Blog

A broadcast journalist with the Independent Television and Radio, Hillary Nosa Odia, has been shot dead by suspected cultists around 2nd East Circular, Benin City, Edo State capital on Christmas Eve.

 

A colleague of the deceased who spoke with PUNCH Metro said the late Odia left the office at about 4pm on Sunday while the news of his death filtered into the ITV premises later in the night to the surprise of those who worked with him that day.

 

The colleague stated that the killing was as a result of cult clashes around Esigie area, off East Circular Road. He noted the deceased’s brother was also killed in a similar fashion last year, stating that three people were also shot on the day Odia was killed.

 

He described the late broadcaster as jovial, hardworking and easy to work with while calling on the police to unravel his death and apprehend the suspects.

 

The source said, “The late Odia closed from work at 4pm on December 24. Unfortunately, we heard of his death around Esigie hours later and it was a very big shock to the staff of the ITV.

 

“His brother was also killed in a similar fashion last year and I heard that the December 24 killing was due to cult clashes. He was a jovial person, easy to work with, hardworking. I hope the police will apprehend his killers soon.

 

“I also heard that he was trying to quit his own house at Upper Mission Extension and rent an apartment along Airport Road, while he also wrote an exam on Saturday morning at Edo State Polytechnic in Usen, where he was taking a course,” the source added.

 

However, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council has commiserated with the management and staff of ITV over the death of Odia.

 

A statement signed by the Chairman of the NUJ in Edo State, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, and the Secretary, Andy Egbon, said the union charged security agencies in the state, especially the Nigeria Police to unravel the circumstances surrounding Odia’s murder.

 

The statement prayed for the repose of the soul of the fallen colleague and urged his family to take solace in the fact that Odia would be remembered on the positive side of history.

 

The statement further charged journalists to investigate the incident of Odia ‘s death and as well ensure adequate reportage of the killing.

 

The PPRO of the Edo State Police Command, Chidiebube Nwabuzor, confirmed the killing but said information was sketchy at this time, promising to give details of the incident on Tuesday.

 

When asked if he knew whether the deceased had reported a threat to his life, he said he wouldn’t know as there were many cases treated by the men of the command daily.

 

He added: “I can confirm that the killing took place. Information is sketchy now but details would be revealed tomorrow after preliminary investigation.”

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu has pleaded with beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope financial grants approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invest the grants into profitable economic ventures.

 

Addressing the less privileged individuals in Cross River State on Monday, the Minister stated that the monies are not given to them for drinks or debauchery, but to start a petty trade or boost their existing petty trade and make better profits to sustain their families.

 

These monies can be used to start up little businesses. You can use these grants to boost your trade, and that will help with sustainability. These grants are deliberate acts by the federal government to pull people out of poverty.

 

Cross River, Lagos, Kogi, Imo, Akwa Ibom, others, etc have benefitted and Nigerians have reacted by thanking the President for the Yuletide gesture, saying that the money will go a long way in providing sustainable livelihood for their households this period.

 

Over 5,000 vulnerable, very poor persons and even People With Disabilities, PWDs in Cross River state received N20,000 grant each from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

 

This is coming on the heels of other packages provided by the President to provide relief for Nigerians during this period. It will be recalled that over 3.5 million households in Nigeria have already received the Renewed Hope conditional cash transfer, with another 4.5 million being enrolled and banked presently at various villages and communities across the country even through the season.

 

“These households are to be paid within two weeks. Furthermore, the payment of the backlog for NPower Beneficiaries is ongoing with one month of payment for almost 400,000 beneficiaries already completed this Yuletide season.

 

The event, which was the first of its kind in the state, got the beneficiaries extremely excited, especially the physically challenged persons, who were part of the Christmas celebrations event in Calabar.

 

Speaking at the event which was held at the Millennium Park, Calabar, the state capital, the Minister said the one-off grant was part of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s determination to lift vulnerable Nigerians from the abysses of poverty across the country.

 

“Here in Cross River, we are flagging off the grant for vulnerable groups in Cross River. So far, we’ve been able to reach 5,000 very poor and vulnerable persons at the grassroots in this state with plans to expand in the coming year. “

 

We have checked and confirmed that these people are very poor and they deserve to benefit from the scheme in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty in 2024 through the various social protection programs,” the Minister said.

 

She urged the beneficiaries to invest the grants into profitable economic ventures.

 

Dr. Edu assured that qualified Cross Riverians will be beneficiaries of the federal government’s social intervention programs being implemented through her ministry and agencies within the sector.

 

Earlier, the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu flagged off the event and presented the Dummy Cheque to beneficiaries with the wife,Reverend Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu commended President Tinubu for championing the cause of the poor and prioritising the welfare of the citizens.

 

The Cross River Governor, who said the state under his watch has been pushing a people-first government said he has given palliatives like never before in the history of Cross River, implored the beneficiaries to put the grants into proper use.

 

Otu said the “Grants for the Vulnerable” Program will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals in Cross River State

 

“On behalf of the people of Cross River State, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, the President of this great Nation, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for truly making a difference in peoples lives daily and championing this cause of prioritizing the welfare of our citizens, it is easy to know a transparent government that means well for its people,” he said.

 

On her part, the wife of the Governor of Cross River State, extended her gratitude to Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, saying “Her compassion and dedication to our nation’s well-being have been invaluable together, The President and his wife both exemplify true leadership and empathy.

 

I would like to extend my appreciation to my amiable Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, for her tireless efforts in coordinating the implementation of this program in our state and across the nation. We are proud of her hard work and dedication to duty.

 

“Your collective efforts have inspired hope and brought much-needed relief to those who need it most, especially in a time like this. I implore you the beneficiaries to put to good use the grant given to you so that in no distant time, we can all begin to live better lives, “Rev. Mrs Otu said.

 

 

By Flowerbudnews

Onitsha (Anambra): : The Women Arise for Change Initiative, an NGO, has urged Gov. Charles Soludo and his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo, to come to rescue of eight-month-old baby Chizeterem Ezenwata, suffering from hole in the heart.

The NGO also called on the Commissioner for Women and Children Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo; public-spirited individuals/organizations and the wealthy to come to rescue of the baby, whose parents had exhausted all finances trying to save her life.

The Secretary of the NGO in Anambra State, Pastor Chinyere Amah, made the call on Christmas Day (Monday) after members of the NGO visited the family at their residence in Onitsha, Anambra.

During the visit, Mrs Oluchukwu Ezenwata, mother of the baby, who lamented with uncontrollable tears, said that since eight months ago when the baby was born they took her to various hospitals in Lagos.

Ezenwata said that they had practically spent all they had to provide the best and adequate medical care for her without success.

“Recently they referred us to Irene Okwosa Specialist Hospital, Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area in Anambra State and they billed N8.5 million to perform heart surgery which the family cannot afford.

“My beloved daughter should not be allowed to die because of paucity of funds,” the mother lamented.

Amah appealed to the Soludos, whom by birth and inclination are passionate about the welfare of children and women, and all people of goodwill to help wipe away tears and predicaments of the family.

 

“There no doubt in our minds that his Excellency Professor Charles Soludo and her Excellency Dr Nonye Soludo have been doing it before and will continue to do it for the interest and welfare of humanity.

“We also appeal to other public-spirited individuals to help in this regard as the only good motive in life is the motive of doing good for one’s country and her citizens.

“We equally appeal to National President of Women Arise for Change Initiative and veteran human rights activist, Dr Joe Odumakin, to help in ameliorating the predicament of the baby Chizeterem Ezenwata and her parents,” she appealed.

Amah also gave out the cell-phone numbers of the Ezenwatas, adding: “This is baby Ezenwata parents’ GSM numbers: 08034925665 or 08063912172.”. (Flowerbudnews)

 

By Flowerbudnews

Enugu: Rep. Chiamaobi Atu (LP), Member representing Enugu North and Enugu South Federal Constituency, has reiterated his call to build a new Nigeria where peace, love and justice exist for everyone.

 

Atu made the call on Monday in his constituent’s country home, Ugwuaji in Enugu, while hosting and distributing bags of rice, wrappers and other materials to some of his constituents as part of Christmas celebration.

 

He also urged Christians to learn from the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ.

(Rep. Chiamaobi Atu (LP), Member representing Enugu North and Enugu South Federal Constituency)

He explained that Christ was sacrificially sent down by God to save mankind from destruction and to give another opportunity to man.

According to him, no nation can develop if the citizens are not willing to make sacrifices.

“The birth of Christ reminds you and me that love, giving, peace and justice, are the major principles that move a nation,” he said.

On the state of the economy, Atu said it was a trying time for Nigerians who could barely feed themselves.

He, therefore, called on the Federal Government to rejig the economy in order to reduce hardship in the land.

“Many Nigerians could hardly feed themselves. We cannot continue this way.

(Rep. Chiamaobi Atu (LP), Member representing Enugu North and Enugu South Federal Constituency)

“The Federal Government must as a matter of urgency stimulate this economy,” he added.

 

One of the continents, Mr Johnpaul Nnaji, appreciated the lawmaker for his Christmas gesture, adding: “These items will go a long way to ameliorate the hardship my family is passing through”.

Another constituent, Mrs Ifeyinwa Nnebuife, prayed God to continue to bless and protect the lawmaker as he had constantly remembered the poor over many years running now. (Flowerbudnews)

 

Peller Felicitates Gov. Makinde at 56, says he is exemplary, visionary

By Adewale Owoade

Honourable Shina Peller, a former lawmaker, has described the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde as a visionary, youth oriented and result-driven leader.

 

Peller stated this in his goodwill message to the governor on his 56th birthday, where he described Makinde’s leadership attributes as exemplary and noteworthy.

 

The Oke Ogun-born businessman cum politician, highlighted some of the commendable leadership attributes of the governor, which he said include Makinde’s strict adherence to the principles of equity, fairness and justice.

He stated further that the developmental projects of Governor Makinde, reaffirmed his alignment and association with the governor as his leader.

 

Moreover, Honourable Peller seized the opportunity to rejoice with Christians on the occasion of the 2023 Christmas celebrations and prayed for all to witness many more of it on earth.

 

The statement read in full:

“I celebrate my dear leader, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, as he adds another year today.

“Truly, our political landscape suffers from lack of good leadership, and there is no leadership where there’s no vision. Governor Makinde is a visionary leader, youth oriented, and result driven person whose actions are bound to impact positively on not only the present generation but also the coming generations. This is why I am proud to identify and associate with him as my leader irrespective of my political affiliation, particularly in the last general election.

“Indeed, Governor Makinde’s leadership attributes are exemplary and noteworthy. One of the things I cherish about him is his respect for the principles of equity, fairness, and justice as evident in the ways he administers the state.

“For example, the general belief has always been that Oke Ogun region is marginalized. However, since Governor Makinde came on board, he has rekindled the hope of the people of the region by paying attention to them.

“Oke Ogun people have been clamouring for a university for about 70 years; Governor Makinde saw to this by giving the region LAUTECH campus in Iseyin.

“Also, the governor provided the region with good, linkable roads to aid their major business which is agriculture. The People’s governor fixed Moniya-Iseyin road; saw to the completion of the dualisation of Saki road; reconstructed Oyo-Iseyin road which connects Oyo and Oke-Ogun Zone; opened up Ogbomoso to Oke-Ogun to through the construction of Ogbomoso-Iseyin road and other developmental projects.

“Mentioned above are just a few of the numerous dividends of democracy that the people are experiencing, not only in Oke Ogun, but Oyo State at large; the transformational activities of Governor Makinde cut across every nook and cranny of the state.

“Also, the Ido-Eruwa Road reconstruction project executed by Governor Makinde is applaudable as it links the Ibadan and Ibarapa Zones of Oyo State. Also, the rehabilitation of Eruwa-Lanlate-Maya Road located in Ibarapa East LGA is worth noting.

“The Governor created safe, adequate and efficient transport system that can sustain the social and economic development of the state, and many other numerous laudable projects that I cannot even remember.

“Dear visionary leader, as you turn 56 today, the people of Oke Ogun and Oyo state at large celebrate you, and we pray that God strengthens you in all ways as you continue to pilot the affairs of our dear state. May you witness many more years on earth in God’s name. Amen.

“In the same vein, I’m using this avenue to wish all, particularly, Christians, a blissful Christmas celebration. We shall witness many more of it in God’s name. Amen.”

Gov. Makinde commissions 10km Omi Adio-Ido Junction Road.

 

By Adewale Owoade

Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has assured residents of the state that his administration will continue to embark on building infrastructure that impacts on the economy of the state

The governor stated this in Ido, while commissioning the 10 kilometres Omi-Adio to Ido Junction Road constructed by Ido Local Government.

He added that his administration will continue to support the efforts of Local Government Areas in line with the developmental plans of the state.

Governor Makinde, who spoke at the Ido Clay Mining Station venue of the event, said the new road is of great economic importance to the state as the axis is set to become an economic hub.

He said: “Let me use this opportunity to appreciate you, my people in Ido Local Government. We were on the campaign trail when I flagged off this road project on the 3rd of February, 2023.

“Then, I promised that we would complete this road in record time, because we believe that our infrastructure should target our economy. We will continue to do that as a government.

“This project was not done by the state but by Ido LG, which shows a good collaboration between the LG and state governments. So, this is an example of collaboration in government.

“Let me specially thank the contractors, because after the award, we started facing economic headwinds. We awarded it in February and, by May, there was a change in government and they announced removal of fuel subsidy.

So, the price of asphalt, which was a major component, went through the roof.

“This road has economic importance. It links a particular rail line here. With this and also with the one we just opened, which leads to Orita Challenge, and the plan we have for Owode Estate, this whole place will be a big hub for development.”

The governor promised to relocate the popular Omi Adio Market by the railroad side to a better location within the shortest period of time, calling on Ido Local Government to embark on the enumeration of traders at the market.

He equally assured that the local government will benefit from the ongoing construction of the Circular Road, as according to him, Ido is the last leg of the project and is expected to link the axis to the Lagos-Ibadan expressway through Ajanla Farms.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy Matters, Honourable Segun Olayiwola described the road project as another achievement to move the state forward and make life more comfortable for the people.

Similarly, the Chairman, Ido Local Government, Mr Sheriff Adeojo, said the project was successful because of Governor Makinde’s friendly policy of supporting worthy projects at the local government level.

He said: “Today’s commissioning is an epoch-making event in the history of Ido Local Government.

“I must confess that this landmark achievement is made possible because of the Governor’s friendly policy direction and availability of funds to execute the project.

“Your Excellency, the entire people of Ido LG and the adjoining local government areas cannot thank you enough, because of the linkage of the road both to the urban and rural areas, thereby making businesses very effective and hitch-free.

“On behalf of the entire people in Ido LG, we appreciate you for honouring this invitation, as we pledge our unalloyed support for your administration.”

Also in his goodwill message, the Asiwaju of Ido, Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, lauded Governor Makinde for supporting the road project and for bringing government presence to Ido Community, which had not received the attention of the past administrations in the state for 31 years.

He commended the governor for his unprecedented infrastructure development strides in all the zones of the state, which he said had reduced rural-urban migration as well as removing the obstacles of the hard-to-reach in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the contractor, Samchase Nigeria Limited, Engineer Okoro, expressed his gratitude to the governor for prompt approval and release of funds.

He appealed to motorists and residents to adhere strictly to road signs and cautions and equally maintain the drainages as expected.