News

Tinubu eulogised late Iwuanyanwu

Published

4 hours ago

October 18, 2024

Naijablitznews

* Says, he was a courageous defender of Justice

By Francesca Hangeior

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has eulogised the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, describing him as courageous, defiant of injustice, and uncompromising, with the heart of a gladiator, resolute and indomitable.

The President’s tribute came as the nation prepares for the burial rites of the renowned philanthropist and President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who passed away on July 25, 2024 at 81.

Iwuanyanwu was a multifaceted individual, excelling in sports, business, politics, and philanthropy.

President Tinubu noted that he was a colossus of many parts, leaving an enduring legacy in various fields.

In the sports arena, he founded the Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club, now Heartland F.C., in 1985, which won several national and international championships under his leadership.

His business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit saw him invest across sectors, showcasing his faith in Nigeria’s potential.

As a seasoned statesman, Iwuanyanwu served the nation in multiple capacities, including as founding chairman of the Raw Materials and Research Development Council and chairman of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission.

He also chaired the Federal Road Maintenance Agency board, the Nigerian National Lottery and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi.

Tinubu commended Iwuanyanwu’s philanthropic efforts, which included providing scholarships to indigent students, building schools and hospitals, and supporting numerous charitable causes.

His selfless spirit and commitment to serving the nation have left a lasting impact.

The President extended condolences to the Iwuanyanwu family, the government, the people of Imo State, and Ndigbo Gburugburu, praying that God Almighty grants Chief Iwuanyanwu’s soul eternal rest.

“The late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was a colossus of many parts. In sports, he was a pioneer; in business, he was ingenious and resourceful; in politics, he was astute; and in philanthropy, he was relentless.

“The late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo served the nation in many official capacities.

He was the founding chairman of the Raw Materials and Research Development Council (RMRDC) and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) chairman.

“He also served as chairman of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) board, founding chairman of the Nigerian National Lottery, and chairman of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi.

“I mourn the passing of this illustrious son of Nigeria.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu was courageous, defiant of injustice, and uncompromising. He had the heart of a gladiator, resolute and indomitable.

“I recall his sports exploits with the Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club, now Heartland F.C., which he founded in 1985. Thanks to his acclaimed facility for excellence, the club won several national and international championships. He was a significant factor in Nigeria’s sports development.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu was enterprising. He believed in Nigeria’s human and material abundance and fecundity, and his investments across sectors and the nation attest to this.

“The late elder statesman lived a life of service. With his wealth, he served his people and the nation, providing scholarships to indigent students, building schools and hospitals, and supporting many charitable causes.

“The passing of Chief Iwuanyanwu on July 25, 2024, is a massive loss to the nation. Though he lived to the advanced age of 81, his counsel and stabilising quality will be sorely missed.

“I commiserate with the Iwuanyanwu family, the government, the people of Imo State, and Ndigbo Gburugburu as the burial rites of Chief Iwuanyanwu begin in a few days.

“His life and remarkable accomplishments will always be remembered, and may God Almighty grant his soul eternal rest,” he said.

News

Deputy Speaker Mourns New Telegraph Photojournalist, Liberty TV reporter

Published

9 mins ago

October 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has expressed sadness over the demise of Mr. Elijah Olaluyi, a photojournalist with the New Telegraph Newspapers.

Until his death on Thursday evening, Olaluyi covered the activities of the House of Representatives with zest and professional integrity.

Kalu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, extended his sincerest condolences to Olaluyi’s family, the publishers of New Telegraph, the House of Representatives Press Corps (HoRPC) and the entire membership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) where the deceased belonged to as a member.

The Deputy Speaker recalled that Olaluyi practiced his career with utmost decency, displaying unassailable photographic skills, guided by the fine ethos and ethics of journalism profession.

According to him, Olaluyi, having covered the parliament for since 1999 had acquired institutional memory while documenting the House proceedings pictorially.

Kalu said that Olaluyi will be greatly missed by his family, colleagues and all who knew him.

He however said that the photojournalist will be remembered by the string of legacies he left behind.

Similarly, the Deputy Speaker also commiserated with the Senate Press Corps over the death of Malam Mohammed Adamu, a reporter with Liberty Radio and Television who passed on early hours of Wednesday.

While praying God to give the families and the people who knew them the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses, Kalu also asked for the repose of the souls of the departed.

News

Despite Sinwar’s death, the war is yet to come to an end-Israeli PM

Published

47 mins ago

October 18, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Killing Yahya Sinwar is Israel’s biggest victory so far in the war against Hamas in Gaza.

His death is a serious blow for Hamas, the organisation he turned into a fighting force that inflicted the biggest defeat on the state of Israel in its history.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, praised the soldiers and made clear that however big a victory, it was not the end of the war.

The remaining hostages are not free and Hamas is fighting and sometimes killing Israeli troops.

A year of war has killed at least 42,000 Palestinians and left much of Gaza in ruins

Source: bbc.com

News

NUJ FCT Council Elections: Group Calls for Fair and Transparent Process

Published

1 hour ago

October 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of the inauguration of the Credentials Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council on Saturday, 19th October 2024, which is expected to oversee the election of a new leadership, an advocate group under the auspices of Make A Difference Initiative (MAD) has called for a level playing field to ensure a peaceful transition.

The group, known for promoting justice and equity, has urged journalists in Abuja to set an example for the political class by conducting elections free from manipulation, rancour, or crisis.

According to the group, this can only be achieved through a leadership committed to the collective good of the union, protecting members’ interests, and resisting undue influence from self-serving individuals or groups.

In a statement signed by Executive Director of MAD Initiative, Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe, the group placed the responsibility of ensuring a fair electoral process on the incumbent chairman, Patrick Osaretin Osadebamwen, and his executive team.

He therefore urged them to create a conducive environment that allows all aspirants and voting members to participate freely and without intimidation.

“It is our hope that Osadebamwen will seize this opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by managing the process with transparency, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the union’s values”, the statement read.

MAD Initiative also called on the NUJ National President, Comrade Christopher Ikechukwu Isiguzo, to closely monitor the process and offer timely guidance to the FCT Council leadership if necessary.

The group concluded by expressing its hope for a smooth, peaceful transition that reflects the true will of the union’s members.

The NUJ FCT Council election is seen as an important opportunity for journalists in the nation’s capital to demonstrate that credible elections are possible, even in challenging environments.