The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: Opinion

  • A bleeding nation

    In 1997, General Bashir Magashi was appointed a member of the Provisional Ruling Council headed by General Sani Abacha. It was the Council that was to decide on the fate of General Oladipo Diya, Major General Tajudeeen Olanrewaju alias Jasper, Major General Abdulkareem Adisa, Major Seun Fadipe, Colonel Olu Akiode and others. The 22 members of the Provisional Ruling Council included General Abacha, Lt. General Jeremiah Useni, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie, Inspector General of Police, Major General John Inienger, Major General Abduallahi Sarki Mukthar, Major General Mufu Balogun, Rear Admiral Taiwo Odedina, Major General Victor Malu, Rear Admiral Rufus Eyitayo, Commodore Victor Ombu, Lt. Gen. B. Haladu, Air Commodore Kamis Uwenwailiri, Major General Felix Mujaperuo, Major General Ishaya Bamaiyi, Major General Peter Shaa, Rear Admiral Mike Akhigbe, Commodore Anthony Oguguo, Major General Bashir Magashi and the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Abdusalami Abubakar. The Provisional Ruling Council was scheduled to meet on June 8, 1998 but it could not because of General Abacha’s death on that day. If you read the book: The Vindication of a General by General Ishaya Bamaiyi, you will be better informed on who Major General Magashi is.

    After Gen. Abacha’s death in 1998, he was appointed as a member of the Provisional Ruling Council headed by General Abdulsalam Abubakar. It was this council that handed power to President Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999. Other members of the Provisional Ruling Council at that time were Musuliu Smith (Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zonal Headquarters, Kano; Group Captain Ikechukwu Nnamani, Commodore Emmanuel Acholonu, Rear-Admiral Victor Ombu, Major-General Idris Garba, Major General Yunana Nom, Air Vice-Marshall Mohammed Ndatsu Umaru, Air Vice-Marshal Emmanuel Edem, Air Vice-Marshal Isaac Mohammed Alfa, Rear-Admiral Peter Ebhaleme, Rear-Admiral Taiwo Odedina, Rear-Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi, Major-General Samuel Victor Leo Malu, Major-General Oladayo Popoola, Major-General Ekpo Archibong, Major-General Peter Gyang Sha, Major-General Abdullahi Sarki Muktar, Air Vice-Marshal Idi Musa, Major-General Suleiman Said, Major-General Bashir Salihi Magashi, Major-General John Mark Inienger, Major-General Godwin Abbe, Lt-General Rufus Kupolati, Ibrahim Coomasie, Air Marshal Nsikak Eduok, Vice-Admiral Jubril Ayinla, Lt-General Ishaya Rizi Bamaiyi, Air Marshal Al-Amin Daggash, Vice-Admiral Okhai Mike Akhigbe and General Abdusalam Abubakar.

    On his assumption of power on May 29, 1999, President Olusegun Obasanjo, later retired 93 military officers who had earlier served in various political positions during the military era. General Magashi was one of them. The others are Major-Generals Leo Ajiborisha, Samud Omlago Ango, Patrick. Aziza, ldris Garba, Joshua Madaki, Bashir Salihi Magashi, Abdul-One Mohammed, Garba Ali Mohammed, Abdullahi Sarki

    Mukhtar, Brigadier Generals Yusuf Abubakar, Sule Ahman, Ibrahim Aliyu, Bassey Asuquo, Ernest Attah, Salihu Tunde Bello, Samai!a Bature Chamah, Cletus Komena Emein, Lawal Ja’afaru Isah, Aliyu Kama, Fidelis Makka, Mohammed Buba Marwa, Yakubu Mu’azu, Dominic Oneya, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, John Yeri, Colonels Bzigu Afakirya, Usman Ahmed, Daniel Akintonde, Hameed Ali, Anthony Amebo, Theophilus Bamigboye, John Dungs, Moses Fasanya, Dauda Musa Komo, Aminu Konragora, Mohammed Mana, Musa Mohammed, Anthony Obi, Peter Ogar, Aina Joseph Owoniyi, Habibu Idris Shuaibu, Musa Shehu, Ahmed Usman, Jibril Bala Yakubu, Tanko Zubairu, Lt-Colonels Joseph Akaagerger, Mohammed Bawa, Ahmadu Garba Hussaini, Abubakar Maimalari, Bawa Mande, Rear-Admiral Afolabi Afolahan, Oladehinde Joseph, Sunday Olukoya, Adetoye Sode, Commodore Emmanuel Acholonu, James Aneke, Temi Ejoor, Amadi Ikwechegh, Anthony Oguguo, Kayode Olofinmoyin, Navy Captains Adedurotimi Adeusi, Adewunmi Agbaje, Walter Feghabo, Joe Kalu-Igboamah, Omoniyi Olubolade, Anthony Onyearugbulem, Christopher Osondu, Rasheed Raji, Anthony Udofia, Atanda Yusuf, Air Vice Marshals Gregory Agboneni and Frank Ajobena, Air Commodore Ibrahim Dada, Peter Gana, Baba Iyam, Ibrahim Kefas, Ndong Essiet Nkanga, Abubakar Salihu, Group Captains John Ebiye, Sam Ewang, Rufai Garba, Lawal Haruna, John Ben-Kalio, Joe Orji, Wing Commander Adam, Mshelia and EU Ukaegbu, Assistant Inspector General of Police Dabo Aliyu, Simeon Oduoye, Amen Oyakhire and Commissioner of Police Mustapha Ismail.

    After retirement, General Magashi vied to be Governor of Kano State under Democratic People’s Party, DPP and later became the National Chairman of the Party. Along with President Muhammadu Buhari, he became a member of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP and in 2007, he was the Kano’s state governorship candidate of DPP. Major General Bashir Magashi is representing Kano State in the Federal Executive Council and at present Kano State has two ministers of full cabinet rank, including Alhaji Sabo Nanono, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, unlike states like Ondo and Kogi, who for the two terms of President Buhari are compensated with just Ministers of State.

    Leadership is a lonely job. Very lonely indeed. The success and failure of a leader is always judged by actions taken or actions not taken. But a leader can only take an action based on information available to him. Sometimes friends and aides can misled a leader, because most of the time most leaders are imprisoned by those close around them. General Magashi is not just a Minister; he is a man who has been in power and government for years. He knows the mechanics and rudiments of power structure. For him to say that “Nigeria is bleeding”, we have to take him seriously.

    Source: www.vanguardngr

  • Onyemelukwe: Anambra Awaits the Arrival of An Amazon

    ANAMBRA AWAITS THE ARRIVAL OF AN AMAZON
    (Chidi Alexandria Onyemelukwe, née Ekwueme)

     

    M.O. ENE

     

    Good leadership depends on how the leaders were raised, how they emerged, how they relate to the people, and how the people relate to them as servant leaders. By far the most dynamic and dedicated candidate in the field of Anambra 2021 gubernatorial race is Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe, #LCO.

    In 2020, I projected that the next governor of Anambra State could be a lady. When I saw her among Anambra politicians visiting Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, I noted that #LCO could make it if she contested. It was dismissed principally because of the apparent extraordinary election funding in Anambra State. Instead, the name of a female senator headlined since she had whispered her gubernatorial interest.

    Before the end of expression of interest, #LCO emerged in her political party, PDP. With her #RestoreAnambra team, she hit the ground running like she had PDP in her DNA! She has not disappointed. She has been traversing the state, engaging, and enlightening voters. At a point, I wondered if she was running unopposed!

    Forget gender, forget zone; toe-to-toe, #LCO is the best bet for the restoration and elevation of Anambra State to the status of its nickname, ‘Light of the Nation.’ PDP must rally behind her, a princess of Nigeria’s premier political platform. (Her father, former VP Alex Ekwueme, was the party’s founding father.)

    Last Sunday, I logged into a Zoom interview session with her. She spoke on popular policies from education, environment, industrialization, to information technology. I highlighted the changing demographics of Anambra communities, especially in her Nnewi constituency. As an 042, like yours sincerely, she understands that one thrives where s/he lives and contributes positively to the growth of community. Her government will encourage constructive coexistence through cultural assimilation and such civic responsibilities as paying taxes and voting. This is where community government arises; it is the foundation of thriving societies.

    Though the process is still at the primary level, a new political paradigm is loading. Business-savvy Anambra people can no longer wallow in cash-and-carry politics. She is convincing her fellow citizens to invest in her, as is done in enlightened societies, not allow bankrollers to buy their votes and recoup their pecuniary speculations for four years without delivering decent dividends of democracy.

    If any state can turn the corner on crass cash politics, it is Anambra State. If anyone can change the culture, Chidi can. What is left is for her to raise the volume. Whatever the outcome of any credible election, her voice will trigger a new tradition in the electoral practices of Southeastern Nigeria and beyond.

    Someone reticently referenced the last bewildering gubernatorial race in Imo State during the interview. PDP must not allow such a rotten replay in Anambra. We see now what happens when elections are concocted, and the will of the people is subverted for selfish benefits. As #LCO herself stated, God is her Godfather. God does not like ugly.

    Kudos to her team. It is heartwarming that three-time SSG Oseloka H. Obaze (OHO) is in her corner. As the best governor Anambra did not get in 2017 and with whom she ran as deputy on same PDP ticket, #LCO, will make waves if given the opportunity to serve her beloved state.

    Finally, there is one quality to look for in a person: loyalty in the face of extreme adversity. #LCO has proven beyond doubts to be a loyal lady who stays faithful to family and friends all the time. That counts more than all powers and pennies in the world. In my earnest estimation, regardless of the outcome in the elections, and with all due respect to other contestants, she is the best of the batch of 2021. She will make Anambra proud.

    Ahịa dị mma na-ere onwe ya.
    (A good product sells itself.)

    ©️MOE, June 1, 2021

  • Former Presidential candidate kingsley Moghalu declares Interest to contest

     

    As the clamour for Igbo Presidency come 2023 intensifies, former presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Prof. Kingsley Moghalu has declared in his interest to contest the poll.

     

    The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), had at the weekend supported the clamour for southern Nigeria to produce the President in 2023.

     

     

     

    National Leader of SMBLF, Edwin Clark, had urged the region not to accept any political position except the presidency come 2023.

     

    Moghalu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, in a statement, declaring his intention to contest the presidential election in 2023, said his presidency will be hinged on four pillars tagged SWAG.

     

    Said Moghalu, who polled 21,886 votes in the 2019 presidential election: “For the sake of the youths of our country, including my four children whose future is being drowned in reckless foreign borrowings, and for the sake of all Nigerians suffering and seeking a clear alternative to the status quo, I intend with all humility to present myself again as a candidate for the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2023 general elections.

     

     

     

    “If elected, I will run a government with a dream team of highly competent Nigerians from all parts of our country. Along with strengthened, independent institutions, we will deliver results on a 4-point agenda in four years (4 by 4): Security for all Nigerians and Nigeria’s territory; war against poverty, skills, jobs for our youth, and an innovation economy; accelerated education and healthcare reform; good governance, inclusive, transparent, effective, and accountable.

     

    “This is my SWAG Agenda for a 21st century Nigeria. I seek the support of all compatriots of everyone who is tired of our present national situation. We also need the energy and support of our youths, the middle class, entrepreneurs, and our compatriots in the diaspora.”

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

     

     

     

     

  • FG dish out threats of tough action on perpetrators of insecurity

     

    The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.),  on Tuesday, warned people behind security problems in the country,  saying he would soon be hard on them.

     

    Buhari also said secessionists were too young to know loss of lives and other tragedies that attended the Nigerian civil war of 1967 to 1970.

     

    Buhari said these at the Presidential Villa, Abuja after being briefed by the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, on series of attacks on facilities of the electoral body across the country.

     

    These were contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, titled, ‘Those who want to destroy this country have shock coming their way, says President Buhari.’

     

    But the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, in its reaction, advised the President to stop issuing threat and act decisively to end insecurity in the country.

     

    Since the President’s reelection in 2019, the insecurity in the country has worsened with many parts of the North-East under attack by the Boko Haram insurgents.

     

    Others zones, which were hitherto peaceful, have been witnessing kidnapping and killings by armed herdsmen and bandits.

     

     

     

    Also, there have been increased agitations by separatist groups in the South-West and South-East.  Many INEC offices in the South-East have been burnt by hoodlums.

     

    After his meeting with the INEC chairman and commissioners on Tuesday, Buhari issued a stern warning to  those who were eager to decimate the country by promoting insurrection and burning down critical national assets.

     

    He said, “I receive daily security reports on the attacks, and it is very clear that those behind them want this administration to fail.

     

    “Insecurity in Nigeria is now mentioned all over the world. All the people who want power, whoever they are, you wonder what they really want.

     

    “Whoever wants the destruction of the system will soon have the shock of their lives. We have given them enough time.”

     

    Speaking on the dangers that the burning of INEC facilities would pose to the 2023 general elections, Buhari said he would give the electoral commission all it needed to operate.

     

    “We will fully support INEC so that no one would say we don’t want to go, or that we want a third term. There will be no excuse for failure. We’ll meet all INEC’s demands,” he said.

    The President told the chairman that the service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police had been changed, “and we will demand security from them.”

     

    Buhari also said people misbehaving in certain parts of the country were too young to understand the travails and loss of lives during the Nigerian Civil War.

     

    The statement read, “He (the President) said those misbehaving in certain parts of the country were obviously too young to know the travails and loss of lives that attended the Nigerian Civil War.”

     

    It further quoted the President as saying “Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand. We are going to be very hard sooner than later.”

     

    He promised to continue leading Nigeria by the constitutional provisions.

     

    In his remarks, Yakubu said that so far, there had been 42 cases of attacks on INEC offices nationwide, since the 2019 general elections.

     

    He said, “The 42 incidents so far occurred in 14 states of the Federation for a variety of reasons…Most of the attacks happened in the last seven months, and they are unrelated to protest against previous elections.

     

     

     

    “From the pattern and frequency of the most recent attacks, they appear to be targeted at future elections. The intention is to incapacitate the commission, undermine the nation’s democracy and precipitate a national crisis.”

     

    You should lead fight from the front, PDP advises Buhari

     

    The PDP in its reaction to the  President’s statement asked him to match his words with actions and lead the fight against insecurity from the front.

     

    National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, stated this in an interview with one of our correspondents.

     

    He said, “On the issue of security, the expectation of Nigerians is that Mr. President should lead the battle against insecurity from the front like he promised during his electioneering.

     

    “But the inactions of Mr President today are responsible for the deluge of insecurity that has affected our nation. The expectation of Nigerians furthermore, is that these challenges should not be limited to the issues of lip talk; rather, they should be confronted so that Nigerians can sleep with their two eyes closed.”

     

    On the 2023 elections, the PDP spokesperson said, “The least Nigerians expect from the President for INEC to function optimally, is for him to revisit the Electoral Act amendment which he refused to assent to.

     

     

    “He should dust it up and return it to the National Assembly if there are further amendments they should be included. Let them work on it and return it to him to sign into law so that our elections will be better.

     

    “Mr President should also encourage INEC to institutionalise the electronic transfer of results in order to forestall problems that arise in the process of collation. This is not too much to ask.

     

    “As a political party interested in the corporate existence of this great country, we are prepared like we have always done, to offer advice and assist in every legitimate way to help Nigeria overcome its challenges.”

     

    On its part, the All Progressives Congress said it had no interest in trading words with the PDP over what the President said.

     

    When contacted, the Acting National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, said, “Our President has spoken, there is nothing more to add.”

     

    2023 constitutional crisis looms over attacks, INEC alerts Buhari

     

    Giving further insight into INEC’s meeting with Buhari,  a National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, in an interview with The PUNCH, said the commission told the President that there would be a constitutional crisis in 2023 if the attacks on the agency’s facilities were not checked.

     

     

     

    He said INEC chairman told the President that burning of INEC offices would have negative effects on future elections as ad hoc staff including transporters would be scared of working for the commission.

     

    Okoye said the commission told the President that persons behind burning of the offices were bent on undermining the nation’s democracy and precipitate a national crisis.

     

    According to him, the INEC  chairman told the President that since the majority of election duty workers were ad hoc staff, the cost of insuring them would increase on account of the crisis.

     

    Okoye stated that Yakubu informed Buhari that since the commission relied heavily on private vehicles and boats owners for the movement of materials, the crisis would discourage such people from participating in elections.

     

    He said, “The Chairman of the commission, Professor  Mahmood Yakubu and other national commissioners met with the President, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari today June 1, 2021 and briefed him on the spate of attacks on the commission’s offices and facilities nationwide and their implications for elections and electoral activities in Nigeria.

     

    “The chairman pointed out that there have been 42 cases of attacks on INEC offices across the country since the 2019 general elections.

     

    “He further informed the President that from the frequency of the most recent attacks, they appear to be systematic, coordinated and targeted at future elections. The intention, he pointed out, is to incapacitate the commission, undermine the nation’s democracy and precipitate a national crisis.

     

     

    “The chairman painted a clear picture of the implications of the challenges inherent in targeting the offices of the commission and bringing down its facilities including the huge investment in building the national electoral infrastructure and the difficulty in replacing them in the immediate and in the future.

     

    “The chairman further pointed out that the commission relies heavily on private vehicles and boats for the movement of materials and that the crisis will discourage the partnership with them. He stated that the majority of election duty staff are ad hoc staff and the cost of insuring them will increase on account of the crisis.

     

    “Furthermore, the cost of conducting elections will increase astronomically if staff and facilities are targeted. Fundamentally, if the commission is unable to conduct elections, there is a likelihood of a constitutional crisis.

     

    “The chairman also briefed the President on remedial actions already taken by the commission and sought the President’s intervention in view of the urgency of the situation.”

     

    The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere  advised Buhari to solve various challenges facing the country, rather than threatening agitators

     

    A chieftain of the organisation and outgoing Secretary General, Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa, who spoke with one of our correspondents, said the country was in a state of failure and there was a need for the President to do the needful.

     

    He said there were agitations from different parts of the country because youths were not happy with the situation of things.

     

     

     

    Buhari regime’ll be judged based on security, not infrastructure – Mimiko

     

    Meanwhile, a former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, on Tuesday said the President would not be judge based on provision of infrastructure but his ability to secure lives and property.

     

    Mimiko stated this in Abuja on Tuesday at the 71st birthday celebration of a former member of the House of Representatives, Joseph Akinlaja, and the launching of a book titled, ‘Labour, Politics and Grace.’

     

    The former governor stated,  “Mr President will not be judged by the number of kilometres of standard gauge railway; history will not judge his accomplishment through the Second Niger Bridge, but to what extent he rises up and addresses insecurity in our nation. This is the time to face our challenges as a nation and we shall conquer.”

     

    The former governor also said that the National Assembly was incapacitated to repeal the 1999 Constitution, calling for additional powers that will enable the parliament to initiate a new Constitution.

     

    A former Secretary-General of National Union of Petroleum and Gas Workers, Frank Kokori, recalled how the oil workers frustrated the military junta out of the office and his experience in a  cell in Bama for four years.

     

    Kokori said, “The country today enjoys democracy, no matter how benevolent the military regime is, the worst democracy is better than the military regime. That is why we sacrificed so much with deprivation to bring the military to an end. And if you imagine how ruthless Abacha was; how ruthless (the then military dictator, Gen Ibrahim) Babangida was, and we gave the military a seven-day ultimatum, even when the NADECO had given them two weeks and they refused to do anything; but NUPENG gave them a seven-day ultimatum and  who are these NUPENG people? Look at them, the tanker drivers that are treated like orphans.”

     

     

     

    Source: www.punchng.com

     

     

  • Insecurity: CDHR warns youths to stop attack on police and public facilities

    The Acting National President, Committee For Defence Of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade (Dr) Kehinde Taiga, has urged youths behind the series of attacks on policemen, and other public facilities to desist as there are other civilized and more legitimate ways of realising their self determination and actualization agenda.

     

    Making the appeal in Warri at the weekend during a Sensitization Rally tagged ‘Say No To Crime, Shun Violence and Embrace Peace‘, Taiga noted that whatever good intentions the promoters of current state of anarchy across the nation are out to achieve, their violent approach may end up endangering the lives of majority of the citizenry.

     

     

     

    He described the current trend of attacks on policemen, burning down of police stations, INEC offices, Correctional Centres and other public facilities as barbaric, callous and a disturbing act of terrorism that must come to an end immediately before it would degenerate further and got out of control.

     

    According to him; “Enough is Enough of all these senseless, barbaric and callous act of killings of policemen at their duty post and burning down of police stations, INEC offices and other public assets across the country, it is a wrong approach in actualising whatever goal or agitations in an ideal and democratic society”.

     

    “This act of terrorism that we are witnessing today is very strange to the nature of the Nigerian youths who over the years have proven to be more intellectual, refined, cultured, educated and law abiding in their approach to achieving whatever goals that are intended to better the lots of the masses irrespective of ethnic, religious or political bias”

     

     

     

    Also speaking, Delta state Chairman of CDHR, Comrade Jonathan Giama, disclosed that the sensitization rally which was organised in collaboration with the Delta state Police Command, was intended to make the youths, especially those engaged in the violence crimes across the country to retrace their steps and seek a more peaceful means of realising their agenda.

     

    Giama, stated that while the youths should not allow themselves to be used as a tool of destruction by politicians for selfish interest or some eternal forces seeking to destroy the nation at all cost, both the federal and state government should as a matter of urgency address the issue of high unemployment rate in the country.

     

    “The earlier the government at all levels realises that an ideal mind is a devil’s workshop and began the process of tackling the issue of mass unemployment, especially among the teeming able-bodied youths in the country, the better for the nation in surmounting the current insecurity challenges threatening our corporate existence”.

     

    “Government should realised that the youths constitutes over 70 percent of the nation’s population today and there is the need to be more proactive in the area of creating jobs for them and by so doing taking them off the street, as it would no longer be easy to be preaching peace to the youths when they are jobless and hungry”.

     

    In his own opinion, the Vice Chairman, Delta state branch, CDHR, Comrade Derrick Agberen, decried the proliferation of arms and ammunitions in the country and called for a more drastic measure by government to retrieve the guns in the wrong hands.

     

    He expressed fear that it would be difficult to curb crimes in the society when the youths who are not gainfully employed are still in possession of dangerous weapons and urged both the federal and state government to initiate another amnesty program where youths that surrender their guns would not only be pardoned but employed.

     

    “The proliferation of arms and ammunition in the society today calls for an urgent drastic approach by the government. And i would like to suggest that government, especially at the state level initiatives another Amnesty program when youths, especially cultists in our communities would pardoned and gainfully employed after they have surrendered their guns that way the numbers of arms and ammunitions in wrong hands would be reduced dramatically”.

     

    Speaking also a prominent member of the group, Comrade Edoso Eruore Samuel, called on the youths not to allow themselves to be used in perpetrating all sorts of criminal acts by politicians who have gone to hide their children abroad and making them a tool to destroy their father’s land.

     

    He appealed to the youths to desist from taking laws in their hands and embrace a more legitimate and constitutional ways to seek redress of whatever they perceived as injustice and oppression by the government.

     

    The two female right activists;

    Comrade Perpetual Okploko and

    Comrade Rita Omoh, were particular about the high rate of crime being perpetrated against the female gender in the society and urged that crimes such as rape, domestic violence and child abuse as well as drug abuse should face stiffer sanctions inorder to put to a  permanent stop in our communities.

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • Hon. Barr. Steve Oruruo’s Birthday: Celebrating an Amazing Rare Gift to Humanity

    Hon. Barr. Steve Oruruo’s Birthday: Celebrating an Amazing Rare Gift to Humanity

    By Prince Ejeh Josh

     

    In the words of the New York Times best-selling author, Mandy Hale, there’s nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others. Mandy’s timeless quote re-echoes hope for humanity inspired by men of goodwill who have stopped on nothing in recreating a better world in the face of pessimism, hostility and cynicism.

    Some people have been keeping sleepless nights, working tirelessly behind the scene, making every move, however strenuous, to inspire the flame of greatness in others. They are like candles which burn to give light to others. They’re guided, not by self-gratification or driven by personal motive, but by conscience, love, passion and empathy for others. For them, their satisfaction is derived from the number of lives they impact positively, and change for better.
    These people have been described as agents of hope, and catalyst for transformation in any society they found themselves. They will never stop doing good. They will never stop speaking and fighting for the voiceless. They go on, hunting for talents, discovering great potentials buried in the subconscious threshold of the slums. From the rubbles of the Frank Fanon’s “Wretched of the Earth” to Kofi Awoonor’s “world’s extreme” squalid, they disentomb the greatness and prospects of men which have been laying fallow in perpetuity.

    I’ve seen few of this enigma in action. To this end, I’ve had a rare encounter with Honourable Barrister Steve Oluchukwu Oruruo! He prefers, however, to be addressed simply as “Steve”.

    My meeting with Steve dates back to many years ago. I was a university student of Politics. A couple of us had attended a book club, a form of symposium, at the Nigerian Law School, called the Jaguar Book Club, and was particularly chaired by the celebrated author of the legendary novel; “Our Children are Coming”, HRH Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike.

    At the  symposium were scholars, literary critics, authors, poets, playwrights and students drawn from different walks of life. We had gathered to brainstorm and to learn. Among the dignitaries and discussants was introduced a political figure and a lawyer who was the State Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Steve Oruruo. Some of us had dismissed the introduction with a ridiculous wave of hand. The verdict that he was a politician that might not contribute much to the intellectual discourse was hastily passed. But we were wrong, after all.
    Minutes later, Steve left the Nigerian Law School Lecture Hall agog with a mixed frenzy with his lecture delivered extempore. The intelligentsia were forced to write. Students alike had to pen down most of his contemporary analyses of the socio-political and legal impediments to Nigeria’s democracy and the enduring panacea. Perhaps, 10 minutes time allotted to him gulped almost 2 hours. But we wanted more of him. The lecture was an eye-opener on the country’s fledging democracy, and how a new but people-oriented constitution and good leadership could define a new Nigeria of everybody’s dream.

    From the Chairman, Professor Chukwuemeka came an exclamation and a rhetorical question: “Steve, are you a politician or an academic scholar? You’ve to choose one! You held us spellbound with your lecture. You raised disturbing issues and asked questions many people are afraid to ask.”  Steve’s lecture became a topic of discussion with many discussants sharply divided on how to romanticize the Nigerian Project.
    The enthusiasm of getting consumed by the thrilling tempo, dexterous composure, navigational mastery of eloquence and the clarity of thoughts exuding from Steve left many of the students in the hall with the option of furthering our second degree in Law.

    Steve couldn’t have appreciated the extent of his impression on some minds. Our contact with him, though, a distant one, was a turning point for many of us.
    It never occurred to some of us, and to me in particular, that a day would come when I would meet Steve again.

    Like the American’s Entrepreneur Roller Coaster, Darren Hardy, once noted: Commitment is doing the thing you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it in has left you. While running my post-graduate programme in 2014 somewhere at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, my friends where were already at the University of Nigeria, University of Port Harcourt, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, and University of Ibadan studying Law reminded me of our commitment few years back.
    It was a hard decision for me. A gauntlet of trial! But I was ever convinced that the man I saw during the lecture series was, to borrow a leaf from the former US President, Ronald Reagan, “A shining city upon a hill.” I threw in my hat, picked the form and got the ball rolling. Because of Steve’s influence, I had to run my Master and Law programmes concurrently, one at Unizik and the other at the University of Nigeria without getting weary. Tracking his movement was very difficult but his words of encouragement kept resonating. And like a dream, those school boys that attended the lecture series are now all lawyers! Positive impact! Influence! Catalyst of change. Driver of empowerment and epitome of courage. Flame of audacity!

    Few years after, by divine providence, I met Steve again. I wasn’t surprised at the cult-like followers he commands. He has his boys scattered all over the globe. If doing good and helping others to achieve their dreams could qualify one to be a global citizen, Hon. Steve should be one of the global citizens with his enormous impacts on the youths. Steve, from what I’ve seen, learned and known of him, would make himself uncomfortable for others to be comfortable. He would go out of his way to help others. Walking extra-miles for the greater good of the majority is a priority to him. Extending a helping hand, to him, is part of life itself. The beauty of life is adjudged by one’s ability to step down from his Olympian height just to lift up the lowly. That’s what Steve is doing; going about doing good, encouraging the growth of others and enkindling the flames of the timid and those at the world’s extreme.

    Meeting Steve recently was a reassuring moment in my life. I’ve got to interact with other young ones, and was awed by the inspiration they have been garnering from the versatile administrator and youth influencer. He is, indeed, a blessing to our generation and a rare gift to humanity in general.
    As a Legal Practitioner of about two decades post call or thereabout, Steve has a stint of practice and has established himself as a doyen of legal exposition. In the world of entrepreneurship, Steve is there. A property consultant and estate developer, his services have won him trust and accolades beyond his clientele base. That’s the impact of quality assurance, competence and efficient service delivery.

    It is Steve’s awe-inspiring erudition and success stories in his  drive for entrepreneurial diversification in private sector that compelled governments at different levels to invite him into the public service in order to unleash his intellectual wand for the good of our society. To this extent, Steve had served Enugu State as a Secretary to the Peoples Democratic Party, Honourable Chairman, Enugu State Sports Council, and Member, Board of Directors, Voice of Nigeria.

    It’s instructive and interesting too to learn the indispensable roles played by this unequalled sports administrator and commentator in shooting Enugu State Rangers Sports Club to the Olympian height in the comity of Nigerian football leagues in particular and African football leagues in general. At a time Enugu State sports were in disarray and faltering in failure; when there seemed to be no hope and no light at the end of the tunnel for the antelopes, Steve came in for a rescue mission. He mobilized and harnessed available lean resources for optimum use.
    He drove motivation beyond the comprehension of sports analysts and had his tactical technique deployed into the arena of play. His teamwork spirit galvanized by making sure everyone in the sports sector was involved in the decision making box triggered triumph which broke over 30 years jinx in the industry. With him as the Chairman of Rangers, the young antelopes torpedoed their opponents, crushing every obstacle to victory. It was harvest of victory for Enugu State, and for Nigeria. The world saw Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi lifting up the trophies with the hymns of victory playing all over the media stations, and Enugu’s streets in ecstasy of joy. The taste of victory is sweet. It was a period that united the people of Enugu state. The opposition camps came together and drank from the same cup.

    Presently, Steve serves as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information. It’s not surprising that he was appointed for the job, even when most people had felt he has more to offer, being a better media consultant, a wordsmith, and celebrated writer of all times who would not only drive more revenues to the government but also attract more investment to Enugu state. The Special Adviser has made the world go round with his peerless writing skills and amazing styles . In the media world, he is an enigma.
    In Ben Carson’s “Gifted Hands”, the world renowned Surgeon and the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Carson noted the roles played by some people in influencing the world through their gifts. Steve has a multiple gifts which he effectively put to use. On a certain occasion, while having a friendly chat with Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, a high-ranking member representing the people of Nkanu East Constituency at the Enugu State House of Assembly, the orator confessed to the eloquence and Mark-Anthony-like-style of Steve. Barrister Steve is not just a celebrated speech maker, he’s also a renowned writer. He’s ambidextrously gifted!

    Today, I hope Steve will look back at the journey so far, see the thousands of boys he has made men, fetched food on their tables, taught how to fish and fend for themselves and their families, and count his blessings. The fact that his has been a blessing to us, a beacon of light and hope, and a torchbearer is a call for celebration. It’s a testimony of thanksgiving and praises to God Almighty.

    It is on the strength of the above that I draw the undying inspiration to wish Hon. Barrister Steve Oluchukwu Oruruo an amazing happy birthday. Many more years ahead. Congratulations!

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  • ENUGU’S MAY 29: A SPOTLIGHT ON UGWUANYI’S SIX YEARS OF NONPAREIL GOVERNANCE:

    ENUGU’S MAY 29:

    A SPOTLIGHT ON UGWUANYI’S SIX YEARS OF NONPAREIL GOVERNANCE:

     

    Until June 6, 2018 when the President Buhari-led administration declared June 12 as the new Democracy Day, Nigeria commemorated the restoration of Democracy on the 29th of May, every year. That day celebrates the solemn and remarkable rebirth of our participatory leadership, to honour the courageous heroes who altruistically championed and chaperoned the noble course of our cherished freedom, with famed fiestas, and critical discourses on statehood. The declaration of June 12 as the new Democracy Day in honour and memory of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola GCFR, notwithstanding, May 29 is still special, not only for nostalgic sentimentalities or because it is sometimes a date with effluxion of term, tenure, or both, but also because it remains the day for unavoidable introspection, unforced accountability, inward regeneration, inquests on performance, probity in governance, rectitude and finally, a testament on the real patrimony and mood of the citizenry.

     

    *The only thing that is worse than being blind is having sight without vision”*— *These evocative words of HELLEN KELLER, an American scholar and philosopher could not have been more revealing of the country’s inexplicable profligacy despite the enormity of her human and natural resources; culminating in the frittering of golden and yawning opportunities to internalize and accentuate the solid foundations that had been institutionalized by our heroes past. Unfortunately, Nigeria still exudes the unmistakable trappings of a failing Nation, sandwiched by ethnic chauvinism and religious bigotry on one side, and of course engraved corruption, inherited mistrust and sweeping insecurity on the other. In all, the people like the proverbial grass, suffer under the lumbering, slumbering elephants.*

     

    Driven by the enduring impact of an elongated struggle, Pro-democracy elements in the country have commemorated the date May 29, as if it were a vent for the yearnings for democratic rebirth.

     

    Paradoxically, majority of those in power today, are either those who backed and profited from military authoritarian rule or those who were hiding in the comfort of their homes when Pro-Democrats ruled the streets and the media space in peaceful and sustained protest against widespread violations of the rights of Nigerians by the military. Their action and inaction have curiously devalued and violated this democratic essence, thereby emasculating the public space and engendering widespread poverty and underdevelopment in the midst of plenty.

    *So, today provides us an ex-cathedra opportunity to review the state of our democracy under the incumbent state actors.Under these intense circumstances and the rising crescendo of disapproval by the masses, emerges the courage to dignify some Leaders who are defiantly ignoring sacrifices for self, in search of sacrifices of self, for the good of the rest of us.*

     

    It was on this 29th day of May, in 2015 that Governor Ifeanyichukwu Lawrence Ugwuanyi for the first time, willfully and conscientiously entered into a social contract with Ndi Enugu, swearing to preserve our cherished socio-cultural heritage, sustain our sense of pride, and steer Enugu towards the vista of a new epoch. It marked the beginning of an epic chapter in the history journals of the state.

     

    At that time, Enugu was deeply mired in dire financial straits, pummeled by dwindling federal allocations, poor internally generated revenue (IGR) and caught in the whirlwind of a national economic recession exacerbated by drastic decline in crude oil price. Governor Ugwuanyi boldly embraced the challenges head-on. Instead of cowering or resigning to fate, he set out to reinvent and re-strategize. He found uncommon inspiration and energy in his sworn commitment to enduring peace and sustained development, employment generation for the teeming youths, aggressive rural development, security, and all-round good governance. Four years later in 2019, Ndi Enugu defied all the encumbrances and the political tensions to vehemently pass a concordant, resounding vote of confidence on Governor Ugwuanyi, by delivering a historic victory to him at the gubernatorial polls.

     

    *Governor Ugwuanyi’s impact was first felt in the political climate, system, and institutions when he began to synergize priorities and interest, reconcile foes, forge new bonds, cultivate a sustainable culture of peace and trigger a new wave of youth inclusiveness in the political leadership trajectory. He successfully sold the vision of a united Enugu to the political elites, engendering conciliation and fostering goodwill. He demystified politics of dynasties; throwing the doors open for the privileged and ordinary men alike who had the motivation and content to deliver, regardless of socio-cultural background, religion, orientation, and inclinations. This has perhaps set up a seeming parity in competitive survival; a clear departure from the routine elitist deceit and intellectual dishonesty that had previously massaged the whims of political correctness. Governor Ugwuanyi set off a chain of initiatives and strategies to cut the cost of governance, plug loopholes of misappropriation, and systematically grow Enugu’s IGR profile.*

     

    The outcomes of Governor Ugwuanyi’s creative strategies, shrewdness, prudence, and painstaking efforts are unambiguously manifest even to the unrepentant brotherhood of naysayers. In 2019, Enugu was ranked 9th out of 36 states and the FCT, in terms of IGR performance. In Enugu state, politics is no longer the exclusive prerogative and cash cow of the Lords of the Manor. Diversification has been given an unconventionally practical interpretation, with massive investments yielding tremendous returns in sectors such as tourism, and commerce and industry. The successful organization of the globally acclaimed first Enugu Investment Summit in concert with several other initiatives put Enugu on the global business map. Consequently, Enugu State leapfrogged from its 2014 World Bank Ease of Doing Business ranking as 27th out of 36 states, including FCT Abuja, to 2nd in Ease of Starting Business and 3rd in Ease of Doing Business in the 2018 World Bank Ease of Doing Business sub-national ranking. Also, the Lion Business park, an integrated industrial/commercial hub driven by public-private partnership initiative, was just recently unveiled, to further promote businesses in the state.

     

    Rural renaissance was central to Governor Ugwuanyi’s robust development agenda from the get-go, alongside urban renewal. He has consciously discountenanced with the naive and parochial misconception that development can only be viewed to have been firmly accomplished only if assessed via the tainted prism and warped precincts of a recycled metropolitan redevelopment.

     

    *Unrelenting in his quest to rebalance the skewed scale of the urban/rural contrast, the Ugwuanyi phenomenon has charted new territories, connected communities, established economic-oriented rural/urban linkages, and lifted the typical rural personnel from the shadows of the traumatic and inglorious abandonment of the past to the springs of Olympian heights.*

     

    From the first state government asphalted road with solar-powered street lights in Ohodo to the 12km Ugwuomu Nike-Go Uni Road; from the valleys of the Milliken Hill to Opi Nsukka dual carrieageway; from Ebonyi River bridge Ikem to the bridges in Udenu ring roads; from Iva Valley road in Enugu North LGA to Nkalagu-Eha Amufu road neglected for over 35 years; from Ukpabi-Nimbo-Ugbene Ajima-Eziani road to Neke-Mbu-Ogbodu Aba-Obollo Etiti inter-community road linking Isiuzo and Udenu LGAs; from Inyi-Akpugoeze road in Oji River LGA to Ituku road in Awgu LGA and down to Amurri road in Nkanu West LGA to mention but a few, Governor Ugwuanyi has reintegrated the hinterlands into the affairs and benefits of governance through infrastructural rebirth and multispectral socioeconomic easements. The ultramodern Nsukka Township Stadium project currently under construction is expected to be completed before the end of the year. In his urban/rural dual-frontier approach, construction of the first flyover bridge project is currently ongoing at Nike Lake/T Junction in Enugu East Local Government Area, to provide reprieve from long-standing traffic congestion.

     

    The now abating COVID-19 pandemic which ravaged the world and made a mockery of global superpowers met a resilient health sector in Enugu State, the fallout of a series of sound strategic decisions and rigorous investments by the Ugwuanyi administration. The ultra-modern Diagnostic Centre inherited from the previous administration was completed and equipped in time to function as a COVID-19 Isolation and Treatment centre, complementing two other centres in ESUT Teaching Hospital and Nsukka. In addition to massive reconstruction, new structures were erected at the acquired Colliery Hospital, Enugu, which operates as the biggest Infectious Disease Isolation and Treatment Centre east of the Niger. The construction of 7 units of Type 3 Primary Health Care Centre in 7 LGAs nears completion, true to Governor Ugwuanyi’s unalloyed commitment to total recovery. Enugu was among the first states to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine in the country, typical of the governor’s rapid and strategic response to the pandemic.

     

    *Governor Ugwuanyi has not only invested in Enugu’s future through employment generation, but he has also revamped the education sector. These days when the glitz and alluring glamour of politics appear to have eclipsed intellect, it is so refreshing to see an emerging generation from this side of the geopolitical divide, with a profound penchant and flair not only for esotericism but also for science and technology.*

     

    Scholarships have been offered to 680 indigent Engineering students of Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo and the Institute of Management Technology, Enugu. Only 3 days ago, about 7 Enugu youths were selected to go to US sequel to the mentorship programme unveiled by Governor Ugwuanyi through the State Scholarship and Education Loan Board (ESSELB) anchored by the young and dynamic Executive Secretary of Scholarship Board Barr. Levi Eboyi and his colleague Dr Kelechi Ugwuanyi of the mentors council. The State has secured both the admissions and scholarships of the aforesaid persons with full funding. As it currently

    stands, more that 1,400 verifiable projects have been executed in various primary and secondary schools across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State under ENSUBEB and PPSMB. Over 7000 primary and secondary school teachers have been recruited with an additional 1000 existing volunteers converted. Also, several classroom blocks, offices, laboratories, and hostels have been constructed, renovated, and equipped.

     

    At the tertiary level, through consistent infrastructural and human resource development, the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) under the watchful but dexterous chairmanship of Deaconess Mrs Ifeoma Nwobodo, transitioned into a degree-awarding institution and recovered hitherto-lost accreditation for several courses. Other state-owned institutions including the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu State College of Education Technical (ESCET) and Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, have also seen their pedigrees elevated through uncommon transformations.

     

    Being a government of many historic firsts, the Ugwuanyi administration is constructing the first degree-awarding institution in Education in the South East zone, the Enugu State University of Education in Ihe, Awgu LGA, with supersonic speed. A new campus of the recently decentralized Enugu State University of Science and Technology is under construction in Enugu North Senatorial Zone, with the speedy erection of a world-class ESUT Teaching Hospital and College of Medicine in Igbo-Eno. Through Governor Ugwuanyi’s influence and relentless advocacy, a Federal Polytechnic has just been established and sited in Ohodo, Igbo-etiti Local Government Area.

     

    The Ugwuanyi administration has jealously guarded Enugu’s historic reputation as one of the most secure states in the Federation and stayed ahead of emerging dynamics, through intentional and strategic re-jigging of the security architecture. The government procured and donated 100 units of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) patrol van with communication gadgets to security agencies in the state. Enugu was the first to implement the Forest Guards initiative in the South East geo-political zone with Governor Ugwuanyi empowering the 1,700-personnel brigade with 260 motorcycles, 300 bicycles and other appurtenances.

     

    Cautiously aware that social justice flows from the estuary of Judicial activities than from the firth of religious crusades, Governor Ugwuanyi has uninhibitedly accentuated a Judicial system in Enugu state trademarked with inalienable independence, robust infrastructure, unquestionable competencies, untainted probity, unscathed transparency, glaring incorruptibility and unflagging commitment to rule of law, due process, rectitude, enduring peace, and sustainable orderliness. This comes on the heels of several interventions such as the construction of the first Enugu State Customary Court of Appeal Headquarters complex, establishment of Multi-Door Court House in Enugu, renovation of the State Judiciary Headquarters complex and construction of several other court buildings across the rural, suburban, and urban landscapes in the state.

     

    Governor Ugwanyi has remained an advocate of agriculture, not only to guarantee food sufficiency but also to boost the agrarian economy. Enugu has witnessed in the Ugwuanyi era the greatest agricultural reform since its creation nearly three decades ago. The administration has provided low-interest loans and grants to agripreneurs, approved the establishment of two World Bank projects, namely IFAD and APPEALS programmes for which it regularly pays counterpart funds, and launched the Coal City Rice, a commodity which remains in high demand in the entire South East and beyond. Thousands of women and youths have been empowered through various initiatives such as the Enugu State Traders Empowerment Scheme and the United Nations’

    Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Just recently, Tech Hubs and Youth Innovation Centers were inaugurated by the governor at Independence Layout, Enugu North LGA and Obollo Afor, Udenu LGA, to empower the youths with in-demand skills of the 21st century digital economy.

     

    On the housing and water supply frontiers, Governor Ugwuanyi has left structural legacies such as the rehabilitated facilities at Ajali and Oji River Water treatment schemes, ongoing rehabilitation of the 9th Mile Crash Programme Water Supply Scheme, and the numerous housing projects initiated and completed in response to deficits arising from the steady influx of people into the state.

     

    Under the governor’s watch, Enugu regained its pride of place in national and global sports, with Rangers International, the flagship sigil or terra-sigillata of our post-war resilience, the symbol of our collective bravery and a movement of our fraternity, winning the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and the Unity League Federation Cup (Challenge Cup ) titles in the 2015/2016 and 2017/ 2018 seasons, after 32 and 35 years of inglorious wait, respectively.

     

    The past six years of Governor Ugwuanyi’s leadership has been the cynosure of the Wawa narrative in its nearly 30-year history as a template for prodigies worthy of replication. The impact of governance has been felt from the highbrow metropolis to the rural fringes, manifest in a complete revamp of critical sectors and infrastructural rebirth across the rural and urban terrains. Governor Ugwuanyi has also reprogrammed Enugu’s political landscape, using his leadership acumen, sagacity, and divine gift of diplomacy to close the chapter on political elitism, electoral violence, unnecessary schism and mindless killings. The Ugwuanyi regime will forever be remembered for its pro-people priorities and policy thrusts, which have restored hope and put the state on the path to irreversible prosperity; thus deepening ENUGU IN THE HANDS OF GOD!

     

     

    STEVE ORURUO is the Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Information

     

     

     

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    It is the policy of The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine not to endorse or oppose any opinion expressed by a User or Content provided by a User, Contributor, or other independent party. Opinion pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

     

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  • Leveraging Digital Banking

     

     

    Following an impressive financial scorecard, a streak of award-winning, value-packed innovations, stellar growth in key areas and overall general momentum in performance, Wema Bank can boast of having capped a good year. Interestingly, the bank recently marked its 76th anniversary in May. Given an explosive scale of business re-engineering and process improvement, the anniversary was even more exciting and refreshing.

     

    Wema Bank’s silent revolution and transformation project, championed by the Ademola Adebise-led management, has shown profound visible impact and identifiable footprints, launching the bank into the orbit of the most efficient and value-driven financial institutions in the country.

     

    Recent successes in technological innovations, workforce transformation, process improvements and the attendant culture of wholesale service excellence, development of customised, needs-satisfying products and services, as well as the adoption of creative relationship management systems, have all driven Wema Bank to the ivy league of banks in the country.

     

    Significantly, the unveiling of ALAT, Africa’s first fully digital bank in 2017, is still a game-changing milestone and an epic turnaround in the bank’s service delivery and customer satisfaction. With ALAT, a bank in function and utility, with the attributes of safety, convenience, flexibility, speed and being operable from home and office, the bank finally sealed a growing and enduring relationship with its customers. From that moment, it became a bank of preferred choice for customers who value convenience in banking.

     

    Right from inception, ALAT opened the floodgate of recognition and industry appreciation, attracting applause and winning awards for its unique functionality and multi-purpose application. This penchant for driving customer satisfaction resulted in the bank being named second in Retail in the KPMG Customer Experience Survey for 2020.

     

    Wema Bank has also developed a niche in the consumer loan segment of the market, leveraging market intelligence and technology to develop products and services that are of significant benefits to its customers. Among these business-enhancing and personal target-meeting products are the ALAT for Business, Quick Loan (*945#), School Fees Advance, Women Empowerment Loan, which have made a big difference in the fortunes of the beneficiaries.

     

    In online banking and alternative payment systems, Wema Bank’s USSD *945# is one of the most reliable data-free platforms for transactions, purchase of airtime/data and making quick loan requests. The bank has also built a firm presence with over 296 ATM channels across the country to ease banking for the customers. The online banking and mobile banking applications and the alternative banking platforms have strengthened the service delivery capacity and reach of the bank to a wider target audience.

     

    With premium ICT infrastructure and a well-trained workforce, transaction turnaround time has also significantly reduced. Indeed, the fast customer service and reduced waiting time in the banking hall has triggered an unfathomable customer migration to the bank in recent years.

    Having successfully laid the foundation of future growth trajectory through investment in human capital, technology, innovations and delightful customer service, the bank has already charted and laid out the strategic direction for future growth. Tunde Mabawonku, the Chief Financial Officer of the bank, while providing updates on the growth plans recently, listed digital dominance of the industry by Wema Bank as the route to travel in the next few years.

     

    In this journey to the next phase of greatness, Mabawonku said they would deploy all energy and expertise towards consolidating on the inroads and success of ALAT in the market. The bank will drive digital banking on all its platforms to provide the best services to its customers, prioritise their convenience and satisfaction and, above all, consider their safety.

     

    Speaking on the 76th-anniversary of the bank, Head, Marketing Communications & Investor Relations, Funmilayo Falola, said the bank has excellent reasons to celebrate by appreciating customers’ loyalty over the years.

     

    “For the last 76 years, we have always made our customers’ dreams our dreams, and their goals, our goals. We made their satisfaction our number one priority. As we continue the relationship and grow together, we are honoured to keep our promise of providing innovative solutions to meet their various needs.

     

    “Our longevity is not unconnected to our collective resolve as an institution to build our purpose around the customer. By committing ourselves to improve the lives of our customers and enabling them to make it through each day in the best and easiest possible ways with our products and services, we secure our place in their lives for the longest haul,” she added.

     

    Incorporated in 1945, Wema Bank is the oldest and longest surviving indigenous Nigerian bank. It underwent a name change in 1969 from Agbonmagbe Bank Limited to its present name after some new investors bought into it. It became a public limited company in 1987, with its shares publicly quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in 1990 and got a Universal Banking License from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN ) in 2001.

     

     

    Source: www.the nationonline.com

  • The ongoing public hearing On the 1999 Constitution Review

    .

     

    THE ongoing public hearing on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution continued across the country on Thursday with a warning by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria to the Senate to avoid surreptitious moves by some groups to introduce Sharia law to the South-West region through the on-going constitution review.

     

    The President of PFN, Bishop Wale Oke, said in a statement issued by his Media Office on Thursday that the move was capable of adding to the numerous problems facing the country.

     

    He urged the Senate not to succumb to such agitation which he said was capable of further plunging the country into major religious crisis.

     

    He said, “The problems confronting our nation are enormous than wanting to create more. Sharia law is alien to our culture of religious existence in the South-West. As such, nobody should through any subterfuge, bring it in to cause crisis.”

     

    S’South demands power devolution, state police

     

    In Rivers State, the South-South geopolitical zone demanded devolution of power, resource control and creation of additional states in the area.

     

    The hearing organised for Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states by the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Amendment of the Constitution, chaired by Senator George Sekibo, had many stakeholders from various ethnic nationalities in attendance.

     

    The host, Nyesom Wike, who declared the hearing open, said there was urgent need for the amendment to produce a people’s constitution that would guarantee devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, creation of state police, as well as strengthening of the electoral system.

     

    Wike, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Ipalibo Banigo-Harry, said the amendment must allow the states to create and sustain local government councils and ensure reduction of the cost of governance at both federal and state levels.

     

    “Nigerians need a constitution that will give them a true sense of belonging, secure and advance their wellbeing and enable their children to aspire to actualise their potential for any office without discrimination,” he said.

     

    On its part, the Akwa Ibom State Government said the challenges plaguing the country was deeply rooted in the ground norm that held various parts of the country together.

     

    Represented by the Director of Litigation, Bassey Ekanem, he said the Federal Government was completely overburdened, adding that the state had listed about 25 matters in the exclusive list that should be transferred to the concurrent list.

     

    Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who was represented by Senator George Sekibo, representing Rivers East, disclosed that zonal public hearing on the 1999 Constitution review adopted the bottom to top approach in order to entertain the views of stakeholders at the zonal level.

     

    Meanwhile, the National Vice-President, PFN, Apostle Zilly Aggrey, said the country needed a brand new constitution, even as he expressed fears that the ongoing selective amendment might end in futility.

     

     

    Aggrey stated, “The PFN is firmly of the view that the review process by amending a segment of the constriction may just be another exercise in futility that cannot meet the expectations of the people.”

     

    S’West seeks fiscal federalism

     

    Also, the Lagos zonal constitution hearing entered Day Two on Thursday with stakeholders reiterating calls for a total review of the constitution to reflect fiscal federalism; implementation of the Child Rights Act and Disability Act in states, local government autonomy, judicial autonomy and creation of state police.

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Wole Olanipekun, represented by his son, advocated that judicial outcome be respected and adhered to so that the common man could feel protected and their rights protected.

     

    According to him, the Electoral Act should be amended to allow governorship election cases to terminate at the Supreme Court.

     

    Rights activist, Femi Falana, made a large case for the poor and vulnerable, insisting that it was important to give secession agitators the confidence of peace and inclusion if they must remain.

     

    The lawyer also advocated that the Child Rights Act enacted in 2003, and the Disability Act, be domesticated and implemented in states if the constitution review must make meaning to the common man.

     

     

    Ex-CP declares state police anti-Igbo

     

    There was, however, a mild drama at the Enugu Centre as Ibezimako Aghanya, a retired Commissioner of Police, declared that creation of state police would not be in Igbo interest.

     

    The former Kogi State police commissioner said the Igbo should only support state police when state of origin was removed and replaced with state of residence, adding that “otherwise if state police is created, Igbo will suffer.

     

    Aghanya said, “So what I am saying, if actually we want to create a state police let us first remove state of origin in our constitution and put state of residence. With it an Igbo boy born in Lagos can join Lagos police, an Igbo boy born in Kano can join Kano police and an Igbo boy born in Sokoto can join Sokoto police.”

     

    Southern Borno alleges animals, humans drink from same source

     

    However, the people of Southern Borno in Borno State have lamented that the zone has been marginalised for a very long time, hence their demand for the creation of a state for the zone.

     

    They lamented that despite their contributions to the development of the state, the region had been left to suffer with their people drinking water from the same river with their animals.

     

    They stated these in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of their presentation on Thursday at the Zonal Senate Public Hearing on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution held in Bauchi on why they are agitating for Savannah State.

     

    Captain Ibrahim Mshelia of the Southern Borno Global Initiative lamented that their children were learning under leaking classrooms while some studied mathematics on bare ground using their fingers.

     

    He said, “Some people have no drinking water; they drink water with animals. The same river that feeds them water for everything is the river that they feed their animals with. But in Maiduguri, there are taps, our children are still sitting on stones, inside the  buildings; you can see the sun, and when it is raining, they go under trees. They are sitting on the stone.”

     

     

    Source: www.punchng.com1999

  • ENUGU 2023: X-RAYING EKWEREMADU’S LATEST POLITICAL STRATEGY.

    ENUGU 2023: X-RAYING EKWEREMADU’S LATEST POLITICAL STRATEGY.

     

    By Buchi Nnaji

     

    As civilized citizens, it is imperative and part of our responsibilities to weigh up the intent and aspiration of leaders from time to time, especially when their activities become dicey.

     

    2023 is an election year with peculiarity. Since the return of democracy in 1999, governorship position in Enugu State has been moving rotationally from one zone to another and by the year 2023, one phase of the cycle would be completed, and another phase will commence in the same pattern.

     

    The first phase of the power rotation started with Enugu East District, of which His Excellency, Sen Chimaroke Nnamani governed the state for eight years before handing over to his successor, His Excellency, Sullivan Iheanacho Chime who is from Enugu West senatorial district.

     

    In 2015, His Excellency Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi took over from Chime as it was the turn of Enugu North zone to mount the saddle of leadership of the state.

     

    In all these years, despite the challenges from opposition parties, the candidates of People’s Democratic Party, PDP recorded landslide victories during election. This shows that the people of qEnugu State are in unison with the peaceful zoning arrangement of the PDP.

     

    Following the same sequence, at the end of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s tenure in 2023, it is sacrosanct that Enugu East senatorial zone shall produce the governor that will continue where the incumbent Governor will stop.

     

    However, rumours have been going round that the Senator representing Enugu West senatorial zone in the red chamber, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu in his bid to take what belongs to Enugu East senatorial zone is hatching plans to disrupt the power rotation process that is widely accepted in Enugu State, without taking cognisance that Enugu people are wiser and poised to dislodge him politically if he dare to make such attempt. Power belongs to the People!

     

    It is not only dangerous but treacherous for someone like Sen. Ike Ekweremadu to bite the finger that feed him. Ekweremadu who is a major beneficiary of the principle of power rotation in Enugu State is the least person expected to champion the infelicitous move to thwart the existing zoning arrangement.

     

    Ekweremadu and his ardent followers who are obviously wallowing in political oblivion believe that he has sacrificed a lot for the People’s Democratic Party, PDP and deserve to be compensated with Enugu State governorship ticket come 2023. This is ridiculous.

     

    What the Senator and his cohorts fail to understand is that there are many PDP faithfuls, both big and small who have had equal share, if not more of the sacrifices. In fact, no body has sacrificed for the PDP more than the electorates who risk their lives for many hours, under the scorching sun of election days and threats by political tugs, just to make sure the party win election and remain relevant.

     

    It is high time some leaders stopped taking the common man for granted. Those who have occupied political offices for very long time should in all fairness give way for other younger ones to come up.

     

    Source close to the Aninri born Senator said that Ekweremadu bragged about how he will conveniently secure the 2023 PDP governorship ticket from the national body of the party without stress, but he failed to understand that PDP belongs to her members, and any attempt to impose a candidate on the people of Enugu State will not only be vehemently resisted by the masses but will further tarnish the image and integrity of the opposition party.

     

    The national body of PDP must not make the mistake of soiling the party because of one man’s ambition, especially now that PDP is struggling to restore her past glory and correct the mistakes of the past.

     

    The will of the greater number of party faithfuls who by divine providence have been comfortably supporting power rotation despite the attempts by unscrupulous and greedy individuals to create confusion in the state must be uphold in order to maintain the dignity and strength of the party in Enugu State.

     

    PDP leaders at all levels must not be cowed into believing that Ekweremadu was the only one who stood firm for the party during it’s trying times. Many people at different levels paid the same price, even more. He should be thankful to God for his huge benefits so far.

     

    If Ike Ekweremadu is actually hoping that PDP will use 2023 gubernatorial ticket to compensate him, then he must be dreaming because that expectation will never see the light of the day. Nobody can cajole the people of Enugu State to distort the peaceful clockwise rotation of power in existence.

     

    Moreso, if the Senator feel like displaying his political sagacity, he should channel his interest to vying for the Presidency in 2023 instead of wasting his time and resources chasing shadows in Enugu.

     

    Gone are those days when citizens sit down and watch politicians brandish powers the way they like in attempt to intimidate people and grab what rightfully belong to them, at the expense of public interest.

     

    With all the enormous wealth and fame acquired by Ike Ekweremadu over the years, he should be grateful to Enugu East Senatorial Zone that brought him into political lime light through his political father, Distinguised Senator (Dr.) Chimaroke Nnamani instead of wasting his resources on campaigns against the progress of Enugu State.

     

    Maintaining a political equilibrium that has sustained peace in Enugu State is the hallmark of the governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration and whoever is not ready to follow the same footsteps is a perceived traitor that cannot be trusted with Executive power.

     

    Most times, people are driven by greed and hunger for power to the extent that they do things without thinking properly. The idea of heating up the polity in order to be called for settlement and appeasement is not in the interest of the Enugu State and must be discouraged.

     

    This has been one of the strategies of Sen. Ike Ekweremadu. In 2015, he used the same strategy and it worked for him. Ekweremadu despite knowing that it wasn’t the turn of Enugu West zone to produce the governor, started in his usual style to wander in the dream land, painting images of his inexistent political weight.

     

    Of course, it worked for him then because negotiation ensued and His Excellency, former Gov. Sullivan Chime was robbed of his opportunity to represent the people of Enugu West senatorial zone in the red chamber.

     

    The leaders of PDP must braze up and stop giving in to the manipulation of some politicians who are desperate for power.

     

     

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It is the policy of The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine not to endorse or oppose any opinion expressed by a User or Content provided by a User, Contributor, or other independent party. Opinion pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

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  • CELEBRATING THE 57TH POSTHUMOUS BIRTHDAY OF ONE OF NIGERIA’S GREATEST FOOTBALLERS

    CELEBRATING THE 57TH POSTHUMOUS BIRTHDAY OF ONE OF NIGERIA’S GREATEST FOOTBALLERS

    SAMUEL SOCHUKWUMA OKWARAJI, LL.B, LL.M (ROME)
    (1964 – 1989)

     

    Selfless love for fatherland could be said to be an uncommon attribute, but with Sam Okwaraji, one has no doubt that he was an embodiment of patriotism. He was a super talented footballer who breathed his last while on the field of play; in active service to his fatherland, fully clad in the Nigerian national colours.

    Samuel Okwaraji was born on 19 May 1964 in Orlu, Imo State. His father, Mr. David Okwaraji worked with the defunct Nigeria Airways as a Duty Officer while his mother, Lady Janet Okwaraji was a retired school headmistress. Samuel Okwaraji had four brothers and two sisters. According to his mother, Sam had a very active childhood and played various games while growing up. Football was one of them while table tennis was another. But however, he seemed to enjoy football more.

    He had his primary education at WTC Practicing School, Enugu and attended Ezeachi Secondary School, Orlu, Imo State. He later went to Federal Government College, Orlu and finally completed his studies in law in the Pontifical Lateran University of Rome, Italy but did not take up the profession after schooling. While bagging his masters in international law in the University of Rome, Samuel Okwaraji played for top European football clubs such as AS Roma (1984-1985), NK Dinamo Zagreb (1985-1986), Austria Klagenfurt (1986-1987), VfB Stuttgart (1987-1989) and SSV Ulm 1846 (loan) (1987-1988) where he performed exceptionally. In his short stay with Dinamo Zagreb, Sam Okwaraji scored 3 goals in a friendly game vs NK Budućnost Hodošan. The game was played on 30 April 1986, and Dinamo Zagreb won 12–0. Samuel’s only official game for Dinamo in the Yugoslav First League was as a substitute on 18 May 1986 against FK Pristina. The game was played at Maksimir stadium in Zagreb, the 29th round of 1985/86 season. Dinamo Zagreb won 4:3. He also played for Belgian side K. Bercham Sport.
    In 1988, Samuel Okwaraji made his way into the Green Eagles squad; at the African Nations Cup played that same year in Morocco. He did the unexpected by netting one of the fastest goals (60s) in the history of African football against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. He played along until the final match, where the Eagles lost to their perennial rivals Cameroon by a lone goal. Shining like a million stars in that tournament, Okwaraji was named man of the match twice.

    Sam Okwaraji also played at the ‘1988 Summer Olympics‘ that was held in Seoul, South Korea. He was a talented midfielder wearing the Number 6 jersey for Nigeria. He played alongside other professionals like Samson Siasia, Rashidi Yekeni, Bright Omokaro, Wole Odegbami, Christain Obi, Jude Agada, Henry Nwosu and so on.

    Okwaraji had an eventful soccer career which was unfortunately very short. On Saturday, August 12, 1989, while he was playing for Nigeria in a 2nd round World Cup Qualifier match (Group C, Italia World Cup) against Angola, Samuel Okwaraji slumped on the pitch and died immediately, ten minutes from the end of the match, in front of 20,000 spectators at the Main Bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Everyone thought it was a minor incident when he fell and lay still on the pitch. But the reality soon dawned on everyone that Okwaraji, who at that time was already writing his PhD thesis in Law, had become the first Nigerian footballer to die playing for his country. He was only 25 years old.

    Autopsy revealed he died from possible complications of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (which occurs when the heart is unable to provide sufficient pump action to ensure enough blood goes round the body). His heart was discovered to be enlarged.
    More remarkable than his benumbing skill was the zeal with which he honoured national call-ups from his base in Germany. He never shunned a single call-up and was reputed for paying his own fares to play in matches involving Nigeria. A concrete bust was unveiled in his memory on the 12th of August, 2009 by Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, in the rededicated Memorial Garden in his honour in front of the same stadium where he died.

    Though his time here on earth was quite short, Sam Okwaraji definitely made his mark and left his footprints on the sands of time. We at the Centre For Memories heartily celebrate his life and times especially on this day of his 57th posthumous birthday.

    #IgboNwereMmadu

    #CentreForMemories