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Consul General Stevens Highlights Robust U.S.- Nigeria Partnership During Visit To Edo

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Consul General Will Stevens, representing the United States, embarked on a two-day visit to Edo State, emphasising the strong and enduring bilateral relationship between the United States and Nigeria, which promotes inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity for both nations.

During his visit, Consul General Stevens met with Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his key cabinet members, as well as the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, civil society representatives, and alumni of U.S. government exchange programs. They discussed the progress made in key mutual priorities such as health, technology, education, human capital development, trade, and investment.

In addition, Consul General Stevens was given a guided tour of the Edo Innovation and Edo Creative Hubs, where he witnessed the important role played by U.S. tech companies, including Amazon Web Services, in training young people, particularly women, in high-demand digital skills. This supports the development of emerging tech talents in Edo State.

Governor Obaseki and Consul General Stevens jointly inaugurated the Edo State Integrated Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), which is supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development. Consul General Stevens had the opportunity to tour the facility and witness firsthand how U.S. government health assistance programs are strengthening health systems to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks in the state and the region. The upgraded PHEOC, the first of its kind in Nigeria, will play a crucial role in analyzing data on HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, immunizations, lassa fever, and other public health concerns, thereby enhancing Edo State’s response to emerging health threats.

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At the Benin Window on America, Consul General Stevens inaugurated the third cohort of the GirlLEAD STEM Talent Accelerator Program, which supports 25 girls from public secondary schools in Edo State. This program, funded through a public diplomacy grant from the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, provides mentorship and skills training to empower girls and encourage them to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). In his remarks, Consul General Stevens emphasized the importance of empowering and inspiring girls and young women to pursue careers in science and technology. He stated, “When obstacles preventing the participation of women and girls in STEM fields are removed, we all benefit. Promoting women in STEM fields is a priority for the U.S. government, both domestically and internationally.”

Furthermore, the Consul General visited the National Museum in Benin City, the forthcoming Museum of West African Arts, and took a tour of Igun Street, which is renowned for its rich history in bronze casting and its significance in Benin art and culture. He reaffirmed the commitment of the U.S. government to support Nigeria’s cultural preservation through initiatives such as the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation and the Cultural Property Agreement Implementation Grant.

During his interactions with alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs in Edo State, Consul General Stevens learned about the positive impact these exchanges have had on their careers and community service. Representing various exchange programs, including the International Visitors Leadership Program and the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the alumni shared their experiences and emphasized the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties between Nigeria and the United States.

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Peter Mbah At 53: The Man And The Public Servant Living True To The Mantra The Future Is Here

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He was born some 53 years ago precisely the 17th day of March, 1972. Like most great leaders in this clime he shares a common Zodiac space with Chief Obafemi Awolowo, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, with Prof Yemi Osinbajo, with yours sincerely, and with several other leaders and molders of thought whose Zodiac call is Pieces.

Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is a Lawyer with great interest in the Maritime sector, he is a Financial Analyst, and was the Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited which is one of the most successful players in the Oil and Gas sector. He got to the pinnacle in his private business, BUT understanding however that one of the greatest vehicles of positive impact is political power geared at the common good. He chose to impact Enugu State like no one before him. Yes, he ran for political office and was elected Governor of Enugu in 2023.

Since he was sworn in as the Governor of Enugu State on the 29th day of May 2023, Enugu State has become a huge construction site. Peter Mbah has lived true to the promises he made Ndi’Enugu. He has redefined governance with his ‘can-do’ disposition. To him the FUTURE IS HERE, and indeed Peter Mbah is a leader like no other.

One State has become the lead example of how the support for good Governance and profound leadership can be bi-partisan. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is the Leader of the All Progressive Congress APC whilst commissioning some of the wonderful projects of Governor Peter Mbah was emphatic about the commitment of Governor Peter Mbah to Making A Difference and revolutionising leadership. The Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima was at a forum in Enugu State not too long ago, and praised the Action Governor of Enugu State for showing how good leadership can transform a State. Take note Folks that Governor Peter Mbah belongs to a rival Party the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, but his strides in leadership defines a people’s predilection to Bi-partisan applaud for remarkable leadership. Yes, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is a shining light, and he is unarguably the Star-Boy of the Fourth Republic.

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The young man who is 53 years today maintains that his calling in leadership is to MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ENUGU STATE (MAD IN ENUGU STATE), and he is remarkably MAD (Making A Difference) in just about everything that defines good governance. Yes, in the league of performing Governors, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is a homo sequentum.

Peter Mbah is MAD about Infrastructural Development with the spread of Good Roads, ultra-modern infrastructure and Pipe-borne Water across the State. He is MAD about Healthcare with modern medical facilities springing up in the Wards and Local Government Areas of the State. His unalterable commitment is to make life better for Ndi’Enugu, and his creed is THE FUTURE IS HERE.

Peter Mbah is MAD about Education with Smart Schools and Improved learning infrastructure becoming the new norm in Enugu State. He is MAD about Urban and Rural Development. He is MAD about Wealth Creation, Skill Development, Agriculture, and Foreign Direct Investment for which an International Conference Centre, A complimenting Five Star Hotel, the Cargo Section of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, the repositioning of the Nike Lake Resort and many other world-class touristic and business enabling facilities are feats of the Enugu State government under the watch of Governor Peter Mbah.

Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is MAD about the Security of Lives and Property, for which he set up the ultra-modern and sophisticated Enugu State Crime Control Centre from where premium time intervention in Crime Control is prime. From the Control Centre all the flashpoints of crime and violence are monitored, and within 5 minutes of any untoward action the Law Enforcement Agencies in the State are triggered to attend and put any untoward situation under control.

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The Peter Mbah Government in pursuing a better secured State has supported the Security Agencies with Vehicles and several crime prevention facilities. The Government has also set up a Security Fund to augment State funding for improved security and expertise. To Governor Peter Mbah the task of securing and protecting Ndi’Enugu is the chief responsibility of his government.

I was opportuned to share a moment with Governor Peter Mbah 3 days after he was sworn in as the Governor of Enugu State, and when I enjoined him to make sure that he leaves his footprint on the sands of time, he retorted ‘Prof I am not just going to do that, I’m here to MAKE A DIFFERENCE’. And the difference is lucid as Enugu State is scoring remarkable firsts in several aspects of leadership in the Country.

Peter Mbah has done great in so many ways, and there are several mind-blowing and eye popping infrastructure in today’s Enugu State thanks to the enterprising commitment of the Governor and his Team.

The media is awash with the verifiable feats of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. Partisans and non-partisans alike are awe-struck by the awe-inspiring strides of Enugu State under the watch of Governor Peter Mbah. Just a few weeks ago he was named the Governor of the Year 2024 by the Thisday and Arise TV Group. To the ebullient Governor of Enugu State the reward for good work, is more work, and such is the spirit and the commitment of the Peter Mbah led government.

Need I inform naysayers that no State in today’s Nigeria has the level of Pipe Borne Water Projects ongoing in today’s Enugu State. No State in Nigeria has the type of Smart Schools that Governor Peter Mbah is building across the State. And no State in Nigeria has the kind of Medical Centres and Facilities that Governor Peter Mbah is building across Enugu State. Indeed under the watch of Governor Peter Mbah the FUTURE IS HERE.

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I celebrate Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah as he turns 53 years today, and urge him to continue to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in Enugu State. I commend his commitment to servant leadership. And challenge him to continue to redefine governance in Enugu State, for clearly Enugu State is unarguably one of the best governed States in today’s Nigeria, if not the very best.

Finally, I must challenge other State Governors to deeper commitment to the common good, for leadership is only true and right where the greatest number are catered to.

Happy Birthday to The People’s Governor. Happy 53rd Birthday to the Servant Leader whose resolve is THE FUTURE IS HERE. Enjoy Your Day, My Dear Brother.

Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr
Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVEMENT. A Good Governance Advocacy Group.

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Residents of Kaura Namoda Commend Defence Minister for Crackdown on Bandits

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Residents of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area in Zamfara State have expressed their appreciation to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, for his role in the elimination of over 50 bandits who had been terrorising the region.

In a statement signed by spokesperson Suleiman Yusuf, the community praised Matawalle for his leadership in restoring security, describing his commitment as a major relief for communities that had long suffered from violent attacks.

“We, the residents of Kaura Namoda, express our deep gratitude for the improved security situation.

“We can now live without fear, resuming our daily lives with a renewed sense of safety,” Yusuf stated.

The security operation, conducted under Operation Fansar Yamma, targeted a gathering of armed bandits in Kaura Namoda. A precision airstrike successfully eliminated 50 bandits, while several others sustained injuries, marking a significant blow against criminal elements operating in the region.

In a separate mission in Tsafe Local Government Area, security forces tracked and neutralised a notorious bandit, Shehu Dan Kwale, further strengthening efforts to curb insecurity in Zamfara State.

The military’s actions under the directives of Matawalle have been widely welcomed by residents of Kaura Namoda, Tsafe, and Gusau Local Government Areas, who have endured years of attacks by armed groups. Many now express optimism that sustained efforts will restore lasting peace to their communities.

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6 die as truck rams Into vehicles, pedestrians in Onitsha

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Police Command in Anambra has confirmed that six people died in a multiple-vehicle accident on Saturday at Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha, the commercial hub of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer(CPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement on Sunday that the police had taken over the accident scene to maintain order and facilitate investigations.

“According to eyewitness accounts, the accident occurred due to the loss of control of a truck, which rammed into pedestrians, two tricycles, and a commercial bus loaded with passengers,” he said

Ikenga noted that the crash claimed six lives, while several others sustained injuries and were currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

He added that the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in the morgue.

He added that some relatives of the victims had been contacted and informed about the incident.

Ikenga said that the command extended its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery.

He urged drivers to conduct necessary safety checks before plying the roads to prevent such tragic incidents.

The CPRO assured the public that further updates would be provided as investigations progressed

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