celebrity radar - gossips

World Bank to Partner Ogun State on Socioeconomic Development

Published

5 years ago

July 31, 2019

The World Bank has promised to assist the Ogun State Government in the areas of good governance and socio-economic development. This was made known in Abuja during a meeting between Prince Dapo Abiodun and the country representatives of the global Bank.

Going by the number of floods that have ravaged some parts of Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode and other towns across Ogun West, the state government also received some succour from the World Bank. This development was made known through a press statement issued by Kunle Somorin, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun.

According to Somorin, the World Bank Country Director, Rachid Benmessaoud said the global financial institution thought it wise to assist a number of people affected by the recent flooding in the state, as enunciated by the Governor, having requested for the bank’s assistance.

While granting the Governor’s request, the World Bank announced that Ogun State has been considered among other states in Nigeria that will benefit from a $900m intervention fund on ecological challenges.

The World Bank’s assistance will serve as a timely succour to the affected families and towns across the Gateway State.

Also, the bank is currently partnering with Ogun State on a number of initiatives like the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) which is aimed at providing an institutional and logistic framework for a private-public partnership engagement and in the areas of rural road construction and agricultural development.

Some of the programmes which the World Bank had keyed into include: Community and Social Development Programme; Saving One Million Lives Programme: Basic Healthcare Provision Fund; State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability Programme. Others include the Rural Access and Mobility Programme, Nigeria for Women and the PPP.

According to Governor Abiodun, these are critical projects that would enhance the welfare of our people and also contribute immensely to his “focussed and qualitative governance” agenda in Ogun State.

The governor emphasised that he had outlined a number of bills to be sent to the State Assembly for approval as this would give necessary legal teeth to the proposed programmes, thereby bringing the dividends of democracy to the good people of the state. Some of these proposed laws are on the Ogun State Investment Promotion Agency, the PPP to attract and secure private investments into Ogun State.

“Since infrastructural development will strengthen the investment drive of our administration, we are equally setting up a Public Works Agency to boost local capacity and also make Ogun State Security Trust Fund more vibrant since investment cannot thrive without peace and security,” Governor Abiodun said.

The Governor promised to restructure the accounting processes in the state and ensure that the unwieldy over 800 accounts he inherited are “streamlined into a reasonable one where principal officers can access a dashboard of incomes and expenditures.”

The state, he added, is reviewing its public procurement laws to ensure that transparency and accountability are maintained while ensuring fairness, equity and inclusiveness in the way government businesses are run.

The World Bank team, led by Benmessaoud, commended the foresight of the Dapo Abiodun administration, warning that it should look into the indices that made the state’s healthcare fall by 10.5% between 2015 and 2018.

“Surveys conducted in 2015 and 2018 saw Ogun State regressed by 10.5%, whereas Yobe State got $30m for its exemplary public health initiatives from the World Bank. Osun also did very well and was rewarded with $20m,” Benmessaoud revealed.

The World Bank advised that Ogun State should work towards ensuring “strong leadership and accountability” so as to reverse its dwindling fortunes in the health sector. It also noted the fact that the Ministry of Health and the Primary Healthcare Development Agency should be reinvigorated and “it is expedient to have a State Social Health Insurance Agency.”

Sports

Oleksandr Usyk Defeats Tyson Fury Again, Solidifies Legacy Among Boxing Greats

Published

1 day ago

December 22, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Oleksandr Usyk Defeats Tyson Fury Again, Solidifies Legacy Among Boxing Greats

Ukrainian boxing sensation Oleksandr Usyk retained his heavyweight championship titles and cemented his place in boxing history with a unanimous decision victory over Britain’s Tyson Fury in their rematch on Saturday night.

The judges scored the bout 116-112 in Usyk’s favor across the board, marking his second consecutive win over Fury. This victory extended Usyk’s flawless professional record to 23-0, with 14 knockouts, adding another chapter to a career already highlighted by Olympic gold and an undisputed cruiserweight championship.

A Masterclass Performance

Usyk, 37, showcased his signature precision and relentless pace, repeatedly catching Fury with clean left hooks and dominating the latter stages of the fight. Fury, at 6ft 9in (206cm) and weighing a career-high 281 pounds, attempted to impose his physicality but was unable to break Usyk’s composure.

The fight, held in Saudi Arabia, saw Usyk wearing traditional Cossack attire during his entrance, while Fury entered the arena dressed in a festive Santa-inspired robe to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

The early rounds were competitive, with Fury landing powerful jabs and body shots. However, Usyk’s endurance and tactical brilliance began to shine in the middle rounds. The Ukrainian landed sharp combinations and dictated the tempo, including a stunning uppercut in the final round that left little doubt about the outcome.

“I thought I’ve won both fights,” Fury said post-match, sporting a bruised right eye. “But I’ll always believe until the day I die that I won that fight.”

A Legacy Sealed

Usyk’s victory solidified his standing as one of the greatest heavyweights in history. Already the first undisputed heavyweight of the four-belt era, Usyk joins the ranks of legends like Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, and Mike Tyson.

The bout, reported to have a prize purse of $190 million, also underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports. Usyk, who served briefly as a soldier during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, celebrated his victory by hoisting a symbolic sabre belonging to Ukrainian nationalist hero Ivan Mazepa.

Fury’s Uncertain Future

The defeat leaves Fury’s future in doubt. Once unbeaten across 35 fights, Fury now stands at 34-2-1. His attempt to reclaim glory after a brief retirement in 2022 has been marred by back-to-back losses to Usyk.

Usyk, on the other hand, continues to add to his already remarkable resume, leaving fans and critics alike in awe of his technical skill, resilience, and determination. As the heavyweight division looks ahead, Usyk’s reign appears unshakable, and his place among boxing’s all-time greats is firmly secured.

celebrity radar - gossips

Testimony Jaga Redefines Gospel Music with Fuji Rhapsody

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Testimony Jaga Redefines Gospel Music with Fuji Rhapsody

Renowned gospel artist Testimony Jaga has set a new standard in the genre with the release of his highly anticipated album, Fuji Rhapsody. This innovative project masterfully blends the electrifying rhythms of Fuji music with uplifting gospel messages, offering a unique and transformative musical experience.

With a runtime of approximately one hour, Fuji Rhapsody takes listeners on a continuous, spiritually enriching journey, brimming with energy and inspiration. The album is available for streaming on popular platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, Audiomack, Boomplay, and more.

Whether you’re a fan of vibrant Fuji beats or seeking soul-stirring gospel tunes, Fuji Rhapsody is an album that promises to inspire and uplift. Press play and let its powerful melodies rejuvenate your spirit today!

Stream Fuji Rhapsody Here:

https://hypeddit.com/testimony-jaga/fuji-rapsody

celebrity radar - gossips

Governor Monday Okpebholo C.O.N Celebrates His Grace, Bishop Desmond Osazuwa, on His Birthday – December 21

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Sahara Weekly

His Excellency Governor Monday Okpebholo C.O.N Celebrates His Grace, Bishop Desmond Osazuwa, on His Birthday – December 21

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo C.O.N., has extended warm birthday wishes to His Grace, Bishop Desmond Osazuwa Amasihohu, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the state and his unwavering support during the Governor’s electoral victory.

In a heartfelt message, Governor Okpebholo expressed his profound admiration for Bishop Amasihohu, acknowledging his steadfast leadership, spiritual guidance, and commitment to the well-being of the people of Edo State.

“I am delighted to celebrate Bishop Desmond Osazuwa on his special day,” the Governor stated. “His tireless prayers and invaluable support during my election campaign played a significant role in our collective success. His dedication to the spiritual and physical growth of Edo State is a testament to his purposeful leadership and unwavering faith.”

Reflecting on the Bishop’s years of service, the Governor added, “On behalf of my family and the entire Edo State, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Bishop Desmond Amasihohu on his birthday. He is a true son of Edo, whose contributions continue to enrich our lives. Today, we celebrate not just his birthday but also his enduring impact on our state and beyond.”

Governor Okpebholo emphasized the importance of honoring individuals who dedicate their lives to service. “Recognizing Bishop Desmond Osazuwa aligns with our shared values of inclusivity, unity, and gratitude. His contributions to the spiritual and social fabric of Edo State are invaluable, and we are truly blessed to have him among us.”

Bishop Desmond Osazuwa Amasihohu has spent decades spreading the gospel and transforming lives both within Edo State and across the globe. His birthday celebration drew dignitaries, community leaders, and well-wishers who gathered to honor his life and legacy.

The occasion stands as a powerful reminder of the values of faith, service, and unity that guide the Governor’s vision for a stronger Edo State.

“Happy birthday, my Bishop,” Governor Okpebholo concluded. “Your wisdom and contributions to the development of our state are deeply appreciated. May the Lord Almighty bless you with good health, strength, and continued prosperity.”