celebrity radar - gossips
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2023: Do Not Expect Any Miracle At the Supreme Court Anene Nwachukwu
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2023: Do Not Expect Any Miracle At the Supreme Court Anene Nwachukwu
Rhema Deliverance Missions annual convention is always heralded with huge anticipation and 2023 convention is not an exception, with the theme Behold I Give Unto You Power, it promises to be one to be talked about in many months to come with the huge expectations of reign of power, healing, restoration and deliverance. Dr. Anene Nwachukwu, the General Overseer in this interview with Dave Agwazim discussed salient nation issues, expectations at the convention and so much more.
Enjoy the excerpt.
The Presidential Election Petition passed their judgment affirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu winner of the election eliciting mixed reactions across the country, as one of the clergies prophesied pre 2023 general election, whats your reaction to this judgment?
Well, as a Nigerian, we have accepted the verdict of the Court, but that Presidential Election Tribunal is not the final court of the land. The contestants, thats Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar have rejected the judgment, and they have promised to head to Supreme Court. I believe that they have taken the right step because until you get to the final court and the final court rules against an issue, then you accept the judgment, but as far as that Appeal Court is not a final Court, they still have the right to appeal.
We Nigerians, we received the judgment with mixed reactions knowing fully well that during the election, we participated fully and the process that led to the declaration is clear in totality. As some of the issues raised in that Tribunal were not addressed, Nigerians are not satisfied with certain issues raised, especially in the area of violence, and method of results declaration. INEC promised Nigerians that theyre going to electronically transmit the results into their server, that was the reason why government spent billions of naira to procure BVAS and if the government knew that theyre not going to use the BVAS, why do we spend such humongous amount and the Tribunal is telling us that INEC has the right to declare results without BVAS?
We would not have spent such money on that failed project as such amount of money could have lifted our economy. However, as a Christian, the Bible says we should obey those in authority, and since INEC has declared Tinubu the winner, we will all support his Government, unless if God proves otherwise, so we received the judgment with mixed reactions.
Sir, as the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi and his PDP counterpart Atiku Abubakar have approached the Supreme Court, do you see them spiritually, reclaiming the mandate or upturning the decisions of the Tribunal?
Well, since the matter is in Court, I dont want to take a decision since I am not the Chief Judge of the Federation, neither am I one of the Judges, but I believe that there won’t be difference from what we saw at the Appeal Court happening, as a Man of God, our duty is to pray for our Leaders that they do things right. Before the judgment of Appeal Court, I said it that there is nothing changing, I made it openly, I said it categorically. It is not because I am in support of the way the election went, but we have to abide by the laws of the land. The Bible charges us to be obedient to authorities and laws. I am a law-abiding citizen, if you look at my office, youll see Tinubus portrait and that Sanwoolu hanging. We were part of the election here, we saw what happened, but since they have been declared, we have to support them.
Just a few weeks ago Sir, the President marked his 1st 100 Days in office, how can you appraise his administration so far?
Personally, I dont believe in 100 Days in Office, I hate it with passion, somebody is elected to work for the people, whether youre 100 Days or 1 Year, you should be able to deliver democratic dividends to Nigerians, there is nothing to celebrate in 100 Days in office. What we are expecting is, let there be reduction in fuel price, let there be reduction in dollar exchange rates, let there be reduction in food prices in the market, let our mothers buy foodstuffs cheaper and cook for their families.
Nigerians are really suffering. As a Pastor, on the 1st Friday of the month of September I shared 300 bags of rice and 200 cartons of Indomie here in the church. The kind of fights I saw people engage in over 10kg of rice was unprecedented. I went by the side and started weeping, I was not weeping because I am happy, I wept because even people we thought are rich or okay so to say, well dressed were fighting over 10kg of rice. I said to myself, 1st Friday of October, during our Convention, I will increase it to 500 bags and also implore members to donate to it for us to have even more to give out because the rate of hunger in the land is alarming.
If you go to so many Churches, youll see that for people to transport a few children to church is not easy. If you go to church with about seven children, youll spend up to N10,000 on transportation which many families cannot afford attending church services like they used to do in the past due to the untold hardship in the land and rising transportation cost. It is affecting so many things, children are no longer going to churches today, because transport doesnt come less for them. Many parents leave their children at home on Sundays, and the level of crime rate will increase, at least we teach them moralities in the church, which is helping many of them to reduce involvement in crime and other social vices.
The way things are going now, I dont know, there seems to be no solution in sight, dollar is hitting above N1,000, and everything in the market is skyrocketing, whats the hope for the poor man?
The same market where politicians go to is the same market where the poorest of the poor goes too. And, you see, somebody that has up to 8 children for example, with all them in schools, their school fees, their feeding money, and taking care of them in a week, you know what it is. Feeding 8 people three times a day, you know how much you will spend in a week, so government should alleviate the sufferings of the people, the purpose of government is to affect people positively, shouldering citizens needs, making the citizens comfortable and feeling proud that theyre Nigerians.
Today, everyone is finding a way to travel outside the country for greener pastures, people believe the economy has nosedived, nothing is working out, but we are still praying that God will see us through.
The rising hardship can be related to the removal of Petroleum subsidy and since the government is not going back on it, what do you think, in your analysis that the government should do at this point to ameliorate the astronomic rate of hardship and poverty in the land?
There are things Government can do for the citizens, I am not against removal of subsidy, but it would have been done in a very gradual process, not suddenly. Before you remove subsidy, at least you get people palliatives on time, you increase workers salary, you increase food production, you reduce the rate of dollar. These are the necessary things to be put in place. And, when you look at the condition of our country today, you will agree with me that there is no solution in sight.
Look at the level of poverty in the land, people are doing all sorts of things to meet up, and to feed their families. I think that what I would have advised is that Government should have put up some precautionary measures to alleviate the sufferings of the masses. The masses are suffering. One of the ways to alleviate the sufferings of the masses is to ensure steady power supply at a reduced tariff, theres ongoing debate that electricity tariff has increased, what for? When you removed subsidy, it is like giving somebody food and giving him nail as toothpick, it doesnt work. Giving us steady power supply at low tariff is one way to help the people. People can use the light to barb, to cook, I mean the artisans can function perfectly with steady affordable electicity.
Sir, finally on the state of the nation, recently, Federal Government released N500billion palliatives to each States, do you think thats a right call? Do you think these palliatives given to the Governors will get to the masses?
I am totally against it 100%. We are enriching the Governors, the Governors will give it to their Commissioners, and the Commissioners will give it to their cronies and family members. The people that the palliatives were meant for in particular will not get it. Politicians will share it house by house among their colleagues and political party members. If Government wants to do such a thing, they would have used it the way it will affect the masses. Reduce electricity tariff with that money. There are so many places we will plug the palliative fund, that it will affect people directly. Food production, reduce the price of fertilizers, reduce the price of rice in the market, reduce the price of beans and garri, at least, we will take our palliatives from there.
Sir, Rhema 2023 Convention comes up in a few days, can you talk about it?
Our 2023 Convention is coming from October 4th to 8th, and the theme says Behold, I Give Unto You Power. It is time to remind believers that God has endowed us with the power and the gift to manifest. He says these signs shall follow them that believe, and they shall cast out demons”. He has given you power, fortified you. He says they shall tread upon snakes and scorpions, many types of things, and nothing by any means shall hurt them. God has given us power to make wealth, Deuteronomy 8:18 But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swear unto thy fathers, as it is this day, power to subdue our enemies and power to make impact. So, we want to remind every believer that God created man in His own image, and He given them dominion, power over every creation. So we need to exercise our authorities, by letting people know they are not created to be under certain influences and powers, but created to be in charge, fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth. So that is the theme of Our Convention.
What are the expectations of Rhemites?
The expectations is that the sick will be healed, the barren will conceive, the jobless will get job, after our prayer, the attackers destinies will stop. We are going to pray for every Family here, that nobody will end 2023 in crisis.
Your last word for Nigerians and followers of Oracle TV?
I believe in Nigeria, I believe that we have no other country except this one, and I believe that whosoever that has ears, let him hear, Nigeria will bounce back again; Nigeria will still be respected amongst communities of the World, thats my advice. Let us remain steadfast, play our part in nation building and pray for God to endow our leaders with requisite wisdom to build this nation up.
Celebrating Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje At 60 By Jimmy Enyeh
Majority of Deltans are unanimous in their submissions that the name of
Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, a celebrated top civil servant and retired permanent secretary in Delta State Government House has been recorded in the good side of history.
As he clocked 60 today, family members, friends, associates and well wishers have been falling over themselves to pay tribute to a kind hearted and jolly good fellow.
Edwin, a scion of the famous Gbegbaje family in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, a family noted for producing top bureaucrats and influential public servants.
For 35 years until he retired in January 2024, he added values to Delta State civil service, deepening its positive nuances and was one of the people that nurtured the civil service of the young state upon creation in 1991 to its now enviable heights, setting it along with others on a trajectory that has made it one of the best in the country.
Gbegbaje’s story is far from the proverbial rags-to-riches . He was born into comfort and high society, but suddenly lost his affluent parents in his first and third years at the University of Jos, but with good counsel and guidance of relatives who were bureaucrats, Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje made a career choice that saw him becoming a permanent secretary at 46, a very rare feat in those days.
In an interview conducted three years ago to celebrate his 57 years, he offered a glimpse into his life, challenges and triumph. “I come from the larger Gbegbaje family in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. We have quite several branches of the genealogical tree. We have the Abesan. The patriarch of the family is Chief Gbegbaje Dasone.
“We have Oloyo Gbegbaje and Ogidi Gbegbaje. My parents were civil servants like myself. My mum was a social welfare officer who rose through the ranks.During the late Ambrose Ali administration in Bendel State, she was appointed permanent secretary. My father was a medical doctor.
“He was the first radiologist in the defunct Bendel State and second in the country. My father was the chief consultant radiologist in Bendel State. I also have an uncle, Mr. K Gbegbaje who was a permanent secretary. When he retired, he became the Chairman of Bendel State Civil Service Commission. I have an uncle who was the first Accountant-General of Kwara State. He was in the northern civil service in the 60s.He later became Chairman of National Oil. I am from a family of bureaucrats. I attended Emotan Primary School in Benin.
“I proceeded to Edo College. When I left Edo College, I had the desire to leave Benin. Even when I was admitted into UNIBEN to study Economics and Statistics, I wasn’t enthusiastic. So, I got admission to study Political Science in Jos in 1981. Prof Emovon from UNIBEN was the Vice-Chancellor in Jos at the time. As I was entering, Jos ceased being a campus of the University of Ibadan. I was there from 1981 -1985. I graduated before my 21st birthday.
“Unfortunately, I lost my dad as I was entering the university in 1981. When I was just getting into my third year, I lost my mum.
It wasn’t easy being the eldest among my siblings. In fact, I was encouraged to come for Christmas holiday in Benin without knowing that the evening of my arrival in Benin was the period of my mum’s service of songs.
“I didn’t have an inkling that such a thing had happened. I didn’t even hear that she was ill. I was shocked when I saw canopies in my compound at Ovie Whiskey Avenue close to Ekhewan Campus. A prominent Jos-based businessman from Ughelli encouraged me to visit home for Christmas.
“I graduated in 1985 and taught at a secondary school in Iko-Eket, Cross River State. Just as I was finishing, there were some advertisements for jobs. I didn’t see the one for NNPC early enough.Towards the end of 1988, my uncle who was the Chairman of Bendel State Civil Service Commission, said since I couldn’t get a private sector job, I should participate in extended interviews, especially since I had sat for ASCON examination.
“He advised me to start a career in the civil service. By the end of 1988, letters of appointment were out. I wasn’t conscious of the fact that the person who resumes first becomes the senior in service. I didn’t resume early. My uncle said I was supposed to have resumed instead of waiting to resume in the New Year. A few of my friends who were conscious of it had resumed and they became my seniors in service. I resumed on January 3, 1989.
“That was how my career started. We were supposed to come in as administrative officers Grade 7, but at that time there was a decree. So, by the time we came in, we were designated as personnel officers. We were regarded as the special class.
“Upon the creation of Delta State on August 27, 1991, we all had to move to Asaba. In fact, the movement was swift.
We were all not fully prepared for the swift movement. There was a surge of human beings into Asaba with the state creation. A lot of us couldn’t get accommodation in Asaba when we came. In fact, I stayed in Ibusa for nine years. It was when I met my wife that we moved to Asaba. A lot of my colleagues were sleeping in the offices then.
On his retirement, the Delta State governor praised Gbegbaje’s contribution to the growth of the state.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, at the retirement thanks-giving service of Gbegbaje, urged civil servants in the state to emulate his virtues.
Speaking at a grand reception in honour of the celebrant at the Events Centre, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori described Ogidi-Gbegbaje as an intelligent, humble, diligent, transparent, process driven, selfless, accountable and compassionate bureaucrat.
While congratulating the retired Permanent Secretary for his diligent and patriotic service to the state, Oborevwori said Ogidi-Gbegbaje was very helpful in the last seven months of his administration.
According to him, “a lot has been said about Sir Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje and I also have a personal experience about him while I was Speaker and in the last seven months as Governor of Delta State, we have worked very closely and he helped me to settle down quickly.
“Sir Ogidi-Gbegbaje played his role very well, he is diligent in his duties and was always giving good and useful advise wherever he worked.
“Your service to humanity is something worth emulating and I must say that I enjoyed working with you. I congratulate you for 35 years of unblemished and meritorious service to the government and people of Delta State.
“We are going to miss you, the civil service will miss you, the machinery of government will miss you, you are retired but you are not tired, and your service is still needed.
“I want other civil servants to emulate your commitment to duty. So my message to other civil servants is that they should emulate Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje.
“If you look at his journey in the civil service from Bendel to Delta, you see his commitment to duty. Today, he has finished strong and we rejoice with him and his family”.
Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Information, Professor Sam Oyovbaire, congratulated the celebrant for a successful retirement from service and urged other civil servants to emulate his kind virtues and commitment to duty.
From all indications, Edwin Ogidi-Gbagbaje is worth celebrating, he has touched numerous lives in the last six decades.
At the cusp of his 60th anniversary, the social and the civil service landscapes pulse with milestones he has achieved thus reasserting his worth as a rare force of nature. As family and friends join him in celebrating his 60th birthday, the image that pops into head is that of his genius and the passionate intensity he possesses, literally squizing water from stone as far as the public service is concerned. His brilliant performance as a permanent secretary, Delta State Government House, has earned him another appointment. He is currently the Chairman, Delta State Bureau for Pension and has been giving a splendid account of himself.
“In All Life’s Hardships, Keep Your Smile” By Prudent Ludidi
Let’s talk about a powerful tool that can help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence, resilience, and hope. That tool is your smile.
Life can be tough. It can throw us curveballs, test our resolve, and push us to our limits. But in the midst of hardship, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We forget to smile, forget to laugh, and forget to live.
Your smile is more than just a facial expression. It’s a symbol of strength, courage, and determination. It’s a beacon of hope that shines brightly, even in the darkest moments.
When life gets tough, it’s tempting to frown, to cry, or to give up. But I urge you to do the opposite. Smile. Smile through the tears, smile through the pain, and smile through the struggles.
Smiling doesn’t mean you’re ignoring your problems or pretending everything is okay. It means you’re choosing to rise above, to find the silver lining, and to focus on the good.
Your smile has the power to transform your mindset, inspire others, diffuse tension, and heal emotional wounds. It’s a powerful antidote to stress, anxiety, and fear.
Think about it. When was the last time you smiled? Really smiled? Not just a polite smile or a forced grin, but a genuine, heartwarming smile?
Smiling can:
Reduce stress and anxiety
Boost your mood and energy
Improve your relationships
Increase your resilience
So, how can you keep your smile shining bright, even in the face of adversity?
Find the humor in difficult situations. Laughter is a powerful way to shift your perspective and lighten the load.
Practice gratitude daily. Focus on the good things in your life, no matter how small they may seem.
Surround yourself with positivity. Spend time with people who uplift and support you.
Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and prioritize self-care.
Remember, your smile is contagious. It can light up a room, brighten someone’s day, and change the atmosphere.
In all life’s hardships, keep your smile. It’s a reminder that better days are ahead, that you’re stronger than you think, and that you’re not alone.
Your smile is your superpower. Use it to overcome obstacles, to uplift others, and to create a ripple effect of joy and positivity.
Don’t let life’s challenges steal your smile. Keep shining, keep smiling, and keep pushing forward.
You are stronger than you think.
You are braver than you feel.
And you are capable of overcoming anything that comes your way.
So, smile. Smile with confidence. Smile with courage. Smile with hope!
celebrity radar - gossips
Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai
Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai
The Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS, Nigerian Army) and Former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador (Lt General rtd) Tukur Yusufu Buratai, CFR has said that Lagos State has all the qualifications of a modern city and is one of the most populated cities in Sub – Saharan Africa. He went further to affirm that Lagos is also indicative of the degree to which Nigeria’s economic, political, social, and cultural landscape is deeply embedded within the global system.
He made this assertion on Wednesday 20th November, 2024 as the keynote Speaker at the Second Edition of the Lagos State University of Education Security Summit, with the theme: Insecurity, Cost of Living and Good Governance in the 21st Century.
Ambassador Tukur Buratai, while delivering the lecture in a paper titled: Lagos in Nigeria’s National Security and Defence Architecture: An Analysis.
Ambassador Tukur Buratai postulated in his paper that, “The presence of strategic military installations, the verse Atlantic Ocean and extensive coastline has placed Lagos State on the strategic defense map of the Armed Forces of Nigeria”, He said further that, ” While the sea provides a strategic economic status it could also be vulnerable to external attacks across the ocean”.
In his paper, Ambassador Tukur Buratai reiterated that the Lagos State government should begin to look at the options and implications of having its own security.
Ambassador Tukur Buratai also emphasized the urgent necessity to bolster our nation’s troop level to 800,000. He said a larger and more robust force will enhance operational readiness, improve our country’s capacity to respond to various contingencies, and strengthen our alliance on the international stage.
He also called for the establishment of a Marine Corps for the Nigerian Navy to be strategically stationed in key regions such as Lagos, Borno, Cross River, and Port Harcourt.
He also raised the pressing issue of the persistent lack of stable power supply in Lagos. He asserted that the Lagos State Government must urgently prioritize the development of independent power generation.
Ambassador Tukur Buratai also lauded the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s strategy regarding security in Lagos, which provides an example for governor’s throughout Nigeria. He said the governor recognizes that genuine security transcends mere physical presence or reactive measures. He commended the governor’s innovative approach, which has redefined the urban governance, and has also set a benchmark for other states to follow.
Ambassador Tukur Buratai also recalled that during his tenure as the Chief of Army Staff, he had the distinct privilege of witnessing the fruitful collaboration between the Nigerian Army and Lagos State under the leadership of Former Governor Ambode and now Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Ambassador Buratai, during the lecture, also appluaded the Lagos State Government on its infrastructural development in Lagos State, especially the Red and Blue Railway lines.
Ambassador Tukur Buratai also commended the Federal Government interventions in the development of Lagos State, while applauding the construction of the Lagos to Calabar Highway, he adviced the Lagos State and Federal Government on the security implications of opening up the high way, he suggested to the government to be proactive by early planning for its security when opened and becomes operational.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education, Prof B. B Lafiaji-Okuneye welcomed Ambassador Tukur Buratai to the institution. In her words, she said, ” The great warlord and global peace ambassador is visiting our great institution for the first time. Sir, we appreciate you and what you stand for. Your desire for a Nigeria that is peaceful and safe, where the citizens and residents are free and are given every opportunity to prove their worth and contribute to the growth and development of the nation is evident “.
While making his contribution during the summit, the Commissioner of Tertiary Education, Lagos State, appreciated and commended Ambassador Buratai for adding value to the security summit and more importantly adding value to the Lagos State University of Education. The Commissioner also drew the attention of the participants of the summit to parts of Ambassador Buratai’s paper, where he elaborated on the strategy of social inclusiveness rather than the use of force to curb insecurity.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Barr Tolani Sule on behalf of the Lagos State University of Education, presented a Plague of Honour to Ambassador Buratai for his role in nation building.
Other discussant at the Summit included, HRM, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, (Arolugbade 11, the Oloja of Epe Land and the Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs), HRM, Oba Momodu Afolabi Ashafa ( The Aladi of Ijanikin Kingdom), HRM, Oba (Dr) Aina Josiah Olanrewaju ( IKUYAMIKU 1, the Oloto of Oto Awori Kingdom) and HRH, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja JP ( ALADESHOYIN, the Paramount Ruler of Odo – Noforija Kingdom), all of whom spoke on the theme :Insecurity, Cost of Living and Good Governance in the 21st Century.
The event which was attended by various Traditional Rulers, Members of the Governing Council and Senate of the Institution, the Commissioner of Tertiary Education in Lagos State, Barr Tolani Sule, Captain of Industries, Security and Para Military Chiefs in Lagos State, various invited guests and the students.
Ambassador Tukur Buratai’s delegation to the summit included, Lt General Lamidi Adeosun (rtd), Former Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Army, Colonel Emmanuel Adegbola (rtd), Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, Alhaja Toyyibat Adeosun, Alhaji Isa Dogo amongst others.
-
Business7 months agoMaxwell Opara Goofed Says AAS Investors As They Stand By Jesam Michael, Demand For Justice
-
society6 months agoExposing The Many Lies Of Wanted Cyber Bully, Dorcas Adeyinka + Her Failed Attempt To Blackmail The Odegbamis
-
society7 months agoAlleged Assault In Court: Setting The Record Straight, Jesam Michael is The Victim, Not Maxwell Opara
-
Politics6 months agoNiger’s Journey of Redemption Under Governor Bago* By Paul Dickson