President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday in Abuja, inaugurated the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre, which is named in his honour.
Before the inauguration of the library, the President had briefly attended a commemorative sitting of the National Assembly, where he made extemporaneous remarks.
President Tinubu, who had signed the National Anthem Bill, 2024, into law at the Presidential Villa earlier on Wednesday, said he was at the National Assembly as a mark of respect, and to congratulate the legislators and Nigerians on the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s unbroken democracy.
He extended his gratitude to the lawmakers and acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices made to build and sustain the country’s democratic institutions.
“Our friends, old and new, to every Nigerian I say congratulations on 25 years of unbroken democracy. Out of respect, I have come to say thank you very much for building up this institution to this level. You are the foremost leaders who speak for our people and have been at the forefront of this struggle,” President Tinubu said.
Highlighting the significance of the National Assembly, President Tinubu referred to it as a “hallowed chamber” that embodies the nation’s consciousness for freedom and solidarity.
“You sang out the latest national anthem, ‘Nigeria we hail thee’. This is our diversity, representing all people and how we pledge together to be brothers and sisters.
“Without this House, I probably would not have found a path to the presidency, I started it all from here. That is why I have given that respect to you this morning to continue to collaborate with you to build our country together. We have no other choice. No other institution or personality will help us, except we do it ourselves for ourselves.
“No amount of aid from foreign countries can help us. Let us work together to build our nation, charting a new path,” the President stated.
President Tinubu also emphasized the need to preserve and strengthen democracy for future generations.
“We must nurture our democracy so that our children and great grandchildren will be assured of prosperity, progress, and development,” the President concluded.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the President’s visit was out of respect for the National Assembly.
”Before you arrived, Mr. President, the Speaker and I had explained to the lawmakers that this visit is what is called ‘waka pass’ in Nollywood.
”You intend to celebrate Democracy Day on June 12, but out of honour and respect for the National Assembly you said you must pass through the National Assembly on your first anniversary,” the Senate President said.
On Nigeria reverting to the old national anthem, Akpabio commended the President for taking the nation back to its roots stating: ‘‘Though we may belong to different tribes, though we have different tongues, in brotherhood we stand.’’
”There is no more fitting place to take us back to our genealogy other than the National Assembly, which is made up of patriotic and elected citizens of Nigeria. The voice of the National Assembly is the voice of Nigeria, so we welcome you,” the Senate President added.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 29, 2024
May 29, 2024
Press Release
PDP Releases Updated Edo State Governorship Election National Campaign Council List
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the exercise of its powers, and pursuant to its commitment of ensuring victory for our Party in the Edo State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024; hereby releases the updated list of member of the Edo State Governorship Election National Campaign Council.
The members of the Council are as follows:
1 H.E. RT. HON. AHMADU UMARU FINTIRI CHAIRMAN
2 H.E. RT. HON. SHERIFF OBOREVWORI FRANCIS DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
3 H.E. DR. KEFAS AGBU CO-DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
4 H.E. ALH. ATIKU ABUBAKAR FORMER VICE PRESIDENT
5 H.E. ARCH. NNAMADI SAMBO FORMER VICE PRESIDENT
6 H.E. SEN. ADOLPHUS WABARA, Ph.D BOT CHAIRMAN
7 H.E. AMB. UMAR ILIYA DAMAGUM AG. NATIONAL CHAIRMAN
8 H.E SEN. BALA MOHAMMED MEMBER
9 H.E. ENGR. SEYI MAKINDE, FNSE MEMBER
10 H.E GODWIN OBASEKI MEMBER
11 H.E SEN. DOUYE DIRI MEMBER
12 H.E. SEN. ADEMOLA J.N. ADELEKE MEMBER
13 H.E PST. UMO ENO MEMBER
14 H.E SIR. SIMINALAYI FUBARA, GSSRS MEMBER
15 H. E. DR. PETER NDUBUISI MBAH MEMBER
16 H.E. BARR. CALEB MUTFWANG MEMBER
17 H.E. DR. DAUDA LAWAL MEMBER
18 H.E. OMOBAYO GODWINS MEMBER
19 BARR. DR. ASUE IGHODALO GUBER CANDIDATE
20 OSARODION OGIE, ESQ DEPUTY GUBER CANDIDATE
21 H.E. DR. JAMES IBORI MEMBER
22 SEN. STELLA OMU MEMBER
23 RT. HON. PATRICK NATHAN IFON MEMBER
24 A.V.M LARRY KONYIA MEMBER
25 H.E. SEN. LIYEL IMOKE MEMBER
26 PROF. SAM OYOVBAIRE MEMBER
27 CHIEF MIKE OGHIADOMHE, CFR MEMBER
28 CHIEF FERDINAND ALABRABA MEMBER
29 DR. MRS. ESTHER UDUEHI MEMBER
30 SEN. ABBA MORO PATRICK MEMBER
31 SEN. OSITA UGWU NGWU MEMBER
32 SEN. OYEWUNMI OLALERE MEMBER
33 RT. HON. KINGSLEY O. CHINDA MEMBER
34 RT. HON. (DR) ALI ISA J.C. MEMBER
35 H. E. AMB. TAOFEEK ARAPAJA MEMBER
36 SEN. SAMUEL NNAEMEKA ANYANWU MEMBER
37 HON. ARCH. SETONJI KOSHEODO MEMBER
38 HON. AHMED YAYARI MOHAMMED MEMBER
39 HON. DEBO OLOGUNAGBA MEMBER
40 HON. UMAR M. BATURE MEMBER
41 DANIEL WOYENGIKURO MEMBER
42 HON. SIR. OKECHUKWU OBIECHINA DANIEL, FCA MEMBER
43 KAMALDEEN ADEYEMI AJIBADE, SAN MEMBER
44 HON. AMINA DARASIMI D. BRYHM MEMBER
45 MUHAMMED KADADE SULEIMAN MEMBER
46 CHIEF DR. ALI OBASI ODEFA MEMBER
47 HON. THEOPHILUS DAKAS SHAN MEMBER
48 CHIEF DAN ORBIH MEMBER
49 DR. EMMANUEL NKAVOA BOVOA MEMBER
50 NDUBUISI ENEH DAVID MEMBER
51 ALHAJI IBRAHIM ABDULLAHI MEMBER
52 HON. ADAMU D.U. KAMALE MEMBER
53 HON. MARYAM GARBA BAGEL MEMBER
54 HON. TIMOTHY OSADOLOR MEMBER
55 HON. ABDULRAHMAN MOHAMMED MEMBER
56 BARR. OKECHUKWU OSUOHA MEMBER
57 H.E. CHIEF LUCKY IGBINEDION MEMBER
58 H.E. DR. EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN MEMBER
59 H.E. SEN. SERIAKE DICKSON MEMBER
60 H.E. UDOM EMMANUEL MEMBER
61 H.E. SEN. DR. IFEANYI OKOWA, CON MEMBER
62 HIGH CHIEF TOM IKIMI MEMBER
63 MRS. HERBATA OKONOFUA AYU MEMBER
64 CHIEF EMMANUEL OGIDI MEMBER
65 HON. EMMANUEL IBESHI MEMBER
66 SEN. ALLWELL ONYESOH MEMBER
67 SEN. BARINADA MPIGI MEMBER
68 SEN. MRS. IPALIBO HARRY BANIGO MEMBER
69 SEN. JARIGBE A. JARIGBE MEMBER
70 SEN. BENSON F. KONBOWEI MEMBER
71 SEN. AGADAGA BENSON MEMBER
72 SEN. SAMPSON EKONG MEMBER
73 SEN. ANIEKAN ETIM BASSEY MEMBER
74 SEN. NWOKO CHINEDU M. MEMBER
75 HON. MARK ESSET UDO MEMBER
76 SEN. CLIFFORD ORDIA MEMBER
77 SEN. EHIGIE UZAMERE MEMBER
78 SEN. FRANCIS ALIMIKHINA MEMBER
79 SEN. ODION UGBESIA MEMBER
80 SEN. VICTOR OYOFO MEMBER
81 RT. HON. TUNDE AKOGUN MEMBER
82 RT. HON. NDUDI ELUMELU MEMBER
83 RT. HON. IME BASSEY OKON MEMBER
84 HON. UNYIME JOSIAH IDEM MEMBER
85 HON. MARTINS ESIN MEMBER
86 HON. UDUAK A. ODUDOH MEMBER
87 HON. ETTEH OKPOLUPM IKPONG MEMBER
88 HON. EKPO PAUL ASUQUO MEMBER
89 HON. AGBEDI YEITIEMONE FREDRICK MEMBER
90 HON. EBIKAKE MARIE MEMBER
91 HON. OBUKU ABONSIZIBE. OFORJI MEMBER
92 HON. OBORDOR MITEMA MEMBER
93 HON. AMBAOWEI RODNEY E. MEMBER
94 HON. MR. AKPANKE PETER A. MEMBER
95 HON. BARR. GODWIN OFFIONG ODEY EKPO MEMBER
96 HON. JULIUS PONDI GBABOJOR MEMBER
97 HON. NWOKOLO VICTOR ONYEMEACHI MEMBER
98 HON. MUTU NICHOLAS EBOMO MEMBER
99 HON. EZECHI NNAMDI MEMBER
100 HON. ERHIATAKE IBORI – SUENU MEMBER
101 HON. UKODHIKO AJIROGHENE JONATHAN MEMBER
102 HON. THOMAS EREYITOMI MEMBER
103 HON. SOLOMON BOB MEMBER
104 HON. AWAJI – INOMBEK ABIANTE DAGOMIE MEMBER
105 HON. VICTOR OBUZOR CHUKWUEMELE MEMBER
106 HON. BOMA GOODHEAD MEMBER
107 HON. CYRIL GODWIN HART MEMBER
108 HON. KELECHI NWOGU MEMBER
109 HON. BONIFACE SUNDAY EMERENGWA MEMBER
110 HON. DUMNAMENE DEKOR MEMBER
111 HON. ALABO VICTOR TAMUNOMIEKAYE MEMBER
112 HON. BARR. CHIMA BOMS MEMBER
113 HON. BARR. MRS. BLESSINGS AMADI MEMBER
114 HON. FELIX NWAEKE UCHE MEMBER
115 HON. BARR. OMOSEDE GARBRIELLA IGBINEDION MEMBER
116 CHIEF EARL ONAIWO OSARO MEMBER
117 HON. DR. TONY AZIEGBEMI MEMBER
118 HON. SOLOMON E. AGWANA MEMBER
119 IKEM VENATIUS AYABIE MEMBER
120 OLOROGUN BARR. KINGSLEY ESISO MEMBER
121 HON. AARON CHUKWUEMEKA MEMBER
122 HON. ANIEKAN AKPAN MEMBER
123 SEN. MRS. DAISY DANJUMA MEMBER
124 CHIEF MRS. ADUKE MAINA MEMBER
125 MR. FESTUS OSAIGBOVO MEMBER
126 YEYE YETUNDE ODUBOTE MEMBER
127 ERELU TOYIN OLUMILUA DAVID MARK MEMBER
128 IYOM JOSEPHINE ANENIH MEMBER
129 SEN IGHOYOTA AMORI MEMBER
130 MRS. LAURENTIA MALLAM MEMBER
131 PRINCE AJIBOLA OLUWASEYI ADEPOJU MEMBER
132 ALH. HAMZA JIBIA MEMBER
133 COMRADE JUDE IMAGWE MEMBER
134 OSE ANENIH MEMBER
135 BARR. ANTHONY EHILEBO MEMBER
136 COMRADE YINKA SOTADE MEMBER
137 DR. IMAFIDON SAMSON MEMBER
138 HARRISON OMAGBON MEMBER
139 HENRY DUKE TENEBE MEMBER
140 TONY ANENIH, JR. MEMBER
141 PRINCE WALE GOMEZ MEMBER
142 FIDEL IGENEGBALE MEMBER
143 MRS. MEMUNAT JOHNSON ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY
144 HON. PASCHAL ADIGWE COUNCIL SECRETARY
All Council Members are kindly requested to be available for inauguration as follows:
Date: Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Venue: National Executive Committee (NEC) Hall, PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, FCT, Abuja.
Time: 12:00 Noon
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
NIGERIA, WE HAIL THEE: Stirring Saga of our National Anthem(s): Historical Perspective or Voice of a New Dawn?
By Otega Ogra, FCIM
The country, once treated less as a nation and more as a commodity in an unholy alliance with the infamous Royal Niger Company, was gearing up to redefine its identity. Our founding fathers had waged a long, arduous struggle not just against colonial domination but also against the indignity of having to pledge allegiance in compulsory renditions to a distant monarch with the anthem, “God Save the King.”
“COMPETITION FOR NATIONAL ANTHEM”
“The National Planning Committee for Independence is thrilled to announce a competition to select a National Anthem to commemorate the Federation of Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960.
A prize of $280.00 will be awarded for a National Anthem that resonates with the spirit of a free Nigeria, standing proud among the nations of the world. We invite submissions of no more than three verses, each comprising six lines in English. This lyrical representation should capture the essence of our nation (the setting to music will be announced later).
Please send your entries by March 31, 1959, to: Independence Celebrations Officer, c/o Ministry of Internal Affairs, Lagos.”
Unity was its key message.
“11 – NATIONAL ANTHEM”
“Conference decided that:
Nigeria should revert to her old National Anthem which embodies unity, peace and prosperity as follows:
Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land, Though tribe and tongue may differ, In brotherhood we stand,
Nigerians all are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign, In peace or battle honoured, And this we count as gain, To hand on to our children A banner without stain.
O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request, Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed, And so with peace and plenty Nigeria may be blessed.”
NOTE: some of the 2014 national conference outcomes have already been passed into law by the National Assembly since 2014 and have been part of the various constitution review processes since then.
Some have shared old videos of Mr President, President Bola Tinubu speaking about his preference for ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’. This is what I have to say: President Tinubu has never hidden his vision of seeing a more united Nigeria. His stance on restructuring, devolution of powers to fedeeating units and non-interference are clear.
President Tinubu remains someone who doesn’t hide from his beliefs in the name of politics – a case of He says what he does, and does what he says! This is something that continues to endear me to him – first in his stint as governor, where I was a beneficiary of his free SSCE exams as a bright student of the Lagos state-owned Lagos State Model College, Kankon and years after when I watched in close proximity, his organisation of the 2011 ACN Nuhu Ribadu/Fola Adeola Presidential ticket.
Fast forward to a couple of years ago, I worked closely with him leading to his declaration to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Today, he is our President.
IN SUMMARY: President Bola Tinubu will always put country first – even over himself. I have seen it in private over the years. I still see it daily as a senior aide in his office.
May God grant us a “Nigeria that is blessed”
#iStandWithNigeria #IstandWithTinubu.
Amen.
*Otega Ogra is a Senior Aide to President Bola Tinubu. He oversees the Presidential Office of Digital Communications and New Media Strategy