Obiano’s Pledge to Anambra in 2015

Suspecting that a number of Anambra people are worried about the prospect of the new year, especially with the predicted fall in oil prices, Governor Willie Obiano in his New Year message tried to shore up the confidence of the people in the government by assuring them that their hopes and dreams for a prosperous year shall not fall with the falling price of oil in the international market.

Delivering his New Year Message entitled, ‘Stretching to a New Height of Excellence’ to the people, Obiano observed that “the future of any society lies in its capacity to look beyond the darkness and doubts of today and see a glimmer of hope in the shadows of tomorrow.”

According to him, though many experts have predicted a tough year for Nigeria in the face of plummeting oil prices, such forecasts would never dampen the aspirations of Ndi Anambra. He noted that “with our enormous human and material resources, we shall not surrender our ambitions to dwindling oil prices in the international markets,” adding that “We shall draw on history and our past accomplishments to stretch the scope of our vision and expand the boundaries of our possibilities.”

Governor Obiano Thanks Ndi Anambra for Peaceful Celebrations

The Governor of Anambra State Chief Willie Obiano has on behalf of the government of Anambra state expressed profound appreciation to Ndi Anambra for the peaceful and memorable Christmas and New Year celebrations witnessed in various communities in the state.

The governor was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm and sense of duty displayed by Ndi Anambra through their positive response, attendance and participation in the activities and programmes of the maiden Anambra Heritage Festival which held from December 23 to 26, 2014. The Festival activities include Reading by Novelist and Newspaper Columnist, Prof. Okey Ndibe, Masquerade display at Ekweme Square, the Obiano Football Fiesta and the Jam Blast Music show held at the Ekwueme Square on the December 26, 2014.

So APC Wants to Hack into INEC Data? PDP Reacts says "APC is Indeed a Party of Criminals in Desperate Quest for Power"

 

You must have heard the alleged plan by the All Progressives Congress, APC to hack into INEC Database as announced by the Department of State Security yesterday. Are you surprised?

Some say APC’s nationwide membership registration which experienced low turnout is part of the ploy to acquire necessary data for the uncovered hacking plan.

Here is what the People’s Democratic Party, PDP said about it:

See the Wanted Brothers Who Killed 12 Persons Yesterday

   

I read this online and feel we should all read and share.

Brothers Cherif Kouachi (left), 32, & Said Kouachi (right), 34, both from Paris, have been identified as the men who stormed into the office of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo yesterday and killed 12 people, including two police officers.

A third suspect, 18 year old Hamyd Mourad, who didn't fire any shorts, surrendered to police late last night after seeing his name circulating on social media.

The two brothers, who are said to have been trained in Yemen as assassins, are still at large.

See a photo of them in action below…

Wow... President Jonathan Drops The Bomb! A MUST READ!!!

 

President Goodluck Jonathan just killed it in his statement published below.

Just two days after ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo took another swipe at him by renewing his (OBJ’s) membership of a clique of some unnamed “elder statesmen” in the country who behave like motor park touts and make unpatriotic, inflammatory statements because they lost out in some power games, President GEJ berated them for trying to set the nation ablaze.

The President spoke at the State House, Abuja when he received a delegation of the Northern Elders Council (NEC) led by Second Republic Presidential Adviser, Tanko Yakassai.

This is A MUST READ… His words:

Umeh: A ‘Victor’ and His Many Victories by CHUKS OLUIGBO

 

The debate as to whether someone’s given name has anything to do with how that someone eventually turns out in life is an open-ended question. But whether we are for or against, the truth is that in life, we often find individuals who go ahead to fulfil the meaning of their names in every sense of it like a prophecy, negatively or positively. One man that has positively fulfilled – and continues to fulfil – his name in recent history is Victor Umeh, the indefatigable national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the party’s candidate for the Anambra Central Senatorial seat in the 2015 elections.

An accomplished estate manager and surveyor, Victor Umeh came into Nigeria’s political firmament like a shining star. He was a founding member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998 and a pioneer member of APGA in 2002. Ever since then, his light has never grown dim and his name has remained synonymous with victory.

Read What Obiano Said as He Condoles with Jonathan on Passage of his Sister

The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has condoled with President Goodluck Jonathan on the passage of his sister, Mrs. Nancy Jonathan-Olei who recently died at the age of 53.

In a statement signed by James Eze, his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Governor Obiano expressed a deep sense of regret that the late Mrs. Jonathan-Olei passed on at a very young age, describing her death as colossal loss to her family and the nation.

According to him, the late Mrs. Nancy Jonathan-Olei was a pillar of strength to her family while she lived and a tremendous influence on her community and the local church. “She stood tall among her fellow women, supporting her family and working as a stabilizing force in her immediate community,” Governor Obiano remarked, saying that the Jonathan-Olei family had lost an amazon.

Onitsha: Reclamation Of A ‘Lost’ Paradise

 

Have you been to Onitsha lately, especially around the once dreaded Upper Iweka area? Have you noticed that Zik Roundabout, the meeting point of the Old Enugu-Onitsha Road and the Enugu Onitsha Expressway, is taking on a new shape with massive beautification? Also, drive on Awka Road, Onitsha, up to DMGS Roundabout and you would see a whole lot of changes. Not just that the roads are properly constructed with drainage systems and streetlights, they are also clearly marked, with road signs. 

People who traveled home for the Xmas holiday would be surprised to see what Upper Iweka has become. The motor parks have been pushed out of the expressway. The days are gone when touts held sway at Lagos Park. Today, no one ‘threatens’ your luggage, and your mobile phones are relatively safe, provided you don’t drop them. When you are there, watch out for fierce looking military men. You’ll find them on the alert, fishing miscreants off the park. You might also find them disguised in mufti, making it even easier to pick out their preys. Now, one can actually take a walk under the beautifully adorned Onitsha Head Bridge. In the past, no one dared move close to the area, as it was a notorious den of robbers. But with mobile policemen now on guard, pedestrians may walk freely up to the riverbank.

The Upper Iweka and Onitsha Head Bridge area have witnessed massive turnaround with streetlights and landscaping befitting of a gateway town. The statue of late Biafran hero, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, signals arrival to the land of the Rising Sun. With standard toilet facilities in place along the stretch, the drainages are now free from faeces. New pedestrian bridges are also springing up.

UPDATED: 10th Year Memorial Service of Bessoy... Chike Nwankwo Okagbue (Ezennia)

The family of late Chike Okagbue (Ezennia) recently held a thanksgiving/10th year memorial service for the great warrior who passed on 25th December, 2004.

Late Chike Okagbue from Mgbuke Umunnachi, a successful international business man popularly known by many as BESSOY (his company name) was a philanthropist, a lover of education, a humanitarian and a cheer leader. In his honour, a foundation known as "Chike Okagbue Foundation" were set up by his Children in 2008, with Education as it main focus. The foundation awards scholarships to 10 students per annum irrespective of state of origin, tribe or religion.

The service held at Immanuel Anglican Church, Umunnachi had a lot of dignitaries in attendance; The Wife of Anambra State Governor, Chief (Mrs) Ebelechukwu Obiano (Osodieme), Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Nkem Okeke and his wife, Prince (Engr) Arthur Eze (Ezen n’Ukpo), Members of Anambra State House of Assembly, Honourable Commissioners among many other top government officials.

Also present were Dr Tim Menakaya (Ide), APGA leaders and faithful, business moguls, the clergy, youths and women groups as well as community stakeholders.

Chiefs Onochie Okagbue and Uzuegbuna Okagbue (great sons of late Ezennia) were on hand to receive the honourable guests.

Below are some pictures (sent in by a blog reader) showing faces and fanfare at the occasion…

Read What President Jonathan Said at the Inauguration of PDP Presidential Campaign Organization

 

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR AT THE INAUGURATION OF PDP PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION, TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015.

PROTOCOLS

1.  Let me start by thanking all the members of our great party once again for the very inspiring confidence they have placed in me by speaking with one voice, at all levels, to return me as the PDP’s flag bearer in next month’s presidential elections. 

2.  Let me also at this occasion convey to each and every one of you, who has agreed to serve in the Presidential Campaign Organization, my deep appreciation of your support. 

3.  You have all been invited to serve our great party in this capacity, in recognition of your loyalty, dedication, commitment to the democratic cause, and your outstanding individual talents.

4.  I am fully convinced that not only are you up to the task individually or as a team, but that you also have all that it takes- the passion, intellect, drive, commitment, and the know-how to run a focused, robust and purposeful campaign that will further endear our ticket to the electorate and bring us victory once again.  

5.  Many of you are tested veterans of political campaigns.  As we embark formally on the campaigns for our re-election, our party, the People’s Democratic Party will depend on you. 

6.  I am also personally counting on you.  I ask you to take on this assignment for your great party, for Goodluck Jonathan and Namadi Sambo, and also, more importantly, for the country as a whole. 

7.  Without doubt,

PICTURES: Launch of Sale of Emblem to Mark the 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Day

“We are gathered here today to open up the floodgates of our national memory and spare some thoughts on the numerous sacrifices that the members of the Nigerian Armed Forces have made to protect our freedom and preserve our nationhood”. These were the striking words of the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano at a special ceremony held yesterday to launch the sale of emblem to mark the 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Conference Hall, Government House, Awka.

The governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor of the State, Dr Nkem Okeke in appreciating the worthy roles of the armed forces in national security noted that “without the sacrifices of the Nigerian servicemen, there would have been no Nigeria today. We must never lose sight of their bravery nor fail to acknowledge their patriotism”

Present at the event were the Deputy Speaker ofAnambra State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chukwudi Orizu, Chief Judge of the State, Justice Peter Umeadi, Secretary to the State Government, Hon Oseloka Obaze, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Honourable Commissioners and many other political appointees.

Also at the ceremony were heads of the security agencies in the State;

Here is the event in pictures…

4 Nigerians Arrested in India for Internet Fraud

 

Four Nigerians including a woman have been arrested by the Hyderabad police in India on Saturday January 3rd over internet fraud.

The police said they recovered a car, money and mobile phones from them

The accused, Peter Austin (29), Eboh Felix (26), Steffi Ebohon (24) and Uzaonicha Daniel Iwenwanne (26), reportedly contacted a student named Mohd Wasiuddin, and told him he's won some money.

You Won't Believe Why this Woman Killed Her Daughter

 

Imagine! 25 year old Ugochukwu Out confessed to killing her one day old baby girl at her home in Enohia Nkalu Afikpo North Local Government Area, Ebonyi State on December 22nd 2014.

Her reason for committing the devilish act calls for serious concern…

Read below…

Akpabio Unity Choir Breaks Guiness World Record

 

Here is good news from Nigerians.

The Akwa Ibom State choral group has broken the world record for the largest number of Christmas carol singers in the world. The record, which has been officially certified by the Guinness World Records and pasted on its website, www.guinessworldrecords.com, was broken by the unity choir, a 25,272 man-choral group, in a concert in the Uyo Township Stadium on Saturday, December 13, 2014 with Guinness World Records representatives in attendance.  The record consigned to the history books the former record of 15,674 carol singers, which was achieved the previous year (December 15, 2013), by a group known as CENTI in Bogota, Columbia.

The Akwa Ibom unity choir sang a medley of The First Noel, Joy to the World, O Christmas Tree, Hark the Herald the Angels Sing, Once in Royal David’s City and O Come All Ye Faithful in an electrifying rendition which lasted more than twenty minutes.

PICTURES: Gen Buhari Attends Thanksgiving Service in Lagos

These photos were sent in from Lasgidi.  General Buhari attending the Lagos 2015 Thanksgiving Service.

More pictures below...

Emir Sanusi Lamido Set to Take a 17-Year-Old Girl As Fourth Wife: Here Is Why?

 

The Emir of Kano, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (Muhammadu Sanusi II), is set to take his fourth wife. The bridal candidate is a 17-year-old beautiful daughter of the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa.

Sanusi, an accomplished banker, who became the 14th Emir of Kano last June, is a respected Islamic Scholar, and his decision to take a new wife is in line with Islamic injunction which prescribes a maximum of four wives for those who can treat all of them equally.

Already, Sanusi has three beautiful wives - Sadiya, Maryam and Rakiya. Like in ancient times when bonds between empires were deepened by marriages among royals and nobles across boundaries, the betrothal of the Adamawa princess to Emir Sanusi II may also be a move to deepen royal bond between Adamawa and Kano.

Historically,

PRESIDENT JONATHAN LOSES SISTER

 

Below is a statement from the president’s spokes man, Reuben Abati:

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan announces with deep sorrow, the passing away of his beloved junior sister, Mrs. Nancy Jonathan-Olei.

Mrs. Jonathan-Olei passed away earlier today at a hospital in Yenagoa after a brief illness.

She was 52 years old. Burial arrangements will be announced later by the family.  

Reuben Abati Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity)

January 4, 2015

A Feast of Colour in Aguleri as Igwe Ogalagidi Marks 115th Ovala

The ancient kingdom of Aguleri exploded in a kaleidoscope of colours at the weekend to mark its 115th Ovala Festival. It was a feast of culture and opulence as the illustrious sons and daughters of Aguleri turned up in their largest number to celebrate with their Igwe – Eze C. N Idigo IV (Ogalagidi) as he marked yet another great year on the throne of his fathers. The 4-day cultural festival began on Friday with a rich display of the once dreaded Ada Masquerade which drew a mammoth crowd of youths from the neighbouring towns. There was also a ceremony for the induction of new members into Igwe’s Cabinet as well as the ceremonial firing of royal cannons and a lot of drumming and dancing.

Saturday January 3 was the main Ovala Day. It attracted an unprecedented crowd of very important personalities like government functionaries, congressmen and women, captains of industry, cultural aficionados, venerated royal fathers, the clergy, the youths and the elderly from all over Anambra State and beyond. The ebullient governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano who is also a cabinet member in his hometown of Aguleri graced the occasion with some members of his cabinet and added colour to the day.

One of the highpoints of the event was the conferment of the title of Iboibo Aguleri on Chief Sir Victor Umeh, the National Chairman of APGA.

Here are pictures of this great event…

Lagos Extradicts 52 Persons to Kano says They are not "Deported but United with their Families"... Hehehe

 

Another deportation of Nigerians from Lagos State government as 52 suspected beggars arrive Kano State courtesy of the Eko’s policy to rid the mega city off destitute.

Recall that such action led to a face-off between the Lagos State government and some South Eastern states, when it has alleged that the state dumped 67 people it termed as beggars on Onitsha, for allegedly constituting themselves as nuisance in the State of Excellence.

Read what the Public Relations Officer of Kano State Hisba Board, Mohammed Yola, said about the ‘deportation’:

Photos from the Traditional Marriage Ceremony of the President's Daughter in Otueke

 

The Crème de la crème of Nigerian leadership including the wife of the governor of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano were in Otueke, Bayelsa State on January 3, 2015 to witness the Traditional Marriage Ceremony of Inebharapu Paul, daughter of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the First Lady, Dr. Dame Patience Jonathan, and Dr. Simeon Onyemechi of Umudioka, Awka, Anambra State.

Here are the highlights of the event in pictures: