Iwaji is for peace & development of Osina, HRM Igwilo, Orabugwueze

Success Damian:  

Ezedioramma, HRM, Eze O.S. Ben Igwilo the 3rd,  

Eze Osina of Osina recently in his palace during the Iwaji Eze (the traditional new yam festival) said the festival has brought cohesion, peace and development in his community. The same idea was echoed by Chief Sir Ernest Eze (Orabugwueze) and others. CYRIACUS NNAJI reports.

From Left:Chief  Kelechi Ejeagwu, Chief Tochukwu Nwankwo, Chief Ernest Eze, Chief Nduka Theodore Ohuche and Chif Chidozie Abanihe

A town in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, the Iwaji/New Yam Festival of Osina is held annually on August 3 and 4, a time to thank God for life, sustenance, peace and progress of the community.

The 2018 festival was different in so many ways with the crowning of 40 new cabinet members nicknamed Ndi oso eze achi, those who rule with the king. They were all red-capped on the occasion with mandate to support His Royal Majesty in the monarchical and ceremonial administration of the town.

Not done, the year’s Iwaji was also marked with the empowerment of the less-privileged in the town. Two tricycle were given out to two lucky winners while various items were also given out to widows and youths in the community.

Eze Igwilo in his speech said “Iwaji comes annually after the farming season, designed to foster socio-cultural interaction and fore It is used to do stock taking in the community. It is used to experience holiday from bustling and hustling nature of business life.

“Our community is known for peace and I want to encourage everyone to sue for peace. We should also be law abiding, we should love one another. These are virtues that promotes developmental efforts in our community,” Eze Igwilo stated.

On the empowerment he said “Many families have benefited from empowerment programmes designed during the iwaji festival. Assorted gifts items have been given out including bags of rice, clothes, motorcycle, tricycles (keke) etc. This year's own will not be different.

“During these festivals, a lot of talents have been discovered. Great farmers have showcased their great yield. Traditional wrestlers have emerged over the years. They go with their prizes. Dancers and beautiful maidens who contest in beauty/fashion contest have equally benefitted.

“May I inform us that this year's event is remarkable in the sense that some of our sons have been certified to be part of Ndi oso Eze achi in our community; they are not created to upset any known traditional institutions/bodies, but they are created to further boost their efforts in a positive way. They are to work in synergy and to complement the efforts of Eze in council, NDI Isi Ala, Ndi Nze, family chiefs, Sub kindred, kindred, village heads.

“They are expected to be promoters/champions of developments in the community. They are expected to be frontiers of unity, peace and progress. I therefore implore you all to celebrate with them, cooperate with them anytime to make our community the best in the comity of Nations,’ Igwilo stressed.

Speaking to The AUTHORITY on the occasion, Chief Sir Ernest Eze (Orabugwueze), Chairman of Osina Town Development Union Lagos Branch, one of the Oso Eze achi said he was very happy to be honoured and would do his best to assist the Eze to ensure that there is peace and development in Osina Community.

Eze who also goes by name Ide (Mayor) stated further “It is an honour, those of us that were selected are not the most intelligent or richest, but the Eze in his wisdom chose us; we will work with him and we assure him of our loyalty,” Eze said.

Chief Tochukwu Nwankwo (Omekannaya na Osina) Chairman Eluama Meeting Lagos Branch said “I am a member of Ndi Oso Eze achi of Osina Ancient Kingdom, I am excited, we are not the most educated or most respected, but perhaps it is based on the little assistance we render to the community. Again whenever the Eze calls on us, we always answer him without questioning.” He added that the beauty of the Oso eze achi is that the entire villages of Osina are fully represented.

For Kelechi Ejeagwu (Mbata Etuom) Chairman Osina Youth Convention Lagos Branch) said “It is a very great honour to be a member of Ndi oso eze achi; it is also an honour from God almighty.” He disclosed that one factor that qualified one to be a member of the group is one’s previous performances in the town, 

“You must be outspoken, truthful and a man of at least average character. You must have been deemed to promote the culture of the town and it is for peace. Ndi oso eze achi is also designed to partner with Eze to ensure that there is peace in the community.”

Other eminent Osina sons honoured were Chief Theodore Ohuche, Chidozie Abanihe, among others. 

NCP Crisis deepens, Presidential Primary holds, National Chairman asked to step down

Success Damian: 

The crisis within the National Conscience Party (NCP) appears to have no end in sight, this is the public perception as the party gets set for National Presidential Primaries holding in Abuja from September 28 – 30, 2018, even as the National chairman has been requested to step aside.

In a press release filed by the duo of Prince Goodluck Obi, National Deputy Chairman South-East and Pastor Peters Omoragbon, National Deputy Chairman South-South, the party national Chairman, Mallam (Dr.) Tanko Yunusa was asked to step aside.

This follows an investigation by NEC in session into the allegation of financial impropriety levied by a Presidential Aspirant (from the South-South) against one of the state executive committee with the full knowledge of both the National Chairman and General Secretary, which has just been formally brought to the attention of the National Deputy Chairman, South-South. 

According to the demands made by the aspirant, name (withheld) include:

“A demand that, Mallam (Dr.) Tanko Yunusa step aside as the

Chairman of the Party during the NEC meeting and duration of the entire proceedings of the Primaries because he is also an aspirant for fairness, justice and equity.”

He also relied on the party constitution for basis of his demand saying that “Article 4.4.2 (e), of the Party Constitution is relevant in this circumstance.”

According to the release some of the executive see the activities of the Chairman and Secretary as an infraction and that barely four (4) days before the commencement of the activities leading to the election of the Party Presidential flag bearer for the 2019 General Elections, members of NEC are yet to receive any update(s) concerning the planning and activities for this very special event, adding that no member of NEC has been inundated with any information as to whether a NEC meeting will hold before the Primaries.

“It is our sincere hope, that the secretariat is very much aware of the import of a Pre-Primaries NEC meeting to review the report of the Presidential Primaries’ Committee vis-a-vis, list of aspirants, the amount paid by every aspirants and also review/approve or otherwise other matters that may relate to Not Only the Presidential Primaries, but other Primaries from across the nation,” the release highlighted.

It also said “We are guided by Article 4.3.2 of the Party constitution in making this intervention.

“In line with the foregoing, we will want to request the National Secretary to include on the agenda for NEC intervention the followings:- A complete review/reversal of the exorbitant ‘’ Nomination fees’’ for all aspirants from the state and national elective offices unilaterally set up by the Secretariat without recourse to/approval of NEC. (Where this was done, we would appreciate a copy of the NEC minutes where this was approved)

“A full audited financial Statement of the Party account made available to all NEC members as submitted to INEC by the National Secretariat since 2012 without any discussion of approval of same by NEC. 

“An explanation by the National Chairman and General Secretary why the elected National Financial Secretary of the Party has been denied access to the Party accounts and refused to be made a signatory to the Party account since the 2015 National Congress held in Akure contrary to Articles 4.4.6 (a-f) of the Party constitution. Even when the elected National Financial Secretary petitioned NEC about this infraction and the denial of his constitutional roles, the National Secretary has refused to include the matter for discussion at subsequent NEC meetings. It must be noted that, Pastor Peters Omoragbon was once National Financial Secretary whilst Chief Gani Fawehinmi, (SAN) of blessed memory, Barrister Femi Aborisade were both Chairman and General Secretary. He was allowed unfettered access to the Party accounts. He signed every single check of the Party and in 2005 at the National Congress, a copy of the Bank Financial Statement from 2002 was distributed to all the delegates.

"A demand that, Mallam (Dr.) Tanko Yunusa step aside as the

Chairman of the Party during the NEC meeting and duration of the entire proceedings of the Primaries because he is also an aspirant for fairness, justice and equity," among other demands.

Benue State clinch top MWFAAN Young Entrepreneurs Award …..As Gateway Excel College led ten contenders

Success Damian:

Students of Gateway Excel College, Otukpa, Benue State, emerged the overall winner of the 2018, “Beyond School Community Challenge Competition, an initiative of Mandela Washington Fellow Alumni Association Nigeria (MWFAAN) designed to equip students with entrepreneurial skills through provision of solution to challenges facing their communities.

The Benue state students who worked under the team name, ‘Fabulous Explorer’, were rewarded with N250,000 cash prize in the form of a grant to execute their pet project

Team Mush Feeds, Students from Oregun Grammar School, Ibadan, Oyo State, and Team Aqua Me, Students from Baptism Boys High School, Abeokuta, Ogun State, came second and third respectively winning cash price of N100,000 and N50,000 in grants form each. 

The Mandela Washington Fellowship is an initiative of former US President, Barack Obama tagged Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) designed to empower young Africans to transform their society. Speaking on the rationale behind the initiative, President MWFAAN, Dr Segun Fatudimu said the programme is part of effort of the association to create opportunities for school children to proffer practical solutions to challenges in their communities instead of just talking about them.

“We realized that a topical Nigerian youth goes to school learn all the things he or she learns in school but finds it difficult to connect it to the real world, by implication, they are not thought how the Chemistry, Biology or Physics they learnt in school help them too solve the problems around their communities. “Nigeria has a lot of talents but the challenges is that these talents are not being harnessed and appropriately supported, so we thought of getting these children out, get their ideas out and in the public space.”

On his part, The Lead, Beyond the School Community Challenge, 2018, Mr. Ayodele Odeogbola said top 10 finalists from selected schools in six states across the country to compete for the grand prizes in the Beyond School Challenge final pitching competition. He described the programme as a national community development and entrepreneurship program for secondary school students, stressing that it aims to engage young people in Nigeria for the purpose of creating impact within their community and developing critical entrepreneurial skills.

According to him, over one thousand schools from across the country applied for participation but after a careful selection process made up of a review panel headed by independent industry experts from various sectors 10 schools secured slots to the grand finale held in Abuja.

In his keynote address, Culture Affairs Officer, US Embassy, Sterling Tilley, encouraged the young participants to look beyond the price.

“I hope you never forget the lessons of this competition which is that always you should try to find the opportunities in every challenge you may encounter in life, be the person that provides solutions to problems in your country,” he said. Commending MWFAAN on the initiative, said the scheme is an indication that US government’s investment in Nigerian youth is transiting a step down to the next generation.

Earlier, Publicity Secretary, MWFAAN, Margaret Nongo-Okojokwu​, told journalists that the event which includes the hosting of over 1000 active Nigerian youth leaders is conceived with the aim of creating collaborating actions that will promote sustainable national development through the Young Leaders Assembly.

She explained that vision of the program is to over time become like a local replica of the United Nations’ youth assembly where young leaders, including young civic leaders, entrepreneurs, public managers, activists and student leaders working to promote national development and the sustainable development goals are recognized and celebrated.

Media Tour: NURHI revisits Family Planning facilities to monitor performance

some consumables donated by NURHI for Family Planning
Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI) renovated and commissioned Family Planning clinics in selected LGA in Lagos. In line with this, it is expected that there would be an improvement in maternal health care services delivery in these centres. Hence the media tour to Primary Health Centre at Ajeabo, Mushin and that of Palm Avenue in that same Mushin LGA on Thursday 20th, September. CYRIACUS NNAJI reports.

The media tour to NURHI2 72hrs make-over clinics in Mushin suburb has also shown the efforts by the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI2) to ensure family planning is embraced by everyone. The two PHCs was renovated in August 2017 by a 72-hours make-over activity by the group. This is a three days renovation of family planning units in Primary health centres, and it’s usually done from Friday to Sunday. Some of the renovation done includes; replacing the old chairs, tables, equipment, beds and other tools used for family planning services as well as painting the unit to give it a face lift. This was done by NURHI 2 to encourage women to come for family planning services.

In Ajeabo PHC, Akinkuowo Feyi Bridget, the Nursing Officer in Charge of family planning unit said, before the intervention of NURHI 2, there clients were 60 women and below in a month but after the intervention in a month they recorded 176 clients and still counting. She added that NURHI 2 provides them with family planning consumables monthly. Furthermore, for clients coming for the first time to get family planning service, they counsel them and tell them the methods that best suits them before giving them the method. She showed DevComs team some of the family planning methods that were available like the female and male condom, Implants, Injectable, IUCD, beads- which is a natural method.

When asked about the challenges they face she said  family planning unit challenge is a general one which is lack of manpower, she said this is not the work of NURHI 2 but government should endeavor to bring in more hands to work as clients are increasing to make it a lot easier, she also stated that the only issue they have with clients are those who uses implant for the first time, that when they come back they give a lot of complain which are always looked into and also explaining to them that it’s a foreign object that is coming to the body so it will need a change in the body system for it to balance or adapt to the new object in the body.

Akinkuowo also highlighted some benefits of family planning as it helps to prevent unplanned pregnancy, it gives long life and good health. The community mobilisers also play an important role by creating awareness during their outreaches on the benefits of family planning.

A family planning user, Fausiat Balogun from Ajeabo PHC who gave another positive account of how family planning has been beneficial to her, she mentioned that she’s on implanon and has no side effect since she started using it although she got scared when she wanted to go for it but with the positive comments of Implanon users she met at the fp clinic on arrival gave her confidence. The only thing she notice is that she hasn’t seen her menstruation as she is still breastfeeding her baby and if after she stops breastfeeding her period doesn’t come she’ll go back to ask questions from the health care provider.

Moving down to Palm Avenue PHC, the story just got interesting as every of their consumables are free unlike before where they’ll tell the women to get some things like Jik, Dettol, gloves and other things before the family planning service is being rendered, these were the words of the Senior Nursing Officer in charge of family planning, Ihavbare Omotayo. She said NURHI 2 provides every of the methods every month and if they exhaust it before the following month, they’ll call them and it will be supplied as soon as possible.

She added that men walk in to the facility to request for condoms and also approve of their wives to use family planning method. Also speaking, a family planning user who goes by the name Adebowale Adesewa a 35 year old trader whom we met at the PHC said she came for a renewal of implanon. She further said it was good for her and she doesn’t have any problem with it as she mentioned that family planning will help to reduce unnecessary abortion or unwanted pregnancy.

Mandela Washington Fellows Alumni hosts Young Leaders Assembly

Success Damian:

Mandela Washington Fellows Alumni Association of Nigeria is set to host over 1000 active Nigerian youth leaders with the goal of collaborating actions that will promote sustainable national development through the Young Leaders Assembly.

President, Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN), Dr Segun Fatudimu, in a statement says that the ‘‘vision of the program is to over time become like a local replica of the United Nations’ youth assembly where young leaders including young civic leaders, entrepreneurs, public managers, activists and student leaders working to promote national development and the sustainable development goals are recognized and celebrated.’’

According to him, ‘‘the summit with the theme: Paradigm shift; Creating a youth-led development agenda for Nigeria will feature 3 powerful keynote speeches, 3 Panel Sessions, 1 set of syndicate sessions and an action plan development session. This summit will also feature the Beyond School Community Challenge grand finale and the President Barack Obama’s Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Awards presentation which will hold in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on the 22nd of September, 2018.

‘‘Invited guests and speakers include Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Mr Tonye Cole of Sahara Energy, Governor Godwin Obaseki, Mrs Tara Durotoye of House of Tara, Doctor Amy Jadesimi of LADOL and the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Symington.’’

Dr Segun further explained that ‘‘the project is envisioned strategically to position Nigerian youths on the pivotal roles in the realization of Sustainable Development Goals in all critical sectors of the economy by 2030 through a coordinated infusion of entrepreneurial and leadership skills through YALI network.’’

He explained that the Beyond School Community Challenge will host the top 10 finalists selected schools and students to compete for the grand prizes in the Beyond School Challenge final pitching competition.

‘‘As a national community development and entrepreneurship program for secondary school students, it aims to engage young people in Nigeria for the purpose of creating impact within their community and developing critical entrepreneurial skills. The program further seeks to inspire students to improve their communities through entrepreneurial action. Each finalist team is made up of 3 high school students with a teacher. Each team will be tasked to provide an innovative idea or solution in their community within the framework of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.’’

Further explaining, the MWFAAN President said the finalists would be transported, accommodated in Abuja and fed by the BSC team for all the duration of their stay. There would be a mentoring session and dinner for the finalists by selected Mandela Washington Fellows.

According to him, ‘‘the 2018 finalists would be taking on-site the Ventures Platform, a tour of important places in Abuja and visits to selected Fellow’s startups and organizations. Finalists would also attend an exclusive networking dinner alongside the YALI leadership Awardees and will be attended by Mandela Washington Fellows and representatives of other notable youth networks and organizations in Abuja.’’

The project is supported and funded by the US Embassy, Abuja and IREX.

Schneider Electric bridges Technological gap, launches ultra-modern learning centre in UI

Success Damian:

In its consistent push to deepen competence and further bridge the gap between the industry and education sector, Schneider Electric Nigeria has commissioned an ultra-modern learning centre at the Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan.

The lack of collaboration between Nigerian universities research centres and industries has been described by industry watchers as the bane of development and affecting economic growth in the country, hence the promising partnership to empower youths to become the skilled workforce needed to solve Nigeria’s power challenges.

Speaking at the commissioning, the General Manager Schneider Electric, Anglo-Phone West Africa, Mr. Balaji Lenka said Schneider in Nigeria aims to bridge the gap between technical education and current industry requirements; as well as to empower youths to gain up-to-date skills to build the competent workforce to solve Nigeria’s power challenges.

According to Lenka “The origin of the project was to empower young Nigerians by bridging the gap between the industry and academia.

“We do this by bringing modern equipment into the university and of course, we train the trainers to use them and also training the students as well,” he said.

Further he said, the University of Ibadan was chosen because of what he described as being proactive in driving collaborations by reserving a space exclusively for Schneider Electric laboratory.

While expressing gratitude and excitement at this gesture, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Oluyinka said the partnership is geared towards building capacity for UI students to leverage on the expertise and opportunities provided by Schneider Electric, a major global player in Power, Automation and Software.

The laboratory named Schneider Electric Learning Centre was commissioned by the Vice Chancellor Professor, with the Dean of the Faculty of Technology, Professor Kolawole Ogedengbe and the Schneider Electric team in attendance.

Atiku has wisdom to restructure Nigeria, Kalu

Chief (Dr.) Emeka Charles Kalu is former Governorship Aspirant in Abia State under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and lately the Director General of Articulated Agenda 2019. In this interview with SUCCESS DAMIAN he speaks on why His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is the most qualified aspirant for the 2019 Presidential Election. He said Restructuring, which Atiku stands for, is the only panacea for peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

You once contested election as Abia State governor under APGA. Why are you not contesting again?

Well, Abia state is in good hands, Dr Okezie Ipkazu is a man that God anointed to make Abia a great state, if the Governor haven't shown that he is capable trust me I will be on the ballot. Abians should be grateful to God for giving them someone like Okezie Ikpeazu. I have gone round the state, and I will authoritatively tell you that he is a God sent.

Look at the infrastructural development, look at the roads, look the youths. This is the only Governor who has taken Abia youths abroad to go and perfect on their areas of specialty.

Why did your allegiance shift from APGA at a time the party is waxing stronger in the South East?

First of all I must tell you that I am a core PDP and my boss is also in PDP; I will have to follow him to the party. But aside that, the PDP has core values that is attractive to one who has the interest of the whole nation at heart. For instance, PDP is a wholly nationalist party whose aims and values target overall improvement of the people of Nigeria, not sectional.

PDP is all-embracing, and is the party that ran the most dynamic democracy in black Africa for 16 years. There is no way any party can beat that.

Would you give a shot at the governorship again in future or consider another electoral position?

When that times comes, then we will see how it goes. For now, I am occupied to make sure that my Boss gets nomination of our great Party, hence the entire nation knows that Atiku Abubakar is the messiah that has been sent by God to fix our Great nation. He is the only man that understands that restructuring is paramount to making Nigeria to work again, the one that knows that youth needs a gainful employment , the one that knows that the common Nigerian needs not just to survive, but to excel, the one that knows that creating jobs is imperative to drive down impunity and crime.

What gave rise to your formation of the Atikulated Agenda 2019 and what informed your passion for the Atiku Presidency?

Atikulated Agenda 2019 is a divine name that was planted by God as a political Pressure Movement to foster change in Nigeria come 2019, because our country has become filled up with Impunity, Tyranny and all sorts of the undesirables. What we have today is a military style government, that is why we are throwing our support to Alhaji Atiku Abubabkar, a detrabalised  Nigerian, the one that can unite the states of Nigeria, the one that will make Nigeria work again, the one that will rebrand our image overseas.

Many have been commenting on the recent public weeping by Atiku. People see it as one of those public shows by politicians just to whip up sentiments in their favour. What is your view on it?

See, I must tell you this now- Atiku is a good man, and he does not do shows. If you truly know him well, he is not like other people that always come to the level of the masses during only electioneering period, Atiku cried because he was shocked that the supports groups will purchase his nomination and expression of interest  forms. It is nothing but tears of joy that he is loved so much. Let us give him credit, some of these wolf politicians even arrange such things, you never see any sign of humility in them, rather you will know that all they do is just to gain cheap popularity of the masses that they are down to earth. Nigerian politicians should emulate Atiku for being truly concerned about our future.

President Donald Trump was recently quoted as describing President Muhammad Buhari as a lifeless President. What is your take on this?

Well, lets just say that President Donald Trump is a fine man and a great leader, he is a reasonable man, and he calls a spade a spade, he is not a president that will sit down and watch the citizens been killed in cold blood by groups known as herdsmen, or whatever they are known to be, neither is he a president that calls his youths lazy. Trump is a man I cherish so much and will continue to respect him.

How would you assess the three years of the Buhari administration and to what extent has he delivered on his campaign promises?

Did you say,  last three years of this administration, I will tell you that it has been a big wasteful three years , there is nothing to show. Things have gone on top of the roof, inflation on all items, corruption in all sectors of the government, impunity is the order of the day, our freedom of speech have been violated, I cannot see anything to justify this administration, all capital projects are politicized when it should be what is expected from the government. Security is now on Negative Zero, no jobs for newly graduates, rather crime rate has increased astronomically. Its only in Nigeria that you will see some driving vehicles with security in front and back. What do you call that? I travel all over the world, I haven't seen anything like that, all promises given to Nigerians in the name of campaign none have been redeemed, no single one at all. The entire Nigeria have seen and have been affected by the bad government of Baba Buhari, we need to turn things around with someone that have experience, a person that can make our great country work again. That is why we at Atikulated Agenda 2019 movement are supporting Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, given his antecedents and his success as a private entrepreneur, at least he is a man of his words, look at his achievements as Vice President. 

A cross-section of the public has been pointing as former President Olusegun Obasanjo as Atiku Abubakar's major obstacle on his way to Aso Rock. What efforts are being made by your principal to resolve the issues between him and his former boss?

As far as I am concerned, Atiku does not have any problem with Obasanjo, all these you hear in the media are all rumors and if anyone feels that he has Problems with Atiku the person needs to go and settle with their God because Atiku is a peaceful man. And as far as I have known him, he is a peace maker, and a great builder and that's why I call him Mr. Fix It.

What gives you the confidence that Atiku will bag the PDP presidential ticket considering his very formidable opponents at the primary?

Atiku is the only one that has the capacity to send Baba Buhari back to Daura, he has the experience, and also he is widely accepted by Nigerians, the one that God gave the wisdom to restructure Nigeria, don't forget about the recent IPOB demonstrations. Nigeria needs restructuring and Atiku is the one that has it as his number one agenda.

PDP must know that if they get it wrong this time, then we shall become opposition party for another 4 years. The time is now, I am not saying the other candidates are not good, but we have to look beyond being good, and go for the best, that fits the order of the day. You know how this government functions right, they will approach you with a dossier and make you act like a wimp, not remembering that power is transient. Look at former Governor of Akwa Ibom, do you really think he went to APC because he loves them? Hell no. Its just a government of tyranny, many others went to APC for one problem or the other, yet they say they fight corruption, if we need a new government that is free of all these nonsense lets embrace Atiku if not mark today's date we shall remain as opposition party .   

Atiku begs South-West, promises restructuring

Success Damian:

Former Vice President and Presidential Aspirant under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has pleaded with the South-West Geo-political Zone of Nigeria to forgive him of any wrong doing when he was on the saddle as Vice President.

Atiku made that statement while addressing party faithful at the PDP Secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos on Monday. He reiterated his commitment to restructuring the country if given the mandate to lead the nation, adding that a restructured Nigeria would not only ensure equity, peace and justice, it would engender competition and even development.

The Turaki of Adamawa, amidst a tumultuous crowd also stated that he is going to accomplish the restructuring programme of his administration in six months.

Atiku lamented that the present government under the All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed the country woefully.

He also said the party need to work hard to reclaim the South West. “Today, we have lost the entire southwest to APC. I want you to forgive me for leaving Lagos out. Giving the opportunity to serve I will correct the mistakes I made before.

“I have never seen this country suffer insecurity than now. I believe that if I come back, there will be unity which we have enjoyed under PDP but shattered under APC, because we elected a government so insensitive to the people's plight,” Atiku said.

He spoke further, “If given the opportunity, we will make things happen in this country. This is one of the most important elections we are going to be having in this country because our future depends on it, by not return APC to power.

“If we continue in this state of affairs in this country, that means we are going to suffer. Don't let anybody deceive you. We must unite in capacity and strength to take the leadership from APC,” Atiku stated.

According to Hon (Dr.) Victor David Enweruzo, Lagos Coordinator for Articulated Agenda 2019, Atiku’s message of Restructuring is significant, “Atiku would correct whatever mistakes he must have made in the past if given the mandate.”

He said “The people have shown him love with the crowd and they are ready to support.” He added that the visit was a success and that out of the numerous visits Atiku has made to Lagos State, the day’s visit was the best.

National Director for Research and Planning, Articulated Agenda 2019, Hon. Gbenga Talabi said listening to Atiku, it gives Nigerians the confidence that Atiku is the right person to become president of Nigeria in 2019.

He stated “Artikulated Agenda from the beginning sees Atiku as the man that can make a difference which can change Nigeria to better country, I believe we are on the right part. And hopefully our Principal will carry the day.”

Atiku was welcomed triumphantly into Lagos as all the PDP stakeholders from the Southwest, Southeast and South South trooped en mass with members adorned in different Atiku support t-shirts

The entourage to the venue comprised about 27 former ministers, Party bigwigs, including Atiku Campaign Director, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the former Governor of Ogun State who sated that APC is already divided. “A house that is divided among itself is bound to fail, for us the only thing to do is to remain together.”

According to Chief Orubebe “I said that I am not going to support any candidate until I see one. The only person I saw now is Atiku, don't allow anyone to rule you unless Atiku,” Orubebe said.