PRESS STATEMENT

I extend heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the last Saturday’s off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi and Imo States, Governor-elect Usman Ododo and the re-elected incumbent, Sen. Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC). These victories signify the people’s endorsement of their leadership, and entrusting them with the responsibility of steering their respective states towards prosperity and progress.

These elections underscore the increasing trust in our electoral processes. These processes affirm the democratic gains and highlighted the ongoing improvements in our electoral system. The peaceful conduct of the elections reflects our political maturity and determination to eliminate violence throughout the electoral process.

Acknowledging the complexities of our democratic journey, it is gratifying to note that, despite isolated disturbances, these elections uphold the core tenets of our democratic values.

In applauding the winners, I commend the diligent efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). INEC’s unwavering commitment to improvement was evident in the commendable performance during the Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa elections. We anticipate the commission sustaining this impressive trajectory as we strive to meet the aspirations of our people for enhanced progress.

Special commendation is due to our security agencies for their crucial role in ensuring the observed peace. Their dedication inspires confidence in citizens that their lives and property are secure during elections. This marked a notable advancement in our electoral system.

I express gratitude to Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for fostering a level playing field for all political parties. These elections, being the first under Mr. President’s current term, showcased a commitment to decent governance and credible electoral processes, representing a remarkable improvement.

Appreciation is also extended to the youth corps members (NYSC) who served as ad hoc staff and electoral officers. Their integrity and accountability in fulfilling this national duty exemplify true patriotism.

I congratulate our great party, the APC. The national leadership’s dedication to reinforcing and promoting our political ideologies, particularly under President Tinubu, has strengthened the party’s acceptability and resilience. Let these victories propel us forward in upcoming elections. We must also be ready to ensure that the people benefit from the gains of democracy.

These recent elections should serve as catalysts for further improvement. We remain united in nurturing our electoral process toward perfection. Democracy has triumphed once again.

I rejoice with our great party, the APC, once again.

Signed:

Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON

Governor, Ondo State.

November 13, 2023.

CSR NEWS: JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC AGAIN PARTNERS FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER ABUJA FOR CARDIAC MEDICAL INTERVENTION TO SAVE CHILDREN

Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, within the company’s corporate social responsibility policy, has in a compassionate intervention for the second time, partnered with the Federal Medical Centre Abuja for a Cardiac Surgery Mission to provide care to patients who could not otherwise afford the sensitive medical procedure.

In an earlier intervention and assistance by Julius Berger in June of this year, the company funded the same cardiac surgical procedure for five patients; children whose ages ranged from 10 months, 18 months, 2 years to 12 years.

Financial expenditure per patient in the Julius Berger sponsored operations last June included hospital admission and investigations, operation consumables and anaesthesia drugs, intensive care unit fee, and post-operation drugs.

For the second tranche of the Julius Berger sponsored cardiac surgical interventions to save children’s lives at the Federal Medical Centre Abuja, a list of seven children aged between 12 months, 15 months, 17 months, 18 months, 2 years, 4years, and 6 years with a diagnosis of perimembranous VSD has been made.

The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja said the high cost for the surgical procedure per patient derives from the recent increase in the cost of cardiac surgery consumables. Thus, there was the need for collaboration with Julius Berger to help the children with financial assistance to save and preserve their lives.

According to a statement by the Management of the Federal Medical Centre Abuja, “…we will like to use this opportunity to appreciate this partnership gesture (from Julius Berger Nigeria Plc), while we look forward to more partnerships and collaboration as we still have a large number of pediatric cases with heart conditions who cannot afford it.”

The Chief Risk Officer of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mrs Mustapha Shakira said the company “places great premium on life and would remain proactive in its CSR initiatives, particularly to sustainably protect and preserve lives in our operational communities. Children, we also recognize, are the future of our society. Therefore, within our sustainability policy at Julius Berger, we are privileged and feel honoured to partner with the FMC to save the lives of the children.”