The Anambra government has disassociated itself from the communiqué by Ohaneze Ndigbo endorsing the candidacy of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar an endorsement described as “dubious’’ and “misleading” by APC.
Abubakar is the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’s presidential candidate in the February 16 election.
Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, the Secretary to Anambra Government (SSG), made the disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen in Enugu.
Chukwulobelu declared that the contents of the communiqué did not reflect the Anambra Government’s position.
It will be recalled that an arm of the Ohaneze Ndigbo ‘Ime Obi’ arising from a meeting on Thursday in Enugu declared support for Abubakar.
Ime Obi is like a rapid response arm of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, comprising delegations from the seven states that make up the organisation including state governors.
However, Chukwulobelu expressed dismay that the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation had decided to be partisan, in spite of the fact that members of the organisation belong to different political parties.
Chukwulobelu said: “We have read bits of the communiqué purportedly issued by the Ohaneze leadership. We regret that they do not reflect the position of the people and Government of Anambra State.
“The position of the Anambra State Government is that Ohaneze should remain a united umbrella for all Ndigbo, and should not take sides with any party.
“There are major leaders in all political parties, including the three major ones in Nigeria, namely, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress ( APC) and PDP.
“It is deeply regrettable that the Ohaneze leadership has chosen to go down a divisive trajectory capable of setting back Igbo unity for several years,” he said.
The SSG said that Gov. Willie Obiano had sent a delegation to attend the Ime Obi meeting summoned by the organisation in Enugu.
“Our delegation arrived early enough to participate in the meeting of Ime Obi scheduled to start at 7 p.m. on Thursday.
“We were surprised to learn that the meeting had been held earlier and lasted for a mere 30 minutes.
“The representative of the Ebonyi State Government, Dr Eric Kelechi Igwe, who arrived at the venue before the time the meeting was scheduled to start was also surprised that it had already taken place.
“The same goes for others like the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige,” he said.
Chukwulobelu said that they were shocked that the meeting was even slated for a day President Muhammadu Buhari was campaigning in Anambra and Enugu States.
He said that Buhari’s visit to Anambra was to honour Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, First Republic President of Nigeria, and the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo was expected to participate actively.
“We were, indeed, surprised that the Ime Obi meeting could hold today (on Thursday) of all days.
‘‘We had expected Ohaneze leaders to participate actively in the inauguration of the Zik Mausoleum, Onitsha, Anambra State,” he said.
Chukwulobelu said that the Mausoleum which had been under construction for the past 23 years was completed by the Buhari’s Administration which was a big honour to Azikiwe, an Igbo man.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the as dubious and miss-leading.
Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu stated this on Friday in Abuja at a news briefing while reacting to the development, which he said was a miss representation of the interest of Indigo.
The APC spokesman, however, said that the purported endorsement may have been done by Atiku’s friends whom he had publicly promised to make rich if he became the country’s president.
He added that Indigbo should beware of PDP, and Atiku’s restructuring deceit.
The Pointer Award: Aniagwu hails Delta journalists
DAN DENT (ASABA)
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) Mr Charles Aniagwu has sent a message of appreciation to journalists in the state and country for their support since coming into governance in 2015.
Aniagwu who was bestowed with The Pointer Newspaper Public Service Excellence Award at the 30th Anniversary of the newspaper held yesterday at Grand Hotel and Resorts, Asaba, dedicated the award to journalists in the state and country.
Aniagwu a former Commissioner for Information in the state, appreciated immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and his successor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for finding him worthy to serve amidst other qualified Deltans.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Aniagwu said, “Let me appreciate my bosses starting with Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa who gave me the privilege to serve as his Commissioner for Information and of course the privilege I also have at the moment under the distinguished leadership of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
“For me to have that say in this state, I deeply appreciate these leaders because it is possible that if these positions that I had the privilege to hold is also extended to any other Deltan they could possibly perform even better than I did.
“But to be distinguished and recognised, I give God the glory and for me it is a reminder of the need to try as much as possible when you are given a responsibility to discharge it with the best of your ability.
“When such recognition is coming from my colleagues, you know the journalism profession is one critical profession that tries to examine what people do.
“So when you have your colleagues who are in the same profession agreeing that you have done well, all you need do is to give glory to God and also appreciate them for the support they extended to you.
“In my sojourn as Chief Press Secretary and the Ministry of Information I really enjoyed the support of my colleagues both those in the media and those managing the media houses, my colleagues in Government and the state.
“I give God all the glory for the kind of support I have continued to enjoy since coming into this state for the purpose of working for the state government in 2015. I feel quite excited about this recognition and I do not take it for granted.”
Speaking on the journey so far for The Pointer Newspaper, Aniagwu commended the paper for weathering the storm over the years.
“I have had the privilege of presiding over the affairs of the paper and I can tell you that there a whole lot of misunderstanding around the operations of the newspaper.
“So much needs to be done especially as they are still printing through a third party process, it will be better if we can provide them with a good printing press, so that they begin to print for themselves.
“The moment they can print the paper by themselves, it will make it easier to increase the print run, it becomes easier to be in control of their speed as well.
“Once that is done and a proper distribution facility is provided, the paper can then have their independence to go and generate their own money and ensure they remit something to the state government.
“But I can tell you that the way they are now if thatASABA assistance is not given, they may still continue to struggle to be able to meet up.
“Looking at the conditions they operate, you will appreciate the women and men who work in that establishment that they are actually putting in a lot to be able to produce on daily basis.”
Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), Nigeria’s leading listed conglomerate, has announced the successful completion of its share reconstruction, a strategic action aimed at maximising long-term shareholders’ value.
The facade of Transcorp Hilton Abuja from the pool
The share reconstruction involved a consolidation of the total number of issued shares at a ratio of 1 to 4, reducing the total issued and fully paid shares of Transcorp Group 40.6 billion shares to 10.2 billion shares.
Whilst the number of shares reduced pro rata, the total value of shareholders’ investments remains unchanged with no dilutive impact to shareholders.
Commenting on the share reconstruction, Owen D. Omogiafo OON, President/GCEO of Transcorp Plc, said, “This share reconstruction is in line with the Company’s corporate strategy and growth plan and is aimed at maximising shareholder value.
The reconstruction will bring the company’s capital structure to a manageable position.
Transcorp Plc remains committed to driving growth and creating value for its shareholders through strategic actions that align with its business objectives.
About Transnational Corporation Plc Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp”) is one of Africa’s leading, listed conglomerates, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors, driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa.
Transcorp’s power businesses – Transcorp Power Plc and Transafam Power Limited – provide over 20% of Nigeria’s installed power capacity.
Transcorp is committed to developing Nigeria’s domestic energy value chain, through its investments in OPL28 and its renewable energy drive through Transcorp Energy Limited.
The Group’s hospitality business, Transcorp Hotels Plc, owns the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality destination, and has the digital platform, Aura by Transcorp Hotels. www.transcorpgroup.com
Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), Nigeria’s leading listed conglomerate, has reported its financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2024, showcasing remarkable year-on-year growth.
The Group’s Q3 2024 unaudited results demonstrate strength across key financial performance measures, highlighting the success of its growth-driven strategy.
In Q3 2024, Transcorp Group achieved revenue of N298 billion, a 133% increase from N128 billion recorded in the same period of 2023. Profit before tax (PBT) increased by a remarkable 303%, to N105.5 billion, compared to N26.2 billion recorded in Q3 2023, further solidifying the Group’s position in Nigeria’s business landscape.
Key Financial Highlights:
Revenue Growth: 133% increase, rising to N298 billion from N128 billion in Q3 2023.
Profit Before Tax: Surged by 303% to N105.5 billion in Q3 2024, from N26.2 billion in the same period last year.
Total Assets: Grew by 29%, increasing from N530 billion in December 2023 to N684 billion in Q3 2024.
Shareholders’ Funds: Increased by 34%, from N187 billion in December 2023 to N251 billion in Q3 2024, driven by profit accreting to retained earnings.
Operating Expenses: Increased by 38% to N32 billion in Q3 2024, compared to N23 billion in the previous year, reflecting the impact of inflation on the cost of operations.
Net Finance Cost: Increased by 12% to N12 billion in Q3 2024, from N10 billion in Q3 2023, due to rising interest rates. Owen Omogiafo, OON, President/Group Chief Executive Officer, Transcorp Group, attributed the Group’s exceptional performance to its focus on innovation, operational excellence, and ability to navigate a complex market environment.
She said: “We are proud of our consistent year-on-year growth. This remarkable financial performance is a reflection, once again, of our vision and spirit of execution. As we approach year end, we will focus on enhancing operational efficiency, investing in high-growth sectors, and delivering long-term value to our shareholders. We are investing for the future, particularly in the energy and hospitality sectors, delivering for our shareholders and our nation.”
About Transnational Corporation Plc
Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp”) is one of Africa’s leading, listed conglomerates, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors, driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa.
Transcorp’s power businesses – Transcorp Power Plc and Transafam Power Limited – provide over 20% of Nigeria’s installed power capacity. Transcorp is committed to developing Nigeria’s domestic energy value chain, through its investments in OPL28 and its renewable energy drive through Transcorp Energy Limited. The Group’s hospitality business, Transcorp Hotels Plc, owns the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality destination.