News
Sufuyan Ojeifo @58: Ernest Umakhihe, Sanjo Faniran, David Adeosun, Tunde Olusunle, Andy Ezeani, others send greetings, praise celebrator’s editorial professionalism
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Validation and camaraderie by friends and well-wishers have continued to depict the life of a seasoned journalist, publisher and editor-in-chief of THE CONCLAVE (online newspaper), Mr Sufuyan Ojeifo, who clocked 58 on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
A retired Permanent Secretary in the federal civil service, Ernest Umakhihe (PhD), a Director in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Sanjo Faniran (PhD), a retired Director in the Ministry of Budget and National Planning (as it then was), Mr David Adeosun and a former Special Assistant in the Presidency and intrepid editorialist, Tunde Olusunle (PhD) have just paid tribute to the editorial professionalism of Mr Ojeifo on the occasion of his birthday.
Umakhihe wrote: “…I take this opportunity to wish a renowned media guru a belated 58th birthday. I share in the joy of the moment as you continue to blaze the rail. Congratulations, my brother.”
“Congratulations on your birthday my dear friend. May the good God keep you and grant you long life in the peace of God and in good health in Jesus’ name. Happy birthday. Long life and prosperity in good health,” Faniran said.
Adeosun penned this short, powerful prayers: “Happy birthday, Sir. Continue to age gracefully and enjoy the fruits of your labour.”
Remarkably, the path of the trio of Umakhihe, Faniran and Adeosun crossed Ojeifo’s at the Ministry of Budget and National Planning as it then was where he was Special Assistant (Media and Communication) to the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba,
Read Olusunle: “Hearty congratulations on your birthday, my brother….Thanks for your good work in advancing the frontiers of our profession. You have serially demonstrated professionalism and courage in your editorial preferences. Wishing you many more decades in good health and happiness.”
Plaudits by a number of other significant Nigerians are captured hereunder in extenso:
A former Commissioner for Communication in Edo State, Barrister Andrew Emwanta wrote: “Happy birthday, Sir. May God elevate you to greater heights. In the year 1998, as a journalist with the Vanguard newspaper, you were one of the few investigative journalists that ushered in the new civilian administration of Gen Olusegun Obasanjo. Then, I was a regular reader of your stories on the political happenings in Edo. Rest assured that you occupy a special place in hearts of those who appreciate balanced reportage and time-proven media excellence. Your generation of Nigerian journalists are gradually leaving the scene and one can only pray for your good health and general wellness as you gradually march into the senior citizens’ club. Many happy returns, Sir.”
A businesswoman, Nsikak Umoh wrote: “Happy birthday to prolific writer and great man of inestimable value, I wish you happy birthday full of God’s endless blessings and love. You are an inspiration to everyone around you. You touch so many lives with joy and you deserve to have your deepest wishes and dreams come true on your Especial Day. I hope you continue to love life and never stop dreaming. That is my birthday wish for you. You deserve all the happiness in the world. My earnest prayers for you are for your secret prayers to be answered….”
A Naval Officer, A.Moses said: “Sufuyan Ojeifo, you are a very generous and philanthropic person. You are a man with a heart of gold and diamond. May heavens and earth celebrate this awesome mien. We are privileged to have met with you on this planet. Species of your ilk is seen once in a century. Oj as Awoniyi of blessed memory used to call him, is a homosapiens with million parts. The uterus where you were incubated for 290 days is precious; the breasts you suckled were priceless. The warm hands that tendered you were golden. In the words of Allan Rufus, ‘Hard work does not go unnoticed, and someday the rewards will follow’. You’ve worked hard and still working hard. Very, very soon, your name will be announced globally. Like the proverbial cat, with nine lives, you’ve passed through the shadows of deaths and graves in the course of your passionate profession. On those occasions, you never minded whose ox is gored. Sometimes I wonder the source of your confidence. It can only be God and God alone. In so far you stand for the truth which is God, He will continue to be your shield. Congratulations!”
A former Editor of Champion Newspaper, Andy Ezeani added humour to the confetti of plaudits when he wrote: “OJ, happy birthday. Please add me to the list of those you will be taking to Granada for the bash. I need to go away for a while from Naija. Have a wonderful year.”
Former acting Director General of the NTA, Mr Sola Atere sent this message: “Congratulations, Sufuyan, on your birthday. You really have cause to thank God. May you live to celebrate more of His blessings, mercies and favour upon your life, in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
A former member of the Board of NDIC, Hon Simon Ogie described Sufuyan Ojeifo as consummate journalist, who is both sedate and highly fecund. He wished the celebrator well and prayed that he would age gracefully.
Chief Medical Director of National Orthopaedic Hospital at Uselu-Benin, Dr Philip Ugbodaga commended the Ojeifo’s passion for his journalism trade, even as he described him as Cicero of Nigerian journalism because of his usage of the English language as a means of interrogating societal ills or enhancing both human and community development in his write ups. He prayed that the Almighty God would continued to protect him in the pursuit of his endeavours
By Mario Deepromoter
*** She was apillar of support to the Eno – Sanwo-Olu
***As PDP suspends LG campaign in Akwa Ibom
By Francesca Hangeior
Mrs Patience Umo Eno, wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, is dead.
The state Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, announced the First Lady’s death in a press statement issued in the early hours of Friday.
According to the commissioner, the First Lady died at a hospital on September 26, 2024, surrounded by family members
The statement titled “Unexpected Sunset” read, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the Wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, following an illness.
“She passed away peacefully at the hospital on 26th September 2024, in the presence of her family.
“The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.
“Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.
“His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.”
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his heartfelt condolence with his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Umo Eno, over the passing of his wife, Patience Eno.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on Friday, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, described the deceased as a “pillar of support” to the governor, as he lauded her leadership and humanitarian work in the state.
The statement read partly, “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke and family, the government and people of Lagos State, it is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with my brother Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on the passing of his beloved wife, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno.
“I also express my deepest condolences to the people of Akwa Ibom State and the entire Eno family, as well as wives of all the state governors in Nigeria over the demise of the Akwa Ibom First Lady.
“Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno was not just a wife and mother, but a soulmate and pillar of support to our brother, Governor Eno. She supported thousands of people in Akwa Ibom State through the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), a foundation that focused on providing shelter, food, and education to the poor and vulnerable in Akwa Ibom.
“The First Lady, fondly referred to as Eka Iberedem Akwa Ibom, meaning “Mother and Strong Pillar of Akwa Ibom,” was widely loved for her compassionate leadership and humanitarian work in Akwa Ibom during her lifetime.”
Sanwo-Olu prayed for the repose of the deceased, saying, “I pray that the Almighty God will grant the deceased eternal rest and Governor Umo Eno, the entire family, and the people of Akwa Ibom the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
In the meantime, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has put its political campaign for local elections in the state on hold following the death of the Akwa Ibom First Lady, Patience Eno.
Local elections in Akwa Ibom is scheduled for 26 October and political parties have been campaigning for votes.
Announcing the suspension of campaigns in a statement on Friday, the PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Edwin Ebiese, said “This devastating news has left our party, and indeed the entire state, in a state of mourning.
“As we struggle to come to terms with this immense loss, we are compelled to pause our campaign activities as a mark of respect for the departed First Lady.
“We regret any inconvenience this suspension may cause and appreciate the understanding of our supporters and the general public during this difficult time.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State and his immediate family, the government, and people of Akwa Ibom State. May God grant the family of the deceased and our state the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
By Mario Deepromoter
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has described the General Overseer of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David. O. Oyedepo is an exceptional servant in God’s vineyard.
In a congratulatory message to the Bishop on his 70th Birthday anniversary today, Obi said the cleric exemplifies the true purpose of God’s creation.
Writing on his X handle, the former Anambra State Governor said Bishop Oyedepo has remained “A remarkable figure in faith, a dedicated servant in God’s vineyard, and a leader who exemplifies the true purpose of God’s creation.
“Your life continues to be a source of blessing, reflecting dedication, tireless work, and a commitment to God’s mission.
“Through your ministry, countless lives have been touched, embodying faith, hope, and love. Outstanding Institutions such as Living Faith Church, Covenant University, and Kingdom Heritage Model School stand as lasting testimonies to your pursuit of excellence.
“Today, we honor your enduring legacy, your compassionate outreach, and your immense contribution to humanity. May God continue to strengthen, guide, and bless you in all your endeavors.
“Thank you for being a beacon of God’s grace. Your remarkable journey will inspire generations to embrace faith, integrity, and purposeful living.
“May your continued intervention through prayer in the affairs of our country help us to find direction for a new Nigeria.
By Mario Deepromoter
Local elections in Akwa Ibom is scheduled for 26 October and political parties have been campaigning for votes.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has put its political campaign for local elections in the state on hold following the death of the Akwa Ibom First Lady, Patience Eno.
Local elections in Akwa Ibom is scheduled for 26 October and political parties have been campaigning for votes.
Mrs Eno died on Thursday in a hospital following an undisclosed illness, according to a statement issued on Friday morning by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Akwa Ibom, Ini Emembong.
“She passed away peacefully at the hospital on 26th September 2024, in the presence of her family.
“The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.
“Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.
“His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.”
Announcing the suspension of campaigns in a statement on Friday, the PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Edwin Ebiese, said “This devastating news has left our party, and indeed the entire state, in a state of mourning.”
“As we struggle to come to terms with this immense loss, we are compelled to pause our campaign activities as a mark of respect for the departed First Lady.
“We regret any inconvenience this suspension may cause and appreciate the understanding of our supporters and the general public during this difficult time.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State and his immediate family, the government, and people of Akwa Ibom State. May God grant the family of the deceased and our state the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Condolence pour in as Akwa Ibom gov Umo Eno loses wife
Bishop Oyedepo @70: He is a dedicated servant in the Lord’s Vineyard -Obi
PDP Halts LG Campaign In Akwa Ibom Over Death Of Gov Eno’s Wife
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
News23 hours agoSEE list of 11 ministers that may lose their jobs as Tinubu moves to reshuffle cabinet
-
News23 hours agoSoldier reportedly strips man at Lagos nightclub for wearing military camouflage
-
News24 hours agoAlleged Corruption: Reps To Investigate EFCC, NCS For Collecting N15m From Bobrisky To Drop Money laundry charges
-
News21 hours agoSenate Finally Approves South West Development Commission
-
News24 hours agoUS Supports Civil Society and Business Organizations in Nigeria
-
News7 hours agoTinubu Approves Fresh Appointment Amid Cabinet Reshuffle Plan
-
News20 hours agoI have more evidence against Bobrisky, Says VeryDarkMan
-
News24 hours agoFG denies seizure of $21m by US court