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GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA’S RUNNING MATE : LET US RESPECT HIS CHOICE

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GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA’S RUNNING MATE : LET US RESPECT HIS CHOICE

by Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha

 

….. IT IS HIS RIGHT

While awaiting official confirmation that the name of *Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru* has been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as the running mate to His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma, in the November 11, 2023 Governorship election in Imo State, let me repel the news in circulation that loyalists of the Governor and members of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, are in shock over the reported choice of *Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru* , popularly known as *Lolo Obiaozuma*.

It should be noted that it is the right of the Governor to retain or choose whosoever he wants as his running mate. Therefore, his choice should be respected. It is his right.

As the governor of the state, Senator Hope Uzodimma should be seen as the Governor and Father of the whole State , and not that of any Party. Also, those reportedly murmuring and complaining on the reported choice of a woman as running mate, should bear in mind that Hope Uzodimma is a Gender-friendly governor and leader, who is not only grooming young men for leadership, but also young women and youths alike. This, the People’s Governor has severally demonstrated in his appointments, nominations and submissions.

In Nigeria, there has been a long battle agitation on better and proper inclusion of women in leadership positions, especially in politics. While some leaders, especially, Governors, turned a blind eye to this agitation, the Gender-friendly Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma jumped into the boxing ring and started fighting for women inclusiveness in politics and in several other leadership positions. As far as I am concerned, Governor Hope Uzodimma should be applauded for giving our women a sense of belonging in the polity.

For the first time in the history of Imo State, a female Chief Judge of the State emerged , few weeks after Governor Uzodimma was sworn-in in January 2020. Her name is Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua. And she was in that position for almost two years. Not done, Our Governor ensured another woman of substance succeeded Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua as Chief Judge. She is Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka -Chikeka (MPOM, FCIArb, MDRI). And she has been in the position for over one year.

Also, for the first time in Imo State, a female Principal Secretary to the Governor was appointed by His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma. She is still dutifully and creditably performing her duty.

As a further confirmation that the 3-R administration of His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma is Gender-friendly, this crusade for women inclusiveness in governance and leadership positions was extended to the Legislative Arm Of Government, where we have another woman of substance, Barrister (Mrs) Chinelo Emeghara as Clerk and Head of Legislative Services, Imo State House Of Assembly. Opinion poll confirm she is the best Clerk in the history of Imo State House Of Assembly, in terms of administration, legislative service, welfare of staff, open door policy etc. This was made possible due to women inclusiveness in governance and leadership positions by His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Furthermore, it should be noted that before now, women were never allowed to inherit and partake in the sharing of family property. But the Imo State House Of Assembly, which is the Legislative Arm Of Government, ( though independent but working collaboratively with the Executive ) few months ago, passed the Bill empowering women to inherit and share in family property. This is another clear evidence that the 3-R administration in the State is Gender-friendly.

On other political appointments, Governor Hope Uzodimma has further given Imo women a Pride Of Place in his administration. There are women Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Heads of Government Agencies.

In the State Civil Service, a Number of women have been appointed Permanent Secretaries in our Ministries. This also include the appointment of female Judges in our High Courts, to dispense justice.

In the Education sector, the 3-R administration has ensured that our women are not missing out. Many female teachers are today Headmistresses of Primary Schools, Principals and Vice Principals of Secondary Schools. Furthermore, it is not a coincidence that a woman is the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Of Technology Owerri, FUTO, during this 3-R Administration in the State. The forthcoming local government election will have women elected as Councillors and Chairmen. Indeed, from my political barometer, I see our women being elected as Vice-chairmen, while our men will be elected as Chairmen. I strongly believe the Governor’s action in promoting women inclusiveness in governance and leadership positions is to encourage young people to be more interested in political leadership. No wonder, there are many youths occupying various positions in the administration.

Let me open the minds of the reading public :

* The State Chairman Of the ruling party, APC, is a youth.

* Majority of Commissioners in the State are youths.

* Majority of Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants are youths.

* Majority Of Local Government Sole Administrators are youths.

* And so on and so forth.

Evidentiary, Governor Hope Uzodimma has shown, through practical demonstration, that he does not discriminate against anybody ; whether you are a man, a woman or a youth. Neither does he discriminate against any zone in the State. Having been elected Governor under the platform of APC, he sees everybody in the State as his constituent, irrespective of the person’s political party affiliation.

The point I am making is that the reported choice of a female running mate by Governor Hope Uzodimma should be respected and supported by all Imo Citizens, irrespective of political party affiliation.

On Lolo Obiaozuma, she is a round peg in a round hole. As a committed Anglican Christian, she will compliment the Catholic Christian lineage of His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma. On a personal note, I have known Lolo Obiaozuma for over 35 years. She has credibility, integrity and dignity. She is a successful wife of Sir Chukwuma Ekomaru SAN (Obiaozuma), Mother of three grown up young men and a grandmother. Although Newspaper and Social Media reports described her as a practicing lawyer of over 20 years, I don’t know her to be one. Nevertheless, I am 100% confident that Imo women, across party lines, will support the reported choice of Lolo Obiaozuma as running mate to His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma.

I Rest My Pen.

Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha (Ekenwohia Ndigbo)
01/06/2023

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NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE ADDRESSES VIRAL VIDEO INVOLVING OFFICER AND CLEARING AGENTS

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1. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is aware of two separate videos circulating on social media involving one of its officers and clearing agents at Car Park C Terminal under the Tincan Island Port Area Command. The first video captures an incident in which the officer was subjected to what seems like an embarrassment and hostility. In contrast, the second shows a contrasting scenario in which agents warmly received the same officer.

2. It is pertinent to note that the NCS takes these incidents very seriously. Following standard protocol, the service has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding both videos. To ensure impartiality and thoroughness, the Customs Police Unit has been saddled to review the videos, gather statements from the officer in question, and engage relevant stakeholders associated with these incidents.

3. In line with the NCS Act 2023 Section 30, the NCS upholds its commitment to a transparent and accountable process. It is important to note that any individual found to be in contravention of NCS regulations—including clearing agents, officers, or other involved parties—will be held accountable under the law and appropriate measures pursued to serve as a deterrent.

4. The NCS management, under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, wishes to assure the general public, stakeholders, and the business community that appropriate action will be taken in response to the investigation’s findings. He urges all parties operating within the port community to conduct their activities responsibly and in line with the principles of respect and professionalism.

5. The NCS is committed to creating a safe and conducive environment for legitimate trade and commerce to thrive across all its formations.

ABDULLAHI MAIWADA
Chief Superintendent of Customs
National Public Relations Officer
For Comptroller-General of Customs
28 October 2024

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LONDON IS NOT A COUNTRY-HERE’S WHY.

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Most people think London is a Country of it’s own .. That’s not true. London is the capital of England UK  and there are four countries in the UK with each having their capitals.

Some often confuse England, United Kingdom  and Great Britain.

England is a country just like Nigeria and its capital is London just like Abuja is the capital of Nigeria

Or Ghana as a country and accra as the capital of Ghana .

Great Britain is a collection of 3 countries which came together as one country and has its capital as London. Those 3 countries are:

1. England,
2. Scotland
3. Wales.

When you include Northern Ireland to these 3 countries, they become United Kingdom (Union of four nations)

1. England,
2. Scotland,
3. Wales, and
4. Northern Ireland.

That is why it is referred to as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Collectively, the four are taken as one country. London is its capital.

These four individual nations all have their own respective capitals.

Accordingly, the capital of

Scotland is Edinburgh,
Wales is Cardiff;
Northern Ireland is Belfast.
England is London.

Additionally,
England,Wales and Northern Ireland uses “pounds” as their official currency

Scotland uses “pounds sterling”

Both pounds and pounds sterling are of the same value but different prints.

No knowledge is a waste

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5 countries in Africa where it snows

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By Oluwaseyifunmi Awobiyi

The belief that Africa is a continent of dry seasons is just a misconception as there are countries in Africa where snows are no surprises.

These countries, located at higher altitudes or further from the equator, show that Africa’s geographical diversity also extends to its climate.

This variety challenges the narrow perceptions many hold about Africa, reminding us that it is a continent of contrasts. From tropical rainforests to snow-capped mountains, Africa’s climate reflects its vast landscape, which is as diverse as its people and cultures.

Here are the five countries in Africa where snow falls.

South Africa

South Africa is a vast nation featuring a diverse array of landscapes. The winter season lasts from June to August, and for those interested in experiencing snow, the Drakensberg Mountains are the ideal destination. This area attracts visitors who enjoy taking photographs in the snowy scenery and engaging in activities like sledding.

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While snowfall can occasionally occur in major cities such as Johannesburg, these events are quite rare.

Morocco

In Morocco, snowfall primarily occurs between December and February, though it is limited to the northern regions of the country, particularly in the Rif and Atlas Mountains. Snowfall is not guaranteed every year, making it a somewhat unpredictable phenomenon.

During these winter months, temperatures in the mountainous areas can plummet to as low as -8 degrees Celsius, creating a stark contrast to the warmer climates found elsewhere in the country. The combination of cold temperatures and occasional snow transforms the landscape, drawing visitors for activities such as skiing and snowboarding in places like Oukaïmeden and Michlifen.

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