The Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has commiserated with the people of Afaraukwu Ibeku following the death of their traditional ruler HRM Eze Sir I. O. Kanu, the Egwu Ukwu II of Afaraukwu Ibeku, at the age of 86 years.

Describing his death as a rude shock, Ikpeazu in a release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu said the traditional ruler’s unwavering love and sterling contributions to the development of his community in particular, and Abia State in general, are well documented, adding that he left a lasting legacy and an indelible impression on the minds of Ndigbo everywhere in the world.

“Death is not the end of man but a necessary passage to a better place in eternity where there is no strife, sorrow or pain. Indeed, Papa has only gone to that better place, and in his usual manner while on earth here, he is praying for all of us from above, especially for the peace, unity and progress of not just his community but also of our State and Alaigbo.

“This should be our consolation so that his beloved family and community he left behind do not continue to weep since we all know that he is resting peacefully now”.

While praying for the soul of the deceased to rest in eternal glory, the Governor assured the family that the state will continue to help ameliorate their pains.

“As a government, we assure the family of late Eze Sir I.O. Kanu and Afaraukwu community of our continued support in all ways we can to help ameliorate the pains of his departure.

“Lastly, we pray that God in His infinite mercies grant the soul of our late Eze eternal rest. Amen!” he concluded.

President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja appealed to state governments to simplify the process of land ownership in their domains to enable more Nigerians access bank facilities for affordable homes.

Receiving the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) led by the chairman, Dr Uche Olowu, the President expressed concern on some challenges, such as land and other collateral related issues, hindering the banking industry’s ability to lend to the real sector.

“As a Government, we are also facing such challenges as part of our various affordable housing programmes. But I am urging State Governments to assist by simplifying and rationalising land matters,” he said.

Commending the banking industry for increasing their lending in key job-creating areas such as agriculture in the last four years, the President welcomed their collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria in this regard, noting that the partnership had been a “key anchor” to the food security programme of his administration.

“We can only feed ourselves by deploying capital to the right areas. I implore the banking community to keep this trend up, ” he said.

Affirming that the banking sector is critical to the economic development of any society, President Buhari said he is proud that Nigeria has the most vibrant, creative and innovative banking sector in Africa.

“Nigerian bankers have not only proved themselves in Nigeria alone but across the entire continent and in other parts of the world.

“I am proud when I visit African countries and see posters or branches of Nigerian banks. I will ask all your members to continue to be great Ambassadors of Nigeria as you expand within Africa and beyond, ” the President said.

In his remarks, Dr Olowu expressed gratitude to President Buhari for the plethora of interventions to drive inclusive growth in the country, through initiatives such as Anchor Borrowers Programme, the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative, and diligent progress in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, among others.

The chairman declared the Institute’s support for the current policy by the Federal Government to close Nigeria’s land borders.

He said the policy would protect and promote Made-in-Nigeria products as well as prevent the country from being used as a dumpsite for substandard products and other illicit cross border activities.

The Institute’s chairman also raised topical issues affecting the Nigerian economy especially the banking sector.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 6, 2019

The leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu has described former governor of Abia state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s ill- advised conviction over alleged fraud and money laundering as politically motivated.

Nnamdi Kanu in a statement made available to ABN TV on Thursday said he warned Senator Kalu that the northerners do not love the Igbos.

He said this is because of the pathological hatred Alimajiris have towards Biafrans (Igbos especially) because their industry and ingenuity expose their mediocrity.

He, however, described Kalu as one who is committed to one Nigeria.

The statement reads,

“I warned him when he came to see me in Kuje Prison that those illiterate unity begging Alimajiris from the desert don’t love him but he wouldn’t listen.”

“I warned him that Fulani caliphate will not rest until they conquer, subdue and enslave the entire East and West because of their sense of inferiority complex, but he wouldn’t listen.”

“I warned him of the pathological hatred these Alimajiris have towards Biafrans (Igbos especially) because our industry and ingenuity expose their mediocrity, but he wasn’t having it. He was a committed One Nigeria apologist.”

“I reminded him of what happened to Ken Saro Wiwa who like him believed so much in One Nigeria and ended up being killed by the same Alimajiri he served so dilligently against Biafra, but he wouldn’t listen.”

“Today they are picking them off one after the other because they know IPOB won’t fight for any Efulefu. If he had known what was to become of him, he would have done exactly what I told him during our meeting, join the nearest IPOB family and support the Biafra restoration project. Isn’t it ironic the only thing that will save Orji Uzor Kalu now is the coming of Biafra. Will Dave Umahi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Willie Obiano, Rochas Okorocha learn from this?”