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NGE Tasks Political Parties On Foi-Bill
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called on political parties seeking power in the April elections to incorporate the pursuit of passage of the Freedom of Information Bill (FOI) in their manifestoes.
The charge was part of a six-point communiqué issued at the end of its biennial convention held in Lagos earlier in the week.
Lamenting the failure of the National Assembly in pushing for the passage of the FOI Bill, the body noted that a decade after the bill was introduced, the federal lawmakers have failed to demonstrate openess in governance and democracy.
It therefore tasked political parties to include the bill in their manifestoes, if indeed they are committed to a transparent, accountable government and development of the country.
The body called on editors to set national agenda by avoiding divisive issues capable of retarding the growth of the country through mobilisation of the people for positive development such as the current voters registration.
As the watchdogs of the society, the editors emphasised the need for the mass media to continue to scrutinise public policies by always providing solutions to bad ones.
The Guild further tasked the mass media to explore partnership with relevant stakeholders in providing adequate awareness on checking the menace of ailments such as cancer, HIV/AIDS.
In his address at the convention, the president of the body, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye hinted of plans to resuscitate the Nigerian Press Organisation, comprising of the Guild, Newspapers Proprietors, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria and Union of Journalists.
Mr. Adefaye observed that there was need for synergy amongst the media bodies towards advancing the cause and business of journalism.
The NGE President spoke of the need for capacity building in the media industry, while expressing hope that the proposed Centre of Excellence at the School of Communication at the Lagos Business School Pan African University will come on stream and members to take advantage of the opportunities.
Moreover, the NGE elected new officials to oversee its affairs in the next two years, as Mr. Adefaye was elected for a second term in office.
Other members of the new exco Hajia Aishatu Sule as Deputy President, Mallam Ahmed Shekarau as Vice President North, while Mrs. Funke Egbemode was elected as Vice President West.
Mr. Victor Agosiobu emerged the Vice President of the NGE for the East as Isaac Ighwre became the General Secretary of the body. Steve Ayorinde became the Assistant Secretary, while Abdulhamid Majia emerged the Treasurer.
Mr. Sam Egbala was elected to serve as the Social and Publicity Secretary with other standing committee members; as the body adopted a new constitution to govern its affairs.
Happy Birthday Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON
Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory
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We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring good healthcare for the people of Rivers State.
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?Governor Fubara stated this when he played host to the Country Director of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her management team in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
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?The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, said he would continue to provide the necessary facilities in order to ensure accessible and good health care for all Rivers people.
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?”We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.
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?”We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society. We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he said.
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?The Country Director for UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, assured Governor Fubara of UNICEF’s support to the programmes of the State Government. She appealed that health facilities such as the Oxygen Plant at Eleme Local Government Ares and the New Born Care Units be solarized.
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?”Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.
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?”I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she added.
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