Uncategorized
Excitement in Edo as Ibrahim Lamorde is immortalised
Jonathan, Obaseki, Mele Kyari, Momoh Orbih, other bigwigs attend, hail Inter-Atlas Synergy
Late former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Lamorde, has been immortalised in Edo State.
An ultra-modern auditorium and outdoor sports centre built at Ogbona Secondary School, in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, was named Ibrahim Lamorde Hall.
A director in Inter-Atlas Synergy, Peter Omoh Dunia, hails from Ogbona community, in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.
The edifice was built by award-winnning pipelines security firm, Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited, chaired by Lamorde until his demise on May 25th, 2024.
One of the Executive Directors of the private security outfit, Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, hails from the community.
The project was facilitated by Dunia, popularly known as Peter Black.
The event laced with pomp and pageantry, was witnessed by the cream-de-la-cream of the society, especially the representatives of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Edo State Governor, Mr.Godwin Obaseki, Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr. Omobayo Godwins, who delivered his boss’ goodwill message, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Engineer Abubakar Momoh, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engineer Mele Kyari, South/South Zonal Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, elated family members of Ibrahim Lamorde led by Adamawa State Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Usman Lamorde, his Ministry of Education counterpart in Edo State, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, National President of the Host Comminities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), Chief Style Tamaranebi
Other members of Lamorde family present at the event include the scion of Ibrahim Lamorde, Mr. Usman I.
Lamorde and another younger sibling of the late anti-graft czar, Dr. Suleiman Lamorde.
The team of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited was led by the company’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Femi Meshe.
The security’s company’s Executive Director, Mr. Niyi Oginni, was also present at the epoch-making event.
The clerics were led to the event by the Catholic Archbishop of Auchi Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia.
Captains of the oil and gas industry as well as top executives in the public and private sectors were not left out.
The traditional institutions from various towns in Etsako axis of Edo State and indeed all over the country, were fully represented at the occasion.
Specifically, HRM Jackson Aperelire Etokhana, Ogie Ahwianwu of Avhianwu Clan led the appreciative and joyous people of Etsako communities to the inauguration ceremony.
His Lordship, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, Bishop of Auchi Diocese.
Dignitaries, including Jonathan, Obaseki, Momoh, Kyari, Oviawe, in their goodwill messages hailed the board and management of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited for being a responsible corporate citizen.
They urged all other corporate bodies to emulate the patriotic gesture of the private security firm.
In her goodwill message, the Chairperson of Ogbona Secondary School Management Board (SMB), Mrs. Joan Egwuonwu, also praised the Inter-Atlas, Synergy Limited, especially Dunia, adding that the “ultra-modern school auditorium and outdoor sports centre donated by Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited, courtesy of our respected board member, Peter Omoh Dunia Esq are the crowns of this board’s plethora of interventions.”
HRM Jackson Aperelire Etokhana also towed the same line with Egwuonwu, by hauling ecomiums at Inter-Atlas Synergy and one of its Executive Director, Peter Omoh Dunia, whom he described as a ” valuable, public spirited and selfless personality, who has made unparalleled and far-reaching contributions to the upliftment and development of Avhianwu
Clan, Etsakoland and their people.”
In his goodwill, Tamaranebi said, “I’m privileged to be here to witness this laudable project in Niger Delta host community today in Edo State. Permit me to use this medium as a clarion call to the Oil and Gas multi- Nationals, which has hide under Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, not to do the needful for our impoverished communities.
“Today Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited has displayed commitment in CSR to our communities and the Host community organization which we want to thank you for promise kept and promise delivered and we say there is brighter tomorrow and God Bless Inter Atlas, God bless Nigeria.”
The spokesman of Lamorde family, Dr. Suleiman Lamorde, expressed appreciation to the board and management of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited for honouring and immortalising his older sibling.
The medical practitioner was particularly elated that the first attempt to immortalise his late brother, who hailed from Adamawa State in the North East geopolitical zone of the country came from Edo State in the South/South of the country.
“This development is heart-warming. It further confirmed that Nigeria is one and our oneness is not a fluke. The Lamorde family is extremely grateful to the management of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited took the initiative to immortalised our brother. We are also heavily indebted to our brother, Mr. Peter Dunia, who has been extremely supportive to our family. With the immortalising of our brother in Ogbona Town, in Etsako, we have got a second home in Edo Stafe. We sincerely thank the people of Edo State, for this thoughtful gesture,” Lamorde added.
Meshe, in his speech said the the auditorium and outdoor sports centre was provided by Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited in line with the company’s “dedication to improving the quality of life in the host communities where we operate. Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited has instituted a program to undertake various infrastructure development projects through the Niger Delta.”
“We believed that the Ogbona Secondary School Ultra-modern Auditorium and Sports Facilities building, 2,000-seater auditorium and sporting facility named after our late Chairman, DIG Ibrahim Lamorde (rtd), will enhance both educational and civic activities in the entire Ogbona community, Etsako Central LGA, Edo State, spurring more of such contributions from other organisations to this community and others accross the region.”
“It is our conviction that all International Oil Companies and Local Oil Companies (IOC/LOC) particularly, and all other stakeholders, should continue contributing and championing improved economic empowerment and interventions to significantly improve the livelihood of communities in the Niger Delta region. This is prime, long-term and sustainable measure for creating disincentive and dissuasion from engaging in illegal activities by a majority of perhaps hapless and misguided youths and people of the region, including the menace of crude oil theft and vandalism for which the good image of the region has been disproportionately tainted.”
“Finally, we are determined to continue promoting socio-economic and Infrastructural development in the communities where we operate and we are poised to do more in building strong collaboration with local stakeholders and contribute to the overall economic prosperity of our dear
nation.”
Dunia, who was moved to tears while presenting his address and tribute of Ibrahim Abdullahi Lamorde, described him as a ” dedicated Muslim, committed family man, who dearly cherished his family and a champion of communities.”
“From the philanthropic outreaches he sponsored non-stop in his native Mubi to the many other communities where he worked accross the nation, securing a safe and flourishing community life was a priority to him. As Board Chairman of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited and coming into the Oil and Gas Industrial security and project management space with operations in the Niger Delta region, he was appalled at the level of environmental degradation and deprivation suffered by many of the communities. He believed that their plight needed to be highlighted in the work of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited and lasting solutions advocated for action.”
“Unfortunately, he passed away on the 25th of May, 2024. He left behind a legacy of lifetime service to God humanity, community and country. The Ogbona Community Secondary School Ultra-modern and Sports Centre in Estako Central LGA of Edo State is named in his honour and loving memory by Inter-Atlas by Synergy Limited, as company he led after his retirement from public service until his demise.”
Highlights of the ceremony include cultural displays by different groups in Etsakoland and formal inauguration of the auditorium and outdoor sports centre by Archbishop Dunia and Representative of gbd Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Engineer Okodugha Dauda Aluyah, who is the Special Assistant to the minister on Project Monitoring (South-South).
News From Kogi
Don Advocates for Interdisciplinary Institute to Harness Resources in North-Central Nigeria
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Nigerian-American climate scientist Prof. Jimmy Adegoke has called for the establishment of an interdisciplinary institute at the Federal University Lokoja to tackle environmental challenges and optimize the utilization of solid minerals and aquatic resources in North-Central Nigeria.
Delivering the 10th Distinguished Public Lecture at the university’s Felele Campus, themed “A Tale of Two Cities: Climate Threats and Economic Opportunities at the Confluence of the Great Rivers Niger and Benue,” Adegoke emphasized the need for a collaborative approach that integrates various disciplines such as economics, environmental science, and engineering.
He proposed that the institute act as an umbrella organization for existing research centers, fostering innovation in economic revitalization, environmental sustainability, and trade. “The goal of this institute would be to transform the middle-belt region into an engine of economic growth and prosperity,” he stated.
Highlighting the underutilization of the Niger and Benue Rivers, Adegoke urged states in the region to devise strategies to leverage seasonal flooding for enhanced agricultural production. He advocated for the dredging of these rivers to enable year-round navigation, facilitating the transportation of goods and promoting tourism along Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Reflecting on the historical significance of Lokoja as a hub for raw material aggregation during colonial times, Adegoke argued for the revival of water transportation to enhance economic opportunities. “We need to transform the Niger into a working river to evacuate resources cheaply and safely,” he said.
Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice Chancellor of FUL, praised the lecture series as a significant step in the university’s commitment to fostering intellectual discourse on societal issues. He noted the unique environmental and economic challenges presented by Lokoja’s location at the confluence of major rivers, calling for collaborative efforts to address climate-related risks while capitalizing on available resources.
On the sidelines of the lecture, Mr. Henry Adimoha, Acting General Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), attributed the perennial flooding in Kogi State to urbanization and population growth. He highlighted the need for strategic urban planning to mitigate flooding risks.
The call for an interdisciplinary institute aligns with ongoing efforts to address the pressing environmental challenges facing Nigeria while promoting sustainable development in the region.
NationalUpdate Woman
Jigawa State Children Parliament Advocates for Girl Child Empowerment
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Jigawa State Children Parliament has called for enhanced political support to facilitate programs aimed at ensuring girls have access to quality education, healthcare, and economic independence.
During a special session held to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, 14-year-old Jamila Aliyu Abdulkadir, a student from Dutse Model International Secondary School, presided over the proceedings.
The Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Honorable Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, honored her by temporarily vacating his seat.
Jamila commended Governor Umar Namadi and the Speaker for their efforts in implementing policies that have increased school enrollment for girls. “Every girl dreams of quality education, good healthcare, digital skills, leadership opportunities, and economic independence,” she stated. She stressed that all girls deserve a safe environment, access to quality education, and a healthy lifestyle as they grow.
She urged leaders to enact laws that empower girls and promote gender equality, ensuring protection against gender-based violence and access to education and healthcare.
Students also voiced their support during the session.
Hassanah Aboyeji, representing the Dutse local government area, expressed gratitude to Governor Umar Namadi for prioritizing girl-child education by providing free education at all levels. She noted the removal of fees and the provision of essential learning materials, which led to a 43% increase in enrollment and retention rates for girls.
Esther Maiyaki, representing the Buji state constituency, highlighted that girls, if given the right opportunities, can significantly contribute to the healthcare system, as females comprise 44% of the state’s population.
She raised concerns about maternal mortality, stating that many women and girls die from preventable causes during childbirth.
“We can advocate for better healthcare,” she asserted, thanking the state government for its initiatives to reduce maternal mortality rates through free healthcare services and training for healthcare workers.
In recognition of his contributions to promoting girl-child education, the students presented the Speaker with an award of excellence.
Earlier in the session, the Speaker emphasized the assembly’s commitment to empowering women and addressing the nationwide challenge of out-of-school children. He mentioned that state legislators are implementing interventions in their constituencies to tackle this issue, including investigating the number of out-of-school children to find sustainable solutions.
He also referenced the passage of the Jigawa State Child Protection Act in 2021, which aims to safeguard children’s rights and ensure that parents and authorities uphold their responsibilities in protecting children, particularly in terms of access to education and healthcare for girls.
Uncategorized
Nigeria at 64: Labour Party Calls for Urgent Reforms
The Labour Party(LP) has urged the federal government to implement bold reforms to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including poverty, inequality, and corruption.
The Labour Party’s call for reforms echoes concerns from various stakeholders, including international organizations and civil society groups.
In a statement marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, Labour Party National Caretaker Chairman, Dr. Nenadi Usman, emphasized the need for inclusive governance and economic growth.
“Nigeria’s wealth of resources contrasts sharply with its stark realities. Nearly half the population lives below the poverty line, and over 20 million children are out of school,” Dr. Usman said.
She called for urgent action to address these issues, stressing that governance failures and corruption have hindered Nigeria’s progress.
Dr. Usman highlighted the wealth of resources Nigeria possesses but lamented the setbacks that have stalled its progress.
She pointed to alarming statistics, noting that nearly half of the population lives below the poverty line and over 20 million children are currently out of school.
She also expressed concern over the persistence of corruption and the lack of integrity in the country’s political and electoral systems.
While acknowledging some economic growth, Dr. Usman emphasized that widespread poverty and inequality persist.
She argued that governance failures and corruption have kept Nigeria ranked poorly in global indices measuring corruption and adherence to the rule of law.
To steer Nigeria toward a brighter future, Dr. Usman called for bold reforms, including policies aimed at promoting macroeconomic stability, stimulating private sector growth, and expanding social safety nets for the most vulnerable.
She also stressed the importance of fostering unity across tribal and religious lines to build a New and Productive Nigeria focused on the collective well-being of its citizens.
Dr. Usman further emphasized the need for a citizen-centric approach, focusing on improved access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, as well as ensuring free and fair elections.
In conclusion, the Labour Party Chairman called on Nigerians to take meaningful steps toward a better future, pledging that through collective action, courageous leadership, and a shared commitment to progress, the nation can thrive and fulfill its true potential.
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