NEWSXTRA
Why I Resigned, By Ex-Imo Speaker, Ibe
- Uzodimma Harps On Synergy Between Arms Of Govt
Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has harped on the need for greater synergy between the three arms of government.
He spoke Thursday night at the Banquet Hall of the Government House Owerri during a luncheon he held for the New Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Emeka Nduka and his colleagues.
It turned out to be an occasion that afforded the immediate past Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kennedy Ibe, the opportunity to explain why he resigned his office.
Ibe, who represents Obowo State Constituency at the Imo State House of Assembly said he needed time to prosecute his campaign as electioneeeing for the 2023 general election draws closer, noting that his successor, Rt. Hon Nduka is most fitting to occupy the exalted office now “because he is not contesting the election.”
Governor Uzodimma told the gathering that includes political appointees, APC State executives and other heads of government agencies, that the coming together was a deliberate way of creating bonding for members of the three arms of government for greater productivity.
The Governor said he deliberately brought the entire arms of the Government together for them to “re-evaluate themselves and their performance in Imo politics and access their successes and failures.:
“Identity mixture has been the issue, yet within the party top brass, the decision and determination is to make the place called Imo State a friendly place to live.
The Governor said that the target of the Party and its members is always to have a meeting point where they must agree and review their work and ensure they function well and efficiently.
Governor Uzodimma who described the day as special, thanked the leadership and members of the Imo State House of Assembly as well as the leaders of the State who have been with him since 2020 and reminded them that “democracy has come to stay and it will be better practised and consummated when the politicians, understand themselves better.”
He reminded all that as one political family they needed to operate as a network where people can identify and see them as those working together for a common interest and goal.
The Governor told the aggrieved members of the Party, who for no fault of theirs or anybody, did not clinch ticket at the primaries, that “it is no longer fashionable to go about complaining,” pleading with them and all those who are aggrieved to “consider the sense of reasoning, forgive and forget and join hands to achieve the bigger target of winning the elections for the party.”
He said as Governor he has been trying his possible best to put on ground some observable achievements needed by the candidates of the Party to convince the people of Imo State and even the opposition to support and vote for them during election, insisting that the gains were recorded through the 3R mantra of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery.
Governor Uzodimma said as a leader his responsibilities include attracting respect and dignity to the Party and its members.
He acknowledged the essence of separation of powers in a democracy, and emphasized that “what makes democracy thick and strong is the clause of separation of powers – Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.”
“However, in every strata there must be a head and as such the leader of the Executive is the head of the three arms of Government.”
He said it is “important the arms of government realize the need to forge a common front and a common objective that will help government of the day to realize its vision and mission.”
He reiterated his believe in the Nigerian project and urged the gathering to “wear your thinking caps and ask some pertinent questions of where we are, where do we want to go and how do we get to where we want to go?”
He added: “Nigeria is a Federation, the Igbos and the South East is only a Federating Unit. The rest of Nigeria has one third that can form a quorum and also have two third that can dissolve the meeting. The consequences of this are that Nigeria can move forward without us, therefore we need Nigeria more than Nigeria needs us.
To the entire people of the South East, the Governor encouraged them to work hard and defend their positions today so that the “generations unborn will remember them positively.”
“Let us be remembered for what we did when we had the opportunity because we must leave Imo State better than we met it.”
He promised to continue to meet with the audience to bond more with them and urged them to go home and talk to the people at the Local Government level as Nigeria is theirs.
Governor Uzodimma told the audience that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved for the drainage of Orashi River to the Atlantic Sea and that the leadership of Nigerian Navy will be visiting Imo State soon for project management meeting.
“This must be supported because it is a way of boasting the economy and opening up the South East to the outside world through the Seaport.”
Addressing the audience, the new Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Emeka Nduka described the luncheon as “symbolic, significant and awesome because of the host, the Governor of Imo State himself.”
Nduka thanked God who made it possible for his colleagues to elect him as their “Chief Servant” and thanked the Governor for accepting him as the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly.
He promised to leave up to the expectations of the Governor, his colleagues and Imo people in general.
Also, he pledged, on behalf of his colleagues, that the Assembly will continue to use all legal instruments to run the legislative affairs and churn out laws and motions that will give Imo people the best dividends of democracy.
In his own brief remarks, the immediate past Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kennedy Ibe affirmed that he resigned from the position to enable him face his electioneering and avoid distractions that may come up from the challenges of the office.
He told the audience that the process that led to the emergence of his successor was smooth and devoid of bitterness or rancour, and thanked his colleagues and the Governor for the massive support he got from them during the period he served as Speaker.
In their goodwill messages, the Majority Leader and Member representing Owerri West, Rt. Hon. Kanayo Onyemechi, that of Owerri North, Hon. Philip Ejiogu and Hon. Ngozi Obiefule of Isu State Constituency, expressed their fervent support to the new Speaker whom they described as a “humble member of the House.
Earlier while welcoming the audience, the Secretary to Imo State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu said that, “as a family the Governor had thought it wise to ones in a while call his children together, look at their faces, interact with them and reason a way forward.”
In his brief remarks the Chief Political Adviser and Head Political Bureau, Barr Enyinna Onuegbu said the luncheon, though organized to honour the Speaker and his members, attracted all the key players in the 3-R administration, and thanked the Governor for approving the coming together and hoped it will yield the expected results.
The traditional leaders under the umbrella of Council of Traditional Leaders in Africa(COTLA) have restated their commitment to end violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
The traditional leaders restated this in Abuja during the media dialogue by the COTLA to mark 16 Days of Activitism Against Gender Based Violence(GBV), organised UN Women, with support from Ford Foundation.
In his opening remarks, the Convener General of COTLA, HRM (Arc.) King Adedapo Aderemi, commended the efforts of UN Women over the years in championing the cause of women and girls.
He reiterated the commitment of COTLA to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in Nigeria.
His Royal Highness, Dr. Haliru Yahaya Ndanusa, the Emir of Shonga and Deputy Convener-General of COTLA, said traditional leaders have introduced various initiatives to address harmful cultural practices and negative gender norms against women and girls in Nigeria.
Ndanusa explained that Islamic religion makes it clear that the rights of women to own property must be protected.
He noted that some of the myths and negative gender norms are based on patriarchy.
While sharing his success stories, Dr. Usman Ngakupi, Sapeyi of Garki, in the Federal Capital Territory, who decried the rate of prostitution among girls, said he had embarked on providing proper counselling to them.
He added that some of these girls who engaged in prostitution have changed their attitude through proper counselling.
He further pointed out that he had initiated a move that has made it compulsory for women and girls in his domain to attend school.
In his submission, Eze(Dr.) Onyibe Cosmos, the Enechi Ekuma IV Okposi Kingdom in Ohaozara, Ebonyi State, said his kingdom had introduced a law that gives women the right to share in their fathers’ properties.
Cosmos said physical violence against women and girls attracts the fine of N50,000 in his kingdom, adding that women have been given the membership of the town union, where critical decisions are made.
He revealed that his kingdom had put a stop to female genital mutilation in Okposi communities, adding that many initiatives have been introduced to empower women.
In her remarks, Ms. Funke Baruwa,
Programme Officer, Ford Foundation, pointed out that traditional leaders have deep knowledge and experiences in their respective domains to promote an understanding of customs and beliefs denouncing GBV.
She noted that campaigns have been intensified against sexual gender based violence, female genital mutilation, early child marriage, rape, adding that traditional leaders occupy pivotal position in preventing and responding to gender-based violence(GBV).
Earlier, in her welcome remarks, Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, commended the traditional leaders for their commitment to ending violence against women and girls.
Eyong added that working with traditional leaders in Nigeria was crucial to ending violence against women and girls as well as promoting women’s empowerment.
He urged the royal fathers to share what they are doing in their communities to advance the fight against gender based violence in their various communities.
It would be recalled that the Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (COTLA), was established in 2018.
The COTLA membership in Nigeria, through the support of UN Women, has developed a work plan to support engagement in ending GBV.
The Chinese Government is boosting peanut production in the country by training farmers on techniques for quality production. This is part of its quest to assist in improving food production in Nigeria.
The intervention was done through the Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IFST-CAAS) in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) and the China-Africa Green Agriculture Development Research Centre (GACARDC) collaborated in organising a one-day international training conference on peanut quality evaluation and processing utilisation technology at the China-Aid Nigerian Agricultural Development Technology Demonstration Center, Ushafa, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Wang Jun, Director of China-Africa Green Agriculture Development Centre and the Managing Director of Green Agriculture West Africa Limited (GAWAL), in his remarks, said the training provides an opportunity to explore new technologies in peanut cultivation and processing techniques for the benefit of farmers.
He said despite facing a series of challenges, such as the need to address aflatoxin issues and the significant fluctuations in peanut cultivation and yield, the future of the Nigerian peanut industry is promising.
He said: “Through measures such as technological innovation, sustainable development enhanced processing, and market promotion, Nigeria will further solidify its position in the global peanuts market, bringing sustainable development and benefits to farmers and the national economy.
“This technical training programme serves as a bridge between theory and practice, bringing together experts, practitioners, and enthusiasts alike to enhance knowledge, share experiences, and push the boundaries of what we know about peanut processing. During this session, we will embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the nuances of peanut raw material evaluation, from cultivation practices, post-harvest handling, and processing methodologies to quality control measures,” Wang Jun added.
Earlier in his remark, Professor Wang Qiang, Chief Scientist of the Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences said the technical training session is in line with the institution’s mandate to provide regular science and technology assistance projects to developing countries.
He said the institute is in Africa to promote the construction of the first China-Africa Cooperative Research Centre for Quality Evaluation, Processing, and Utilisation of Peanuts in Nigeria. He stated that the aim is to jointly promote the healthy development of the African peanut industry, and provide support for ensuring the quantity and quality safety of African peanuts.
On his part, Professor Garba Hamidu Sharubutu, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), ably represented Professor Bello Zaki Abubakar, thanked the Chinese government for the training and urged participants to apply the knowledge acquired for the development of the peanut industry.
Participants at the conference received training on processing characteristics and quality evaluation of peanut raw materials, comprehensive utilisation of peanuts, and the practical demonstration of peanut quality portable tachymeter and peanut oil press equipment
Children of Nwachi Orphanage Home and Halal Children Home both in Federal Housing Estate, Lugbe FCT, Abuja, were full of excitement last Friday, when Abumet, Julius Berger’s premium quality and full-service aluminum and glass solutions subsidiary, donated foodstuffs, and other items as part of its sustained Corporate Social Responsibility contributions to schools in its host communities.
Addressing the children and staff of Nwachi Orphanage Home, the General Manager of Abumet, Alexander Hausner, who handed over the items to the children, said the essence of this exercise is to identify with the needs of the underprivileged while trying to relieve their diverse burdens.
He also encouraged them on the need to be very studious and hopeful for a great future. “Abumet is a subsidiary of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. It is our culture and tradition to always give back to society and that is what we have done.
“As part of Abumet’s contribution to support the environment where we operate; we select from the orphanages and public schools and donate useful items needed for the children.
“However, we have come to this Home to share from the little we have with our children. Also, I want to encourage every child here to be serious with their education; don’t limit yourselves and skills; be well-mannered and also have in mind that the sky is your starting point.”
He admonished the Founder and Management of the Orphanage to continue to take good care of the children because as caregivers, God will always have a way to reward them richly.
Receiving the items, the Matron, Mrs. Chizoba Chukwunyereze described the day as a special day for the Home. “I want to thank Abumet for making out time to come for this donation; it is indeed a kind gesture.
This is indeed no small donation especially now that we are in festive period. Our children would have plenty to eat and drink and not be left out in the celebration.
Abumet is here to present us with the most needed items of the Home, and we can’t be more grateful. Words fail us; however, we pray that the Lord will continue to enrich the company and take them to heights they least expect.
Thank you Abumet.” Meanwhile, at the Halal Children’s Home, the Supervisor of the Orphanage, Hajiya Zainab Basah also expressed her profound gratitude to Abumet for the timely donations. “We are sincerely very grateful to Abumet for this donation and for the show of love and warmth.
Something similar was done last year and at a time we needed it. We appreciate every item that was brought here, and we are happy
to have a company that puts so much interest in their host communities. Our boys are so grateful, you can tell from the happiness on their faces.
Thank you very much Abumet. I pray that God constantly expand the company’s presence and blesses everything it sets out to do.”
Hajiya Zainab Basah added that, “…the home was established to help cushion the worrisome conditions of vulnerable children within the FCT and other parts of the country, where we also have Halal Orphanage Home.
We also have a mission to take children o0 the streets, keep them and give them a loving home where they can get proper training. In Abuja, we have two homes, we have one at Lugbe and Lifecamp.
The one at Lugbe houses the boys from 12 and above, whilst the one at Lifecamp houses the girls and the younger boys. The Lugbe Home has 12 children and 34 children in the Life camp Home.
In Halal Childrens home, asides taking care of our kids and sending them to good schools, we also help engage their minds and hands through our skills acquisition programmes.
We have di0erent types of sewing machines, 2 well-equipped computer rooms, a learning room (where the children take classes) and a training room (where they practice all they’ve learnt).”
The Abumet delegation to the event was led by Mr. Alexander Hausner. Other Abumet officials at the ceremony include Gbadamosi Tolu and Esther Obong.
Other Julius Berger Nigeria Plc officials present at the event include Michael Ashofor and Uzoma Olivia.
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