Everything about Orji Uzoh Kalu, a former governor of Abia State points to the fact that he was born under a lucky star.
His inspiring journey began when he became the President of the Students Union Government (SUG) in his days at the University of Maiduguri.
Three years after, he graced the covers of some national dailies when he was appointed the Chairman of Borno Water Board at 25.
Fate, again, shot him to the limelight when he was appointed the Chairman of Cooperative and Commerce Bank at the young age of 27 and at 28, he was made the Chairman of Imo State Marketing Agency.
But the crowning glory was when, by providence, he became the Governor of Abia State at 39.
Prior to his emergence as the then number 1 citizen in Abia State, Kalu had hugged success, to the envy of others.
Typical of all successful men in history, he is not insulated against challenges.
His political career had once suffered a setback of a sort. At that time, some had predicted the collapse of his business empire.
But he bounced back like a hero. Today, he is not only an elected Senator, he is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with in the political climate around the country.
In all of this, he is very much appreciative of the unseen hand of God in his life.
For this, he himself has committed his life to the service of humanity. In line with avowed commitment, Kalu recently purchased 450,000 palm seedlings for distribution to farmers in the state.
Speaking at the launch of the seedlings at his Igbere country home in Bende Local Government Area, Kalu said that the initiative was his own support to President Muhammadu Buhari’s policy to revolutionize agriculture in Nigeria.
He also said that the initiative was designed to encourage Abia farmers to go into palm plantation and other cash crops in order to create wealth.
“This is a sure way of creating wealth among the people of Abia. It is better than sharing money to them,” he said.
He stated that the seedlings would be given to those with proof of ownership of family land for the palm plantation.
Kalu, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress in the state said the distribution would cut across party lines, adding that “The period of electioneering is over. Now is the time to give the dividend of democracy to our people, irrespective of their party affiliations.
“When the foundation distributed vehicles under its youth empowerment scheme, it cut across the part line. It was non-partisan.
“The only criterion for qualification is proof of ownership of family land.”
He further stated that the size of the family land would determine the quantity of seedling to be given to people.
“If you have 100 hectares of land, you will get the quantity for that size. If you have 10 hectares, you will also be given the quantity for the size of the land,” Kalu said.
The former Abia governor, who recalled that he distributed free palm seedlings to secondary school children during his administration urged the recipients to utilize the opportunity to create wealth and become self-reliant.
Kalu said that the dependence on importation of palm from Thailand and Malaysia would drastically reduce by the time people would begin to harvest the fruits of the palm.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have killed the abductors of Folashade Odumosu, the wife of former Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this to Channels TV on Thursday morning, said the victim also regained her freedom on Wednesday.
The retired AIG’s wife was kidnapped last Thursday at the entrance of her residence in Arepo, Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Society Reporters learned that the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, led the operation that rescued the retired AIG’s wife.
The kidnappers whisked the victim through a swampy area to an unknown destination after dragging her out of her SUV.
Giving an update on the matter, Adejobi said the operatives also recovered the ransom paid to the kidnappers as bait.
However, he refused to disclose the amount paid to the kidnappers or where exactly the victim was rescued.
The Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (NPF EOD-CBRN) has successfully completed the first batch of training for 19 personnel on Ammunition Handling and Accounting Course. The training, held in Ikeja, Lagos, from December 3-20, 2024, was organized by The HALO Trust and sponsored by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
According to The HALO Trust’s Country Director for Nigeria, Prince Ganiyu Otunba, this training is part of aholistic NPF-HALO developed project aimed at supporting personnel capacity building, addressing equipment needs, and enhancing the operational readiness of the NPF EOD-CBRN Command to mitigate explosive ordnance threats in Nigeria. A second batch of 22 personnel is scheduled to undergo the same training in January.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM, through the CP EOD–CBRN CP Patrick Atayeroexpressed gratitude to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs andThe Trust HALO for their support.
The training aimed to equip NPF EOD-CBRN personnel with the knowledge, skills, and best practices necessary to handle and account for ammunition and explosives safely and securely. The course also focused on ensuring proper accounting and record-keeping, preventing theft and diversion, reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites, and promoting international best practices.
The NPF appreciates the support provided by the United States government, which will have a profoundly positive impact on the society.
CP Patrick Atayero emphasized the importance of responsible ammunition management in preventing the proliferation of illicit weapons and reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate with the Police in efforts to prevent the diversion, misuse, and unauthorized handling of explosive and other hazardous materials.
About HALO
The HALO Trust is the world’s largest humanitarian organization engaged in the field of Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management. With over 35 years’ experience, The HALO Trust is the most experienced organization in the field of Weapons and Ammunition Management, rehabilitating and constructing armouries and ammunition stores to international standards, disposing of unsafe and unserviceable weapons and ammunition, and building national capacity to allow for the safe, accountable and secure management and control of weapons and ammunition.
The HALO Trust presently implements Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management projects in 30 countries and territories. In 2024, HALO trained a total of 106 Nigeria security forces personnel in weapons and ammunition management.
The much-anticipated movie series Seven Doors by Femi Adebayo has finally premiered, currently showing on Netflix, captivating audiences with its intricate storytelling and compelling characters.
The movie begins with a haunting scene of seven women under a mysterious spell leaping to their deaths from a waterfall, setting the tone for a gripping tale that unravels in Ilara Kingdom.
The series explores various societal issues, including corruption, greed, gluttony, family values, malicious conspiracies, and the delicate balance of law and order.
Central to its plot is the calamitous fate of Oba Adedunjoye, the Onilara of Ilara, whose failure to perform traditional rites—symbolised by knocking on seven doors—unleashes devastating consequences on his kingdom.
At the heart of this chaos is Esusu, a malevolent and exiled villain whose return wreaks havoc.
Esusu, a ni ohun t’Eledumare o ni.
Eledumare o ni ika, ika ni Esusu
The character of Esusu, pivotal to the story’s depth, is masterfully brought to life by Aliu Gafar.
Gafar’s first appearance, late in Episode 2, immediately shifts the narrative, introducing a chilling force that spares no one, not even the royal family. His commanding portrayal encapsulates the essence of Esusu, a man whose wickedness defies comprehension.
The backstory reveals Esusu’s sinister pact with Ọba Adejuwọn, an ancestor of Adedunjoye.
Desperation led Adejuwon to seek Esusu’s help to evade death—a move that came at an unthinkable cost, forgetting that bi alọ ba lọ, abọ nbọ (a pendulum that swings to is still coming to swing fro).
Esusu’s return demanded not only royal treatment but the freedom to live as he pleased, challenging the very fabric of the kingdom.
Gafar embodies this complex character with remarkable precision, delivering a performance that is both chilling and unforgettable.
With almost two decades in Nollywood, Aliu Gafar has solidified his reputation as a versatile and dedicated actor.
His extensive filmography includes acclaimed productions such as Jagun Jagun, Anikulapo, Iyalode, Eefin, and Omo Ajele.
His role in Seven Doors further cements his legacy as a master of his craft, showcasing his ability to seamlessly portray multifaceted characters.
The Yoruba actor has also garnered accolades for his work, including the Best Actor award at the Dallas International Yoruba Movies Awards for his role in Peregun.
His commitment to the industry and his talent for captivating performances continue to make him a force to be reckoned with in Nollywood.
In Seven Doors, Gafar’s nuanced performance as Esusu elevates the series, demonstrating his ability to command attention and bring depth to a complex narrative.
His contribution to the Nigerian film industry remains invaluable, and his portrayal of Esusu is a testament to his enduring excellence.
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