PDP GOVERNORS' FORUM

I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of one of Nigeria's most versatile music exports, Dr. Onyeka Onwenu. Onwenu was a gift to her generation. Sonorous, enigmatic, and enchanting. Hers was a gift well deserving as she seneraded all with a rare facility with her voice, soothing the old and the young with melodious, evergreen tunes. Onwenu performed excellently as a conscious musician, as she laced her music with nuggets for social revival. She wore many caps elegantly as a soulful singer, fierce journalist, and conscientious social crusader. Her desire for a better Nigeria was evident in the passion she infused in the many avenues she used in agitating for a more prosperous nation. It is sad that we lost her at a time when we needed role models like her to inspire Nigerian youths, who would have benefited from her experience and insight garnered as an active character in different hues of the Nigerian experience. We will miss her elegance, candour, and infectious charm. I

Our attention has again been drawn to a fake news circulating alleging engagement of consultants for the Osun Osogbo festival by Governor Ademola Adeleke We seek to clarify clearly that neither the State Governor nor the State Government is the orgniser of Osun Osogbo festival.  The Ataoja - in- Council is the organiser while the role of the state is just financial and logistics support to ensure successful outing. This has been the practice from time immemorial. The State Governor is not involved in the engagement of consultants for the festival. The Ataoja - in- Council is the mandate holder for putting the event together including the hiring and firing of professionals for the event. It is fake news to insinuate as some have done that the State Governor engaged consultants of whatever extraction for the organisation of the event. This is a lie from the pit of hell. We urge the public to disregard the merchants of falsehood spreading lies and distorted reports about the Osun Osogbo f

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has read the irreverent statement signed by a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, on the #endbadgovernance and hunger protest planned from August 1 across Nigeria. In the statement, the former Bayelsa State Governor unsuccessfully attempted to exonerate himself from a plot to cause mayhem in the state during the proposed protest. Governor Diri is however not surprised neither is he perturbed about the uncouth riposte of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the November 11 governorship poll in the state. This is consistent with his oft-predictable character. For a man privileged to have led a state as Governor to descend to such low levels is rather unfortunate. But in addressing the crux of the matter, only those who do not know the former Minister of State would believe his chameleonic attempt at exoneration.  Sylva’s fuss about Governor Diri’s remarks during Monday’s state security council m

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has joined other well-meaning Nigerians to mourn the death of Nigeria’s veteran musician, Onyeka Onwenu, who passed away on Tuesday, describing it as the exit of a nightingale and a music icon. Mbah said the demise of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, and the songstress in quick succession had dug a big hole in the hearts of Ndigbo, Nigerians, Africans, and the music world as a whole. Reacting to the news of the unfortunate development on Wednesday, Mbah said, “This is yet another sad development for the nation in general and Ndigbo in particular. Coming on the heels of the demise of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Distinguished Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Onyeka Onwenu’s sudden death is one death too many and has dug a gaping hole in our hearts. As the late Ghanaian poet and diplomat, Kofi Awoonor, would put it, death has indeed m

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has disclosed that the administration has set a target of over ₦100 billion from livestock production and processing. The move, he said, would boost the economy, scale up the capacity of farmers in animal husbandry, and strengthen value chain across the spectrum of agricultural sector in the state. The governor stated this while receiving a delegation from the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) led by the National Project Coordinator, Sanusi Abubakar, who were in Enugu for the flag-off of the first Regional Enugu Model Veterinary Hospital in Enugu on Monday.  He expressed excitement that the veterinary hospital was coming at a time the state was focused on scaling up meat and dairy production that would serve the state and beyond. Mbah further stressed that the recent Enugu State Ranch Management Agency Law was conceived to unlock economic opportunities for the state, create employment opportunities in the livestock space a

...Announces released of N323m for 2024 PHC MoU contribution The Bauchi State Task Force on Primary Healthcare on Tuesday said that the state government has released the sum of over 323 million naira into the State PHC MoU Account as part of its 2024 MoU contribution for the delivery of primary healthcare services. To this end, the Primary Healthcare Task Force promised a high level oversight as part of ongoing efforts towards achieving universal healthcare coverage in the state. The state's Deputy Governor who is the chairman of the Task Force, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau made these known at the quarter two 2024 meeting of the State Task Force held at the conference hall of his office, Government House, Bauchi. Auwal Jatau noted that the meeting would afford members of the committee to discuss extensively on the challenges related to healthcare services, as well as work out modalities of ensuring accountability and high-level oversight on primary healthcare service delivery. &qu

Governor Dauda Lawal has urged the Zamfara State Council of Ulama to collaborate with his administration to rescue and rebuild the state. The Governor made the call during the inauguration of the Zamfara State Ulama Consultative Council, which took place on Thursday at the Council Chambers in the Government House, Gusau. A statement by the Governor's spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, emphasized the Council's crucial advisory role in influencing government decisions to align with religious principles. He added that over the past 21 years, the Ulama Council has made invaluable contributions to the state and society in Zamfara, demonstrating its significant influence on government decisions. While delivering his remark, Governor Lawal assured the Ulama Consultative Forum that his doors are always open to receive the council’s invaluable advice on matters of state policy and the general well-being of the people. “As we gather here today, I am filled with profound gratitude to Almi

...Excludes Appointees, Civil Servants From Rice Palliative Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has cautioned youths of Bayelsa State to be wary of failed politicians who plan to use the proposed national protest to disturb the peace of the state. Speaking during the 34th meeting in Yenagoa on Monday, Governor Diri said security reports available to him indicated that politicians that lost the last governorship election in the state were plotting to cause mayhem. A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the Governor as appealing to the youths to avoid being used by such politicians, saying they do not mean well for the state.  He said his administration will not fold it arms and watch self-serving politicians disrupt the peace the state had worked hard to achieve.  While acknowledging that there were challenges in the country, he called for dialogue as a way of resolving the issues.  The Governor stated that his administration has continued to eng

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has extended his warmest congratulations to Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu, the Founder and Chairman of Stanel Group, on the auspicious occasion of his 40th birthday. In a congratulatory message, Governor Mutfwang described Dr. Stanley as a visionary and rapidly rising business mogul who has significantly impacted humanity through his numerous humanitarian initiatives. He commended Dr. Stanley's thriving multinational conglomerate, Stanel Group, which has notable interests in oil and gas, agribusiness, hospitality, and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sectors within the Nigerian economy.  Governor Mutfwang noted that the success of these ventures is a testament to Dr. Stanley's resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to quality service delivery. Governor Mutfwang celebrated Dr. Stanley's milestone, noting that he is an exemplary Nigerian youth who continues to inspire his peers. He encouraged Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu to

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has ordered immediate phased disbursement of bursary stipends to Osun State students in various tertiary institutions. The government had earlier collated students data across the tertiary institutions using the records from students stakeholders. The bursary award covers about three thousand five hundred regular students and almost three hundred law students. Each of the 30 local governments and area office has at least 100 students on the award list. The first phase of the award is to reach beneficiaries from this week as the state government ramps up efforts to cushion the effect of study challenges facing Osun students in various institutions. Speaking on the development, Governor Adeleke said the bursary award is the beginning of the many initiatives his administration has in stock for the student sector. According to the Governor, his recent meetings with the student leadership has further deepened the bond between his administration and the

 ...Says process peaceful, free, fair, credible Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has lauded the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ward congresses in the state as a huge success, noting that the process was peaceful, free, fair, and credible. This was even as the Chairman of the five-man PDP Ward Congresses Electoral Committee for Enugu State, Toni Iyoha, who monitored the exercise across the 260 electoral wards of the state, commended party faithful for the peaceful and transparent exercise, saying the strength of the party was at the grassroot. Governor Mbah, who was elated at the huge turnout at the congresses across the state, said it was a confirmation that the few setbacks suffered by the PDP in the last general elections were an exception and not the norm, assuring that the party would continue to consolidate on the successes recorded so far. The governor stated this while fielding questions from news men at his Owo Ward, in Nkanu East LGA, where he participated in the congr

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed sadness and shock over the death of the federal lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, describing it as sunset at noon. Reacting to the death at the weekend, Mbah recalled the late Senator’s legislative brilliance in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, regretting his death at a time his ideas and humanitarian services to his constituents were most needed, describing it as a huge loss to the nation as a whole, and Ndigbo in particular. "A young and ebullient leader, he had a sprawling and promising future ahead of him, which has now been cut short by the cold hands of death. “Senator Ubah was committed to the Igbo cause and passionate about his service to the nation as a lawmaker. He was courageous at the floor of the Senate, intensive in his legislative advocacies, and sponsored quite a number of brilliant bills and motions that impacted the nation and its economy very positively

As Local Government Areas take delivery of rice and garri palliatives in their respective localities, Akwa Ibom people have heaped praises on Governor Umo Eno for ensuring a transparent process that has enabled them benefit from the gesture.  The State took delivery of 24 thousand bags of rice from the Federal Government  but Governor Eno doubled it to 48,000 bags of rice to the entire gazetted villages across the ten federal constituencies, with each village getting 20 bags of rice and two bags of garri.  The distribution exercise was witnessed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, who lauded the chairmen for diligently following the directives of the Governor.  Performing the distribution at Nsit Atai, the Transition Committee Chairman Lady Emem Ibanga, expressed gratitude to the Governor and the Federal Government for putting smiles on the faces of people.  She thanked God for the privilege, and welcomed the initiative, sta

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has launched a massive rice distribution programme, targeting the 2,272 gazetted villages across the ten Federal Constituencies of the State.  This initiative is a sustained move by the Governor to alleviate the effects of the fuel subsidy removal on residents in the State.  At the commencement of the distribution process on Friday, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, maintained that Governor Eno had doubled the initial 24,000 bags of rice received from the Federal Government to 48,000 bags, demonstrating his compassionate disposition. Dr. Offor assured that the distribution process would be transparent, with local government chairmen making use of their village heads,village councils and stakeholders to ensure the palliatives reach everyone without hindrances.  The beneficiaries will include not only villagers but also persons living with disabilities and special groups, regardless of their status. The Commissioner expressed g

Ahead of the planned August 1, 2024 nationwide protest, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has sued for unity of purpose in tackling the prevailing economic hardship in the country, warning that the protest could escalate to destruction of lives and property.  Speaking to Government House Correspondents on arrival at the Victor Attah International Airport from Abuja where he attended  the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) meeting, Governor Eno acknowledged the right of citizens to protest but cautioned against potential risks. Recalling the ugly scenario which played out during the #EndSARS protest, he reasoned that protests could be hijacked by hoodlums with attendant negative consequences of deepening the country's economic woes. The Governor acknowledged that Federal and State governments are implementing measures to find plausible solutions to the current economic hardship and highlighted initiatives undertaken by his administration to alleviate the economic pressure on cit

....procurement of aiding equipment .  In fulfillment of Governor Adeleke’s campaign promise to operate an all inclusive government irrespective of class, religion or political divide and his determination to deliver qualitative healthcare without hindrance to the people of Osun State, the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has directed the Osun Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA) to commence free enrollment of all Persons Living With Disabilities in the state's health insurance scheme.  In the same vein, Governor Adeleke approves the procurement of aiding equipment needed for the respective Persons Living With Disabilities in order to make life more comfortable for them. In line with this directive, the Executive Secretary of Osun Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Rasaq Akindele, has unveiled the time-table for the commencement of the free enrollment of all Persons Living With Disabilities and enjoined beneficiaries of this gesture of Mr. Governor t

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Senator Joshua Dariye, former Governor of Plateau State, on the occasion of his birthday anniversary. In a congratulatory message, Governor Mutfwang described Senator Dariye as an astute and purposeful politician whose contributions to the development of Plateau State are deeply appreciated.  He lauded Senator Dariye’s leadership prowess and patriotism, noting his unwavering dedication and commitment to the peace and unity of Plateau State and Nigeria at large. Governor Mutfwang highlighted that Senator Dariye has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities, including competence, tolerance, love, and kindness.  He urged Senator Dariye to continue upholding these virtues for the growth and development of both the state and the nation. The Governor also encouraged Senator Dariye to remain a catalyst for motivating citizens to embrace peace and unity.  He enjoined him to provi

Governor Ademola Adeleke is governing Osun State without borrowing a single kobo and without drawing any security votes, Spokesperson to the State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed has clarified. He made the clarifications in response to questions from reporters who quoted some opposition figures alleging the state Governor of increasing Osun debt and of accessing security votes to the tune of billions of naira. Mr Rasheed attributed such allegations to pure mischief, ignorance of public finance and deliberate misinterpretation of state data, noting that Governor Adeleke is pursuing his many governance initiatives within the confines of available resources from federal allocations and internally generated revenue. According to the Spokesperson, the state Governor is achieving so much through fiscal discipline, deliberate curtailing of overhead cost and widening of revenue nets, all which resulted in fiscal and financial health of the state. Mr Rasheed posited that opposition figures dis

. ..Direct Food Security Implementation Committee to Fast Track Assignment Governor Ademola Adeleke has thrown his weight behind the traditional approach to food price control introduced by some traditional rulers in Osun State, describing it as “a local innovation to lower increasing food inflation across the state” In a statement issued on Friday in which he tasked the State Food Security Implementation Committee to move faster, Governor Adeleke expressed happiness that traditional rulers in Osun State have acted to regulate food prices and curtail negative activities of middlemen in the marketplaces. Governor Adeleke who condemned artificial inflation induced by market middlemen lauded the traditional rulers under the chairmanship of His Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi for abolishing strange market associations which induced high food prices. According to the Governor, the actions of most members of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers on price control ha

  ...Recieves Governing Councils of Fed. Uni Azare, ATBU Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has underscored the necessity of cooperation between stakeholders and governments at all levels to restore the educational institutions and curricula for societal advancement. He was speaking when he received in audience, the governing board of the Federal University of Health and Sciences Azare and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, today at Bauchi Government House. Governor Bala Mohammed voiced his worries about youth's unemployment and social vices, saying these could be mitigated by updating the curriculum to reflect current technological advancements. Speaking separately, the representatives of the federal universities commended Mohammed for his administration's policies and initiatives which address the issues related to out-of-school syndrome among others, assuring him of their continued support for better society. Lawal Muazu Bauchi New Media Aide to