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PDP Govs, Ayu, Others Storm Lagos, Receive APC Members

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Elected state governors on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other chieftains, led by its National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu; former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Olabode George;last Friday, converged on Lagos, with a vow to intensify strategy and efforts toward taking over the state leadership in 2023 general election.
Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu); were among others in Lagos to witness and welcome Lagos4Lagos, a prominent dissident group in the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the state, to the PDP formally, held at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS).
Other notable figures at the official declaration of the group from APC to PDP at the event were: Vice Presidential Candidate of PDP in 2019 general election, Peter Obi;and former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko.
Others were: the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb Taofeek Arapaja; Publisher of Ovation, Dele Momodu;the General Secretary of PDP, South-West, Alhaji Rahman Owokoniran; including members of the National Assembly, state and other national executive committee members of the party.
The Lagos4Lagos group, led by Dr. Olajide Adediran, popularly called “Jandor”, along with his teeming loyal supporters, were well received by PDP stalwarts on the occasion.
In his address, Ayu urged Nigerians not to be deceived a third time in 2023 by those who deceived them with the mantra called “change”, and subjected them to hardship.
According to him, “Are you enjoying the change? How much is a bag of rice? They deceived Nigerians. We declare no more slavery in Lagos. By this time next year, we will celebrate a PDP governor in Lagos State.”
Also speaking, Ikpeazu described Adeniran as strategic and bridge builder, who would add value to the party in the state.
Ikpeazu noted that the forum’s Chairman and Sokoto State Governor, Hon Aminu Tambuwal could not make the event because he was bereaved.
“On behalf of my brother governors, we officially join the Lagos PDP family, to welcome new strategic members of our party.
“You are very important and strategic. PDP is the only democratic party in Nigeria,” he said.
Ikpeazu urged members of the PDP family in the state to give Adediran maximum support and cooperation for the defector to contribute his quota to the growth of the party.
“Jandor is the bridge between the young and the old in Lagos politics, and he should be given full support by all so that there can be unity,” Ikpeazu stated.
Wike said: “Jandor has made PDP Lagos family to be one. The more, the merrier. As he has joined us, you will see what will happen in Lagos.”
In his remarks, Chairman, Lagos State Caretaker Committee, PDP, Engr. Julius Akinsola handed over the PDP card and other paraphernalia of the party to the Lead Visioner, Adediran.
Akinsola said that PDP belongs to the masses, especially the new defectors and millions within and outside the nation.
“It is the party of equal opportunity and it welcomes all Nigerians,” Akinsola said while welcoming Adediran and all his followers.
He urged the new defectors to mix with existing members across the ward, local, state and national levels.
Akinsola, who noted that PDP works on rules and regulations, urged the new members to read the constitution from beginning to end.
He, however, handed over Adediran to the Chairman of PDP in Ojo Local Government Area, Mr Aremu Hassan, where the leader came from and unveiled him to the members of the party in the state.
In his address, Adediran said his group has moved to where numerical strength would be put to test.
According to him, if Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State could win election without being a former lawmaker or having support of the government at the centre, he would win governorship election in 2023.
“We have declared for the PDP, we are going to win for the party. We are here (PDP) to add value, we are here to be part of the big family, and together, we will take over Lagos,” Adediran boasted.
It would be recalled that, Adediran had stated at a gathering organised for the group at Amuwo Odofin Local Government, during a tour of the area, that he was prepared and ready to convert the Lagos PDP delegate structure to a governorship structure.
The Amuwo Odofin-born politician stressed how important the local government was to him.
According to him, “January 21, (Friday) 2022, will be the final burial of APC in Lagos State.
“On that day, January 21, will be the official declaration of our group to PDP, and it will be broadcast on national television. The event will be held at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) with 10 governors present at the event.
“On January 21, it is the day that we have set aside for the final burial ceremony of APC in Lagos State.
“That day, the political party called APC will cease to exist in the state of Lagos. We are trying to rewrite the history of our dear state and it’s going to happen in 2023.”

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Rivers Open To Blue Economy Investment -Fubara

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the State stands as the best investment destination for good economic achievement.
Fubara stated this while providing investment details to industrialists during the 3rd Nigeria-Indonesia Forum in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
He said that, as the oil and gas hub of Nigeria, Rivers State stands as the best investment destination for good economic achievement.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, enumerated the vast opportunities Rivers State holds to potential investors in the marine and blue economy, agriculture, hospitality and tourism, health, transportation, amongst other sectors.
He commended the leadership of the Nigeria-Indonesia Commercial Association and the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) for its continuous support to keep Rivers State at the peak for investors.
“Your decision to convoke this business forum is indeed apt. It will provide a robust platform for discussions in the areas of health, education, trade, investment, energy, environment…Vast opportunities exist in agriculture and agro-based industries, marine resources and blue economy, hospitality and tourism, transport, petroleum and other natural resources such as clay, raffia palm and textile with promising labour”, he emphasized.
He urged participants to use the forum to build partnerships for mutual economic benefits for both Rivers State and Indonesia.
“I am optimistic that this Forum will explore the investment opportunities in the State as well as harness them for our mutual benefits. I assure you that doing business in the State is strengthened by the enabling environment provided by the State Government to potential investors.
“I encourage you all to engage actively in discussions, share your insights, and learn from one another and create new collaborations and explore the investment opportunities in the State. Your ideas would no doubt spark the next big innovation or partnership that will drive meaningful change in our economy,” he stressed.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Ussra Hendru Harahap, gave insight into the Nigeria-Indonesia dynamic similarities and that Rivers State is host to Indonesia’s biggest investment in Nigeria.
He further indicated that Indonesia and Nigeria can mutually benefit from the diverse use of palm fruit and other businesses as he urged participants to explore new grounds for business development and expansion for both Indonesia and Rivers State.
The President of the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Sir Mike Elechi, said the aim of the business forum is to provide more business opportunities to the people of Rivers State in view of attracting more business opportunities that will expand and promote commercial activities and investments in the State.

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Tinubu, Buhari Mourn Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, Iwuanyanwu

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President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt commiserations to the family of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed away, yesterday.
Chief Iwuanyanwu was the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. He was an accomplished businessman and notable politician.
President Tinubu condoled with the Imo State Government, the friends and associates of the deceased, and Ndi Igbo over this irreparable loss.
The President in a statement by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, affirmed that Chief Iwuanyanwu will always be remembered for his remarkable legacy.
President Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman and comfort to his family.
Meanwhile, former Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, has expressed rude shock over the demise of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The former Chairman, South East Governors Forum described Iwuanyanwu’s death as “ a big disaster and colossal loss to the Igbo nation”.
He said Chief Iwuanyanwu sacrificed so much in the advancement of Igbo cause but regretted that he exited at a time his fatherly counsels were most needed.
Senator Orji who said Iwuanyanwu was a personal friend, said he was highly devastated by the news of the departure of the late Igbo leader.
The former Senator representing Abia Central, a statement by his former Chief Liaison Officer , Hon. Ifeanyi Umere, said the death of Iwuanyanwu, had added to the pain of the loss of some other Igbo leaders who excited in the recent times.
He said that Iwuanyanwu would always be remembered for his patriotism, sacrificial leadership and passion for the Igbo cause.
Senator Orji condoled with the family of the late Ohanaeze helmsman while praying God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal repose in heaven.
Iwuanyanwu’s death was announced by his son Jide Iwuanyanwu, in a statement made available to newsmen in Owerri, yesterday.
According to the son, “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announced the demise of our Patriarch, Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday July 25, 2024 after a brief illness. He was aged aged 82.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu, before his death, was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife, lady Princess Iwuanyanwu, many children and grandchildren including Dr Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, Managing Director Champion Newspapers.
“Details of the burial will be announced later by the family after due consultation.”

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Nigeria Capable Of Providing Good Healthcare System -German Consul-General

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The German Consul- General, Weert Börner, has said that Nigeria was capable of providing a good healthcare system, rather than encouraging promotion of medical tourism.
Börner said this during the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) yesterday, in Lagos while highlighting Germany’s role in enhancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.
He listed some of his country’s areas of support to include Good Health and Well-being; Quality Education; and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
According to him, there are discussions on how the COVID-19 pandemic still influences the SDG achievement and the challenge to overcome the gap and its impacts.
“I can assure you that Germany was very impressed how Nigeria handled the pandemic, especially Lagos State, with Health Commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi.
“We have been increasing our support to modernise Nigeria’s health sector.
“I can assure you the German government is not a government promoting medical tourism to Europe. We think that’s not a solution.
“The solution is to improve the healthcare system in Nigeria.
“And there is no tourism needed in the future to get good treatment because we think that Nigeria is capable to have its own good health care system,” he said.
To support the health sector, Börner said that the German government has been training medical personnel, offering scholarships to medical students and has active presence of German companies in Nigeria’s health sector.
The envoy also said that Germany offers annual scholarships for both master degrees and PhD students globally through the German Academic Exchange Service, (DAAD).
“And in 2023, for the first time ever, among sub-Saharan African nations, Nigeria ranked number one.
“The number of Nigerian scholarship receivers went up within 13 years from just 200 to 1,600. So that’s a big success for your country, but I think also for the world,” he said.
Börner emphasised that vocational training was a traditional strength of the German system, noting that it was cooperating with the government and the private sector, citing training for solar energy engineers in Nigeria.
The consul-general stressed the need for best practices and strengthened cooperation to actualise SDGs in Nigeria, Africa and globally.
The Africa Social Impact Summit is a multi-sectoral platform dedicated to accelerating action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Summit organised by Sterling One Foundation, United Nations and the Lagos State Government has the theme: “Reimagining Progress: A New Blueprint for Sustainable Growth in Africa.”

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