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Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has advised President Bola Tinubu against taking the reputation of a dictator by fighting citizens’ right to protest.
Dele Momodu‘s advice followed statements from Nigeria’s security agencies, including Department of Security Services (DSS), Nigeria Police, Nigeria Army and Defence Headquarters against citizens’ planned hunger protest.
Momodu reminded President Tinubu that he engaged in several protests before becoming president against policies of governments.
In a statement on Friday, on his X handle, the publisher of Ovation Magazine said, “As I write this, my mind goes back to my earliest recollection of you as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As a young journalist, you were everyone’s delight. The June 12 Presidential election annulment brought out the best in you as a pro-democracy figure.
“You spent money and time fighting the military. Our exile years were lived in constant fear and trepidation.”
The PDP chieftain told Tinubu that since he became President things have been hard for citizens because of his economic policies.
He said the President failed to realize the country was more complicated than Lagos State.
He continued, “Unfortunately, things have not been easy for Nigerians (except members of the privilegentsia) since you realized your lifelong ambition. And let me be frank sir. You caused it all. You did not realize that a country is much more complicated than a state.
“I’m sad and embarrassed that a fighter for democracy is now saying Nigerians will not be allowed to congregate and demonstrate on the streets, something you and I enjoyed during the military regimes, at home and abroad.
“I will never support anarchy, after engaging in peace initiatives in Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia. But I’m reasonably assured that any potential threat can be contained and nipped in the bud, since our secret service claims to have discovered the sponsors of mayhem. Such people should be arrested speedily.
Dele Momodu further advised President Tinubu to go back to his friends who fought for democracy alongside him for sincere truth.
He told Tinubu to use the opportunity of the planned protest to test the strength of Nigeria’s security agencies.
“Please Sir, go back to your original friends in civil liberties and seek their assistance. Then, use this opportunity to test the strength, security architecture and combat readiness of our security agencies. Ignore the advice of the hawks in your team. They have nothing to lose since they are mostly beneficiaries of what others died for. Resist the temptations of full blown dictatorship,” he said.
The Take-It-Back Movement, a civil society organization, has claimed that its bank account with a major bank has been frozen on the orders of the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to the group, this action is a direct response to their involvement in the upcoming nationwide protest.
In a statement posted on their X account on Friday, the organization condemned the freeze as an unlawful act.
The group demanded that their account be reinstated within 24 hours or face legal action against the bank.
“It has now come to our attention that @UBAGroup has frozen our account on the instructions of the DSS over our involvement in the forthcoming protest.
“We describe this action as lawless, and demand our account be unfrozen immediately within the next 24hours, without which a legal action will be instituted against @UBAGroup,” the post read.
Former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, commented on the situation, labeling it a conspiracy against the Nigerian populace.
Naija News reports that Nigerians are organizing a nationwide protest from August 1 to August 10, 2024.
The protest, dubbed #EndBadGovernance, aims to address the issues of widespread hunger and inflation in the country.
Recall that the DSS on Thursday issued a stern warning against the planned nationwide protest aimed at addressing the economic hardships in the country.
In a press statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Dr Peter Afunanya, and made available to Vanguard, the DSS disclosed that it had identified the sponsors of the protest.
In a move to stabilize the foreign exchange market and counteract the recent depreciation of the naira, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disbursed $148 million to 29 authorized dealers.
This was disclosed in a statement posted on the apex bank’s website on Friday.
The statement highlighted that the sales were conducted on Monday, July 22, and Tuesday, July 23, 2024, with exchange rates ranging between ₦1470.00/$1 and ₦1510.00/$1.
This intervention follows the CBN’s previous disbursement of $122.67 million to 46 authorized dealers two weeks ago, aimed at promoting market stability and reducing volatility.
Additionally, a week ago, the CBN announced the sale of $20,000 to each Bureau De Change (BDC) operator at the rate of ₦1,450/$1.
Despite these efforts, the naira has continued to depreciate, trading above ₦1,600 against the US dollar at the official market on Thursday.
The continuous decline of the naira has raised concerns among businesses and consumers, with rising import costs and increasing inflationary pressures.
The CBN’s interventions are critical in providing liquidity and restoring confidence in the market during these challenging times.
The statement read, “The Central Bank of Nigeria sold a cumulative sum of US S148,000,000.00 in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange market to authorised dealers on July 22 and 23, 2024.
“The sale of foreign exchange was to 29 authorised dealer banks at an exchange rate of 1470.00/US$1-1510.00/US$1.”
A former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has dared the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike over the planned nationwide strike.
Recall that Wike had stated that the protest would not hold in Abuja.
He said that August 1 had been set aside for the chairmen of the six Area Councils of the FCT to give out certificates of recognition to their traditional rulers.
The Minister gave the warning while briefing journalists on the outcome of the FCT Security Council meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
Reacting via his X handle on Friday, Sowore stated that the protest would start from Abuja.
He shared a news article of the minister declaring that there would be no protest in the territory, and wrote, “It is starting from and in Abuja!.”
Naija News reports that some Nigerians are mobilising for the nationwide protest slated for August 1 to August 10, 2024.
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has revealed the details of the meeting between traditional rulers and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Recall that Tinubu held an emergency meeting with Traditional Rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III on Thursday.
The meeting was not unconnected to the imminent nationwide protest over the widespread hardship in the country. The protest is slated for August 1-10, 2024, on Thursday.
Speaking after the meeting, the monarch said Tinubu asked Nigerians who are dissatisfied with his administration to express their dissatisfaction at the polls and vote him out in the 2027 presidential election.
Ooni of Ife noted that Tinubu called for dialogue while reiterating his resolve to end the country’s economic hardship.
“The President has said, ‘Any leader that you don’t like, wait (until 2027) and vote him out.’ He is open to dialogue. We know that Nigeria faces many challenges. But are we going to destroy our nation by ourselves? Is that what we are all after?
“It is very difficult to build, but it is the easiest to destroy. We are all stakeholders in this country and are stronger as a nation than individually,” the Ooni of Ife said.
Tinubu had earlier said the sponsors of the protest are enemies of Nigeria, adding that his government is doing everything to address the challenges faced by Nigerians.
He also said Nigeria’s economy is on the path of recovery and gave assurance of better days.
This comes amid rising dissatisfaction among Nigerians on the state of the economy as core and food inflation stood at 34.19 percent and 40.87 percent, respectively.
Wale Edun, the minister of finance, says over 600,000 households have benefited from the direct cash transfer programme of the federal government following the resumption of payments.
Edun spoke on Thursday in Abuja during the half-year review ministerial press briefing, themed, ‘Economic Recovery and Growth: Progress and Prospects 2024’.
On July 18, 2023, President Bola Tinubu ordered an immediate review of the conditional cash transfer scheme — an intervention initiative coordinated by the national social investment programme agency (NSIPA).
The president later suspended all programmes administered by NSIPA for six weeks, as part of a probe of alleged malfeasance in the management of the agency and its programmes.
During a radio interview session in Kaduna, Mohammed Idris, the minister of information and national orientation, disclosed the federal government’s plan to resume the intervention schemes.
Speaking at the press briefing, the minister reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians and the government’s efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in its social protection initiatives.
“Following the resumption of payments, over 600,000 households have already received this direct transfer this week,” Edun was quoted as saying in a statement by in a statement on by Mohammed Manga, the ministry’s director of information and public relations.
Edun said the government has made significant strides in its economic reforms, “well on its way to achieving a step-change in the revenues of the government; closely in line with the budget for 2024”.
He also announced the government’s exit from the ways and means borrowing mechanism, highlighting successes of the government’s reforms while citing a projected budget deficit of 4 percent in the 2024 fiscal year.
Edun acknowledged the temporary hardships caused by the reforms but assured that Nigerians would soon benefit from the expected outcomes.
He said the government’s “well-coordinated economic policies are beginning to yield results, evidenced by the deceleration in inflation growth, a rise in foreign investments compared to the same period last year”.
The minister said one of the major priorities of the incumbent government in the immediate term is to reduce food prices and focus on providing all the necessary support to increase local food production, given the impact of high food prices on inflation.
He said efforts are underway to achieve this goal.
The minister said with the outcome of the first half of 2024, “the economy is turning the corner.”
Edun added that with macroeconomic stability, the economy is being well positioned for sustained and inclusive growth that creates jobs, lifts millions out of poverty, and drives domestic and foreign investments that would improve the general wellbeing of the average Nigerian.
The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Police Force has deployed 4,200 policemen in Abuja ahead of the planned nationwide protest.
The spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Friday, disclosed that the deployment was to ensure public safety, protection of protesters and to prevent the protests from being hijacked by non-state actors.
Adeh added that Police operatives deployed include explosive ordinance device experts at various strategic locations.
She added that there would be raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings/shanties, and stop and search operations, among others, in collaboration with sister security agencies.
Tunji Bello has officially assumed his role as the Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) today.
The Senate had on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Bello Olatunji as Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC.
President Bola Tinubu in June approved the appointment of Bello as the new FCCPC Boss after removing Babatunde Irukera in January 2024.
Bello’s confirmation followed consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment presented by Suleiman Sadiq, the Senator representing Kwara North during plenary on Tuesday.
The President expects that the new Chief Executive Officer of the agency will ensure the holistic realization of the Commission’s mandate of protecting and promoting the interest and welfare of Nigerian consumers, and ensuring the adoption of measures to guarantee the safety and quality of goods and services.
Bello, a lawyer, administrator, and renowned journalist is the former secretary to the Lagos State Government and holds a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos. He studied Law at the same university and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002.
Bello began his career in journalism at the Concord Newspapers in 1985 and held the positions of Group Political Editor; Sunday Concord Editor, and Editor, National Concord.
He is a winner of the US Alfred Friendly Press Fellowship and was appointed the Chairman, Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspapers in 2001.
He also served as Commissioner for Environment under various administrations in Lagos State.
Bello brings a wealth of experience to the FCCPC, and we are confident he will be a strong advocate for fair competition and consumer protection in Nigeria.
He was welcomed to the Commission by Adamu Abdullahi, Executive Commissioner Operations, and Kola Alabi, Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services.
Abdullahi served as the Commission’s chief executive in an acting capacity until Bello resumed.
Before settling into his office, Bello went round the Commission to familiarize himself with the staff.
[BuinessDay]
The economy is growing faster and government’s financial position becoming better as ongoing reforms continue to address fundamental pillars for sustainable development.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, yesterday gave a full overview of the national economic data, with significant improvements in fiscal and monetary positions.
Speaking at the newly introduced quarterly media briefing yesterday in Abuja, Edun highlighted that the economy grew faster in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023.
According to him, economic activity in the first quarter of 2024 was not only faster than first quarter of 2023, but it was also the second fastest first-quarter growth in the last six years.
He noted that the economic growth was broad-based across several sectors including agriculture, industries and services, with agricultural growth recovering from negative in the first quarter of 2023 to a modest growth in the first quarter of 2024.
He pointed out that the industrial sector grew seven times faster in first quarter 2024 than in first quarter 2023.
He attributed this positive economic performance to the government’s well-coordinated fiscal and monetary policies.
Edun explained that aggregate federal government revenue in the first half of 2024 was more than double of the corresponding period in 2023.
He attributed the revenue growth to the reconfiguration and improvement in government finances, with oil revenue as a percentage of gross revenue increasing from 11 per cent in the first half of 2023 to 30 per cent in the first half of 2024.
The finance minister also highlighted the strong performance of non-oil revenue, which not only surpassed the revenue in the first half of 2023 but was also 30 per cent above the 2024 budget target, without any increases in taxes.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to further improving revenue through increased oil production and sales, as well as enhancing the fiscal policy landscape to attract more investment into the sector.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s debt burden has reduced in dollar terms, and the government’s fiscal deficit has improved, as the country’s economic reforms continue to yield positive results.
“Our debt has fallen in dollar terms from $108 billion to $91 billion. Not only that, the government has diligently serviced all its loans and obligations with no recourse to ways and means financing. The government has met all its obligations,” Edun said.
He noted that the government is not relying on ways and means borrowing, which can be inflationary, and has paid back the previous N7.3 trillion obligation within a year of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He highlighted the improving debt service-to-revenue ratio, which has declined from 97 per cent in the first half of 2023 to 68 per cent in 2024, indicating the government’s strong position in managing its debt obligations.
On the budget, Edun said that the 2024 budget deficit has moved in the right direction, with a target of 4.1 per cent of GDP, an improvement from the 6.1 per cent deficit recorded in 2023.
“On an annualized basis, we are at 4.4 per cent, so you can see we are effectively very, very close to the budgetary target,” Edun said.
He noted government’s efforts to attract foreign inflows, including the implementation of the national single window project, which is expected to generate $2.7 billion per annum in economic benefits.
He added that the government’s accelerated stabilisation and advancement plan has already attracted $500 million in investment in the gas sector, with $7 billion more on the sidelines waiting to come in.
According to him, to address the high cost of living, the government has implemented several initiatives and interventions, including a strategic input programme to increase the supply of food, a pivot to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel for mass transit vehicles, and providing lower-cost financing for the manufacturing industry and production.
He expressed optimism that inflation, despite being “quite sticky at the moment,” will moderate soon due to the government’s commitments and actions.
“Clearly, as part of the reform program, on the monetary side, monetary policy has been tightened. CBN has been proactive in adjusting the monetary policy rate to address inflation head-on, which is in line with its legal mandate,” Edun said.
Addressing the concerns about social unrest, Edun acknowledged the right to protest and freedom of speech in a democracy, but urged Nigerians to give the government more time to push through the necessary reforms that have come at a cost.
He emphasized the government’s plans to provide long-term, low-interest mortgages to ordinary Nigerians to help alleviate the high cost of living.
[TheNation]
President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged his participation in various protests throughout his political career but stressed the importance of maintaining non-violence during demonstrations.
The President made these remarks while receiving the Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills Jr., at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
During the ceremony, President Tinubu emphasized the critical role of peaceful protests in a democratic society, highlighting that they are a fundamental aspect of democracy and a legitimate way for citizens to express their grievances.
However, he noted that no government would tolerate protests that escalate into violence, leading to the destruction of lives and property.
The President reiterated his commitment to sustaining democracy and its institutions in Nigeria, ensuring that citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression are protected.
He expressed optimism about the continued partnership between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in areas of democratic governance and institutional support.
The President said, “Our relationship with America is rich. We believe in democracy and freedom. Some of your predecessors worked hard during our transition to democracy, and we remember the likes of Ambassador Howard Jeter.
“We look forward to Nigeria and the United States continuously working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values.
“During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property. We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy, and I will continue to maintain this democracy.”
The President said in as much as he believes that demonstrations are part of democracy, “we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property”.
Welcoming the U.S. State Department’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s strategic role on the continent as Africa’s largest democracy, President Tinubu called on the U.S. government to pay more attention to Africa.
He further stated, “Nigeria is ready to play its role as the largest democracy in Africa that is worthy of emulation to other African countries, but we need more U.S. partnership on the continent that is beneficial to both sides. We believe in freedom, and we are providing the leadership to make Nigeria’s economy grow.”
Ambassador Mills affirmed U.S. support for Nigeria’s democracy and pledged support for bigger roles for Nigeria in the international arena.
Mills said, “Nigeria is crucial to the United States because we share democratic values, and we are ready to give you all the support.
“I am here to make sure that the relationship blossoms both on democracy and the economic side.”
Expressing the United States’ commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria on cybercrimes, the Ambassador announced the establishment of a special office at the Embassy to work closely with the Economic andF inancial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
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President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, held a meeting with traditional rulers in the country as part of efforts to avert a planned nationwide protest.
The meeting, which held in the State House, Abuja, had in attendance prominent monarchs, including the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
During the meeting, President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to making Nigeria a better place for all and sundry, noting that he asked for the job and he is ready to do it. According to him, he has accepted all the liabilities of his predecessors.
The President declared during the meeting that his administration is not afraid of the protest, but is worried about what may happen to ordinary Nigerians if the protest goes ahead.
According to him, the destruction which happened in Lagos during the famous #EndSARS protest in 2020 are still fresh in his memories.
The Nigerian leader stressed that he is committed to doing more to meet the needs and aspirations of the people, even as he noted that the nation’s economy is on a gradual but steady path of recovery.
“Yes, it is true that I asked for this job, and I approached some of you to support me. So, I have no excuse not to do the job with sincerity of purpose and honesty. I have committed myself to it diligently, and I will never look backwards.
“I have accepted the assets and the liabilities of my predecessor. How I will take Nigeria forward should be my concern, and that is my concern.
“I have been extremely busy. The only exercise I have had here is the walk from the residence to this place and then continue with the work.
“Nigeria is hilly, and it is the largest democracy in Africa. No other democracy comes close to us in terms of population on the continent. We cannot blame God for giving us these children, and we have to seek peace and better livelihoods,’’ the President said as quoted in a statement by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale.
President Tinubu went ahead to list some of the actions taken by his administration to ease the burden on Nigerians.
He identified the student loan programme, the consumer credit scheme, and the affirmation of fiscal autonomy for local government councils, saying the Ministry of Finance will continue to ensure that funds go to the grassroots for human and infrastructural development.
“Today, the Bank of Agriculture is empty. We have to reactivate it. If they are not talking about flooding, they are talking of banditry. We have to start all over again. Yes, infrastructural decay is there.
“The Lagos-Calabar coastal road is not being done without studies. It is an economic energizer. From it, we can create infrastructure along the route to develop wind energy and generate power, and we can expand our irrigation network.
“The economic viability of infrastructure has to be studied before we embark on projects. How many dams are there on the corridors of Sokoto- Badagry? From there, we can energize electricity. We can do irrigation and additional farms.
“Even if it is two million hectares of arable land, you can create opportunities for farmers on a small scale. Then you have to find capital for them.
“Nigeria is on the path of recovery. You have heard it from the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun. We are not afraid of protests. Our concern is the ordinary people, and the damages that will be done. Till today, I cannot forget the brand new 60 and 100 seater buses, down there in Lagos that were burnt down, and we are now complaining of transportation. That is the problem. That is why I must say thank you for talking to the citizens,’’ the President told the traditional rulers.
President Tinubu submitted that security is getting better in Nigeria and the foot would not be taken off the pedal.
“Security is getting better, but we cannot take our eyes off the camera because it takes one accident for things to flare up. We are managing it.
“We have created instruments to support the students so that they get education, consumer credit to expand the economy, to improve the purchasing power of the people in order to rejuvenate the economy within a short period of time. We are still recalibrating our oil usage,’’ the President stated.
President Tinubu said he will continue to explain the economic reforms and projected benefits to the nation, adding that he remains open to dialogue for the development of the country.
President Tinubu urged the royal fathers to reach out to citizens on the genuine intentions of the government to deliver on its promises of Renewed Hope.
“Now, we are sending money to the local governments. I addressed the governors today on that issue. I have been distributing fertilizer, rice, and other items to support the recovery of citizens. I assure you, Nigerians, we are looking at the light at the end of the tunnel. I can assure you, this economy will be revived, will survive, and prosper,’’ the President emphasized.
In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto said: “I believe that this brief meeting will clear some issues that many people have in their minds. At our meeting on Monday, we had a very open discussion on all issues affecting the nation. We are the ones who will tell you the truth about what is happening in our various communities.’’
The royal father said an executive council meeting was held on Monday, and the Council, composed of all State Chairmen of the 36 States and the FCT, met to deliberate on the economy.
The Ooni of Ife thanked the President for inviting the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating of Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the GCEO of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, to brief the traditional rulers on the state of the economy.
“We heard from the GCEO of NNPCL. They are the ones that propel our economy. We have heard from the Minister of Finance. We also heard from the Minister of Budget and the NSA. We want to encourage you, Mr. President, we will all get back to our various communities and let our people know because none of us locks our palaces,’’ the Monarch added
..I Spent My Personal Money For Elections
The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has declared that his administration is not under the control or influence of any cabal.
The President stated that he spent his personal fortunes for election, and, therefore not responsible to any cabal under whatever guise.
Tinubu said that even though the banks were closed during the campaign period, God gave him victory and made him the President of Nigeria.
Naija News reports Tinubu stated this on Thursday when he hosted a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau, at the State House in Abuja.
He said, “I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune. At some point, the odds were against me; banks were locked. But Allah, the Almighty God, said I will be the President. Mine is to now follow the leading and teaching of the Almighty God.
“One of the most potent elements of defence is a good conscience. It is also a defence against corruption.
“What should be uppermost in our minds is the future of our children. We have a lot to teach them on what it takes to be a good citizen and what it takes to be a responsible citizen.’
Planned Protest
On the planned nationwide protest by some groups, President Tinubu urged the organizers to have a change of heart, noting that protests, fuelled by anger and hate, could degenerate into violence and set the country backwards.
He assured of the commitment of his government to meeting the needs of Nigerians.
“We are reworking the social welfare scheme to reach the ward level, which is the closest to our people. We are going to ensure that we re-establish connection with the wards, again, so that we can give allowances to the poor and the vulnerable.
“The student loans will pay for school fees. There will be monetary support for the education of our children. The consumer credit will support citizens to buy cars and houses, and they can repay gradually.
“We have increased the minimum wage by more than 100 percent,’’ the President said.
President Tinubu also accused the sponsors of the planned protest of putting their selfish ambitions above the national interest.
“The sponsors of protests do not love our country. They have no love for the nation. They do not understand citizenship. They have alternative passports. They are in different parts of the world holding meetings virtually.
“We do not want to turn Nigeria into Sudan. We are talking about hunger, not burials. We have to be careful. We should be careful with premature politics; politics of hate, and anger. The internet has made it possible to hold meetings in artificial settings. They hold meetings and sponsor anger,’’ the President told the clerics.
In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Sheikh Bala Lau, assured the President of support
with prayers and more sensitization.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Press Release on the passing of one of the most outstanding Igbo Leader, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, CFR, OFR, MFR, GCSI, FN
Admin
It is with a deep shock and sorrow that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide received the sad news of the passing of one of the most outstanding Igbo Leader, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, CFR, OFR, MFR, GCSI, FNSE, FNIST, FNICE, KSC. (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo), the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. The sad news was broken by Mr. Jude Iwuanyanwu, the son of the legend. According to the son, Chief Iwuanyanwu passed on Thursday, July 25, 2024 after a brief illness at the age of 82.
Chief Iwuanyanwu assumed office as the president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on April 30, 2023. He was the Ninth leader of the Igbo group since its inception in 1976. Evidently, each leader or President General has one remarkable or distinctive characteristic for which he is often remembered. While other past leaders had limited their perspectives on Nigerian contemporary issues, Ahaejiagamba introduced strategic and visionary dimension to the modus operandi of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
In the first place, Ahaejiagamba had a towering personality with an impressive record as one of the most successful business men in Nigeria. He deployed his prodigious intellect, political, administrative and political acumen, vast knowledge and invaluable contacts in the selfless service of Ndigbo. The transformative leader lifted Ohanaeze Ndigbo far from its familiar habitat and provenance to an enviable pedestal.
As members of the NEC, we were always amazed by the brilliant initiatives, elephantine memory, oratory, including the frequency with which the Igbo Leader enunciated robust ideas. Looking back, Ndigbo all over the world were delighted that a jinx-breaker, business icon, moral edifice, mobilizer, harmonizer of diverse interests and an accomplished achiever in the person of Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, was at the helm of affairs as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. It is therefore very painful that Chief Iwuanyanwu has passed on with all the ideas that were at his disposal.
It is indeed a sad denouement for the Igbo that both Professor George Obiozor and Chief Iwuanyanwu died in office. We are also worried at the rate we are losing the brightest of the brightest among the Igbo in a close sequence at a time their wise counsels are mostly needed. It was Prof Ben Nwabueze, and later,His Majesty, Igwe Joseph Chike Edozien, Dr. Sylvester Ebiwei, Professor Joe Irukwu, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, amongst others.
Before he Iwuanyanwu was a philanthropist par excellence, focused creative thinker, brave soldier, accomplished engineer, astute business mogul, industrialist and a sagacious politician, and the former highest employer of labour at least in the entire East of the Niger.
Iwuanyanwu was the Chairman of the Iwuanyanwu Foundation which offered scholarships to over ten thousand indigent students across the country. He donated to universities to create conducive environments for learning; built Churches and other community facilities.
Over forty years ago, Chief Sam Mbakwe, the former governor of Old Imo State conceived the idea of an International Cargo Airport at Owerri, it was Iwuanyanwu who made the highest donation of Two million Dollars (2M US Dollars), among others.
In politics, Ahaejiagamba produced several Chairmen of Local Governments, Commissioners, Senators, Ministers and Governors most of whom are still alive.
The Iwuanyanwu trajectory is an admonition to the present day selfish and mundane leaders who perceive legacy as leaving enormous wealth behind for one’s offsprings; rather, it’s about laying invaluable foundation among the populace, especially for younger generations.
Iwuanyanwu’s life mission transcended self; rather he was devoted to charity, humanity and service to God.
Nigerians across board had viewed with immense delight and awe the various courageous successful adventures Ahaejiagamba had made in diverse fields of endeavour. He was a man who used his ingenuity and talent to found over twenty limited liability companies that employed thousands of Nigerians. Some of the companies include: Chairman, Hardel & Enic Construction Ltd; Champion Newspapers; Oriental Airlines; Oriental Shipping Lines Ltd; Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club of Owerri, which won several national and international championships (now Heartland F.C of Owerri); Enic Advertising and Marketing; Sunrise Insurance Brokers; Benhol Farms Limited; Magil Agricultural & Animal Health Products Limited, among many others.
Iwuanyanwu held many public offices: they include: Board Chairman, Federal Road Maintenance Agency; Board Chairman, Nigerian Investment Promotion; Founding Chairman, Raw Materials Research and Development Council of Nigeria; Chairman, National Productivity Merit Award; Chairman, Nigerian Sports Development Council; Founding Chairman, Nigerian National Lottery; Chairman, National Orthopedic Hospital Igbobi, Lagos; Pro-Chancellor, the University of Calabar, Cross River State.
What has kept the cynics gaping was the extra-ordinary brain power and the exceptional grace of God to coordinate the above activities without weary, taint, tarnish or blemish.
In spite of his amazing height in society and busy schedules, he devoted quality time in service to Ndigbo. He served as Chairman in the following Ohanaeze Committees: State Creation Committee, Planning and Strategy Committee, Political Committee, Constitution Drafting Committee and currently, the President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The Iwuanyanwu persona is a veritable and inspiring tribute to virtues of hard work, sincerity, heroism, sacrifice, ingenuity, philanthropy and mentorship to the people. For instance, when his people needed his services most, he volunteered to serve as a Biafran soldier, rising to the rank of a Captain at a very young age.
Apart from his gallantry and exploits in the theatre of war, he was among the engineers that invented the multi-purpose Biafran bomb, called the Ogbunigwe. His prodigious intellect, character comeliness, generosity, frontier spirit, perseverance and tenacity portray the infinite capacity of human beings to shape their own destinies; and a caution to the dangers of self-delusion, arrogance and get-rich-quick syndrome which have become the contemporary social variables amongst today youths.
Ahaejiagamba was an unassailable trail blazer who was honoured with Chief Executive of the Year, Business Education Executive Council in 1985 and the Business Person of the Year Award in 1999; Member Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR), Officer Federal Republic of Nigeria(OFR) and Commander Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR); and a Knight of the Order of St. Christopher.
Several communities across Igbo land and beyond have conferred chieftaincy titles on Iwuanyanwu. Numerous corporate bodies have also honoured the philanthropist of our time.
Some universities decorated Iwuanyanwu with doctorate degrees, honoris causa. They include: D.Sc. Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Doctor of Laws, LLD, Shaw University Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Doctor of Business Administration, DBA, University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Doctor of Science, D.Sc, University of Jos; Doctor of Science, D.Sc, University of Calabar; Doctor of Technology, D.Tech, Federal University of Technology Owerri; Doctor of Business Administration, DBA, Edo State University and a Doctor of Science, D.Sc, Imo State University, Owerri.
Several other bodies also added to his garlands: He was a Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Science & Technology; Fellow, Nigerian Society of Engineers; Fellow, Institute of Management Consultants; Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations; Fellow, Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students; Fellow, Chartered Institute of Transport of Great Britain; Fellow, Solar Energy Society of Nigeria; Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Sales Management (FNISM); Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria; Fellow Institute of Purchasing and Marketing Administration; Fellow, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana (FAIFPU); Fellow, The Nigerian Academy of Education; Fellow, Nigerian Entrepreneurs Association; Fellow Institute of African Studies, UNN. “Iwuanyanwu is cited in Who is Who in Nigeria; Who is Who in Africa; Who is Who in Commonwealth and Who is Who in the World.
He was indeed larger than life; and the best President Ohanaeze Ndigbo ever had. We have lost a gem.
While we send a heartfelt condolence to the amiable wife, the Children, the people of Umuohiri Attah community and the Imo State government, we ask the Almighty to grant the soul of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, an eternal rest in his bosom.
Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
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![[PRESS RELEASE] DSS Counsels Against Planned Protest in Nigeria](/media/k2/items/cache/413992d83fda5e0f07aba7ac23478328_XS.jpg)
The Department of State Services (DSS) has followed the discourse on planned protests in parts of the country in the coming weeks by persons and groups yet to identify themselves in the public as leaders of the plot. While peaceful protest is a democratic right of citizens, the Service has confirmed a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land. It has also identified the reason behind the protest to be political. The plotters desire to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments; make them unpopular and pit them against the masses. The long term objective is to achieve a regime change especially at the Centre.
The Service has also identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors and collaborators of the plot. However, it does not think that aggression should be the first line action in the instance, in handling the emerging scenario. It has instead, variously applied non kinetic and conflict resolution strategies, including moral suasion, stakeholder engagement and other multi-track diplomatic shuttles, to dissuade the planners from actualising their undesirable objective.
Based on the foregoing, the Service wishes to warn all the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy and spoliation. While the different levels of Government have routinely explained their agenda to ameliorate alleged harsh economic conditions, the Service urges the prospective protesters to listen to the voice of reason, good conscience and patiently engage with the authorities, in the interest of peace. This has become important given that violence begets destruction of lives and property as well as serve as a distraction to governance. The agitators are encouraged to use ample ways available to them to channel their grievances without resorting to violence.
The Service calls on people of goodwill, Leaders of Thought, Captains of Industry, Labour Unions, Student Associations, Youth Leaders, the Civil Society, Clergy, NGOs, Women groups, Civil Servants and Politicians to shun any invitation to participate in any orchestrated violence, deliberately designed to cause disaffection in the country. Similarly, Parents, Guardians, Heads of traditional and academic institutions are respectively urged to advise their children, wards, subjects and students not to take part in the planned protest. Let us all join hands to build a Nation without rancour, bitterness or stained banner.
The Service will work with other sister Security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace. It will, where necessary, apply all legitimate methods to achieve this. Meanwhile, the website, dss.gov.ng; email address - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Telephone lines +2349153391309; +2349088373514 will remain available to the members of the public who may wish to contact the Service.
Peter Afunanya, PhD, fsi, mnipr
Director PR & Stratcoms
Department of State Services
National Headquarters Abuja
25th July, 2024