: Implications on Human Rights”.\r\n\r\nOgbe said that the commercialisation of policing in Enugu State had lead to infringement on fundamental human rights of residents, who at times pay exorbitantly to get police services.\r\n\r\n“The commercialisation of the Nigeria Police Force in Enugu State represents a significant threat to societal stability and poses a detrimental impact on the welfare of the police themselves.\r\n\r\n“It is imperative that legal professionals collaborate to initiate Public Interest Suits.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5781\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241204-WA0016-300x106.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"106\" />\r\n“These suits should aim to persuade the judiciary, through compelling legal arguments, to adopt a proactive stance in interpreting pertinent laws.\r\n\r\n“This approach should ensure that police officers are neither permitted nor incentivised to act as agents of injustice and regression within the Criminal Justice System.\r\n\r\n“Such actions have negative implications for the protection of fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens in Enugu State,” he said.\r\n\r\nOgbe noted that notwithstanding the difficulties and inadequacies in police operations, the police should work with some leave of dedication and commitment to serve the public.\r\n\r\nReacting, another legal luminary, Chief Uche Maduemesi, noted that the cost of getting police to make an arrested had gone beyond the normal and police officers do not consider that “ordinary citizens might not access protection and emergency response services due to that”.\r\n\r\n“There is a need to have a change and for Nigerians to easily access the services of the Nigeria police to ensure that people get needed help from distresses,” Maduemesi said.\r\n\r\nCorroborating, the Chairman of NBA, Enugu Branch, Chief Venatus Odo, said that the bar would take necessary action to ensure that the negative action of some police officers should be checked, and fundamental human rights of residents restored.\r\n\r\nOdo noted that the recent extortion activities at their various offices in the state also infringe on activities of lawyers and the general judicial process in the state.\r\n\r\n“We are going to seek an official audience with the police authority and its hierarchy within the state on this negative development even as we are going to submit our week communiqué on that to them soon,” he said.\r\n\r\nEarlier, Justice Peter Obiora, Justice of the Court of Appeal, delivered a keynote paper on the theme: “Bar Practice: The Lawyer at the Centre of Judicial Corruption – Nagging Need for Practice Reforms”, noted that lawyers must live upright.\r\n\r\nObiora, represented by Justice Harold Eya of Enugu State High Court, noted that there are two types of lawyers, “those who know the law and those who know the judge”.\r\n\r\n“Truth and transparency is the hall mark of justice anywhere you take it to,” he said.\r\n\r\nHe called on lawyers to desist from encouraging bribery and corruption in the judicial system, adding that lawyers should shun double standard but maintain only the rule of law and truth.\r\n\r\nSpeaking, Justice Elvis Ngene, the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, lauded the NBA Enugu Branch for organising the week and standing out among other bar associations in the country.\r\n\r\n“I have been enriched today by this lecture by Justice Peter Obiora and I am leaving here happy and fulfilled. This shows that there is still much hope for reform in the judicial system in the country,” Ngene said.\r\n\r\nIn his remarks, Justice Raymond Ozoemena, Chief Judge of Enugu State, lauded NBA Enugu Branch for upholding the tenets of the legal profession and having due mentoring initiatives to bring up young lawyers.\r\n\r\n“I want to commend the NBA Enugu Branch for setting the pace and being outstanding in all it set out to achieve within the state and nationally,” Ozoemena said.','NBA decries spate of ‘huge extortion” by Police in Enugu','','publish','open','open','','nba-decries-spate-of-huge-extortion-by-police-in-enugu','','','2024-12-04 07:29:35','2024-12-04 07:29:35','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5779',0,'post','',0),(5780,1,'2024-12-04 07:28:11','2024-12-04 07:28:11','','IMG-20241204-WA0015','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241204-wa0015','','','2024-12-04 07:28:11','2024-12-04 07:28:11','',5779,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241204-WA0015.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5781,1,'2024-12-04 07:28:58','2024-12-04 07:28:58','','IMG-20241204-WA0016','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241204-wa0016','','','2024-12-04 07:28:58','2024-12-04 07:28:58','',5779,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241204-WA0016.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5782,1,'2024-12-04 07:29:35','2024-12-04 07:29:35','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5780\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241204-WA0015-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\nThe Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Enugu branch, has decried the spate of ‘huge extortion’ by police personnel when matters get to their official units, departments, stations and command within the state.\r\n\r\nThe association made this known on Tuesday during the opening of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Enugu Branch 2024 Law Week.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThey were reacting after a lecture delivered by a human rights lawyer, Mr Daniel Ogbe, on the title: \"Commercialisation of Policing in Enugu State: Implications on Human Rights”.\r\n\r\nOgbe said that the commercialisation of policing in Enugu State had lead to infringement on fundamental human rights of residents, who at times pay exorbitantly to get police services.\r\n\r\n“The commercialisation of the Nigeria Police Force in Enugu State represents a significant threat to societal stability and poses a detrimental impact on the welfare of the police themselves.\r\n\r\n“It is imperative that legal professionals collaborate to initiate Public Interest Suits.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5781\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241204-WA0016-300x106.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"106\" />\r\n“These suits should aim to persuade the judiciary, through compelling legal arguments, to adopt a proactive stance in interpreting pertinent laws.\r\n\r\n“This approach should ensure that police officers are neither permitted nor incentivised to act as agents of injustice and regression within the Criminal Justice System.\r\n\r\n“Such actions have negative implications for the protection of fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens in Enugu State,” he said.\r\n\r\nOgbe noted that notwithstanding the difficulties and inadequacies in police operations, the police should work with some leave of dedication and commitment to serve the public.\r\n\r\nReacting, another legal luminary, Chief Uche Maduemesi, noted that the cost of getting police to make an arrested had gone beyond the normal and police officers do not consider that “ordinary citizens might not access protection and emergency response services due to that”.\r\n\r\n“There is a need to have a change and for Nigerians to easily access the services of the Nigeria police to ensure that people get needed help from distresses,” Maduemesi said.\r\n\r\nCorroborating, the Chairman of NBA, Enugu Branch, Chief Venatus Odo, said that the bar would take necessary action to ensure that the negative action of some police officers should be checked, and fundamental human rights of residents restored.\r\n\r\nOdo noted that the recent extortion activities at their various offices in the state also infringe on activities of lawyers and the general judicial process in the state.\r\n\r\n“We are going to seek an official audience with the police authority and its hierarchy within the state on this negative development even as we are going to submit our week communiqué on that to them soon,” he said.\r\n\r\nEarlier, Justice Peter Obiora, Justice of the Court of Appeal, delivered a keynote paper on the theme: “Bar Practice: The Lawyer at the Centre of Judicial Corruption – Nagging Need for Practice Reforms”, noted that lawyers must live upright.\r\n\r\nObiora, represented by Justice Harold Eya of Enugu State High Court, noted that there are two types of lawyers, “those who know the law and those who know the judge”.\r\n\r\n“Truth and transparency is the hall mark of justice anywhere you take it to,” he said.\r\n\r\nHe called on lawyers to desist from encouraging bribery and corruption in the judicial system, adding that lawyers should shun double standard but maintain only the rule of law and truth.\r\n\r\nSpeaking, Justice Elvis Ngene, the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, lauded the NBA Enugu Branch for organising the week and standing out among other bar associations in the country.\r\n\r\n“I have been enriched today by this lecture by Justice Peter Obiora and I am leaving here happy and fulfilled. This shows that there is still much hope for reform in the judicial system in the country,” Ngene said.\r\n\r\nIn his remarks, Justice Raymond Ozoemena, Chief Judge of Enugu State, lauded NBA Enugu Branch for upholding the tenets of the legal profession and having due mentoring initiatives to bring up young lawyers.\r\n\r\n“I want to commend the NBA Enugu Branch for setting the pace and being outstanding in all it set out to achieve within the state and nationally,” Ozoemena said.','NBA decries spate of ‘huge extortion” by Police in Enugu','','inherit','closed','closed','','5779-revision-v1','','','2024-12-04 07:29:35','2024-12-04 07:29:35','',5779,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5782',0,'revision','',0),(5783,1,'2024-12-04 15:24:17','2024-12-04 15:24:17','OjotoTo Celebrate 2024 Christmas With Installation Of Solar-Powered Street Lights, Other Developmental Projects\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5784 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241204-WA0042-300x277.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"277\" />\r\nRAYMOND OZOJI reports\r\n\r\nHis Royal Highness Igwe Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu, the traditional ruler of Ojoto community in Idemili-South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has said that Ojoto is set for a beautiful Christmas celebration this year as the community embarks on Operation Light-Up Ojoto community coupled with other developmental programmes and projects that would be unveiled.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nSpeaking on the activities lined-up for the festive season, Igwe Mbamalu told HEADLINE NEWS that the Otu-Odu Ojoto Women of Honour and Integrity which is the highest prestigious cultural organisation for married Ojoto women would launch installation of solar-powered street lights in all the 8 villages that comprises Ojoto as a way of giving back to the community for bestowing the highest traditional title for married women of Ojoto extraction on them.\r\n\r\nMbamalu who described the Otu-Odu Operation Light-Up Ojoto Community as a laudable project, said the essence was to illuminate the entire community especially at night times to protect it from criminals as crimes and criminalities thrived mostly at nights.\r\n\r\nApart from the Otu-Odu Ojoto street light project, the traditional ruler disclosed that another activity that would make the festive season memorable is the inter-village sports competition. He said that the sports competition would provide veritable platform for conviviality, friendship and discovery of talents from Ojoto community for export to the rest of the world.\r\n\r\nIgwe Mbamalu also disclosed that Ndi-Ada Idemili; that is daughters of Idemili origin living in the United States of America (USA) have earmarked some money to bring the Nigerian Red Cross Society to teach Ojoto women and children at home on emergency response using first aid treatment.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5785 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241204-WA0044-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nThe event which Igwe Mbamalu said is coming up on the 27th of December, would feature education and sensitisation on life-saving approaches during emergency situations rather than watch people die carelessly out of ignorance.\r\n\r\nAlthough Igwe Mbamalu told HEADLINE NEWS that he had already started the first aid treatment lecture with primary and secondary school pupils in Ojoto through his community development programme called \" Ojoto Rising Star \" , but Ndi-Ada Idemili, according to him, would scale it up further to include more women and children especially housewives who will be tutored on administration of first aid treatment during emergency situations before consulting a physician or going to the hospital for comprehensive medical attention.\r\n\r\nAccording to him, all the events and activities lined-up for the festive season in Ojoto community would be done amidst watertight security. He said prominent sons and daughters of Ojoto are pulling resources together to ensure that vigilante operatives in the area are well taken care of to ensure effective and efficient service delivery even as he was cognisant of the fact that the government of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo does not compromise in the area of security of lives and property of the citizens.\r\n\r\nIgwe Mbamalu who stated that Ndi-Ojoto at home are ready to welcome their loved ones who would be returning home for the festivities, said most confidently that Ojoto community is calm, peaceful and radiates with a tranquil atmosphere and the people are happy because his reign has enthroned developmental progress in the entire community.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n##','OjotoTo Celebrate 2024 Christmas With Installation Of Solar-Powered Street Lights, Other Developmental Projects','','publish','open','open','','ojototo-celebrate-2024-christmas-with-installation-of-solar-powered-street-lights-other-developmental-projects','','','2024-12-04 15:24:17','2024-12-04 15:24:17','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5783',0,'post','',0),(5784,1,'2024-12-04 15:23:22','2024-12-04 15:23:22','','IMG-20241204-WA0042','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241204-wa0042','','','2024-12-04 15:23:22','2024-12-04 15:23:22','',5783,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241204-WA0042.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5785,1,'2024-12-04 15:23:48','2024-12-04 15:23:48','','IMG-20241204-WA0044','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241204-wa0044','','','2024-12-04 15:23:48','2024-12-04 15:23:48','',5783,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241204-WA0044.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5786,1,'2024-12-04 15:24:09','2024-12-04 15:24:09','','IMG-20241204-WA0042','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241204-wa0042-2','','','2024-12-04 15:24:09','2024-12-04 15:24:09','',5783,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241204-WA0042-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5787,1,'2024-12-04 15:24:17','2024-12-04 15:24:17','OjotoTo Celebrate 2024 Christmas With Installation Of Solar-Powered Street Lights, Other Developmental Projects\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5784 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241204-WA0042-300x277.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"277\" />\r\nRAYMOND OZOJI reports\r\n\r\nHis Royal Highness Igwe Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu, the traditional ruler of Ojoto community in Idemili-South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has said that Ojoto is set for a beautiful Christmas celebration this year as the community embarks on Operation Light-Up Ojoto community coupled with other developmental programmes and projects that would be unveiled.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nSpeaking on the activities lined-up for the festive season, Igwe Mbamalu told HEADLINE NEWS that the Otu-Odu Ojoto Women of Honour and Integrity which is the highest prestigious cultural organisation for married Ojoto women would launch installation of solar-powered street lights in all the 8 villages that comprises Ojoto as a way of giving back to the community for bestowing the highest traditional title for married women of Ojoto extraction on them.\r\n\r\nMbamalu who described the Otu-Odu Operation Light-Up Ojoto Community as a laudable project, said the essence was to illuminate the entire community especially at night times to protect it from criminals as crimes and criminalities thrived mostly at nights.\r\n\r\nApart from the Otu-Odu Ojoto street light project, the traditional ruler disclosed that another activity that would make the festive season memorable is the inter-village sports competition. He said that the sports competition would provide veritable platform for conviviality, friendship and discovery of talents from Ojoto community for export to the rest of the world.\r\n\r\nIgwe Mbamalu also disclosed that Ndi-Ada Idemili; that is daughters of Idemili origin living in the United States of America (USA) have earmarked some money to bring the Nigerian Red Cross Society to teach Ojoto women and children at home on emergency response using first aid treatment.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5785 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241204-WA0044-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nThe event which Igwe Mbamalu said is coming up on the 27th of December, would feature education and sensitisation on life-saving approaches during emergency situations rather than watch people die carelessly out of ignorance.\r\n\r\nAlthough Igwe Mbamalu told HEADLINE NEWS that he had already started the first aid treatment lecture with primary and secondary school pupils in Ojoto through his community development programme called \" Ojoto Rising Star \" , but Ndi-Ada Idemili, according to him, would scale it up further to include more women and children especially housewives who will be tutored on administration of first aid treatment during emergency situations before consulting a physician or going to the hospital for comprehensive medical attention.\r\n\r\nAccording to him, all the events and activities lined-up for the festive season in Ojoto community would be done amidst watertight security. He said prominent sons and daughters of Ojoto are pulling resources together to ensure that vigilante operatives in the area are well taken care of to ensure effective and efficient service delivery even as he was cognisant of the fact that the government of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo does not compromise in the area of security of lives and property of the citizens.\r\n\r\nIgwe Mbamalu who stated that Ndi-Ojoto at home are ready to welcome their loved ones who would be returning home for the festivities, said most confidently that Ojoto community is calm, peaceful and radiates with a tranquil atmosphere and the people are happy because his reign has enthroned developmental progress in the entire community.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n##','OjotoTo Celebrate 2024 Christmas With Installation Of Solar-Powered Street Lights, Other Developmental Projects','','inherit','closed','closed','','5783-revision-v1','','','2024-12-04 15:24:17','2024-12-04 15:24:17','',5783,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5787',0,'revision','',0),(5788,1,'2024-12-09 10:48:27','2024-12-09 10:48:27','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5789\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241209-WA0031-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nIn a bid to ensure quality services for homeowners, plumbers and other building professionals across Southeast, Nigeria, on Sunday, converged on Onitsha, Anambra state, to discuss real-world plumbing challenges and proffer solutions to them.\r\nThe educative interaction, held at the Five Star Restaurant Hall, GRA, Onitsha, with the theme ‘Celebrating Mastery and Partnership, offered the plumbers the opportunity to upgrade their skills with hands-on training, and interaction with top engineers.\r\nThe event, driven by technology solutions, showcased how to solve common issues like pipe leaks, bathroom odour, and rusting faucets, and revealed tips on delivering quality, durable plumbing for homeowners.\r\nMr Nzubechukwu Ibe, one of the directors of TUFF Plumb, organizers of the event, said from its inception, TUFF was born a brand that rejects mediocrity and embraces excellence.<!--more-->\r\nAccording to him, the TUFF brand today represents durability, innovation, and trust.\r\n“Our products-from whirlpools and faucets to PPR pipes, shower enclosures, jacuzzi bathtubs, faucets, electric towel rail, flexibles, angle valves and stainless floor drains-are crafted to global standards,\" he said.\r\nIbe also reflected on the humble beginning of the company, which started in 1972 at the Bridge Head Market in Onitsha.\r\n\"Jabros Industries Limited was founded by Mr.Jonathan Anagor Ibe--fondly known as Jabros- a man whose vision for excellence set the stage for a transformative journey.\r\n\"The late 1990s brought about a seismic shift in the business landscape. The rise of the internet opened doors to foreign markets, but also unleashed a wave of substandard products, undermining the quality that Jabros Industries stood for.\r\n“Built to withstand time, International Standard Organization (ISO) certified and backed us by warranties of up to 50 years,” he said.\r\nHe continued, \"As we look ahead, we remain unshaken in our resolve; to lead the industry with products that inspire confidence and deliver unmatched performance.\r\n“TUFF is not just about plumbing, it is about building a legacy where every drop of water flows through systems designed to last for generations.”\r\nDuring the discussion panel, one of the resource persons, Engr. Ikenna Jude Michael, provided insights on some of the challenges that lead to poor swimming pool drainage, saying \"When the drainage of a surface pump is far, it may be difficult for the water to drain.\"\r\nResponding to questions from the participants, he clarified that some of the houses that experience wall leakages may be the result of bad work from the plumber, using substandard materials, or the tiler doing poor work on the wall.\r\nAnother guest speaker, Prof Olusegun Sogbesan, while commending TUFF, for providing value and quality, decried the incessant building collapse in the country, due to substandard building materials.\r\nHe urged Tuff Plumb and other building professionals to continue to provide solutions to the challenge.\r\nIn a presentation, Engr Ada Ikebuilo emphasized the need to use professionals in building, saying, \"Materials are not enough; if those handling the project are not skillful, it is a waste of resources.\"\r\nSome of the plumbers who participated in the programme hailed Tuff Plumb for the incisive session and assured the company of their continued patronage.\r\nHighlights of the event include the presentation of rewards to partners and customers, with various prizes, such as Generator set, Tuff Welding Machine, Bags of Rice, and Smartphones.','Professional Plumbers target Improved Services to Southeast Homeowners at Anambra Meeting','','publish','open','open','','professional-plumbers-target-improved-services-to-southeast-homeowners-at-anambra-meeting','','','2024-12-09 10:48:27','2024-12-09 10:48:27','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5788',0,'post','',0),(5789,1,'2024-12-09 10:46:42','2024-12-09 10:46:42','','IMG-20241209-WA0031','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241209-wa0031','','','2024-12-09 10:46:42','2024-12-09 10:46:42','',5788,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241209-WA0031.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5790,1,'2024-12-09 10:48:12','2024-12-09 10:48:12','','IMG-20241209-WA0032','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241209-wa0032','','','2024-12-09 10:48:12','2024-12-09 10:48:12','',5788,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241209-WA0032.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5791,1,'2024-12-09 10:48:27','2024-12-09 10:48:27','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5789\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241209-WA0031-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nIn a bid to ensure quality services for homeowners, plumbers and other building professionals across Southeast, Nigeria, on Sunday, converged on Onitsha, Anambra state, to discuss real-world plumbing challenges and proffer solutions to them.\r\nThe educative interaction, held at the Five Star Restaurant Hall, GRA, Onitsha, with the theme ‘Celebrating Mastery and Partnership, offered the plumbers the opportunity to upgrade their skills with hands-on training, and interaction with top engineers.\r\nThe event, driven by technology solutions, showcased how to solve common issues like pipe leaks, bathroom odour, and rusting faucets, and revealed tips on delivering quality, durable plumbing for homeowners.\r\nMr Nzubechukwu Ibe, one of the directors of TUFF Plumb, organizers of the event, said from its inception, TUFF was born a brand that rejects mediocrity and embraces excellence.<!--more-->\r\nAccording to him, the TUFF brand today represents durability, innovation, and trust.\r\n“Our products-from whirlpools and faucets to PPR pipes, shower enclosures, jacuzzi bathtubs, faucets, electric towel rail, flexibles, angle valves and stainless floor drains-are crafted to global standards,\" he said.\r\nIbe also reflected on the humble beginning of the company, which started in 1972 at the Bridge Head Market in Onitsha.\r\n\"Jabros Industries Limited was founded by Mr.Jonathan Anagor Ibe--fondly known as Jabros- a man whose vision for excellence set the stage for a transformative journey.\r\n\"The late 1990s brought about a seismic shift in the business landscape. The rise of the internet opened doors to foreign markets, but also unleashed a wave of substandard products, undermining the quality that Jabros Industries stood for.\r\n“Built to withstand time, International Standard Organization (ISO) certified and backed us by warranties of up to 50 years,” he said.\r\nHe continued, \"As we look ahead, we remain unshaken in our resolve; to lead the industry with products that inspire confidence and deliver unmatched performance.\r\n“TUFF is not just about plumbing, it is about building a legacy where every drop of water flows through systems designed to last for generations.”\r\nDuring the discussion panel, one of the resource persons, Engr. Ikenna Jude Michael, provided insights on some of the challenges that lead to poor swimming pool drainage, saying \"When the drainage of a surface pump is far, it may be difficult for the water to drain.\"\r\nResponding to questions from the participants, he clarified that some of the houses that experience wall leakages may be the result of bad work from the plumber, using substandard materials, or the tiler doing poor work on the wall.\r\nAnother guest speaker, Prof Olusegun Sogbesan, while commending TUFF, for providing value and quality, decried the incessant building collapse in the country, due to substandard building materials.\r\nHe urged Tuff Plumb and other building professionals to continue to provide solutions to the challenge.\r\nIn a presentation, Engr Ada Ikebuilo emphasized the need to use professionals in building, saying, \"Materials are not enough; if those handling the project are not skillful, it is a waste of resources.\"\r\nSome of the plumbers who participated in the programme hailed Tuff Plumb for the incisive session and assured the company of their continued patronage.\r\nHighlights of the event include the presentation of rewards to partners and customers, with various prizes, such as Generator set, Tuff Welding Machine, Bags of Rice, and Smartphones.','Professional Plumbers target Improved Services to Southeast Homeowners at Anambra Meeting','','inherit','closed','closed','','5788-revision-v1','','','2024-12-09 10:48:27','2024-12-09 10:48:27','',5788,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5791',0,'revision','',0),(5794,1,'2024-12-12 10:31:53','0000-00-00 00:00:00','A three-day trial on Wednesday commenced in Awka, Anambra State Capital, for young footballing talents seeking opportunities in football clubs in European countries.\nDay one of the trials which took place at the Awka Township Stadium, saw a team of football professionals from Europe, watch players of various football clubs in the state, including De Gamechanger FC, DOSAD Sports, and Solution FC, among others, showcase their talents.\nThe visiting team includes a Spanish FIFA Agent, Jorge Forster, the President, FC Metropol, Estonia, Rene Merilo, and a scouting manager, who were in Anambra on the invitation of their partners including De Gamechanger FC, Awka.\nThe Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Commission, Patrick Estate Onyedum, who witnessed the trials, said the State Government is committed to supporting sports development, making it lucrative for young people to be able to make a living through it.\nSpanish agent, Forster, explained that they are in the state on the invitation of their partners, to identify football prodigies in the state.\nNoting that the state has a lot of football talents on display, Forster, however, noted that the football academies need to be well supported to cater for the development of the young talents.\n“We observed that these talents do not develop early enough to be able to go to Europe before 18 years.\n“However, the average talent tries as hard as he can to develop himself, but he needs support to understand the kind of football played in Europe and be able to fit in there.\n“The government must invest in good professionals, with modern systems that can help the young talents to develop all-round.\n“While it is important that young people have good skills, it is most important that they have the right attitude and positive energy to be able to function in developed societies as European countries. So the government should invest in the growth of football academies,” he said\nThe President of a grassroots football academy, De Game Changer Football Club, Comrade Obi Emeka Chukwudi, said through the exercise, he is aligning himself and his resources with the vision of the State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to create a sports economy in Anambra State.\nHe expressed optimism that with the talents on display, at the end of the scouting programme, the scouts will take talents to Europe.\nObi opined that the De Gamechanger FC is a major partner with the state government in the task of football development, having provided the opportunity for the talents at the grassroots to have a platform to showcase their potential on a wider scale.\n“We want to use football to mitigate crime because we believe that when a youth is gainfully engaged in sports, they will have no time for crime,” he said.\nOn his part, the Director, DOSAD Sports, Rev Father Obinna Dike, said through the scouting programme, they want to open the youths to opportunities abroad.\nDescribing the initiative as a step ahead, Dike said the scouting team is not just coming to pick players but to also see areas where they can support the state and the clubs.\nHe said; “They are not just coming so that players can be marketed to them. They are also looking at areas they can partner with the state and the clubs regarding technical partnership and financial support.\n“So they are here, to see what we have on the ground and to see how they can support the state.”','','','draft','open','open','','','','','2024-12-12 10:31:53','2024-12-12 10:31:53','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5794',0,'post','',0),(5795,1,'2024-12-12 10:34:19','2024-12-12 10:34:19','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5796 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241212-WA0007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nPIC DESCRIPT\r\nDe Gamechanger FC President, Obi (in blue senator), flanked on his right by Spanish FIFA Agent, Forster and a scout manager, and on his left by FC Metropol Estonia President, Merilo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA three-day trial on Wednesday commenced in Awka, Anambra State Capital, for young footballing talents seeking opportunities in football clubs in European countries.\r\nDay one of the trials which took place at the Awka Township Stadium, saw a team of football professionals from Europe, watch players of various football clubs in the state, including De Gamechanger FC, DOSAD Sports, and Solution FC, among others, showcase their talents.\r\nThe visiting team includes a Spanish FIFA Agent, Jorge Forster, the President, FC Metropol, Estonia, Rene Merilo, and a scouting manager, who were in Anambra on the invitation of their partners including De Gamechanger FC, Awka.\r\nThe Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Commission, Patrick Estate Onyedum, who witnessed the trials, said the State Government is committed to supporting sports development, making it lucrative for young people to be able to make a living through it.\r\nSpanish agent, Forster, explained that they are in the state on the invitation of their partners, to identify football prodigies in the state.\r\nNoting that the state has a lot of football talents on display, Forster, however, noted that the football academies need to be well supported to cater for the development of the young talents.\r\n“We observed that these talents do not develop early enough to be able to go to Europe before 18 years.\r\n“However, the average talent tries as hard as he can to develop himself, but he needs support to understand the kind of football played in Europe and be able to fit in there.\r\n“The government must invest in good professionals, with modern systems that can help the young talents to develop all-round.\r\n“While it is important that young people have good skills, it is most important that they have the right attitude and positive energy to be able to function in developed societies as European countries. So the government should invest in the growth of football academies,” he said\r\nThe President of a grassroots football academy, De Game Changer Football Club, Comrade Obi Emeka Chukwudi, said through the exercise, he is aligning himself and his resources with the vision of the State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to create a sports economy in Anambra State.\r\nHe expressed optimism that with the talents on display, at the end of the scouting programme, the scouts will take talents to Europe.\r\nObi opined that the De Gamechanger FC is a major partner with the state government in the task of football development, having provided the opportunity for the talents at the grassroots to have a platform to showcase their potential on a wider scale.\r\n“We want to use football to mitigate crime because we believe that when a youth is gainfully engaged in sports, they will have no time for crime,” he said.\r\nOn his part, the Director, DOSAD Sports, Rev Father Obinna Dike, said through the scouting programme, they want to open the youths to opportunities abroad.\r\nDescribing the initiative as a step ahead, Dike said the scouting team is not just coming to pick players but to also see areas where they can support the state and the clubs.\r\nHe said; “They are not just coming so that players can be marketed to them. They are also looking at areas they can partner with the state and the clubs regarding technical partnership and financial support.\r\n“So they are here, to see what we have on the ground and to see how they can support the state.”','European Scouts in Anambra on the invitation of Gamechanger FC, Anambra Govt to conduct Trials for Football Talents','','publish','open','open','','european-scouts-in-anambra-on-the-invitation-of-gamechanger-fc-anambra-govt-to-conduct-trials-for-football-talents','','','2024-12-12 10:34:19','2024-12-12 10:34:19','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5795',0,'post','',0),(5796,1,'2024-12-12 10:33:37','2024-12-12 10:33:37','','IMG-20241212-WA0007','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241212-wa0007','','','2024-12-12 10:33:37','2024-12-12 10:33:37','',5795,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241212-WA0007.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5797,1,'2024-12-12 10:34:03','2024-12-12 10:34:03','','IMG-20241212-WA0008','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241212-wa0008','','','2024-12-12 10:34:03','2024-12-12 10:34:03','',5795,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241212-WA0008.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5798,1,'2024-12-12 10:34:19','2024-12-12 10:34:19','<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5796 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241212-WA0007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nPIC DESCRIPT\r\nDe Gamechanger FC President, Obi (in blue senator), flanked on his right by Spanish FIFA Agent, Forster and a scout manager, and on his left by FC Metropol Estonia President, Merilo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA three-day trial on Wednesday commenced in Awka, Anambra State Capital, for young footballing talents seeking opportunities in football clubs in European countries.\r\nDay one of the trials which took place at the Awka Township Stadium, saw a team of football professionals from Europe, watch players of various football clubs in the state, including De Gamechanger FC, DOSAD Sports, and Solution FC, among others, showcase their talents.\r\nThe visiting team includes a Spanish FIFA Agent, Jorge Forster, the President, FC Metropol, Estonia, Rene Merilo, and a scouting manager, who were in Anambra on the invitation of their partners including De Gamechanger FC, Awka.\r\nThe Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Commission, Patrick Estate Onyedum, who witnessed the trials, said the State Government is committed to supporting sports development, making it lucrative for young people to be able to make a living through it.\r\nSpanish agent, Forster, explained that they are in the state on the invitation of their partners, to identify football prodigies in the state.\r\nNoting that the state has a lot of football talents on display, Forster, however, noted that the football academies need to be well supported to cater for the development of the young talents.\r\n“We observed that these talents do not develop early enough to be able to go to Europe before 18 years.\r\n“However, the average talent tries as hard as he can to develop himself, but he needs support to understand the kind of football played in Europe and be able to fit in there.\r\n“The government must invest in good professionals, with modern systems that can help the young talents to develop all-round.\r\n“While it is important that young people have good skills, it is most important that they have the right attitude and positive energy to be able to function in developed societies as European countries. So the government should invest in the growth of football academies,” he said\r\nThe President of a grassroots football academy, De Game Changer Football Club, Comrade Obi Emeka Chukwudi, said through the exercise, he is aligning himself and his resources with the vision of the State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to create a sports economy in Anambra State.\r\nHe expressed optimism that with the talents on display, at the end of the scouting programme, the scouts will take talents to Europe.\r\nObi opined that the De Gamechanger FC is a major partner with the state government in the task of football development, having provided the opportunity for the talents at the grassroots to have a platform to showcase their potential on a wider scale.\r\n“We want to use football to mitigate crime because we believe that when a youth is gainfully engaged in sports, they will have no time for crime,” he said.\r\nOn his part, the Director, DOSAD Sports, Rev Father Obinna Dike, said through the scouting programme, they want to open the youths to opportunities abroad.\r\nDescribing the initiative as a step ahead, Dike said the scouting team is not just coming to pick players but to also see areas where they can support the state and the clubs.\r\nHe said; “They are not just coming so that players can be marketed to them. They are also looking at areas they can partner with the state and the clubs regarding technical partnership and financial support.\r\n“So they are here, to see what we have on the ground and to see how they can support the state.”','European Scouts in Anambra on the invitation of Gamechanger FC, Anambra Govt to conduct Trials for Football Talents','','inherit','closed','closed','','5795-revision-v1','','','2024-12-12 10:34:19','2024-12-12 10:34:19','',5795,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5798',0,'revision','',0),(5799,1,'2024-12-19 06:40:21','2024-12-19 06:40:21','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5800 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241215-WA0013.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"188\" height=\"145\" />\r\n\r\nThe former Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu, says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should be held accountable for One Party State in Nigeria not the All Progressives Congress (APC).\r\n\r\nOkechukwu said this to journalists in Enugu on Sunday while speaking on the musings and public outrage blaming APC and by extension President Bola Tinubu, and not PDP for Nigeria’s slide to One Party State.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nHe dismissed the blame game on APC as the architecture of One Party State in Nigeria as misplaced.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkechukwu, a Founding Member of APC, maintained that PDP members had been inflicted by the same humongous culture of impunity they planted in our political culture in their 16 years in power (1999-2015).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkechukwu appealed to Nigerians to go down memory lane and recall when the Tinubu-led defunct Action Congress (AC) and the Buhari-led defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) trudged on with one governor each.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This is despite enticing stomach infrastructure being offered by the PDP government before the APC merger, that is the hallmark of a multi-party state,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe noted that Nigeria naturally would slide into one party state when PDP the major opposition party with more than 10 governors were afflicted by stomach infrastructure syndrome.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“One without being immodest recalled how Engr. Buba Galadima, then National Secretary of CPC was arrested and hounded at eve of 2007 General Elections and offered all manner of carrots to abandon CPC and by extension Buhari.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Or, how we trudged on with minimal family survival in the 13 years interval before 2015,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkechukwu reminisced that since the APC merger in 2013, PDP members, even their Presidential Candidate, converted the APC to Rehabilitation Center, instead of adopting the prerequisite ingredients of opposition - resilience, grit and patience.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe added that it was because of a culture of impunity that made the PDP to off-handedly jettison the rotation convention of president from north to south and even Section 7 of the PDP’s Constitution, which made rotation mandatory.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Imagine the breach of rotation convention by the PDP leadership not minding the unintended consequences, with the erroneous thought that His Excellency Atiku Abubakar will unlock the northern electorate from their dormitory to vote PDP in the 2023 presidential election.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This is misjudgment pure and simple with its collateral damages, one of which is One Party State.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“They are at it again with fake arithmetic of South 17 years and North 11 years rule since 1999, as if Nigeria got Independence in 1999,” Okechukwu added.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen asked what the APC is doing with economic hardship in the country? Okechukwu noted that on the issue of economic hardship there are lights at the tunnel.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe said, “Am in league with IPMAN, TUC and a host of others for reduction of fuel pump price, luckily it is already happening as NNPC has started the reduction process.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Secondly, I held a meeting with our APC National Chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje, where he assured me that the Livestock Ministry will find a ranch solution to herders/farmers crisis which will allow farmers to access their farms.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“And also that President Tinubu is in deep negotiations with investors in the electricity chain, Eastern Corridor Standard Gauge Railways and Deep Seaports etc.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“It is my candid opinion that with the new mandate Tinubu gave the development commissions - South-East, South-West, South-South, North-West, North-Central and North-East - to shop for foreign investors, the economic hardship will be alleviated.”','VON ex-DG says PDP should be held accountable for One Party State','','publish','open','open','','von-ex-dg-says-pdp-should-be-held-accountable-for-one-party-state','','','2024-12-19 06:40:21','2024-12-19 06:40:21','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5799',0,'post','',0),(5800,1,'2024-12-19 06:39:38','2024-12-19 06:39:38','','IMG-20241215-WA0013','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241215-wa0013','','','2024-12-19 06:39:38','2024-12-19 06:39:38','',5799,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241215-WA0013.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5801,1,'2024-12-19 06:40:12','2024-12-19 06:40:12','','IMG-20241215-WA0013','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241215-wa0013-2','','','2024-12-19 06:40:12','2024-12-19 06:40:12','',5799,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241215-WA0013-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5802,1,'2024-12-19 06:40:21','2024-12-19 06:40:21','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5800 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241215-WA0013.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"188\" height=\"145\" />\r\n\r\nThe former Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu, says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should be held accountable for One Party State in Nigeria not the All Progressives Congress (APC).\r\n\r\nOkechukwu said this to journalists in Enugu on Sunday while speaking on the musings and public outrage blaming APC and by extension President Bola Tinubu, and not PDP for Nigeria’s slide to One Party State.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nHe dismissed the blame game on APC as the architecture of One Party State in Nigeria as misplaced.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkechukwu, a Founding Member of APC, maintained that PDP members had been inflicted by the same humongous culture of impunity they planted in our political culture in their 16 years in power (1999-2015).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkechukwu appealed to Nigerians to go down memory lane and recall when the Tinubu-led defunct Action Congress (AC) and the Buhari-led defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) trudged on with one governor each.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This is despite enticing stomach infrastructure being offered by the PDP government before the APC merger, that is the hallmark of a multi-party state,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe noted that Nigeria naturally would slide into one party state when PDP the major opposition party with more than 10 governors were afflicted by stomach infrastructure syndrome.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“One without being immodest recalled how Engr. Buba Galadima, then National Secretary of CPC was arrested and hounded at eve of 2007 General Elections and offered all manner of carrots to abandon CPC and by extension Buhari.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Or, how we trudged on with minimal family survival in the 13 years interval before 2015,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkechukwu reminisced that since the APC merger in 2013, PDP members, even their Presidential Candidate, converted the APC to Rehabilitation Center, instead of adopting the prerequisite ingredients of opposition - resilience, grit and patience.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe added that it was because of a culture of impunity that made the PDP to off-handedly jettison the rotation convention of president from north to south and even Section 7 of the PDP’s Constitution, which made rotation mandatory.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Imagine the breach of rotation convention by the PDP leadership not minding the unintended consequences, with the erroneous thought that His Excellency Atiku Abubakar will unlock the northern electorate from their dormitory to vote PDP in the 2023 presidential election.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This is misjudgment pure and simple with its collateral damages, one of which is One Party State.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“They are at it again with fake arithmetic of South 17 years and North 11 years rule since 1999, as if Nigeria got Independence in 1999,” Okechukwu added.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen asked what the APC is doing with economic hardship in the country? Okechukwu noted that on the issue of economic hardship there are lights at the tunnel.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe said, “Am in league with IPMAN, TUC and a host of others for reduction of fuel pump price, luckily it is already happening as NNPC has started the reduction process.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Secondly, I held a meeting with our APC National Chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje, where he assured me that the Livestock Ministry will find a ranch solution to herders/farmers crisis which will allow farmers to access their farms.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“And also that President Tinubu is in deep negotiations with investors in the electricity chain, Eastern Corridor Standard Gauge Railways and Deep Seaports etc.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“It is my candid opinion that with the new mandate Tinubu gave the development commissions - South-East, South-West, South-South, North-West, North-Central and North-East - to shop for foreign investors, the economic hardship will be alleviated.”','VON ex-DG says PDP should be held accountable for One Party State','','inherit','closed','closed','','5799-revision-v1','','','2024-12-19 06:40:21','2024-12-19 06:40:21','',5799,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5802',0,'revision','',0),(5803,1,'2024-12-19 06:48:19','2024-12-19 06:48:19','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5804 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241219-WA0008.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"183\" height=\"275\" />\r\n\r\nThe Executive Director of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Advocacy Network (LEAD Network) Africa, an NGO, Chief Chukwuma Okenwa, says ‘Gov. Peter Mbah’s governance is truly and highly transformational’.\r\n\r\nOkenwa said this on Tuesday in Enugu while reacting to the recent scorecard presented by Gov. Mbah on his governance in a Town Hall Meeting, which was themed: ‘Governance Issues: The Journey So Far”.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe LEAD Network boss said that what the governor had done in the past 18 months is commendable in terms of infrastructure and should be emulated by leaders who intend to serve their people in all sincerity.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe said that after delivering water to Enugu residents within six months in office, the governor is doing over 1,000 projects running simultaneously and turning the state into a huge construction site.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis, he said, remained unprecedented in the history of achievements of previous governors in the state.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAccording to him, each of the 260 political wards in the state, notwithstanding how remote the area is, have at least two projects or more being completed or running in them currently.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkenwa noted that Mbah had given attention to over 16 years abandoned monumental and international projects such as the International conference Centre (ICC Enugu), Hotel Presidential and International Ultra-Modern Hospital among others.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“We are witnesses to massive road construction and reconstruction within Enugu metropolis and solar-powered street-lights everywhere to boost commerce, nightlife and security.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Our ‘Mr Projects Governor’ has also constructed lots of rural link roads as well as directed each chairman of council areas to construct at least 10 kilometres of rural roads and install solar-powered street-lights in them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“We are ‘eye-marking’ brand new smart basic schools and type-2 Primary healthcare centres in each of the 260 political wards in the state.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“We are seeing the three new commercial vehicles terminals in Enugu and Nsukka coming on stream, modern bus stop stands as well as the Enugu Air and aero-space hub projects coming up.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Opened up the electricity market in Enugu State, opened up the basic health, nursing and midwifery schools and created more transparency in the land use system and work of the ministry of lands,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkenwa said that Mbah remained the only governor that had kept his word in providing top notch and modern security systems through using hi-tech technology.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Within 18-months, the state bought 100 brand new vehicles for its Distress Responses Squad (DRS); installed hi-tech cameras and searchlights in bus stops, junctions of densely populated areas and along major highways, while inaugurating a security Command and Control Centre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This is to show that Mbah is preparing Enugu State as a place people world over can come, do business, live and spend time on leisure with security full guarantee, while they contribute their quota to the development of the state.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This is why he is currently building a new smart city in Enugu for such high worth and high net personalities within the country, Africa and the world, who will use Enugu as a base and home,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe LEAD Network boss said that what baffles the entire residents remained that Enugu State is not a high federal allocation and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) earner; but “Gov. Mbah is practically pushing all these projects at the same time”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkenwa urged residents and people of the state to keep supporting Mbah’s programmes and projects, adding: “All these initiatives and projects will reposition the state as a human capital development, health, commercial, tourism and financial hub”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“We can see that gradually the vision of Gov. Mbah building the Enugu State economy from $4 million to $30 million within eight years is possible and achievable as the people support his sincere and visionary governance,” he said.','Gov. Mbah’s 18-month governance is truly transformational - LEAD Network Afric','','publish','open','open','','gov-mbahs-18-month-governance-is-truly-transformational-lead-network-afric','','','2024-12-19 06:48:19','2024-12-19 06:48:19','',0,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5803',0,'post','',0),(5804,1,'2024-12-19 06:47:42','2024-12-19 06:47:42','','IMG-20241219-WA0008','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241219-wa0008','','','2024-12-19 06:47:42','2024-12-19 06:47:42','',5803,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241219-WA0008.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5805,1,'2024-12-19 06:48:10','2024-12-19 06:48:10','','IMG-20241219-WA0009','','inherit','open','closed','','img-20241219-wa0009','','','2024-12-19 06:48:10','2024-12-19 06:48:10','',5803,'https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241219-WA0009.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5806,1,'2024-12-19 06:48:19','2024-12-19 06:48:19','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5804 aligncenter\" src=\"https://arisenews24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241219-WA0008.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"183\" height=\"275\" />\r\n\r\nThe Executive Director of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Advocacy Network (LEAD Network) Africa, an NGO, Chief Chukwuma Okenwa, says ‘Gov. Peter Mbah’s governance is truly and highly transformational’.\r\n\r\nOkenwa said this on Tuesday in Enugu while reacting to the recent scorecard presented by Gov. Mbah on his governance in a Town Hall Meeting, which was themed: ‘Governance Issues: The Journey So Far”.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe LEAD Network boss said that what the governor had done in the past 18 months is commendable in terms of infrastructure and should be emulated by leaders who intend to serve their people in all sincerity.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe said that after delivering water to Enugu residents within six months in office, the governor is doing over 1,000 projects running simultaneously and turning the state into a huge construction site.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis, he said, remained unprecedented in the history of achievements of previous governors in the state.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAccording to him, each of the 260 political wards in the state, notwithstanding how remote the area is, have at least two projects or more being completed or running in them currently.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkenwa noted that Mbah had given attention to over 16 years abandoned monumental and international projects such as the International conference Centre (ICC Enugu), Hotel Presidential and International Ultra-Modern Hospital among others.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“We are witnesses to massive road construction and reconstruction within Enugu metropolis and solar-powered street-lights everywhere to boost commerce, nightlife and security.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Our ‘Mr Projects Governor’ has also constructed lots of rural link roads as well as directed each chairman of council areas to construct at least 10 kilometres of rural roads and install solar-powered street-lights in them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“We are ‘eye-marking’ brand new smart basic schools and type-2 Primary healthcare centres in each of the 260 political wards in the state.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“We are seeing the three new commercial vehicles terminals in Enugu and Nsukka coming on stream, modern bus stop stands as well as the Enugu Air and aero-space hub projects coming up.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Opened up the electricity market in Enugu State, opened up the basic health, nursing and midwifery schools and created more transparency in the land use system and work of the ministry of lands,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkenwa said that Mbah remained the only governor that had kept his word in providing top notch and modern security systems through using hi-tech technology.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“Within 18-months, the state bought 100 brand new vehicles for its Distress Responses Squad (DRS); installed hi-tech cameras and searchlights in bus stops, junctions of densely populated areas and along major highways, while inaugurating a security Command and Control Centre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This is to show that Mbah is preparing Enugu State as a place people world over can come, do business, live and spend time on leisure with security full guarantee, while they contribute their quota to the development of the state.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“This is why he is currently building a new smart city in Enugu for such high worth and high net personalities within the country, Africa and the world, who will use Enugu as a base and home,” he said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe LEAD Network boss said that what baffles the entire residents remained that Enugu State is not a high federal allocation and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) earner; but “Gov. Mbah is practically pushing all these projects at the same time”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkenwa urged residents and people of the state to keep supporting Mbah’s programmes and projects, adding: “All these initiatives and projects will reposition the state as a human capital development, health, commercial, tourism and financial hub”.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n“We can see that gradually the vision of Gov. Mbah building the Enugu State economy from $4 million to $30 million within eight years is possible and achievable as the people support his sincere and visionary governance,” he said.','Gov. Mbah’s 18-month governance is truly transformational - LEAD Network Afric','','inherit','closed','closed','','5803-revision-v1','','','2024-12-19 06:48:19','2024-12-19 06:48:19','',5803,'https://arisenews24.com/?p=5806',0,'revision','',0);
