Personality in Focus
LP Appoints Sunday Umeha As Caretaker Committee Member, Heads Enugu Caucus
The Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency of Enugu State in the House of Representatives, Hon Sunday Cyriacus Umeha, has appointed into the 29-Man Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party, according to a statement esigned by his Director of Media and Press Affairs, Raymond Nkannebe.
The statement quoted the Representative as assuring party faithful, supporters and the general public of his commitment to contribute his quota towards midwifing a substantive leadership for the party following the expiration of the Abure-led executive, and appointment of Hon Nenadi Esther Usman as Caretaker Committee chairman.
The statement reads as follows:
Following the Extended-Stakeholders’ meeting of the Labour Party held at Abia State on 4th September 2024, geared at charting a new course for the party after a period of leadership crisis, Rt. Hon. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has been named as a member of the 29-Man Caretaker Committee and head of the Enugu State contingent by the statutory National Leader of the party, in the person of Dr. Alex Otti, OFR – the Executive Governor of Abia State.
Recall that the Caretaker Committee headed by Senator Nenadi Esther Usman has been charged with the mandate of organizing congresses and National Convention for the party within a period of 180 days effective the date of its inauguration to fill the vacuum created by the expiration of the tenure of the erstwhile leadership of the party at all levels.
This mandate, is in line with the Consent Judgment by the Honourable Mr. Justice Gabriel Kolawole on March 18 2018 and the settlement brokered by the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In recognition of his unwavering commitment to the cause of the Party, Hon. Umeha who doubles as the Secretary of the House of Representative Labour Party Caucus in the 10th National Assembly, was also named the Head of the Enugu State Caucus in the Caretaker Committee.
Speaking after the appointment, Hon. Umeha extolled the courage and leadership dexterity exhibited by the National Leader of the Party- Dr. Alex Otti, OFR for wading in, in collaboration with other leaders of the Party, particularly, its presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election – Mr. Peter Obi, to save the Labour Party from a situation that looked set to sink the fortunes of the party after a historic outing at the last general election. He reiterated his belief that the Labour Party remains the only hope of Nigerians in light of the unravelling of the ruling APC and assured of his commitment towards midwifing a new Labour Party leadership that meets the expectations of millions of Nigerians and #Obidients who demonstrated incredible belief in the promise of the party at the last elections.
“I must thank the National Leader of our Party as well as our presidential candidate for the uncommon courage they have shown towards saving the Labour Party from itself. This bold step, is indeed a necessary one in the long journey towards redeeming our country and returning it along the path of prosperity. The unravelling of the APC had indeed shown that the Labour Party remains the only hope of Nigerians; and must get its act right to justify the confidence of its millions of supporters. I have no doubt that with this initiative, we shall birth a new party that will midwife a new Nigeria that is POssible. I look forward to working closely with the leadership of the Caretaker Committee as well as other stakeholders towards making a success of this historic mandate”, Umeha said.
Other members of the Caretaker Committee include, Senator Darlington Nwokocha (Secretary); Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar; Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku; Comrade Chris Uyot; Senator Victor Umeh; Senator Neda Imasuen, Senator Ireti Kingibe and governorship candidates of the party at the 2023 general election. Others are stakeholders drawn from the TUC, House of Representatives and Houses of Assembly.
Writers across Nigeria, under the auspices of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), have united in commemorating the 94th posthumous birthday of one of Africa’s greatest literary icons, Prof. Chinua Achebe. Achebe, renowned globally for his groundbreaking novel *Things Fall Apart*, remains an enduring symbol of literary excellence and cultural preservation.
In a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, the President of SYNW emphasized Achebe’s unmatched contributions to African literature and his role as a beacon of inspiration for writers across generations. Adedoyin highlighted the Society’s unwavering commitment to honoring Achebe’s legacy through creative and impactful initiatives.
One of the key tributes mentioned is the *Chinua Achebe Annual Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture*, initiated by the Anambra Chapter Coordinator of SYNW, Izunna Okafor. Now in its 9th edition, the festival has become a significant platform for celebrating Achebe’s works and discussing his influence on modern African literature.
Cynthia Maduekwe, the President of the Nigeria Society of Campus Writers, also spearheaded the *Writers Tour*, another initiative aimed at engaging young writers with Achebe’s literary philosophy. This tour exposes aspiring authors to Achebe’s timeless themes of cultural identity, colonialism, and societal transformation, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) reaffirmed its dedication to Achebe’s memory through these longstanding programs. Writers across the country were encouraged to reflect on Achebe’s life and works, sharing tributes and essays on social media platforms to further propagate his vision of storytelling.
Adedoyin lauded the efforts of writers like Okafor and Maduekwe, whose initiatives keep Achebe’s legacy alive.
He also urged literary organizations and institutions to continue collaborating to sustain Achebe’s impact on African literature and culture.
“Prof. Achebe’s work transcends literature. He gave Africans a voice on the global stage, presenting our stories with authenticity and pride. Celebrating his 94th posthumous birthday is a reminder of the power of storytelling in shaping society,” Adedoyin stated.
The SYNW also used the opportunity to announce plans for a series of upcoming events dedicated to Achebe in the coming year, including essay competitions, poetry readings, and book discussions. These programs aim to further Achebe’s vision of nurturing literary talent and promoting African narratives.
As the literary community celebrates Achebe’s life and achievements, his timeless words resonate: “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
Achebe’s legacy continues to inspire writers to tell their own stories, preserving the richness of African culture for generations to come.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers concluded by inviting literary enthusiasts to join in celebrating Achebe’s enduring impact, emphasizing that his legacy is a shared treasure for all who value the power of words.
Personality in Focus
UBA Appoints Henrietta Ugboh Independent Non-Executive Director As Owanari Duke Retires from Group Board
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has announced the appointment of Henrietta Ugboh as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
The appointment has been approved by the relevant regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria.
UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, CFR commenting on the appointment, said, “Henrietta Ugboh brings a track record of professional success, integrity and leadership, which will further strengthen the UBA Group Board, underlining once again the Group’s commitment to robust corporate governance.”
Ugboh holds a degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, an MBA from ESUT Business School, and is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School’s Executive Management Program. She has over 30 years experience in banking with Citibank and is an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration (FICA).
Elumelu added that with her considerable experience and expertise, which includes commercial banking, credit, and risk management, the UBA Board is delighted to welcome Mrs Ugboh to the Group Board, “We look forward to her invaluable contribution to the Group, as we continue to execute our unique growth strategy across Africa and globally.”
The Board also announced the retirement of Mrs. Owanari Duke, an Independent Non-Executive Director, who joined the UBA Group Board in October 2012.
During her tenure, Mrs. Duke provided distinguished leadership, serving on Committees of the Bank including the Board Governance Committee, Board Audit, Governance, Nomination & Remuneration Committee, Board Credit Committee, Finance & General Purpose Committee and Statutory Audit Committee.
On behalf of the board, Mr. Elumelu expressed UBA’s deep appreciation to Mrs. Duke for her dedication and significant contributions to the Group, wishing her the best in her future endeavour.
United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than forty-five million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries. With presence in New York, London, Paris and Dubai, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and related banking services.
Personality in Focus
Tinubu Hails FirstBank’s Immediately Past CEO, Adeduntan on Exceptional Service
By Eric Elezuo
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has congratulated the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of the FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan as the bank holds a splendid Sendforth party on his behalf for a meritorious service.
The president’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Information & Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
The statement reads in full:
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES DR ADEDUNTAN, AS FIRST BANK CELEBRATES EX-GROUP CEO
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Dr Adesola Adeduntan, the retired Group Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Limited, for his exceptional service at Nigeria’s oldest bank.
In celebration of Adeduntan’s remarkable tenure, the 130-year-old First Bank will host a special send-off ceremony this weekend, expressing gratitude for his contributions over the past nine years.
President Tinubu commends him for steering the bank through transformative growth, which includes expanding customer accounts from 10 million to over 42 million and elevating Profit Before Tax from N10 billion in 2015 to an impressive N300 billion in 2023.
These milestones, the President said, reflected Adeduntan’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence.
The President expresses his appreciation for Adeduntan’s willingness to serve the nation in various pivotal roles, including his contributions to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and other prominent institutions. His extensive expertise in the financial sector has significantly bolstered Nigeria’s economic landscape.
President Tinubu also lauds the bank’s solid internal management ethos, which is responsible for the seamless transition from Adeduntan to the current CEO, Olusegun Alebiosu.
President Tinubu wishes Dr Adeduntan continued success in all his future endeavours.
