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Why We Chose Mayor of Housing As Patron -Govt House Choir
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Members of the Rivers State Government House Choir have explained the carefulness exercised in picking the Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, as the first patron of the ensemble.
Mr China was installed as Patron and member of the ensemble Sunday last at a colourful but solemn ceremony marked by some of the most exhilarating songs.
Explaining the painstaking process, one of the choristers, Kate Ogan, who is also a media personality, said nobody enters into the Ensemble without serious background check.
Ogan said: “We saw a lot of qualities in My-ACE China including his exploits promoting human capacity development in Rivers State. When we identified these qualities in him, we resolved after investigations to bring him closer.
“It is clear that no one person can do everything for a society or a state, so we need others to help to develop people. Let people take a cue from My-ACE China in seeking ways to develop the society.”
She told newsmen that some people were usually scared of business people but that the Government House Choir were comfortable with him. “We couldn’t have just brought him or anybody in without background checks or investigations. Each of us was also screened before we were accepted. We also pray before we touch anyone. We prayed and we got the leading to go ahead.”
Another member, MrAsueiza Ezekiel Iyalla, who sings in the alto segment, said they saw in the Mayor of Housing, somebody full of respect to God. “We see someone that can bring value to this choir. We only had a very short meeting and he said things that would amaze us about things that can bring value to this project and this state. Working with him, we will go higher and higher.
“We appeal to other Nigerians to come and see the roles they can play to lift the talents of Rivers people. We have the best organist in Nigeria. If people come in, they can see exportable talents.”
In his opinion, Mike Julius, bass singer, said the Mayor of Housing, despite being in real estate, finds time for God. “He takes out time to commune with his Maker. He is also a singer. So, we bring him closer to see the talents we have in this state. Today, he has joined the choir of the Government House and he came to see what he can do to lift it higher.”
Reacting after the presentation of his induction plaque, the Mayor of Housing, who was accompanied by his wife, Chidinma China, said he saw it as a huge privilege. He said the onus and responsibility of taking the best part and the best light from Rivers State to the rest of the world is an honour to him.
|And, it is a privilege I find very rare. It is rather like a spiritual conferment on me than a choral role from this or any other choral group for that matter. I feel like a man called into ecclesiastical mission.
“This will spur me to not only make sure they get all the resources and personnel they need to be world class, but to ensure that they are seen as world class. This is because we live in a 21st century reality that nobody sees or values you if you are not known. It is my onus to make sure that this beautiful choir in this Government House in this beautiful entity called Rivers State is known all over the world as the best of what Rivers State has to export.”
He said Nigeria has the best of the best in talent, art, music, and culture. What is wrong is that we have been carried away by politics and eking a living that we tend to neglect these things.
“Neglect leads to death and whatever you neglect dies. So, my message to Nigerians is, don’t neglect the rich heritage of where we come from; especially our skills and talents. You will be surprised how much more that would get us to our destination than politics and the like.”
It was gathered that the umbrella body of the Government House Choir is the Riv-Harmonious Mission Ensemble.
It was further gathered that the Choir moves out when representing the State Government or on an exclusive Government Programme. Also, in very selective outings in stand-up performances or own concerts.
However, for exclusively private performances, they go by their umbrella name – Riv-Harmonious Mission Ensemble.
The Rivers group is said to be made up of professionals in terms of singing and occupation. They have in graduates in diverse fields as well as career professionals – Business men, chartered accountants (ICAN), On Air Personalities (OAPs), entrepreneurs, etc.
Some of them have more than 30 years of singing and instrumental careers. That is said to be only possible with commitment, dedication, passion and basically, service to God.
Talent base:
Many say the biggest asset in Rivers State may not be in oil/gas but in the reservoir of talents that abound, plus human capital development.
That could be why whenever a governor that values human capital steps into office, the state seems to vibrate: scholarships to study anywhere, training schemes, ICT schemes, industrial attachments, SME loans, etc.
The next big asset for the state is said to be agric which goes from crop yields (especially cassava and palm oil) and aquatic resources.
In talents, the dances and drama of the state have produced world beaters but it can do much more if the state’s leaders are intentional about it.
Many would easily talk about the Mercy Johnsons of this world, Hilda Dokubo, Yibo Koko, Julius Agwu, Duncan Mighty, Sam Dede the Isakaba man, and of late, Burna Boy. But many may never know that a big voice asset is an ensemble in the womb of power, the Brick House, which is the Government House of Rivers State. Yes, the same place that oozes power, crisis, and threat.
The name of the Chapel is called the Chapel of Everlasting Grace’.
On the installation evening, the Music Director, Mr Enitoun Ezekiel Iyalla, after the opening prayers and directions of the reverend who is the Chaplain, Dr Joseph Joseph, took the Choir on a windy lane of many classics.
The nigh was highlighted by soprano solo by a man that does not see physically (vision impaired) but who is being compared with the greatest sopranos in the world, Cameroon Ayebatari.
The highlight of songs was ‘Peace, Be Still” which was dedicated to the affairs of Rivers State where peace and still waters are known to be most needed.
Then, the conferment of Patron and honorary membership to the Mayor of Housing. Those who knew the Mayor of Housing talked about versatility, academic brilliance (best graduating student in both secondary school in Jos with 9 As and in the UNN), generosity, and above all, his fire burning spiritual life.
The partnership resolved with determination to promote the choir beyond being an ensemble in an enclosure. The coming of the Mayor of Housing may ensure global audience for the Choir.
News
Fubara, Canadian Envoy Synergise On Health Sector Growth, Investment Relations
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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has further canvassed the strengthening of the relationship between the State and the Canadian Government in order to attract more investments, promote economic growth while delivering quality healthcare services in the State.
These were part of the focus of the discussion that took place between Governor Fubara and the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr James Christoff, when they met behind closed doors at Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Mr Christoff expressed satisfaction with the issues discussed and mutually endorsed, and expressed willingness to ensure their actualisation, separately and collectively to their benefit.
Particularly, Mr Christoff said: “First of all, let me say what an honour and pleasure it is for me to be here in Rivers State. I had a couple of very good meetings here over the last day, including with His Excellency, the Governor.
“We talked about areas where we know there are some rooms for us to, I think, further entrench our relationship. One of the things I’ll be doing while I’m here in Rivers State is to visit the Medical Oxygen facility that Canada provided significant support to, overseen by UNICEF.
“And, just knowing that health is a priority for His Excellency, I want to see for myself the Medical Oxygen Plant at Eleme General Hospital, to better understand how that’s making a tremendous difference here in the State.”
Mr Christoff also said that the discussion extended to the abundant natural resources in Rivers State, which are evidence of how blessed it is as a State much like Canada.
The envoy pointed to how expressively he divulged the determination of his country to explore areas “where we can always look to take a very good situation and raise the bar in terms of how we benefit.
“In our case, as Canada, from natural resources and what it brings to a community. And so, we shared some insights on that particular issue, and of course, there are the people-to-people ties that are growing between Nigeria and Canada that are very important.
“And we look for ways to, maybe, tap into the many Nigerians who have a foot in both countries, to the benefit of both countries. So, it was a very good discussion. I’m very happy to be here.”
Mr Christoff further said: “Well, I would say that in terms of business development, that’s a two-way street. Of course, it’s part of our job, part of my job as Canada’s High Commissioner to Nigeria to try and unpack the opportunities that reside here for our companies, and I think we’re making great strides in that.
“And so, wherever I go, when I visit, pay visits on governors across the great country of Nigeria, I always look to find the areas where we might bring our companies and the host government to collaborate.
“As I mentioned, the natural resource sector is one such area, and I look forward to further discussions with state governments, and how we might benefit collectively,” he added.
He noted the peaceful and hospitable ambience in the State, stressing that the Canadian government and companies were satisfied with the opportunities that exist in the State, and were tapping into existing policies to further boost mutual collaborations.
News
Bill Gates Foundation Highlights Nigeria’s Potential To Transform Agriculture, Health
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) has highlighted Nigeria’s potential to significantly increase its agricultural output, which the foundation described as a transformative opportunity for the country.
Mr Bill Gates, Philanthropist and co-chair of the Foundation, said this in Abuja, yesterday, at the 2024 NutriVision, a Pan African dialogue to discuss innovative solutions to combating malnutrition in Africa.
Gates said that with the right investments in agricultural productivity and healthcare, Nigeria could achieve food security and also become a net food exporter, contributing to economic growth and improved public health.
He pointed out the immense potential for Nigeria to more than double its food output, which would be a game-changer for the nation.
He noted that such a shift would alleviate the need to use scarce foreign currency reserves to import food, particularly given the current exchange rate challenges.
“There is the opportunity for Nigeria to more than double its food output, which would be pretty transformative because it would mean that you would be a net food exporter.
“Nigeria could bring in revenue by exporting food, boosting the economy and improving the livelihoods of those in rural and Northern areas,” he said.
The philanthropist emphasised the importance of embracing digital approach and utilising better seeds to spark what he termed “agricultural miracles.”
He explained that improving agricultural productivity was crucial for addressing equity, empowering women, and tackling nutrition issues in Nigeria.
He called for a concerted effort to implement these solutions, which would not only enhance food security but also contribute to broader social and economic development.
Gates also discussed the crucial role of healthcare in Nigeria’s development, noting that the government must prioritise health as part of its broader strategy.
He highlighted the need for Nigeria to increase government funding for health and education, supported by improved tax collection.
“The actual tax collection in Nigeria is pretty low. As citizens develop confidence in well-run programmes, they will support increased funding for essential services, “he said.
He underscored the importance of efficient primary healthcare systems, where resources are allocated wisely, and services are delivered effectively.
“Our foundation’s involved with a lot of the exemplars that are showing the way in terms of making sure the money is spent well.
“We are running a very efficient primary health care system where the employees are doing great work, the centres are where they should be, you do not have underloaded centres or overloaded centres,” he said.
He expressed optimism that these efforts would enhance the credibility of health programmes, encouraging citizens to prioritise and advocate for better funding of primary healthcare.
He stressed the potential for Nigeria to learn from best practices around the world and adapt them to local contexts, thereby driving progress in both agriculture and healthcare.
He painted a hopeful picture of a future where Nigeria could feed itself and also nourish the world by making the right choices and placing people at the centre of these efforts.
The Tide source reports that the BMGF advocates that solutions to Africa’s greatest challenges can come from within Africa.
The foundation, thus, supports African partners whose bold ideas and creative approaches have the potential to save lives, improve health and help families across the continent.
Since the foundation’s inception in 2000, it has supported partnerships with African regional institutions, national governments, and local communities in 49 countries.
It contributes funding and scientific expertise in support of their agenda for change.
These partnerships have driven the success of numerous health, agriculture, equality, and anti-poverty initiatives.
The foundation has committed more than seven billion dollars through 2026, to support African countries and institutions working to develop and implement innovative approaches to confront hunger, disease, gender inequality, and poverty.
It works with African governments, the private sector, non-profit organisations and civil society.
The efforts are geared towards improving health outcomes, boosting agricultural productivity, expanding access to digital financial services, and empowering women and other marginalised populations with greater economic opportunities.
News
No Directive Was Issued To NNPCL To Increase Petrol Price To N1,000, Says Lokpobiri
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The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, has said that no directive was issued to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) to increase petroleum prices to N1,000.
Lokpobiri, in a statement issued, yesterday, by his Special Adviser, Media and Communication, Nnemaka Okafor, said he did not direct the NNPC Ltd. or any other entity within the sector to manipulate prices.
“The Federal Government has been compelled to address the outright falsehood and malicious claims currently circulating on social media.
“We categorically condemn these claims as baseless, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to incite public discontent.
“We challenge anyone in possession of any evidence-be it written documents, audio, or video recordings-that supports these fabrications to make it public.
“Such a claim is entirely devoid of truth and should be recognised as an intentional effort to mislead the public,” he said.
He explained that the NNPC Ltd. operates as an independent entity under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with a fully empowered Board of Directors and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not, and will not interfere in NNPC Ltd.’s internal decisions, including pricing matters.
“Any suggestion otherwise is not only incorrect but also reveals a profound misunderstanding of the deregulated nature of Nigeria’s petroleum sector,” he said.
He advised the public to dismiss these malicious rumors.
“Any claim to the contrary is nothing more than an ill- conceived attempt to sow discord and confusion.
“We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and rely solely on information from verified and official channels,” he said.
The Tide source reports that as at Tuesday, the NNPC Ltd. Retail Stations adjusted their pump price, selling at N897 as against N617 per litre.
Independent marketers are selling between N930 to N1,000.
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