News
Jonathan, Amaechi Extol Obasanjo’s Virtues
President Goodluck Jonathan said last Saturday that his administration would continue to build on the foundation laid during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime for the transformation of the country.
The President made the statement in Abeokuta at a civic reception organised for Obasanjo by the South-West Zone of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in recognition of his contributions to the party and the nation.
Jonathan, who was represented by the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, noted that Obasanjo, during his administration, had laid a solid foundation for successive governments in Nigeria through initiation and implementation of great policies.
The President, who described Obasanjo as a national Icon and an outstanding Nigerian statesman, said his administration would not deviate from the core values of Obasanjo’s administration.
The President gave assurance that his administration was already addressing major hindrances to the development of the nation. He noted that government’s interventions in the area of power, agriculture, health and infrastructure, among others, were already yielding positive results.
Governors Emmanuel Uduaghan and Godswill Akpabio of Delta and Akwa-Ibom states respectively, also extolled the virtues of the former President at the programme, describing him as “the defender of the defenceless”. They both recalled how Obasanjo fought on the part of justice against the powers that opposed them in their respective states when they sought elections as governors.
While Uduaghan described Obasanjo as a detribalised Nigerian, Akpabio said that the former President transcended cultural, religious and political leanings. Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo, in his remarks, noted that Obasanjo only needed the PDP as a vehicle to lead the country. He argued that Obasanjo’s stature transcended any party in Nigeria, describing him as “the father of all.’’
The National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamangar Tukur, also described Obasanjo as a living legend, recalling that the party made giant strides during his administration. He described Obasanjo as a symbol of hope, noting that he was relentless and fought with dogged determination at a time when most Nigerians had given up hope about the nation. Responding, Obasanjo appreciated organisers of the event, and attributed all his accomplishment to God.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor and Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, popularly called ‘OBJ’ is an embodiment of greatness”, whose contributions to nation building are unquantifiable.
Gov Amaechi was represented by his Deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru.
In his address read by the Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, on behalf of the NGF, Governor Amaechi extolled the virtues of the former president, stating that Obasanjo has made an indelible mark on the leadership barometer of the country, adding that members of the NGF wish him well in his future endeavour.
Responding, the former president expressed appreciation for the honour done on him, stating that nothing can gladden my heart when government at all levels is doing what is right’, attributing his success story to God and the self-less desire to serve his country.
Also the former Ghanaian President, John Kuffo extolled the virtues of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing him as “a gift to Africa’’.
Kuffo, who delivered the keynote address, described the programme as exemplary, noting that very few heroes and legends were celebrated during their lifetime.
He described Obasanjo as a friend, a brother, a confidant and a sympathetic African leader who had contributed immensely to the uplift and transformation of less endowed African countries.
He described Obasanjo as “a growing concern’’ who had continued to work tirelessly for the unity and transformation of the African continent.
Chief Earnest Shonekan, the former Head of Interim National Government, described Obasanjo as a man of integrity.
He noted that Obasanjo was the first Nigerian Military leader who in 1979 relinquished power peacefully to a democratically elected government.
Shonekan said that Obasanjo was passionately committed to the unity and transformation of Nigeria.
The Senate President, David Mark, described Obasanjo as an outstanding Nigerian statesman and a national icon whose love for the nation would be difficult to surpass.
Responding, Obasanjo appreciated the organisers of the programme, attributing his accomplishments to “the grace of God’’.
He said three principles normally guided his actions in life namely: “Can I defend my action before God? Can I defend my action before the people? Will my action benefit majority of people?’’
He said a leader should be “fearless and courageous’’ and be ready to step on “toes’’ whenever it was necessary.
Obasanjo also expressed optimism that Nigeria and the African continent would very soon be ranked as one of the best countries and continents in the world, respectively.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
-
Maritime11 hours agoCustoms, MAN Consent On 4% FoB Exemptions, Manufacturing Support Measures
-
Rivers11 hours agoIAUE Emerges Winner Of National Campus Debate, 2025
-
News11 hours agoFUBARA: UNDERUTILISED SEAPORTS DENYING RIVERS ECONOMIC PROSPERITY ……..Hosts NPA Board, Mgt On Courtesy Visit
-
Opinion11 hours ago94 Years From A Turning Point
-
Education11 hours agoDon Advocates Equal Opportunity For Citizens
-
Politics11 hours agoAnambra Guber: ADC Candidate Urges INEC To Tackle Vote Buying
-
Business11 hours agoBlue Economy: Minister Seeks Lifeline In Blue Bond Amid Budget Squeeze
-
Maritime11 hours agoCustoms Wives Donate Mosquito Nets, Bedsheets To Hospitals In Ogun