By FIDELIS EGUGBO
WHEN a thanksgiving service was held in honour of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, on Sunday, July 16, 2023, I wrote a piece titled, “Onyeme: When God Blesses A Man …” and gave several reasons why people will turn out in their large numbers for the thanksgiving service.
One reason that came out strong was charity. The Deputy Governor’s works of charity have become legendary and his level of identifying with the masses is unrivalled as he dines with the rich and the poor without discrimination. He is one politician that can visit anybody without considering where such person lives – whether it is a farm hut, mud house or palatial home, Sir Onyeme would readily visit a person and will be at home with the host.
That he is a cheerful giver is no longer news; his multifarious philanthropic activities are summed up in the Bible book of 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
As such, the turnout of people for his thanksgiving service was unprecedented in the history of Onicha-Ukwuani, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State where he hails from and where the event took place.
Most people felt that since they have no cash to give him in appreciation for all that he has been doing for them, the only way that they could say “thank you” or reciprocate his kind gestures was by attending his ceremonies. So, when the programme for the burial ceremony of his mother-in-law, Ezinne Gold Obinnaya Catherine Egege, was released, there were some uncertainties.
Yes! Uncertainties because, the venue for the burial ceremony was the heartland of Nigeria’s South-East, Abia State, and those travelling there from Delta State, would require passing through Anambra and Imo States, especially given that the security reports from that area would make the lily-livered to shudder and find excuse to stay away from the trip to the Ibo heartland.
The question was ‘would the burial ceremony be elaborate knowing the nature of the person of the deputy governor or would it be a low-key event?
However, from the condolence visits and assurances by individuals and groups that they would attend the burial ceremony, it soon became obvious that no matter the situation, people were ready to stay with Sir Onyeme.
Some of us left Asaba earlier than the date to the commercial city of Aba which was the nearest city to Amuke Autonomous Community, Isiala-Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State, where the burial ceremony took place. We made it clear that it would be a hitch-free journey and encouraged those in Delta that while the roads were motorable from Asaba to Aba, there was no sign of security threat and, of course, at the burial ceremony proper, the people of South-East felt the presence of Delta State.
Almost all the major hotels in Aba and its surroundings were fully booked by people who came but those who passed through Port-Harcourt complained seriously about bad portions of the road.
It would be recalled that Sir Onyeme had on many fora, played down on the issue of security threat on the road saying, “there is no fear; it is only those who hurt others that are afraid and the burial ceremony would be hitch-free.” And so it was… a very successful event..as the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, led the team from the state which included the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and other top politicians to the burial ceremony while his counterpart in Abia State, Governor Alex Otti, led members of the Abia State Executive Council to the event.
Naturally, Sir Onyeme has very wide tentacles and it did not come as a surprise when the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu made available some of his aides to be part of the organisers of the burial ceremony and in all, all hands were on deck to ensure a successful ceremony.
The joy of seeing the huge turnout of people at the burial, no doubt, excited the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori whose activities with his deputy could be easily deduced as an elder brother working in union with his younger brother to deliver the goodies of democracy to Deltans.
Oborevwori, who mobilised his Abia State counterpart to the occasion and obviously, contacted his counterparts in Anambra, Prof. Charles Soludo, and Imo, Mr Hope Uzodinma, that he was passing through their states, in his speech at the occasion, said, “You will not be remembered for the wealth you have acquired or the things you have achieved but for the lives you were able to touch and impact in the community.”
His statement elicited a lot of applause from the people as it also showed that those who are in charge of the affairs of Delta State are humanists.
The presence of Oborevwori at the burial ceremony was electrifying and it is possible that through his efforts, Otti visited the community for the first time as a Governor. But again, it shows that Delta is at peace because, when the leaders are working together as members of one family, the people that they have taken oath to serve will be relaxed.
Otti also alluded to the peace that exists in Delta State when he spoke profusely and thanked Oborevwori for informing him about the burial ceremony.
He said, “I didn’t know about the burial and little did I even know that our daughter is a wife of the Deputy Governor of Delta State until you, my brother, the Governor of Delta State called me.
“So, I said if you are coming to Abia, just come, we will go together. But I am very happy to be here, that is what it is about, life is about relationships.
“So, I want to thank you for the privilege, my colleague, Governor Sheriff, because, you could have come in, attended the burial, and gone back and I will hear days later that you were here, but you are my brother you can’t come without letting me know that you are in my state.
“I am happy that you are here, and I celebrate Ezinne that was laid to rest not too long ago for producing a wonderful Catherine Oyeme, who is the wife of Monday Oyeme, the Deputy Governor, I also met him today.
“Even what I know about the choice of your Deputy Governor must be something that is well considered, all the story I hear is that he is very loyal, and I pray he remains loyal till the end.
“The truth is that it is not an easy thing. If it was the Deputy Governor’s mother, yes, but the Deputy Governor wife’s mother; so, if he hasn’t been what he is to you, you could have just sent a commissioner to represent you.
“But because you came in person, you redefined everything. If people have doubts before now, I think those doubts have disappeared and you didn’t come alone, you came with Her Excellency, your wife
“I want to thank you, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori,for the important things you are doing for Deltans, especially your care and love for human beings.
“It has come to my knowledge that you have set aside so much money in paying salary and pension arrears and even supporting struggling families.
“That is what governance is all about because each time governance moves from human being to some other things, you have failed as a leader.
“This is not about stomach infrastructure but a structured system to move people out of poverty and a system where people will have money in their hands to buy whatever they want.”
Sir Onyeme spent days in Abia State, and, of course, he was not there alone. His friends from all walks of life were with him. He has, in practical terms, lifted a lot of people up and he is still doing that which greatly contributed to the hitch-free burial ceremony.
Kudos must be given to those who worked behind the scene for the success story of the burial and in particular, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Ezinne Catherine Onyeme, who was seen on her feet ensuring that everything went well.
“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” – Booker T. Washington
COMRADE FIDELIS EGUGBO, IS THE SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT, MEDIA TO THE GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE
JULIUS BERGER CSR: ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION LEADER AGAIN RENOVATES, RESTORES AND DELIVERS CLASSROOM BLOCKS FOR SCHOOLS IN NIGER AND KANO COMMUNITIES
Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc improved her Corporate Social Responsibility portfolio of initiatives to benefit its host communities across the country recently, when it donated a block of classrooms and Principal’s Office to Government Day Junior Secondary School, Boyi, Gurara L.G.A, in Niger State.
At the event, after a brief introduction of the Julius Berger team and opening remarks by the leader of the company’s CSR team, Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim, the Principal of the school, Mr Bala Ishaku Dodo said, “the importance of education and a conducive learning environment cannot be overemphasized. Before now, this building was an incomplete one, and there was not a roof and chairs for our classrooms,” adding that, “…initially, we had to wait for the primary school students to finish their classes to enable the junior secondary students go in for their classes in the afternoon.
Bala Ishaku Dodo further stated that, “Julius Berger Nigeria Plc came to our school’s rescue and not only gave us this beautiful structure, but also provided us with students’ and teachers’ chairs, a Principal’s office, and a toilet. The excitement on our children’s faces clearly shows that Julius Berger has given them an amazing gift and we cannot be more grateful. On behalf of the Management and students, we say a very big thank you to Julius Berger.”
Speaking at the event, the Acting Village Head, John Nasara JP, who couldn’t withhold his excitement said, “Words aren’t enough to express my excitement. With this donation, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has not only touched the hearts of the students, but also left an indelible mark in the hearts of our community. Through this donation, Julius Berger has showed us the actual meaning of kindness and has exhibited it by giving back to the society. We are grateful and may God bless the company with every good and kind gift.
The Secretary of the Hausa Community, Umar Abdulkareem Kauru, who was also present at the handing over of the project said, “…we are very excited for the helpful actions taken by Julius Berger. Looking at the smiles on our children’s faces gives me so much joy. We appreciate God first and then Julius Berger for what they have done today. We are so grateful.”
The Head Boy of the school, Michael E. Daniel, who was also present at the event said, “I want to thank Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for providing us with this block of classrooms. We appreciate how much Julius Berger is concerned about our education and all the company’s efforts towards our community. On behalf of my fellow students, I say thank you to Julius Berger.”
At the company’s next donations stop at Ahmed Idris Kura Community Science and Technical College, Arewa Kura, Kura L.G.A, Kano State, Julius Berger’s CSR efforts were also commended and gratefully acknowledged by the school management and the students.
The Principal of the school, Falalu Kabiru Ahmed, was effusive with thanks and prayers for Julius Berger. “…I want to specially thank Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for providing us with this block of classrooms. We had just two classroom blocks and could not afford to admit more children into our school due to lack of learning spaces. Thankfully, this very thoughtful gesture came to us at a time when we really needed it, and we do not take this for granted. God gave us what we really desired and He did that through Julius Berger. On behalf of the staff, parents and the pupils of Ahmed Idris Kura Community Science and Technical College, Arewa Kura, I say a very big thank you to the company.”
The Village Head, Abubakar Tijjani Abubakar, said, “I am extremely grateful to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for this significant contribution made to our school and also our community. I also want to take out time to also thank the entire management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. This company, indeed, has written its name boldly in our community anals.”
The College Director, Mr. Salisu Kura, who was present at the event, thanked the company also for the CSR donation gifted to the school, adding that, “Asides this, Julius Berger also helped to repair certain areas within the school premises which had potholes and were water-logged and as such, the students were previously restricted from accessing certain points in the school. He added that with Julius Berger’s intervention, the bad portions had been repaired for free and easier movement. We are happy. I pray God reward and bless the company continuously.”
The Julius Berger delegation to the event was led by the AKR Project Manager, Finn Drosdowski and ably supported by the Project Coordinator, Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim. Other Julius Berger officials at the events in Niger and Kano States include Akeem Lawal, Michael Ashofor and Olivia Uzoma.
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU TASKS EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATURE ON DEVELOPMENT OF BLUE ECONOMY
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on the executive and legislature to develop the blue economy in Nigeria by paying greater attention to the sector.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the members of the Senate Committee on Marine Transportation led by its Chairman, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni at Lagos House, Marina on Tuesday evening, Governor Sanwo-Olu said all hands must be on deck to aggressively reduce bottlenecks for businesses to thrive in Lagos State, especially in the blue economy sector.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the visit of members of the Senate Committee on Marine Transportation to Lagos State for oversight functions is apt and strategic.
He therefore urged them to make adequate recommendations and suggestions to the larger body of the Red Chamber on how to move the country forward through the blue economy.
He said: “First is to thank Mr. President (Bola Tinubu) for creating a new ministry called the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the National Assembly has taken the right direction by setting up a proper committee to do oversight function in this very important national assignment.
“We know how the blue economy is transforming the indices of economic development and both the executive and legislature need to support this area such that our economic activities can better be developed, supervised and monitored.
“We need to aggressively reduce bottlenecks of businesses all around facilities and Lagos so that businesses can thrive; they can do well, generate desired revenue to keep people in employment, pay their taxes and create wealth for themselves, families and the nation in general.
“Lagos is happy that there is a whole team that is looking at the blue economy sector and we believe that when we work together, not only the sector will benefit but the entire economy itself will benefit tremendously from all the engagements.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended President Bola Tinubu led administration for giving prompt attention to all the bridges that lead to various ports in Lagos State.
Speaking earlier, Senator Eshinlokun-Sanni said Lagos is critical to the blue economy, noting that the Senate Committee on Marine Transport is visiting Lagos State because 70 percent of the activities in the sector take place in Lagos.
He said some of the challenges to the growth and development of the blue economy in Nigeria like non state actors, illegal collectors and ocean surge issues should be addressed immediately.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
10 OCTOBER 2023
President Tinubu Condoles House of Representatives, Sokoto State Government over Member’s Death
President Bola Tinubu has sent messages of sympathy and condolences to the leadership and members of the House of Representatives over the tragic death of a lawmaker representing Isa/Sabon Birni federal constituency of Sokoto State, Hon. Abdulkadir Jelani Danbuga.
Hon. Danbuga died in the early hours of Wednesday following a brief illness.
President Tinubu said the death had created a void in his immediate family and robbed the people of his constituency of quality and uncompromising representation in the House of Representatives.
“His victory at the polls was, in itself, a testimony that he was loved by his people. He earned their respect. I understand that he had been providing effective representation for his constituents in the House.
“I offer my condolences to his family and constituents, as well as the people and government of Sokoto State. I also condole with the presiding officers of the House of Representatives and the entire membership over the devastating loss of an eminent colleague,” he said.
The President prayed for the repose of the soul of late Hon. Danbuga and for divine comfort to his family.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
October 11, 2023
President Tinubu Hails Deacon David Gbenebichie on 100th Birthday
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Deacon (Prince) David Smart Gbenebichie on the momentous occasion of his 100th birthday, on October 12, 2023.
The President commends the Centenarian on his illustrious career in the public service, which spanned over 32 years, and took him to the highest echelons of the bureaucracy as a Director in the Federal Civil Service, ultimately culminating in his retirement in April 1984.
As a descendant of the Ororoh Dynasty in the Okpe Kingdom and the Crown Prince Omateye Akengbuwa of the Warri Kingdom, the President recognizes Gbenebichie’s unwavering commitment to family, community, and societal values.
Born on October 12, 1923, in Elume, Sapele Local Government Area of present-day Delta State, Deacon Gbenebichie (JP), nicknamed “Young King David” due to his active involvement in the Lord’s vineyard, received his education both in Nigeria and abroad.
The celebrant is recognized as a pioneer in the establishment of Agricultural Cooperatives in the Nigerian Public Service.
President Tinubu, while expressing gratitude to God for blessing Deacon Gbenebichie with the gift of longevity, also commends his exemplary lifestyle that has always been defined by discipline, focus, love, and community service.
The President joins family, friends and the people of Warri Kingdom in celebrating this exceptional man and wishes him more years in good health and happiness.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 11, 2023
President Tinubu Appoints New Leadership Across the Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy Sectors
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new and returning Chief Executives to fresh terms in office across multiple agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy:
(1) EVC / CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) — Aminu Maida
(2) MD / CEO, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) — Nkechi Egerton-Idehen
(3) DG / CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) — Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi
(4) National Commissioner / CEO, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) — Dr. Vincent Olatunji
(5) Postmaster General / CEO, Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) — Tola Odeyemi
Furthermore, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s determination to maximally leverage on Nigeria’s proven technological and digital economic prowess to reposition the nation’s economy toward greater financial inclusion, the President has approved the appointment of a new Special Adviser to the President.
Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy — Idris Alubankudi
By this directive of the President, the above-mentioned appointments take immediate effect.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 11, 2023
President Tinubu Celebrates Methodist Emeritus Makinde at 80
President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
The President joins the Makinde family, friends, and the Christian community in celebrating a man of unwavering faith, whose ministry has been characterised by a profound commitment to advancing the values of love, selflessness, and social justice, which are so deeply embedded in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The Nigerian leader recalled that as a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and leader of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Prelate Makinde, under the guidance of divine wisdom, contributed greatly to the spiritual growth of Christians under his care and also achieved remarkable milestones in promoting unity within the body of believers, even as he advanced inter-faith dialogue between Nigerians of all faiths.
President Tinubu commends Prelate Emeritus Makinde for his unfailing devotion to the Church, as well as his commitment to the progress and unity of the nation.
He further acknowledges the wise counsel that the beloved celebrant has provided to those in authority, in addition to his fervent prayers for the country.
As family members, friends and members of the Christian community gather today in reverence and gratitude to God in celebration of this distinguished man of faith, President Tinubu prays that Prelate Emeritus Makinde’s ministry will continue to be a blessing to those in need of pastoral care and support, and to the entire nation.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 10, 2023
President Tinubu Directs Immediate Action Plan To Tackle Flooding
*As Kogi Gov chairs committee, To submit report in 7 days
Moved by the need to stem the tide of an impending flood crisis across the country, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed an immediate plan of action to mitigate the impact of any disaster.
To this effect, he has appointed Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, as chairman of the committee to produce a road map by harmonising the recent National Economic Council (NEC) report on flood, the 2022 National Flood Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan as well as all other national reports on flood.
The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, will serve as vice chairman of the committee which is expected to submit its recommendations in seven days.
At an emergency meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the behest of the President today, President Tinubu gave marching orders to the committee for an action plan on all the reports, saying it was best to be proactive than to be reactive.
“Based on the submissions by the DG of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the situation is not that terrible but to be forewarned is to be forearmed. The submissions by the other relevant stakeholders are equally poignant and we can’t afford to take chances.
“Though the situation is not as bad as we might think, we need to set up a committee so that the report of the Presidential Committee and the 2022 Federal Executive Council – approved broad preparedness plan should be harmonised and implemented immediately,” the Vice President stated the President’s position.
VP Shettima noted that a feasible roadmap would address the flood crisis in Nigeria, adding that responsibilities would be shouldered by the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Federal Government.
He stated: “I deliberately invited the NEDC and NDDC so that with whatever resources that NEMA has, they have to be released to the states so that they can start making preparations for any eventuality.
“Based on the Presidential directive, I will meet with the Chief Executives of the NEDC and NDDC for states that are under their coverage. There should be interventions from them. For NEDC they can take care of Taraba, Bauchi and Adamawa. For NDDC, they can take care of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Cross River . For states like Ebonyi, Kogi and Benue, we will mobilise from our savings and deploy same to assist them. We have to share responsibilities and hence the immediate need for the roadmap to be implemented”.
The Chief Executives of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), National Water Resources Institute, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) all made presentations with reactions from Governors of Bauchi, Kogi, Ebonyi and Cross River States. Akwa Ibom and Nasarawa State Governors were represented by their Deputies.
Other members of the committee include Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of State for Environment, Kunle Salako; Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Muhammad Goronyo; Chief Executives of NEMA,NIWA and NiHSA, among others.
The Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change, Rukaiya El-Rufai, will serve as secretary of the committee.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications
(Office of the Vice President)
10th October, 2023
