Connect with us

society

2019 Elections: International Observers, Presidential Candidates, Stakeholders gather on credible elections at Murtala Muhammed Lecture in Nigeria

Published

on

Atiku, Tinubu Cornered Osun Poll Results

The United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), African Union (AU) and Economic Committee of West African States (ECOWAS) representatives among other stakeholders in the conduct of elections are to attend the 2019 Murtala Muhammed memorial public lecture, ahead of the Saturday Presidential and National Assembly polls in Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari, who is seeking reelection under the All Progressive Congress party (APC) platform, the former Vice President of Nigeria and flag bearer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alh. Atiku Abubakar other Parties’ Presidential and gubernatorial candidates are also expected to attend the one day event to hold in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Thursday.

The lecture, with the theme: “Towards Credible, Peaceful and Participatory Elections: Moving Nigeria’s Democracy Forward” will see the special representatives of different electoral observer missions to Nigeria giving their expectations on the crucial general election, the statement by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) the organizers of the event hinted on Monday.

Confirmed expected guests, include the Representative of the Secretary-General & Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, H.E Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, President of Tanzania (2005-2015) and Head of African Union Election Observer Team to Nigeria, H.E Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia (2006-2018) and Chairperson of the Authority of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS and H.E Festus Mogae, former President of the Republic of Botswana and the Head of Joint IRI/NDI IEO Mission to Nigeria, among others.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MMF, Mrs Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode in the statement disclosed that the flagship annual memorial Public Lecture was billed to also attract the attendance of a cross-generation of leaders in the public and private sector, international organizations and influencers from all walks of life with His Royal Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, as Royal Father of the day.

According to Muhammed-Oyebode, “The Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF), is pleased to announce the 2019 Anniversary Lecture in honour of Late General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, Head of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from July 29, 1975 to February13, 1976.

“As the country prepares to mark another transition in its democratic journey, it is important to strengthen our electoral processes and promote active citizen participation toward improving good governance in Nigeria, taking into consideration the challenges confronting the country and the impacts on regional integration.

“The gathering will be an opportunity to honour the memory of the former Head of State (1975-1976) and assure all Nigerians of the candidates’ collective determination and commitment to contest and allow for free, fair and credible elections.

“The 2019 memorial lecture will therefore provide a platform for broad based solutions to key issues confronting our nation, including having a credible elections starting in few days time, which in the long run assisted in moving our country’s democracy forward.”

She added that the public lecture is part of activities to mark the 43rd anniversary of the late Head of State, stating “the Foundation will hold a series of activities which will focus on voters’ education and awareness.”

The MMF Chief Executive further noted that, “the lecture series has over time, created a forum for expert analysis and recommendations on issues of national importance in Nigeria and the African continent.”

To attend the lecture, the general public, cutting across all fields of endeavor are to register through http://mmfnigeria.org/2019mmflecture/

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

society

Man Arrested For Allegedly Defiling, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl

Published

on

Man Arrested For Allegedly Defiling, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl

Man Arrested For Allegedly Defiling, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl

 

A 28-Year-Old Man Identified As Samuel Ani has been arrested by men of the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly defiling and impregnating a 14-year-old girl (name withheld) in Sagamu area of the state.

Ani was caught having canal knowledge with the victim at about 2 pm on Wednesday.

Confirming his arrest on Friday, the police spokesperson in the state, Omolola Odutola, said the incident was reported to the command by the father of the child.

She stated that the suspect, who was also suspected to have impregnated the minor, on interrogation, confessed to the crime.

Odutola said, “The father, known only as Paul, had approached the division to report the crime suspect committed against his daughter.

“The suspect allegedly defiled the minor and is also accused of impregnating her. The 28-year-old suspect had been arrested and detained by the command.

“The matter will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department once the preliminary investigation is completed.

Odutola disclosed that the child had been immediately taken to the hospital for medical examination.

“In the meantime, the survivor has been taken to a hospital for medical examination,” she added.

 

Continue Reading

society

Tears as Lagbaja buried in Abuja

Published

on

Tears as Lagbaja buried in Abuja

Tears as Lagbaja buried in Abuja

 

Emotions ran high as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, on Friday.

The ceremony brought together family, colleagues, and dignitaries to bid a final farewell to the late army chief.

The grief-stricken family members and colleagues struggled to contain their tears.

Even the nose mask worn by his widow, Mariya, couldn’t conceal the steady stream of tears that dropped from her eyes.

 

The procession began at precisely 3:00 p.m. when Lagbaja’s remains arrived at the cemetery.

President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, each took turns laying wreaths at the grave.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, Musa, assured Nigerians that Lagbaja’s death would inspire the military to defeat the nation’s enemies wherever they may be.

 

Musa stated that the military took solace in the fact that the late army chief lived a purposeful life, urging the troops to honour his memory by committing themselves to the ideals he stood for.

Musa said, “We will not leave you alone. We know your loss is immeasurable, but please take solace in knowing that he lived a life of purpose and left behind a legacy that will never fade. To my fellow officers and men, let us use this moment to recommit ourselves to the ideas for which General Labaja stood for.

“Let us ensure that his sacrifice and service continue to guide our steps as we defend this great nation. We are going to use his passing away to resolve further to defeat all enemies of the state, wherever they are, whether within or outside. As we lower him today into the embrace of the earth, let us raise our voices in prayer and gratitude for a life well lived. “

Reflecting on Lagbaja’s tenure, Musa noted that he took bold and decisive actions against terrorists, bandits, and other threats.

He said, “His tenure was marked by decisive actions against insurgency, banditry, and other threats to our nation’s peace. His efforts significantly enhanced the operational readiness and the morale of the Nigerian Army. But beyond his professional achievement, General Labaja was a man of profound faith, kindness, and humility.

 

“His commitment to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the security of our citizens was unwavering. From his early days as a young officer to his ascension to the esteemed office of the Chief of Army Staff, General Lagbaja consistently demonstrated a rare blend of intellect, bravery, and humanity. He understood the complexities of modern warfare and the need for innovation in our strategies.

“Yet, he never lost sight of the human element, the men and women who serve under the flag and the citizens whose freedom they defend.

 

In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, said Lagbaja embodied the core values of soldiering and served Nigeria without reservation for over 30 years.

Badaru said the late army chief was not only courageous but also an inspiring leader who lived from the front, exemplifying his tedious dedication to the service of the nation.

At the event, Tinubu conferred a posthumous national honour, Commander of the Federal Republic, on Lagbaja.

Tinubu said the conferment was to appreciate Lagbaja’s service to the nation.

The President described Lagbaja as one of his best appointees.

He said, “Lagabaja was a true soldier, a general and officer who symbolised the best of his profession and whose commitment to the nation he loved was singular and undiluted.

“He was more than I could have hoped for. He was one of my best appointments. Lieutenant General Lagbaja embodied the finest ideas of a patriot and a soldier. He had an abiding faith in the capability and readiness of our armed forces to save and keep us”.

Tinubu described Lagbaja as a trusted advisor, adding that he was a man of prudent action who cared about the nation and the men who served under him.

“He displayed uncommon valor in the charge of his duty and the administration of the rank and file for he cared about their welfare and that of their families.

“For me, he was a trusted advisor whose formidable intellect and breadth of knowledge served this nation well,” he added.

Continue Reading

society

Warmest Birthday Wishes to an Exceptional, Gracious Woman, Mrs Folake Fabiyi ~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Published

on

Warmest Birthday Wishes to an Exceptional, Gracious Woman, Mrs Folake Fabiyi
~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

 

On this momentous occasion, I am thrilled to honor my beloved sister, Falake, a paragon of kindness and industriousness, on her birthday, today, Friday ayaba Fabiyi Supo, 15th November 2024. Ma, the divine benevolence of God Almighty has bestowed upon you another year of life, replete with promise and opportunity.

It is also an opportune moment to reflect on your blessings and methodically enumerate them, thereby acknowledging the remarkable accomplishments of God in your life

As you commemorate another year of existence today, may the Supreme Being graciously continue to endow your life with success, benevolence, and unwavering favour, and henceforth, every utterance and account regarding you and your household shall be replete with good tidings

I fervently pray that God’s divine guidance and favor will continually be upon you, and may He graciously bestow His kindness upon you now and forever. Please accept my warmest congratulations and sincere best wishes

To my dearest Mummy Precious, I offer my warmest felicitations and hope your birthday celebration is exceptionally eventful.

Warmest Birthday Wishes to an Exceptional, Gracious Woman, Mrs Folake Fabiyi
~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned Journalist writes from Lagos

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending