REPS MEMBER COMMENDS GOV. ORTOM, CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF FOR DEPLOYING SOLDIERS IN ADO BORDER COMMUNITIES

... Commends Rev Fr Solomon Ujah, The Clergy For Intervention

...Pledges More Support For Operation Whirlstroke

... Moves To Establish NDLEA Zonal Command In Igumale

... Urges Soldiers To Clear Doubt Of Criminals

The Honourable Member representing Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency, Dr. Francis Ottah Agbo has commended Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor and the Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Maj. Gen. Kevin Aligbe for deploying Soldiers around the border communities of Odoke, Ugboghelle, Anmeka, Apa-Ogbozu to manage the spill over of the Ezza/Effium crisis!

He also commended the clergy, particularly, Reverend Father Solomon Ujah for his strategic role in persuading the Benue State Government to quickly deploy Operation Whirlstroke to the troubled area where he oversees as Parish priest.

The Ezza/ Effium crisis started last year, in Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi State and escalated to parts of Ado LGA, Benue State where Ezza and Effium people also live!

Dr. Ottah Agbo in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Mr. Andrew Agbese described the Force Commander of the Operation Whirstroke, Maj. Gen. Kevin Aligbe as a patriotic and committed officer.

He said having worked closely with Gen Aligbe in Bayelsa State when he served as Task Force Commander, he knows he will motivate the officers and men to clear the doubts of the ethnic militias and criminals taking advantage of the Ezza/Effium crisis to kill and destroy property in the Ado border communities!

The Lawmaker who doubles as Chairman, Narcotic Drugs Committee and Spokesman of the Reps Minority Caucus, promised to lend more support to Operation Whirlstroke in Ado.

While stressing that the existing Security Apparatchik is overwhelmed in Ado, the Feed Back Lawmaker promised to establish an NDLEA Zonal Command in Igumale to complement the efforts of security agencies in tackling insecurity. The Lawmaker said the foundation laying stone of the Command will be laid by the NDLEA Chairman/ CEO, Gen. Buba Marwa before the end of April, 2022.

ATTENTION MEDIA HOUSES!

04-01-2022

Libelous Statement In Circulation

It has come to the notice of the Honourable Member representing Ado/ Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency, Dr Francis Ottah Agbo, that a highly libelous statement attributing a comment against the military is being circulated to media houses to tarnish his hard earned reputation as a patriotic leader.

It is pertinent to let the media houses in receipt of the statement know that at no time did the Honourable Member make the comment as even the person quoted did not in any way imply nor make such a statement in the comment section of the social media platform referred.

The Lawmaker, popularly known as the Ozigizaga and Moving Train of Enone does not shy away from issues and whenever he has cause to go public on any matter, he does so directly or through his Media Team and if that is that case, he makes it clear that they have his authority to issue such statements.

Attribution is key in journalism and can only be done either directly or on behalf of a person with his express permission.

The Honourable Member hopes the concerned media houses would be properly guided and treat the statement with the contempt it deserves.

Andrew Agbese,

Senior Legislative Aide to

Honourable Francis Ottah Agbo.

Redefinition of the World & the Pursuit of Purpose

  

By: Michael Anthony

The world has never been this unstable, unpredictable and fast, changes and evolution that will naturally take a decade or more happened in under a year! #2020. Technology changes on a daily basis, literally!

Life, as we know it is, has been redefined and still is, from career to relationships, to education, religion, sexuality, currency, politics, health, you name it. It's all been redefined.

Man has never had so many options, content, resources and distractions all at the same time. It is indeed the best & the worse time. It has never been so easy to lose your way and go with the trend (which no one can hardly keep up with, well maybe some), nor has it ever been this easy to discover your path.

Every part of the globe you look at there seems to be chaos and a global failure of leadership, from Nigeria to the USA, from Isreal to Palestine, India, the UK, South America, Europe.

BUT GUESS WHAT...have you noticed that regardless of how much the world is changing, regardless of the pandemic, regardless of war, of terrorism, regardless of technology, of electric cars, of cryptocurrency, same-day delivery, amazon, artificial intelligence, of all that is evolving around us, regardless of ALL of that...plants still grow, the sun still shines like always, birds keep flying, fish keep swimming, bees still pollinate, stars still shine, rain keeps falling, and mosquitoes still bite... WHY? & HOW? because their #purpose is defined, understood and they are all working in it, regardless of how much the world changes, it never changes them. Nature is the paramount example of #purpose, the maker made sure of that. 

Until you understand your #purpose, changes will change you.

There has never been a more important time in our lives to live a life of #purpose

Your #purpose is the one thing that can protect you from ALL the changes in the world, changes and fluctuation in life will only reaffirm and strengthen your purpose if you are living in it. Your #purpose is what motivates you to achieve greatness when you perhaps are doubting yourself, are facing adversity, not sure what direction your country or the world is headed, or you simply want to take your life to the next level. 

#purpose is the #only thing that can truly separate you, protect you, provide for you, create an impact and completely fulfil you all at the same time, cause you are playing the role you were designed to play, just like the sun or the fish.

So until you understand your #purpose, and the #potential inside you to fulfil it as well its guiding #principles, the massive changes in the world will overtake you and you will never be truly fulfilled and successful.

So pursue #purpose over everything.

I am here to walk with you on that journey as I take the journey myself.

And always remember, you are special, there is no one like you, there has never been one like you, there never will be one like you.

#stayonpurpose

#purposepotentialprinciple

NBMA and FCCPC Signed MOU on Regulation of GMOs

The National Biosafety Management Agency, (NBMA) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Competition and consumer protection Commission (FCCPC)Nig .

The essence of the MoU is for collaboration in other to ensure that consumers are protected from unapproved Genetically modified organisms GMOs 

The DG/CEO Dr. Rufus Ebegba said the MoU is key as both agencies have the responsibility to ensure that Nigerians are safe from unapproved GMOs, hence both agencies should have a synergy in ensuring that our mandates are achieved and Nigerians are safe. 

This is in furtherance to serval other efforts by the National Biosafety Management Agency at providing safety for Nigerians in what they consume, through regulation of GMOs or any harmful food substances. 

PHILANTHROPIST AND NBMA BOSS SUPPORTS NIGERIAN POLICE WITH PATROL VEHICLE

 Abuja Report! 

By: Jacob Ochulayi 

In a bid to support crime fighting, community policing and partner with the Nigerian Police to carry out its statutory responsibilities, Chief (Dr). Rufus Ebegba, D.G and CEO National Biosafety Management Agency, intervened by purchasing a direct Belgium Toyota Hilux Engine, worth about 1.6 million naira, for Jikwoyi Police Division under FCT Police command, to serve one of its Patrol vehicles, this is due continues outcry for patrol vehicle from the Police Division and residents of the community. 

Having been impressed with the installation of the vehicle engine, Dr. Ebegba went further to provide additional funds of about N250,000 naira to refurbish the Police Van which is now wearing a new look, and has since been helping to provide Police patrol to Jikwoyi Police division and its environs. 

Dr Rufus Ebegba is also the head  of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Karu unit and a great friend of the Police. 

He is also very much involved in community building efforts and youth development, during the Yuletide season, so many families, women and youth groups and stakeholders within his immediate community within Karu, Jikwoyi received bags of rice, cooking oil, cash gift and numerous philanthropic deeds, for him, it is all about welfare of the people.

 

Rep Member supports Otukpo Federal University with N1 million

...Promises to lobby, friends & colleagues to support the University 

...Urges the VC to link the Varsity to International Universities 

...You are a servant leader, Prof Ujah tells the Ozigizaga

The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, has received financial support of N1million  from the Honourable Member representing Ado/Ogbadigbo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency, Dr. Francis Ottah Agbo.

Hon. Ottah Agbo presented  the cheque of N1 million to the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Innocent Ujah (mni) at a brief ceremony in Abuja yesterday.

A statement signed by the Media Adviser to the Honourable Member, Mr. Andrew Agbese, noted that the support is in fulfilment of a promise the parliamentarian made to support the university to commence academic activities and function fully as a citadel of learning. 

Dr. Ottah Agbo said he's happy seeing a senior member of his constituency appointed as Vice Chancellor of a pioneer  university that holds a lot of promise for his constituents and the nation in general. 

He said given Prof. Ujah's track record of academic and administrative excellence, his appointment as VC is a crowning glory akin to that of a civil servant becoming a Permanent Secretary or a soldier, becoming a General.

He said, "As far as I'm concerned, you're a General in the medical profession and I'm happy that you were appointed during my tenure.

"I'm here today because I told you I'm 'Talknado' and I want to stand by my words; when I say something, I do it.

"God Almighty has made it possible for me to do it and I don't joke with that, that's the legacy I want to leave behind so that when people see my children even when I must have passed on, they will say these are the children of the Honourable Francis Ottah Agbo, your father; was a man of honor and integrity."

Hon. Ottah Agbo said from the steps the VC is taking so far to get the university going, Prof. Ujah, will attain great heights with the university  as a chick that will grow into a big cock is known from the day it is hatched.

The Honourable Member who is also the Chairman, Narcotic Drugs Committee and Spokesman of the Minority Caucus  encouraged the VC not to relent but strive to do more so as to lay a solid foundation for the University. 

He promised to keep supporting the VC, the university and the Idoma Medical Doctors' Foundation, saying he considers it imperative to plant seeds on worthy causes.

He said, " And because you're a man of vision, I saw what you've started in collaboration with your colleagues and saw the way the place is shaping up, and I said I want to be part and parcel of that vision.

"I said I want to plant a seed in the Idoma Medical Doctors Foundation and that is partly why I am here today. 

"So I am here to congratulate you once more  and encourage you for all the steps you have taken towards making sure that the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, assumes its pride of place in Nigeria and beyond  as you have envisioned."

The Honourable Member described the VC as his father, teacher and senior citizen and encouraged him to feel free and approach him for any other assistance or contribution towards the development of the institution. 

"I want to encourage you and I'll always like to support you because in the end that is exactly what it means to be together," he said and promised to rally round his colleagues in the National Assembly, friends and associates both in Nigeria and abroad to also come and give their contributions to the development of the University. 

Hon. Ottah Agbo lamented the current situation where the whole of Benue South has no resident medical consultant, saying with the coming of the Federal University of Medical Sciences, such challenges would no longer exist and medical services would improve in the entire Zone C .

The Feed Back Lawmaker says he sees the University as a catalyst for the development of Idomaland and Benue State as a whole and called for cooperation, synergy and collaboration with the institution.

The Vice Chancellor, who was highly elated by the gesture thanked the Honourable Member for the support. 

Prof. Ujah who is also the President of Nigeria Medical Association said,

 "I want to, on behalf of the  Federal University of Health Sciences, the  Idoma Medical Doctors Foundation, the people of Okpokwu where I come from appreciate you from the bottom of my heart."

The VC reminded the Honourable Member that he predicted in 2015 that he was going to win election and represent the people of the Federal Constituency even when he had not met him.

The VC said his prediction was accurate because science is about observation and he observed what Hon. Ottah Agbo was doing even before he became an Honourable Member. 

He said, "I looked at your track record,  and what you were doing in Bayelsa as Special Adviser and later Chief Press Secretary  to His Excellency, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State. So in 2019, I had no doubt at all that you were going to win the election and you won landslide.

"I'm happy you've not only won the election overwhelmingly but you're impacting on lives of the people by improving their knowledge and skills, that is really what we need in Idomaland and everywhere that development must come. You have set the pace in so many areas especially as I watch you dedicate your 4 -Year salary to orphans, widows as well as your accessibility to your constituents. "

The VC described the Honourable Member as a servant leader who he said does not behave like other politicians who sit in their houses and expect people to visit them but goes out to meet with people personally. 

He said leadership is about developing people and that is what the Hon. Ottah  Agbo is doing.

The VC said the Federal University of Medical Sciences, Otukpo is the first of its kind in Nigeria and commended President Muhammadu Buhari and former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, Former Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe, Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Sunday Echono, Professor Ochapa Onazi, Professor Idoko and many other academics for making the University a reality.

He added that the university is established on the basis of excellence for students, lecturers and other staff and not based on sentiments.

The VC said the University is not going to be for Idoma alone as it is a federal university with international standard as it has started developing partnerships internationally while many are keying into it.

The erudite  Professor said the University will not only be for the training of doctors as is  being assumed as it has departments like  Engineering; Water related courses, Nursing; Pharmacy; Medical Laboratory Science  Public Health and so on.

He said the University is not going to be a mushroom University but an institution of international repute.

"We want to thank you because you're a great man and you'll grow more and more," he added in appreciation to Hon. Ottah Agbo.

Foremost Community Based NGO, DoCare Foundation Announce Mega Rally Against Violent Cult Activities.

"Violent Cultism and Other Social Vices have no place in our community" - Comrade Chris Ogah-President Docare 

An Otukpo based non governmental and non profit organization Docare foundation have announced 5th July 2020 as date for its planned Mega Peaceful Rally and sensitization against the scorge of violent Cultism rape and other social vices in Ugboju Otukpo local government, Benue state.

"Violent Cultism and Other Social Vices have no place in our community "
Comrade Chris Ogah President Docare Foundation reacting while confirming the date and timeline of the organizations forthcoming planned sensitization rally.

It may be recalled that Docare foundation stood in the forefront of condemnation and subsequently organized peaceful protest and other social displeasure against the rape of Ene, the Otada rape victim in Otukpo, the foundation mobilized critical voices and influencer to condemn the rape case, it visited the Nigerian Police area command Otukpo, the Palace of the Och'Idoma, Otukpo main market, walked through the streets registering its condemnation of the rape incident and calling on the authorities to seek justice. 

The foundation since its inception over a year ago, is serving as a social catalyst for minimizing and eradicating social vices such as violent Cult Activities, killings and armed criminals that Otukpo town and other parts of Zone C have suffered the years.

The organization under the leadership of Comrade Chris Ogah as President and other exco members and youth leaders have organized school to school sensitization visits, intervened and mediated in places where there's an outbreak of violent Cult activities or killing, organized physical exercise like football competition and walkout aimed at boosting the moral of youths in Otukpo town and driving them towards meaningful lifestyle.

The foundation is collaborating with the National associations of Idoma student NAIS and other well meaning individuals and organizations in its ongoing efforts, it equally calls for deepened collaboration, funding, partnership and synergy to achieve it aims.

NBM frowns at racial killing, Police brutality and Rape

NBM Of Africa Worldwild condemn rising cases of racial killing of blacks, Police brutality against unarmed civilians, Rape and other social injustice across the World -

(The case of George Floyd, Minnesota USA and Uwaila Omozuwa, Edo State Nigeria)*

The National leadership of the Neo Black Movement, (NBM) of Africa Worldwild,  strongly frowns at the rising cases of racial killings and racial profiling been brutally and systematically perpetuted on people of Black origin in present times globally, the cruel, barbaric and gruesome murder of George Floyd a 46years old Black man from Powderhorn, South of Downtown Minneapolis who was gruesomely murdered by Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin with the supervision of his colleagues at a helpless point where the victim was screaming "I can't breathe" and calling for help.

NBM of Africa and its leadership worldwide strongly condemns this killing of an unarmed black civilian men George Floyd and called on the relevant US Government agencies, State attorney and the leadership in Washington who have not adequately spoken out in clearer terms and have not carried out equal persecutorial measures against such racial crimes in accordance with the law.

As a Black oriented organization with over 40years of black solidarity, activism and struggle for black liberation, anchored on the principles of social justice, equal rights, justice and freedom for all people irrespective of race, colour or social orientation, the movement will not fold its arms and turn a blind eyes to social injustice and oppression or abuse of human rights, rape. "it is even more disheartening that the same institution of the state that is saddled with the responsibility of protecting human lives are the same ones taking black lives in such a gruesome manner"
Chief Engr Felix Kupa National president of NBM of Africa Worldwild noted that all humans are born with same colour of blood in their vain and as such their skin colour should not matter he said.

The organization says it acknowledges the role of other Black oriented organizations Like the Black Lives Matter who have stood up as early responders to call for Justice for George Floyd by organizing protests, radical social disobedience and advocacy, that the US as a model of democracy, human rights and freedom, is expected to live up to its responsibility and above racial divides and racial profiling to serve as a global leading light.

On Uwaila Omozuwa a 22years old 100 level student of University of Benin, Edo State Nigeria, Uwa was attacked and raped by said to be unknowned men at a Redeemed Christian Church, Edo State, this gruesomeness and injustice is many too glaring to be left unjustified, Kupa said.

The organization also used the occasion to call on the inspector General of Police who is the sole custodian of protecting lives and property in the country to ensure that the perpetuators are apprehended and justice adequately served. "We can not live in a society where citizens can just be easily molested, abused or murdered in broad daylight".

Kupa also called on the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Edo state government, civil society organizations, right groups and all well meaning lovers of a peaceful and Just society to stand up for justice in this peculiar case of Uwa, and also stand that Justice is served whenever there's an act of social injustice or murder in any part of the country he said.

The organization went further to offers its condolences to the families of George Floyd,  the Black community worldwide and the family of Uwaila Omozuwa on the death of their loved one, and called for a global condemnation against racial killing and social injustice globally.

TRANSPORT MINISTER AMEACHI INAUGURATES BOARD OF - NPA, NIMASA

TRANSPORT MINISTER AMEACHI INAUGURATES BOARD OF NPA, NIMASA,

- CHARGES BOARD ON PROFESSIONALISM AND HARMONY 

22nd May 2020 - Abuja

By: Jacob Ochulayi 

For @Info Times 

While inaugurating the governing board of two key Transport and Maritime agencies the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) and the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Thursday in Abuja,

The Hon. Minister of Transportation Rt.Hon. Chibuike Ameachi charge members of the board to work in harmony and team spirit to promote security and professionalism in other to boost economic activities in the Maritime sector.

He noted that the duties of the board should be in areas of formulating policy and Ideas that will grow the sector while the management will be responsible for implementation,  such roles should not be in conflict but rather harmonusly coordinated he said.

The Minister while referring to the coronavirus pandemic and its resultant consequences on economic and human activities,  says "we are in unusual times but we can't afford to shut our seaports. The activities must continue so that the trade can take place and people can feed" he further directed the board members to fashion out ways on how to move forward with the issues of trade facilitation and seaport management.

Members of the NPA Board are as follows:

1. Chief Akin Ricketts   - Chairman                   
2.Muhhamed Koko - Executive Director                             
3.Prof. Idris Abdulkadir -Executive Director

4.Onari Brown - Executive Director                                   
5.Ghazali Muhammed  - Member

6.Sen. Binta Masi Garba  - is a Member

7. Alh. Mustapha Aminu Dutse   - Member         
8.Abdulwahab Adeshina   - Member                     

While those of NIMASA includes:

1.Hon. Asita          -   Chairman

2.Bashir Jamoh     -  Director General

3.Victor Ochei     -  Exec. Director (Cabotage)

4.Chudi Offordile - Exec. Director (Admin. & Finance)

5.Shehu Ahmed - Exec. Director (Operations)

6.Adekola Adefemi  - Member

7.Muhammed D. Abubakar - Member

8.Hassan Rasaq Mahmud   - Member

While responding on behalf of the members of NPA board the  Chairman Chief Akin Ricketts thanked president Mohammadu Buhari and the Hon. Minister for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity, he also mentioned some challenges like congestion of the Port, with the Eastern Port being underutilized and the inefficiency of the Lagos ports occasioned by inadequate evacuation corridor, Chief Akin assured that the board would work with all relevant stakeholders with the view to ameliorating the sufferings of Port user.

The minister further charged the NIMASA  Board members and disclosed his particular interest in making sure that the Deep Blue project which took the Federal Government about three years for approval succeeds, as it is geared towards addressing high incidences of kidnapping  at sea as well as boost the economic base of the country, the Minister noted.

Also responding no behalf of the NIMASA Board Members, the Chairman, Honourable Asita, express concern over the spate of insecurities in the Nigerian Maritime waterways, and assured that the Board will work assiduously to curtail the menace.

It may be recalled that the Board members of both agencies were appointed on February 10, 2020, but could not be immediately inaugurated due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

THE UNPRECEDENTED HUMANITARIAN GESTURE OF HON. FRANCIS OTTAH

A short Op-ed by: Jacup Ochulayi 

for: InfoTimes blog

29th Dec 2019 

If government is truly about the welfare of the people, then Hon (Dr). Francis Ottah has done something noble and unprecedented in the history of Enone geopolitical legislative governance and representation, through a non-partisan selection of over 600 six hundred of the poorest orphans and widows from his constituency, Ado, Okpokwu, Ogbadibo federal constituency of Benue state, to benefit from his accumulated 10 million naira of statutory salary which he had promised to relinquish to be made available to orphans and widows from his constituency, a promise he made during his inauguration into the house of representatives on June the 11th 2019 and went further to match words with action by setting up an eleven man committee to oversee the disbursement.

 Hon Francis Ottah is by portfolio the chairman house of representative committee on drugs and narcotics as well as his membership of other critical and tasking committees in the green chamber, including house committee on Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, committee on Nigerian Navy, FRSC, FCT area council and ancillary matters, committee on civil society and development partners. 

Unarguably, one of the most obvious socioeconomic inequality that exist amongst Nigerian society and has turned a subject of several conversations and debates over the years, is the huge income gap between the political class and other sections and demographics of Nigerian income earners, particularly the Jumbo salaries and allowances been paid to National assembly members and other government officials both elected and appointed, even as juicy and attractive as such salaries may be, this distinguished Honorable Member in his humanitarian benevolence, has acted in an unprecedented manner to donate his accumulated four years salary for the welfare of the needy, particularly the poorest orphans and widows in his federal constituency, this followed closely the massive distribution of high yield vitamin A cassava sterm to farmers from his constituency in the last planting season, in a bid to enhance food productivity and bumper harvest.

 The first batch of this empowerment program is targeted at over 600 beneficiaries, according to a release from his media office by his Special assistant on media Mr Samson Otokpa, this and several other laudable millstones that the law maker has attained so far in his short time in office representing the good people of Ado, Okpokwu, Ogbadibo federal constituency of Benue state, one of the largest federal constituencies in the house of representative. 

Hon. (Dr). Francis Ottah Agbo

 Hon Francis Ottah widely known as the feedback law maker and also known by his self-coined political mantra the liberator, he is also known for his humanitarian deeds, accessibility, vocals and a radical approach to problem solving, also with a rich knowledge and experience in public service.

 The impact of this monetary empowerment on the economic survival and sustainability of the beneficiaries will be far reaching and cannot be overemphasized, to the effect that it is capable of sustaining some of them in petty trading and farming for family consumption and subsistence, there is also the feeling of sense of belonging in governance and reaping the dividends of democracy among others.

 As chairman house committee on drugs and narcotics, on the floor of the house, Hon. Ottah had in recent times vigorously drown the federal government's attention to how understaffed and poorly funded the NDLEA has been operating, this has recently re-energized and strengthened the governments commitment towards achieving the ongoing recruitment into the agency. This distinguished Honorable member is changing the tied with his open door policy and feedback mechanism of governance. 

The event is scheduled to hold on 30th December 2019 in Okpoga the Okpokwu local government secretariate with His Excellency Governor Samuel Ortom as Chief Host, Sen. David Mark as Father of the Day, Sen. Abba Moro as Chairman of the Occasion and PDP Chairman for Benue State, Hon. John Ngbede as Chief Special Guest of Honour as well as other stakeholders and traditional rulers as guests.

End of part one!

This piece is an opinion of the writer and not the views of this blog.