Umeh: A benevolent politician at 60
By Michael Jegede
“The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.” – Albert Schweitzer
“Never respect men merely for their riches, but rather for their philanthropy; we do not value the sun for its height, but for its use.” – Gamaliel Bailey
Distinguished Senator Victor Umeh, a quintessential leader and respected political juggernaut from Anambra State has majestically glided into the sexagenarian club as he clocks 60 years on earth.
Born on July 19, 1962, Umeh, a revered philanthropist and social justice advocate, who has made enormous contributions to the sustenance of democratic governance and nation building, can evidently be said to have lived a life of fulfilment and accomplishment at 60.
His voyage in politics began in 1998 when he joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a founding member and was elected State Treasurer of the party in Anambra State. In 2002, he was among the prominent Nigerians that worked together to form the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) where he emerged as the pioneer National Vice Chairman, Southeast. He later became the National Treasurer before his emergence as the National Chairman.
As APGA’s helmsman for over ten years, Umeh fought tooth and nail with dogged determination to keep the party afloat and alive in spite of the constant internal wrangling that was always tending to tear the party apart. Through his visionary and resilient leadership, he was able to take APGA to glorious heights amidst the infighting for which the party was known. Even after his tenure elapsed, he remained one of the strongest pillars of the party until he recently defected to Labour Party (LP) where he hopes to actualize his ambition to return the Red Chamber come 2023. He had diligently and competently represented the people of Anambra Central Senatorial District in the 8th Senate for a period of 17 months.
An established estate manager and surveyor, Umeh as Anambra Central Senator for only seventeen months made remarkably significant impact on the lives of his constituents, with the various people-oriented projects and programmes he attracted to every nook and cranny across the senatorial district. He was indeed a loud voice for his people, Ndigbo and Nigerians when issues of national importance were deliberated upon on the floor of the Senate.
A courageous leader, detribalized Nigerian and perfect example of a true patriot, Umeh was a stubborn fighter for justice, fairness and equity as a parliamentarian. The now stalwart of LP, a lover and promoter of peace, has never minced words in stressing the need to entrench and sustain a just and egalitarian society where all citizens are treated equally devoid of any form of discrimination.
When in 2018 names of board members of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), were submitted to the Senate for confirmation, and the Southeast and South-South were not represented, Umeh vehemently protested against the exclusion which led to an uproar on the floor of the Chamber. Notwithstanding the recommendation of the Senate Committee on anti-corruption and the position of some of his colleagues that the members should be confirmed, the astute politician strongly argued his point and insisted that the principle of federal character must be upheld. And the nominations were eventually rejected. Today, Southeast and South-South are represented on the board of the EFCC courtesy of Umeh’s doggedness.
Also in 2018, it was he who moved the very important motion on ‘Illegal Confinement of Underage Children of Nigeria Below the Age of 16 in Prisons with Adult Inmates.’ He had contended that in line with the provisions of the Prisons Regulations Act and Child’s Right Act, underage offenders and infants are not supposed to be in the same prisons with adult prisoners. The motion was rated the best for that legislative year with an award bestowed on him by the Senate Press Corps.
Many indigent students of secondary school, undergraduates and postgraduates have enjoyed scholarships from the Victor Umeh Education Foundation (VUMEF) set up in 2007 long before he became a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In 2018, over seventy students from poor background chosen from the seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Anambra Central received scholarships to study at any university of their choice.
Umeh didn’t fail in his pledge to continue to lend a helping hand to his people even after leaving the Red Chamber in June 2019 upon the winding up of the 8th Senate after losing in his re-election bid then. Unlike some politicians who would go into their shells and abandon the people in anger when they lose election, the Anambra Central LP senatorial candidate poised for victory in the 2023 polls, continued to offer service to humanity with a greater commitment towards youth empowerment.
He was quoted to have said in a report: “I have continued doing all that I was known for whether in the Senate or not. I have been in the forefront of fighting for the rights of our people. The great things I was doing for my people I have continued to do them.
“My scholarship schemes are still running, producing graduates in various fields. In 2018, I gave, for a start, 76 university scholarships to students from Anambra Central Senatorial District from less privileged homes. This is the fourth year and 25 of them have graduated. The remaining ones will graduate at the end of this academic session.
“I have paid all their fees despite not being in the Senate. This is in addition to over 300 students I have on my scholarship in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.”
The Obi of Dim-Ubana Village, Oraukwu in Anambra State and former Director General of Umeh’s campaign organisation, Prince Emeka Udodeme, while eulogizing his erstwhile principal at 60, said: “Most Distinguished Senator (Dr) Victor Umeh I know is a very humble man, a practicing Christian, honest, bold, courageous and a cheerful giver. He is an amiable charismatic defender of the oppressed. He is ready to sell his property to see that the children of the poor attend school. Many have benefited from his free education foundation. He is a family man. He hates lies and deceit. He hates intimidation and believes nobody can intimidate him. He is a jolly good fellow who derives much joy in the progress of others around him.”
A receiver of several awards, honours and chieftaincy titles, Umeh was a participant at the 2014 national conference, inaugurated by the then President Goodluck Jonathan, and his presence was really felt with the valuable inputs he made despite coming in late due to the leadership crisis in APGA at that time. In appreciation of his manifold contributions and efforts towards the advancement of democracy in Nigeria, he was adorned with the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2014, shortly after the national confab came to an end.
Happily married to Lady Prisca and blessed with seven children, Umeh, a devout Catholic and Papal Knight in the Order of Saint Sylvester, belongs to a number of professional bodies within and outside the country.
As he ascends the sixth floor, I pray God to continue to bless him, grant him the soundness of body and mind, the strength and zeal to carry on with his philanthropic deeds and kind gestures towards the downtrodden.
Happy birthday Chief, the Ohamadike Ndigbo!
Michael Jegede, a journalist writes from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja
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GOV AKEREDOLU INAUGURATES COUNCIL OF OBAS, CHARGES MONARCHS TO PROTECT THEIR DOMAINS FROM CRIMINALS
- We’re Prepared To Fight Our Common Enemies – Deji Of Akure
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has inaugurated the State Council of Obas led by the Chairman and Deji of Akure kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.
The Council was inaugurated at a well-attended event held at the International Culture and Event Centre (DOME), Akure, the state capital.
Governor Akeredolu congratulated Oba Aladelusi on his appointment as the chairman of the Council for a tenure of two years.
The Governor, who applauded traditional rulers in the state for joining hands with his administration in addressing the challenges of insecurity, also encouraged them to do more to secure their respective domains against criminals.
He said the State Council of Obas has, in recent years, built for itself a robust relationship with the government through its steadfastness, loyalty, sacrifice and commitment to its statutory roles.
Governor Akeredolu further expressed confidence that the new council would not deviate from the noble role but shall build on the foundation already laid down and the achievements made by the past councils.
The Governor said his administration, since inception, has been according the Kabiyesis their pride of place in the scheme of things and will not, in anyway, take them for granted.
Arakunrin Akeredolu assured the Monarchs of his administration resolve not to play down on the roles of traditional rulers and their immense contributions to governance.
“No doubt, the Council of Obas in Ondo State has come of age. The Council, otherwise known as the Council of Chiefs in the Chiefs’ Law, is established by the provisions of the Chiefs Law 1984 (as amended by Edict No. 4 of 1991) under Part V, Section 33.
“It is clear from the provisions of the law that the functions and roles of the State Council of Obas are purely advisory. I am pleased to state that the State Council of Obas has performed creditably in all the areas mentioned above.
“It is worth mentioning that the Council has, no doubt, offered invaluable advice to our administration which had helped tremendously in giving policy direction,” the Governor added.
Akeredolu further explained that his
administration remained more committed in delivering on its electoral promises, adding that he will not relent in his good works.
He noted that in spite of all odds, his administration will ensure that all State resources are pooled for maximum utilisation for the growth and development of the dear State.
Speaking after his inauguration, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, appreciated Governor Akeredolu for approving his appointment as the Chairman of the Council.
He promised to join hands with the Governor in the fight against the common enemies of the state and the people.
The Deji of Akure particularly commended the Governor for his unwavering commitment to the security of lives and property of the people of the state.
He added that the traditional rulers in the state would continue to support the REDEEMED agenda of the government for overall development of the Sunshine State.
“Today, the roles of the traditional institutions in fighting crime, maintenance of peace, mediation between the government and her employees, mediation through alternative dispute resolution among others have continued to become more prominent and increasing in recent times.
“It is obvious that the Royal Fathers play a crucial role in curbing crimes and other social vices occasioned by the rising insecurity and its attendant effects in our country,” he added.
The Akure monarch also appreciated the Governor for backing an Akure man, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, to be Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, noting that the development gladdened their heart and would be continually appreciated by the people.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Akinwumi Sowore, who lauded the Governor for his respect for traditional rulers across the state, also commended him for his neutrality in the selection and appointment of Obas in any part of the state.
The Governor later had an interactive session with the monarchs.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; members of the State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun; members of the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, traditional rulers across the state, among several other dignitaries.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 19, 2022.
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LACK OF PUBLICATIONS HAMPERING SPORTS LAW DEVELOPMENT – GOV AKEREDOLU
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has identified dearth of publications as a militating factor against sports law development in the country.
Governor Akeredolu, who described sports law and its associated businesses as money-spinners in the country, noted that the scarcity of publications on sports law and practice has made it unattractive to interested lawyers.
The Governor spoke in Abuja on Monday at the Public Presentation of a book titled “Sports Law and Practice.”
He said the book is an eye opener, adding that it will encourage interested lawyers to go into sports law with a working tool.
Governor Akeredolu said: ”You know sports are growing. Gone are those days when sports were all about amateurism. But there is professionalism now in all sports. We have professional people who are athletes. We have professional footballers.
“So, in sports in Nigeria, there is dearth of publications. I had not even seen anyone before now. This is the first one I will see. So, it is going to open everyone’s eyes.
“And as a few of my colleagues said, the President of the Bar, Awomolo and Co, this will open the door to many lawyers who can now take it up. You know so many lawyers are being turned out by the Law School in their thousands. If a few of them go into sports law or sports administration or become sports agents, a lot of money is there. So, this book could assist.
“As I said in my speech, I am a sports lover. There was a time I had to be making references or getting precedences from London to use. But people can now work on it. You heard from the representative of the Minister for Sports when he said he will now have a working tool that he can make reference to when he is advising the minister. So, it is a good book.”
The Governor, who said more lawyers will delve into sports law with the availability of the book, noted that when there is dearth of publications, lawyers don’t get interested.
“Because when you have dearth of publications, you don’t get interested in such things. But now more lawyers will get interested in sports law, and sports law can lead you into sports administration.
“If you have your laws at your fingertips and you can make reference to them easily, then nothing stops you from being a sports agents. And you will make a lot of money, much more than even practicing,” he stressed.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 19, 2022.
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Biggest Music Conference, Kennis Music Bites Happening In Lagos
The biggest Nigerian musical conference, designed to bring together music enthusiasts, artistes and stakeholders tagged, Kennis Music Bites, has been scheduled to take place at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday, 27th July 2022.
According to the Founder/Chairman of Kennis 104 FM, Kenny ‘Keke’ Ogungbe, the event, also tagged “The Next Episode,” is a music engagement, brand and social gifting and payment platform that leverages music and all logic of engagement to celebrate mobile consumers, ultimately creating wealth empowerment for Nigerians and the community through entertainment.
Proudly supported by Parallex Bank and Verve, the Kennis Music Bites Launch Event, which will be broadcast live on Kennis 104 FM, will showcase how Artistes, Brands, Creatives and Catalogue Owners can add and extract value from these celebration platforms to elevate the community.
The Kennis FM CEO noted, “With The Music Bites conference, it is our belief that by the end of the day, participants would be able to fully harness the new and existing opportunities available in the music space and entertainment industry as a whole.
“We also believe it would help facilitate a convergence point for networking and equip practitioners and investors with valuable insights to improve the entertainment ecosystem in the country.”
Popularly referred to as ‘Baba Keke,’ in the entertainment industry, the 61-year-old legendary Nigerian music producer, has continued to be at the forefront of promoting Nigerian music.