News

SAD! Prof Idiodi laid to rest as family, well wishers pour encomiums on him

Published

2 months ago

September 17, 2024

The remains of Prof. John Ovuezire Akeraino Idiodi was laid to rest on September 12th, 2024 at his country home, Ofagbe in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Prof. John Ovuezire Akeraino Idiodi was born on Monday, January 2, 1950, in Ofagbe, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. He was the second of four children, born to Madam Irene and Pa. Christopher Okoro Idiodi, an accomplished educator whose influence inspired John’s early and enduring love for learning.

In an opening remarks by Prof C. Orubu welcomed all to the preferment of the Rosicrucian Order Funeral on the deceased saying that the Order is not only a philosophical Organization but one that also recognizes that life is a transition from one stage to the Order.

He testified that the deceased was an active member of the Order who served as a Master, Regional Monitor, Grand Councillor and member of international research Council of Rose Croix University.

He said the occasion did not call for sorrow as Rosicrucians’ grieves are not seen as sorrow but a transition to higher plane.

“Prof. John Ovuezirie Akeraino Idiodi was born well, lived well, died well and would be promoted to the hall of ancestors.” He said.

In a tribute, Prof. Asor Vincent of the University of Benin, read the biography of Prof John Idiodi pointing out that the deceased specialized in the field of Theoretical and Mathematical Physics and remained deeply committed to research, teaching and mentoring students encompassing in a wide range of subjects including Atomic and nuclear physics, quantum theory and mathematical physics both at undergraduate postgraduate levels.

“His commitment to advancing mathematical physics in the country was evident in his role as editor-in-chief of the Journal of the Nigerian Association of Mathematical Physics (JNAMP). Prof Idiodi made a lasting impact on the fields of Physics and Mathematics in Nigeria by producing 28 PhD graduates in Physics, many of whom are now professors- and supervising 72 MSc graduates in Physics.”

A condolence message issued by the Grand Master-Elect, Rosicrucian Order, English Grand Lodge for West Africa, Eugenius Idiodi commiserated with the family of the deceased taking consolation however, in the fact that Prof John Ovuezirie Akeraino Idiodi now of blessed memory, has responded to the home call of his Creator and hence, free from the multifaceted sufferings of ” this mundane world and will eventually return more noble, more divine and more glorious to continue his service on the earth plane at an appropriate time.”

In his tribute the senior son Mr. Ivan Idiodi said that, “My father was a man of principles, someone who believed that every moment should be spent productively. He taught me to be a stand-up guy. He instilled in me the important of keeping promises, being honest, reliable and dependable, even when it was difficult.”

“He showed me how to rise after a fall, to embrace my mistakes and to learn from them. He encouraged me to self-reflect, to look inward for growth and understanding. He taught how to pray, showing me how to be in attainment with my creator. He taught me to be humble, to count my blessings, and take them for granted.”

The spiritual session of the funeral ceremony was conducted by Frater Dr Sule Bakare in a solemn moment.

The funeral ceremony recorded the rendition of traditional hymns in common use by Orthodox Churches by the AMORC Choir among which were; Guide me Oh Thou Great Redeemer, Amazing Grace, Immortal Invisible God Only Wise and the deceased favourite hymn, Now Thank We All Our God.

In a separate remark, Engr O.G.A Odokor (JP) Frater of the Ughelli Lodge of AMORC informed that the hymns were originally written and authored by mystics of the Ancient Mystical Order of Rosi Croix and were not copied from the Orthodox Churches as erroneously interpreted.

Earlier, the most worthy Grand Master-Elect, Secretary of national board of AMORC Nigeria, Fraters in their various ranks, Chiefs, members of the extended family of the deceased, friends and other mourners filed past the casket bearing the remains of the deceased shortly before an opening prayer for the funeral ceremony was taken by Mr Johnson Ikube.

News

AFCONQ 2025: Nigeria’s Super Eagles fail to beat Benin Republic in Abidjan

Published

59 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Thursday failed to beat Benin Republic in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifier as two West African neighbours settled for a 1-1 draw in Abidjan

With the results, Nigeria officially qualified for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, securing a top-two finish in Group D,

Benin opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Mohamed Tijani capitalized on a corner delivery from Junior Olaïtan, heading the ball into the center of the net.

The Super Eagles found themselves trailing despite creating opportunities, with Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon both testing Benin’s defence.

In the second half, Nigeria intensified their attack and were rewarded in the 81st minute when Osimhen met Simon’s cross with a precise header to level the score.

Benin fought hard to reclaim the lead, but Nigeria’s defence held firm, preserving the draw.

Nigeria’s qualification for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON marks a relief for fans and sets the stage for their preparations for the tournament. Benin, meanwhile, remains in contention but will need positive results in their final game to have any chance of progressing.

News

Wike suspends FCDA secretary indefinitely

Published

1 hour ago

November 15, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has suspended, with immediate effect, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Agency, Shehu Hadi Ahmad, indefinitely.

This was made known in a statement by the Senior Special Adviser to the Minister of Public Communication and Social Media, Olalere Olayinka, on Thursday.

Circumstances leading to or surrounding the suspension of the secretary were, however, undisclosed as of the time of filing this report.

According to the statement, the suspended Executive Secretary has been consequently directed to hand over to the Director of Engineering Services in the FCDA.

News

UBA to raise N239bn via rights issue

Published

1 hour ago

November 15, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

United Bank for Africa Plc has issued 6,839,884,274 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N35 per share in a rights issue to raise N239.4bn in a bid to meet the fresh capital requirements of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The rights issue which opened on Friday (today) allows existing shareholders to purchase one new ordinary share for every five existing ordinary shares held by shareholders as of November 05, 2024.

In late March, the CBN announced an upward review of the minimum capital requirement for banks in the country.

In a letter to the shareholders informing them of the rights issue, the Group Chairman of United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu, noted that following the resolution of the Group’s shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held in May 2024, authorising the establishment of the N400bn Equity Shelf Programme, UBA will embark on a Rights Issue, as the first step in its broader capital raising programme.

“UBA’s Rights Issue aims to raise N239.4bn, through the issuance of new ordinary shares to our shareholders. The primary objective of this rights Issue is to further strengthen our capacity to take advantage of growth opportunities and sustain our leadership in the banking industry,” Elumelu said in the letter.

On the use of proceeds, Elumelu noted that, beyond regulatory compliance, the funds will expand the Group’s lending capacity, invest in digital infrastructure, support sustainable business practices, and expand the group’s African operations.

Elumelu also highlighted how UBA is driving economic growth across Africa, saying “Our historic partnership with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, where UBA pledged up to $6bn in financing over the next three years to support eligible SMEs across Africa underscores our commitment to fostering economic development.”

It was revealed that application for the provisional allotment of the Rights to the new ordinary Shares will be made exclusively through the NGX e-offer portal, during the offer period, while existing shareholders may also apply for additional shares above their provisional allotment as described in the Provisional Allotment Letter. Shareholders who are customers of the Bank are also encouraged to access their Rights through UBA’s internet banking and mobile banking channels.

At the end of the third quarter, the gross earnings of UBA appreciated by 83.2 per cent year-on-year to N2.39tn from N1.31tn in the same period of 2023. Its profit before tax went up by 20.2 per cent to N603.48bn from N502.09bn in Q3 2023, while profit after tax also rose by 16.9 per cent to N525.31bn from N449.26bn recorded a year earlier.

The lender’s total assets rose to N31.80tn, representing a 54.0 per cent increase over the N20.65tn recorded at the end of December 2023.

In the 2023/2024 report year, UBA won ‘Bank of the Year’ awards in eight of its subsidiaries – Cameroon, Chad, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Mozambique, Republic of Congo; Sierra Leone; Tanzania, as well as the Regional Award for Africa and in 2024 has won World Best Frontier Markets Bank and Best SME Bank Africa.

UBA Plc offers banking services to more than 45 million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries.