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UZODIMMA: THE TRIUMPH OF A MANDATE POPULARLY CONFERRED BY COLLINS OPUROZOR

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Governor Hope UZODINMA
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In a decisive affirmation of Imo people’s democratic right to choice, the Court of Appeal has once again upheld the victory of Governor Hope Uzodimma as the authentic and popularly elected governor of Imo State. This judgment dismissed the appeals filed by the PDP, LP and other opposition parties, which disputed the outcome of the November 2023 governorship election.

The tribunal had previously affirmed Governor Uzodimma’s victory, recognizing the overwhelming support which he enjoys across the state. This support had ultimately translated to his landslide victory in all the 27 LGAs of the state at the polls, last year.

Notably, Governor Uzodimma’s record-breaking victory remains a standing tower of testimony to the trust which the people of Imo State, through all social strata and cleavages, have in his leadership.

Recall that the governorship electoral process, overseen by INEC, was widely hailed by Imo people for its transparency and fairness, which ensured that all the political parties had an equal opportunity to present their cases to the electorate.

Moreso, the legitimacy of the election was further reinforced by local and international observers, who praised the process as open, free, fair, and credible. Their positive assessments reflect a leap in Nigeria’s efforts at democratic consolidation. It was a statement to the fact that the genuine will of the people had prevailed.

Today, the Court of Appeal has spoken, affirming that Governor Uzodimma’s victory was indeed reflective of popular expectations, and that the process through which he was reelected was in compliance with the law.

What needs to be highlighted is that, despite the legal challenges posed by opposition parties with their fruitless voyages in the courts, the administration of Governor Uzodimma has remained focused on delivering tangible benefits to the people of Imo State. Since his inauguration for a second term in January 2024, the governor has completed no fewer than five strategic road projects, significantly improving the state’s infrastructure and enhancing connectivity across the state.

A key highlight of Governor Uzodimma’s second term has been the successful attraction of AfriExim Bank’s African Quality Assurance Center to Imo State. This initiative is poised to boost the state’s economic profile, create thousands of jobs, providing opportunities for quality assurance services that will benefit local businesses and attract further investments. The establishment of this center underscores the governor’s commitment to economic development and job creation.

Furthermore, the governor has demonstrated visionary leadership in the energy sector by setting up the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission. This body is tasked with overseeing the state’s electricity supply, ensuring that it meets the needs of residents and businesses. Indeed, the establishment of an electricity generation company and reinvention of independent power plants in Imo are significant steps towards achieving energy independence for the state, to the end that uninterrupted power supply across the entire state shall soon be a reality. This ambitious initiative is expected to transform the state’s energy landscape, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.

Despite these commendable achievements, opposition parties have continued to pursue legal challenges, which pose unnecessary distractions to the smooth running of the state. These frivolous lawsuits are purely attempts to undermine the progress being made under Governor Uzodimma’s leadership.

It is imperative for the opposition to recognize the will of the people and allow the governor to focus on his developmental agenda.

The people of Imo State have clearly expressed their choice through the ballot box, and it is important for all political actors to respect this democratic decision. The continuous legal battles serve only to divert attention and energies away from critical development projects that benefit the populace. Instead of litigations, the opposition should engage constructively in the political process, contributing ideas and support towards the state’s progress.

Governor Uzodimma’s vision for Imo State encompasses not just immediate infrastructural improvements but also long-term economic and social development. His administration’s proactive measures in various sectors are designed to lay a strong foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity. By focusing on key areas such as infrastructure, energy, and economic development, the governor is positioning Imo as a beacon of light for national transformation and progress.

The electorate’s overwhelming support for Governor Uzodimma is a clear mandate for continued progress and development. It is, therefore, a thing of joy that the Court of Appeal has reaffirmed the legitimacy of the electoral process and the broad-based support for the governor’s leadership.

As the state moves forward, it is essential for all stakeholders to unite in supporting the governor’s vision for a prosperous and developed Imo State, putting aside partisan differences for the greater good of the state and its people.

*Collins Opurozor is the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Electronic and Creative Media

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“Why men should marry poor women” – Mr Nigeria (VIDEO)

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Nigeria’s top influencer, Ugochukwu Nwokolo, popularly known as Mr. Nigeria, recently shared his perspective on why men should consider marrying women from less privileged backgrounds.

Speaking on a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, Ugochukwu expressed his belief that poor women possess certain qualities that make them ideal partners, citing their prayerfulness and fertility as key attributes.

In his words, “Poor girls turn me on. The poorer she is, the more attractive I find her. A poor woman will wake up at 7:00 a.m., join NSPPD, and pray fervently for her husband. She’ll say, ‘I’m putting my husband on the fire altar.’ When it comes to fertility, poor women can be incredibly fertile.”

Ugochukwu Nwokolo is the first-ever Mr. Nigeria Supranational, crowned by the Silverbird Group under the Mister World Nigeria platform. He will represent Nigeria in the Mr. Supranational competition held in Poland.

FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW TO SEE VIDEO:

https://x.com/OneJoblessBoy/status/1880540913497518518?t=WFcx7Q6extTGZjdFyNkSww&s=19

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Do you know that an Att0rney General in Nigeria can walk into any c0urt while a Cri’minal case is going on and put a st0p to that cri’minal case

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Do you know that an Att0rney General in Nigeria can walk into any c0urt while a Cri’minal case is going on and put a st0p to that cri’minal case

I mean any crim’inal case at all, if you like make e b the case wey dey kpai person or make e be R(@)P£ case or anyone at all

And they have the p0wer to do so without any explanation at all

They can just walk into any c0urt room and say this crim’inal matter will not proceed anymore
I am exercising my p0wer of nolle prosequi as an Att0rney General in Nigeria

Chai, this p0wer sweet
P0wer to st0p any case you want

Ignorance of the law is no excuse

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Baringo man uses KSh 2m cash gift from William Ruto to expand online goat marketplace

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  • Efarmer Goats Initiative, which has transformed goat farming through innovation, was conceived on December 1, 2023
  • The website helps people who are looking for goats to buy them at an affordable price and get them in different corners of the country and the world
  • When Enock Kimosop explained his idea to President William Ruto in December 2024, he got a KSh 2 million cash gift from him, and he told TUKO.co.ke that it helped expand his business

Baringo: Enock Kimosop, a man thriving in the goat business, has shared how a KSh 2 million gift from President William Ruto helped him increase his number of goats and better utilise his form of transportation.

Enock Kimosop when he was gifted by William Ruto (l), the Efarmer founder (r). Photo: Enock Kimosop. Source: UGC

 

How was Efarmer Goats idea conceived?

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Kimosop shared that the concept of the Efarmer Goats Initiative, which transforms goat farming through innovation, was conceived on December 1, 2023, during the annual Kimalel Goat Auction.

“I was inspired by speeches from dignitaries at the event, which emphasised the need to make the process of buying and selling goats digital,” he said.

“The idea of selling goats online took root as a way to modernise the traditional goat farming business and address challenges in market access,” he added.

How did Kimosop get Efarmer website started?

Enock started to put his idea in motion; he reached out to his friends from Strathmore and another lady who helped build the website.

The site went live on April 2, 2024, and the group had a vision of transforming the website into an app within a year if it was successful.

Just as with many other businesses, Enock didn’t have all the cash needed to start, so he got together with some friends, and they contributed KSh 150,000 each; in the end, they had a capital of KSh 600,000, and they started their businesses of selling goats online.

How else did the Kimalel meeting help Efarmer?

“Our first sales took place during the Idd Mubarak celebrations in 2024, where we successfully sold 200 goats to individuals and butcheries; some were taking upto 10,” said Enock.

On December 17, 2024, Enock returned to the Kimalel Goat Auction to showcase his firm’s initiative. The president and other stakeholders helped them gain significant visibility, allowing them to penetrate the market at an accelerated pace.

“The KSh 2 million from the president helped boost the businesses with more goats. Initially, we were also transporting a few goats which was costly but now they can get return on investment,” he said.

“Despite our progress, transportation costs remain a significant challenge. Renting trucks for goat transportation is expensive and inefficient. To address this, we are actively exploring options to acquire our own lorry, which would greatly reduce logistics costs and enhance profitability,” he added.

How does Efarmer source goats?

Over time, Efarmer Goats identified reliable sources of the animals, ensuring consistent supply and competitive pricing.

Once Efarmer Goats has found the best breeds needed by the clients, they transport them on a lorry to Nairobi, where they have since found a holding ground in Rongai. At the holding ground, the goats are fed well and rest.

“It is important that they are fed and rest well so that their kgs do not go down after slaughtering,” insisted Enock.

Enock Kimosop at the Kimamel goat auction (r), some of the goats being sold (l). Photos: Enock Kimosop. Source: UGC

How has the evolution of Efarmer happened over time?

Today, Efarmer Goats has established a foothold in international markets as well, and Enock said that they now have a client from Dubai who orders 1000 goats from them on a monthly basis.

“We are managing 300 goats weekly and we sell to him per kilogram. There is also another Saudi Arabia client who is reliable,” he said.

Efarmer Goats prioritises reliability and efficiency. They aim to build client trust while empowering local farmers through sustainable practices and innovative solutions.

One such solution is a mobile app where farmers will be able to upload their goats for sale directly onto the platform, connecting them to buyers within their region.

“This platform will be cost-effective, with farmers only paying a small website application fee,” said Enock.

“We aim to fully exploit global opportunities, increasing our export capacity to handle goat sales in bulk quantities (measured in tons),” he added.

There are also farmer empowerment programs, where Efarmer Goats buys kids from farmers for KSh 6,000, provides guidance on rearing them, and facilitates sales at significantly higher prices (between Ksh 12,000 and Ksh 15,000) after a year.

This initiative ensures farmers achieve higher returns while enhancing their rearing skills.

Efarmer’s goats being held before they are sold. Photos: Enock Kimosop. Source: UGC

 

What are some of the challenges Kimosop faced?

Efarmer Goats expanded its reach to Nairobi, selling both through the website and offline. However, the initial phase was marked by significant challenges.

Among them was the high cost of transportation; transporting goats using large trucks, despite having only a few goats per trip, inflated operational costs.

“Inconsistent and high purchase prices for goats in some regions negatively impacted profitability. These logistical and supply chain issues led to initial losses, prompting us to refine our operations,” shared Enock.

Apparently, the future of goat farming in Kenya lies in technology, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Efarmer Goats said they embody those values as they continue to grow and transform.

Thika farmer frustrated by gate prices turns to grocery business

Elsewhere, on January 13, 2024, Sebastian Peter became the proud owner of two grocery shops in Thika Ngoingwa Estate, Mangu Road.

According to Peter, a friend lent him money to start leasing land for his vegetables, but later, he was frustrated by people who would buy them at KSh 3 and sell them between KSh 50 and KSh 100.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Peter shared that he started as a hawker for his produce, such as kales, but over time, gate prices frustrated him, and he opted to start food kiosks.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

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