Nation
District Governor Drums Support For Rotary President
The Rotary International District 9141 Governor, Chinedu Ikegwuani, has called on members and Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Central to give their full support to the new President of the club, Ifunanya Bertrand.
According to him, the new president needs their support to succeed and move the club to a higher level.
Ikwugwuani stated this recently in his remark shortly after the installation of Rtn Ifunanya Bertrand as the 38th President of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Central in Port Harcourt.
He said as prime movers, they are ready for the task ahead and to ensure development to the club, adding that Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Central is agenda friendly.
He congratulated the past president and also congratulated the new president while commending the former President, Joy Madukanya for increasing the club’s membership with four new members and returning four old members to the club.
“ I congratulate Joy and I want the directors and board members of the club to give their full support to Ifunanya for her to succeed.
“ She needs all the suppport for her to succeed.
“She has set goals for the club so we need to support her because Rotary needs all hands to make sure the club progresses”, Ikwegwuanu said.
In her acceptance speech, the newly inducted President, Mrs Betrand expressed happiness over the mantle given to her to run the affairs of the club 2024 to 2025 year, adding that the year is full of promise and potential.
She said that during her tenure she will achieve great things in rendering services to humanity, adding that with the theme, of this year, Magic of Rotary, that she counts on every member of the club to support and achieve the club’s set goals.
She pointed out that all the projects she is going to develop and implement will also be in line with district emphasis for the year which is food, clothing and medicals, and also on the Rotary International areas of focus.
“ I am very happy to serve this great club and the society at large.
“One of the great things to achieve is service to humanity.
“Let us give our time in bringing succour to the society and you will experience the ‘Magic of Rotary” she stated.
Bertrand said her focus will be on community development, feeding of the less privileged and providing them with clothes and also to organise free medical outreach, basic education and literature development as well as to provide school desks for children in schools with dire need.
Highlights of the event include awards presentations, induction of new members and new board of directors of the club.
Kiadum Edookor
Nation
MAN Begs FG To Slash Interest Rates On Loans
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently direct the Central Bank of Nigeria to drastically reduce interest rates on industrial loans.
Speaking at the 10th Annual General Meeting of Kwara/Kogi axis of the Association held in Ilorin, Kwara State, yesterday, the outgone chairman, Ramon Bioku, lamented the present interest rate on business loans given to its members by banks
He stated the rate should be further reduced to one per cent.
The theme of the meeting was “Tackling the Challenges of Manufacturing Sector: A Win-Win for Government and Local Manufacturers.
“The CBN should also direct DMBs (Commercial Banks) to reduce interest rates on industrial loans. The Interest rates charged on Industrial Loans and other loans released as COVID-19 palliatives should be significantly reduced further to one per cent,” Bioku said.
He also urged the Bank of industry to approve and urgently roll out further reductions in its lending rates to industries, asking the CBN to wave many conditions for its foreign exchange policies to local manufacturers.
“CBN should widen the window of Foreign Exchange to Local Industries”, he said.
In his speech, read by the state commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, Kwara State Governor declared the state’s continual support for MAN to boost the economy of the state.
The governor promised that the state government would continue to create a conducive environment for the manufacturers in the state.
Nation
Angry Youths Attack Rep In Bauchi Accuse Lawmaker Of Poor Representation
The member representing Ningi/Warji Federal Constituency of Bauchi State in the House of Representatives, Adamu Hashimu Ranga, narrowly escaped being mobbed by angry youths who allegedly attacked his convoy in Ningi.
The Tide’s source reports that Ranga, who was elected in 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had attended the burial of the late Emir of Ningi, Muhammadu Yunusa Danyaya, last Sunday along with other prominent figures from the Ningi Emirate Council.
However, during the event, some youths of his constituency expressed their displeasure with his representation, accusing him of neglecting them since his election and relocation to Abuja.
The youths began chanting “Ba mu yi, ba mu yi” in Hausa, which translates to ‘We don’t want you’, while throwing sand and stones at the lawmaker as he was leaving the late Emir’s palace around 5:42 pm.
The Tide’s source gathered that all efforts to calm the youths proved futile as the attack continued. The attack escalated as the lawmaker approached his vehicle, resulting in severe damage to the car, with the windows, windscreen and rear mirrors shattered.
An eyewitness, in a phone interview with newsmen, described the incident as unfortunate.
He said, “I came out of the palace deeply saddened by the Emir’s demise, only to see youths throwing sand and stones at a car. When I moved closer, I realised it was our representative being attacked.”
He added that the youths had mobilised upon seeing the lawmaker, positioning themselves near his car and starting the attack as soon as he was leaving the palace.
It was further gathered that it took the intervention of security operatives for the lawmaker to be driven away from the scene.
Efforts to reach the Rep, Adamu Hashim Ranga, for comments were unsuccessful as at the time of writing this report.
Recall that the lawmaker’s constituents had also attempted to recall him from the National Assembly. It took the intervention of the late Emir of Ningi and others for them to stop collecting signatures to that effect.
Nation
Philanthropist Bags UN Peace Award
An Omuma-based philanthropist in Rivers State, Chief Obed Ndukwu has been bestowed with an award of Eminent Peace Ambassador by the International Association of World Peace Advocates.
Chief Ndukwu is the Och. Ala Umunwaka and Girigiri Bu Ugwu Eze 1 of Omuma.
Speaking during the presentation of the award, Amb. George Ojade explained that the Award of Eminent Peace Ambassador presented to a traditional ruler, is an appointment for him to continue his humanitarian services to his people and foster peace in the global community and among the traditional council in the society.
Also speaking, Dr. Emeka Okanu, who represented the world peace spokesperson of the association, Emmanuel Nkweke, said the prestigious title was bestowed upon Chief Ndukwu in recognition of his unwavering commitment to promoting peace and harmony both locally and internationally. “As a well-respected figure in his community and beyond, he has dedicated his life to fostering understanding and cooperation among diverse groups,” he said.
During the ceremony, Chief Ndukwu seized the opportunity to address the youths, emphasising the importance of peaceful protests and dialogue in addressing global issues.
He encouraged the younger generation to come together under one umbrella to work towards positive change, rather than resorting to violence or divisiveness.
Dr Okanu also commended Chief Ndukwu for his good works and recognition of the global system.
“His Eminence Chief Ndukwu’s words of wisdom and call for unity have resonated with many, inspiring hope and optimism for a brighter future. As a global diplomat and peace ambassador, he continues to lead by example, demonstrating the power of compassion, empathy, and cooperation in building a more harmonious world,” he said.
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