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URS Urges Urhobo Unity To Produce Next Delta Governor

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URS Urges Urhobo Unity To Produce Next Delta Governor
Prof. Eghagha

The Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS) has urged the Urhobo to be united in order to produce the next governor of Delta State in 2023.

In a statement, URS said that it recognised the right of Urhobo sons and daughters to aspire to any political office of their choice. But it said that in exercising this right, they should protect the interest of the Urhobo and work in unity with the ultimate objective of producing the next governor in the 2023 election.

The statement signed by URS President, Prof. Hope Eghagha, on behalf of other members reads: “The last few weeks in Delta State and elsewhere in Nigeria have been characterised by a barrage of political commentaries and opinions across socio-political groups, associations and critical stakeholders in the the state. Unfortunately, some of these views seem to divide us more than unite us as a people.

“The URS wishes to join this conversation by propagating the doctrine of unity in diversity for the overall good of the Urhobo nation in particular, and Delta State in general.

We respect the right of the UPU as the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Urhobo nation to make crucial decisions on behalf of the Urhobo Nation.

“By the same token, we respect the right of persons and groups to lend their voices to the subject. However, we caution that such voices should be tactful, objective and devoid of divisive undertones at this crucial moment in Urhobo agenda to produce the Governor of State in 2023.

“After studying the unfolding political planks and consulting critical political stakeholders in Delta State, the URS, in line with its non-partisan and neutral posture, joins the conversation with the following statement:

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  1.  “We remind all stakeholders that an Urhobo ‘son’ must emerge as the Governor of Delta State in 2023. In effect, it is our utmost desire that Urhobo sons should emerge as governorship flagbearers of their respective political parties. That way, we are guaranteed that an Urhobo will eventually emerge as governor. To that extent, we appeal to all critical stakeholders in all political parties in the state to work towards handing the ticket to an Urhobo son. In other words, our primary concern is the emergence of an Urhobo son as governor in 2023;
  2.  “We believe that primary elections are within the purview of political parties and therefore have no plans of poking into the activities of political parties in their statutory responsibility of electing flagbearers. But because the eventual choice will directly affect the quality of life and development of Deltans, we must lobby and appeal that the candidate with the best qualification in human and capital development, experience and capacity to provide quality leadership for our dream Delta be handed the tickets of their respective parties. In effect, we are appealing to the delegates to please consider these criteria when they set out to choose the flagbearer of their respective parties. Also, we especially appeal to delegates from Delta central to think URHOBO FIRST when they cast their votes; and that no gratification of whatever kind should influence the choice of the eventual candidate. Therefore, to guide all delegates in their choice of the governorship candidate, we appeal that only the aspirant with a very clear and practical blueprint for the development of Delta state be allowed to lead the state;
  3. “It is most desirable that the flagbearers of all the political parties in the gubernatorial race are not imposed by any perceived Godfather(s) whether in or out of government. Endorsements are a common feature of political contests in democratic climes and that should not necessitate caustic, insulting and derogatory attacks on perceived enemies. We are perplexed that most of public commentaries in the state are tainted with party loyalty and the attitude of labelling enemies out of those who hold contrary views or differing strategies. We want to re-direct the minds of Urhobo delegates in the parties to issues of competence and allegiance to good corporate governance of the State.
  4. “We salute the courage of the various Urhobo sons who have indicated their interest and preparedness to run for the primary elections of all the parties, and we also salute their supporters also for their unflinching support. We however believe that the plurality of Urhobo aspirants is not helpful to our cause. We urge the various aspirants to begin a self-internalized process of droping individual ambitions to support a superior candidate of choice in the race. Let’s narrow the options. We must remind one and all of the need to stay healthy with their support, that only one aspirant will eventually emerge as flag-bearer, and that it will be counterproductive to burn all the bridges in the course of their respective support; and, most especially, because we still have a life of nationalism to live after the elections;
  5. “To preserve the chastity and sacrosanctity of the gentleman’s arrangement of rotating the governorship position among the three senatorial zones of Delta state—a practice that has helped in dismantling mutual distrust, and erected mutual respect in its place, we call on other senatorial zones to support the Urhobo 2023 Governorship Agenda in order to sustain the reciprocity that has characterized the emergence of governors in the state since the present political dispensation;
  6. “We call on all Urhobo sons and daughters to be even more united at this critical stage of our existence as a nation; because in the long run, we are all pursuing the same goal of a united Delta, and an Urhobo governor with the right mentality, capacity, experience and qualification to lead the industrialization of Delta state.
  7. “Finally, we call on Governor Okowa to use his capacity as our governor to provide a level playing ground for all political participants in the state, and across political parties to exercise their constitutional rights for the overall good of Delta State.”

 

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How I Grew From An Almajiri Pupil To Become NNPC Boss – Mele Kyari

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NNPC Blames MRS, Oando, Duke, Others For Importing Adulterated Fuel

By John Michael Ojo

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, on Wednesday, recounted how he grew up from an Almajiri Pupil to becoming the pioneer Chief Executive Officer of Africa’s largest energy group, NNPCL.

Kyari who said this in an X post while celebrating his 60th birthday described his growth as “exceptional”

He also expressed gratitude to former president Buhari as well as president Tinubu for the opportunity given to him to lead the group.

While acknowledging the presence of Allah in his life, Mele stated that all his achievements would not have been possible without him.

He wrote: “Allah, by his grace, spared my life to this exceptional day, making it my 60th year from birth, even much earlier on the Hijri calendar.

“I am profoundly grateful to my country for giving me the opportunity to grow from an Almajiri (Tsangaya) school pupil to become the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company.

“Even more particular, I deeply appreciate the exceptional privilege given to me by Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve as the last GMD of the NNPC and the pioneer CEO of the NNPC Ltd.

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“Reflecting backwards alone can’t account for the profoundly eventful life I spent to this date, walking through good and bad times, travails and triumphs, pains and happiness, fails and successes and many more that only the sufficiency of Allah will explain.

“At this milestone, I feel the obligation to serve with even greater conviction and with elevated expectation of eternal recompense so deeply pleasing.

“I am hugely indebted to my family for being nearly absent for most of my later years serving our nation and the common good.

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“My deep appreciation to my family, friends and associates, my colleagues at work and my teachers (western and of Almajiri extractions), and many unmentioned people who account for many of my accomplishments, unconditional support and my overall wellbeing.

“This is a turning point, and I seek forgiveness from anyone I might have hurt unintentionally or unavoidably.”

 

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Parents Of Secondary School Pupils To Pay 2700 Naira Levy – Govt

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By John Michael Ojo

Ondo State government has demanded that parents who have kids/wards in Senior Secondary School Three (SS3), within the state, pay the some of 2,700 naira levy.

This was disclosed by the state’s Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology in a circular dated 30th December 2024 and  addressed to Principals of Public Secondary School (ANCOPSS).

In the statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Adegoke F.A,  it stated that the levy is to enable the ministry to purchase educational materials that will enhance students’ preparedness for their final year examinations and deter examination malpractice.

It reads: “In line with our collective goal of ensuring academic excellence and upholding integrity in examinations, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has approved the Parents Teachers Association’s (PTA) initiative to collect the sum of two thousand seven hundred naira (N2,700) only to procure essential educational materials for SS3 students.

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“These materials are designed to enhance the students’ preparedness for their final year examinations and deter examination malpractice.

“This initiative is critical for enhanced academic preparedness, promotion of integrity and complementing the government’s efforts to provide quality education.

“To facilitate this process, each school is required to notify SS3 parents of the approved sum, coordinate the collection and promptly remit the same to the designated PTA account. Account Name: National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria

Bank: Zenith Bank

Account Number: 1228391123

“Furthermore, the Ministry will monitor the account to ensure transparency and accountability. Principals are therefore requested to keep their evidence of payment.

“Your cooperation with the PTA in this regard is vital to ensure the success of the initiative.”

 

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Abiodun Signs N1.054 Trillion Appropriation Bill Into Law

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L-R: The Deputy Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Latifat Bolanle: Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Musefiu Lamidi; the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Oludaisi Elemide; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; his Deputy, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele and the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Olaolu Olabimtan, during the signing of the Year 2025 Appropriation Bill at the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on  Monday.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has signed the N1.054 trillion 2025 State Appropriation Bill into law.

The signing, which took place at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Monday was witnessed by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, principal officers of the House, the Deputy Governor, and members of the State Executive Council.

After receiving the clean copies of the Bill, Governor Abiodun announced that his administration would, in the coming month, sign the partnership agreement with potential partners for the development of the Olokola Sea Port.

He said the government would also focus on the provision of more basic infrastructure with the signing of more Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with private corporate bodies in renewable energy, agriculture, and other sectors that would boost the State’s economy.

He said: “It is my pleasure to announce to you that in the coming month, we will be signing the partnership agreement with potential partners in our port development. The Olokola Port is back on track.

“In the coming year, you will see us signing more Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with private players in the areas of renewable energy, energy transition, and agriculture, particularly animal husbandry. We intend to join the league of those producing beef and pork, not just for domestic consumption, but for export.

“We will continue to provide more infrastructure, particularly roads, in every local government in the State. We will continue in our stride to provide the right infrastructure and the right situation to ensure that students in Ogun State learn in a conducive environment. We will continue to pursue our healthcare program in primary health care, secondary, and tertiary, and of course, our policy on ‘grow what you eat and eat what you grow.’ We are going to be more aggressive in the area of agriculture.”

While noting that his administration would be relentless in the pursuit of infrastructure that would engender more socio-economic development, Governor Abiodun revealed that emphasis on arterial roads like the Ijebu-Ode-Epe, Sagamu-Abeokuta, Atan-Lusada-Agbara, Ota-Abeokuta, and Ilaro-Owode roads had played important roles as they had helped to improve the State’s Internally Generated Revenue through the influx of more people and industries.

He acknowledged the difficulties people are going through due to the bold policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to pull the country out of the woods but maintained that his administration had risen to the occasion by providing needed palliatives to cushion the effects and help the people navigate the period.

“I want to assure you that we can only hope for more wins in the future. It has been a very difficult year for us all, not just as a state but as a country. Our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, started his tenure with very bold reforms that have resulted in some unintended consequences that we must all endure so that we can have a country that is solvent,” he added

He appreciated members of the Assembly for the speedy passage of the Bill after due diligence and commended their high level of commitment to their constituents and the state, noting that their collaboration with the executive arm had led to the state growing in leaps and bounds.

Earlier, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, noted that the speedy passage of the Bill was in keeping with the promise made to the governor when he presented the Bill to the assembly on the 4th of December this year, adding that no budget bill had been passed before Christmas in the past.

While appreciating the governor for the facelift given to the Assembly Complex, Rt. Hon. Elemide said his colleagues worked tirelessly to ensure that the budget was passed on time so as to keep the wheels of the state’s progress moving.

He assured the  governor that the Assembly would continue collaborating with the other arms of government to ensure that the people enjoy the dividends of democracy.

 

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