News
Orji Kalu crosses to APC
A former Governor of Abia, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, on Wednesday, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), with prayer that God would use him to add value to the party. Kalu was received at the APC National Headquarters, Abuja, by the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odige-Oyegun and members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
He said that his defection to the APC was made possible by the persistence of some of the party’s chieftains who had been wooing him for some times. According to him, I was invited to dinner over 20 times by some of the party`s chieftains, including the national chairman, while the wooing lasted. “They had been on by neck, asking that I must come over to APC and the national chairman always buys me red wine. “My red wine is still packed in his house and I visit his place regularly to chat because we attend the same church’’. Kalu joins APC1 Kalu, however, said that it was a privilege to be accepted into the party, adding that he would abide by its laws while remaining a good party man.
He thanked the APC national chairman and other party chieftains for the confidence they reposed in him and for making him join the party. He assured that states being governed by opposition parties in the South-East and other parts of the country presently would be delivered to the APC in 2019. “God will help us to achieve this, but the most important thing is the ability to consult, discuss and move forward. “Nobody is an embodiment of knowledge; knowledge is in the hands of God and He will always give us knowledge’’.
He prayed that the APC continued to wax stronger and for its leaders continued support for President Mohammed Buhari in his quest to develop the country and fight corruption. Kalu expressed optimism that though the country was going through rough times, good policy formulation would help to lessen the suffering of the people. He expressed optimism that the APC would leave beyond 2019 contrary to the predictions of some Nigerians. “Nobody can say that APC cannot go beyond 2019; Nigerians should change this behaviour that after every four years when there is presidential election, people will start saying they want to change party. “APC has come to stay in my opinion and in the opinion of other people and the international community. “If APC is going and its members that welcomed me here today are going, I will go with them,’’ he said. He, however, said that he would not contest any position, but added that he would accept any role the party may find him worthy of playing. “Once you are a party man and you are given a mandate to do anything, you will do it, but for me, I am an entrepreneur and I will like to go back to my business’’. Receiving him, Odigie-Oyegun, described the politician as a positive asset not only to the South-East, but to APC and Nigeria, who could be used to resolve the country`s challenges.
He explained that the party`s chieftains took time to woo Kalu to the party because of his attributes of resilience and commitment over the years. “Given the attachment of the South-East before now, it was also necessary to go out for leaders who can contribute positively, who people listen to, and you fall into that category. “Your coming and timing is very significant, but I must say that you have a lot of work to do to consolidate our party in the East,’’ Odigie-Oyegun said. He said that the APC would depend on Kalu to win not only states in the South-East but the South-South in 2019. He assured the former Abia governor, who defected from the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), that he would be given his rightful place in the APC.
He added that though the country was going through difficulties that was not created by the APC-led government, the party was determined to address it.
News
IGP directs police officers to wear black bands in honour of Taoreed Lagbaja
Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, has directed officers to wear black bands in honour of Taoreed Lagbaja, the late chief of army staff (COAS).
In a statement signed by Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, Egbetokun ordered personnel to wear the bands during the seven-day mourning period.
“This directive is to pay tribute and honour the late General who has shown gallantry, dedication, and passion for fighting violent crimes and insurgency in Nigeria,” the statement reads.
“He was a great leader who deserves to be honoured by all means.”
On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of Lagbaja.
Lagbaja died on Tuesday after battling an undisclosed ailment. He was 56-years-old.
He was appointed COAS by Tinubu on June 19, 2023.
Lagbaja enrolled into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.
In September 1992, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th regular course.
He served as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
Lagbaja also participated in various internal security operations, including operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in south-east, and forest sanity in Kaduna and Niger.
The president has appointed Olufemi Oluyede as acting COAS.
News
LASEPA seals off churches, hotels over noise pollution
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has sealed off some establishments over alleged noise pollution.
The facilities sealed include churches, lounges, nightclubs, bars, and hotels in the Lagos metropolis.
In a statement on Wednesday, Babatunde Ajayi, the general manager of LASEPA, said the move was in line with the agency’s efforts to uphold environmental standards and safeguard public health.
“In a bid to address noise pollution and other environmental violations, LASEPA took action, closing down several establishments across different parts of the state,” Ajayi said.
He noted that the establishments were found guilty of breaching environmental regulations despite multiple warnings from LASEPA.
He reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy on regulatory non-compliance, saying “we will not permit disregard for our regulations”.
Ajayi said the enforcement drive focused on areas like Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota.
He added that the sealed outfits include Honourable Lounge & Lodging, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Night Club and Lounge, and Bridge Spot Bar.
Others are Okiki Event Centre and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.
The LASEPA boss urged all businesses to recognise their environmental obligations and work alongside the state government to foster a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos.
News
Tinubu approves establishment of Teaching Hospital in Ondo
The Federal Government has approved the establishment of a teaching hospital in Akure, Ondo State, to support the training of medical students at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA).
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammad Pate, to initiate the necessary arrangements for the establishment of the teaching hospital. Prof. Pate has since dispatched a team to Ondo State to assess the location.
Leading the team, Dr. Jimoh Olawole Salaudeen, Director of Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health, inspected FUTA’s permanent site, designated for the hospital. Salaudeen also visited the Akure Annex of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), which will serve as a temporary site for the teaching hospital.
Speaking with reporters after the inspection, Dr. Salaudeen expressed optimism about the hospital’s potential to become operational soon, citing available facilities. “President Tinubu directed that Akure should have a federal teaching hospital,” Salaudeen stated. “We are here to coordinate with the state government and review the site options for establishing the teaching hospital.”
Salaudeen highlighted the urgency of the project, noting that FUTA has begun training medical students, who are now in their third year. “The state government has provided a temporary site, and we are pleased with the infrastructure at the permanent site, including an auditorium, health center, and classrooms,” he said.
He added, “Our goal is to identify equipment needs at the temporary site to create a model federal tertiary hospital that supports student training. The enthusiastic support from the community is encouraging and will facilitate a peaceful learning environment.”
Ondo State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, affirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the project, ensuring it aligns with the president’s vision. “We have drafted an MOU and laid groundwork for the medical students to complete their training on schedule,” Ajaka said.
FUTA’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, expressed relief, saying, “We’ve been concerned about where our medical students would complete their clinical studies. I’m thrilled that the federal government has stepped in to provide a solution.”
Prof. Oladiji also highlighted FUTA’s biomedical engineering department, which aims to contribute to the school of health sciences by producing essential medical equipment. “This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to training future health professionals and engineers who can innovate and support the healthcare sector,” she added.
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