TheNewsGuru

Tag: Celebration

  • SEE Photos of veteran former NTA presenter, Julie Coker at 86 now

    SEE Photos of veteran former NTA presenter, Julie Coker at 86 now

    ..as Golden Oldies celebrates her

    Golden Oldies is wishing Nigeian television presenter, singer, producer and newsreader, now retired Julie Coker a happy birthday today (born Juliet Coker, July 25, 1939).

    One of the country’s pioneer female broadcasters, Coker was a familiar face during the infancy of Nigerian television, most notably on The Bar Beach Show and her own series Julie’s World. As a recording artist, she released three albums during the disco era, and has been sampled by contemporary musicians.

    Happy birthday Ma!

  • AUSTIN AKPAN: Dr Udeme Nana @60: Obong Attah, Olu Ibom, Ini LG boss celebrates scholar’s impact

    AUSTIN AKPAN: Dr Udeme Nana @60: Obong Attah, Olu Ibom, Ini LG boss celebrates scholar’s impact

    Last weekend, tributes rained torrentially from eminent personalities, associates and mentees on legendary scholar, teacher, Public Relations expert and social crusader, Dr Udeme Nana as he clocked the diamond age of sixty.

    Dr Nana, a Chief lecturer at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic and progenitor of the Book Club Initiative in the State, turned 60 last Saturday, 12 April 2025 and was roundly celebrated at a special birthday symposium organised in his honour by Abak Book Club.

    The special celebration featured the formal presentation of one of Dr Udeme Nana’s new books entitled “Musings of Yesteryears”, that the author said greater part of the contents of the book were drawn from the collections of literary writings he wrote when he was just barely 16years of age in St Patrick’s College, Calabar.

    The diamond birthday anniversary celebration, afforded leaders of thought, associates and mentees the ample opportunity to celebrate the impacts that the Ini-born iconic scholar, pacesetter and teacher has had on the society based on their personal encounters with him.

    Alluding to the motto of the defunct West African Pilot Newspaper “Show the light and the people will find the way”, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah whom, Dr Udeme Nana served as Director of Press Affairs/Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs between 1999-2007, in his goodwill message saluted Dr Nana’s efforts in creating impacts in the society positing that he has “in several directions and several difficult ways…shown the light and several people have found the way”.

    Obong Attah who hailed Dr Nana as a noteable wordsmith and one whose gift with words shone through quite early in life, praised him for not covering it with a bushel but rather putting it on a lampstand to illuminate the way for others, declaring that his pioneering role in the “establishment of several Book Clubs within and outside our state has helped to rekindle the reading culture among our youth”.

    Also celebrating Dr Nana, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General, Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, in his goodwill message, described his six decades of life as “a significant milestone full of inspiring chapters”, reiterating that as a “scholar, veteran journalist and writer, Nana has impacted on lives and the society generally”.

    The Oku Ibom Ibibio who described Dr Nana as a diligent professional with impressive academic record who has “served both Governor Victor Attah and Governor Godswill Akpabio between 1999-2008 as well as being appointed by the State government to head Akwa Ibom State Secretariat of the 2014 National Conference in Abuja”, congratulated him on attaining Diamond jubilee and wished him more fruitful year ahead.

    On his part, the Chairman of Ini Local Government Area, Hon. Inibehe Umah, who described Dr Udeme Nana as an illustrious son of the soil, said his “Diamond Jubilee is a celebration of life steeped in scholarship, service and uncommon passion for societal advancement” adding that as a renowned media scholar, communication expert and Public Relations guru, he has consistently distinguished himself both at the state and national stage bringing honour to Ini LGA.

    Other prominent personalities, intellectuals and book enthusiasts such as Sir S. U Akpan, Member Representing INI State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide, Rt Hon Justice Ita Mbaba OFR, PJCA, Professors Linus Asuquo CEO of Nigerian Metarlugical Development Center, Jos, Trenchard Ibia, Ini Udoka, Emem Bassey CMD UUTH, Senator Ekong Sampson, Mr Victor Eyo and a host of others in their goodwill messages all attested to the humongous impact that Dr Nana has created in the society via his love for scholarship and promoting reading culture among the youth across the State.

    Responding to the honour done him, the celebrator, Dr Nana appreciated everyone that celebrated him and added that he has been fired up to do more in the years ahead.

    He stated that if he was ever afraid of criticism, that now he has become an elder statesman by virtue of turning sixty, he has broken free from such fears and ready to now bars his mind on critical issues that affect the growth of the society without fear.

    He also made a commitment to ensuring that he ‘will die empty’ as he is ready to let out all the talents that God has endowed him with without bottling up any.

    Highpoint of the birthday symposium included: the review of the book by Prof. Joseph Ushie, Professor of General Stylistics and Literary Criticisms – University of Uyo, donation of books to the Abak Division Library by the celebrator, Dr Nana and cutting of birthday cake to mark the Diamond Jubilee of the wordsmith.

    © Augustine Akpan

  • BREAKING: FG declares Monday public holiday to celebrate incoming govt

    BREAKING: FG declares Monday public holiday to celebrate incoming govt

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Monday 29th, 2023, work free for all workers in the country, to commemorate the inauguration of the nation’s 16th democratically elected President.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports the declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in Abuja on Thursday on behalf of the Federal Government.

    The Minister felicitates with all Nigerians on the momentous occasion, commending them for their faith in democracy as expressed in the nationwide election that produced the President and his Deputy being inaugurated and indeed in all elections across the nation.

    He enjoins them to continue to support and promote democracy through adherence to the rule of law and uphold all democratic institutions. ”Democracy anywhere is an unfinished business and the only way it can keep developing and serve its end of being the vehicle to good governance and the welfare of all the people is by adhering to its tenets of rule of law, support for democratic institutions, promotion of free and responsible press and advancement of the frontiers of freedom for all the people”, the Minister said.

    Ogbeni Aregbesola urges Nigerian also to continue to promote ideals of peaceful coexistence and love for our neighbours, noting that we can only practice democracy and enjoy its dividends in a peaceful environment.

    The Minister commends all Nigerians for their strident efforts at achieving an unbroken civilian rule and successful change of governments since 1999. He urges them to support and cooperate with the coming administration, arguing that the unbounded energy of the people is the nation’s greatest strength and will take the nation to its greatest height when it is positively deployed in its service.

    The Minister charges Nigerians to shun any form of violence and other untoward acts, assuring them that with all hands on deck, the future is very bright when the nation will attain greatness in all facets of human development.

  • EID-EL-FITR Celebration: Osunbor felicitates with the Muslim community

    EID-EL-FITR Celebration: Osunbor felicitates with the Muslim community

    Former Edo State Governor, His Excellency, PROF OSERHEIMEN AIGBERADION OSUNBOR Felicitates with the Muslim community on Eid-el-fitr celebration which marks the end of Ramadan.

    In a statement on Friday, Prof Osunbor urged the faithfuls to imbibe the lessons and gains of the just concluded holy month of Ramadan for improved service to Almighty Allah and also for peaceful and harmonious relationship with their neighbours.

    The statement reads in parts: “I wish everyone a blessed Eid-el-fitri and pray Allah to accept and reward your fasting, alms giving, and worship of Allah, prosper your ways and bless the works of your hands”

    “I pray Almighty Allah accept your prayers, for your families, communities, Edo state and our dear Nation. We beseech Him to grant us peace and harmony, and give all the leaders (incumbent and incoming) the guidance to move our country to greater heights,” the statement further added.

  • Eid el fitri: Atiku preaches unity, justice

    Eid el fitri: Atiku preaches unity, justice

    As Muslims celebrate the end of the month-long Ramadan fasting period, former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar has called on fellow Muslims to join efforts towards building a more united Nigeria in the light of the recent unfortunate bitter divisions caused by our national politics.

    In his goodwill Sallah message, he said: “Let me join other leaders in congratulating my fellow Muslims for successfully witnessing the end of this year’s Ramadan fasting period, a period that came with tough spiritual challenges that were designed to strengthen our Iman and Tawheed.”

    “During this period of self-discipline, we had seen the importance of the abstention from all sinful acts that are in the overall interest of our spiritual life and happiness. God teaches us to eschew evils because it’s for our own ultimate good.

    “One of the greatest blessings of Ramadan is that it helps us to get closer to our Creator, strengthen our faith, and promote charity or the spirit of giving to the weak and poor. It is important that we continue to live with the spirit of love, peace and harmony which Ramadan requires.

    “It is equally important that we remember our country as we pray at our respective Eid prayer grounds. We must pray for God to enlarge His mercies and blessings upon the country.

    “Nigeria needs peace and harmony and we as citizens must ensure that we live our lives according to the pleasings of God. We must make justice and fairness the hallmark of our nation.”

    “Let’s not pretend that all is well. Our country is deeply divided. The outcome of the 2023 presidential election has made this division worse. I’m sincerely worried about this appalling reality.”

    The Waziri of Adamawa called on Muslims to join the efforts towards healing these divisions.

    “Nigeria is so important to us that we shouldn’t abandon its fate to divisive and demagogic politicians. We are all stakeholders in a united Nigeria. We must be part of the efforts to achieve interfaith dialogue with a view to achieving peaceful coexistence and a clime of love and religious tolerance,” the former Vice President advised Muslims.

    The former Vice President wishes every family celebrating Eid el fitri pleasant festivities.

  • Eid-El-Fitr: NSCDC mobilises 52,000 officers nationwide

    Eid-El-Fitr: NSCDC mobilises 52,000 officers nationwide

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has mobilised 52,000 officers and men of the Corps across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to prevent breach of security during the Eid-el- Fitr celebration.

    A statement by the spokesman of the NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu disclosed that the Commandant General (CG), Dr Ahmed Audi gave the approval for the deployment on Thursday.

    According to the statement, the CG specifically tasked Zonal Commanders to ensure proper security coordination of their zones, while State Commandants are to effectively mobilise Area Commanders, Divisional Officers, Component Commanders and all Special Forces to achieve watertight security for maximum protection of the populace and critical national assets.

    The CG said: “Our resolve to guarantee peace, safety and protection of lives and critical assets in synergy with other security agencies must be carried out through our collective inputs.

    “For these obvious reasons, I have charged all Zonal Commanders and State Commandants with these responsibilities and everyone must brace up to discharge their assignments satisfactorily.”

    He charged all formations of the Corps to engage community stakeholders in gathering credible intelligence and carry out composite surveillance before, during and after the celebration to prevent surprises from the criminals.

    Audi also ordered that deployment of personnel should be focused on prayer grounds, worship centres, recreational facilities, motor parks, gardens, markets, shopping complexes, black spots and critical installations to make the festivity hitch-free.

    He extended his felicitation to all Muslim faithful in the country and across the world on the successful completion of the Ramadan Fasting and celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

    He prayed to God to answer all prayers for peace, stability and security in the country.

  • Sallah: Obi urges deep respect for rule of law, social justice

    Sallah: Obi urges deep respect for rule of law, social justice

    Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to hold onto the values of social justice, peace and human progress, and to continue to observe deep respect for the nation’s constitution and rule of law.

    He described these values as very important for societal progress and development.

    Obi made the above call in his Eid-el-Fitr message to Muslims. He noted that the Holy Month of Ramadan was a great opportunity for all to practice restraint, decorum and humility, and that it enjoined Muslim faithful, and by extension Nigerians, to be fair and just in all dealings; to help needy and heal the ailing; to also promote mutual understanding and peace within communities.

    He observed that the recently flawed Nigerian general elections have continued to create negative ripples that manifest in various forms of uncertainties through the country.

    “Our dear country, Nigeria, the only nation we have, is going through uncertainties related to our recent flawed elections and the activities of fringe elements, who do not respect the rule of law, our Constitution or the wish of our people. They have deployed impunity and exploited weak national institutions to subvert the will of the people,” Obi said.

    Obi regretted that he and his running mate, Sen Datti Baba-Ahmed, have continued to come under various forms of attacks from the opposition, which he described as unfair. He, however, maintained that they would remain law-abiding in the journey to reclaiming their mandate.

    “It is now common knowledge that perpetrators of state capture and their acolytes continue to attack Datti and I, and indeed, the Labour Party and the Obidient Family, for seeking redress in the court of law to recover our stolen electoral mandate. Efforts to dissuade us from pursuing rightful judicial recourse have included the deployment of fake doctored audio, identity theft, impersonation, trolls and fighting words.

    “Many other untoward activities have also been directed at our people and nation but we remain resolute in reclaiming our mandate through all peaceful and legal options under our laws and constitution. We continue to implore all Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

    “We equally remain in prayers that these challenges will be overcome without adverse shock to the economy, nation & national interest,” he stated.

    Calling on Nigerians to remain law-abiding and peaceful in their quest for New Nigeria, Obi added: “In the true spirit of Ramadan, I call on all Nigerians to remain focused on peace and the rule of law. I also wish to assure Nigerians and the Obidients that our struggle to reclaim our mandate is in good stead, and on course. A new Nigeria, that is safe, secure, fair and prosperous for all Nigerians is indeed Possible!”

  • Wild jubilation in Warri as Olu names new Ologbotsere

    Wild jubilation in Warri as Olu names new Ologbotsere

    …as Ayiri rejects new title of Ayeku of Warri

    At last, Chief Ayiri Emami’s claim to the Ologbotsere title of Warri has come to an end as on Sunday afternoon after His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III vested the prestigious title on Chief Eyuoma.

    This was after the Olu and Ayiri ended their feud with the former Ologbotsere kneeling in apology over his past altercations with His Majesty.

    Recall Chief Ayiri had opposed the coronation of the former Prince Tsola Emiko as the new Olu of Warri.

    On coronation day on August 21, 2021, Chief Ayiri priding himself as Ologbotsere was in Bichi, Kano about 1,008 kilometers away for a royal activity there.

    However, following a series of high level interventions in recent days and with Ogiame Atuwatse majestically settled on the throne of his forefathers, Chief Ayiri was brought to make peace with the monarch.

    Chief Ayiri was at the palace on Sunday where he apologized and pleaded for forgiveness.

    Following his pleas, the Olu of Warri forgave him.

    The Olu offered Ayiri his father’s title of Ayeku of Warri, but the former Ologbotsere rejected it and left the palace.

    Following the decision, the Olu offered the title of Ologbotsere to Chief Eyuoma.

    It was gathered that the development has been welcomed by many Itsekiri people who are presently in the palace jubilating over the Olu’s wise moves on the Ologbotsere of Warri title.

  • Bleak Christmas for Abuja residents as adult chicken costs N20k

    Bleak Christmas for Abuja residents as adult chicken costs N20k

    …broilers cost between N7k to N10k

    Due to the economic downturn in Nigeria, the prices of foodstuffs hit rooftop as adult chicken costs a whooping N20,000.00 barely 24hours to Christmas.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) in an on the spot assessment survey of cost of poultry meat discovered that buying chicken for this year’s yuletide is an exclusive for the rich.

    In the survey covering Gwarimpa, Dede, Kubwa, Dutse and Kagini the prices of poultry meat was alarming.

    An adult Brahma chicken in Gwarimpa market costs as much as N20,000.00 while the popular broiler goes for between N7500 and N14,000.00 while old layers are sold for between N5500 to N6500.

    One of the traders who spoke to TNG in Kubwa Village market, Mr Abu Adiga attributed the high cost of chicken to the cost of feeds which has made poultry farmers to increase the cost of chicken.

    He said” outside the cost of poultry feeds, insecurity too contributed alot as most farmers can’t easily access their farms without selling bandits.

    “All these factors and cost of transportation affected our market oga.

    TNG recalls that the poultry farmers earlier in the year raise an alarm that poultry feeds are becoming too expensive for them to run at a profit.

    In March the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) had said that the high cost of feeds is forcing its members out of job.

    The association lamented that the rising cost of consumables was dwindling their profit and making many farmers to quit the business.

    The Secretary of the Plateau chapter of PAN, Mrs Nanji Gambo, revealed this lamenting the situation.

    Gambo said that PAN had noticed a decline in its membership as a result of the high cost of feeds in recent times as they are operating at loss.

    She lamented that they are barely breaking even because of the exorbitant cost of feeds.

    “These farmers could not bear the high cost of feed and so they crashed out of their businesses,” said Gambo.

    She said that the association had formed several platforms to talk with farmers to encourage them to wait patiently for government intervention.

    This year’s yuletide definitely is for the rich to celebrate as the cost of chicken which is the meat for the season is beyond the common man.

  • O.B Lulu-Briggs Foundation kicks off yearlong 20th anniversary celebrations

    O.B Lulu-Briggs Foundation kicks off yearlong 20th anniversary celebrations

    The O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation will continue to fulfil its mission of implementing sustainable interventions that enhance the quality of life for under-served persons, Chairman of the Foundation, Dr Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs has said.

     

    She made the pledge during a special thanksgiving service held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday 21 September 2021 to commemorate and kick-off what will be a yearlong 20th anniversary celebration.

     

    The well-attended event also coincided with her 63rd birthday and the 13th anniversary of the Chapel of God International Worship Center over which she presides as Senior Pastor.

     

    “This is 63 years of God’s faithfulness in my life; 20 years of God’s grace in the life of the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation as we continue to serve mankind and 13 years of God saving lives through the Chapel of God.

     

    “Two decades of consistent and impactful interventions in the lives of under-served persons, across communities in Nigeria’s Niger Delta is a milestone accomplishment. We feel honoured by God to have been able to bring hope to thousands of families and many communities, we otherwise may not have reached,” Mrs. Lulu-Briggs said.

     

    On the impact of the Foundation’s work, Mrs. Lulu-Briggs said that “since 2005, through 34 Free Medical Missions it organized, the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation has provided high quality health services, including surgeries, to 132,591 men, women and children in rural and semi-urban Niger Delta communities.” Inmates of the Correctional Facilities in Port Harcourt are among beneficiaries of the Foundation’s Free Medical Missions which, she said, aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 that aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all age.

     

    Through its Access to Clean Water and Sanitation programme, according to Mrs. O.B. Lulu-Briggs, the Foundation has taken potable water to 33 communities across the Niger Delta region. It has also built and donated toilet and sanitary facilities to enhance public health and wellbeing.

     

    “So far, we have provided 10,450 households in 25 communities of the Niger Delta with access to potable water,” she said.

     

    “In the last 20 years, through our interventions in the education sector, we have empowered 1,316 persons with scholarships for formal education and training programs from Nursery to tertiary levels, including the Nigeria Law School. We have also provided funding to 30 teachers and trainers and built an Information Technology Centre for learning.”

     

    Visibly elated, Mrs. Lulu-Briggs expressed gratitude to all who have contributed to the success of the Foundation in the last twenty years.

     

    “We are grateful and humbled that, today, we can look back at 20 years of programming and appreciate the impact that we have achieved in touching and improving the health, well-being, and livelihoods of people in several communities on account of the boundless generosity of my husband of blessed memory, High Chief (Dr) O. B. Lulu-Briggs, OON, DCF, DSSRS, our grand benefactor. We trust that God will continue to enable this Foundation to work for humanity.

     

    “We wish to acknowledge and to thank, from the bottom of our hearts, all the people and entities that have supported our work over the years. Your support has been crucial to our success! Let me assure you that all that we have accomplished in the last 20 years is nothing compared to what we will achieve in the next twenty years.”

     

    The Presiding Pastor of the Thanksgiving Service, Pastor Dubem Okwuosa while commending Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs for her vision, asked the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation team to continue to draw its strength from God.

     

    On her part, Hilda Desmond-Ihekiare, Chairperson of the Rivers State Branch of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), one of the Foundation’s institutional partners said the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation has offered hope to many widows in the Niger Delta region through their partnership which provides free legal services to widows in Rivers State.

     

    According to a statement released by the Media Lead of the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, Barr. Oraye St. Franklyn, other activities lined up as part of the yearlong 20th anniversary celebration are a Free Eye Clinic held on 23rd of September 2021, which attracted thousands of beneficiaries from across Rivers State. A Free Legal Clinic is to hold on the 24th of November 2021 among other programmes to be unveiled in the course of the celebrations. According to Barr. St. Franklyn, an anniversary lecture, and gala night are scheduled to hold in February 2022, which would afford the foundation an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate its partners and volunteers.

     

    The O. B Lulu-Briggs Foundation was founded in 2001 by Mrs. Seinye O. B. Lulu-Briggs in the name of her beloved husband, High Chief (Dr.) O. B. Lulu-Briggs, OON, DCF, DSSRS, (1930-2018), to honour, celebrate and institutionalize his legendary giving.

     

    The Foundation’s mission is to implement sustainable interventions through these five programmes: Care for Life, also popularly called, Care for the Elderly; Free Medical Missions; Access to Clean Water and Sanitation; Education and Micro-credit and Entrepreneurship.