NEWS
Umahi eulogises renowned educationist, Anoke
With everything in place for the interment of Chief Lawrence Eze Anoke (1935-2021), on November 5, 2022, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Govt Area of Ebonyi State, tributes have continued to pour in from highly placed Nigerians.
A statement from the family, signed by Kenneth Eze, has it that Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, is among the prominent people recalling fond memories of the life and times of the respected educationist.
In a tribute on behalf of the Ebony State Government, which the governor signed personally, he credited the foremost educationist with mentoring many prominent people, including himself at primary school level.
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Gov Umahi stated that Chief Anoke “was a well-established Headmaster in many schools, especially, Umunaga Primary School and I was fortunate to be mentored by him at that time
“He lived a worthy life and impacted great knowledge in many people, of which many are highly placed people in our society today.”
Eze described his father as a man who saw tomorrow and made good preparation for it with the fruits abounding wherever his feet trod.
He said, “my father’s most distinguishing traits would be brainpower, foresight, courage, large appetite for knowledge and human capital development, in no particular order.
“With foresight, he discerned from childhood that future greatness would majorly be for those who strengthened their brains not their bones. This explains way he embraced education with two hands, encouraged many to join him, and clutched to it even till his last breath.
“These also background his journey to becoming the philosopher king of his generation and his looking down on materialism, opting instead to enrich and empower humanity with western education.
“To achieve these, he set-off early, so early that he was done with Primary School at a tender age. So tender was he that on graduation from Primary School, he arrived at the workplace too young to be taxed, and probably too fragile to carry on.
“These saw the late Dr Akanu Ibiam, former governor of East Central State and Eze-Ogo of Unwana, counsel him ‘Eze, go back to school.’
“I doubt if Dr Ibiam envisaged that he was kick-starting another type of missionary work – education evangelism. Heeding this counsel transformed you, dad, into the foremost knowledge missionary of Ebonyi State.
“With that mantle, my dad carried the crusade of education from home to home, while encouraging farmers to send their children to school instead of the farms. For this, many notable people in the society today, owe you gratitude, sir.
“Dr Ibiam’s counsel, only turned out to be extremely rewarding because you took and rode on it for continuous knowledge acquisition and impartation, thereby impacting on numerous people and uplifting them to greatness.
“The first thing it did, though was shifting you from medical line to becoming an educationist, where passion, competence and professionalism saw you rise to become the most senior headmaster in Ebonyi State before retirement.
“The story of your enthusiasm for education is already well captured in the lives of those who would have been peasants but you converted them, through your ministry of education evangelism to embrace the good life that western education offers.
“It is written in your championing women liberation and equal rights for the girl child. This saw you offering equal education opportunities to your children of both genders, despite pressures from friends and relations to do otherwise. You also encouraged family, friends, associates and all who cared to listen, that there was no difference between the male and female child.”
It was gathered that Chief Anoke had two wives, Agnes and Rose, 16 children, 36 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
NEWS
Christmas: Shettima Assures Of FG’s Commitment To Citizens’ Welfare
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of the federal government’s dedication to national security, economic transformation, and welfare of the citizens.
This was detailed in a Christmas message on Wednesday afternoon in Abuja under the signature of the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.
According to the Vice President, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its focus on these critical areas, as the country looks forward to the dawn of a new year.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
He said, “In these times of economic transformation, I want to assure you that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of all Nigerians.”
Vice President Shettima particularly urged the citizens to imbibe the virtues of national unity during the yuletide season.
“Nigeria’s diversity remains our greatest strength. Let us avail ourselves of the time provided by the holiday season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us across all faiths and regions,” he said.
Senator Shettima assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the nation’s security forces, noting that “our brave security personnel will continue to work round the clock during this festive period to keep us safe.”
He said enhanced security measures have been put in place to protect the citizens during the holiday period.
“The relevant agencies have been mobilized to ensure your safety and comfort on all major routes,” he stated, urging travelers to remain vigilant.
VP Shettima expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory in the coming year, saying, “I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.
“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is implementing various initiatives to create opportunities for you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s development,” he added.
NEWS
Yuletide: Adeleke Rejoices With Christians
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated Christians in Osun State and beyond on the occasion of the 2024 Christmas celebration, urging them to follow Jesus Christ’s example of compassion and tolerance.
Biztellers reports that Gov Adeleke described the birth of Jesus Christ as a defining moment for mankind, in a statement in Osogbo on Tuesday.
He described the festive season as a solemn reminder of the power of love and how it can save humanity.
ALSO READ: Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
While recognising unity and togetherness as an important message that Jesus Christ’s life resonates, Gov Adeleke charged Osun people, particularly Christians, to draw from the spiritual import of the celebration by sharing love and fostering harmony in communities.
In his words, “I extend my warm wishes to Christian faithful in Osun state and beyond as we mark this year’s Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ is a manifestation of the power of love and remind us of the essence of compassion,” the Governor noted in his message.
“In the mood of celebration, I urge us to take a moment to reflect on the message of renewal that the birth of Jesus Christ signifies, promoting activities that will unite not divide, build not destroy, and bring peace not conflict.
“It is also my sincere appeal that we extend hands of kindness to the needy and the weak in the society, spreading love and generosity beyond borders. That is the essence of Christmas and it is most essential that at a time like this, no one is left to their fate.”
NEWS
Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, has enjoined all Nigerian leaders to be more sensitive to the yearnings of the people for a better life.
This was contained in a 2024 Christmas Message to Nigerians issued in Lagos under the signature of the Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu.
According to the Archbishop there is an urgent need for a better enabling environment to allow businesses thrive in a bid to reduce the high rate of unemployment and the grinding poverty in the land.
He urged leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens over personal needs in addressing the widespread hunger, poverty, joblessness, and insecurity ravaging the nation.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
In his words, “Even in the face of policies that are deemed to have positive results in the long-term, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, floating of the naira and the new tax reforms initiative, governments must ensure that the immediate welfare of people is not neglected but factored into the planning and execution of such policies. This is necessary, if the people for whom the policies are being made are not to die before the positive results begin to manifest.
“At the same time, government spending must be prudent and compassionate. In addition, it is necessary to pay more attention to the agricultural sector so that food security can be ensured for overall benefit.”
The Prelate described as very sad and depressing the recent loss of several lives of innocent Nigerians in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra in their quest to access food palliatives owing to pervading hunger across the country.
He considered it worrisome that many Nigerians now find it difficult to purchase necessities of life, especially during this festive season that should be a period of merriment, sharing of love, food, and other essentials, which are the hallmarks of the Christmas season.
To forestall a reoccurrence of such ugly incidents, the prelate urged governments, at both federal and state levels, as well as the legislative assemblies, to identify and quickly fix the loopholes in the polity that are responsible for the massive poverty and hardship which Nigerians are facing.
He advocated the appraisal of the nation’s existing laws and enactment and enforcement of only proactive policies that would open the business environment, attract investors, and create more jobs so that the citizens can afford their basic needs; rather than depend on palliatives that offer only temporary relief.
The prelate urged substantial investments in the agricultural sector of the economy to ensure the availability of basic foodstuffs; thereby reducing the high cost of essential food items like rice, beans, onions and grains.
“If citizens have food in their homes, people will not endanger their lives while scrambling for palliatives in the way it happened,” he noted with sadness.
While praying for the souls of those who died in the recent stampedes in parts of the country, he also commiserated with those who lost their loved ones, praying that Jesus, the Prince of Peace would bring solace to the afflicted, comfort to the grieving, and hope to the despairing.
“This special season reminds us of the profound love of God, who sent His only Son to redeem humanity. May the light of Christ illuminate our lives, dispel darkness, and fill our hearts with love, compassion, and kindness. As we gather with family and friends, let us not forget those who are less fortunate, the vulnerable and the marginalised. May our celebration be a catalyst for acts of charity, generosity, and solidarity,” he stated.