News
Ondo Guber: Coalition Rates Chances Of APC Aspirants
By Uche Onyeali
Coalition of supporters of the All Progressives Congress, under of APC Support Groups, has rated the chances of the aspirants for the party ticket in the November 21, 2024, Ondo State governorship election.
In an opinion poll conducted by the APC support group, Wale Akinterinwa scored 89 percent to emerge favourite to clinch the ticket of the ruling party.
The survey result signed by the national coordinator of the coalition, Dr. Muhammed Joda, and the national secretary, Comrade Kingsley Ebhoma, Olusola Oke is tipped to come second in the race with 65 percent while Senator Jimoh Ibrahim comes third with 35 percent.
According to the survey, the incumbent governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has 25 percent chances to remain in office while Paul Akinyelure trails far behind with five percent, as the result indicated that he and some others lack significant support, “with participants deeming them unfit to lead the state at present.”
Speaking on the outcome of the poll, the coalition noted that “as support groups of the party, we are duty-bound to also ensure peace, unity and progress in the party at all levels, while promoting the activities/good governance. Hence our embarking on an independent opinion poll exercise, survey and assessment of the potential aspirant for the party’s ticket ahead of the party’s primary election as to avoid a repeat of the incidence that played out in Edo State where the party was almost being ridiculed for not conducting a transparent, free, fair and open all-inclusive primary elections.
It is evident that Olusola Oke, Jimoh Ibrahim, Wale Akinteriwa, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Paul Akintelure, stands tall among other aspirants for the party’s ticket.
“However, this report presents findings from a survey conducted to assess potential candidates for the APC Party Primaries in April, with a focus on their ability to sustain continuity in governance – protect the legacies of AKETI.
The survey aimed to gauge public perception and support for various aspirants based on their track records, political knowledge and alignment with AKETI’s mission and vision for the state.
“Utilising a total of 3,600 individuals, with 200 sample, from the Local Government Areas through random sampling of the voters’ register, this survey provides a comprehensive understanding of voters’ sentiments across diverse geographic regions within the state.”
Foreign news
Diplomatic Community in Nigeria Joins Italian Envoy in National Day Celebration
By Joel Ajayi
It was a vibrant evening of joy, connection, and cultural celebration as the Acting Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr. Iacopo Foti, hosted members of Nigeria’s diplomatic community in Abuja to commemorate Italy’s National Day, la Festa della Repubblica.
Held in the heart of Nigeria’s capital, the event was a memorable gathering marked by laughter, heartfelt exchanges, and a shared appreciation for the enduring ties between Italy and Nigeria.
In his address, Mr. Foti described the occasion as a time to reflect on the core values that define Italy: liberty, democracy, justice, and the enduring creativity and resilience of its people.
“It is a day to celebrate our rich history, our unparalleled cultural heritage, and our contributions to art, science, and innovation,” he said. “But beyond Italy, today we also celebrate the strong and growing bonds between the Republic of Italy and the Federal Republic of Nigeria — our economies, our cultures, and above all, our people.”
The ambassador emphasized the depth of the bilateral relationship, recalling that diplomatic ties between Italy and Nigeria were established on February 20, 1960. He noted that since the 1970s and 1980s, Nigeria has become a second home for many Italians who have contributed significantly across various sectors.
“We are proud to be part of this welcoming and vibrant society,” he said. “I have personally witnessed the dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and warmth of the Nigerian people, as well as their hospitality toward the Italian community.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Foti expressed optimism about the future of Italy-Nigeria relations, pointing to untapped opportunities for deeper economic cooperation, technological collaboration, and cultural and academic exchange.
“Nigeria is a cultural powerhouse, a leader in Africa and globally in art, literature, and film,” he remarked. “Italy, with its deep-rooted cultural legacy, is eager to expand its engagement with Africa, and particularly with Nigeria.”
He acknowledged the growing Nigerian interest in Italian culture — from fashion and design to cinema and tourism — while noting that Italy hosts the third-largest Nigerian diaspora community globally, after the United States and the United Kingdom.
The ambassador also highlighted the countries’ cooperation on global challenges such as climate change, peace and security, migration, and human trafficking. Both nations are signatories to the Paris Agreement and active participants in global policy dialogues.
“Our relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding,” he noted. “We see this in our economic ties, cultural exchanges, love for football, and the increasing number of Nigerians who study and travel to Italy, as well as Italians drawn to Nigeria’s rich history and culture.”
He pointed out the many shared qualities between Italians and Nigerians, from strong family values and communal bonds to a vibrant fashion industry and a dynamic film sector.
“We are both historically migrant societies that have achieved success abroad while keeping close ties to our homeland,” Mr. Foti said. “We share humor, resilience, and a deep appreciation for life’s ironies.”
Addressing the issue of stereotypes, he cited renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, saying: “The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude for the support of Nigerian authorities and all who attended the celebration.
“On behalf of the Italian government and the people of Italy, I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who joined us. Your presence is a testament to the strength of our friendship and our shared future.”
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