Featured

I’ll End Boko Haram, Keep Nigeria More United – Atiku

Published

6 years ago

July 17, 2018

Eric

A former vice president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, said if elected Nigerian president, his government will not only end the Boko Harman insurgency, but also keep the nation more united.

He also said if he was in the position of President Muhammadu Buhari, he would have by now sacked all service chiefs for failing to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency in the last three years.

Mr. Abubakar, who spoke in Maiduguri, Borno State, said he was not impressed with President Buhari’s handling of security in the country, especially the protracted Boko Haram insurgency.

The former vice president was in Maiduguri on Tuesday to woo delegates ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party presidential primaries.

The politician, who last year defected from Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP, held a joint meeting with PDP delegates from Borno and Yobe in Maiduguri.

Mr Abubakar also expressed his sympathy to the two states over the Boko Haram insurgency that has caused the death of tens of thousands and displaced millions of residents.

He said security would be his number one priority if the delegates give him their support to emerge as the candidate of the party in the 2019 presidential election.

He said the two North-east states will benefit more from the federal government if they support his cause of becoming the number one citizen.

“Since the year 1999 when I was elected the Vice President of Nigeria, I knew Borno, Yobe and Gombe states were under the government of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

“But if you consider the appointments that these three states enjoyed from the federal government, (they) were much higher than the ones given to other PDP states.

“And the reason for that is not far-fetched; it was so because one of your own was in the position of authority. So you all must not lose memory of that fact.”

On security, he said President Buhari’s government has failed the North-east for failing to end the insurgency which has ravaged Nigeria since 2009.

“It is now more that nine years that this part of the country is facing the problem of insecurity, and our socio-economic sphere has been injured as a result of that.

“Today our schools and our healthcare system are not functioning; our youth are roaming the streets jobless; yet there is a government in place.

“We must also recall that this is the same Nigeria whose security forces had been able to fight a civil war and keep the country united in just about two years and six months only. And most of the soldiers that fought on the side of Nigeria are from the north.

“But here we are sweating to end an insurgency that is mostly domiciled in just two states, Borno and Yobe; and we cannot even see its end in nine years.

“This is unacceptable and I cannot accept it. There is no way I can tolerate any security chief that will come and inform me that he cannot end this war in three years. Such security chief will not last the next day on seat.

“I swear in the name of God that the service chief must go.

“I was flying about 35,000 feet over Borno and Yobe states few hours ago, and all I could see were nothing but open plain lands; yet someone on ground will be telling me that he cannot see where Boko Haram insurgents are.

“I hereby promise you all that should I be elected as president, the issue of insecurity will become a thing of the past. I know there is insincerity in the management of the country’s security.

“This is the time for us to wake and forge a common front in our struggle to salvage our children and grand children from future calamity by supporting our cause”.

Mr Abubakar also told journalists at the end of the meeting that the failure of APC government had outweighed the shortcomings of the 16 years of the PDP rule in Nigeria.

“If you compare the PDP years and that of the current APC’s, you will find out that the past is still better than today in terms of security, economy and development”, he said.

“PDP has done far better than the APC in all ramifications”.

Mr. Abubakar who is vying for the presidency for the fourth time, said he would soon unveil his vision and mission for Nigeria at a grand press conference.

“Everyone knows me as Mr. Restructure, and everybody knows that I will bring my private sector experience to bear on the economy and Nigerians can be rest assured that jobs will be made available and the country will be more united under my watch because I don’t belong to any part but the whole”.

Earlier, some of the speakers, led by Muhammad Imam, a PDP stalwart and governorship aspirant in Borno State, and Adamu Waziri, an ex-PDP governorship candidate from Yobe State, gave Mr Abubakar the assurances of their support in the forthcoming PDP presidential primaries.

“This is the chance of the North-east and we must not allow it to slip off our hands. For if we do, we may regret it for a very long time to come,” said Mr Imam.

Ahmed Ningi, a senator, spoke in Hausa, on behalf of former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, who is the Director-General of the Atiku 2019 campaign. He said the North-east has been underrated and ruled out of the possible zone that could produce the president of Nigeria.

“But we want to assure all and sundry that power comes from God alone and this is the time of the North-east, and nothing will stop Atiku from becoming president”, said Mr Ningi, a PDP chieftain from Bauchi State.

A Borno PDP governorship aspirant was arrested at the event. Grema Terrab had earlier been declared wanted by the police as part of a murder investigation.

Premium Times

Featured

Akwa Ibom Gov Disburses N750m Business Grant to 15,000 Youths

Published

2 days ago

December 24, 2024

Eric

In a historic move to tackle unemployment and empower Akwa Ibom’s youth, Governor Umo Eno has disbursed ₦750 million in unemployment business grants to 15,000 youths across the state. This innovative programme provides ₦50,000 monthly grant to 5,000 beneficiaries, with plans to expand the initiative to a total of 60,000 youths drawn from all 31 Local Government Areas (LGAs) over the next 12 months.

Speaking during the official presentation of the grants at Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, Gov Eno described the initiative as a cornerstone of his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and capacity building.

He urged beneficiaries to utilize the grants for productive ventures that will enhance their personal growth and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.

He reaffirmed his administration’s focus on creating opportunities that enable youths to thrive and unlock their full potential, adding that this programme is part of a broader charter to highlight and support the immense talent and resilience of Akwa Ibom youth.

Gov. Eno also announced plans for civil service recruitment through the State Youth Employment Portal.

He encouraged youths to register on the portal, which has been designed to simplify access to jobs and other employment-related initiatives, underscoring his administration’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in public service recruitment.

Additionally, the governor highlighted several complementary programmes aimed at building youth capacity, including Ibom LED, the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, and the Ibom Community Watch initiative. These initiatives provide vital training, mentorship, and job creation opportunities for young people, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive economy.

Describing the selection process, SSA on ICT, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong said beneficiaries where chosen through an unbiased and thorough process.

Featured

Ahead Christmas, It’s Glo’s Feliz Navidad All the Way on TVCs

Published

4 days ago

December 22, 2024

Eric

Celebratory seasons, such as Christmas and New Year, are times when corporate organisations churn out new television commercials (TVCs) to connect with their customers and share the fun, euphoria and uncommon conviviality of such seasons.

One such organization which has over the years used this strategy to great effect is Nigeria’s top telecommunications brand, Globacom.

The exciting commercials that the technology company keeps rolling out fan the delight and elation of the season of goodwill. The brand employs the occasion not only to promote brand awareness but to felicitate its customers and the nation at large.

It is a tradition Glo has established. Since it started operations in 2003, it has always used television commercials as veritable tools of ensuring brand presence, marketing products and services and spreading joy among its various targets.

The 2024 Yuletide adverts it rolled out recently are not different. The two unique yet powerful commercials serve dual purposes. They felicitate the Nigerian people and spread mirth, which the season typifies, around existing and prospective customers.

Expectedly, the two new commercials have dominated the airwaves, and kept viewers talking and relishing the joy that Christmas brings.

The first commercial features juju music maestro, King Sunday Adegeye, popularly called King Sunny Ade, who parades a full ensemble of dancers and a rich, talented band in the TVC tagged “Merry Christmas”. The percussions, rhythm and dance merge to foster affability and enchanting memories of the season of glad tidings.

Before the party celebration where King Sunny and his band entertain guests, the TVC takes viewers back to the 1970s and 1980s when Christmas was celebrated with so much fanfare. It paints a vivid picture of rural Nigeria during Christmas where the warmth of tradition and community fills the air. The village with lush green vegetation is buzzing with excitement, with children playing, women cooking delicious meals in open-air kitchens, the aroma of local dishes (you can literally perceive it) mixing with the sounds of Afro Juju music. Families and friends gather around, dancing joyfully to the rhythmic beats, their faces beaming with happiness as they celebrate the festive season. A woman bearing the Aso ebi for the party is shown coming down from a Peugeot 504 car which also reinforces the advert as being set in the 1980s.

The television commercial by the telecom company captures the essence of togetherness, blending the cultural richness of rural life with the spirit of Christmas, all while subtly underscoring the telecom brand’s role in connecting loved ones, no matter how far apart they may be. It ends with “Better don come. Merry Christmas, Nigeria” further underscoring the reason for the commercial.

The second commercial tagged “Feliz Navidad” uses a galaxy of known artistes including Nollywood star, Timini Egbuson, as well as Uche Nwaefuna (Uchemontana), Chigozie Stephanie Alichi (Chizzy Alichi), Tomi Ojo, Eronini Osinachim, Kiki Bakare and Tope Adenibuyan (Teddy A) to pass across the message of Christmas.

At the heart of the Christmas party, the energy is electric as tap dancers take center stage, their feet tapping out intricate rhythms that blend seamlessly with the upbeat melody of Feliz Navidad. The sound of their shoes striking the floor creates a lively pulse, complementing the lively tunes of the music band performers who bring the festive song to life with vibrant instruments and harmonious vocals. Laughter and cheer fill the air as all come together to toast the season, sharing in the joy of music, movement, and the warmth of the Christmas spirit. The scene is a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and festive joy, all set to the timeless sounds of Feliz Navidad.

These commercials have further endeared the Glo brand to its subscribers and the general Nigerian public as they enjoy the geniality of the season of love, hope, gifts and celebrations.

Talking about the Yuletide commercials, Ademide Gafar, an industry watcher opined that churning out great TVCs is one of the selling points of the Glo brand while John Michael, a marketing communications expert, noted that Globacom is not just a leader in the telecommunications sector but a prominent creator of unforgettable commercials. From the nation’s pride in telecommunications, it’s Feliz Navidad-Merry Christmas!

Featured

Court Sends Woman to Prison for Abusing Tinubu’s Son, IGP on Social Media

Published

5 days ago

December 21, 2024

Eric

Olamide Thomas, who reportedly threatened Seyi Tinubu on social media, was on Friday, arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Olamide was arraigned by the office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, before Justice Emeka Nwite on a three-count charge.

Olamide was alleged to have, sometime in 2024, knowingly and intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording through a computer system or network on her social media platforms wherein she made remarks in Yoruba language.

In the video, she was alleged to have stated: “Mr. Seyi Tinubu would die this year, and misfortune and calamity had befallen the Tinubu family, with intent to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr Seyi Tinubu.”

The communication was said to have placed Seyi in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

In count two, the defendant was alleged to have intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording wherein she made remarks in Yoruba Language to bully, threaten, and harass the person of Egbetokun.

The communication was said to have placed Egbetokun in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Olamide was arrested on allegations bordering on harassing and threatening Seyi Tinubu, Egbetokun, and the Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post.

In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/636/2024 dated and filed on December 18 by the police team of lawyers led by A.A. Egwu, Olamide was sued as sole defendant.

Upon resumed hearing, Victor Okoye, who appeared for the police, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and that he was ready to proceed.

After the counts were read to the defendant, she pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defence lawyer, T J. Aondo (SAN), sought to move an oral application on his client’s behalf but the request was turned down.

Justice Nwite directed Aondo to file a formal bail application and adjourned the matter until December 30 for the commencement of trial.

The judge, however, assured the defence counsel that as soon as a bail application is filed in form of a motion on notice, the court would not hesitate to hear it.

Justice Nwite, thereafter, ordered Olamide to be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre pending the hearing of her bail application.