Monday, May 1, 2023 Edition

Troops kill 3 bandits in Zamfara

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Troops of Operation

HADARIN DAJI has killed three bandits during an ambush operation at ANKA, a point leading to DAN KAMPANI in ANKA Local Government Area

of ZAMFARA State. This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Major General, Musa Danmadami, Director, Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters.

He said the troops also

recovered one (1) PKT gun with forty eight (48) rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, three (3) AK 47 rifles, three (3) magazines with sixty three (63) rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 3 motorcycles.

“The military high command

commends troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI and encourages the general public to avail troops with credible and timely information on terrorist and all criminal activities within their area.”

TUC

look on

FG lauds Peace Corps for maintaining peace culture in schools

The Federal Government has commended the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) maintaining and inculcating peace culture in schools.

Mr Victor Opeyemi, Principal Executive Officer, Special Duties in the Ministry of Education, gave the commendation when he led a delegation from the ministry on a visit to the Headquarters of the corps in Abuja.

Opeyemi also commended

PCN for it’s quality contributions in setting up Peace Corps Clubs,

maintenance of discipline in schools and colleges across the country.

“The ministry commends the effort of the corps in youth empowerment, peace and security, and assures PCN of greater partnership and support.

“Peace corps’ activities in schools and colleges through the formation of peace clubs has helped significantly in inculcating the culture of peace in the younger generation.

“We will continue to partner

with the corps in unity schools across the country,” he said.

Opeyemi prayed that the bill for an act to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps which would give statutory backing to the organisation passed by the National Assembly and transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari would receive positive attention.

He said that this would enable the organisation continue with it’s value -driven programmes geared towards the socio-economic development of

youths in Nigeria.

Responding, Prof. Dickson Akoh, National Commandant, PCN appreciated the ministry for the visit and for sustaining mutual relationship with the corps since 2002 when it was registered as an NGO.

Akoh assured the federal government that it would remain resolute in its commitment to national creativity, peace and youth development, which has been the cardinal objectives of the organisation.

(NAN)

L-R: Gombe State Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau ( 2nd l) receiving the Trade Union Congress’ outstanding pro- labour Governor award on behalf of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya from the Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman ( 2nd r) while

president, Comrade Festus Osifo( r) and Gombe State Commissioner of Finance, Malam Muhammad Gambo Magaji ( l)

during the TUC’s maiden Award Night and Dinner in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Mahmud Isa

NCPC boss flags off 2023 Easter pilgrimage exercise in Imo state

By Albert Akota

The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has flagged off the 2023 Easter pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan in Owerri, Imo state capital.

The NCPC boss in his remarks affirmed that the Commission has a policy of ensuring that flag off events of the Commission are held in the state with the highest number of pilgrims, hence the Easter pilgrimage flag off was brought to Owerri as the Imo state government sponsored the highest number of pilgrims in this exercise.

He described the gesture of the Executive Governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodinma as unprecedented for having sponsored the highest number of pilgrims in recent time, thereby declaring Imo state as the first in the federation.

The highly excited Executive Secretary of NCPC said he was happy to identify with the governor whom he described as the “Chief Mobilizer of pilgrims”for the Commission.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Imo State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Fr Gilbert Alaribe thanked the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma for his generousity in sponsorsoring 1000 intending Pilgrims to Israel and Jordan.

He explained that since 2014 Imo State had not sponsored christians to the Holy land, stating that no past administration in the state had ever sponsored these number of christians to the Holy land.

The first batch of intending Pilgrims of Imo State made up of about 300 were airlifted through the Port Harcourt International Airport direct to Amman, kingdom of Jordan where they are expected to spend three nights before proceeding to Israel.

Aviation security set to bear arms

By Albert Akota

The Nigeria Aviation Security personnel are now bearing arms.

The Federal Government recorded the milestone in the aviation industry, with the passing out of the first set of arms-bearing Aviation Security (AVSEC) personel at the weekend.

Recalled that over two years

ago, the Minister said the AVSEC will begin to bear arms to respond to rising terrorism in the country. Discribing the achievement as unprecedented in the promotion of national security, Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika noted that he was sure that all the graduands received the best training and are well equipped with the morals, the discipline and values that are expected from the training they received.

Dr. James Odaudu, the Special Assistant to the Minister of Aviation in a statement said the measure will increase security in the state.

“In acceptance to be trained as aviation security personnel, you must realize that it is a privilege to serve your country at this level as the aviation industry is one place where adherence and commitment to rules and standards are applied strictly to

the letter.”

The Minister also warned that the government will not tolerate conflicts with other security operatives at the airports and that what is required is collaboration and synergy between them for the safety and security of airport users and infrastructure.

“For us, our focus as a government has been to ensure that we are secure and safe at our airports.

Gbajabiamila salutes Nigerian workers, says their sacrifices won’t go in vain

By Christiana Ekpa

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has lauded the efforts of the Nigerian workers on the occasion of this year’s

International Workers’ Day.

Gbajabiamila said the Nigerian workers have paid their dues over the years, therefore, they deserved to be celebrated always, not just on workers’ day.

Recalling the sacrifices of the

Nigerian workers, Gbajabiamila said such would not go in vain, noting that they would continue to reap from their good works.

He said Nigeria would not have been what it is today if not for the diligence, dedication and

commitment at various levels. He saluted them for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria even as he urged them to do more for the betterment of the country.

FCT: Sauka village head appeals to AMAC Chairman for clinic

By Usman Shuaibu

The village Head of Sauka community in Abuja municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Yusuf Magaji, has appealed to the Chairman of AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu to build a clinic in the community to enable the people get access to medical treatment.

He also called on the

leaderships of the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) of well as Secondary Education Board (SEB) to build both Junior and senior Secondary schools in Sauka Village so as to enable the children have access to education there.

Magaji, who made the appeal in an interview with Peoples Daily correspondent in the community after his coronation ceremony on Saturday, further pleaded with AMAC Chairman to repair

dilapidated roads within the communities

He then called for the establishment of market by the Administration of AMAC in order to boost the socio –economic development of Sauka Community, noting that the residents of the community have no big market for business activities.

He said as the Village Head of Sauka he would continue to respect the government of AMAC

for the overall development of the community.

The royal father expressed with joy that he would administer the entire residents of the community with the fear of God and urged them to cooperate with him.

The Sauka monarch, however, begged the FCT Administration as well as the administration of AMAC to stop demolishing their houses in the name of restructuring the FCT for better.

L-R: National Coordinator, Safety Advocates, Mr Dapo Omolade; Permanent Secretary, Public Services Officer, Mrs Olasunkanmi Oyegbola; Director General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola; Director, Lagos State Fire & Rescue Services, Mrs Magret Adeseye ; Executive Director, The Safety Advocates, Engr. Jamiu Badmos, during the walk for Nigeria OSH act by all Nigeria OSH & Government Agencies and Labour unions to celebrate world safety day at the weekend in Lagos,

FG calls for transparency, accountability in mining sector

By Joy Baba-Yesufu

Lack of transparency and accountability in the mining sector has been described as the bane of development and proper safeguards to many mining host communities in Nigeria.

This was made known by the minister of mines and steel development, Olamilekan Adegbite in Abuja at a town hall meeting on ‘promoting fiscal justice and social safeguards in the solid mineral sector’ organized by Global Rights.

The minister, who was represented by the ministry’s director of investment promotion and trade, Mr Imeh Ekrikpo said the issues of transparency has been in the front burner in recent times, in all facet of the economy adding that the ministry is doing all it can within the available resources to conform to the basic tenets of transparency initiatives.

He said “we have done some remarkable reforms in the ministry’s regulation that has given confidence that we are beginning to understand the peculiarity of the environment we operate in and a few changes we have made in our finances in government.

“How we capture government revenues from royalties, from taxes, capacity building that we have undertaken has empowered our officials to begin to do some of those things more transparently. Reporting what is accruable to the government more accurately, we are making giants stride to achieve a lot in these areas”

In her welcome address, executive director, Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu said several reports from different agencies have shown that Nigeria is losing billions of dollars as a result of lack of transparency.

She further said that citizens need to demand accountability from the government to ensure those loopholes are blocked and to ensure everything is put out in there for everyone to see.

Also speaking at the event, executive secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives (NEITI) Orji Ogbonnaya

Orji said social safeguards are policies or tools deployed to prevent and mitigate undue harm to people during mining process.

He also said safeguards helps assess the potential social risks and impacts associated with mine development, defining measures and processes to effectively manage risk and enhance positive impacts.

Orji, who was represented by NEITI director of communication, Obiageli Onuoha said accountability is also a component of fiscal justice making sure that taxes paid to government are used appropriately and prudently.

Sudan: FG says $1.2m negotiated on condition of war

The Federal Government has explained that the sum of 1.2 million dollars allegedly spent in hiring buses for the evacuation of Nigerian students in Sudan was due to the dire need of the war situation.

This was contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson of the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Mrs Rhoda Iliya.

It was also signed by officials of the ministry of foreign affairs Ambassador Janet Olisa and Dr Sani Gwarzo of Humanitarian affairs ministry in Abuja on Saturday.

“The outcry over the negotiated sum of 1.2 million dollars for the buses hired for the exercise, is uncalled for.

“The amount in question was

negotiated in a condition of war and where there are competing demands for same bus services by other countries also trying to evacuate their citizens.

“The general public is hereby advised to discountenance the unverified information being circulated on the social media as some of them are either due to ignorance or sheer mischief,” it said.

The statement also appealed for cooperation and understanding of all Nigerians in the ongoing efforts to ensure all Nigerians stranded in Sudan are returned home safely.

“The first batch of 13 buses conveying six hundred and thirty seven (637) evacuees had arrived the identified safe borders at Aswan, Egypt.

“The evacuees are undergoing

necessary documentation and clearance before admission into the Egyptian territory for their eventual evacuation to Nigeria in the coming hours by the Nigerian Air Force and Air Peace airline, who have been on standby for the operations.

“However, the movement of the second batch of 29 buses will commence on April 29 and the evacuees are advised to be at the designated locations with only one luggage.”

It advised Nigerian students awaiting evacuation from Khartoum to cooperate with embassy officials for proper documentation while embarking on the buses to the designated locations.

“This will go a long way in speeding up the process and

avoiding unnecessary delays with documentation and clearance upon arrival at the Aswan, Egypt.”

The government expressed commitment towards successful evacuation of all Nigerians stranded in Sudan before the expiration of the extended 72 hours ceasefire agreement.

“We want to use this opportunity to extend our appreciation to friendly countries who have in one way or the other assisted in bringing succour to Nigerians fleeing the war in Sudan.

“Particularly, Nigeria acknowledges the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for graciously assisting with the evacuation of eight Nigerians from Sudan to safety in its territory, from where they would be airlifted back to Nigeria,” the statement added. (NAN)

APC group canvasses support for Akpabio for Senate President, Jibrin as deputy

Concerned All Progressives Congress (APC) Members Forum, a registered group of all party members, has backed the call for the emergence of Sen. Godswill Akpabio as the President of the 10th Senate.

Mr Okpokwu Ogenyi, Convener of the group, while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Saturday also supported the call for Sen. Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano) to be the Deputy Senate President.

He said: “We are aware that zoning is not done in a vacuum, so we highly recommend Sen. Godswill Akpabio for the position of Senate President and Senator Barau Jibrin as Deputy Senate President respectively”.

Ogenyi said that their support was based on consideration of federal character in the zoning of the 10th senate leadership bearing in mind, competence and credibility with an understanding that the country is a circular state with multi-faith.

According to him, the development will go a long way in

building the confidence of party members across the country in preparation for the future of the party.

“It is pertinent to note that, in the South, South-South contributed the second highest votes after South-West which houses the President-elect.

“The North-West gave the party the highest votes in the North with Kano state consistently giving APC the highest vote per state in every election since the formation of the party.

“More so, our submission is based on their legislative experience, prudent financial management, fair disposition towards national peace and unity, care for the less privileged, competence, reward for hard work, electoral value and diplomatic relations.

“In the National Assembly, Sen. Akpabio is the most ranking senator from the South-South under the platform of the APC while Sen. Barau Jibrin is the most ranking senator from the North West.

“We call on the President-elect, the Progressives Governor’s Forum (PGF) and the State chairmen of our party to implement a government of National competence by supporting the zoning of the Senate Presidency to the South-South and Deputy to the North West,” Ogenyi said.

He noted that the constitution of the party and its manifesto which does not preach religion, ethnicity, and tribal dichotomy, emphised competence while providing qualitative leadership for Nigerians.

“It is a fact that for the executive arm of government to perform maximally, it must work with the legislature professionally to ensure dividends of democracy to the teaming population of Nigerians.

“We understand that the business of legislature is highly professional because it deals with law-making and financial appropriation, its leadership must be able, ready, and willing to support Mr. President in the governance of the country.

“We believe that, the party’s

role in the National Assembly Leadership is to ensure the emergence of a competent senator who has distinguished himself over the years, devoid of religious and tribal sentiment.

“We need a pan-Nigerian who has been tested and trusted, proven worthy of integrity, character and prudent management.

“The President-elect is from the South-West and the Vice Presidentelect is from the Nort-East, as such, the Senate President should be zoned to the South-South and the Deputy Senate President to the North West.

“The speaker of the House of Representatives and deputy should be accommodated by the other zones in view of competence and credibility of Honourable members,” Ogenyi said.

He further said that the President-elect needed highly competent National Assembly members with vast knowledge of legislative business to complement him in delivering dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

President Muhammadu Buhari receives Hon Yusuf Gagdi in an audience at the Residence State House, yesterday in Abuja.

Urban gangsterism: Security operatives nab 98 hoodlums in Kaduna

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

In a renewed fight against urban gangsters and criminals popularly known as ‘SaraSuka’ in Kaduna Metropolis, Security operatives have arrested 98 hoodlums who were alleged to have snatched phones of innocent persons and caused confusion in the communities.

Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna state, stated this in a statement yesterday.

The statement stated that worried by the increased in the activities of the gang, Governor Nasir El-Rufai demanded for an aggressive action against the

criminals, and has received a progress report from the Kaduna State Police Command.

Aruwan said the criminals have been attacking citizens and snatching their mobile phones and other belongings, a situation which resulted in the loss of several lives and severe injuries inflicted on innocent citizens.

According to the report, which was accompanied with pictorial evidence, a total of 98 suspects were arrested between the 26th and 28th of April, 2023, of which 19 have been charged to court, while 61 are still under investigation at various Divisions within the Kaduna Metropolis. Eighteen (18) of those arrested have been transferred to the State Criminal

Investigation Department for further investigation ahead of the prosecution.

The report further revealed that several exhibits were recovered from the suspects, which included: mobile phones, sharp knives, sharp scissors, cudgels, dried leaves suspected to be Indian Hemp, assorted hard drugs and accessories to aid their consumption, master keys and other valuables.

The Governor tasked the Command to ensure due diligence in prosecution without compromise, and directed that the manhunt for those at large should be intensified until they are all brought to justice.

He also condoled families that

lost their loved ones and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

He further allayed their fears of any possible compromise of the cases, stating that the Kaduna State Government has an effective mechanism in place through the Ministry of Justice to ensure a thorough and scrupulous process.

“Finally, the Governor called on members of communities such as Rigasa, Kawo, Ungwan Muazu, Badarawa, Kwaru, Rigachikun, Barnawa, Ungwan Rimi, Trikania, Nasarawa, Makera, Sabon Tasha, Narayi, Rafin Guza, Tudun Wada and other locations, to provide the names of suspected gang members in their localities for follow-up action by security agencies.”

Again, many villagers abducted by bandits in Niger communities

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Bandits have again attacked many communities leading to the abduction of unidentified number of people while several others were injured in Paikoro local government area of Niger state.

The incident occurred at about 2pm after Friday prayer, and Saturday morning when unidentified gunmen suddenly attacked the villages of Essan,

Koitapi, Wuda, Loitapi among other localities in the area.

Reports revealed that the bandits who operated for several hours without interference, carted away cattle, motor cycles, cash, destroyed houses in the affected communities rendering them homeless while others scampered into the bush.

It was gathered that the armed men started shooting sporadically to scare the villagers at any village they arrived, and that the villagers

were helpless due to lack of existing security agencies in the entire affected communities.

The Coordinator, Kaffin Koro Axis Concerned Youth, Maikarfi Sabastine has appealed to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello and security agencies to urgently come to the aid of the affected communities in order to reduce the hardship currently being experienced

It could be recalled that some aggrieved youths in the

State House screens 3 projects for public - private partnership

The State House, in consultation with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National planning has identified and tentatively screened three of its programmes and projects for possible consideration as pilot cases for Public Private Partnership (PPP).

communities had burnt down the only police station at Kaffin Koro when bandits attacked and killed a reverend father sometimes ago. Since then, the criminals have been carrying out their neferous activities without intervention.

When contacted, the Niger State Command’s Police Public Relations Officer PPRO DSP Wasiu Abiodun assured to get the details and get back to our reporter. He was yet to do so at the time of filing in this report.

The Permanent Secretary, State House, Tijjani Umar, stated this, Thursday in Abuja, in his remarks at the First Quarter, 2023 Public Private Partnership Units Consultative Forum (3PUCF) meeting hosted by the State House and organised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

The three projects, according to the Permanent Secretary, are: the State House Wildlife Sanctuary and |Children’s Park, the State House Medical Centre and the State House, Lagos Facilities.

Towards ensuring the success and sustainability of the initiative, Mr Umar disclosed that the State House has embarked on rigorous strategic human capacity – building of relevant staff of its PPP Unit.

“Four State House staff participated in the Basic and Intermediate PPP Courses at the Nigeria Institute of Infrastructure and Public Private Partnership (NII3P), the training arm of the ICRC.

L-R: Representative of the Vice Chancellor Benue State University Makurdi,Dr John TerTsuwa; Presenting Outstanding Leadership Achievement Award to the CSP Almalohi Odo while her Husband CSP Celestine Odo Looks on during the Commomeration of 2023 International Woman day at the weekend in Abuja

“The State House has also trained three staff on PPP Financial Modelling and Risk Assessment in Accra, Ghana and will leverage on the capacity of officers of the Legal Department who have already enjoyed similar Training on PPP Legal and Regulatory Framework,” the Permanent Secretary said, noting that “additional staff are also being considered to undergo the in-depth MBA training programme on PPP being conducted by the NII3P.”

Giving insight on the Consultative Forum, the Permanent Secretary stated that it provided “a veritable platform for stakeholders in the PPP space to collaborate and exchange ideas on initiatives that are aimed at driving economic growth and development in our country.”

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The National Population Commission (NPC) said it has done all the necessary preparations for a digital census in the country.

The NPC’s Census Manager, Dr. Inuwa Jalingo, stated this on Sunday in Abuja.

“We have created the necessary system that is required to implement a digital

census. Starting from our software development, which we have developed for the enumeration area demarcation.

For the success of the census, we have developed systems whereby it doesn’t allow the enumerators go beyond the boundaries in which they are expected to enumerate. So the issue of overlap or under coverage has been taken care of in our planning for this census”.

He added that the commission had enumerated area information of all the 774 local governments in the country.

“We have used various methods to collect the data on all the houses in the country including places where there is insecurity and we are ready to go into those places to conduct the census.”

Also speaking, Dr Isiaka

Yahaya, Director of Public Affairs, said, reports at some quarters that the commission’s lack of preparedness was responsible for the postponement was not true.

He said the commission had had done all the necessary work for an effective census.

He said when a date is fixed, the country won’t start all over for census preparation but will continue.

“It also serves as a unique opportunity for MDAs to share experiences, ideas and best practices on the execution of PPP projects across different sectors,” he further stated. He enjoined the Forum to seek ways that technology can enhance and expedite the delivery of viable projects.

In his remarks , the Director General, ICRC, Joe Ohiare, listed some of the great strides of the organisation regarding transactions involving MDAs like the Federal Ministry of Interior, Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigeria Immigration Service and NIMASA, to mention a few.

We’ve done all necessary preparations for digital census — NPC

Speakership position: Groups dismiss alleged betrayal of APC in Abia

ACoalition of Civil Society Groups has dismissed reports that Rep. Benjamin Kalu betrayed the APC chapter in Abia State during the last general elections.

The groups, comprising the Northern Patriotic Front, South -West Professionals, and Coalition of Arewa Youths Development, made the refutal at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr Ali Abacha, Chairman, NPF, dismissed the alleged betrayal as false and misleading.

He said the smear campaign against Kalu was designed to give a false impression of him to the leadership of APC, given his chances in the upcoming race for the Office of the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.

“If Benjamin Kalu truly sold the party in the South-east, he would probably not be the only surviving House of Reps member from APC in the entire Abia state with eight federal constituencies.

“His victory is a testament of his hard work to project the party in his state and region.

“If Benjamin Kalu truly sold the party out in the south-east, as being alleged, how come he was the only one whose office was attacked with over 100 bullets, destroying properties with so many lives put at risk in the incident?

“How come he was the only member whose life was threatened by hired assassins who were sent to silence him for projecting the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu. ?

“If these allegations by his traducers are to be taken seriously, how come he was the only one who campaigned publicly for his party APC in Abia State.

“This remains an unfounded allegation against the aspiration of Benjamin Kalu by desperate politicians who lack any moral standing to occupy any leadership position in our nation. ”

He said Kalu, from records, stood high amongst all his detractors as he was already in the House, when most candidates from the south-east rejoined the assembly after their victory in court.

According to him, Kalu has sponsored the highest number of bills among the new members of the House with about 43 bills.

He said some of the bills had received presidential assent while others had progressed from one level of legislative attention.

NDLEA busts Akuskura factory supplying Cameroon, Chad, Niger Republic in

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, on Saturday 29th April raided a clandestine factory in Mubi, Adamawa state, where a new psychoactive

Adamawa

substance, Akuskura, was being produced in large quantity and distributed to Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic. Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja stated this in a statement issued on Sunday.

Africa’s education curriculum needs

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says it has become imperative for Africa to develop an education curriculum that will be relevant to the changing world and available jobs.

Osinbajo expressed this view on Saturday in Nairobi, Kenya, while featuring as a panelist at the first session of the 2023 Ibrahim Governance Forum with theme, “Africa in the World: Multiple Assets.”

The session is part of the 2023 Mo Ibrahim Governance Weekend organised by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

The vice president participated in the session alongside Donald Kaberuka, AU Special Envoy and former President of African Development Bank and Hafou Toure, Deputy Director of Cabinet for the Minister in charge of promoting Small and Medium Enterprises in Côte d’Ivoire.

More so, Ibrahim Mayaki, AU Special for Food Systems, featured in the session online.

Osinbajo spoke on what the future holds for Africa with regards to the creative industry, education among others.

The creative industry in Africa is a phenomenon that many will say happened without government.

It said at the time of the raid, production activities were ongoing in the premises.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has commended the officers and men of MMIA, Tincan, DOGI,

Kano, Ondo, Oyo, Benue and Adamawa Commands of the Agency for their vigilance and professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities. He charged them and their colleagues across the country not to rest on their oars.

to adapt to changing world — Osinbajo

“ It possibly happened because there was no government; so, I think that in many ways what is important is to see how the creative industry can be supported.

“Firstly, entertainment, it is evident that there is a huge amount of talents and it’s evident also that the regulatory environment favours it because there are no impediments.

“And one would say that, as much as possible, what we should seek to do is to see how we can expand that space and to support with credit where that is possible and infrastructure that will be helpful.’’

He said that in Nigeria, the National Theatre had a few studios for films, entertainment and others and had shown great promise in supporting the industry.

“And the need and support they can get in many cases that support can come especially in the form of infrastructure from the government and credit also from the government.

“But things have changed in so many fundamental respect that there is greater independence of the artist and the creative people and they really function very effectively with little help.

“I would say that we should be cautious in not interfering too much; at the same time, we need to provide infrastructure, we need to provide

credit with such an exposure that they may need.

“Well, certainly we could do a lot more I don’t think it is right to say that we are doing what we can.

“But frankly I think that we should start from the premise of placing a different vision before our young people.”

According to him, there is need to have a clarity of vision on where Africa is headed in terms of education.

He said there was need to give Africa’s young people a sense that there was a future and that there were promises that could be made and delivered.

The vice president said that education was about youth demographics.

“It is really the privileged young people; I use the word privilege cautiously because these are young people with education – local education or education abroad, some have college degree and all of that and there is a huge rural young people who have no education and that demography has a large number of women.

“So, even understanding what such of educational programmes we need to put in place and even the vision for that educational programme you have to understand

that we are dealing with several demographics.

“The final point is that we are in a new place where the world has changed so dramatically and particularly in the past 10 years, where we have robotic, artificial intelligence; what sort of education makes sense to create job opportunities today?

“This is the time to think through the educational curriculum and to decide how this curriculum will be relevant and would deliver the sort of persons that we want to deliver and create the sort of opportunities that we require for the jobs that will be available,’’ he said.

Kaberuka, before responding to his own question, complimented Osinbajo for his contributions to Nigeria’s development.

“I think this gentleman has done an excellent job in his country; I do not think we have seen the last of him,” he said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Mo Ibrahim, who is also the founder, Mo Ibrahim Foundation, said it had become urgent for Africa to adjust to the fast-paced world.

According to him, questions on Africa’s relationship with the rest of the world and the benefits therein will be raised at the forum.

L-R: President, Bartender’s Guild of Nigeria, Judge,Emmanuel Oyira; Founder, The ONA Lagos,Chef Obehi Ekhomu-El Herfpi ; Winner of the Bord Bia Irish Mixers Club Mixology Contest Season 2,Donald Obirode ; West Africa Regional Manager, Bord Bia,Ese Okpomo; and Co-founder and Managing Director, R.S.V.P and SLoW, Judge, Nahi Halabi, during the grand finale of the Bord Bia Irish Mixers Club Mixology Contest Season 2 at the Lagos Irish Pub, Lagos,

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR ARTS AND CULTURE

PLOT 1370 UKPO CLOSE, OFF TWON BRASS STREET, OFF MUHAMMAD BUHARI WAY, (BY OLD CBN), GARKI II DISTRICT, P.M.B. 252, GARKI – ABUJA

INVITATION TO TENDER FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COUNCIL’S 2023 CAPITAL PROJECTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION:

1.1 The National Council for Arts and Culture, Abuja is desirous of carrying out the under-listed programmes and projects as contained in its 2023 budget.

1.2 The Council is therefore, inviting experienced and competent contractors/suppliers, consultants and event managers to submit bids for these programmes.

2.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES

2.1 WORKS

LOT NO

PROJECT

LOT 2 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST)

2.2 NON-CONSULTANCY SERVICES

LOT NO

PROJECT

LOT 16 Skills Acquisition Training in Bwari Local Government Area

LOT 17 Development, Capacity Building and Promotion of Cultural Festivals in Edo State

LOT 18 Empowerment and Sensitization Programme against Sex Abuse, Drug Abuse and Vocational Skill Starter Packs in Nunku

LOT 19 Waste to Wealth Empowerment in Arts and Craft Capacity Building in Edo State

LOT 20 Skill Gap and Enhancement of Youths in Cultural Entrepreneurship in Edo State

LOT 21 (ZIP) Training and Empowerment of Youth & Women in Bronze casting and Wood Craft in Oredo Federal Constituency, Edo State.

3.0 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

a. Evidence of Certificate of Incorporation issued by Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) including Forms CAC2 and CAC7 or CAC 1.1. Business Name with Form BN1 is also acceptable for Services;

b. Evidence of Company’s Tax Clearance Certificate (or Personal Income Tax Clearance Certificates of all the Partners in case of Business Name) for the last three (3) years valid till 31st December, 2023;

c. Evidence of Pension Clearance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2023 (this requirement is only applicable to bidders whose number of staff is 15 and above);

d. Evidence of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2023 (this requirement is only applicable to bidders whose number of staff is 5 and above or the bidder’s annual turnover is N50m and above);

e. Evidence of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Clearance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2023;

f. Evidence of Registration on the National Database of Federal Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers by submission of Interim Registration Report (IRR) expiring on 31/12/2023 or valid Certificate issued by BPP.

g. Sworn Affidavit:

- disclosing whether or not any officer of the relevant committees of the National Council for Arts and Culture or the Bureau of Public Procurement is a former or present Director, shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in the bidder and to confirm that all information presented in its bid are true and correct in all particulars;

- that no Director has been convicted in any Country for any criminal offence relating to fraud or financial impropriety or criminal misrepresentation or falsification of facts relating to any matter;

- that the Company is not in receivership, the subject of any form of insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings or the subject of any form of winding up petition or proceedings;

- that the company does not have existing loan or financial liability with a bank, other financial institution or third party that is classified as doubtful, non-performance, bad or whose repayment portion has been outstanding for the last four (4) months;.

h. Company Audited Accounts for the last three (3) years (2020, 2021 & 2022);

i. Reference Letter from a reputable commercial bank indicating willingness to provide credit facility for the execution of the project when needed;

j. Company Profile with the Curriculum Vitae of Key Staff to be deployed for the project, including copies of their Academic/Professional qualifications.

k. Verifiable documentary evidence of at least three (3) similar jobs executed in the last five (5) years including Letters of Awards, Valuation Certificates, Job Completion Certificates and Photographs of the projects.

l. Works (Lots 2): List of Plants/Equipment with proof of Ownership/Lease Agreement;

m. Services: Evidence of Firm’s current registration with relevant professional regulatory body(ies);

n. For Joint Venture/Partnership, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) should be provided (CAC, Tax Clearance Certificate, Pension Clearance Certificate, ITF Compliance Certificate, NSITF Clearance Certificate, IRR & Sworn Affidavit are compulsory for each JV partner)

o. All documents for submission must be transmitted with a Covering/Forwarding letter under the Company/Firm’s Letter Head Paper bearing amongst others, the Registration Number (RC) as issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Contact Address, Telephone Number (preferably GSM No.), and E-mail Address. The letterhead Paper must bear the Names and Nationalities of the Directors of the Company at the bottom of the page, duly signed by the authorised officer of the firm.

4.0 COLLECTION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS

Interested bidders are to collect the Standard Bidding Document (SBD) from the office of the Head, Procurement Unit, Directorate Office, Room 2, 1st Floor, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Plot 1370, Ukpo Close, Off Oro Ago Crescent, Off Muhammad Buhari Way, (by Old CBN), Garki II, District, Abuja upon presentation of evidence of payment of a non-refundable tenders fee of N10,000.00 per Lot, paid into the National Council for Arts and Culture’s Remita account in any reputable Commercial Bank in Nigeria.

5.0 SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS

A: PRE-QUALIFICATION/EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

Interested firms should submit two (2) bound Pre-Qualification/EOI documents duly signed, paginated, separated by dividers, and arranged in the order outlined hereunder:

All documents for submission must be transmitted with a Covering/Forwarding letter under the Company/Firm’s Letter Head Paper bearing amongst others, the Registration Number (RC) as issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Contact Address, Telephone Number (preferably GSM No.), and e-mail address. The Letterhead Paper must bear the Names and Nationalities of the Directors of the Company at the bottom of the page, duly signed by the authorized officer of the firm.

Thereafter, put the two sealed envelopes together in a bigger sealed envelope addressed to The Director General/CEO, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), 1st Floor, Plot 1370 Ukpo Close, Off Twon Brass Street, Off Muhammad Buhari Way, (by Old CBN) Garki II District, Abuja and clearly marked with the title of the project and Lot number.

Furthermore, the reverse of each sealed envelope should bear the name and address of the bidder and be dropped in the designated “Tender Box” in the Procurement Unit, Room 2; 1st Floor, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) not later than 12:00 noon of Tuesday, 6th June, 2023.

B. INVITATION TO TENDER

Prospective bidders are to submit a bid for each of the Lots desired, two (2) hard-copies of the Technical and Financial bids with a softcopy of Financial bid only in MS Excel format saved on a Flash Drive, package separately in a sealed envelope and clearly marked as “Technical Bid” or “Financial Bid”. Thereafter, put the two sealed envelopes together in a bigger sealed envelope addressed to the Director General/CEO, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), 1st Floor, Plot 1370 Ukpo Close, Off Twon Brass Street, Off Muhammad Buhari Way, (by Old CBN) Garki II District, Abuja and clearly marked with (the title of the project/programme and Lot number).

Furthermore, the reverse of each sealed envelope should have the name and address of the bidder and be dropped in the designated “Tender Box” in the Procurement Unit, Room 2; 1st Floor, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) not later than 12:00 noon, Tuesday, 13th June, 2023.

6.0 OPENING OF EOI/TECHNICAL BIDS

A: EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

The Expression of Interest (EoI) Documents will be opened immediately after the closure of submission at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, 6th June, 2023 at the Board Room of NCAC Headquarters, Abuja in the presence of observers, bidders or their representatives and the public.

Please, ensure that you sign the Pre-Qualification/EoI Submission Register in the Procurement Unit of the Council, as the Council shall not be held liable for misplaced or wrongly submitted Pre-Qualification/EoI.

For further enquiries, please contact the “Head of (Procurement)” on e-mail obozokhai67@gmail.com

B: INVITATION TO TENDER

Only the Technical Bids will be opened immediately after the deadline of submission at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, 13th June, 2023 at the Board Room of NCAC Headquarters, Abuja in the presence of observers, bidders or their representatives and the public, while the Financial Bids will be kept unopened.

Please, ensure that you sign the Bid Submission Register in the Procurement Unit of the Council, as the Council shall not be held liable for misplaced or wrongly submitted Bids. For further enquiries, please contact the “Head of (Procurement)” on e-mail obozokhai67@gmail. com

7.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

a. Bids must be in English Language and signed by an official authorised by the bidder;

b. Bids submitted after the deadline for submission would be returned un-opened.

c. Documents not properly bound will be returned un-opened.

d. All Bids/EoIs must be written with indelible ink, those written with a pencil will be disqualified.

e. All costs will be borne by the bidders;

f. Invitation to Tender: Only pre-qualified bidders at technical evaluation will be invited later for financial bids opening, while financial bids of un-successful bidders will be returned unopened.

g. Services: Only prequalified Consultants will be invited later for collection of Request for Proposals.

h. Submission of technical/financial bids to the Council is neither a commitment nor an obligation to award any contract to any contractor or supplier/service provider;

i. Bidders should not bid for more than two (2) Lots;

j. Due Diligence/Post Qualification will be conducted as all documented claims by the Contractors are subject to verification.

The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Garki ll, Abuja is not bound to pre-qualify/ shortlist any bidder and reserves the right to annul the Procurement process at any time without incurring any liabilities in accordance with Section 28 of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

Signed: The Director General/CEO National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Abuja

Market’s demolition: Chief of Army Staff accused of disobeying court order

By Usman Shuaibu

The Chief of Army staff

Lieutenant General

Farouk Yahaya has been accused of demolishing multipurpose building materials market in Maitama, Abuja which was allocated to the traders without obeying court order.

The Abuja-based businessman, Chief Dr Wasiu Tunwase, who is also the Otunba of Yoruba community in the FCT made this accusation in an interview with newsmen in his residence in Zuba.

Otunba disclosed that the allotees were given 25 years to operate in the market and subject to renewal, adding that the traders only spent about three years before the Chief of Army Staff ordered for the demolition of the market.

He further revealed that about 2,500 traders were disengaged in the market due to the demolition, expressing worry the way and manner at which the Nigerian military men were disobeying court injunction in the country.

According to Otunba, we do not have judiciary in this country because Chief of Army Staff does not obey the rule of law, but nobody is above the law of the land.

He pointed out that some traders had already sued the Chief of Army staff to the High Court of Justice 49 in Gwagwalada, Abuja on the demolition of the market and urged the court to do justice to the case.

Tuwase, however, appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari as well as the Attorneygeneral of the Federation, Abubakar Malami to look into the matter of the demolition of the market along Mammi street in Maitama, and charged the incoming government to work on Nigerian Judiciary in terms of its responsibilities. He pointed out that some traders had already sued the Chief of Army staff to the High Court of Justice 49 in Gwagwalada, Abuja on the demolition of the market and urgonsibilities.

Cross section of newly inaugurated Elected Executive of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) North Central Zone during their inauguration at the Christian Worship Center, yesterday in Abuja.

You lied, tell Nigerians your true identity, certificates — Timi Frank tells Sylva

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Friday, described a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, as a serial liar and urged him to tell Nigerians his real identity and the authenticity of his academic certificates.

Frank made this call in Abuja in reaction to a statement by Sylva in which he denied any wrongdoing for parading multiple names but failed to address germane issues concerning his true identity and academic qualifications but rather resorted to name calling and insults.

The Bayelsa-born political activist had earlier in a petition to the National Assembly, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS), among others, called for urgent and thorough investigation into the name and

certificates being paraded by the immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

However, Sylva in a statement signed by one Horatius Egua, labeled Frank a “political prostitute, blackmailer and jobber” without advancing any cogent proof to resolve the glaring discrepancies in the names in his academic certificates now fueling suspicion about his true identity and allegations of certificate forgery.

Frank said: “If there is anybody that is a blackmailer, it is Sylva who has continued to parade different names to present himself as Governor and Minister.

“It is not enough for Sylva to call me all sorts of names with abuses, but let him tell the public his true identity and prove that his academic certificates which is the issue at stake are genuine.

“As a Public Servant who has been opportune to govern Bayelsa State, served as Minister of State for

Petroleum Resources and presently warming up to be re-elected as Governor, the people of the state in particular and Nigerians in general deserve to know who Timipre Sylva is.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the onus lies on the ex-minister to present unassailable proof as to why he waited till 2022 to gazette his correct name which had kept changing like a chameleon over the years.

“For instance, who is Anagha Timipere, Marlin Anagha Timipre, Anagha Timipre Marlin and Chief Timipre Sylva as contained in his Primary School certificate, WAEC certificate, first degree certificate and postgraduate certificate respectively?

“He claimed that the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi was his classmate and the Governor-Elect of Abia State, Alex Otti, was his contemporary at the University of Port Harcourt.

“The question is, by which name or names did Amaechi or Otti know or call him at the time because his first degree certificate after graduation in 1986 did not reflect Timipre Sylva which is his current name.

“Amaechi and Otti are very much alive, let them tell Nigerians by what name they knew Sylva then?

“Again, he claimed that the certificate forgery case against him at a Federal High Court in Abuja was dismissed in 2023, but I make bold to say the case was not dismissed for lack of merit but that Transparency Advocacy for Development Initiative (TADI), who were the petitioners/ plaintiffs applied to discontinue the case.

“Our investigation revealed that in processes Sylva filed in support of a libel case in America, he claimed that he first changed his name in 1987 but in a statement he issued three days ago, he said he changed his name in 2022 and gazetted it.

Delta partners media, others to deepen awareness on TB

The Delta government has urged partnership with the media and all stakeholders to deepen awareness on the danger of Tuberculosis (TB) in the state.

The call was made on Wednesday in Asaba at a one-day training workshop for journalists and media workers by the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with its technical partners, KNCV and Breakthrough Action Nigeria with support from the USAID.

Dr Christian Tetsola, Director, Department of Public Health in the State Ministry of Health, in a welcome address, said the prevalence of TB was alarming and taking a high dimension in the state.

He noted that there was an urgent need to mobilize committed efforts of all stakeholders to spread awareness and educate the people of the state on the danger of the airborne disease.

He said that TB if detected early

was treatable but for ignorance and lack of awareness, many suffer and die from the disease.

“Tuberculosis is one of the oldest contagious disease that many people don’t know it is very common around us.

“Here in Delta, many people don’t know that TB is real and that the disease is treatable and preventable if diagnosed early.

‘This is why this training workshop for journalists is very important because the media is a critical stakeholder in our crusade to spread information about public health.

“However, we must all take action because tuberculosis is here with us. It is so bad that we are seeing the high rate of TB in the state,” he said.

Tetsola added, “the campaign against TB must be intensified if we must achieve positive results and that is why we need the media in this

respect.”

He expressed the state government’s displeasure over the poor attitude of the people in utilizing the public health facilities in the state.

According to him, most people shy away from undergoing test and treatment that would help early detection and check the spread of the disease.

The director used the medium to appealed to health workers in the state to exhibit good attitude at work places towards patients who visit health facilities to seek counsel or treatment.

In his presentation at the workshop, Dr Emmanuel Ajumuka, the Senior Programme Officer for KNCV Nigeria, said that resistance from patients was a major challenge in the campaign against the disease.

He said, “one of the problem we are having in Delta state is that most diagnosed TB patients always

refuses to continue with their treatment and drugs.

“Most people who go to health facilities for treatment, don’t want to submit their sputum for test that would help facilitate early treatment.

“Also, many parents who take their children for treatment always refuse to bring stool samples.

“They will say that they do not want someone to use their children stool for ritual purpose, you can imagine their belief.”

Ajumuka said that available records showed that four out 20 persons tested TB positive and mostly children were impacted.

He, however, urged parents to allow their children undergo diagnosis and treatment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training workshop was attended by selected media workers and public health information officers in the state. (NAN)

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

National Elders Forum agrees with Buhari on military performance

The National Elders Forum has agreed with President Muhammadu Buhari on the performance of the Armed forces of Nigeria.

President Buhari at a recent occasion commended the AFN for its professionalism and sacrifices in the protection of the sovereignty of Nigeria.

According to the President “At the inception of this administration, the nation’s security situation was greatly challenged by the activities of violent non-state actors. Today, I am pleased to specially note that the situation has tremendously improved and I wish to also proudly highlight that we have made remarkable progress in the fight against insurgents, militants, oil bunkerers, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the country.”

President Buhari added that remarkable transformation of the military in the areas of fighting power, training, operations, manpower, remunerations and medical services, in addition to maintenance efficiency, accommodation and expansion of forces has been recorded.

Reacting to the President’s remark, the National Elders Forum in a press release on Friday said the AFN has proven that it has the capacity to defend the country in the face of daunting challenges.

The Press release signed by NEF President, Otunba Aremu Obatoke and

Secretary, Mallam Abdullahi Gambo noted that even more advanced countries are facing security challenges.

The Forum said that comparatively, “The Armed forces of Nigeria has done very well when we look at the indices before us.

“Here in Nigeria, we have criminal elements that are surrendering in numbers because the Armed forces is not giving them breathing space. We may not have completely wiped them away, but we can boldly say that our country is far better than it was, especially since the present leadership of the Armed forces came onboard 2 years ago.

“We agree with a recent assessment by the Professor of Cyber Security and Information Technology Management, Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, who awarded the current leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria pass mark over their commitment to root out Boko Haram terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements from the country.

“Prof. Ademola in a statement recently, noted that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. LEO Irabor has brought in a professional touch and unique variety of administration that has proven to be a masterstroke in the war against insurgents.

“NEF therefore say that our military has done very well, we should support them and not weaken their resolve,” the Forum added.

2023 Census will be acceptable by Nigerians- Federal Commissioner

By Usman Shuaibu

The 2023 census would be acceptable by Nigerians, the Federal Commissioner representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Joseph Shazin Kwali has said.

Shazin, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Kwali, also said the 2023 census would be free, fair and credible. He then assured the people of the FCT and Nigeria at large that the security agents would be engaged during the census exercises.

He revealed that adequate preparations

HUSSAINI ADAMU FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, P.M.B. 5004, KAZAURE JIGAWA STATE

INVITATION TO TENDER

1. INTRODUCTION

The Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure wishes to invite competent Contractors/Suppliers to submit their Tender Documents for the following Projects, under the NEEDS Assessment Revitalization Fund for Beneficiary Federal and State Polytechnics in Nigeria.

2. THE PROPOSED PROJECTS

Lot F1

Lot F2

Lot F3

Lot F4

Construction/Furnishing of Workshop at School of Agriculture

Construction/Furnishing of Workshop at School of Engineering

Construction/Furnishing of 1Block of 4No. Classrooms and 4No. Offices

Rehabilitation of the Dilapidated Multi-Purpose Hall

3. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

In line with the requirements of PPA 2007, interested Companies are required to submit the following documents:

a. Evidence of Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C.) including Form CAC 1.1 or CAC 02 and CAC 07;

b. Evidence of Company’s Income Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three (3) years valid till December, 2023;

c. Evidence of Pension Clearance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2023 (this requirement is only applicable to bidders whose number of staff is 15 and above);

d. Evidence of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2023 (this requirement is only applicable to bidders whose number of staff is 5 and above or the bidder’s annual turnover is N50m and above);

e. Evidence of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Clearance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2023;

f. Evidence of Registration on the National Database of Contractors, Consultants and Service providers by submission of Interim Registration Report (IRR) 31/12/23 or valid Certificate issued by BPP.

g. Sworn Affidavit:

- Disclose whether or not any officer of the relevant committees of the Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic Kazaure or the Bureau of Public Procurement is a former or present Director, shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in the bidder and to confirm that all information presented in its bids are true and correct in all particulars;

-

That no Director has been convicted in any Country for any Criminal offence relating to fraud or financial impropriety or criminal misrepresentation or falsification of facts relating to any matter;

- That the Company is not in receivership, the subject of any form of insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings or the subject of any form of winding up petition or proceedings;

h. Company’s Audited Accounts for the last three (3) years – 2020, 2021 & 2022;

i. Reference Letter from a reputable Commercial Bank in Nigeria, indicating willingness to provide credit facility for execution of the project when needed;

j. Company’s Profile with Curriculum Vitae of key staff to be deployed for the project, including copies of their Academic/Professional qualifications such as COREN, QSRBN, ARCON, CORBON etc.;

k. Verifiable documentary evidence of at least three (3) similar jobs executed in the last five (5) years including letters of Awards, Valuation Certificates, Job Completion Certificates and Photographs of the projects

l. List of Plants/Equipment with proof of ownership/Lease Agreement;

had been made in terms of sensitisations, advocacy, demarcations as well as inauguration of the publicity committees towards achieving the victories during the census.

He said his leadership would deem it necessary to give the necessary support and co-operation to the enumerators to carry out their duties effectively.

When asked on the security challenges facing the country for so long now, the Federal Commissioner called on the incoming government to complement the efforts of the out-going administration in order to wage war against insecurity for the benefit of Nigerians.

Billiri LG APC support Yahaya’s programme

From David Hassan,Gombe

The All Progressives Congress( APC) in Billiri local government area of Gombe state has pledged to support Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s programmes.

Secretary of the party Mr. Boyi Gidado who spoke on behalf of the chairman of the party Mr. Isiaka Zakari

stated this on Wednesday while briefing Journalists at Government lodged in Billiri.

He said they are fully ready to support the governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya programmes after winning his second term bid.

The party also congratulated the governor for its deserved role at the just concluded general elections.

m. For Joint Venture/Partnership, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) should be provided (CAC, Tax Clearance Certificate, Pension Clearance Certificate, ITF Compliance Certificate, NSITF Clearance Certificate, IRR & Sworn Affidavit are compulsory for each JV partner);

n. All document for submission must be transmitted with a covering/forwarding letter under the company’s letter head paper bearing among others, the Registration Number (RC) as issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Contact Address, Telephone Number (preferably GSM Number) and e-mail address. The letter head paper must bear the names and Nationalities of the Directors of the Company at the bottom of the page, duly signed by the authorised officer of the firm.

4. COLLECTION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS

Interested Companies are to collect the Standard Bidding Document (SBD) from the Procurement Office on evidence of payment of a non-refundable tender fee of N10,000.00 per Lot, paid into the Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure’s Remita account in any reputable Commercial Bank in Nigeria.

5. SUBMISSION OF BIDDING DOCUMENTS

The Documents should be submitted in the following prescribed manner:

1. The Contractor shall enclose Two envelopes duly marked as Technical/Financial Bid and sealed stating the project

2. The envelopes shall then:

a) Bear the name and address of the contractor.

b) Be addressed to the Rector, Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic P.M.B. 5004 Kazaure, Jigawa State.

c) Bear the name lot of the project of interest.

d) The sealed envelope shall then be registered and dropped in the Tender Box at the Procurement Department. Submission of Bids Documents closes at 12:00 noon Tuesday 6th June, 2023.

6. OPENING OF TECHNICAL BIDS

Only the Technical Bids shall be opened after the deadline for submission at 12:00 noon Tuesday 6th June, 2023, in the Council Chamber, Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, Jigawa State in the presence of the Bidders or their representatives, while the Financial Bids will be kept un-opened.

7.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

i. Bids must be in English Language and signed by an official authorised by the bidder;

ii. Bids submitted after the deadline for submission would be retuned un-opened;

iii. Bidders should not bid for more than one (1) Lot;

iv. All costs will be borne by the bidders;

v. The Technical Bids will be opened in the presence of CSOs and Professionals bodies and covered by video recording; invitation link will be sent to bidders who choose to join the bid opening online;

vi. Only pre-qualified bidders at technical evaluation will be invited at a later date for financial bids opening, while the financial bids of un-successful bidders will be returned un-opened;

vii. The Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, is not bound to pre-qualify any bidder and reserves the right to annul the procurement process at any time without incurring any liabilities in accordance to Section 28 of the Public Procurement Act (2007).

viii. For more information, please contact 08035482632 or hafedpolyprocurement@gmail.com

SIGNED: Registrar

Gov. Bello appoints new Executive Secretary for Niger State Pilgrims Board

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has approved the appointment of Muhammad Awwal Aliyu as the new Executive Secretary, Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board.

A statement issued by Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) disclosed that the appointment of Muhammad Awwal Aliyu to the challenging position was based on professionalism, merit, proven credentials, integrity, and outstanding records of decades of experience.

Ahmed Matane reminded the Executive Secretary that he is also expected to bring his knowledge, skills, and wealth of experience to bear in the performance of his new assignment by working assiduously to justify the confidence reposed in him.

According to the SSG, “the new Executive Secretary is expected to comply with the operational structure and policy objective as contained in the State Pilgrims Welfare Board”. A statement issued by Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) disclosed that the appointment of Muhammad Awwal Aliyu to the challenging position was based on professionalism, merit, proven credentials, integrity, and outstanding records of decades of experience.

Ahmed Matane reminded the Executive Secretary that he is also expected to bring his knowled experience to bear in the performance of his new assignment by working assiduously to justify the confidence reposed in him.

Sanitation: Nasarawa govt embarks on House to house monitoring exercise

From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

As part of efforts by the administration of Governor Abdullahi

Sule of Nasarawa state toward maintaining a healthy

environment, the state ministry of Environment and Natural Resources said it has embarked on House to House sanitation monitoring across the 13 local government councils in the state for effective exercise.

The state environment prosecution officer, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed stated this in an interview with newsmen on behalf of the minister, Yakubu Kwata.

“We have engaged our staff

on House to House monitoring exercise inorder to have a cleàn and heàthy environment free of diseases, We also have mobile courts across the local government councils in case of defaulters.

SCI urges govt, stakeholders to end under-5 mortality

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

As the world commemorates World Immunization Week, Save the Children International Nigeria urged governments and stakeholders at all levels to accelerate actions toward reducing and ending under-5 mortality rate of children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

It said the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) carried out by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2021 indicated that about 1 in 10 children in Nigeria die before their 5th birthday.

Owing to this, SCI said, all stakeholders should strive to ensure that no child dies from preventable causes before their fifth birthday.

Furthermore, according to the findings of the 2021 Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) & National Immunization Coverage Survey (NICS) carried out by the NBS as part of the global MICS programme, the infant mortality rate is 63 deaths per 1,000 live births for the 5-year period preceding the survey, while the under-5 mortality rate (U5MR) for the same period is 102 deaths per 1,000 live births. The neonatal mortality rate is 34 deaths per 1000 live births. Child mortality is 42 deaths per 1,000 live births. The under-5 mortality rate of children born in the poorest households (133 per 1000) was nearly three times the under-5 mortality rate for children born in the richest households (47 per 1000).

Save the Children believes that immunization saves millions of lives, and it is recognized as one of the world’s most successful health interventions.

It said the benefits of vaccines are fully realized when children receive all recommended vaccine doses in a timely manner.

“Immunization coverage in Nigeria is below the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) goals, i.e., only 36% of children aged 12- 23 months received all recommended vaccines and 18% did not receive any, putting a substantial number of children at risk of vaccine preventable diseases. Substantially more children are fully vaccinated in the southern zones compared to the northern zones, according to the National Immunization Coverage

Survey (NICS), 2021.

“Therefore, we would like to urge all stakeholders to continue to build strong political commitment for an increased immunisation coverage and other primary healthcare interventions, thus contributing to increased domestic investment in health to meet the Abuja Declaration of 15% (2011) as against the present 8% budgetary allocation to health by Nigeria in 2023 at the national level. Save the Children will work with partners and stakeholders towards ensuring that increased health spending directly improves child health services, including removing catastrophic health spending, reducing non-financial barriers to accessing care, and prioritizing primary health services in Nigeria.”

Kokona crísis: Displaced Mada victims cry for help

council of Nasarawa state have made a passionate appeal to the federal and state governments as well as spirited individuals to come to their aid.

Speaking in an interview with Peoples

Daily Thursday in Garaku, one of the victims Malls Sundày Francis said that the call became imperative because many people fled their homes without carrying anything.

According to him,”we are calling on the state government under the leadership of Governor Sule and other relevant agencies to assist us from this predicament.“

From Gambo Ahmed lafia

Mada victims of the recent clàsh wíth herders in Tattara villàge in Kokona local government

Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs/Speakership Aspirant, Hon. Benjamin Kalu with Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen.Azubuike Ihejirika, during the Kalu’s consultation on his Speakership aspiration, at his Senatorial District, in Abia state, yesterday

Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG), has tasked Vice-President-elect Kashim Shettima, to ensure that the ministerial appointment for Borno is given to the southern zone of the state.

Dominic Ogakwu, President, CSGGG, said this at a news conference in Abuja.

Ogakwu said that for decades the southern part of the state had suffered marginalisation in terms of state and national appointments.

He said that from 1979 till date, the north and central zones had continue to occupy the state governorship office, while the south was yet to occupy the office.

Ogakwu added that the southern zone was also at disadvantaged position in the political arrangements in the state.

He said the group appeal was not an ethnic agitation nor a religious protest, but a ‘moralsuation.’

“We are only appealing to the humanity which binds all of us and calling the good people of Central and Northern Borno, led by Vice-President-elect Shettima, to ‘be their brothers keepers’ this time.

“We must back a Southern Borno person for appointment as a federal minister, for balancing, inclusion and participation, which are key criteria for political equity, fairness and justice.

“Considering the current political setup in the state, we are particularly calling on the president-elect to lead the charge for sociopolitical and socioeconomic integration, by appointing a person from Southern Borno as a federal minister,” he said.

Ogakwu said the appeal was critical considering the disadvantage and marginalisation position the people of the south in the state were already facing.

“As civil society, we are appealing Shettima to leverage on his influence in the party to mend the broken fences.

“To build a bigger, better and more united Borno State and Nigeria, by throwing his weight behind Borno South for federal ministerial appointment, to compensate and bring them into the fold as one family,” he said. (NAN)

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

Four different political parties out of the 14 that contested the 2023 gubernatorial election in Bauchi State have filed a petition before the election Petition Tribunal sitting in Bauchi challenging the declaration of Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad.

The petitioners includes Governorship Candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, Allied Peoples Movement, APM, Peoples

Redemption Party, PRP and New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP.

2023: APC, 3 other parties challenge Governor Bala’s victory at Tribunal Group tasks VicePresidentelect on Minister from Borno South

They separately took the Governor of Bauchi State,Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad , to the election tribunal for emerging winner of the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator. Bala Mohammed as the winner of the 18th March governorship election in Bauchi.

Bala scored 525,280 votes to

clinch the seat and defeated his closest contender, APC’s retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who came second with 432,272 votes while Senator Halliru Jika of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) came third with 60,496 votes.

The petitioner’s respondents include INEC, Bala Mohammed, and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party PDP.

The petitioners alleged that elections were not conducted in substantial compliance with a mandatory requirement of the Electoral Act, 2022 and guidelines as required as some were marred by irregularities.

North-Central senators-elect want Deputy Senate President position

Senators- elect from the North-Central have said that the least position worthy of the zone was the position of the Deputy President of the Senate.

Senator-elect for Nasarawa West Senatorial District, Ahmed Wadada (SDPNasarawa) made the declaration on behalf of the North -Central Senators-elect caucus at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

Wadada, who holds the traditional title of Sarkin Yakin Keffi, said that the least position the zone would go for was the position of the Deputy Senate President.

He said: “We as a caucus meet and first welcome the President -elect from his trip and asked that fairness takes place in the distribution of leadership to all the geopolitical zones.

“Of course we are aware that there are agitations from various geo- political zones on the positions of Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

“Haven been aware of these agitations of course, it should be called to mind that the South-West and the North-East haven’t produced the president and vice president respectfully.

“The north-central as a result of that is of the stand and position that the least position we will go for is the deputy senate president and this is not just coming today.

“The north-central caucus has been consistent from the commencement of the politics that will lead to the emergence of the leadership of the national assembly.

“That has always been our position that we are for the deputy senate president position and that is what we stand for.

“We shall work in harmony, mutuality and cordiality with all other geo- political zones for the good of Nigeria but not to be compromised for any reason what so ever.”

The senators-elect also disclosed that the caucus was projecting Sen. Sani Musa ( APC-Niger) for the position of Deputy Senate President of the 10th Senate.

“We made it clear at our maiden meeting

to give the position to the chairman of this caucus, Sen. Sani Musa.

“We all agreed among us that whatever comes to north-central goes to Sen. Sani Musa because we are a

united family.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the caucus comprised members of different political parties.

IBOM STATE. The envelope should be clearly marked with the name of the project and the Lot number. Furthermore, the reverse of each sealed envelope should bear the name and address of the bidder and drop in the designated Tender Box in the office of the RECTOR by an authorized staff of the company not later than 12:00pm, Tuesday, 30th May, 2023.

6. OPENING OF TECHNICAL BIDS The EOI and the technical bids will be opened immediately after the deadline for submission at 12:00pm, Tuesday, 30th May, 2023, in the Rector’s Conference Room, Administrative Block, while the financial bids will be kept un-opened. Please, ensure that you sign the Bid Submission Register in the Procurement Unit, Office of the Rector, as the Institute will NOT be held liable for misplaced or wrongly submitted bids.

7. GENERAL INFORMATION a. Bid must be in English language and signed by an official authorised by the bidder; b. Bids submitted after the deadline for submission would be returned unopened; c. All cost will be borne by the bidders. d. Bidder(s) shall not bid for more than two (2)

Governor Bala

Root causes of violent conflict in developing countries

By Palash Kausher

One of the most fragile of the peace agreements currently in place is that for Kenya, for precisely this reason: the Annan negotiation, while producing an effective political fix at the top, through a power-sharing agreement which stopped the initial violence, left completely unresolved the fundamental underlying causes of the explosion of ethnic violence, including land distribution, economic disparities and inadequate constitutional and legal protections.

I don’t think anyone needs to be persuaded now about the existence of a basic interrelationship between poverty and conflict, captured in the familiar mantra that there can be ‘no security without development, and no development without security’.

If one were in an argumentative mood, it is certainly possible to argue about the extent to which poverty, as such, causes deadly conflict. If severe economic deprivation was by itself a direct cause of violent conflict or mass atrocities, the world, with a billion people still living on around a dollar a day, would be even more alarmingly violent than it is now. But it is not very plausible to suggest that there is no connection at all: as Paul Collier for one has persuasively argued, there is every reason to accept that economic decline, low income, and high unemployment are contributing conditions, either directly by fueling grievances among particular disadvantaged or excluded groups, or indirectly by reducing the relevant opportunity costs of joining a violent rebellion — or quite probably both.

When it comes to the other side of the coin — whether deadly conflict causes poverty and immiseration — I don’t think anyone would argue at all. Some may grow fat on the profits of war, but many more suffer unconscionably. Paul Collier calculates that civil war tends to reduce growth by around 2.3 percent per year, so the typical seven-year war leaves a country around 15 per cent poorer than it would have been. The World Bank estimates that countries that have endured a war take an average of 11.1 years to regain pre-conflict per capita income levels.

And there’s pretty obviously a feedback loop involved here, what Collier calls the ‘conflict trap’: particularly when countries are poor to start with, prolonged violence can create the conditions in which further violence is almost inevitable unless quite dramatic action is taken to break the cycle. Wars directly damage critical infrastructure, investor confidence, and social capital; money is shifted from productive investments into military budgets. Individuals are driven from their homes, and diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria thrive among military personnel and vulnerable populations. Together, these effects cripple the ability of already-marginalized countries to develop, creating a trap in which countries repeatedly fall back into civil war, despite attempts to escape.

This session asks us, in effect, how we can contribute to effective poverty reduction by tackling conflict, fragility and insecurity. For present purposes I will steer clear of definitional issues about what constitutes a ‘fragile’ state — or for that matter a ‘failing’, ‘failed’ or ‘phantom’ state; nor will I try to address the many kinds of nonconflict related human insecurity that are involved in living in a state that satisfies one or other of these descriptions. I will focus simply on summarising, in abbreviated form, what I think – from my nearly ten years now with the International Crisis Group — we now know, or should have learned, about how to prevent and resolve deadly conflict and mass atrocity crimes.

Preventing Conflict Outbreak The first rule for preventing deadly conflict is don’t start it — certainly not in defiance of either international law or common sense. There are circumstances in which there will simply be no alternative to taking coercive military action, to respond to real and immediate cross-border threats (as in

the case of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1991), and — in the case of man-made internal crises of the kind we confronted in the Balkans and Rwanda and elsewhere so often in the last decade — to do so in the context of the principle of the ‘responsibility to protect’ (R2P) endorsed by the 2005 UN Summit.

But such action should only ever be undertaken in the most serious cases, as a last resort, and in circumstances where it will do more good than harm. It should certainly not be assumed that R2P requires the use of coercive force, even in the most explosive situations. Kenya at the beginning of 2008 is a case in point, with the violence and ethnic cleansing being stopped not by sending in the Marines but by Kofi Annan’s diplomatic mediation.

The second rule of conflict prevention is to understand the causes: the factors at work — political, economic, cultural, personal — in each particular risk situation. The basic point about conflict is that it is always context specific. Big overarching theories –whether cast in terms of clash of civilizations, ancient ethnic enmity, economic greed, economic grievance, or anything else — may be good for keynote speeches and royalties, and may also be quite helpful in identifying particular explanatory factors that should certainly be taken into account in trying to understand the dynamics of particular situations. But they never seem to work very well in sorting between those situations which are combustible and those which are not. For that you need detailed, field-based case by case analysis, not making assumptions on the basis of experience elsewhere, or what has gone before, but looking at what is under your nose, right now.

The third big lesson we have learned about conflict prevention is the need to fully understand the conflict prevention toolbox, and be prepared to apply flexibly as circumstances change the whole range of possible measures, that can be deployed to deal with high-risk situations: political and diplomatic measures, legal and constitutional measures, economic and social measures, and security sector and military measures as the case may be.

The crucial thing is to recognise not only that each situation has its own characteristics, and that one-size spanners don’t fit all, but that each situation is likely to require a complex combination of measures, the balance between which is bound to change over time as circumstances evolve. Burma/Myanmar is a good example of a need for a fundamental rethink of the right tools to apply, with the longstanding Western focus on coercive sanctions bearing, in the absence of comparable regional pressure, no obvious fruit in changing the military regime’s inward-looking, undemocratic, authoritarianism. Although I am an old anti-apartheid campaigner for whom ‘constructive engagement’ has long been an almost obscene expression, I have been persuaded by Crisis Group’s field analysis that re-engagement through major programs of development assistance, and opening up trade, would not only make life less miserable in the short term for Burma’s people, but do more than coercion alone to change over time regime behaviour.

The fourth rule is to be prepared to commit the necessary resources, governmental and intergovernmental, when and where they are needed, and particularly at the early prevention stage, where any investment now is likely to be infinitely cheaper than paying later for military action, humanitarian relief assistance and post-conflict reconstruction — something the international community is still much better at talking about than doing.

Preventing Continuation: Conflict Resolution When efforts to prevent the outbreak of conflict fails, the task becomes that of preventing its continuation, i.e. conflict resolution — hopefully achieved by peacemaking negotiations rather than the use of overriding military force. In this context, again, there are a number of lessons we have painfully learned about what makes a successful peace accord.

First, peacemaking requires, as does earlier conflict prevention

effort, the commitment of serious diplomatic resources, both in quality and quantity, at whatever level is most likely to bring success — through the UN, through a regional organization, through a particular government initiative, or sometimes through secondtrack or unofficial mechanisms.

Second, successful peace negotiating requires creativity and stamina, and a willingness to work with all the players that matter, however ugly their past behaviour may have been, or stated principles or ideology continue to be.

A third lesson we have learned is that peacemaking is not an event so much as a process, and signing the agreement is not the end of it. The critical need is to generate commitment to, and ownership of, the peace by the warring parties: so their commitments are not just formal, but internalized, and will stick. That takes, in turn, real skill and commitment on the part of those mediating or otherwise assisting the negotiation.

Fourth, we know that any peace accord must deal with all the fundamentals of the dispute: all the issues which will have to be resolved if normality is to return. One of the most fragile of the peace agreements currently in place is that for Kenya, for precisely this reason: the Annan negotiation, while producing an effective political fix at the top, through a power-sharing agreement which stopped the initial violence, left completely unresolved the fundamental underlying causes of the explosion of ethnic violence, including land distribution, economic disparities and inadequate constitutional and legal protections.

Fifth, any successful peace accord must get the balance right between peace and justice. This is a lot easier said than done. The South African truth and reconciliation commission model, with its amnesties for the perpetrators of even serious crimes, is widely admired, but in other cases sustainable peace will not be possible without significant retributive justice: i.e. the visible trial and punishment of those most guilty. What is clear is that the people of every country, whether it’s Cambodia or Rwanda or East Timor or Liberia, have to resolve what works for them. There is sometimes a case to be made for peace taking precedence over justice, but only in the most exceptional cases where there is clear and unequivocal evidence that there will be a major peace dividend — and that is not the case for now in either Uganda or Sudan, the two most currently controversial cases.

Sixth, the terms of any accord, and the method of its enforcement and implementation, must be sufficiently resilient to deal with spoilers — those who would seek to undermine or overturn it. That has been a constant problem in most of the peace settlements in Africa and elsewhere that have not held, or which remain incomplete — as happened before in Rwanda and Angola for example, and is happening now in the Congo.

Seventh — and this follows particularly from the last point — a peace accord to be successful must have the necessary degree of international support: with all the guarantees and commitment of resources that are necessary to make it stick. And this leads us to the last set of lessons I want to discuss, necessarily very briefly in the time remaining.

Preventing Recurrence: Post Conflict Rebuilding The biggest lessons of all about the handling of conflict that we have learned in recent years — not least from Rwanda (where the 1994 genocide, taking 800 000 lives, followed the Arusha peace deal just a year before), Angola (where the 1991 Bicesse Agreement to end the war in was followed by a relapse into bloody conflict for another decade with another million or more lives lost), Haiti, Afghanistan and now Iraq — is the critical necessity of effective post-conflict peacebuilding, to ensure that the whole weary conflict cycle does not begin again.

Palash Kausher is a Public Affairs Analyst,

The rising cases of phones snatching

By Mukhtar Garba Kobi

Everyone has role to play in curbing the menace of phones snatching, parents should redouble efforts in training their wards well, keep eyes on the behaviors of friends they mingle with and register them in one or more skills acquisition centres; this would make them useful members of the societies.

The administration of former Nigeria’s President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 2000 has made an unforgettable impacts by importing Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) in to the country, mobile phones brought solace to the stressful means of delivering messages or passing information and it is portable not like telephone. Also, with the coming of GSM, people communicate with ease, send messages in seconds and be updated with happenings within or outside their shores. It is true that all that have advantages also have the other sides, some people use GSM in perpetrating immoralities and perpetrating crimes like bargaining with relatives of the kidnapped, inviting teenagers to brothels, defrauding innocent victims, etc.

In recent weeks unfortunately, the cases of phones snatching have skyrocketed to the extent that some streets in towns are regular zones for such activities; phone snatchers in those areas freely operate in broad day-light without being restricted by security agents. The incidences became intense more especially Kano and some other Northern States, they (phone snatchers) inflict various degree of injuries to victims while attack in parts of the body that could lead to death on those that hesitate to give them. Phone snatchers are youths used during campaigns and election by some politicians that give them money and hard drugs are now left to survive on themselves without tangible skills.

Majority of those engaged in phone snatching venture are products from irresponsible homes because they lacked good norms, parental trainings and nobody was there to guide them in doing what are right or hinder them from wrongs. They grew-up doing whatever they like, steal commodities to live and spend nights in clubs or wherever they wish. One African adage states that ‘a friend to a thief is also a thief’, this reveals that even when parents trained their wards well while allow them mingle with people that

have questionable characters, they unknowingly and gradually start imitating their ways as time goes. Family members that engage in snatching items also play vital roles in assimilating close relatives. Everyone has role to play in curbing the menace of phones snatching, parents should redouble efforts in training their wards well, keep eyes on the behaviors of friends they mingle with and register them in one or more skills acquisition centres; this would make them useful members of the societies. Governments and all authorities concerned should investigate, arrest and take those found guilty of such acts to courts; this is to make them harvest the bad seeds they have been planting in the hearts and bodies of victims. Lastly, judges on their parts need to adjudicate justice, handle cases fairly and make sure guilty ones face wrath of the law; no politician should be allowed to bail or set those serving in prison free.

Mukhtar writes from Bauchi and can be reached via garbakobim@gmail.com

Lessons from Ukraine and Sudan

By Zayd Ibn Isah

There are many lessons Nigerians can learn from the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan. For one, we should realize that this country is all that we have. And that when our ships are down elsewhere , we can only run back home for safety. It is one thing to “japa” and another thing to have a safe and secured Nigeria to always return to. This isn’t something to be taken for granted at all, and as such, our country’s territorial integrity and internal security must constantly top the list of our prioritized national concerns.

One of the heartbreaking videos trending on social media currently is that of a young Nigerian student in Sudan. Watching the video , you need not understand Hausa to know from her facial expression that she and her colleagues over there are stuck in a hopeless situation: a situation which requires the urgent intervention of the federal government in order to save them from impending danger.

The ongoing crisis in Sudan is a battle for supremacy between two rival groups: the Sudanese Army led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan , and on the other hand , the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagolo – who is widely known as Hemedti. Prior to this , the RSF had been working closely with the Sudanese Army to solidify military rule . However , things began to fall apart when negotiations broke down over how RSF paramilitary officers should be absorbed into the Sudanese Army as part of plans to restore civilian rule. Eventually , the centre could no longer hold when the RSF started deploying members around the country, as well as in Khartoum, in flagrant defiance to the Sundanese Army’s authority . After all, what will two divided rulers bring to a community if not anarchy?

General Dagalo, head of the RSF, rose to prominence during Sudan’s Darfur crisis in the early 2000s when he led the notorious Janjaweed forces. He was notoriously fingered in several human rights violations and crimes against humanity, including the massacre of 120 protesters in 2019. His counterpart, Burhan, also rose to prominence in the 2000s for his prominent role in the dark days of the Darfur conflict. Until recently, the two men were brothers-in-arms who worked together to topple President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, playing a pivotal role in the military coup of 2021. Today, they are at the centre of a crisis that has claimed the lives

of at least 459 people, with more than 4,000 injured according to the World Health Organization. Theirs is a proverbial case of how the grass suffers when two elephants fight. Except the casualties of this conflict are more than proverbial grass; they’re actual lives being cut short or thrown into fear, chaos and uncertainty.

For years, Sudan was the largest country in Africa and the Arab League, until its partitioning into two countries in 2011 after South Sudan voted for independence. This was as a result of struggles by the mainly Christian and Animist south against rule by the Arab Muslim north. Although there were expectations that South Sudan would outclass its counterpart as a result of its richness in crude oil, the reverse has unfortunately turned out to be the case. Since its independence in 2011, the country still retains serious humanitarian crisis while being beset by ethnic fighting. South Sudan’s oil reserves are estimated at 3.5 billion barrels, giving it the third largest crude oil reserves in Sub-Saharan Africa, after Nigeria and Angola. According to the country’s Ministry of Petroleum, nearly 90% of South Sudan’s oil and gas reserves remain untapped. Imagine how a united Sudan with its huge mineral resources would have fared under an altruistic leader.

Although the ongoing violence in Sudan is not unconnected to the country’s huge mineral resources, especially the gold mines, it has been going on for quite a while now, only that it recently just spiralled out of control. In 2017, Sudan produced 107 tonnes of gold, making it the third-largest gold producer on the continent behind Ghana and South Africa.

Another interesting fact to know about Sudan is that it has had more coups than any other African country. Since gaining independence from the British in 1956, there have been coups in 1958, 1969, 1985, 1989, 2019 and 2021. The coup in 1989 brought its longest military ruler, Omar Bashir, to power. He ruled the country for over three decades until a violent protest mainly incited by Sudanese women over skyrocketing prices of bread saw him leave office unceremoniously.

There was wild jubilation on the streets of Sudan after Bashir caved in to the defiant protesters, but little did they know that it was not yet Uhuru. Two years after his removal from office, just when elections were due to be conducted, the military struck again claiming it was stepping in to avert a civil war. No be juju be that?

Now, several countries are evacuating their citizens from Sudan as there seems to be no end in sight to the battle between the two

Nigeria’s Sudan question

By Festus Adedayo

Africa is on its familiar route again. She has become the proverbial serial widow whose mourning and weeping the Yoruba express as Iwo l’eni, iwo lana bi ekun ap’okoje. In serial widowhood, the widow is seen as involved in matricide, until she proves otherwise. Each death of the husband courses tears down her cheeks and cries seem the only alibi of her innocence. Sudan is Africa’s most recent ground for exhibiting serial widowhood cry. Africa, like that widow, appears to have a prowess that killing of her prime children and husband requires.

At the last count, 512 people have been martyred to please the god of ego in Sudan. Apart from that number that has been dispossessed of their lives, about 4,200 more have either been maimed, injured or totally immobilized, with claims that these figures may be a far cry from the actual reality on ground. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also painted an apocryphal picture of the bloody uprising. It said the figure may be far more and that “many more” deaths are on the offing as a result of outbreaks of diseases and total breakdown of essential services.

Sudan is reminding us of the broken cistern-like bloodshed that Africa of the twentieth century was. Of the lot, the Somali conflict of 1991 is remarkable. Sparked off by the ouster of dictator, Mohammed Siad Barre, this resulted in a shift in the balance of power, eventually culminating in a twenty-plus-year civil war with as many as one million Somalis killed. Then, the Rwandan regicide came. In a span of four months, between April and July of 1994, just like the Holocaust, a state-sanctioned hatred and dehumanization of an ethnic group brought to the fore by the murder of President Juvenal Habyarimana, jumpstarted a systematic and brutal genocide. This cost this great country in Africa approximately 800,000 human lives. So also was the earlier two-year war between Eritrea and Ethiopia. From May 6, 1998, when war was provoked by military and police of the two countries who exchanged fire at their disputed border, war raged for two years and came with economic tension, decrease in growth and political upheaval.

Liberia of Samuel Kanyon Doe, Yormie Johnson and Charles Taylor; as well as Sierra Leone, Libya, Somalia, DRC and others were to face theirs as well.

Sudan is back inside its blood-spilling puddle. This pre-historic site which parades ancient remnants of archaeology like the

Kingdom of Kush, an ancient Nubian state, is on fire. But indeed, the Sudanese crisis isn’t strictly the subject of this piece. It is just ancillary to the discourse of Nigeria’s education system.

As the Ukrainian-Russia war revealed the underbelly of Nigerian students’ relations with the outside world, the orgy of war in Sudan is revealing yet another ugly one. As the Sudan crisis broke out, it sparked off a revelation that Nigeria has at least 10,000 students and more than five million Sudanese of Nigerian origin who are gilded in Sudan. This was brought to fore as a result of the current conflict between the Sudanese armed forces of Abdelfattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary force under the leadership of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

At its usual peremptory best, Nigeria is again in a swashbuckling with death, at the expense of her citizens. With the Sudanese air closed due to the crisis, the trapped students have only the road to travel out of the war zone and board a flight to Nigeria. After what looked like an eternity’s delay, the Nigerian government, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffery Onyeama, said it had voted the sum of $1.2 million for the evacuation of the stranded Nigerians from the conflict-prone country. Then, the usual Nigerian malady began. Buses primed to evacuate the stranded students got stuck in the middle of the Sahara desert. Why? The bus drivers embarked on one-man riots because Nigerian officials were penny-pinching the payment for their services. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM chair, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, had earlier claimed that the sum of N150 million had been released for hiring of 40 buses for the sole purpose of evacuating these stranded students to Cairo in Egypt. An almost not-dissimilar occurrence reared its head when stranded Nigerian students were to be rescued from wartorn Ukraine. So, the question, aside the Nigerian governmental maladies at grievous moments is, why do Nigerian students keep gravitating towards Sudan’s and other “mushroom” universities when they could have studied in Nigeria? Same question was asked when it was discovered that Nigerian students were trapped in Ukraine, a Third World country like Nigeria, at the beginning of its internecine war with Russia.

That question is currently being asked severally on the social media on confrontation with the share immense number of Nigerian students studying in Sudan. We may need to ask similar question as a collective, if only as a way of bringing ourselves back to the path of sanity.

powerful generals. Consequently, all eyes are on the Nigerian government to do the needful and avert a looming tragedy . It is on record that Sudan has the highest number of Nigerians in the world with an estimated number of five million people. Some are permanently residents there and have never been to Nigeria before, while others only school there. The country has one of the best educational systems in Africa and this has attracted a lot of young Nigerians, who go there to acquire a range of certified degrees.

As such, it is commendable that the Nigerian government did not pay deaf ears to the loud cries of its citizens trapped in the wartorn country and has almost completed plans to evacuate them. Interestingly , this is not the first time Nigeria is coming to the rescue of her children in times of crisis. When the Russia-Ukraine war broke out last year and Nigerians living there were stranded, the present administration went all out to ensure that they all returned home safely.

There are many lessons Nigerians can learn from the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan. For one, we should realize that this country is all that we have. And that when our ships are down elsewhere , we can only run back home for safety. It is one thing to “japa” and another thing to have a safe and secured Nigeria to always return to. This isn’t something to be taken for granted at all, and as such, our country’s territorial integrity and internal security must constantly top the list of our prioritized national concerns.

Another lesson is for those beating the drums of war in Nigeria to consider the wanton destruction of lives and properties in Sudan and Ukraine, if only to cool their hearts and tarry a bit. War never actually solves anything; it only creates problems which may only materialize years into the future. The Headquarters of the General Command of the Armed Forces in Sudan used to be a hive of activities. Today, it has crumbled into an eyesore of ruins. The beautiful city of Khartoum has been deserted. Everyone is running scared , hiding in fear , desperate for the sweet relief of peace.

The bottomline is this: war should never be an option for us no matter the level of provocation. If indeed a war is to be fought in Nigeria today, it should be fought against poverty, illiteracy, corruption, insecurity and sundry issues which have bedevilled us for years.

Zayd Ibn Isah is the Media Aide to the Chairman, Police Service Commission. He can be reached via: isahzayd@gmail. com

It bears repeating that Sudan is one of the most consequential countries in Africa, with a pedigree in antiquity. Located in North Africa, apart from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which shares similar size and large swathes of land, Sudan shares borders with the DRC to its southwest, Chad to the west, Egypt to the north, Eritrea to the northeast, Ethiopia to the southeast, Libya to the northwest, South Sudan to the south and the Red Sea. Until twelve years ago when it was bifurcated into two, with South Sudan going its own way, it was about the largest country in Africa. Even at that, it is still Africa’s third largest country.

Economy-wise, Sudan used to parade one of the fastest-growing economies in the world as at 2010. With top exports that range from gold, groundnuts, other oily seeds, crude petroleum, sheep and goats which she exports mostly to the United Arab Emirates, China, Saudi Arabia and Italy, the most phenomenal of its economic strides is that, in 2021, Sudan was voted as the world’s biggest exporter of groundnut meal with $18.8M exports. However, the secession of South Sudan, which harbours about 75 percent of Sudan’s oilfields, drove the ancient country into stagflation. This resulted in a slow-down of its GDP which fell from US$123.053 billion in 2017 to US$40.852 billion in 2018.

Like Nigeria however, Sudan is ridden with corruption. It is perceived as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. It has a very huge hungry population and out-of-school children in the world. According to the statistics of the Global Hunger Index in 2013, the country’s indicator placed it with a value of 27.0 which favourably makes Sudan a country with an ‘Alarming Hunger Situation’ and thus rated as the fifth hungriest nation in the world.

The bulk of what Sudan flaunts today is old glory, education inclusive. Though it currently boasts of around 25 and 30 universities, the state of those universities leaves a lot to be desired. Its basic instruction method of Arabic is off-putting to anyone desirous of western-type education while its requirement of male young men to pass through a system of military service is a major setback in its consideration for schooling. During the reign of Al-Bashir, academic researchers got alienated from Sudan, with the withering of internal science funding. At this time, not less than 3,000 Sudanese researchers were said to have eloped Sudan between 2002 and 2014, so much that, by 2013, Sudan’s studentresearcher ratio stood at a mere 19 -100,000 citizens, or 1/30.

Festus Adedayo is a Public Policy Analyst.

I’m optimistic of Oyetola’s victory at Supreme Court — Ex-Federal commissioner

Prof. Razaq Abubakre, a former Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, has expressed optimism that former Osun governor Gboyega Oyetola will reclaim his mandate at the Supreme Court.

Abubakre, a retired Iwo professor and prominent indigene of Osun, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

He said those threatening to cause trouble if APC wins at the Supreme Court are making empty threats.

“As for the promise of fire and brimstone by the PDP should APC win at the Supreme Court, it is an empty threat.

“This is because the security apparatus is part of the paraphernalia of the office of a chief executive, which will cease to be effective for the use of the PDP with its reputation of violence.

“Peace will return to the state once again by the grace of God the Almighty,” Abubakre said.

He alleged that the violent posture of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) remained a hallmark of the PDP, especially in Osun State.

“Many lives were lost in the

struggle for Rauf Aregbesola to become governor in Osun State.

“The state normally knows peace only when progressives are in power.

“They kill their members even while conducting their primaries. They killed many members of APC and forced many to abandon their abodes which enabled the PDP and the unscrupulous umpire and security allies to write whatever they chose.

“Still, cast-iron records show that irregularities characterised the Osun governorship election,” Abubakre alleged.

He alleged that the intimidation of the Supreme Court by the spokespersons of PDP was not dissimilar to what Mr Ahmed Datti did, which prompted the Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka to condemn some of the Labour Party members.

Abubakre said that good governance was not impression management, neither was it corruption in the guise of delivering substandard infrastructural projects at inflated costs.

He said the performance of Adeleke was incomparable to the governance credentials

of Oyetola, who was a silent performer.

Abubakre said that, for example, Oyetola demonstrated commendable probity and genuinely delivered critical infrastructural projects that would stand the test of time.

According to Abubakre, former governor Oyetola of the APC is still popular in Osun and is the favourite of the people.

“The popularity of APC and the former governor Gboyega Oyetola was tested twice in the just concluded Ramadan.

“The first of the events was held in Iwo, the headquarters of Osun West Senatorial District. It was a Ramadan lecture and prayers for the successful inauguration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President of Nigeria and the victory of Oyetola at the Supreme Court.

“This, we organised from our own free volition and financial contribution without any funding from outside Iwoland. It was a mammoth crowd of devotees. May Allah accept the prayers,” he said.

Abubakre said the second event was a similar programme at Osogbo, held at the TinubuShettima campaign office, for

Expert says new WhatsApp feature can expose users to hacking

the same intent and purpose, which also turned out to be an up roaring success.

Abubakre was a Federal Commissioner for the Public Complaints Commission for Osun State between 2012 and 2018, and the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ilorin from 2001 to 2003.

The Emeritus Professor has been a member of Agba Osun (Elders of Osun) of the APC, from 2021 to date. (NAN)

Foundation tasks Tinubu, governors-elect on appointing PWDs to key positions

The Albino Foundation (TAF Africa) has tasked the president-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu and governorselect to appoint Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) as ministers and commissioners.

Mr Jake Epelle, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer ,TAF Africa said this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Epelle also advised Tinubu to incorporate PWDs into his transition committee as there was non in the committee presently.

He said that at the onset of preparations for the 2023 general elections, TAF Africa through its European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria II programme built the capacity of PWDs to contest for elective positions.

He said that although none of the engaged PWD candidates was successful at the polls, their willingness to contest was a strong message that PWDs were capable of contesting for elections and will be willing to perform when given the opportunity.

“With the end of the 2023 general elections and the emergence of elected individuals, an opportunity to drive disability inclusion and strengthen the political voices of persons with

disabilities in Nigeria’s political process has been birthed.

“These elected individuals have a duty to entrench disability inclusion in their governance by making their political appointments disability inclusive.

“By being appointed as ministers, commissioners, heads of parastatals, special advisers, among others , PWDs are empowered to take their place alongside other citizens in affecting wide-ranging policies as it affects disability inclusion.

“As it is said “Nothing About Us Without Us” relies solely on the principle of participation, no policy should be decided by any representative without the full and direct participation of members of the group affected by that policy.

“Hence the need for disability inclusion in every sphere of governance,” he said.

Epelle expressed disappointment that in spite of the disability inclusion interventions at the national level, the transition committee of the president-elect had no representation of the community of PWDs.

He said that this could have been a unique opportunity to

break down social stigmas by ensuring that PWDs appear alongside other citizens as active participants in the transition process of the president-elect.

“As the world beams its torchlight on disability inclusion in electoral processes, we call on the President-elect, Governorelect, and all elected individuals in the thirty-six (36) states of the federation including the federal capital territory to take the opportunity.

“This ,is to collaborate and commit to driving disability inclusion in their governance, by appointing persons with disabilities to become political office holders in their respective states,” he said.

Epelle also encouraged all elected individuals to priorities the appointment of persons with disabilities who contested for positions during the 2023 general elections but could not make it at the polls.

He said that the political appointments of PWDs should not be based just on their disability status but on their capacity and competence to drive positive change in public office irrespective of their disability status.

He said that Section 29 of the

Discrimination

against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition)

Act 2018 provided that all employers of labour in a public organisation should as much as possible have PWDs constituting at least five per cent of their employment.

He said that the war against discrimination against PWDs would only be won when institutions, government, and the people collectively collaborate, say no to nuances of discrimination, and actively campaign for the rights of PWDs, thereby building an equitable society for all. (NAN)

Mr

Jide Awe, the Chief Exexcutive Officer, Jidaw Systems Ltd., says the new feature in WhatsApp can make users vulnerable to hacking or phishing attacks by cybercriminals.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the new WhatsApp feature enables users to operate their account on four different devices.

Awe told NAN in an interview in Lagos on Saturday that having multiple devices linked to a single account gives hackers more opportunities to access personal data or take over the account.

He, however, noted that WhatsApp had implemented several security measures to protect against such threats, including end-to-end encryption and remote device management.

Speaking on its advantages, he said the new feature would increase flexibility and convenience by providing users with more ways to access their WhatsApp accounts.

“The ability to use up to four different devices simultaneously makes it easier for users to stay connected with their contacts.

“This feature will enable users to manage their devices and log out of them remotely. This can give them greater control over their accounts, “he said.

On users opinions, Awe said individual preferences would come into play, noting that it might be convenient for some to use it on different devices while others could stick to using WhatsApp on one device.

He said that Mark Zuckerberg’s aim for adding the new feature could be an attempt to make WhatsApp more userfriendly and convenient with a view to attracting more users to the platform.

Awe said it could also be an attempt to keep up with other competitors like Telegram and Signal, both of which already offered multi-device support.

He added that the impact or success of the new feature would depend on whether users embraced it or if it would have any unforseen consequences.

(NAN)

Gov. Oyetola

Tinubu

May Day: Pay serious attention to workers welfare in your govt -Lawan tells Tinubu

By Musa Baba Adamu

Senate President, Ahmed Lawan has lauded Nigerian workers for patriotism, resilience, even as he urged the President elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to pay serious attention to the welfare of workers in his administration, when he takes over from President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29.

In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ola Awoniyi, to mark the 2023 Workers day, which is observed across the world today, Lawan said carrying workers along and ensuring their welfare will create more wealth for the nation, while the reverse will amount to poverty of the nation.

According to him, “The dictum that ‘Labour creates wealth’ remains valid today as it has ever been. It is in the realization of this that the government must always pay serious attention to labour related matters.

“It is with this understanding that the ninth National Assembly has guarded itself against the introduction of any anti-labour legislation since its inception in 2019. We are happy that this stance has also helped in sustaining industrial peace in the country.

While listing the achievement recorded by the National Assembly with regards to workers welfare, Lawan said “This being the last May Day in the tenure of the Ninth National Assembly, it is worth highlighting some of the relevant achievements of this Assembly.

“By 2019 when the ninth Assembly was inaugurated, the nation’s financial year or budget cycle had become notorious for being unreliable and uncertain. To redress that situation, the Assembly in collaboration with the Executive Arm of Government, promptly reset the financial year to run from January to December.

“This has since then been sustained, resulting in significant improvement in budget performance.

“Also, we successfully passed many critical bills that

had become jinxed under the previous Assemblies, as we did to some other extant legislations that are critical to good governance and service delivery in the public sector.

“Such critical Legislations include: Deep Off-shore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts (Amendment) Act, 2019; Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020; Police Act 2020, Petroleum Industry Act 2021; Electoral Act 2022 and many more.

“A special mention must be made of the 16 constitutional amendment Bills, for the fifth alterations of the 1999

Constitution, which President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law in March this year.

“Recognising that Nigeria yet has many challenges to contend with, I urge the Labour movement to continue to sustain this atmosphere of industrial peace and harmony under the new administration of President-elect Ahmed Bola Tinubu that will be inaugurated on 29th May, 2023.

“On this note, I greet all workers in Nigeria as they join their counterparts around the world to mark Workers’ Day on May 1st.

“Throughout our history as a nation, the great Nigerian

workers have been remarkable for their patriotism, commitment to nationbuilding and resilience in the face of serious development challenges.

“They have contributed in finding solutions to the challenges and supported the efforts of the government targeted at meeting the yearnings of the populace.

“This consistent patriotic stance of the Nigerian workers has enhanced peace and industrial harmony and provided a conducive environment for economic growth and development in the country.”

Oyetola inaugurates committee to reposition Osun APC today

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The immediate past Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, will today, inaugurate an 11-man committee that will examine the activities of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state in recent

times.

The committee will also suggest means and ways to reposition the party for effective delivery.

In a statement released by the media aide to the former governor, Ismail Omipidan, on Sunday, in Osogbo, it was disclosed that the inauguration

is expected to take place at the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Office in Osogbo by 2pm.

The committee, the statement further noted, is to be chaired by former Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole.

Omipidan further said the committee was birthed following a series of meetings

held between Oyetola and critical stakeholders within the party, including the Igbimo Agba (Elders Council).

“The Terms of Reference for the Committee will be revealed by my Principal (Oyetola) at the formal inauguration of the committee on Monday,” he added.

Reps Speaker: Campaign of calumny against Kalu, condemnable - CCSN group

By Christiana Ekpa

Agroup known as Conference of Civil Society of Nigeria (CCSN) has condemned the deliberate and unwarranted campaign of calumny by some unknown groups against the House of Representatives Spokesperson, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who is also a contender for the Speaker of the Green chamber.

The Coalition of Northern Patriotic Front, South West Professionals and Coalition of Arewa Youth Groups, at a press conference held in Abuja last week, had kicked against the Speakership aspiration of Kalu.

They insisted that the likes of Kalu does not possess the prerequisite qualities to speak for the House, hence he and his likes should bury their ambition of becoming Speaker and be patient to learn the ropes and allow themselves to be groomed.

However, briefing journalists in Abuja, the National Coordinator

of CCSN, Comrade Archie Isong, knocked the groups, saying that Kalu’s ambition has unbalanced a certain segment and rather than focus on the core issues of competence, equity, balance, loyalty and leadership, they have descended into the abyss of mudslinging politics.

The group maintained that the race for the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives is a serious business and not some monkey business as exhibited by a motley of rag-tag, unknown and unregistered Coalition of so-called Northern Patriots Front, South West Professionals and Coalition of Arewa Group.

The group demanded a retraction of the libelous statement and urge Nigerians of good standing to ignore rumour peddlers and know that a virile, strong and representative House of Representatives leadership is in supporting Hon. Benjamin Kalu as the next Speaker of the House of Reps.

Justifying why Kalu remains the most qualified to occupy the seat of the Speaker of the House, it noted:

“It is also important to note that one of the issues that was raised there was the issues of ethnic sentiments and mediocrity, the decision of who becomes the next speaker should not be based on sentiment and mediocrity.

“The point remains that Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who represents the entire Nigeria starting from Bende federal constituency as he always present himself has shown Nigerians that he is a man who doesn’t recognize the borders of our ethnic lines, the borders of our tongues, the borders of our religion, he is a man who has extended his handshake across the Niger with more friends in other regions, it’s not about ethnicity, it’s about capacity, It’s about preparation for this job.

“A man who took 17 years to prepare himself before coming to House of rep and has added another 4 years making it 21 years has the

capacity to do what that office demands as we have seen him in the role of the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives. Never has there been a time that the image of the House was this effective.

“Hon. Kalu is not running on the basis of being Igbo, rather he is running because he is a prepared, ready to go nationalist who believes in the agenda of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“Of a truth, Hon. Kalu’s political odyssey as the last man standing in Abia APC out of 8 Federal Constituencies is a weighty testament of his acceptability, dedication, commitment and unalloyed loyalty to the APC.

“If he were to have played Judas as alleged by his traducers, how is it that he is standing while others capitulated at the polls? We a knowledge that talk is cheap and parrots like to chatter to be noticed. If not, how can one explain without any empirical evidence the allegation that Hon Kalu sold to the party out.

Ahmed Lawan

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has alleged an “attempts being made by interested parties loyal to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure the inauguration of another National Assembly with rubber stamp principal officers loyal to the executive.

This, it cautioned, will be very dangerous for the survival of Nigerian democracy”, insisting that “Nigerians may not be able to endure another four years of Executive-Legislative connivance against the interests and wellbeing of the masses.”

This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by CNPP’s Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu.

CNPP noted that “the handwriting can be clearly seen everywhere on the walls by discerning minds and we have uncovered the unholy plot. Hence all democratic forces should be on alert.”

According to the CNPP, “the basic elements of democracy, like the principles of separation of powers and oversights, will be further jeopardized in an event that such selfish and undemocratic clandestine moves towards foisting another rubber stamp legislative arm of government on the people succeed.”

Giving insights into why governments at all levels have been unable to meet the expectations of the people, the CNPP maintained that “no society can make reasonable progress where the legislature and the judiciary pander to the whims and caprices of the executive arm of government.

“This has been the primary reason for the failure of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to keep its campaign promises, particularly resulting to the woeful failure the Federal Government to meet the primary duty of any government, which is to ensure security and welfare of the people.

“As a matter of fact, mutual

CNPP alleges APC moves to foist another rubber stamp principal officers on NASS

respect for the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances among the arms of government is the basic foundation for good governance.

“But since 1999, healthy system of checks and balances have not been fully upheld in the interest of the Nigerian people.

“For the incoming administration to meet its basic duty of ensuring the security and welfare of the people, each branch of government should be allowed to exercise its powers of oversight because the relevance of separation of powers and its implications for good governance cannot be overemphasised.

“Therefore, it will be in the best interest of the incoming

administration to prioritise meeting the very many expectations of the people by upholding the

doctrine of separation of powers and checks and balances as well as promoting

inclusiveness, especially in compositions of the incoming cabinet.”

10th Assembly Speaker: Take advantage of Betara’s polarity - Group

By Christiana Ekpa

Acivil society group, Movement for Effective Legislature and Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria (MELSDN) has charged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to take advantage of the general acceptability of the frontline contender for the House of Representatives Speaker, Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, across political parties and threw its queue behind him to Speak for the 10th Assembly.

The group, in a statement made available to journàlists on Sunday in Abuja, said the legislature, being a key arm of government in a democracy, requires serious institutional memory, courage and a strength of character in the person who presides over its affairs.

According to the group, polls conducted nationwide revealed that Betara is the only person who enjoys such a thick clout of respect, credibility and general acceptability across the members-elect of the different parties.

The group, in a statement titled ‘Betara:

APC’s Tool for Budget Cycle Sustainability and Bipartisan Consensus’, signed by the national coordinator, Williams Ndorokpa Martins, said “the Legislature is the key organ of government in a democracy, be it presidential or parliamentary.

“And if the incoming 10th National Assembly will succeed, three factors must be brought into consideration and given greater premiums in our leadership recruitment process, particularly as it affects the 10th House of Representatives. They are: competency, integrity and institutional memory (experience).

“And as the race for the Speakership of the 10th House of Representatives reaches its defining moments, questions have continued to rage regarding the suitability of those who have thrown their hats into the ring. And while all those who have expressed interest in the coveted position have legal rights to such claims, one man has continued to stand out in terms of the impacts his current role in the outgoing Assembly have had in the socioeconomic

tells APC

resilience of Nigeria. He is no other than Rt. Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara.

“Muktar Aliyu Betara, a member of the House of Representatives since 2007, representing Biu/Bayo/Shani and Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State North East Nigeria, is one of the few lawmakers in the National Assembly with concrete experience and core competency. He is the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations in the current 9th Assembly, which was inaugurated on June 11, 2019, where he has comprehensively demonstrated the said attributes above,” the statement said.

According to Martins, the group argued further that aside Representation, Law making and Oversight, Appropriation being one of the four cardinal responsibilities of the legislature, prides itself as the heartbeat of any legislative session or term, given its pivotal place as a major determinant of the nature of relationship that exists between the Legislature and the Executive arm of government.

LP alleges suspended deputy chairman, Apapa planning illegal NEC in Bauchi

By Christiana Ekpa

Labour Party has alleged that the suspended Deputy national chairman of the party, Lamidi Apapa, with his faction, is planning an illegal and unauthorized National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Bauchi, urging the public to note that such meeting is fake.

In a statement issued yesterday by the acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, the party said the meeting will be held on May 3rd.

“It has come to the notice of the leadership of the Labour Party of a proposed illegal, fake and unauthourized National Executive Council meeting organized by the suspended Deputy National Chairman, Lamidi Apapa and his renegade cohorts,

expected to hold May 3 in Bauchi state.

“This is coming barely two weeks after the party held its very successful NEC meeting in Asaba, Delta state that was attended by virtually all NEC members including 36 state chairmen and Secretaries, all members of the National Working Committee, most of the elected members of the national assembly, leader and presidential candidate of the party, Mr. Peter Obi, party trustees including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) amongst others.

“In a memo signed by the former Deputy National Chairman, Apapa, they extended the invitation to some of our elected leaders including our presidential candidate, people they neither supported during their campaigns nor recognized as leaders

of the party. These are people they are surreptitiously working to terminate their cases in the various tribunals. We concluded that the temerity to even invite these leaders was purely for publicity ops and stunts which they knew were dead on arrival.

“It is only mischievous minds that will want to obey the FCT High Court order without also respecting the Edo state High Court order which bars any party agents including these renegades from tampering with the status quo even when they know that both courts are of equal and coordinate jurisdiction”, the statement said.

The statement said Article 13:2A of the party constitution is clear on the composition of the Labour Party NEC, and it did not state that expelled and suspended officers of the party shall regroup and convene a NEC of

the party.

“The question is; who are they hoping to attend the NEC, if not their usual customers; touts, market women, street hawkers.and people who are not members of the party.

“We are using this medium to alert Nigerians that the proposed NEC meeting scheduled to hold on the 3rd of May in Bauchi is illegal. They have no powers to call for NEC, they have been suspended by NEC. This illegal gathering has been reported to the Police, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and they have no intention to monitor the shenanigan. INEC in any case does not even know of any other Labour Party as no court in Nigeria has given any judgement on the case”, Labour Party said.

By Christiana Ekpa

The New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, in Ogun State has withdrawn the petition it filed against Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

It was earlier reported that the NNPP had approached the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Ogun, alleging that its name and logo were not on the ballot papers used for the March 18 election.

Ogun tribunal: NNPP withdraws petition against Governor Abiodun, INEC

The petition, marked EPT/ OG/GOV/01/2023, was filed by the chairman of the NNPP in Ogun, Olaposi Oginni, seeking the total cancellation of the election.

Addressing newsmen in

Abeokuta on Sunday, Oginni disclosed that the NNPP had filed a notice of discontinuance of the petition at the tribunal. According to Oginni, the same ballot papers used in Ogun were also used in Kano State

where the NNPP gubernatorial candidate defeated the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The petition is now dead and buried. As a party, we will go back to the drawing board

LR: Director, Press and Public Relations of NYSC, Mr Eddy Megwa, Director Special Duties, Alhaji Musa Abubakar former NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Maharazu Ismaila Tsiga (rtd) and the present NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed during the latter’s visit to the former Director General at his residence in Tsiga, yesterday in Katsina State .

Rivers: Abe withdraws petition against victory of PDP from tribunal

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the just concluded elections in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Abe has withdrawn his petition at the Election Petition Tribunal against the victory of Siminalayi Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Senator Abe disclosed this when he was addressing party leaders at his campaign office in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

The former senator said his decision to withdraw the petition against PDP’s Fubara was in the interest of Rivers people.

He said “I know it has not been easy and at a time like this, to go with bare hands against dollars, naira and euros, to go with bare hands, against guns and knives. And all you have is your faith and conviction that this is the right thing to do.

“A lot of our people went through so much trauma, so much hell, but it is to the glory of God that we are alive today.”

He dismissed claims by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, that he was demarketing the state with his comments after the election, as well as seeking appointment under the administration of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu.

Abe insisted that the activities of members of the PDP at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, after the election as well as the killings during and after elections are the kinds of actions that de-market the state.

“I was sent news stories of a story credited to the Rivers State Government to the effect that, I, Senator Abe, was going around demarketing Rivers State because I’m looking for an appointment.

“Part of the challenges that we are facing

in this state is our inability to face reality. There are 36 states in this county and there are thousands of election petition matters all across the country.

“But it was only in Rivers State that lawyers stayed in a hotel, trying to put things together to take their case to court that they brought police to harass them, arrest them, intimidate them in the hotel in the state.

“Those kinds of actions de-market Rivers State. It’s not what I say that de-markets the state,” he said.

Senator Abe commended President Muhammadu Buhari for commissioning the Ogoni Power Project which he said is a manifestation of the President’s campaign promises.

He, however, appealed to the President to address the issue of fuel subsidy, noting that the postponement of the issue is not in the interest of the Nigerian people.

ahead of 2027 and we hope to get it right,” he said, adding that if the petition survives, it would alter the political calendar of Ogun State and bring disruption to the political system in the state.

Shettima reveals issues to get priority under Tinubu

Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima has disclosed that gender-based issues will get priority under the administration of President-elect Bola Tinubu. Shettima spoke at the reading of “Stepping on Toes, My Odyssey at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)” by ex-Managing Director Hadiza Usman.

At the event held on Saturday in Abuja, the Borno Central described Hadiza as an iron lady for “showing courage to write such a book”.

Citing a popular saying among the people of Ghana, Shettima said: “If you educate a woman, you have educated a nation”.

“Rest assured that the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will be gender-friendly,” NAN quoted the lawmaker.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain recalled Tinubu was the first governor to appoint a female as deputy.

Shettima also reminded the public that Tinubu was the first to appoint a woman as a Chief Judge of a State.

Why I challenged my removal – Taraba PDP Acting Chairman, Bakari

By Musa Baba Adamu

The acting Chairman of the Taraba State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Inuwa Bakari, has finally broken his silence on why he dragged Alhaji Abubakar Bawa to court.

Bawa, who was the former Special Adviser to Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku on Political Matters, was recently announced as the party’s state chairman by the outgoing governor.

Bakari, who could not fathom why he could not be made the substantive chairman of the party after being in an acting capacity, said he decided to approach the court to seek justice.

Making his position known on

Sunday in Jalingo, he said, “I challenged my removal because there is no justification by any reason for somebody who actually managed the office and won governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly elections be said to be incompetent.”

Stressing that “I am from Karim 1 constituency”, the aggrieved Bakari said he does not see why someone from outside the party was appointed to take over the leadership.

Arguing that by the constitution, positions in the party “are elective not appointive,” he opined that “it is clear that once the Chairman is not there the deputy automatically takes over pending when elections are held”.

He said, “I was called by the Governor

who told me that one Abubakar Bawa was appointed as the Chairman of the party; my thinking is that for the sake of democracy and justice and for the sake of those coming behind, there shouldn’t be any illegality if it comes to the issues of elective positions that’s why I went to court.

“I challenged it based on the fact that it is democracy, to protect democracy and justice, there is injustice there”.

He also faulted the reasons proffered by those behind his removal, stating that “their basis of argument was that the central Zone lacks representation at the State level which I disagreed with”.

He said the Central Zone of the state has one of the largest shares of the leadership of the party, adding that

“the National Vice Chairman of Zone E comprising six States Emmanuel Bovowa comes from Sardauna in the Central Zone, the Central Zone also has the State Secretary Kuriya Tafarki from Kurmi the State Women’s leader is also from Sardauna in the Central Zone and the Zonal Chairman from Gassol.”

He lamented Ishaku’s decision to appoint someone from Sardauna to be acting CHairman, saying the secretary and chairman cannot come from the same zone.

“All these are some of the things I feel should be looked into may be they just want to score cheap marks feeling that because they are in power they can do and undo which I feel should not be allowed,” he said.

Photo: NYSC

Zenith Bank’s quarterly profit hits N66 billion

Nigeria’s second-largest private lender, Zenith Bank, grew its profit for the first three months of this year by double digits to N66 billion, according to its earnings report issued on Friday.

The bank recorded the growth after interest income and similar income, which often provide the most revenue for banks, increased by more than half.

Lenders in Africa’s biggest economy are reaping record profits from an interest rate hike that began in 2022. The rate has shown no sign of ending soon following six straight hikes in the benchmark lending rate by the central bank, allowing banks to charge more for loans.

Godwin Emefiele, the apex bank’s chief, has stated that the said rate, now at its peak level ever, will continue to be raised until Nigeria’s galloping inflation slows to the desired point.

Central banks sometimes use monetary policy rates as a tool to control inflation.

The gross earnings of Zenith Bank rose for the review period to N270 billion, drawing strength from interest and similar income for over 70 per cent of that figure.

The bank expanded net income on fees and commission only marginally by 2 per cent to N34.1 billion after fees on electronic products (the biggest contributor to that pool) dropped 18.2 per cent.

No explanation was provided in the document as to why e-banking income fell.

That slide bucked the expectation that traditional banks and, more importantly, neobanks would earn more from e-banking services after a cash crunch drove many Nigerians to embrace banking apps and shot transaction volume sharply up.

To help broaden its income streams, Zenith Bank early March received a provisional approval to operate a holding company structure like many other big competitors such as Access Holdings, GTCO and FBN Holdings.

Jim Ovia, its founder and former CEO, will chair the group when the new model is completed as he presently does.

Profit before tax jumped by 27.4 per cent, while after-tax profit advanced to N66 billion from N58.2 billion.

SEC commences regulatory incubation for Fintechs

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has opened the Regulatory Incubation (RI) program for FinTech firms operating or seeking to operate in the Nigerian Capital Market. This was contained in a Circular dated April 28, 2023 and released by the Commission.

According to the circular, the portal would be opened from the 28th of April, 2023 to the 26th of May, 2023 and registered capital market operators as well as unregistered Fintech innovators that require regulation are encouraged to apply.

The SEC said the move to open a portal comes from a 2021 Circular where the Commission announced the imminent rollout of the SEC Regulatory Incubation (RI) program for FinTechs operating or seeking to operate in the Nigerian Capital Market.

Announcing the programme, the SEC said: “Please refer to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)circular of June 2021 announcing its Regulatory Incubation (RI) program for FinTech firms operating or seeking to operate in the Nigerian Capital Market.

“This is to inform you

that the portal for submitting applications is now ready to receive applications from Cohort 001/23, from 28/04/2023 to 26/05/2023. Cohorts will be announced at specific times.

The Circular identifies those that can apply as “Registered Capital Market Operators, Unregistered Fintech innovators that require regulation, Firms of all sizes and firms that want to enhance investor participation in the Nigeria Capital Market”.

The SEC noted that companies that want to apply and participate in the Regulatory Incubation Program, must demonstrate they meet the 5 eligibility criteria, which are the innovation is: For application in the Nigeria Capital Market;

Safe for investors; A genuine innovation that introduces a new product/process to serve specific investor needs; Able to solve existing compliance or supervisory issues (optional) and ready for testing.

“Please provide as much information as possible about how you meet these criteria when submitting your application. If you are looking to test your proposition, you may apply for an engagement session” the SEC stated.

The Circular further revealed that FinTechs in the areas of, Crowdfunding, Robo Advisory/ Digital Investment Advisory and Sub-Broker Serving Multiple brokers using a digital platform are urged not to apply,

adding that there are already regulations for them and they should not apply for Regulatory Incubation.

“The Regulatory Incubation (RI) program is designed to address the needs of new business models and processes that require regulatory authorisation to continue carrying out full or ancillary technology-driven Capital Market activities.

“The RI Program has thus been conceived as an interim measure to aid the evolution of effective regulation which accommodates the innovation by FinTechs without compromising market integrity and within limits that ensure investor protection” The SEC added.

by conflict

From Abubakar

Yunusa you

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) says it will provide emergency food and nutrition to 2.1 million people affected by conflict and in dire need of humanitarian assistance in Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement released over the weekend in Abuja by Chi Lael, head of Communications, Advocacy and Marketing of the programme in Nigeria.

Mr Lael expressed the programme’s concern that years of armed conflict in northeast Nigeria had contributed to hunger and malnutrition among people with millions in need of life-saving assistance and so much at risk of famine.

“The March Cadre Harmonise projects that 4.3 million people in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states face severe hunger during the peak of the lean season between June and August 2023.

“Almost 600,000 are on the brink of catastrophe. These people will face emergency levels of food insecurity with extremely high rates of acute malnutrition and mortality in the absence of sustained scaleup of humanitarian assistance.

“Ongoing conflict has affected the nutrition status of children on several fronts.

“Two million children in the region are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition, and cases of severe acute malnutrition among children have quadrupled to 700,000.

“More than 4.3 million people also in need of food assistance in northwest Nigeria, resources for the northeast, have been increasingly squeezed.

“A total of 24.8 million people or 1 out of 8 individuals are experiencing acute hunger this year in Nigeria’s 26 states and the capital, Abuja,” he said.

Mr Lael explained that the more people in need of urgent food assistance go unassisted, the greater risk of starvation and death among the most

vulnerable, and that the more people would be forced to resort to coping mechanisms such as survival sex, selling possessions and child labour.

He added that lack of assistance increased the risk of youth recruitment into armed groups and displaced populations that returned to inaccessible areas, where they were beyond the reach of humanitarian assistance and other social services.

“Chronic insecurity is preventing many people in the north-east from growing the food they need or earning an income.

“In the last year, conflict left households unable to leave their homes due to an increase in movement restrictions, killings and abduction of civilians, particularly in Borno, where the violence is concentrated.

“Thousands of people are left with only one month’s food supply as households in conflict-affected areas rely on minimal income to purchase food.

“The hunger crisis worsens already bad situation for many families struggling with economic hardship, surging inflation, impacts of RussiaUkraine war, the currency redesign policy, slow postCOVID-19 recovery and unprecedented floods in 2022, which limited agricultural production and overall food availability.

“WFP requires $190 million over the next six months to provide life-saving food and nutrition assistance to the most vulnerable people,” he said.

He, however, advised that If urgent action was not taken, funding gaps could mean that approximately four million people in the northeast would be without food assistance at the peak of the lean season.

WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

WFP to provide emergency food to 2.1 million Nigerians affected

Twitter introduces feature that allows media publishers charge users per article

From Abubakar Yunusa

Elon Musk, the billionaire founder of Tesla Inc., says Twitter will soon allow media publishers to charge users on per article basis.

Musk, in a Twitter post on Saturday, said the feature will be rolled out next month.

He explained that the new service will allow readers who do not sign up for a monthly membership to pay a higher per-article price for reading an occasional article.

“Rolling out next month, this platform will allow media publishers to charge users on a per article basis with one click,” the Twitter chief executive officer (CEO) tweeted.

“This enables users who would not sign up for a monthly subscription to pay a higher per article price for when they want to read an occasional article.

“Should be a major win-win for both media orgs & the public.”

In October 2022, Musk took over Twitter after completing a $44 billion deal.

For its blue tick mark, the microblogging platform started charging users $8 per month last year.

Earlier in the month, Musk had said users of the platform will be able to monetise their content, including long-form text and hourslong video.

Giving updates, the Twitter CEO, on Friday, said the microblogging platform will take a 10 percent cut on the content subscriptions after the first year.

Veritas Kapital Assurance posts N833m net profit

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Veritas Kapital Assurance

Plc, a frontline insurance company, reported a 46 per cent increase in profit after tax from N570.4 million in 2021 to N833.6m in 2022.

This was according to its 2022 Audited Financial Statement results.

The audited financial figures also revealed that, while the group increased profit before tax by 169% year on year, from N344.4.3m in 2021 to N825.9m in 2022, it also increased underwriting profit by N169.23m, from N1.28 billion in 2021 to N1.45bn in 2022.

Veritas Kapital Plc admitted in a statement distributed to

the media on Monday in Abuja that gross premium written fell by 26% year on year, while net premium income increased by N60.9m to N3bn from N2.94bn, a 2% rise.

It also stated that the yearon-year decline from N6.32bn to N4.67bn was due to lower return premiums in the agric business, which was harmed by

a shift in climatic conditions.

The MD/CEO, Mr Kenneth Egbaran, said the company increased its shareholders’ fund by N1.86bn to N12.66bn from N10.80bn, representing a 17% increase year on year, while the group’s total assets increased by N947m to N17.51bn from N16.56bn, indicating a 6% yearon-year increase.

Olaosebikan, CEO of McEnies Global Communications, points ways to ‘Survival of Nigeria’s PR Industry’

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, group chief executive officer, McEnies Global Communications, a notable practitioner in the marketing communications and event planning space, has identified collaboration, cracking down on quacks, presence of a strong regulatory intervention, favourable government policy amongst others as some of the ways to address the challenges in the industry.

The brand management expert also noted that there is a huge opportunity for growth in the marketing communications industry in Nigeria. She said this during a chat with some media executives at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja at the weekend, adding that Nigeria must learn to appreciate professionals for quality service delivery so as to meet the demands of their target audience.

According to her, over 67percent of Nigeria’s population is made up of youth and they are digitally inclined and engaged with brands. The huge opportunity for marketing communications professionals is to take advantage of this relevant demography and be able to provide the kind of engagement which the youth can relate and hang on to.

“You will strongly agree with me that content is an area that holds a

huge opportunity for the marketing communications industry. There is no media channel that can produce enough content for this large population of over 200 million people to consume satisfactorily. That is why it’s an opportunity for the marketing communications industry because you can create content; and you have different platforms that you can put them on, which essentially helps the industry to drive its policy thrust,” she said.

According to her, “An industry stakeholder once said, and I’m also in synch with it, that the time of ‘attention economy’ is gone when you have one too many, that is, one channel to get the attention of millions of people; but now, it is about the ‘attraction economy’, how involved is your target audience? How involved are your people when they engage with you? When you have one person that has access to many screens looking at varying contents, it creates an air for opportunity which means that people can engage; and all we need to do is to be observant.”

Speaking on the challenges envisaged in the sector, Omolara said: “Adapting to the new normal is one of the challenges of the industry. Before the lockdown clients were already beginning to lean towards digital space since they knew that more than 67percent of their target audience

was in that space”, adding, “In the different engagements we have had as an industry we’ve discussed this situation and I believe that most of my colleagues have taken steps to adapt and transform their structures to suit the new normal, expectedly so.

“The truth is if you are waiting for traditional media to survive that may not happen because the media budget keeps shrinking every day. You can’t sit and think things will work out in that manner, you must always think out of the box and show proactiveness and as well prove your professional mettle to your various clients, and of course that should be your cutting edge. Again the industry must also rid itself of quacks.”

Omolara added that stakeholders in the industry must step up their games to justify their presence and dominance in the noble and much sought after industry and that government policies are also a challenge facing the industry:

“Public Relations has gone beyond sending out press releases to announce brand activities. Agencies need to task themselves on new deliverables around strategy, content, channels, creativity and measurement. PR is all about connecting people with brands through storytelling, so we have to shift the narrative to reflect what people need and want while also setting the right timeline for the

Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, group chief executive officer, McEnies Global Communications

deliverables.

“Moreover, media plans must be consistently reviewed at every quarter of calendar year to meet the contemporary realities. Meanwhile, Federal Government also needs to help the industry through introduction of favourable policies for the survival and growth of the industry,” Olaosebikan said,

FG says fuel subsidy removal not suspended, expands committee

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, has said that the government did not suspend plans to remove fuel subsidies but has rather expanded the subsidy removal committee to include teams from the incoming administration and the state governors.

A statement issued by Mrs Ahmed’s Special Adviser on Media & Communications, Yunusa Abdullahi, made this known in a statement shared with journalists recently.

“Against the backdrop of the story in some media that the federal government has suspended the removal of petrol subsidy, the government has said that it has not suspended the removal, but has rather expanded the subsidy removal committee to include teams from the incoming administration and the state governors,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the minister said that NEC deliberated on the issue

extensively and came to the conclusion that the subsidy must be removed as it is not sustainable, but that there is a need for further consultations, especially the need to involve members of the incoming administration and representatives of the State governments.

She said: “We agreed to form an expanded committee that will be looking at the process for the removal of the subsidy, including determining the exact time as well as the measures that need to be taken to provide support to the poor and the vulnerable.”

“There is also the need to agree to alternative measures that will be put in place to ensure that there is sufficient supply of petroleum products in the country,” the statement quoted Mrs Ahmed as saying.

The statement comes against the backdrop of plans to suspend the removal of subsidies on petroleum products by the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

According to the statement, the minister

explained that the “Subsidy Removal Committee” currently comprises the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, the downstream and upstream regulators, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Chief Economic Adviser to the President.

She noted that the 2023 Fiscal Framework and Appropriation Act as well as the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) have made the provision that the government should exit fuel subsidies by June 2023.

She explained that the committee is to work out a road map for the removal of the subsidy.

“No change in the overall policy direction regarding the petrol subsidy is envisaged by June 2023,” it said.

The Nigerian government has, for decades, subsidised fuel and fixed retail prices of petroleum products. The payment has, however, threatened the nation’s fiscal position and impacted the government’s

ability to fund developmental projects across the nation.

In November 2021, the federal government announced its plan to remove the fuel subsidy and replace it with a monthly N5,000 transport grant for poor Nigerians.

But the government later suspended the plan after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) threatened to embark on mass protests.

In February, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged the Nigerian government to deliver on its commitment to remove fuel subsidies by mid-2023.

The Washington-based lender in a report titled ‘IMF Executive Board Concludes 2022 Article IV Consultation with Nigeria’ urged the authorities to deliver on their “commitment to increase well-targeted social spending.”

Despite rising oil prices, the IMF said, the government’s fiscal deficit is estimated to have widened further in 2022, mainly due to high fuel subsidy costs.

METRO Feature Technology drives all our processes for optimal performance - FCT-IRS boss

Gov't endorses 'sewing' vocational training in Abuja schools

By Stanley Onyekwere

The FCT Administration said it has made necessary provisions for the strategic vocational training of school children across the six area councils.

This is coming as the administration had approved, provided venue and released funds to a non-governmental organisation, Ladi Memorial Foundation for sewing competition for schools.

Speaking at the championship finals, 'upskilling sewing boot camp' held in FCT Youth Centre, Nyanya at the weekend, the director FCT Department of Mass Education, Mrs Titilayo Alayande said the exercise is aimed at assisting students to learn skills that will help them to be self-employed.

The pilot project, which she said had received full blessing of the minister of FCT, Mallam Muhammad Bello, targets fifty four students and learners in junior and Secondary schools alongside non formal students under the age of 20.

"It targets fifty four (54) students and learners in Junior and Senior Secondary Schools alongside non formal students under age twenty (20) across the FCT Area Councils"

"The pilot scheme is aimed at skills development for economic independence.

"It was born out of the desire to empower the participants to start earning money even before leaving school as a way of helping to curb the rising number of unemployed graduates", she explained.

Earlier in her remarks, the Executive Director, Ladi Memorial Foundation, Mrs. Rosemary Oshikoya, said her foundation was driven by the desire to dignify skills acquisition among students.

"At the end of the Boot Camp, winners who would emerge would be given starter packs including industrial sewing and weaving machines among many other items", she said.Earlier in her remarks, the Executive Director, Ladi Memorial Foundation, Mrs. Rosemary Oshikoya, said h the desire to dignify skills acquisition among students.

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory - Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) Mr Haruna Abdullahi has reiterated the commitment of the Service in prioritising technology to drive its processes for better performance and to also ease procedures of accessing services by taxpayers.

Abdullahi stated this while giving a Goodwill message at the International Technology and Communication Expo (ITEC Expo 2023), in Abuja.

He underscored the importance of taxation as the mainstay of the economy and the need to leverage

and optimise the use of technology to boost revenue generation at both national and subnational levels.

“In FCT-IRS, we have built our platforms to be technology driven.Technology is now driving all our processes, from Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN), to registration, verification, payment and issuance of Tax Clearance Certificate among others.

“The Service under my watch is open to innovation and new technology to further enhance our collection and simplify the processes for our taxpayers in the FCT.

“As we explore the vast landscape of modern technology, let us also consider the essential role that

taxation plays in supporting and sustaining these advancements”, he FCT-IRS boss reaffirmed.

According to a statement signed by Head, Corporate Communications, FCT-IRS, Mustapha Sumaila, the Chief Executive explained that taxes are the lifeblood of any economy because they provide the funding necessary for public services, infrastructure, and social programmes that form the backbone of the society noting that a strong tax-paying culture is vital in enabling the government invest in the technologies and industries of the future.

He however, noted that FCT-IRS was deeply committed to fostering a vibrant ecosystem where technology

and communications could thrive.

He added that the Service having recognised the transformative impact of these advancements on all human endeavours, is dedicated to providing a conducive environment for entrepreneurs, innovators and stakeholders to flourish and contribute to the progress of the society.

Furthermore, the Chairman noted that the Service is focused at adapting and evolving in order to meet the challenges of the digital age considering the importance of leveraging technology to simplify and streamline tax compliance as well as making it easier for businesses and individuals to meet their obligations.

Civil servants tasked on integrity as FCTA honours 10 retired directors

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has admonished its staff to ensure that honesty and integrity remain their guiding principles at all levels.

This charge, was handed down during an award /dinner in honour of ten retired management staff of FCTA/ FCDA, at the weekend, in Abuja.

Making this point, Permanent secretary, FCTA Mr. Olusade Adesola noted that without loyalty, commitment and accountability it will be difficult for any system to do well.

Adesola, therefore encouraged those still in service to emulate the lifestyle of the retirees, which he said had contributed in no small measure to the success of the FCT Administration.

He urged staff of the Secretariats, departments and agencies (SDAs) to endeavour to project the administration in good light.

“For those of us that are still in

service, I believe there are good virtues and ethics to emulate from our senior exiting comrades, even as you continue to ensure that hard work, honesty, integrity, loyalty, commitment and accountability remain your hallmarks in service delivery”

“I urge you to endeavour to project the FCT Administration which is the seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria in good light before all Nigerians in particular and the international community in general.

“ Let us all be reminded that the Federal Capital Territory is a unique entity, being a creation of an Act of Law. And must be upheld with that pedigree and standard.

“ For our special retirees, they should not see retirement from service as becoming redundant and spent.

“But rather to take full advantage of the fact you now have control over your time; therefore, you can now devote your energy to engage yourselves in other areas of greater

fulfilment and accomplishment in life.

“The greater joy and fulfilment is that our retiring colleagues rendered a meritorious service to FCT Administration and the public at large throughout these number of years, the administration is and will always be proud of you”, the Permanent Secretary stated.

Similarly, Director, FCTA Human Resource Management, Mallam Muhammed Bashir pledged the administration’s readiness to continue to equip its staff for better performance.

On her part, the chairperson organizing committee and acting director FCT Reformed Coordination and Service Improvement Department, Dr Jumai Ahmadu said the dinner was a sign of honour, as it is in recognition of the retirees’ contributions to the administration.

According to her, the idea will go a long way to encourage those in

service to always do their best for FCT Administration.

Our correspondent reports that the honourees were ten management staff of the FCTA/ FCDA that retired from January to March, 2023. They include: Okeke Ifeoma Ebele Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Okonkwo Emmanuel Obi Economic Planning department, Danazumi Anthony Sarkin-Noma, Abuja Environmental Protection Board.

Others are Saka Isiaka Ahmed Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Baffa Isa Muhammad Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Sulaiman Mohammed Sulaiman FCDA, Dr Iwere Ejemai Vincent FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, Usman Yahaya Musa FCT Transportation Secretariat, Perpetua N. Ohammah FCDA, and Elizabeth Ukamak Atang Federal Capital Territory Pension Department.

The President, National Council for Civil Society Organizations (NACCSO) and Vision-One Leadership Development Initiative (VOLDI) / Convener Stakeholders Summit against Crime, Comrade Emmanuel Johnny ( 2nd line middle) and other participants, during the Maiden Edition National Stakeholders and Civil Society Summit against Cyber Crime, Violent Extremism, Piracy, Drug-abuse, Fake Drugs, Trafficking, and Human Rights Violation in Nigeria, held on Thursday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

First Republic makes last ditch bid to find rescue deal

US regulators are racing to find a rescuer to buy First Republic Bank in a deal that could be announced as soon as Sunday.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has reportedly asked six banks to bid for the embattled lender.

Shares in First Republic plunged last week after it admitted customers had withdrawn $100bn in deposits in March.

At that time, its competitor Silicon Valley Bank had collapsed, prompting fears of a wider banking crisis.

SVB’s failure was swiftly followed by the demise of another US lender, Signature Bank.

According to reports, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), a US financial regulator, sought bids for First Republic by the end of last week and has been assessing them over the weekend.

Investment banking giant JP Morgan Chase is believed to be one of the banks invited to bid for First Republic, according to news agency Reuters. Bank of America is also understood to have been approached.

JP Morgan and Bank of America declined to comment. The FDIC has been contacted

for comment.

Concerns about the global banking industry gathered pace last month as problems at Silicon Valley Bank emerged.

Central banks around the world have been sharply raising interest rates over the past year to dampen the rate of price rises, otherwise known as inflation.

It has hurt the values of the large portfolios of bonds bought by banks when rates were lower, raising concerns that other firms faced similar situations.

At the same time in Europe, Swiss banking giant Credit Suisse - which had been engulfed in its own problems for a number of years - said it would have to borrow $54bn from the country’s central bank to shore up its finances.

Credit Suisse has since been rescued by long-time rival UBS.

Like Silicon Valley Bank, First Republic is a mid-sized US lender. In March, a group of 11 US banks stepped forward to pump $30bn into First Republic in an attempt to stabilise the business. They included JP Morgan.

However, investors in the bank were rattled last week when First Republic

disclosed the amount that depositors had pulled from the lender in March.

First Republic counts wealthy individuals among its clients whose money is potentially at risk if a buyer is not found. In the US, the FDIC insures deposits up to $250,000.

When Silicon Valley Bank and Signature

collapsed, the FDIC stepped in to say it would guarantee all deposits to prevent a rush of people trying to get their money out, which is known as a run on a bank.

If it is not able to find a buyer for First Republic, the FDIC could take similar actions.

Cuba cancels May Day parade because of fuel shortages

Cuba’s communist government has cancelled Monday’s traditional May Day parade because of acute fuel shortages.

Every year hundreds of thousands of people are bussed in from across the island to fill Havana’s Revolution Square on International Workers’ Day.

It is the first time since the 1959 revolution that the celebrations have been cancelled for economic reasons.

In recent weeks long queues have formed at petrol stations, with drivers often waiting for days.

Earlier this month, President Miguel DiazCanel said Cuba was only receiving two-thirds of the fuel it needs, adding that suppliers were failing to fulfil contractual obligations.

While Cuba has access to low-grade crude, the US-sanctioned island lacks the facilities to process it.

Deliveries of higher quality crude from Venezuela, Cuba’s largest provider of fuel, have dropped by 50% in recent years.

Analysts say Venezuela is experiencing severe problems itself and finds it increasingly

difficult to subsidise its socialist ally.

The shortages have added to daily pressures faced by Cubans. According to Spain’s El Pais newspaper, a typical monthly salary is $150-200 (£120-160), while a litre of cooking oil costs $30.

The government insists that its statedriven socialist model is best for the country and blames the problems on longstanding US sanctions.

Cuban authorities have traditionally mobilised huge resources to ensure the success of the May Day parade, transporting workers en masse to Havana.

Before this year, the event had only ever been cancelled in 2020 and 2021, because of the Covid pandemic.

Local events are expected to go ahead instead, with people marching on foot.

Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento, the head of the Workers’ Cuba’s main trade union said on Tuesday such acts would highlight “the obstacles to the development programmes due to the ironclad economic blockade”.

Liz Truss contests £12,000 bill over use of Chevening country house

Liz Truss is contesting a government bill relating to her use of the graceand-favour country house she had access to as foreign secretary.

The former Conservative prime minister has been asked to foot a bill of about £12,000 for costs incurred at Chevening House in Kent.

The bill covers the period last year when Ms Truss was running to be the leader of the Conservative Party.

The government has been approached for comment.

Ms Truss was foreign secretary when she used Chevening House in August 2022 as she prepared for power during the Tory leadership contest.

Conservative Party members elected Ms Truss to be leader in September last year, but her government collapsed within

45 days after her tax-cutting mini-budget spooked financial markets.

Chevening, a Grade I-listed, 115-room country house, was left to the nation by 7th Earl Stanhope following his death in 1967.

Since then, it has been up to the prime minister to decide who uses Chevening, with the foreign secretary the usual beneficiary.

The BBC has been told that Ms Truss’s Chevening bill - which was first reported by the Mail on Sunday newspaper - covers missing items, including bathrobes, which she is happy to pay to replace.

But the former prime minister is maintaining that the majority of the invoice relates to using Chevening for government business, meaning she should not be liable for most of the bill.

Those close to Ms Truss have stressed

that she will account for all personal expenses incurred.

The ministerial rulebook states “where ministers host party or personal events in [official] residences it should be at their own or party expense with no cost falling to the public purse”.

A spokesman for Ms Truss said: “Liz always paid for the costs of her personal guests at Chevening.

“The latest invoice contains a mixture of costs for her personally and costs for official government business with civil servants including [Cabinet Secretary] Simon Case and senior officials from other departments who met at Chevening during the transition preparations.

“The latter constitutes the majority of the bill. It would be inappropriate for her to pay the costs for officials as it would

have breached the Civil Service Code for civil servants to accept hospitality during the leadership campaign. She has therefore asked for this to be billed separately.”

Ms Truss is still an MP and has spent some of her time giving speeches about her economic philosophy since she left office, with the latest register of interests for MPs showing she received £65,000 for one speaking engagement.

Ms Truss - the shortest-serving prime minister in history - claimed her government was partly brought down by what she called “the left-wing economic establishment”.

She has ruled out running as prime minister again, but is planning to stand again as the MP for South West Norfolk at the next general election.

Source: BBC

On May Day Havana’s Revolution Square is usually filled with workers bussed in from across the island

Sudan crisis: Air strikes and fighting in Khartoum as truce collapses

Air strikes have intensified in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, despite a truce aimed at allowing civilians to flee.

The army said it was attacking the city to flush out its paramilitary rivals, the Rapid Response Forces (RSF).

The latest truce was due to end at midnight on Sunday. The RSF said it had been extended for another three days.

Millions remain trapped in the capital, where food is running short. The first major aid flight, laden with medical supplies, has arrived in the country.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says a plane landed at Port Sudan with eight tonnes of relief supplies, including health kits for hospitals.

“With hostilities still ongoing, ICRC teams will need guarantees of safe passage from the parties to the conflict to deliver this material to medical facilities in locations with active fighting, such as Khartoum,” a statement said.

More than 70% of health facilities in the capital have been forced to close as a result of the fighting that erupted on 15 April.

More than 500 people have been reported killed, with the actual total number of dead and injured expected to be much higher.

Army commander Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF chief Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti, are vying for power - and disagree in particular about plans to include the RSF into the army.

Foreign countries have been evacuating their nationals amid the chaos.

Tens of thousands of people are attempting to flee Sudan

The warring sides agreed a humanitarian truce after intensive diplomatic efforts by neighbouring countries, the US, UK and UN. It was extended, but did not hold. There are few signs the army will respect the further extension announced by the RSF on Sunday.

The army said it had conducted operations against RSF troops north of the city centre.

Eyewitnesses told Reuters news agency that army drones had targeted RSF position near a major oil refinery.

“We woke up once again to the sound of fighter jets and anti-aircraft weapons blasting all over our neighbourhood,” one resident told AFP news agency on Sunday.

BBC diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams, who is monitoring events from

Nairobi in Kenya, says the army will find it difficult to expel the RSF from Khartoum.

For all the army’s superior firepower, the RSF are highly mobile and more suited to urban warfare, our correspondent adds.

Some 2,122 British nationals have been rescued from Sudan, the government said

The UK government announced on Sunday that it would organise a final evacuation flight on Monday - two days after it said it had ended its operation to bring British nationals out. The Foreign Office (FCDO) advised those wishing to leave to travel to the evacuation point in Port Sudan before 12:00 (10:00 GMT). So far, 2,122 people have been evacuated, the FCDO statement said.

A US-organised convoy has reached Port Sudan to evacuate more US citizens by ship to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. It said hundreds of Americans had already left, in addition to the diplomats evacuated by air a week ago.

Also on Saturday Sudanese former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok warned that the conflict could become worse than those in Syria and Libya. Those wars have led to hundreds of thousands of deaths and caused instability in the wider regions.

Speaking in Nairobi, he said: “I think it will be a nightmare for the world. This is not a war between an army and small rebellion. It is almost like two armies.”

Meanwhile, there are chaotic scenes in Port Sudan where people are desperate to board ships, some of which are heading to Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

I’m so happy to come home - Chadian student

A student has told the BBC of her relief at being airlifted from Sudan.

“The Chadian embassy helped us and now we are on a plane. I am very happy to come back to my beloved country, Chad,” says Ikhbar.

She says dozens of other Chadians are on board the flight, and although she is leaving her university studies behind in Khartoum, she’s grateful to have found safety.

“It feels very different, thank God.”

More than 220 people have so far been repatriated to Chad, says French-language broadcaster RFI, and the Chadian government is urging others still in Sudan to report to its consulate and register themselves for a return flight.

Chad neighbours the Darfur region in western Sudan, which

has seen some of the worst violence since the fighting began.

A UN official told the BBC Newsday programme that as many as 250,000 Sudanese could end up seeking refuge in Chad, despite the country’s own security problems and its already struggling humanitarian response to Sudan’s crisis.

World determined to secure a Sudan ceasefireMitchell

More from our correspondent’s interview with Foreign Office Minister Andrew Mitchell.

Asked about the case of the NHS doctors initially preventedfrom boarding flights, Mitchell said the government had reached “the right decision” to evacuate them.

Mitchell said he was “incredibly concerned” about what would happen in Sudan once all foreigners had left. The African Union is convening a meeting in Addis Ababa next week to discuss the issue, and the UN (where Britain “holds the pen” on the Sudan issue) is also heavily engaged.

“The whole of the international system is looking at ways of stopping this fighting,” he said, “which, after all, is two generals slugging it out for power.”

The international community, he said, was determined to secure a ceasefire, so that Sudan could go back to where it was on 11 April, “with good negotiations, opening up the political space for a civilian administration.”

“Unless there is a permanent

ceasefire,” he said, “the position for millions of people in Sudan, and in the surrounding countries... is incredibly serious.”

Minister defends UK evacuations

UK Foreign Office Minister Andrew Mitchell has told the BBC that the operation to evacuate British and other nationals from Khartoum has been “extremely successful.”

Speaking in Nairobi, Mitchell said it was right that the evacuation flights were ending. “I don’t think there’s a single Brit in Khartoum who won’t know about the evacuation and the flow of people who’ve been coming to the airport indicate that that is correct,” he said.

He said the situation at the Wadi Saedna airfield was “extremely dangerous”, and cited the example of the Turkish aircraft that was shot at yesterday.

“We can’t stay there forever in such dangerous circumstances,” he said, adding that the UK government was “looking at every single option to help British citizens who are caught up in this terrible crisis.”

And here’s another uplifting story to emerge from a very grim situation. Watch the moment a father meets his baby for the first time, after his family was able to join him in the UK from Sudan.

Muammar Ali was also joined by his son and wife after they, too, left the conflict-hit nation.

“No words can describe this moment”, he told the BBC.

BBC journalist Mo Hashim has described the moment he

happened to spot a relative among a crowd of evacuees who reached Saudi Arabia today.

He told his colleague Andrew Harding it was “overwhelming” and a relief to see his mother’s cousin reach Jeddah after a tough journey from Sudan.

Former Sudanese PM issues warning for wider region

Sudan’s former prime minister has warned that the insecurity in his country could become worse than that in Syria and Libya if fighting is not stopped.

Abdalla Hamdok has called on the international community to persuade the Sudanese army chief and the head of the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to hold peace talks.

Speaking at a summit in Kenya, he said if there was no peace settlement, the ramifications could affect the entire region as well as the rest of the world.

Hamdok added: “Sudan is the largest country in that area, bordering seven countries. God forbid if Sudan is to reach a point of civil war proper.”

Hamdok was prime minister of Sudan from November 2019 to January 2022. He resigned after mass protests against a deal he made to share power with the army - who staged a coup in October 2021.

Family stuck at Egypt border over $40,000 bus fee

A family trying to flee Sudan has told the BBC they are among thousands stuck at the border with Egypt because drivers are demanding $40,000 (£31,810) to take them across. Source:BBC

The army has urged people in Khartoum to remain indoors as it target RSF positions

N

FROM ASIA

Ludhiana gas: Mystery leak kills 11 in Indian city

At least 11 people have died following a gas leak in northern India.

Women and children are among those who died in the port city of Ludhiana in Punjab state. Several people were found unconscious in their homes.

The area was sealed off and residents were evacuated after many reported breathing difficulties. Four are being treated in hospital.

The source of the leak is not clear so far. One official suggested that gas may have spread from manholes.

PTI news agency quotes Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Surabhi Malik as saying: “We are going to collect samples from manholes. It is quite likely that some chemical reacted with methane in manholes.”

Rajinder Pal Kaur Chhina, a local legislator, told Reuters news agency that the incident had happened near a milk shop. “People who came to buy milk in the morning, fell unconscious outside,” she said.

A team from the National Disaster Response Force has been sent to the site, in the Giaspura area of Ludhiana. There are factories nearby.

Industrial gas leaks are not rare in India.

Three years ago a gas leak at a chemical plant killed least 12 people in the city of Visakhapatnam, in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

In 1984 a chemical leak in a pesticide plant at the central city of Bhopal killed thousands of people, in what is acknowledged to be the world’s worst industrial disaster.

Climate change: How it’s endangering Australian wine

In 2008, the Brown family watched on helplessly as destructive bushfires ripped through the Victoria countryside. For them, it was a wakeup call.

It was the third time in several years flames had come close to torching vineyards that five generations of their family had poured over a century of love and work into.

Warming days, declining rainfall and subsequent drought had snuck up on them, but this was a glaring warning sign they couldn’t ignore.

Climate change had become the family businesses’ “biggest threat”, Caroline Brown says.

It’s not a problem unique to the Browns - the family behind one of the oldest wine brands in Australia. The country is the world’s fifth-largest wine exporter and is home to a diverse array of wine regions most other countries could only dream of.

And while climate change is threatening winemakers worldwide, Australia’s industry is on the front lines.

A warming and drying trend

Ashley Ratcliff’s vineyards are already in one of the hottest and driest wine regions on the planet.

There was one year, he recalls, when their vineyards in South Australia’s Riverland region got only 90mm of rain - 10 times less than the annual average for the famous French wine region of Bordeaux.

“It was hot, everything was dirty and dusty,” he says. “And then on the other extreme, you get the really wet years where you never think it’s going to dry out.”

And it will only get worse.

Ashley Ratcliff (left) and his family are already feeling the effects of climate change

In the next 20 years, the Riverland will be about 1.3 degrees hotter and rainfall will drop, according to modelling by Australian researchers.

With that will also come more extreme weather events, which are already a near constant in Australia.

The country is still recovering from years of record-breaking floods, but with an El Nino summer likely to bring dry and hot conditions to much of Australia, panic is growing ahead of the coming fire season.

What does that mean for wine?

While grapevines are described as “one of the most valuable weeds in the world”, capable of growing almost anywhere, the fruit itself is vulnerable to its environment.

And climate change is already messing with flavour and quality. Heat affects the speed at which the grapes ripen and with it, their sugar and acidity levels.

Already the growing season has shifted forward - by weeks in some places - which also impacts logistics and infrastructure.

Then there’s the impact of weather events driven by climate change, which at their worst can wipe out an entire season’s crop.

All of this means growing certain types of wine grapes in Australia - those suited to cooler climates like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir - will only get harder.

Adaptation is key

The Ratcliffs strategically decided to plant “alternative” varieties more suited to warmer climes when they purchased their vineyards in 2003.

They deemed the risk posed by climate change as greater than that of selling lesser-known grapes. Two decades on, anyone not contemplating doing the same is kidding themselves, Mr Ratcliff says.

“There are all those fervent doomsday people. [But] I think there is an opportunity to rebrand and make the industry really exciting - to use climate change as a positive rather than a negative.”

The average consumer won’t notice a big difference between

the wines they love and the upand-coming alternative varieties that Ricca Terra sells - like Montepulciano, Fiano and Nero D’Avola. The grapes are hardier and often more planet-friendly too, requiring less water.

The Brown family too is growing alternative varieties, including some they created with Australia’s science agency. But they have also looked south to keep current favourites alive.

With climate change in mind, they began snapping up vineyards in cooler locations like Tasmania - a growing trend across the industry.

“We realised that having all of our vineyards in one location in Victoria meant we had all our eggs in one basket,” Ms Brown says.

But Tahbilk Winery’s Hayley Purbrick is one grower who is staying put, despite “confronting” climate modelling.

“We have a philosophy that our responsibility is to create a climate where grapes can grow,” she says. “There’s so much you can do at a

local level and sometimes when we think [about climate change on a global scale] we get a bit too wrapped up in the impossibility of what we can’t do.”

Her family’s vineyards in the Goulburn Valley incorporate as much shade and as many “natural coolants” as possible. They’re planted on the edge of wetlands and are surrounded by 160 hectares of trees.

They’ve also slashed their carbon emissions to net zero, through things like solar power, using heat reflective paint to limit the need for air conditioning, and reducing waste.

It’s working so far: “We’re lucky in the sense that we’re three degrees cooler than places even three kilometres away.”

But researcher Tom Remenyi says adaptation and mitigation can only take growers so far.

On the current trajectory, the whole of Australia is going to get warmer and dryer - and while a couple of degrees might not sound like a lot, it could be catastrophic,

he says.

“A three-degree shift of the average increases the frequency of extremely hot days by about tenfold, if not more. If the whole globe warms more than three degrees, it’s highly likely that we will not be worried about growing wine.”

Optimism prevails

And that’s exactly what is weighing on growers like Caroline Brown. For her, the family business is inextricably entwined with the family history.

She spent her childhood getting into mischief with her cousins among the vineyards at Milawa. Now they all work in the business. She desperately wants the same for the next generations.

“We’re very passionate about family,” she says. “Our greatgrandfather started the business… we’d love one day for our greatgrandchildren to be in the lucky positions we’re in.”

But she is well aware that climate change threatens that.

Source: BBC

Emergency workers are trying to determine the source of the leak

Before 2008, all of the Brown family’s vineyards were in Victoria

By Maryam Abeeb

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that it has become imperative for Africa to develop an education curriculum that will be relevant to the changing world and available jobs.

Osinbajo expressed this view in Nairobi, Kenya, while featuring as a panelist at the first session of the 2023 Ibrahim Governance Forum with theme, “Africa in the World: Multiple Assets.”

The session is part of the 2023 Mo Ibrahim Governance Weekend organised by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

The vice president participated in the session alongside Donald Kaberuka, AU Special Envoy and former President of African Development Bank and Hafou Toure, Deputy Director of Cabinet for the Minister in charge of promoting Small and Medium Enterprises in Côte d’Ivoire.

More so, Ibrahim Mayaki, AU Special for Food Systems, featured in the session online.

Osinbajo spoke on what the future holds for Africa with regards to the creative industry, education among others.

The creative industry in Africa is a phenomenon that many will say happened without government.

“It possibly happened because there was no government; so, I think that in many ways what is important is to see how the creative industry can be supported.

“Firstly, entertainment, it is evident that there is a huge amount of talents and it’s evident also that the regulatory environment favours it because there are no impediments.

“And one would say that, as much as possible, what we should seek to do is to see how we can expand that space and to support with credit where that is possible and infrastructure that will be helpful.’’

He said that in Nigeria, the National Theatre had a few studios for films, entertainment and others and had shown

Africa’s education curriculum needs to adapt changing world — Osinbajo

great promise in supporting the industry.

“And the need and support they can get in many cases that support can come especially in the form of infrastructure from the government and credit also from the government.

“But things have changed in so many fundamental respect that there is greater independence of the artist and the creative people and they really function very effectively with little help.

“I would say that we should be cautious in not interfering too much; at the same time, we need to provide infrastructure, we need to provide credit with such an exposure that they may need.

“Well, certainly we could do a lot more I don’t think it is right to say that we are doing what we can.

“But frankly I think that we should start from the premise of placing a different vision before our young people.”

According to him, there is need to have a clarity of vision on where Africa is headed in terms of education.

He said there was need to give Africa’s young people a sense that there was a future and that there were promises that could be made and delivered.

The vice president said that education was about youth demographics.

“It is really the privileged young people; I use the word privilege cautiously because these are young people with education – local education or education abroad, some have college degree and all of that and there is a huge rural young people who have no education and that demography has a large number of women.

“So, even understanding what such of educational programmes we need to put in place and even the vision for that educational programme you have to understand that we are dealing with several demographics.

“The final point is that we are in a new place where the world has changed so dramatically and particularly in the past 10 years, where we have robotic, artificial intelligence; what sort of education makes sense to create

job opportunities today?

“This is the time to think through the educational curriculum and to decide how this curriculum will be relevant and would deliver the sort of persons that we want to deliver and create the sort of opportunities that we require for the jobs that will be available,’’ he said.

Kaberuka, before responding to his own question, complimented Osinbajo for his contributions to Nigeria’s development.

“I think this gentleman has done an excellent job in his country; I do not think we have seen the last of him,” he said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Mo Ibrahim, who is also the founder, Mo Ibrahim Foundation, said it had become urgent for Africa to adjust to the fast-paced world.

According to him, questions on Africa’s relationship with the rest of the world and the benefits therein will be raised at the forum.

“This year, the world is changing around us; I think

everybody knows that; all the previous assumptions are being broken; we see different powers rising; tensions, camps being formed, where exactly is Africa’s place.

“Things are really changing around us and where are we? What is our relationship with these people?

“We need to understand and define our relationship with rest of the world; what does Africa offer the world and what does the world offer Africa?’’ he asked.

Youth development: Education ministry seeks for Buhari assent to peace corps bill

By Maryam Abeeb

The Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, has expressed optimism that the Bill for an Act to establish the Nigeria Peace Corps recently transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari would receive positive attention from the Presidency to enable the organization continue with its value-driven programmes geared towards the socio-economic development of the youths.

The Ministry expressed the hope while appraising the contributions of the Peace Corps of Nigeria in the general maintenance

of discipline in schools and colleges across the country.

A delegation from the Ministry, led by the Principal Executive Officer, Special Duties in the Ministry, Mr. Victor Opeyemi praised the Corps during an assessment visit to the Headquarters of the Corps in Jabi, Abuja.

While addressing officers and men of the Corps during the visit, Opeyemi applauded efforts of the Corps in youth empowerment, peace and security, assuring the organization of greater partnership and support from the Ministry.

He stated further that Peace

Corps’ activities in Schools and Colleges through the formation of Peace Club has helped significantly in inculcating the culture of Peace in the younger generation.

He promised that the ministry will continue to partner with the organization to continue with its activities, especially in Unity schools across the country.

Opeyemi prayed that the Bill for an act to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps which is to give statutory backing to the Organization, passed by the National Assembly and recently transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari would

receive positive attention from the Presidency.

In his reaction, the National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Professor Dickson Akoh, appreciated the Ministry for the visit and traced the relationship to 2002, when the Corps was registered as a non-governmental organization by the Ministry.

He assured the Ministry and the Federal Government that the organization would remain resolute in its commitment to national creativity, peace and youth development, being the cardinal objectives of the organization.

Saraki’s wife urges new govt to promote girl child education

Maryam Abeeb

Wife of former President of the Senate, Toyin Sarahi has urged the incoming administration key in on gender transformative education issues, to promote the education of the girl child, addressing education gaps and fundamental issues that contribute to outof-school and poor literacy levels across Nigeria.”

Mrs Saraki, who is the FounderPresident, Wellbeing Foundation Africa, also called for legislation to make basic education free up to secondary school level.

She also seeks for allocation of 22.5 percent of the national budget to education by 2025.

She said this would guarantee 12 years of uninterrupted education for Nigerian children and reduce the number of out-ofschool children.

Speaking at the National Moment on Basic and Secondary Education programme organised by the Malala Fund on Thursday in Abuja, Saraki stated that political will through legislation amendment and financial planning would significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children which currently stands at over 18 million.

In two years, insecurity has resulted in the abduction of 1,470 students, attacks on 25 schools, 200 children missing, and forced over one million children to stay away from school.

The former Kwara first lady said: “Education is the most powerful investment in our future, and this moment is an opportunity for us to encourage our new government to re-imagine education for the country and find better ways to provide 12 years of safe, free, quality education for all…

“I urge the new incoming government to key in on gender transformative education issues, to promote the education of the

girl child, addressing education gaps and fundamental issues that contribute to outof-school and poor literacy levels across Nigeria.”

Programme Director, Malala Fund, Fatima Askira, called for the implementation of a multi-sectoral support to keep children, especially the girl-child safe, and aid in the development of federal and state-level roadmaps and plans for funding, safety, standards, and training.

Askira pledged the organisation’s commitment to influence government policies on girl-child education significantly.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

Feature

Thailand: Southeast Asia’s ‘weed wonderland’

Anew symbol has appeared in the kaleidoscopic jumble of neon signs that light up Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok’s most international street. The sudden ubiquity of the five-pointed marijuana leaf, in lurid green, announces the spectacular boom there has been in weed-related businesses in Thailand since cannabis was decriminalised last June.

Walk two kilometres east of the BBC office in Bangkok, and you pass more than 40 dispensaries, selling potent marijuana flower buds and all the paraphernalia needed to smoke them.

Travel in the opposite direction, to the famous backpacker hangout of Khao San Road, and there is an entire marijuana-themed shopping mall, Plantopia, its shops half-hidden behind the haze of smoke created by customers trying out the product. The website Weed in Thailand lists more than 4,000 businesses across the country selling cannabis and its derivatives.

And this is Thailand, where until last June you could be jailed for five years just for possessing marijuana, up to 15 years for producing it; where other drug offences get the death penalty. The pace of change has been breathtaking.

“It is messy, but then this is Thailand, and without this sudden liberalisation I don’t think it would have happened at all,” says Kitty Chopaka, founder of Elevated Estate, a company that offers advice on the marijuana industry, and has been a part of the parliamentary committee trying to get the new regulations passed.

But this is not the kind of liberalisation long-term campaigners like her dreamed of.

“We need regulation. Spelling out what you can and cannot do,” Ms Chopaka says. “It is causing a lot of confusion, a lot of people not knowing what they can do, what they can put money behind.”

There are some rules in this apparent free-for-all, but they are being enforced haphazardly, if at all. Not all dispensaries have a licence, which they are required to have, and they are supposed to record the provenance of all their cannabis flowers and the personal details of every customer.

No products aside from the unprocessed flower are supposed to have more than 0.2 percent THC, the psychotropic chemical in cannabis, nor can they be sold online. Yet you

can find suppliers offering potent weed brownies and gummies with high THC content online, with delivery to your door within an hour. Cannabis cannot be sold to anyone under 20 years old, but who is to know if the product is simply delivered by a motorbike courier?

There are restaurants serving marijuana-laced dishes, you can get marijuana tea, and marijuana icecream. Convenience stores are even selling weed-tinged drinking water. The police have admitted that they are so unsure of what is and is not legal they are enforcing very few rules around marijuana.

The new cannabis regime is a bit of a political accident. Anutin Charnvirakul, head of one of Thailand’s larger political parties, made decriminalisation part of his manifesto for the 2019 election. It proved a vote-winner, mostly on the as-yet untested notion that cannabis could be a profitable alternative cash crop for poor farmers. As health minister in the new government, Mr Anutin prioritised getting it taken off the banned narcotics list as soon as possible to fulfil his election pledge.

But Thailand’s parliament, a cauldron of competing interest groups, moves slowly. Cannabis was decriminalised before anyone had been able to write regulations to control the new business. And the planned new laws got bogged down by inter-party bickering. With another general election taking place in May, there is little chance of the law getting through the parliament before the end of the year. Already rival parties are warning of the dangers of unregulated weed, and threatening to re-criminalise it if they take power.

The future of this free-wheeling new industry is uncertain.

Tukta, a 21-year-old university student, jumped on the marijuana bandwagon last year, sinking more than one million baht ($30,000; £23,500) into a dispensary and coffee shop called The Herb Club in Bangkok’s Klong Toei district. She sells 16 different grades of the cured flower, ranging from $10 to $80 a gram, but she worries about possible changes in the law. With so much competition from the many other dispensaries nearby, she says business is neither bad nor good.

“The price is falling because there’s a glut of marijuana,” Ms Chopaka says.

“There are a lot of illegal imports. We are growing strains from overseas, which need air-

This coincided with a conservative backlash across South East Asia against permissive 1960s attitudes to drugs and sex, a reaction to the ganja-smoking backpackers travelling east along the “hippie trail”. Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia all instructed their immigration officers to look out for hippies and bar them entry. At Singapore airport those with long hair were given a choice of a trip to the barber or being turned around

conditioning and lighting. We should look into developing strains that work for our climate to lower costs.

“We really need to go back to our old heritage, our old cultures. Because cannabis and Thais, Thailand, are very interwoven with each other.”

For many Thais, who have grown up in a country which viewed all narcotics as a dangerous social evil, the dramatic flowering of the weed business since last year is bewildering. Yet the unforgiving official view of drugs is a relatively recent development.

Up until the late 1970s marijuana was widely cultivated by the hill tribes in northern Thailand, in the border area known as the Golden Triangle, which also used to be the source of much of the world’s opium. Marijuana had also been used extensively as a herb and cooking ingredient in north-eastern Thailand.

When US soldiers arrived in the 1960s on “rest and recreation” breaks from fighting in the Vietnam War they discovered Thai stick, locally made from cured marijuana buds wrapped in leaves around a bamboo stick, like a fat cigar. The soldiers began shipping Thai marijuana back home in large quantities; along with Golden Triangle heroin it made up much of the narcotics flow going into the United States.

As the Vietnam War wound down, the US put pressure on Thailand to curb drug production. In 1979 Thailand passed a sweeping Narcotics Act, mandating harsh penalties for using and selling drugs, including the death sentence.

This coincided with a conservative backlash across South East Asia against permissive 1960s attitudes to drugs and sex, a reaction to the ganja-smoking backpackers travelling east along the “hippie trail”. Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia all instructed their immigration officers to look out for hippies and bar them entry. At Singapore airport those with long hair were given a choice of a trip to the barber or being turned around. In Malaysia anyone with sufficiently suspect attributes would have the letters SHIT - suspected

hippie in transit - stamped in their passports before being deported.

The Thai government was especially wary of alternative youth culture after it crushed a leftist student movement, killing dozens at Bangkok’s Thammasat University in October 1976. Conservatives feared they might support a communist

takeover in Thailand, as had just happened in neighbouring Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Meanwhile a series of royallysponsored crop substitution projects persuaded most hill tribes to stop cultivating opium and marijuana, and try coffee or macadamia nuts instead. Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY , MONDAY, MAY 1, 2023

The marijuana leaf has become a familiar sight in the streets of Bangkok

Kitty Chopaka says Thailand needs better regulation to help the cannabis industry

The speed at which weed businesses have proliferated has bewildered many

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MONDAY, MAY 1, 2023

FIFA U20: Flying Eagles to hit Argentina May 6

The Flying Eagles will depart Nigeria for Argentina on 6th May, to continue preparations for the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Coach Ladan Bosso’s team will travel to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina on the 6th or 7th of May if the Nigeria Football

Federation (NFF) travel arrangement for the team goes as planned.

After a 5-0 trashing of Skylink FC of Jos, in a tune-up game last Friday in Abuja.

“The Flying Eagles contingent is expected to hit Argentina on May 6th, with the development, we’ll have 12 days before

the competition to further fine-tune our preparations as we look forward to playing international friendly games against other countries in other groups before we take on the Dominican Republic.”

Meanwhile, in the preparatory match, two first-half goals from Mohammed Beji

and another two second-half brace by Elkanemi Warriors striker, Baakala with a goal by Samson in between the two scorers completed the rout.

Flying Eagles are placed in the same group as Brazil, Italy, and the Dominican Republic in Group B.

Kenyan’s Naibet, Bahrain Jebet from Bahrain emerge Champions Abuja International Marathon

By Albert Akota

Kenya’s Emmanuel Naibet Jebet and former Olympic champion Ruth Jebet on Saturday emerged champions of the maiden Abuja International Marathon.

Naibet clocked a time of 2:13: 45 to win the men’s senior marathon race, which is the best recorded in any maiden edition of Marathon races in Nigeria.

His countryman Benard Sang was second in 2:13:49, and Ezekiel Koech finished third in 2:13:51, ensuring it was a complete sweep for Kenya.

Naibet beat about 120 elite marathoners on Saturday to win the 42km race to claim the grand prize of $50,000.

His compatriots Benard Sang and

Ezekiel Koech who finished second and third respectively, will go home with $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.

The victory is Naibet’s second marathon win on Nigerian soil, having won the 2021 Lagos City marathon.

Meanwhile, Bahrain’s Ruth Jebet was the first woman to cross the finish line at two hours, thirty-six minutes and eight seconds. She bested Kenya’s Mercy Kwambai and Dida Negasa of Ethiopia who finished second and third respectively. The 42km race began at the Abuja City Gate and terminated at Eagle Square. His compatriots Benard Sang and Ezekiel Koech who finished second and third respectively, will go home with $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.

Flying Eagles

A unique Army Chief, Lieutenant Faruk Yahaya

By Brigadier General Sani Usman Kukasheka (rtd)

In the next few days, the Nigerian Army Chief, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, will clock two years in office. Recall that he was appointed after the unfortunate plane crash that claimed the lives of erstwhile Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and some of his personal staff and Principal Staff Officers. Consequently, it becomes necessary to have a closer look at this unassuming gentleman that is silently accomplishing so much and transforming the Nigerian Army. This is because, anytime you look at a significant turning point in the history of any nation, you’re most likely to find a military leader involved. This is because since time immemorial, the history of the world has revolved around warfare and conquest. But the modern world is full of conflicts and security problems. Most of these problems are caused by non-state actors, most of who are from the same country. This could be said of Nigeria, which has been dealing with severe security challenges such as terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, seccessnists agitation, violent extremism, and banditry.

These historical figures have proven themselves to be outstanding leaders throughout their military careers. Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, the current Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, fits the mould of exceptional military leaders such as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Napoleon Bonaparte, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Tukur Yusufu Buratai. Boko Haram has been stopped, thanks to the hard work of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security forces. Our troops and the military leaders who were in charge of them, like Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, made sacrifices that helped them do things that had never been done before.

Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya is the (22nd) Chief of Army Staff for the Nigerian Army. He is a quiet leader who believes in professionalism and hard work. His leadership style has made him different from his peers; he is very unassuming and dedicated to his job. His pragmatic leadership style, which emphasises merit, discipline, professionalism, and teamwork, is well-known. His bosses, coworkers, peers, subordinates, and anyone else he works with respect him

because he leads from the front and motivate his team to do what they need to do to reach their goals or finish their tasks.

He is gifted with leadership skills, humility, and principles, he is well-experienced and committed to his duties. These qualities have been inherent in him since his childhood days, up to his cadet training and career in the Nigerian Army.

Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya was appointed Chief of Army Staff on May 27, 2021, following the deaths of the then Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, and some of his principal staff officers, including the Acting Provost Marshal and Acting Chief of Military Intelligence, as well as some personal staff, in an unfortunate air crash in Kaduna.

Troops’ morale was low, and there was so much uncertainty and intrigue as no one was sure who the next Chief of Army Staff would be. To that, rising insecurity in various parts of the country, particularly in the northeast, northwest, north-central, and southeast geopolitical zones, was added. He accepted the challenge of stabilising the army and restoring confidence and security in those areas by addressing security issues such as terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry to the point where thousands of Boko Haram terrorists voluntarily surrendered.

His appointment as Chief of Army Staff has been praised and seen as one of the best decisions made by the President and Commander-in-Chief. This is because he is a well-known and experienced senior infantry officer with a lot of experience, professionalism, and leadership skills. With his strategic vision and hands-on approach, he was expected to make the country’s security better, and he hasn’t let anyone down. Since taking office, General Yahaya has said that he is committed to solving Nigeria’s security problems in many ways. Some of these are to improve the welfare of troops, get better at gathering intelligence, and work with other services, security agencies, and stakeholders.

This is reflected in his vision for the Nigerian Army, which he describes as “a professional Nigerian Army to accomplish assigned missions in a joint environment in defence of Nigeria.” His philosophy of command is built on four pillars: professionalism, readiness, management, and working together. He was determined to

get the Nigerian Army back to its core values of strict adherence to customs, traditions, and ethics, for which the Nigerian Army was known and respected. When he took over, he knew what he had to do, but he was so focused and determined that the Nigerian Army officers and soldiers could do it with their combined willpower.

So, it’s not surprising that he was able to get so much done as leader of the Nigerian Army in such a short time. One of the best things about him as chief of army staff is that he is honest about what he wants to do and is always committed to leading selflessly, openly, and responsibly. Also, as a welltrained infantry general who has worked well with troops

from the start of his exemplary military career, he runs the army fairly and justly, giving everyone the same chances based on their skills and character.

But who is this Chief of Army Staff with a difference?

Lieutenant General Faruk

Yahaya was born on January 5, 1966, in the famous Sifawa town of Sokoto State’s Bodinga Local Government Area. Sifawa town is known for its rich history and culture. He received basic Islamic education in his hometown, as did every other child at the time, and also attended Jammatul Nasril Islam (JNI) Primary School Sifawa from 1970 to 1977, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He thereafter proceeded to

This is reflected in his vision for the Nigerian Army, which he describes as “a professional Nigerian Army to accomplish assigned missions in a joint environment in defence of Nigeria.” His philosophy of command is built on four pillars: professionalism, readiness, management, and working together

the College of Arts and Arabic Studies, Sokoto. He graduated in 1982 after obtaining his Grade 2 Teachers’ Certificate.

Soon after, he was admitted to Usman Danfodio University in Sokoto for a pre-degree programme in preparation for a full-fledged undergraduate course. However, imbued with patriotism and General Yahaya’s determination to serve the country in the military, he left the University in 1985 after applying to and being admitted to the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna as a member of the 37 Regular Course. He graduated in 1990 from the Defence Academy with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and was commissioned to the rank of second lieutenant in the infantry corps of the Nigerian Army. To further enhance his capacity to discharge his duties effectively, the COAS attended the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and earned a master’s degree in international Affairs and Diplomacy in 2008.

General Yahaya has served in a variety of military units, formations, and institutions throughout his distinguished military career, holding positions in instruction, staff, and command. From September 1990 to September 1991, he was a platoon commander with the 181 Mechanised Battalion, and from September 1991 to August 1995, he was a platoon commander with the 82 Motorised Battalion. He again served as a battalion’s secondin-command at 81 Guards Battalion from August 1995 to August 1996.

At the rank of a Captain, he was made an Aide-deCamp to the then Military Administrator of KanoState, the Late Colonel Dominic Oneya, from August 1996 to August 1999. He was again a battalion second-in-command with the 20 Amphibious Battalion from September 1999 to August 2002. Between August 2002 and July 2004, he served as Officer Commanding, 7 Battalion. From July 2004 to January 2005, he worked at Guard Brigade Headquarters as a Staff Officer Grade 2 in charge of Administration. He was also appointed Staff Officer Grade 1 (Administration and Quartering), Headquarters Guards Brigade, from January 2005 to January 2006. From January 2006 to August 2006, he was appointed Commander, of the Guards Brigade Garrison. General Yahaya served as Directing Staff at the prestigious

Lieutenant Faruk Yahaya

A unique Army Chief, Lieutenant Faruk Yahaya

Cont. from Prev. page

Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji between August 2006 and February 2009. He was Assistant Chief of Staff, Headquarters 1 Division, Nigerian Army, from February 2009 to August 2009. From August 2009 to June 2010, the COAS served as Deputy Military Secretary 3, at the Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary (Army). In June 2010, he was elevated to Deputy Military Secretary 2, at the same Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary (Army), a position he held till February 2012. The COAS was appointed Deputy Director of Research and Development at Army Headquarters’ Department of Army Policy and Plans in August 2012.

He was posted to Headquarters Joint Task Force (Operation Pulo Shield) in January 2013 as Chief of Staff. General Yahaya was sent back to the Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary (Army) as Deputy Military Secretary 1 in December 2013. From February 2014 to August 2015, he served as Principal General Staff Officer to the Honourable Minister of Defence, Ministry of Defence. The COAS was Commander, of 4 Brigade, from August 2015 to June 2016. In June 2016, he was named Commander of the 29th Task Force Brigade.

From October 2016 to October 2017, General Yahaya served as Director of Manpower Planning at the Army Headquarters Department of Administration (Army). He returned once again to Army Headquarters as Military Secretary (Army) in October 2017. In February 2019, he was appointed General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army. In April 2020, he was appointed Commander, of Theatre Command, Operation LAFIYA DOLE and later Operation HADIN KAI. President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR appointed Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya as the 22nd Chief of Army Staff on May 27, 2021.

In the course of his impeccable military service, he has attended several courses, seminars, and conferences both here in Nigeria and abroad, in which he performed credibly well. These include the Nigerian Army School of Infantry’s Young Officers’ Course (Infantry), Machine Gun Officers’ Course, Air Defence Platoon Commander’s Course, Basic Range Management Course, Special Warfare Course, Company Commanders’ Course, and Commanding Officers’ Course. The COAS also attended the prestigious Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, for both his junior and senior staff courses. He attended the Strategic and Joint Political Management Course (National Defence Course) at the National Academy of Political and Strategic Studies, Chile.

He also participated in several seminars, conferences, and short courses. These include the Seminar for Public-Private Partnership Collaboration in the Improvement of the Higher Management of the Defence Sector at the Commonwealth Business Council, Abuja; the Civil-Military Coordination Course at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Accra,

Ghana; and the Nigerian Army Law Seminar 2009 at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja. African Land Forces Summit, Abuja; and Army Headquarters Procurement Seminar, Army Headquarters, Abuja.

Others include the Nigerian Army Media Conference, which was held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja in collaboration with the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, and the Guild of Professional Bloggers of Nigeria.

In honour of General Yahaya’s excellent and spotless record of service to the country, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, gave the COAS the prestigious award of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic. Other honours and awards in the kitty of the COAS garnered over the years are the Nigerian Army Medal, Grand Service Star, Passed Staff Course (Dagger), Fellow National Defence College (Chile), Command Medal, Field Command Medal, Field Command Medal of Honour, and General Operations Medal.

Other awards include the Silver Jubilee Medal, the Golden Jubilee Medal, the Operation LAFIYA DOLE Medal, the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group Medal, the Fellow Nigerian Army Resource Centre, the Fellow Disaster Management and Safety Science, and the Fellow Historical Society of Nigeria.

A dedicated and responsible family man, the COAS is happily married to Hajiya Salamatu Faruk Yahaya. Just like her husband, the wife is an astute lover of education, youth development, and women’s empowerment, as clearly demonstrated in her several training and empowerment programmes for various Barracks Community and beyond. She has continued to be a strong pillar of support for her husband. Their union is blessed with children. All work and no play make Jack a dull boy, and despite the enormity of commanding the army during these critical times and on such short notice, General Yahaya still finds time to play. The COAS enjoys reading, travelling, cracking jokes, and listening to local music in his spare time.

As previously stated, his accomplishments as Chief of Army Staff in such a short period are unquantifiable; suffice it to mention a few of them. The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, appointed Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya as the 22nd Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on May 27, 2021. This was after he did a great job as the Commander, of Theatre Command, Operation LAFIYA DOLE (now Operation HADIN KAI).

He was appointed at a time when the country desperately needed workable solutions to the myriad of security challenges it was facing. General Yahaya, who is a distinguished infantry general and an astute military leader, brought his exemplary character and experience garnered in his over three decades of unblemished service to the nation to bear

in dealing with security challenges in the country.

General Yahaya set the goals for his command when he took over as commander. “A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions in a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria,” he says of the Nigerian Army. To achieve this vision, his command philosophy is built on four pillars: professionalism, readiness, administration, and cooperation. These pillars are being aggressively pursued to improve the Army’s capacity to effectively deal with security challenges and better secure the nation. The COAS ensured that troop administration is of the highest quality.

Welfare flights, medical services, educational services, gratuity and pensions, education sponsorship for deceased personnel’s Next-of-Kins (NOKs), soft loans for personnel, insurance for personnel, infrastructural development, training and prompt payment of allowances are just a few of his many commendable efforts to ensure good troop administration. He also made the modernization of previously obsolete weapon platforms one of his top priorities. With the support of the Ministry of Defence, there have been acquisitions of new platforms and equipment to replace obsolete variants. Under his leadership, the NA has received several armoured tanks, self-propelled artillery weapon systems, and mine-resistant ambushprotected (MRAP) vehicles.

Other platforms received so far are tracked armoured personnel carriers (APCs), Shacman trucks, unmanned aerial vehicles, and different types and calibres of arms and ammunition. As part of his administration drive, the COAS has also focused on improving personnel accommodations. New barracks accommodations, officers’ accommodations, and transit camps

have been renovated and new ones built throughout the Divisions.

Other structures and facilities in Corps headquarters, schools, hospitals, and other logistics facilities were built under his supervision. The COAS, a firm believer in the adage that “the best equipment is only as good as the man behind it,” has also prioritised capacity building through massive enrollment of officers and soldiers in both domestic and international courses. To date, the COAS has continued to make highly commendable efforts at ensuring top-notch training to complement the equipment procurement process. To further enhance civil-military relations, he ensures the sustenance of humanitarian assistance projects in various parts of the country.

Being highly regimented, General Yahaya knows the importance of colours in the unit. In order to enhance troops morale and pride he organised the largest trooping and colours presentation to 81 units of the Nigerian Army in a grand ceremony presided by the President, Commander -in-Chief of Armed Forces of Nigeria on Thursday 27 April 2023. This is in recognition of the achievements of the deserving units from 2007 to date.

In fact, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has made his name in gold and is one of the best Chiefs of Army Staff in the 160-year history of the Nigerian Army, based on his sterling performances. The Nigerian Army, the military, Nigerian nation and indeed, the West African subregion is blessed to have such a unique personality as the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army at this point of our national history.

*The writer, Brigadier General Sani Usman Kukasheka (rtd) mni fnipr is a former Director of Nigerian Army Public Relations and now a public relations consultant.

Lieutenant Faruk Yahaya

PEOPLES DAILY

The Mafia Paradigm

Erling Haaland: Manchester City striker chasing Dixie Dean record after 50th goal of season

Bureaucracy is a systemic form of administration. Since there is a universally acceptable standard benchmark, a deviation from the ideal type reveals the unintended fault lines and the extent to which the system can no longer function as a bureaucratic administration, as expected. A variation in the ideal structure of a bureaucracy, anywhere, is an aberration; and it generates or produces contaminated contents and a distorted organisation.

In a bureaucracy, the Mafia paradigm that often emerges in a political system suggests a variation or an adulterated variant of bureaucracy, though a powerful one. Usually, this paradigmatic shift from the ideal type is motivated by the leadership structure of the executive arm of government and the subtle intervention of the political class. Once the inbuilt systemic check of a bureaucracy fails, the corrupt version takes roots and gains prominence.

By Abiodun Komolafe ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk

of Bray, not minding whether he is popish or protestant.

government’s position.

Another day, another goal for Erling Haaland - with even his manager surprised at the latest incredible statistic from the Manchester City striker’s recordbreaking season.

Haaland converted a thirdminute penalty in City’s 2-1 win over Fulham, a result that took Pep Guardiola’s side back to the top of the Premier League and a step closer to their fifth title in six seasons.

It was the 22-year-old’s 50th goal of the campaign in all competitions, following his £51.2m move from Borussia Dortmund in June.

The spot-kick took the Norwegian forward past Clive Allen’s mark of 49 goals for Tottenham back in 1986-87.

Haaland has now scored the most goals by a top-flight player for 92 years - since Tom ‘Pongo’ Waring reached 50 for Aston Villa in 193031, when Ramsay MacDonald was the UK prime minister.

Waring’s tally came in a season when Arsenal were champions, ahead of Villa, Sheffield Wednesday and Portsmouth, with Manchester United bottom and relegated from the old First Division, along with Leeds.

“Before Winston Churchill was prime minister? Wow. Sounds a long time ago,” was Guardiola’s reaction to hearing the latest Haaland-related statistic.

There are contending forces that will want to hijack the administration of any political system. It only depends on the administrative competence of whosoever personifies the leadership of the government. More often than not, what one gets is that the established structure of the leadership is rubbished for a strange and different structure to become unofficially authentic and running within the officially recognised system. However, as long as the consensus profile of the political class is assured, the corrupt system will subsist. This is one of the chief reasons the fight against corruption in Nigeria is only observed in official ceremonies and mere verbal pronouncements.

One of the first things the Mafia structure does to thrive is cripple the normal and efficient system. Once that is done, what comes thereafter is no longer a bureaucracy. Public administration is already jaundiced and one can expect all kinds of corruption to follow. This is possible because the existing standard would have been messed up and subsumed under the corrupt standard. There and then, whatever the Mafioso defines as the standard becomes the standard. The people who are planning development can no longer execute developmental plans based on already-known doctrines because bureaucracy has a pattern and its ambiguity can be deciphered. But, with the Mafia, a ring is run around a leader to the extent that the victim will no longer have a mind of his own. Thenceforth, it is ‘anything goes!’

should not be encouraged. Since this is the reality of our world, administrators should watch out for it. It evolves in a very subtle manner until it ultimately truncates the bureaucracy. It is so powerful that it can destroy governments. Once it is institutionalized, it becomes something else. Reckless implementation of the aggregated interests of the Mafioso will make the government to become ineffective and, unresponsive to the people’s political interests and demands, which triggers low morale on the part of the masses, and lack of enthusiasm in the government. Once it becomes prominent, Mafia develops a life of its own; and it’s difficult to control.

The evil associated with the paradigm is that, if the gladiators like, they can impose checks and balances; and, when they like, the ‘checks’ can be removed, leaving only the ‘balances’ to thrive. With it firmly entrenched, the state ceases to be a state because it only appears in name that it is a state; but, in terms of functional capability, it has been crippled. Development will also suffer because it no longer follows the normal pattern that is discernible and understandable by the masses. The most grievous evil of this paradigm is that, till a leader becomes captured, he will always see himself as being on top of the situation. That’s one of the subtle manners by which the Mafia discharges its functions. Unofficially, it goes behind everybody; and, by the time it becomes manifest, sometimes, it would have become too late in the day to control!

Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

“Congratulations to Erling. The best goals to help us achieve what we want is still [to come] there.

In his book, ‘Mafia Democracy: How Our Republic Became a Mob Racket’, Michael Franzese describes American Mafia story as a gangster lifestyle in which the “pursuit of power overshadows even the desire for a dollar, and self-interest outweighs the greater good.” He likened it to a government that “is run as if it’s a thing of theirs and not the people’s, a syndicate, a racket.” Founded on greed, lies and corruption, the mindset is characterised by arrogance even as the tactics do not detract significantly from intimidation and deception. When the Mafiosi are at work, the sanctity and integrity of public administration is lost. They are the harbingers of unimaginable evil, if allowed to keep festering. Well, a striking characteristic of those running the Mafia system is that they always identify themselves as being superior; and as people with unlimited access to the leadership of the government. Since Mafiosi tend to be more catholic than the pope, they will always admire the vicar

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Vitalized by the ingenious manipulation of an identifiable cabal, the philosophy of what works is what makes it to be different! The unfortunate part is that the victimleader at times thinks that such a structure is to be trusted. Like a rat race, people would rather go through the Mafia than the proper bureaucracy because it seemingly has the listening ear of the government. They may grumble, but no civil servant will complain officially; and that’s the tragedy of that system! So, oftentimes, the bureaucratic sector of the government adapts, and embraces the newly-introduced corruption-laden modalities of public administration. Ordinarily, the people become victims of the Mafia because it seems to be more effective.

The Mafia paradigm is notably an intrusion into normalcy, which

All in the name of politics, people will allow all kinds of unethical practices which, if care is not taken, can lead to the ruination of public administration simply because it will no longer follow already known pattern; oftentimes, with ‘political exigencies’ as the readily-deployed excuse. With this, things are made to happen without due diligence or strict observance of the bureaucratic standards. Consequently, as it were, public administration is rigged from the source. Everything will become amoebic! In this situation, no one can really say ‘this is how to move’ because the fortunes of such a government are at the whims and caprices of the Mafia. Unfortunately, the whims and caprices of a human being are indeterminable. They can only be decided by whatever constitutes the interests of the operators. Under this condition, the ‘interests of the operators’ become the definitions and outcomes of government policies. For instance, if the Mafia wants to deal with the pensioners, it will not only do so but also make it looks as if it is the

In Nigeria, those with the gift of discernment would readily agree with yours sincerely that the Federal Government is the prime architect and harbinger of the Mafia-induced bureaucracy. The Federating Units only adapt for convenience. Our major problem in Nigeria is that the pilots and crew members aren’t in charge anymore. Instead, the powers that sit on the Iroko tree are the ones taking the aircraft to destinations. The real custodians of administrations and due process are already lame and deliberately incapacitated. The anchors now rest with the accidental power bidders. And the bureaucracy itself is now a subject of the Mafiosi. People prefer to play the games according to the rules of the Mafiosi than go through the processes of bureaucratic orders. At least, one is faster than the other, but then again, the end results can’t be the same. May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

*KOMOLAFE wrote in from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State

May Day: Pay serious attention to workers welfare in your govt -Lawan tells Tinubu Busy body!

All in the name of politics, people will allow all kinds of unethical practices which, if care is not taken, can lead to the ruination of public administration simply because it will no longer follow already known pattern

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