01122019 - 13 states struggle for 7.5 metric tonnes of rice

PAGE 40—SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 1, 2019
Why is there so much hate in
the land? (1)
"To hate, to love, to think, to
feel, to see, all this is nothing
but to perceive," by David
Hume.
shifted on the sofa,
I stretched out my legs and
adjusted my head to allow a
clear breathing passage. I
have a few more minutes to
waste before I start the arduous
work. Nigeria has been
on my mind for quite some
time, and I thought to myself
it was time to visit the motherland.
I am always excited
about the probability of going
to Nigeria. This is not only
for the opportunity to meet
long-time family members
and friends but also to catch
up with new developments.
So on this day, the thoughts
came strongly to me as I sat
in my lounge. I stared at the
laptop in the corner and there
was a strong urge to grab it
and search for a cheap ticket.
This, I recognised, was the
hard work. I narrowed my eyes
for a moment. I needed taking
in the excitement and the
expectations of the journey. It
would be several weeks of
preparations, purchases,
packing of bags and setting
priorities. I sighed as I reflected
on how I would be able to
My season of miracle and testimony
The 3 days Annual Con
vention and Thanks
giving 2019 of the
Church started with a great
prophetic declaration and deliverance
section by the woman
of God on 29th Nov 2019.
MESSAGE- Luke 21 vs 12-
13
"But before all these, they
shall lay their hands on you
and persecute you, delivering
you up to the synagogues, and
into the prisons, being brought
before Kings and rulers for
my name sake.
And it shall turn to you for a
TESTIMONY"
Testimony is when you testify
in the midst of challenges,
it is not what you say after you
have gone through challenges
but what you say in the
midst of those trials, temptations
and troubles. Just like
Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego who in the midst of
difficulty refused to bow and
worship the golden image of
Nebuchadnezzar; their testimony
was
that they were not consumed
by the burning fiery furnace.
Daniel 3 vs 16-17
"Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego answered and said
to the king. O Nebuchadnezzar,
we are not careful to answer
thee in this matter;
If it be so, our God whom
we serve is able to deliver us
from the burning fiery furnace,
and he will deliver us
out of thine hands, O king".
squeeze these into my day to
day tasks. Not to worry, I
thought to myself, I would be
waking up with renewed
spring in my steps looking
forward to the trip.
The many positive stories I
have heard about Nigeria in
recent times galvanised me to
desperately want this trip. I
need seeing for myself. I narrowed
my eyes for a moment
as I placed my right fist under
my chin to discover a more
comfortable position for my
head. I needed this “wee” me
time before I reached for the
laptop to start the search for
the "cheap" return ticket. So I
allowed my thoughts to go
wild as I slipped into a “controlled
unconsciousness." The
type we experience when we
crawl into beds in the night.
”Do you have anything to
declare, sir?” a distinct earpleasing
feminine voice revived
me. ”No,” I replied.
”Please follow this other
queue,” she said as she signalled
me in the appropriate
direction. ”Thank you,” I said
and moved on. I looked
around me as the queue progressed.
I grabbed my trolley
and pushed on in an attempt
to catch up with the last individual
on the queue. Earlier
on I had noticed the staffs at
the immigration counters
were polite and business-like.
An officer professionally attended
to me and greeted me
with a cheerful smile. He said,
"have a nice stay.”
I smiled to myself as I recollected
how my friend tried to
persuade me everything has
changed from what I had experienced
before. No matter
how much I attempted to suggest
to her that the many negative
stories about my destination
were “uncheery,” she
was unperturbed. Her praise
of the progress and developments
made in the space of
five years was very convincing.
She was adamant the negative
stories on social media
were planted and sponsored
by opposition parties. She argued
that despite the "seeable"
achievements of the present
administration, the opposition
leaders remain blind they
could barely see beyond their
noses.
This was not the first time I
have heard this. In fact, it has
become a trend every time I
discuss with sympathisers of
the current government.
What surprises me is that they
struggle to point to any meaningful
development. More
willingly, they concentrate
their energy on educating me
of the fact that "haters" of the
government are habitually
out to discredit the splendid
works.
As I walked towards the exit
of the airport, I experienced a
little bit of shame for doubting
all the "hailers." There is
no need for any extra convincing
that the era of change had
indeed come. I looked around
The reality on the
ground was altogether
different from what was
painted on WhatsApp
groups and various
forums. I cautioned
myself that maybe I
was a bit hasty in my
conclusion
again; the paints on the walls
were sparkling while the floor
was glistering, as if polished.
"There is something unusual
about this place," I muttered
under my breath. The Arrival
Hall was devoid of the usual
buying and selling atmosphere
that was commonplace
there. There were no blackmarket
operators or the everpresent
SIM card sellers or
cab drivers that delight in hustling
travellers out of their
money.
I was taken aback when I
stepped outside the Murtala
Muhammed International
Airport, Lagos. The brightness
of the street lights shocked me
as I walked towards the taxi
rank. There was no hustling
or hassling from the usual
touts at the airport. I could not
resist admiring the serenity of
the airport as the driver pulled
out towards the city centre.
"This is unbelievable," I said
to myself. But the driver picked
It is your time to testify in
Bishop Dr (Mrs) Chioma Grace Dauji the midst of your sicknesses,
problems and challenges; so
AMAZING GRACE PENTECOSTAL CHURCH stop lamenting, stop worrying, class on unity
Worldwide (Solution Ground).
stop complaining but rather
say "Many are the afflictions
1 Bakare Avenue, Palmgroove, Lagos. The Chairman of Patani Lo-
of the righteous but God delivers
us from them all".
I want you to know that your
present situation is for people
to glorify God, and what you
are going through will surely
end in TESTIMONY. You
don't have to listen to what
people say about you, what
matters most is what God says
about you, your testimony will
bring people to God. If you
can hold on to the Lord your
God, the Testimony in your life
will announce you.
That will be the end of discussion
about you, even those
who laughed at you, shall be
no cause to worry because
God will give you a Miracle
that will surprise your enemies
and which will silence
those who make mockery of
you.
I want you to believe that
the challenges you are going
through are the stepping
stones to your Miracle. God
bless you.
ANAMBRA 2021: Ike Oligbo declares for governorship
By Tony Nwankwo
•Oligbo
Like a long awaited eastern
star, United Kingdom-based
businessman, lawyer and politician,
Chief Ike Oligbo (Ike
Edeke), has come to test the
political landscape of Anambra
State.
He has indicated plans to
contest the 2021 governorship
election of the state on the platform
of the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP).
Making his quest known recently,
at a press conference
in Awka, Oligbo said he would
return Anambra to the path of
growth and development by
providing quality education.
With a compulsory Nine-year
education programme to improve
the rate of literacy in the
state Oligbo says he will provide
a formidable platform for
PDP to win the governorship
election in Anambra State in
2021.
Addressing his supporters in
his first public declaration,
after donating and commissioning
party offices for grassroots
campaigns in Idemili
North LGA, Oligbo said: “My
dear good people of Anambra
State, I feel highly privileged
to publicly declare to
serve you as the chief steward
for Anambra State in 2021.
God keeping us alive, I promise
to follow in the footsteps of
former Governor Peter Obi, to
match and infact surpass his
laudable achievements in this
State”, he said. Unveiling his
development plan tagged
`My Contract with Ndi Anambra’,
Oligbo continued:
“Let me say, with all sense of
responsibility and modesty,
that I am very much aware of
the enormity of work we must
do to put our dear state back
to work, to harness the many
bright minds that we are blessed
with, in the areas of education,
civil service, entrepreneurship
and sports, amongst
others.
He recalled that while some
of the administrations in the
state, had performed poorly,
others had recorded average
performances, but he singled
out the administration of Mr.
Peter Obi, whom he said, made
the most appreciable impact
in building the state through
his integrated approach to
governance, predicated on the
highest degree of probity and
accountability – the most vital
ingredients, he said that
are necessary to pull Anambra
back from the woods. “It
is my intention to reinvent that
administration and improve
on the standard already set by
Obi”, he said.
“My administration will
make quality education a priority,
ensuring that adequate
facilities are provided together
with an enabling environment
to assist pupils and students
in their quest for excellence.
We will rehabilitate
schools and recruit qualified
teachers to enhance learning.
I will ensure a full implementation
of the national minimum
wage and pay salaries
as and when due, provide firefighting
trucks and adequate
funding and training for fire
officials in the state.
He revealed: “We will ensure
that new inter-state and
local roads are constructed
it and replied in a deep eastern
accent: "Everything has
changed. We are immensely
enjoying these 'change' leaders."
I nodded in agreement
with him as we sped off towards
the flyover.
The journey was remarkably
smooth. No potholes and
no street or traffic light 'misbehaved'.
As we descended the
flyover, I looked in the direction
of the popular Aswani
Market/Iyana Isolo. The
whole stretch was properly lit
and you could easily mistake
it was daytime. I smiled to
myself as I recollected how
risky it was for me to walk the
few metres from the Rutam
House to Toyota Bus Stop after
the close of work in years
gone by. A few colleagues were
robbed there.
I could see people walking
"carelessly" on the streets. I noticed
nice public transport
buses pull in and out of the
well-constructed bus stops.
The commuters stepped
aboard and disembarked with
ease. There were no pushes or
shuffles thereby making it difficult
for pickpockets to operate
viable businesses.
In the corner of my eyes, I
spotted a few police cars, vans
and officers casually patrolling
the streets. They were immaculately
dressed and surprisingly
interacting with
members of the public. I
smiled and said, "Indeed, the
police is your friend." I looked
to the left where a fire engine
and an ambulance were stationed.
I was extremely overcome.
I shook my head repeatedly
to erase the picture of poverty,
terrible roads, break down of
social infrastructure, and
many negatives I had been
exposed to on social media.
The reality on the ground was
altogether different from what
was painted on WhatsApp
groups and various forums. I
cautioned myself that maybe
I was a bit hasty in my conclusion.
I looked out of the window
again and reassured
myself that ”indeed change
has come.” Why is there so
much hate on social media?
Why couldn't all citizens just
raise their hands and praise
the government, the various
agencies, lawmakers and political
appointees for the good
works they are doing?
I couldn't wait to find answers
to these questions. Suddenly
I felt the longing to get
to my host — my cousin — to
discuss these and how proud I
was of the developments I witnessed.
In the past, driving to
his upper-class estate at the
outskirt of the city would have
been quite a journey. We would
have picked our way through
slow-moving traffic with car
headlights been the sources of
lights to houses around the
major motorway. Everywhere
would be in darkness while we
held on to our bibles praying
no brain dead armed robber
came our ways. The sigh of
relief at the entrance to my
cousin's estate was always
loud and uncontrolled.
Things were different on this
trip. Electricity was no longer
a preserve of just a few people.
It was free to all. There
were no noises or black smoke
from various sizes of electricity
generators. Everywhere
was lit. There was also an orderliness
that was very calming.
Change is for real.
To be continued next week.
Otuaro commends Omoun, tasks Patani political
cal Government Area, Hon.
Perekebena Perez Omoun,
has been commended for his
developmental strides as well
as tackling insecurity in the
area.
Deputy Governor of Delta
State, Deacon Kingsley Burutu
Otuaro who made the
commendation spoke at an
interdenominational Birthday/Thanksgiving/Reception
ceremony of illustrious sons
and daughters of Patani LGA
origin, led by His Royal Majesty,
Shedrack Peremobowei
Erebulu, Aduwo III, Pere of
Kabowei Kingdom. Other
celebrants on roll call include
Chief Engr. Dr. Pius Sinebe,
Hon. Basil Ganagana, Hon.
Barr. Raymos Guanah, Hon.
Engr. Emmanuel Amatare
Sinebe, Comrade Godspower
Asiuwhu, Engr. Jude
Sinebe, Chief (Mrs.) Jose-
and the dilapidated ones rehabilitated
to aid commercial
activities in the state. We will
pay attention to electricity
generation and distribution
which has become a leech on
how businesses are done in
the state. “We are a proud
Udensi emerges 'Most Outstanding
Security Expert'
The founder of Sheiks
and Bishop Limited
Security Limited, Sir
Chikwe Udensi, has emerged
as the most outstanding security
expert in 2019.
He emerged as the winner
at the Prestigious Leadership
Excellence Award of Igbere
TV in Abuja.
Sheiks and Bishop Limited
is a foremost security expert
and Interpol Systems consultant
in Nigeria.
Udensi was honoured after
a thorough process of evaluation
and assessment, considering
every security anatomy
of international standards.
Udensi was honoured
alongside Dr. Godwin Maduka,
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi,
Senate President,
Ahmed Lawan, Dr. Sam Onyisi
, Dr. Linda Ayade (Cross
people, and Anambra will
stand tall again under my
watch”, he said, promising to
build hospitals and clinics in
every community and provide
state-of-the art medical equipments
in hospitals. “A situation
where Anambra people
go out of the state or even
abroad for medical attention
will be a thing of the past”, he
stressed.
River State First Lady), Rt.
Hon. Chinedum Orji (Abia
Speaker), Engr. Ajibola Abiola,
(Director Nigeria Broadcast
Academy), Femi Adesina,
Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejiocha,
ex-Governor Ibrahim
Dankwambo, and Satguru
Maharaj Ji.
Others include Rt. Hon. (Dr)
Cosmos Ndukwe, Engr. Ndukwe
Iko, Gordy Uche (SAN),
Dr. Nkem Chibogu Kenneth,
Sir Daniel Chukwudozie, and
Senator Godswill Akpabio
among others.
Udensi, before now, has won
several awards both locally
and internationally.
His company won gold at
the INTERPOL Innovation
Conference in Singapore as
the firm with Most Innovative
Ideas in Systems Security
around the World.
phine Abeki, Hon. Brave Enodeh,
Hon. Austin Wari-Ebi
Bebeteidoh and Mr Akpibere.
"It is necessary for us to
celebrate our leaders while
they are alive and not only
in death", Omoun had said
while delivering his welcome
address.
But tasking the political
leaders on unity, peace and
development, Otuaro
said:"Patani LGA is blessed
with many political leaders
many of whom are in the
same age bracket. Whatever
misgivings and misunderstandings
may have arisen
over last politicking season/
elections should be completely
left behind, using this platform,
for Patani to be in the
front row of development".
"This Thanksgiving service
should be a springboard for
building greater bridges of
peace, understanding and collaboration
for development",
Otuaro advised, adding: "Like
the Council chair, Hon
Omoun, had said: "We need
to celebrate our leaders while
we are alive. I want to say that
we need to appreciate God's
blessings and his grace which
has kept us alive so we can
contribute to development of
the local government and
the state at large".
"I thank the Council
Chairman, for his developmental
strides. I can see from
the programme brochure the
road projects and his partnership
with security agents
which has brought the reported
security challenges in the
local government area to the
barest minimum. Please continue
to do more".
Pa Obatuase for
burial Dec 6
THE Obatuase family
has announced the burial
arrangements of their patriarch,
Pa Emmanuel
Folarin Obatuase, aged 89.
A statement by Mr. Olumide
Obatuase says the body will
lie in state, December 5, at his
residence, 174 Araye, Uro
Quarters, Igbara-Odo Road
by Nitel, Ikere-Ekiti. Service
of Songs will hold same day
at Chief Wole Olanipekun
(SAN) Bar Center, High
Court Premises, Igbara Odo
Road Ikere-Ekiti.
Funeral Service is fixed for
the following day December
6, at St. Stephen Anglican
Church by Eleyo High
School, Araye Uro Quarters,
Igbara Odo Road, Ikere with
interment to hold at his residence,
Reception is schedule
for Demonstration Road, Oke
Osun, Akure Road, Ikere Ekiti.
•Late Pa Obatuase