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Esama @89: WMA President, Enabulele Receives Historic 100 Years-Old Bronze Artefact

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The President of the World Medical Association (WMA), Dr. Osahon Enabulele, has described the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion as a man of many parts who has positively impacted on the lives of so many people.

The WMA President made this commendation when he paid a special visit to the Esama of Benin to felicitate with him on his 89th birthday and to also brief him on the various activities he has so far undertaken in his position as President of the World Medical Association.

Thanking the grace of God in the life of the Esama, Dr. Enabulele said the birthday celebrant was one of the few Nigerians who had a passionate commitment to the growth and development of his state and country.

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He stated that unlike some other privileged Nigerians who only invest outside the shores of Nigeria, the celebrant uniquely had most of his investments in Edo State and Nigeria, with positive impact on the local environment.

He averred that Nigeria needed more patriotic people of his lilk to positively turn around the fortunes of Nigeria.

“Esama is a unique philanthropist who lives here with us; supports local institutions, promotes healthcare, education, broadcasting, and business.’’

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“Chief Esama is an outstanding man with luminous legacies we are all very proud of. He is inimitable and has touched so many lives with resultant blessings of God.”

“We can see the manifestation of God’s blessings in Chief Igbinedion’s life. We can see that Chief Igbinedion is still looking very young; that is the grace of God in his life. Our prayer for him is to continually look young, even as he advances in age.’’

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“I am happy that I came to see the Esama today. We pray God to continually grant him quality life because he still has a lot to do to touch and better the lives of others.’’

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While thanking the Esama for his valuable pieces of advice, prayers, blessings and support for his tenure as WMA President, Dr. Enabulele intimated the Esama with some of his strides as WMA President, some developments in the health sector, as well as the efforts of the World Medical Association in addressing some of the challenges confronting global health.

The highlight of the visit was the Esama’s presentation of a 100-year-old bronze artefact inherited from his late father, to the WMA President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele.

Presenting the bronze artefact to Dr. Enabulele, Chief Esama, in his words, said “I present this 100-year-old bronze artefact which I inherited from my late father, as a gift to you from my heart. I took it from my own archive.

“In my whole life, there are only two prominent people I have ever given this bronze artefact to; Yourself and one Emir in the North. I really cherish you and all your great achievements in life.”

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Expressing his gladness over the special visit by the WMA President, Chief Igbinedion stated thus: “When I saw you, I was excited with great joy. I was very happy that you came to visit me, and to celebrate with me. Being an excellent son of Benin, Edo State, and Nigeria, you have made the Benins, Edos and Nigerians proud. With the impact you have created, every Benin and Edo Son and daughter, and indeed every Nigerian, will feel very proud to stand anywhere in the World. God bless you always.”

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Coastal Highway: DStv, GOtv Customers To Experience Service Disruptions

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DStv and GOtv customers in Nigeria have been notified to expect disruption in service from Sunday, May 5, to Tuesday, May 7, due to the ongoing construction project on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

In a notice shared on social media on Friday, DStv assured customers that its technical team will be working to relocate its facility and minimise service disruptions during the process.

The statement read, “Our uplink facility will be impacted by the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road construction project. As a result, we are forced to relocate.

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“From Sunday, May 5, 2024 to Tuesday May 7, 2024, our technical team will be working tirelessly to relocate and minimise disruptions during the exercise.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period and remain dedicated to delivering the quality service and support you expect from DStv and GOtv.”

The PUNCH reports that demolition for the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway commenced on Monday.

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According to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, the duration of the construction is eight years, and it will be constructed for N15trn.

 

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12 Years After: Ex-Eagles, Fans Celebrate Late Yekini

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Former Super Eagles players and football enthusiasts on Saturday paid tribute to Nigeria’s all-time top scorer, Rashidi Yekini, 12 years after he passed on at 48 after a protracted illness, The PUNCH reports.

The late Yekini was reportedly kidnapped shortly before he passed away, and the cause of his death is still unclear.

Despite his sad ending over a decade ago, there is pride in the achievements of the 1993 African Footballer of the Year, yet sadness at his death and anger at the way he had been treated by the government and football authorities.

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Super Eagles coach George Finidi, who made an assist for the late Yekini to score against Bulgaria at the 1994 World Cup in the USA, Nigeria’s first goal in the history of the tournament, said he still feels sad over his untimely death.

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“His passing was sad for everyone,” Finidi said in an exclusive chat with Sunday Punch.

“Over the years, I have spoken about him, our connection on the field, and what he did for Nigeria as a player. May his soul rest in peace.”

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Former Eagles coach and captain, Sunday Oliseh, a teammate of Yekini, also said his legacies will always be a benchmark for emerging Nigerian players.

The late Yekini deserves to always be remembered for all he did for our country,” Oliseh told The PUNCH.

“He gave his all to our country, and his exploits are there for us all to see for others to emulate and learn from. May his soul continue to rest.”

“Yekini is definitely one of the best African players and legends to ever walk this earth. Rashidi was full of pace, had a superb shot, could jump very high, and was calm in front of goal. Above all, he was a very loveable person once you got to know and understand him.”

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Ace journalist Oluwashina Okeleji also took to his X handle to eulogise the former Victoria Setubal striker.

Today (Saturday) marks the 12th anniversary of Rashidi Yekini’s death.

“Football lost 1993 African Footballer of the Year Rashidi Yekini at the age of 48. He was Nigeria’s top scorer with 37 goals in 58 games. There was pride in his achievements, sadness at his death, and anger at the way he was treated by some.”

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His former club, Gateway United, also joined other Nigerians in celebrating the legacy of Yekini.

Reflecting on Yekini’s illustrious career and his brief stint with Gateway United in 2005, the club’s acting general manager, Niyi Soleye, said, “Rashidi Yekini was not only a prolific goal scorer but also a gentleman that was respected by teammates and opponents alike. His 37 goals for Nigeria remain unmatched, a testament to his talent and dedication.”

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Soleye fondly recalled Yekini’s time at Gateway United, describing it as a pivotal moment for the club and their supporters.

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I vividly remember his arrival like it was yesterday. As club secretary then, it was an honour to witness such a calibre of player joining us. He seamlessly adapted to our style, boosting morale both on and off the pitch.”

“While his passing in 2012 under controversial circumstances was tragic, his legacy continues to inspire future Nigerian footballers.”

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We’ve Earmarked N1bn Naira Monthly To Feed Edo People – Obaseki

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Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, says his administration has earmarked nothing less than N1bn Naira monthly to feed vulnerable Christians in the state in the next three months.

This is as he said a similar programme has been mapped out for people in the Muslim faith in the state.

Obaseki disclosed this during the official flag-off of phase one of Edo State Food Support Programme also known as Christian Feeding Programme in Benin City.

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The Governor, who said he was worried by the rising number of people who cannot afford a square meal in a day in the state, said he had to call Christian leaders in the state on how best to address the alarming situation.

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Obaseki said in order not to make it look political, he decided not to involve political office holders, but Christian leaders in reaching out to vulnerable Christians in the state.

The Governor who added that the state government already had data of the vulnerable in the state database, said the means of reaching out to them maximally was the issue, hence using churches to reach out to them.

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He said: “I was worried by the rising number of people who cannot afford a square meal in a day. So, I thought to myself how do we solve this problem. This is not politics I told myself.

“I then called the chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and some of the blockheads to a meeting and explained to them what I intended to do. So, that’s how we put our heads together to come up with this programme.”

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Obaseki added: “I told them this is the amount of money I will be giving you every month. I’ll give you a billionaire monthly for three months first. At least, Let us try this for the first three months.”

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The governor said the programme was not just to feed the vulnerable, but also together more data about people in the state on how the government can create employment for them and how the government can render help where necessary.

Earlier, in his remarks, Chairman of the Organising Committee who also doubles as the Chairman, CAN,
Apostle Irekpono Omoike, while thanking the governor for the initiative, said 10kg of 60,000 bags of rice have been purchased for onward distribution to the three senatorial districts in the state.

According to him, 27,000 bags of the 10kg would be distributed to the seven local government areas in Edo South, 15 bags to Edo Central and 18 bags to Edo North.

Further giving the breakdown, Omoike said 3, 000 bags would be distributed to each local government across the 18 local government areas, summing upto 54,000 bags, while the remaining 6,000 bags would be distributed to churches not captured under CAN.

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