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Obaseki Immortalizes late Sen. Franca Afegbua, Names longest Road in Okpella after Nigeria’s first-elected Senator
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has immortalized the late Senator Franca Afegbua, Nigeria’s first elected Senator, naming the Ogiriga-Afokpella-Okugbe Road after the Senator who represented Bendel North Senatorial District of Old Bendel State.
The Ogiriga-Afokpella-Okugbe Road, which is 14km long, is the longest road in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Obaseki, at the service of songs held in honour of late Sen. Afegbua in Benin City, celebrated the life and legacies of the late Senator, describing her as an Amazon and a worthy ambassador of the State.
The governor was accompanied by his wife, Betsy; Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; former Governors of Edo State, John Odigie Oyegun and Osariemeh Osunbor; former Senators, Roland Owie and Clifford Odia, as well as religious and political leaders, amongst others.
Obaseki said, “We are celebrating today, an amazon and iconic Edo woman. She lived a life of sacrifice, as her life was all about giving to people. She lived ahead of her time, fought for inclusion five decades ago, and argued for women’s right and participation in politics.
“We are glad as Edo people because we have always blazed the trail and produced iconic leaders in Nigeria. We thank her for the inspiration she has been and the light she has brought and shown. We must immortalize her for what she has achieved for the State and Country.”
The governor continued: “She loved Okpella and part of immortalizing her must start from Okpella. So, I have decided that the Ogiriga-Afokpella-Okugbe Road constructed by the Edo State Government will now be named after Sen. Franca Afegbua. It’s the longest road in Okpella, it’s 14km. We will look for other ways to continue to immortalize this great, iconic Edo woman.”
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume described the late Sen. Franca Afegbua as a pacesetter, vocal senator and a politician that changed the face of politics in Nigeria.
Akume, represented by Chris Taka, said, “She was born into this generation to set the pace and open the political space when she emerged at the center stage of Nigeria politics as the first female black senator. She took center-stage in the Senate and became a vocal voice.
“She is a mother not only to the State but the nation as well. She will not be forgotten for the great role she played and has been an inspiration to other women. Nigeria will raise a monument to honour her just as the State has immortalized her.”
In a sermon titled, “The transient nature of man,” the Bishop of Benin Anglican Communion, Bishop Peter Imasuen, represented by Venerable Osaro Igbinosa, said, “Death is a call that all must answer as such we need to put God first in all we do, and live our life with eternity in view.”
Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has joined other prominent Nigerians in paying tribute to late Super Eagles legendary former captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, who died on Saturday.
The Nigerian football icon, nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for his imposing presence and the authority he exuded just in defence, died at 74, throwing family, friends, and the entire nation into mourning.
In a tribute to the former centre defender posted on his social media pages on Sunday, Otedola said that Chukwu creatively used the game of football as a unifying force for us as individuals and the nation in general.
“The sudden passing of the legendary Christian Chukwu, former captain and head coach of the Super Eagles, has come as a rude shock to me. As one of Nigeria’s Patriots, Christian Chukwu creatively used the game of football as a unifying force for us as individuals and the nation in general.
“His footballing career as the captain and subsequently coach of the national team remains legendary and fully etched in the annals of our national history,” the statement said.
The former national team and Enugu Rangers captain was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019, and Otedola stepped in to offer financial support for his medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
The Executive Chairman of Geregu Power PLC recalled that his intervention in 2019 saw Chukwu saw through a very challenging time and gave him a new lease of life.
He condoled the family of the late legendary footballer and his fans all over the world.
“Back in 2019, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer that affected his legs, I stepped in with the necessary support so as to enable him receive comprehensive care and medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
“Thankfully, that intervention and opportunity saw him through a very challenging time and gave him a new lease of life. My condolences go out to his entire family and to his fans all over the world. May you all find comfort during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”
Chukwu captained Nigeria to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in 1980 and was also a former coach of the side between 2002 and 2005. He led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2004 edition of the continental competition in Tunisia.
He devoted his club career to Enugu Rangers, where he won multiple national titles and led the club to continental glory with their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.
The Presidency has reacted to the directive to US law enforcement agencies to release confidential information generated on President Bola Tinubu.
Elanza News had reported how a United States District Court ordered the FBI to release the information on Nigeria’s number one citizen.
Reacting, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the information being sought did not indict President Bola Tinubu.
He also hinted that there is nothing new, in the report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report, saying the report has been in the public space for more than 30 years.
According to Onanuga, “Journalists have sought the Presidency’s reaction to the ruling last Tuesday by a Washington DC judge ordering the US FBI and DEA to release reports connected with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“There is nothing new to be revealed. The report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report have been in the public space for more than 30 years. The reports did not indict the Nigerian leader. The lawyers are examining the ruling.”
Femi Falana, the human rights lawyer, has asked Nigerian youths to reclaim the country and redefine its future.
Falana spoke during the sixth annual youth leadership conference at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Saturday.
The senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said the country has changed for the worse, and youths are suffering, hence the need for them to rise up.
“You will have to challenge those who are in power when you have access to them, because some of them in power today belong to our generation,” NAN quoted Falana as saying.
“We didn’t suffer what you are going through. We lived a life of dignity.
“My generation had dreams, genuine dreams, about this country becoming one of the best in the world, because we have abundant human and natural resources that should make us a leading country in the world. But what has happened?
“Your generation has a duty to reclaim the country, and please, when you are going to listen to songs in ceremonies of this nature, please try and listen to some of the great African musicians.”
The human rights lawyer said listening to such music would inspire the youths to fight for justice.
“You must also listen and be inspired to fight for justice in our country,” he said.
“You are often told that our country is poor. Quote me, ours is not poor. We suffer from material poverty because there is poverty of ideas in our country.
“They tell you you are leaders of tomorrow. You must be leaders of today first, so you must take back what is left.”