Category: News

Following the announcement of the date and modalities for the 4th Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series [African Edition] scheduled to hold virtually on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, by 4.30pm, organisers of the event, Pacesetter Frontier Magazine, have announced Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor as the Keynote Speaker for the 4th edition of the lecture.

Disclosing this in a statement, the Magazine’s Head of Southern Bureau, Doris Ewo, noted that the Keynote Speaker will speak on the topic: “Beyond Borders – Shared Pressures and the Politics of Reforms in African States”.

Speaking to the purpose of the topic, Ewo said:

“In recent times, Africa has witnessed a resurgence of Military Coups. Incidents of Civil Mass Protests are also sweeping throughout the continent.

“A cursory look at the Coups and Protests occurring beyond the borders of different African countries reveal some things – citizens’ agitation against the multilayered issues of horrible governance, politics, policies and their dwindling economic anti-people upshoots among African States.

“It is also noticed that external pressures come in different forms from Western countries and their allied organs, like the IMF, influencing loads of government decisions taken in African States.

“These shared pressures beyond borders, as identified above, if left unchecked, will obviously cause a continental implosion, now or in the future – and if this is to be avoided, there’s a need to begin to re-echo and preach the message of politics of reforms in African states.

“We hope that the lecture affords the Speaker the opportunity to propose how we can calm the troubled waters, reform the governance approach in the continent, beginning with how leaders of African States emerge, policy making, citizens’ charter and welfare, human rights, press freedom, rule of law, stronger judicial system, food security and security of lives and properties.

“One thing we have in mind is that the lecture contributes to charting new leadership, economic and social paths to the exponential development of the continent of Africa”.

Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor, the immediate past Vice President of Liberia, is a seasoned diplomat, lawyer, and public servant with over two decades of experience in law, economics, gender development, impactful leadership, and public administration on various levels, with deep proficiency in policymaking, decision making, conflict resolution, peace, and nation building, both on national and international levels.

Dr. Howard-Taylor bagged a B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia in 1985, a diploma in banking from the American Institute of Banking, New York in 1991, an MBA in Finance from the Cuttington University Graduate School, Monrovia in 2007,  an LLB in Law from the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law from the University of Liberia in 2011, among other prestigious honors in International Relations, Gender Development, Business Management, and many more.

Between August 1997 to August 2003, she served as the First Lady of Liberia during which she rendered heartfelt service to her nation. During the Liberian Civil Crisis, she established and handled the National Humanitarian Task Force that provided monthly food rations and medical services to over 300,000 internally displaced Liberians for over 3 years. Not to mention that as the First Lady, she advocated and lobbied for the creation of the Ministry of Gender, which is today the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, and also an inheritance law that affords equal rights for widows in civil and traditional marriages in Liberia to this day.

As the Senior Senator, representing Bong County in Liberia in the Liberian Senate from January 2006 to January 2018, Dr. Jewel served on several key Senate Committees, such as Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget; Judiciary, Claims, Petitions, and Human Rights; Defense and Internal Affairs; Gender, Health, Children and Social Services, among other important committees, and international relations.

Between January 2018 to January 2024, she served as the Vice President, and later the President of the Liberian Senate. During this, she, among other ambitious feats, as the Presiding Officer of the Liberian Senate, ensured the legislature made laws and policies that guided the implementation of Liberia’s Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development, with a focus on poverty eradication, gender equality, SDGs, and accessible healthcare to the people of Liberia.

Dr. Howard-Taylor has also served or is serving in many other leadership positions.

• April 1996 to September 1996 – President, Agricultural Cooperative Bank of Liberia
• September 1996 to August 1997 – Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Liberia
• Former Chairperson, Women Legislative Caucus of Liberia
• Member, African Women Network, African Union
• Current Global Chairperson, African Women in Leadership Organization, AWLO
• Founder, Jewel Star Fish Foundation

Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor is a shining light in the discourse of African Leadership and the continent’s social and humanitarian development, and the overall growth of Africa.

Participants are to register freely here.

The event which will be entirely virtual and live-streamed on Zoom, X, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram will be hosted by a Nigerian Broadcast Journalist, Alex Ogbodo and has Journalist101, AnchorNews, CEO Media and OU Travel and Tours as its media partners.

Other partners are Odengene Airshuttle Services Limited; ROWE Oil, Nigeria; Human Development Center, Nigeria; OPEANS Nigeria Limited and Selonnes Consult.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has rallied Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for a prosperous and resilient Nigeria.

Nnaji, who said that sustainable development lies at the heart of the country’s priorities, made the remarks at the National Launch of the Grand Challenges Nigeria Project, at Banquet Hall, Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

He noted that in a rapidly evolving world, innovation was essential.

“Today’s challenges, climate change, food security, health, and technology access, require bold, creative solutions,” he stated, adding that “for Nigeria to thrive, we must develop solutions that meet today’s needs without compromising future generations.

“Our cultural diversity and resource richness provide a unique foundation for creating a sustainable, prosperous future.

“The Grand Challenges Nigeria Project will act as a collaborative platform, uniting government, academia, the private sector, and development partners.

“Working together, we will identify pressing issues and harness our brightest minds to create impactful solutions.

“No single entity has all the answers; by combining resources and expertise, we can implement multi- dimensional strategies with far-reaching benefits, contributing to President Tinubu’s goals of inclusive prosperity and strengthened national development.”

“As we launch this initiative, I call upon all stakeholders to join us in this transformative endeavour.

“Let us commit to collaboration, nurture talent, and cultivate an innovative landscape that champions sustainable development and supports President Tinubu’s agenda for a prosperous and resilient Nigeria,” he urged the citizens.

In his speech for the official launch of the Grand Challenges Nigeria National Initiative, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, said a sense of urgency was imposed upon Nigerians “by the rapid pace at which our world is evolving in the realms of science and technology.

“The rules of the world in this century compel us not only to contextualise solutions to our unique national challenges, but also to draw inspiration to innovate. What has brought us together here today, the Grand Challenges Nigeria initiative, is a call to action.

“It is a timely intervention that aligns with the agenda of this administration while driving advancements in public health, nutrition, and sustainable development across Nigeria.”

While making his remarks, the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, who is also the Chairman, Board of Trustees of The Nutrition Society of Nigeria said the populace faced sobering health and development realities as Nigerians, noting that there has been much debate about where the blame for this should lie.

“With a population of less than 300 million people, we have more poor people than any nation in the world, including China and India, which have more than a billion people.

“We rank 110th out of 125 countries on the 2024 Global Hunger Index, even worse than some countries at war.

“The death of a woman at childbirth is at a criminally high rate of 1,047 women per 100,000 live births, and we are still losing 107 children before the age of five years for every 1,000 live births.

“Last year, we may have lost an estimated 200,000 people to malaria, and we did not have nearly enough physicians to care for our people, even before losing them to the health systems of other countries.

“Regardless of where you put the blame, the responsibility for ameliorating these difficult conditions will require both focused efforts and collective action,” he advised.

…Injects N50Bn Into Road Projects

Governor Umo Eno has announced plans to inject 50 billion naira into ongoing public infrastructure projects in Akwa Ibom State between now and December 2024 to expedite their completion.

However, as a condition, contractors must undertake not to embark on Christmas vacation this year, instead taking advantage of the dry season to complete their assignments.

The Governor made this declaration during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Aviation Village at Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA), Uyo, on Monday.

The Aviation Village, to be completed in two phases, will include housing estates for aviation workers in the first phase, while a primary school, shopping mall, and recreational facilities will be developed in the second phase.

Governor Eno said, “We are releasing 50 billion naira into the hands of contractors to ensure they don’t go on Christmas vacation. We will only pay contractors who sign undertakings to stay back and complete their projects.”

He promised to set up a project monitoring team to ensure contractors comply with his directives, emphasizing that with the State’s challenging weather most of the year, it was critical to maximize the dry season.

“We are injecting over 220 billion naira into road projects in next year’s budget, making Akwa Ibom a construction hub for major projects. By 2025, we aim to consolidate these efforts,” the Governor said.

Commending RAS Premium Construction Limited for its swift mobilization and site preparation, the Governor remarked, “This site was once a bush, but you have transformed it. Your dedication is evident, and I encourage you to remain on-site because you won the bid and have met our conditions.”

He also emphasized his administration’s commitment to enhancing aviation infrastructure to ensure Akwa Ibom retains its leadership in the sector.

“We are reaffirming our commitment to making Akwa Ibom the aviation hub of Nigeria,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of Ibom Air’s success as Nigeria’s preferred carrier, noting its role in positioning Akwa Ibom as a top destination. “Today, by God’s grace, Ibom Air boasts a fleet of nine aircraft,” he added.

Dr. Iniobong Essien, Chairman of Ibom Airport Development Company, commended the Governor’s aviation-friendly policies, describing the Aviation Village project as innovative and transformative for the sector.

Surveyor Iniobong Ekpeyong, Chairman of Uruan Local Government Area, expressed excitement about the project, emphasizing its potential to create jobs and provide shelter for the people of Nsit Ntai, Uruan, and Okobo. He assured the Governor of the host communities’ collaboration to ensure timely project completion.

The Governor also reiterated his administration’s dedication to workers’ welfare, announcing plans for a 13th-month salary and an 80,000-naira minimum wage once the ongoing workforce audit is concluded.

He explained that it was illogical to continue paying workers who had left for greener pastures abroad, hence the need for an immediate workforce authentication exercise.

“Once the verification exercise is completed, we will pay the 80,000 naira minimum wage we promised,” he said.

Regarding the recent dismissal of the Managing Director of Ibom Power Company, Engr. Meyen Etukudo, the Governor said:

“I’m setting up a probe panel to investigate the power company’s activities to determine why it is running at a loss and owing the gas supplier. Any government investment that fails to yield profit will result in the MD’s removal. I don’t care about blackmail. We are determined—it’s time we started reaping from our investments.”

He added, “We cannot keep investing the people’s money in projects that yield no results. That’s not how I was raised,” Pastor Eno said.

Otuekong Raphael Bassey, Commissioner for Housing, lauded the Governor’s dedication to infrastructure development, describing him as a man of peace and progress. “The Governor is propelling the Ministry of Housing to deliver transformative projects that improve the lives of our people,” he said.

The Governor’s efforts also drew praise from Comrade Ukeme Etuk of the National Union of Air Transport Workers, who highlighted his commitment to workers’ welfare, including the timely payment of terminal benefits and last year’s 13th-month salary. “He keeps his promises. This year, he’ll do it again. Workers will continue to stand by him,” he said.

Captain Mfon Udom, Managing Director of Ibom Air, praised the Governor’s vision for the aviation sector and his dedication to supporting Ibom Air’s expansion plans.

Chief Ganem Ras of RAS Premium Construction Services pledged to exceed expectations in delivering the Aviation Village project, aligning it with the Arise Agenda blueprint.

…Pushes for a paradigm shift

…Why Enugu is Spending 33% of annual budget on education

Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has called for a paradigm shift in says Nigeria’s current education model,saying it cannot deliver the much-needed speedy development and economic transformation.

Mbah therefore, advocated for a shift from rote or memorisation to experiential learning, which he described as the missing link between education, industrialisation, and GDP growth.

He stated this on Tuesday while delivering the 1st Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Distinguished Personalities Lecture Series entitled “Experiential Learning: Building the Wealth of the Nation.”

“Why do Nigerian universities seldom feature on the global ranking list of world’s best universities? Why have they seemed perennially unable to become the ideas factory which universities ought to be? Why are our universities not producing inventive graduates?

“The answers to these questions lie in many inconvenient truths, amongst which is the fact that the learning in our schools, from basic to tertiary, has for years not imbued our young people with productive skills and competencies. This is the root cause of our underdevelopment,” he said.

He noted that knowledge has always been the prime lever for progress throughout human history, the reason he said nations like the US, China, Germany, and Netherlands, which invest the most in building a qualitative and experiential education ecosystem are the world’s leading economies – United States of America.

Mbah, who is currently building 260 Smart Green Schools to power experiential learning in the 260 wards of Enugu State, stressed that by embedding the model from the basic to tertiary levels of education, Enugu was creating a seamless pipeline where students progress from foundational learning to practical innovation.

He also directed all state-owned tertiary institutions to deliver experiential learning going forward.

“So, we hereby announce as a policy that all state-owned tertiary institutions in Enugu State must henceforth deliver Experiential Learning to our children. We want to see this change reflected in planning, budget, curriculum reform, assessment and promotions, as well as research.

“Experiential learning ensures that education is deeply connected to the challenges and opportunities of the real world.

“It fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. It empowers students to see themselves not as passive learners, but as active problem-solvers,” he said.

Justifying his administration’s allocation of 33 per cent of the state’s budget to the education sector, Mbah regretted that whereas governments could be sacked in developed nations for a slight drop in standard in either of the sectors, most leaders spend more on physical infrastructure like roads, which yield immediate results and acclaim.

“Instructively, the most impactful policies are not necessarily those that create the biggest buzz. But they offer the clearest indices of human development.

“Nothing transforms lives and paves a path to a promising future like quality education. It is the reason why one-third of Enugu State’s total annual budget went into funding education.

“This translates to roughly twice UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 15 per cent – 20 per cent. What this means is that for every N100 Naira spent, N33 goes to the education budget.

“This funding has enabled us to implement both infrastructural and pedagogical overhaul of our education system.

“Our will has enabled us to begin a transition from a system where pupils seemed, to all intents and purposes, to be merely going through the motions of learning, to an ecosystem of experiential learning.

“Through our Smart Green Schools, we have introduced the ‘cut-off point’, whereby we target children from age three, and begin to inculcate in them social habits, health habits, fine motor skills, and problem-solving competencies, introducing them to an experiential education system that helps them to navigate our rapidly evolving technological knowledge-driven world.

“After three years of Early Childhood Education, having completed Nursery 1-3, our children complete Basic 1-9. During their twelve-year academic study in the Enugu Smart Green Schools, our children learn with interactive digital whiteboards, tablets, and computers; they are immersed in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual/Augmented Reality, and Internet of Things, among others.

“Upon graduating from the Smart Green Schools, about one-quarter of our children will proceed to Technical and Vocational Schools focusing on key competencies like Industrial and Information Technology, Building and Fabrication Engineering, as well as Industrial Agriculture, with the objective to become respected and skilled professionals, highly valued for their expertise.”

He said his administration was already constructing eight Science, Technical, and Vocational (STV) schools across Enugu State, starting from the Government Technical College (GTC), Enugu.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Alloysius-Michael Okolie; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of ESUT Governing Council, Sir Chinyeaka Oha and chairman of the public lecture, Prof. Obiora Ike, commended Mbah for his huge investments in the education sector and the transformational leadership cutting across all sectors.

Also, the governor, during the visit, commissioned the Dr. Peter Mbah Multipurpose Auditorium, named after him by ESUT leadership, in appreciation of his immense impacts and contributions to the repositioning of the institution in a short time.

Organisers of the Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series, Pacesetter Frontier Magazine, have unveiled the modalities for the 4th edition of the public lecture which will be entirely virtual.

According to the Magazine, the Lecture which is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, by 4.30pm (WAT) is expected to have guests joining in from all African countries, going by the topic of the 4th edition and the array of resource persons, all of which will also be revealed in the coming days,while promising to make further updates available to the public.

See the Modalities Below:

Introduction: The event is scheduled to commence at 4.30pm and end at 7.30pm (max). The Lecture is expected to last for a maximum duration of 50 minutes. At the end of the Lecture, a panel session which will last for another 40-50 minutes will follow. The panel will enable the Host and the public to ask questions based on the topic of the Lecture.

Interludes: There will also be a Poetry and Art presentation, to serve as interludes, that will both last for about 15 minutes.

Live Streaming: We will simultaneously stream on five platforms – Zoom, X, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. The event will also be recorded.

Collation of Questions: To ensure that the Q & A session will flow smoothly, the audience will drop their questions in the comment section of each social platform or send to our email (thepacesetter03@gmail.com). The organisers will sieve the questions and present them through the Host to the particular Discussant the question is meant for.

Host: The event will be hosted by a Nigerian Broadcast Journalist, Alex Ogbodo of Afia TV.

Registration: https://forms.gle/zGkDhp2jdx4y5UQG9

Partners: Odengene Air Shuttle, ROWE Oil, Human Development Center.

Media: TheNiche Newspaper, Journalist101, AnchorNews, CEO Media.

The Frontier Discourse initiative has spurred robust discussions on inclusive peace, responsible governance, societal progress and development, gaining traction in the past three years as a major platform by Nigeria’s public-private sector leaders and political class, with three successful editions.

Delegates count are captains of industries, spiritual leaders, traditional rulers, the political class, youth bodies, civil & non-governmental organizations, professional bodies, the formal sector, secondary school students, university undergraduates and honored Nigerians.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has instructed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) not to demand payment from customers for replacing outdated or faulty meters that lack software upgrades.

NERC highlighted concerns over reports that some DisCos were requiring customers to pay for meter replacements, an action that violates Order No. NERC/246/2021. The order mandates DisCos to replace defective or obsolete meters at no cost, except in cases where the damage was caused by the customer.

The upgrade is part of a global meter software update set for November 24 to accommodate new electricity tokens.

NERC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and urged customers to report any DisCo non-compliance to regulatory standards.

Governor Peter Mbah has congratulated Enugu State-born Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Onwe Adetshina, on her emergence as the first runner up at the Miss Universe 2024 Pageant in Mexico, saying she had demonstrated the perseverance and courage for which the people of the state were known.

Mbah, who had earlier received Miss Onwe Adetshina in October and appointed her the state’s brand ambassador also thanked Nigerians and the world for rallying behind her in her chequered journey to the pageant.

“Congratulations to Miss Universe Nigeria and Enugu State Brand Ambassador, Chidimma Onwe Adetshina, our pride from Amurri, Nkanu West LGA, on emerging as the 1st Runner-Up at the Miss Universe 2024 Pageant in Mexico!

“Chidimma’s incredible journey and outstanding performance have filled us with immense pride, reaffirming the resilience, brilliance, and determination that define Ndi Enugu.

“Against all odds, she has made Enugu and Nigeria shine brightly on the world stage, and we could not be prouder of her.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Enugu State, I say congratulations Chidimma – keep soaring to even greater heights!

“Let me also seize this opportunity to thank Nigerians and the rest of the world who rallied behind her and voted immensely to enable her achieve this feat,” Mbah stated.

Recall that although Chidimma had been resident in South Africa, she withdrew from Miss South Africa competition for lack of acceptance and the storm generated by her participation and joined the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant where she was crowned and went on to represent Nigeria at the just concluded 2024 Miss Universe Pageant in Mexico where she emerged 1st runner up to Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who clinched the crown on Sunday.

Warns Africa youth bulge could become a nightmare if…

Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, has charged Africa’s leaders at all levels on the revival of the ideals of broadmindedness, inclusivity, pan-Africanism, and selflessness espoused by the foremost nationalist and former President of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, to move the continent forward.

This was even as he warned that Africa’s youth bulge, which is projected to reach 830 to 850 million by 2050, could either be a blessing or a nightmare, depending on how the continent’s leaders at every level are able to invest in youth development and job creation.

Mbah stated these at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, during the 13th Annual Zik Lecture Series themed “Zik’s Legacies and the Rising Social Movements in Africa: Rethinking Regional Integration in Africa,” delivered by the African Union High Representative and former President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambers.

The governor recalled that Azikiwe’s broadminded nature saw him champion the emergence of non-Easterners as elected leaders in the defunct region and Pan-Africanism, which deservedly earned him the moniker, ‘Zik of Africa’.

“But Zik’s appeal was not just in regard to the fact that he was broad-minded. He was a beacon of selflessness, and understood quite clearly that public office essentially meant service to the people.

“There was never any hint of hubris in his life. He devoted his life to building an inclusive society. And he didn’t just pay lip service to that ideal; he demonstrated that commitment through his actions.

“It was under Zik’s watch, as leader of the NCNC, that Mallam Umaru Altine, a Fulani, emerged as the first mayor of Enugu. It is instructive that he gave his support to a ‘settler’ from Sokoto than to a fellow easterner.

“Zik was also convinced that a united and integrated Africa will foster economic cooperation and development. Such ideas reflected in his writings in the Accra-based African Morning Post and in his books such as ‘Renascent Africa’, ‘The Future of Pan-Africanism’, and ‘The Realities of African Unity’,” he said.

The governor, however, regretted the erosion of such values and the consequent slow pace of integration, including infrastructural integration among the peoples of the continent decades after.

“Sixty years after that decade of optimism, can we say we are witnessing the strengthening or unraveling of continent-wide and regional integration?

“Even the most optimistic in this hall will shudder in contemplating the prospects of ECOWAS after the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the regional economic bloc,” he emphasised.

Mbah called for robust human capital development and job creation, failing which Africa’s and Nigeria’s bulging youth populations could become a nightmare.

“The continent’s youth population is also projected to reach 830 – 850 million in that same period. This could be an asset; but it can also be a nightmare. It would be an asset if there is sustained investment in growing Africa’s human capital. Of course, a nightmare scenario beckons if the burgeoning youth population sees no job prospects that are commensurate to the rich resources across the continent.

“Again, today, with Nigeria’s over 200 million population and an incredibly enormous youth bulge, a new kind of social movement has emerged, aided by the tools of the social media. They are young, tech-savvy, and flaunt a leadership that is largely amorphous.

“The angst of these movements may not be fuelled by the kind of idealism that birthed the independence movements of the 1940s and 1950s, but their motivation may yet be deemed quasi-idealistic – as evident in the EndSars protests of 2020. But, by and large, the roots of their angst are economic – as the recent protests in Kenya and Nigeria clearly showed.

“Indeed, across Africa, the angst of the youth is increasingly being felt. This speaks to the expediency of creating vibrant and inclusive economies that would banish the sense of alienation amongst the youth which, to a large extent, feeds the desperation behind the perilous journeys to Europe via the Mediterranean,” he concluded.

The Guest Lecturer, Ibn Chambers; Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; wife of the late nationalist, Prof. Uche Azikiwe; Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council and Obi of Onithsa, Igwe Alfred Achebe; Benefactor of the University, Senator Ben Obi; and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Odoh, among others, extolled the virtues and legacies of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, stressing the need for economic cooperation and regional integration.

Speaking during the 2024 annual popular Oriri Anu Amurri which is a combination of their new yam festival held at the Community’s market square yesterday, the monarch insisted that the history of a people will be incomplete without their culture and tradition record.

He therefore urged traditional rulers in Igbo land to keep doing everything within their powers to ensure that the culture and traditions of their localities do not go into extinction in their respective domains in the name of civilization.

The Enugu state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, who spoke through his Commissioner for Agriculture, Patrick  Ubru, applauded the Amurri people for their zeal and resilience  in farming  which he said,  is in line with his administration’s commitment in boosting food production and sufficiency.

He assured the people that his government would continue to provide farmers both rural and mechanized ones the conducive environment so as to enhance food sufficiency and make the state food basket in South East Nigeria,  restating his resolve in accordance with  Agriculture sectors the  topmost priority.

Also speaking at the colorful ceremony, the immediate past chairman of the All Progressive Congress in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye stressed the need for religious groups to always imbibe the culture of tolerance.

The APC chieftain who is a Crown Prince in the Community noted that before the advent of the Europeans that led to the acceptance of Christianity in Africa, natives had their ancient ways of worshipping their gods.

Going down memory lane, he recalled that the natives accommodated various Christian denominations like Catholic Church, Methodist, among others.

The former Federal Commissioner further disclosed that apart from accommodating Christianity, the natives gave its denominations places where they built schools and churches.

Nwoye therefore appealed to Christians and Muslims and other religions to also tolerate the traditional worshippers and not to disperse them.

Nwoye further noted that the Amuri community, like the Christian religion, has a pilgrimage center where people go and pray for solutions to their needs including wealth.

He explained that the cultural celebration is also used to seek for peace, adding that the priests of the land have already showered blessings on them.

Also speaking, the Chief Priest of Amuri, John Njoku stated that they use the event to celebrate the new yam festival and appreciate the land of Amuri.

In an interview, Senator Chukwu, described this year’s festival as unique, saying it provided sons and daughters of Amurri kingdom the opportunity of coming together as always to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the locality

He promised to attract his colleagues to attend that of 2025, adding that as a Senator, he would continue to support his people ensuring that the festival is sustained.

…Inaugurates airport runway in Ebonyi State

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has inaugurated a 3.1 kilometer runway at the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, Ebonyi State.

She performed the ceremony on the margins of her visit to the state where she attended the 2024 Ebonyi Women’s Day celebration.

She was joined at the inauguration ceremony by Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, the state Governor, Francis Nwifuru and former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim among others.

While applauding the state governor for seeing the project through, the First Lady says commercial activities at the airport will usher in more socio-economic development for the state.

The inauguration of the runway is a significant ceremony that is crucial to the commencement of commercial flight operations at the airport, scheduled for December 12, this year.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu later interacted with Ebonyi State traditional rulers at the Presidential Lodge, Abakaliki where she extolled the peaceful nature of the state, describing it as a beacon of hope for the country.

“Nigeria has everything it takes for us to be a great nation. We have to continue to bless this land and I appeal to you our traditional rulers to lead in that regard.”

Addressing women who converged on the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, for their 2024 Women’s Day Celebration, the First Lady acknowledged the theme of the celebration “Uplifting Women For Sustainable Development”, noting the tremendous support they have enjoyed from the state governor in the areas of appointment and interventions.

“Let me go back to greet your governor. He has gone beyond the 35 percent in female appointment. His deputy governor is a woman, same for the Secretary to the State Government and many down the line. Now I want to announce that he has decided to empower 130 people with businesses with one million Naira each as business recapitalization grants.

As RHI, we did not come empty handed. We are donating a sum of 50 million Naira, 20,000 wrappers, shoes and bags to support businesses of women in that line, in this state.”

With the Yuletide season fast approaching, the First Lady appealed to market women to refrain from unfair hike in prices of food items during the festive season.

The State governor, Francis Nwifuru, while appreciating the First Lady for the visit acknowledged the impact of RHI intervention programmes in the state and thanked her for bringing dividends of democracy to Ebonyi women.

He added that he is indebted to the women of the state whose contributions to the development of the state has been tremendous.