Tuesday, March 7, 2023 Edition

No plan to sue FG over e-customs project, says Huawei

INEC wants court to discard order for PDP, LP to access election materials

L-R: PDP Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, PDP Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu and Sokoto State Governor, Alh. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, during the PDP peaceful protest to INEC headquarters over the just concluded 2023 presidential election, yesterday in Abuja.

Osinbajo urges religious leaders to drive the faithful towards truth, justice

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Presidential poll: All remedial issues will be addressed, INEC assures PDP, others

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has assured that all the remedial issues concerning the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections will be addressed.

An INEC national commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Barrister Festus Okoye, who gave the assurance yesterday, specifically pointed out that INEC is for the Nigeria people, stressing that the Commission’s allegiance is for the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not to any political party or candidate.

The INEC National Commissioner gave the assurance after receiving a protest letter from the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, l Dr. Iyorchia Ayu at its headquarters in Abuja in respect of the conduct of the last presidential election, which the party is seriously complaining about its outcome.

The national leadership of the PDP, led by its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, National Chairman, Dr Ayu, Governors Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto State) and Darius Ishaku (Taraba state) and others, had staged

a protest to the INEC headquarters yesterday morning to register their protest over the outcome of the last presidential candidate, faulting the announcement of the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as President -elect.

Okoye, who was accompanied by two other National CommissionersProf May Agbamuche-Mbu and Mr Mohammed Haruna-to receive the protest letter from the PDP chieftains, insisted that all remedial issues will be dealt with.

According to him, “”I have received this letter on behalf of the commission, if there are remedial issues to be dealt with, we are going to deal with those remedial issues.

“This commission is for the Nigeria people. Our allegiance is for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“This commission does not have allegiance to any political party or candidate, our allegiance is to the federal republic of Nigeria”, he stated.

Other PDP leaders at the protest included: former National Chairman of the party, Prince Unche Secondus, former Adamawa State Governor, Boni Haruna, former Kano State

Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Daniel Bwacha and Senator Dino Melaye, among others.

In their protest letter, signed by Ayu and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, which was submitted to INEC, the PDP said, “The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) , after long sessions of meetings to review and deliberate on the outcome of the Presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 25, 2023, considers it expedient to communicate to you and other critical stakeholders and partners in the advancement of democracy in Nigeria, the position of our great Party (PDP) with regard to the conduct and outcome of that election.

“It is indeed disheartening to say that the election which raised the hopes of all Nigerians to witness an advancement in our electoral process turned out to be a charade.

“You would recall the outcry of many concerned citizens of this country variously accusing your commission of complicity in a planned manipulation of the electoral process in favour of the ruling Party (APC).

protest

“At each time the issues took the media front burner, you were quick in dispelling them as rumors and mere allegations. Today Nigerians have all seen that those allegations were true.

“In many meetings and briefings your commission held with the Political Parties and the Press ahead of the 2023 general elections, you assured Nigerians that INEC under your leadership would conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible election.

“You also promised the use of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) technology in voter accreditation and result management, whereby the public would have unhindered access to the results uploaded to your Server’s online and in real time (IRev). Contrary to this belief there was an abysmal failure on your part to honour your promises.

“Predictably, the conduct and outcome of the Presidential and National Assembly elections fell below acceptable standards. It has resonated the fears of all Nigerians in your integrity and that of your commission to conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible election.

Nigeria, UAE National Defence Colleges pledge strategic collaboration

The National Defence College (NDC) of Nigeria and United Arab Emirates (UAC), have pledged to work together towards enhancing the national power of the two countries.

The Head of Delegation, NDC UAE, Brig.-Gen. Mahdi Alahababi and Commandant,

NDC Nigeria, Rear Adm. Murtala Bashir, made the pledge during a visit by the UAE delegation to Nigeria on Monday in Abuja.

The Head of UAE delegation, Brig.-Gen. Alahababi, said the visit was important to the Arab country towards sharing their knowledge about the two NDCs’ strategic studies and about how

Nigeria conducts its business to meet its mission.

He said that UAE believed that the armed forces was the instrument in measuring national power, adding that there was need for the two nations to work together in harmony.

He added that the UAE’s indices was unique, saying that

majority of its participants were civilian who represent other sector of government and the private sector as well.

According to him, it is part of the state elements that we collaborate and integrate together as this will bring more prosperity and stability to the states.(NAN)

General overseer of Christ evangelical and life intervention ministry pastor. Yohanna buru,-(Left) Sheik Ahmad Gumi,- commensurate him over his mother’s death, yesterday in Kaduna

•As Atiku, Ayu, Tambuwal , Ishaku, others storm INEC in

No plan to sue FG over e-customs project, says Huawei

Chinese company, Huawei, says it has no plan to sue the Federal Government over the e-customs project.

A statement by the company’s Director of Public Relations, Mr Kelvin Yang, on Monday in Abuja, said the company remained committed to its long-term partnership with Nigeria.

“Our attention has been drawn to a news story with the headline “$176b Revenue at Risk as Huawei moves to sue FG in London over

$304M e-customs project”.

“Huawei wishes to clarify that it has no intention of suing the Nigerian government over this matter,” Kelvin said.

He said rather the firm would continue exploring opportunities to support Nigeria’s technological development.

He also said Huawei remained committed to transparency and open communication with all its stakeholders and would continue to provide accurate and timely

information to the public as appropriate.

According to him, Huawei is a technical partner in e-custom project.

He said that its role was to support the project with technical expertise to improve digitalisation of custom processes in Nigeria.

“It is essential to state that Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited is the technical partner in the e-custom project.

“As the technical partner, our

role is to support the project with our technical expertise to improve the digitalisation of the customs process.

“As a global technology leader, Huawei has always been committed to partnering with governments, businesses, and communities around the world to drive innovation and foster sustainable growth,” he said.

He explained that Huawei believed technology could play a transformative role to improve people’s lives and help other countries achieve their development

Osinbajo urges religious leaders to drive the faithful towards truth, justice

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday in Abuja tasked churches and religious leaders to drive the faithful towards the pursuit of truth and justice.

Osinbajo gave the charge at the enthronement of Most Rev. Michael Akinwale as the Archbishop of Abuja Unity Cathedral, Methodist Church of Nigeria.

AVM Kayode Beckley was also presented as Diocesan and Archdiocesan Lay President of the

church at the occasion.

According to Osinbajo, the Church is a place to deliver people from fear and oppression and eternal damnation; a place of succour, joy and encouragement.

“We must continue to build churches and places of worship knowing that everywhere we plant a church; we establish the light and power of the gospel of the love of Jesus Christ.

“The light and power is the

answer to darkness, pain and misery of our world.

“The forces of evil and hate are more virulent than ever; the battle between light and darkness is more intense than ever, but the church will prevail,’’ he stressed.

The vice-president urged Nigerians and especially the political class to unite and ensure that the right things were done always.

“We need to unite. We call

goals.

“The company is committed to working with the Nigerian government and other partners in the country to advance the digital transformation agenda and unlock new opportunities for economic growth and social development.

“We urge media outlets to exercise caution and verify their sources before publishing news related to Huawei or any other company.

“False or misleading news can have serious consequences, including damaging the reputation of companies and harming their relationships with partners and customers,” he said. (NAN)

through fervent prayers.

on politicians, religious and traditional leaders and all in authority to do the right thing,’’ Osinbajo said.

He commended the Church for aggressively engaging in evangelism, which, he said, had great impact on the society and on the nation.

In his remarks, the Prelate, Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Ali-Aba said the Church was poised to move on

“The Church wants to carry on as Christ has charged on the great commission; to spread the gospel and to do well.

“We pray for Nigeria’s unity, peace and development; we pray for good leaders from the Church to the nation at all levels,’’ he said.

In his response, Most Rev. Akinwale said he was on a divine mission, which was to aggressively spread the goodness of Christ.

“I will also passionately and effectively drive membership of the church; we need God-fearing men and woman to know and serve God which would also help to deliver our nation,’’ he said.

He added that Nigeria needed leaders with the fear of God to get things right.

“Nigeria is a divine project and nothing can disintegrate it; it is our mandate to ensure unity and peace is promoted in the nation,’’ he stressed.

Also speaking after his presentation as Lay president, Sir Beckley said his task was to support the ministers to grow evangelism.

“The business of the Church is all about salvation and if the congregations get this, they have gotten all,’’ he said.

Sir Beckley also appealed to the laity to support the ministers to achieve their missions of the great commission. (NAN)

STI potent for curbing poverty, economic development challenges -Expert

Prof. Olalekan Akinbo, Expert Supervisor at Centre for Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) says STI hold key solutions to curbing poverty and economic development challenges.

Akinbo spoke on the role of STI to national development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

“STI have been central in the progress and development of virtually all the nations of the world, contributing immensely to all sectors of the economy.

“STI are intimately connected with development because they have a historical record of bringing advances that have led to healthier, longer, wealthier and more productive lives.

“They are key ingredients to solutions to the most serious poverty alleviation and economic development challenges that we currently face and are likely to face in the future,’’ he said.

According to him, STI has been central

in the progress made till date in the fight against poverty and in stimulating economic growth.

Akinbo said that advances in STI were in many ways the ultimate global for good public use, adding, ”because once discovered, their benefits could be extended to additional users at little or no marginal costs.”

He said in most basic and critical areas of human needs, STI have made significant progress till date, and that they hold the best prospects for continued progress, particularly in respect to agriculture, health, energy among others.

Underscoring STI’s role in agriculture, the NEPAD Expert said advances in STI had facilitated higher yields, greater efficiency and nutritional content in the world’s food supply.

He added: “Food production, however, must double in the coming decades to meet rising demand and challenges entailed in inter alia improving resistance to drought, pests, salinity and temperature extremes.”

Akinbo also mentioned raising the

nutritional content and reducing postharvest losses all in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner.

“At the same time, the regulatory challenges of assuring safety in food production and consumption will increase exponentially,’’ he said.

Accordingly, he said that although the necessary technology for increasing agricultural output was available in many developing countries including Nigeria, certain requisites were to be met.

Akinbo said these requisites were the will to advance economically, opportunity and organisation to use technology, elimination of political, social and economic obstacles to development, among others.

Explaining further, he said in the area of food security, advances in STI provided the foundation for the green revolution, and also allowed food prices to remain at historical lows for the past decades.

He stated that improved knowledge of plant biology and breeding techniques led to better seeds and cultivation practices

that drastically increased yields.

In the area of economic growth and rural development, Akinbo said STI were tragically important.

He said for many years, policy makers had suspected a close link between economic growth and productive investment in STI, and that now mounting evidence supported this.

He said firstly, since the industrial revolution, developed countries have had the most STI capacity and have been the ones to grow fastest.

“From 1870 to the present, scientifically and technologically advanced countries have become increasingly wealthy, and their rates of growth have not diminished over the years.

“Second, returns to rural development have been shown to be consistently positive and high in countries where science and technology were properly established,’’ Akinbo said.

He added that in such cases, there was always a correlation between innovation and growth. (NAN)

L-R: National Commissioners of INEC, Major Gen. Abubakar Alkali (rtd), Mrs. May Agbamuchi-Mbu, Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and National Commissioner, Barr. Festus Okoye, during the meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC’s), at the Commission’s headquarters on Saturday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Buhari welcomes strengthening of relations with Iran

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the Iranian Vice President of the readiness of Nigeria to strengthen existing relations with the Islamic Republic.

President Buhari said this during a courtesy call on him by the Iranian Vice President, Mohsen Mansouri on the sidelines of the United Nations Summit taking place in Doha, the capital city of the State of Qatar.

Sen.Suswam rejects

election results

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Former Benue State Governor and Senator representing Benue North East Senatorial District, Sen. Gabriel Suswam has outrightly rejected the outcome of the Senatorial election and has headed to the court.

Suswam lost to Barr. Emmanuel Udende of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Senior Special Assistant to the Senator on Media Bede Bartholomew disclosed in a telephone chat with our coreepondent on Monday,lamenting that the election was marred by irregularities and discrepancies, adding that the senator has not conceded defeat.

According to him, “he(Suswam) will retrieve his mandate from the court. The people of the zone overwhelmingly voted for him but INEC did not do its job properly”.

He however, denied claims in some section that his boss lost as a result of the wrangling in the party, averring “it has no issue with the party(PDP), they did not collate the result. The issue the party had is different and we cannot join it with the election. A party can go into an election in dispute and still win and my boss performed very well.

“My boss was at a meeting on Sunday convened by Governor Samuel Ortom at Government House. We have no issue with the party”, he stated.

According to the President, “I have interacted with Iranians over many years especially when I was the Petroleum Minister and understand the country and its people.

“I therefore welcome the strengthening of relations between our countries, as we have complementarities, especially in energy production.”

President Buhari also told his guest about the recent election in Nigeria and the fact that a new President would be taking over in less than three months. He hoped that the strong relations he had built between the two countries will continue to endure in the new administration.

The Iranian Vice President

said he was glad to meet with the Nigerian leader, understanding fully that the two nations with their rich human and natural resources and the attendant wealth accrued need to cooperate in other areas such as Agriculture.

With Iran currently facing international sanctions over nuclear and other issues, Mr

Mansouri stressed that as leaders in their respective regions, it was important for the two countries to push for multilateralism to be the order of the day and avoid a unipolar world, adding that the way forward is to set up and strengthen a joint commission between the two countries at the highest levels.

Zamfara: Marafa calls for supporters’ unity for the APC’s victory

Senator

has called all APC supporters under his camp to for the sake of the party’s victory in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, ensure formidable unity and avoid anti-party activities.

Marafa, who made the plea today (Monday) in a townhall meeting in Gusau the Zamfara state capital with the leaders of the APC from the 147 wards

across the state, said whether or not offended in one way or another for political reasons, should forgive whatever had happened or currently happening or suspected to happen.

He further recalled that, the APC was divided into four most popular camps led by former Governors of the state including Ahmed Sani Yarima, Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, Abdulaziz Yari and the Senator Marafa himself before the present Governor Bello

Matawalle facilitated moves for reconciliation.

According to him, all the four formidable camps have unanimously promised under the watch of both the Presidency and the party national leaders that they would work together for the victory of the APC in all of the elections in the state.

“Our great APC has already won presidential and majority of the national assemblies’ elections in Zamfara state and of course in

many states across the country, therefore, we should not lose a gubernatorial seat to the any of the opposition parties in the state”, Marafa has stressed.

The development may not be unconnected with the alleged secret moves by an alarming number of groups in the Zamfara chapter of the APC who, had the idea of voting for candidates across political parties in the state throughout the 2023 general elections.

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

Kabiru Garba Marafa

President Buhari participates at the Programme of the Opening Plenary of the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LCDs) in Doha, Qatar on 5th Mar 2023

Guber polls: INEC wants court to discard order for PDP, LP to access election materials

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

In view of the Saturday, March 11 governorship elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked the Court of Appeal to discard the ex parte order okaying Labour Party and the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) request to access materials used for the presidential poll.

The appellate court had on March 3, granted leave to Atiku Abubakar of the PPD and Mr Peter Obi of Labour Party to inspect election materials used by INEC to conduct the Feb. 25 presidential election.

However, INEC, yesterday, approached the court, asking it to vary the order to enable it reconfigure its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for the March 11 governorship and state houses of assembly elections. Meantime, no date has been fixed for hearing of the application.

According to a reliable source, who doesn’t want his name in

print, the application became necessary following an order restraining it from tampering with the information embedded in the BVAS machines until due inspection was conducted and

Certified True Copies of them were issued.

He said INEC would require sufficient time to reconfigure the BVAS needed to conduct the election that would take place

in the 36 states of the federation excluding the FCT.

Speaking further, he said the number of BVAS required to conduct the election across the states, INEC needs to reconfigure

the BVAS used for the Feb. 25 elections and deploy them to polling units for the March 11 elections.

The source said that the technical team of the commission had to be deployed on time to start the reconfiguration of the devices, which had to be done one by one. He maintained that discarding the ex-parte order was important, adding that not getting it could result to a postponement of the Saturday governorship and state houses of assembly elections.

L-R:. The President, African Emancipation Movement for Good Governance , (a support group for Obidatti presidency), Hon. Lucky Obiyan, Country Director, Vote Must Count international Initiative (VMCII), Dr. Barry Avotu Johnson and the President, Global center for leadership ànd Good Governance, Comrade Ogedengbe Ayodele Monday, during the VMCII World press conference on the 2023 election, calling on INEC to declare labour party candidate Mr . Peter Obi as the winner of the recently held Presidential election, yesterday in Abuja.

Buhari seeks duty-free market access for least developed countries

From Egena Sunday Ode in Doha, Qatar

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on developed and developing nations to grant duty-free and quota-free market access for products originating from the world’s 46 leastdeveloped countries to ensure their integration in regional and global value chains.

Speaking in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar, at the UN Conference on Least Developed Countries, the President strongly criticized the current structure of the global financial system which, he said, placed an unsustainable external debt burden on the most vulnerable countries.

He warned that such debt burdens would make it extremely difficult for LDCs to meet the 2030 Agenda for Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

‘‘In 2015, the world came together to endorse the 2030 Agenda for Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals. There was no doubt that it was highly ambitious and would require leaders around the world to be fully committed for the SDGs to be achieved within the projected timeframe.

‘‘Eight years on, the possibility of achieving the SDGs remains bleak for many countries, particularly, the Least Developed Countries. The difficulties in achieving the SDGs are numerous and were further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, the continued threat of Climate Change, and recently the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

‘‘The Least Developed Countries are often faced with developmental vulnerabilities and challenges that are not always of their making. These pose huge obstacles to their development efforts, hence the need for urgent and robust

assistance to help unlock their potentials and build socio-economic resilience.

‘‘This assistance can be provided within the framework of the Doha Programme of Action which is designed to help LDCs exit their current classification,’’ he said.

The Nigerian leader challenged developed countries, civil society actors, the private sector, and the business community, to partner with the LDCs in order to provide necessary resources and capacity to deliver development outcomes in the economic, social, and environmental aspects of the 2030 Agenda.

He listed some measures that will help LDCs recover from COVID-19, achieve SDGs, develop and prosper over the long term.

‘‘As a matter of urgency, there are a number of priorities we have to focus on to help achieve the SDGs in these countries and ensure their prosperity. First, COVID-19 has taught us that we must all work together, to ensure that diseases do not thrive in the LDCs, due to their overall negative impact on productivity and economic growth and development.

‘‘Accordingly, policy and budgetary provisions must be made to ensure equal access to medicare and vaccines, for both the poor and the rich alike. We must also work with manufacturers of medical equipment and pharmaceutical companies to provide adequate equipment, test-kits, vaccines and treatments for diseases.’’ he said.

Expounding on the issue of rising debt burden, President Buhari underscored the need for reforms of the international financial architecture that prioritizes the need of Least Developed Countries.

He aligned with the United Nations Secretary-General’s description on the global financial system as an “unfair debt

architecture that not only charges poor countries much more money to borrow on the market than advanced economies, but downgrades them when they even think of restructuring their debt or applying for debt relief.”

On trade issues, President Buhari said it is important to put in place modalities to facilitate transit cooperation, transfer of technologies, and access to global e-commerce platforms, as they are critical for the integration of LDCs into the regional and global value chains and communications technology services.

‘‘The adoption of a global coordination mechanism to systematically monitor illicit financial flows and engender support for a United Nations International convention on tax matters to eliminate base erosion and profit shifting, tax evasion, capital gains tax and other tax abuses is essential to achieving the SDGs and promoting security and economic prosperity,’’ he stressed.

On Nigeria’s expectation for the Conference, the President expressed optimism that the Doha Programme of Action would lead to the acceleration of exports from LDCs by 2031, through the facilitation of their access to foreign markets in line with World Trade Organization Facilitation Agreement.

On climate change, President Buhari said that LDCs continue to suffer disproportionately despite contributing least to its causes. He added that countries must prioritize cutting global emissions and work with determination to hold warming to 1.5 degrees, thereby securing the children’s future.

‘‘We must also commit to helping build resilience in developing countries, while also providing the needed technical as well as financial support for a just transition to

renewable energy,’’ he said.

He warned that climate change remains one of the biggest existential threats facing humanity today, posing challenges to lives and livelihoods, and manifesting in different negative forms, including increase in temperature, rise in sea levels, flooding, drought, and desertification.

‘‘It has also led to significant loss of biodiversity. Worst still, climate change has exacerbated conflicts and led to unplanned migration, causing untold hardship in places like the Lake Chad Basin region.

‘‘The Least Developed Countries therefore continue to suffer disproportionately from the effects of climate change, despite contributing the least to its causes. Deaths from climate related crises are higher in the most vulnerable countries, with projections that there will continue to be an upward trend.

‘‘We must continue to focus on how best to ensure the provision of security, education, health and other basic services to our people, in order to guarantee a prosperous future for all,’’ he said.

President Buhari commended the State of Qatar for hosting the Conference and thanked Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir, for inviting him.

He also expressed appreciation to the UN for its excellent organisation of the conference and its continued support for the LDCs.

The President also explained his presence at the conference despite the fact that Nigeria is not categorised as one of the Least Developed Countries.

‘‘Nigeria is here to show solidarity and support to the LDCs in the quest to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in this decade of action, where no one should be left behind,’’ he said.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has asked the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to disclose to it under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011 details of the 302 broadcasting stations reportedly sanctioned by the Commission in four months after campaigns for the 2023 elections began in September 2022.

MRA said it was seeking the information following the announcement made by the NBC Director General, Malam Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, at a media briefing he held in Abuja on February 9, 2023, where he was reported to have said that out of the 740 currently functional stations in Nigeria, the Commission had sanctioned 302 stations between

MRA makes FOI request to NBC for details of 302 stations sanctioned

September 28, 2022 and January 31, 2023 for various offences.

In an FOI request addressed to the Commission’s DirectorGeneral and signed by Ms Maimuna Momoh, a Programme Officer, MRA asked the NBC to provide it with a list of the 302 stations sanctioned by the NBC, including details such as the names and locations of the stations.

It asked the NBC to provide

for each of the 302 stations on the list, the name of the individual or entity which made the complaint against the station leading to the sanction, the date of the complaint and details of the complaint or allegation made against each station.

MRA also requested the NBC to provide it with copies of all correspondence by the NBC to the stations against which the complaints were made, in

which it informed them of the complaints or allegations made against them as well as copies of all correspondence from all the stations against which complaints were made in response to the allegations against them.

It asked the NBC for a list of all the broadcast stations against which the NBC received complaints of any type, pursuant to the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, between

September 28, 2022 and January 31, 2023, which the Commission investigated and absolved of any wrongdoing; details of the sanctions imposed by the NBC on each of the 302 stations sanctioned by the Commission between September 28, 2022 and January 31, 2023 as well as a list of all the stations upon which the NBC imposed fines, including the amount of the fine imposed on each of the stations.

Population census crucial to economic growth, development – Elumelu

The Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr Tony Elumelu, says adequate knowledge of Nigeria’s population will help accelerate economic growth and development.

Elumelu, who is also the Chairman of Heirs Holdings Group and Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) Plc, said this in Abuja on Monday, at a donor engagement on Nigeria’s 2023 Housing and Population Census.

According to him, the task of conducting the census is critical to our country’s future.

“If we do not know our population, we cannot properly plot our developmental path, our economic growth, our society’s goals.

“Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with an estimated population of over 200 million people. Population growth and development are inextricably related in Nigeria.

“The last time a census was conducted in Nigeria was 2006, when we recorded a population of 140 million people.

“Today, our population is estimated to be in excess of 200 million, it is projected that this figure will grow to 450 million by 2050, which could make Nigerian the third most populous country in the world,” he said.

Elumelu commended President, Muhammadu Buhari, for his laudable effort at organising the 2023 housing and population census.

According to him, credible demographic data is of profound importance for the public and private sector alike.

“We all know we live in a data driven world.

“As a private sector leader with investments in key sectors of the Nigerian economy, I understand first-hand, the value and importance of available, accessible and accurate data.

“Data helps in making informed decisions, driving development, and creating opportunities,” he said.

He said that the upcoming census was a significant milestone in Nigeria’s development, as it

would provide an opportunity to collect accurate and reliable data on the country’s population and housing.

He urged the authorities to ensure that the census was credible, as the census figures would serve as a vital tool for policymakers, private sector actors, and civil society organisations.

“The census will affect how we allocate resources in Nigeria and so many other important decisions, so it is important that the process is credible and above board.

“Today, Nigerian population estimates and demographic profile are unclear and projections debatable.

“Census figures and population

distribution have unfortunately become politicised.

“Population figures have ramifications for revenue allocation, office allotment, legislative power and even elections.

“The stakes are, therefore, high for various interest groups –we need to act for our nation as a whole and the next generations,”

Elumelu said.

He said that Nigeria needed a credible and extensive population enumeration exercise, adding that the National Population Commission (NPC) should live above board.

“The challenge facing the NPC, therefore, is to conduct a census that meets the public’s acceptability criteria

L-R: Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Lagos State Branch, Olabisi Damola- Alade ; President, Nigerian NIESV, Johnbull Amayaevbo; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure, Olayinka Patunola –Ajayi and Chairman, NIESV Kano State branch, Abdulatif Abdulaziz during the courtesy visit of NIESV to the Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure in Lagos.

1st African, Iyabo Masha, becomes G-24 director

The Intergovernmental Group of 24 on International Monetary Affairs and Development (G24) has announced the appointment of Dr Iyabo Masha, as its Director.

The international organization stated this in a statement issued in Washington DC on Friday and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the G-24 was established in 1971 as a representative grouping of developing countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The group in the statement said that Masha was the first African to

occupy the position.

The G-24 also said that Masha, who was appointed on Feb. 24, would succeed the outgoing director, Ms Marilou Uy.

According to the G-24 secretariat, Masha is bringing to the position a wide range of policy, operational, and research experience at global and national levels.

“Masha was a member of Nigeria’s Presidential Economic Advisory Council from 2019-2022 which directly advises the President on economic policy.

“In that role, she provided leadership to the council’s work on global economic spillovers,

macroeconomic and sustainable development policies.

“Prior to that, she worked on a range of countries at the International Monetary Fund, Washington DC, negotiating IMF lending programmes and developing non-programme policies for emerging market and low-income economies in Africa and Asia.

“She also served as IMF Resident Representative for Sierra Leone.

” Masha joined IMF from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in 2003, where she led the Research Department’s annual monetary programme,” the group said in the statement.

According to the G-24, Masha has authored and contributed to several publications, and she speaks regularly to diverse audiences on topical issues.

The G24 coordinates the position of developing countries on monetary and development issues, particularly issues on the agendas of the International Monetary and Financial Committee and the Development Committee.

It also represents the views of the group in relevant international fora. Ministers of Finance and their deputies represent member countries on the board of governors, and the permanent secretariat is in Washington DC.

Zamfara PDP guber: Supreme court affirms Dauda Lawal-Dare candidacy

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Supreme Court has authentic the nomination of Dr Dauda Lawal-Dare as a duly nominated governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) in Zamfara State for the March 11, governorship election.

The court agreed with the arguments of Mr Damian Dodo SAN, counsel to the Governorship candidate that his client was legally and lawfully nominated in line the provisions of the law.

The 5-man panel of Justices of the Court lead by Justice Adamu Jauro, dismissed an appeal brought against the nomination by another governorship aspirant, Dr Ibrahim Sheu Gusau.

By the above judgement, the

Apex court upheld the judgment of the Court of Appeal which had on January 6, 2023, okayed the second primary election that produced the candidate.

Dauda Lawal-Dare had in the primary election polled 442 votes to emerge victorious over Dr Ibrahim Sheu Gusau and Other aspirants.

Justice Jauro held that a Federal High Court in Gusau which nullified the primary elections twice had no jurisdiction at the time it adjudicated upon the suit instituted by Dr Gusau.

The Court of Appeal Sokoto Division had in June 6 upheld the primary election which produced Dr. Dauda Lawal-Dare as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the March 11, 2023, governorship election in Zamfara

State.

The first PDP governorship primary election held on May 25, 2022 was challenged at a Federal High Court in Gusau and was nullified .

The High Court in its judgment ordered for fresh primary election which was conducted on September 23, 2022 but was also quashed by the same court for irregularities.

Not satisfied with the High Court decision, Dauda Lawal-Dare, Adamu Maina-Waziri, the Chairman Primary Election Committee; and retired Col. Bala Mande approached the Appeal Court for redress.

Respondents in appeal were Dr. Ibrahim Shehu-Gusau, Alhaji Wadatau Madawaki, Hafiz Nahuche and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Supreme Court affirms Waya as APGA guber candidate for Benue

In a unanimous judgment read by Justice Abubakar Talba on behalf of others, the Court of Appeal held that the Appellants succeeded to prove all the seven grounds of appeal canvassed by their counsel and that the court resolved all in their favour.

Justice Talba dismissed all the preliminary objections on competency of the appeal on the basis of judicial provisions and interest of fair hearing, saying that technical defaults could not supersede judicial provisions.

Justice Talba held that the high court Judge was wrong to discountenance documents submitted by INEC and that the trial court did not stipulate the period of conducting re-run election and notices of participation.

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Supreme court on Monday in Abuja, affirmed the candidature of Mr. Joseph Waya, as the duly elected Governorship candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) for Benue in the 2023 General Elections.

In its unanimous ruling read by Justice CC Nweze, the panel of five judges, said the Appeal Court had no business interfering with the evaluation of evidence of the trial court.

They averred that the trial court rightly evaluated the evidence before it and found that the first respondent, Prof Priscilla Aka, failed to prove her case on the balance of probability.

The court, therefore, ordered the relevant government organs to include the party’s name on the ballot papers of the Governorship elections. It will be recalled that the first respondent, who failed to clinch the party’s nomination ticket for the 2023 general elections, dragged the party, its candidate and INEC to court on account of irregularities and disenfranchisement of its supporters during the exercise.

Having lost at the trial court, the first respondent proceeded to the Appeal Court where she was granted temporary respite, which was overturned on Monday.

By this verdict from the apex court, the party and its candidates are set for the Saturday polls.

It should be noted that APGA is the only party that has an Igede man Dr. Isaac Ode as a running mate.

Verify your stories before going to press— Kebbi varsity VC begs journalists

From Ahmed idris, Birnin Kebbi

The Management of the Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero has appealed to journalists in the State to always verify and balance their report before going to press.

Northern coalition hails Tinubu, Shettima on election victory

From Abubakar Y Ojimaojo

The Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, on Thursday extended its congratulatory message to the All Progressives Congress President elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President elect, Kashim Shettima.

The group also described a letter written by a former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as ‘satanic.’

At the press conference in Abuja yesterday, CNG spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, urged Tinubu to keep to his promises and address the security and economic

challenges bedeviling the country. He said, “Specifically, we congratulate the newly elected President and to remind him that Nigerian voters trusted him to lead them in the hope for a leadership that will make them more secure and provide their children with a productive future.

“We therefore urge him to be magnanimous in victory by carrying everybody along irrespective of tribe, religion, region or political affiliation and to operate an open all inclusive government.

“We appreciate the incoming President’s humility, and maturity displayed in his acceptance speech.”

This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Registrar of the University Alhaji Maimaru Tili and made available to newsmen yesterday in Birnin Kebbi.

He expressed dismay over a report by an online newspaper that the university is in a stage of collapse.

He pointed out that the Kebbi State University of Science and Technology was listed among the best universities in Nigeria by the NUC which is in 25th position.

L-R: National President, Northern Youth Peace Ambassadors, Comrade Abdulmalik Usman , the President, Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON), Comrade Godstime Chukwubuikem, The Senate President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Attah Nnalue Felix and the President, Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Assembly,. Comrade Chigozie Uwaoma, during the ELFON and other stakeholders world press conference calling on opposition parties that lost the 2023 presidential election to give peace a Chance and fellow the rule of law if they are not satisfied, held recently in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Easter 2023: Federal high court begins vacation March 31

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Federal High Court has announced it is going on Easter vacation from March 31st to April 17, 2014 as it reveals vacation Judges.

The circular signed by the Chief Judge of the of the federal high court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, was premised on Order 46, Rule 4 (b) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 (as

amended).

The Court resumes sitting on Tuesday, 18th April, 2023 in all Judicial Divisions.

The statement signed by the Assistant Director of Information, Dr Catherine Oby Christopher, during the vacation period, the Abuja, Lagos and Port-Harcourt Judicial Divisions shall remain open to the public only for cases of extreme urgency.

The Abuja Judicial Division

will cater for cases from the Federal Capital Territory, North Central, North Western and North Eastern parts of the Country.

The Lagos Division will cater for cases from all the South Western States, while the PortHarcourt Judicial Division will cater for cases from all states within the South-South and South Eastern Geo-political Zones.

The following Hon. Judges

will serve as Vacation Judges; Abuja Division, Justice A. R. Mohammed and Justice D.U. Okorowo.

While Lagos division has Justice T.G. Ringim and Justice A.O. Awogboro as well as Justice A.T. Mohammed and Justice S. I Mark for PortHarcourt division.

The vacation Judges and Heads of Divisions are as usual advised to promptly refer to the Hon. Chief Judge all matters

which they believe may require His Lordship’s urgent attention and directives.

Concluding, justice John T. Tsoho, wishes his fellow lordships a wonderful vacation in advance.

Polls: Eight gubernatorial candidates endorse Kaduna PDP candidate

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Eight political parties in Kaduna State said they have adopted Isah Ashiru Kudan of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for 11th March governorship election against the ruling Party, in Kaduna state This was disclosed during a press conference held in Kaduna yesterday.

The political parties under the auspices of Rescue and Rebuild Gubernatorial Candidates Forum said they endorsed Hon. Ashiru as their sole candidate because they have strong faith in him.

The Spokesman of the Forum Ambassador Sann Yaya who is the gubernatorial candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) listed the other parties as AA, APM, APP, APGA NRM, Accord Party ADP and ZLP.

Join

hands to support next administration – BAT TV urges Nigerians

By Abubakar Y Ojimaojo

The BAT Television has called on all Nigerians to join hands with the next administration in moving Nigeria forward by shunning violence and divisive rhetoric capable of threatening the unity of our country.

It also congratulated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful conduct of the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly Elections on February 25, 2023.

Making the call yesterday in Abuja at a press conference, the Co-Founder, of BAT TV, Maryam Ahman said

despite pockets of logistical challenges, “we affirmed that INEC surmounted most of the challenges to give Nigeria and Nigerians credible, free, and fair elections.”

She said each of the top three candidates was the leading vote-getter in 12 states, a remarkable first in Nigeria’s modern political era, reflecting the diversity of views that characterized the campaign and the wishes of Nigeria’s voters.

“We are optimistic that the commission will continue to improve the electoral process, especially with the next round of polls coming up on March

11

“Regarding the success of the President-Elect, we congratulate our principal Asiwaju Tinubu and are glad that we contributed our quota to his victory.

“We believe that the positive image we used our platform to project about him during the electioneering will be sustained now that he is Nigeria’s president-in-waiting and in the subsequent months to come when he will be sworn in as President”.

Speaking further, she said as a crossplatform digital television, we will continue to create digital content about

the person and work of Asiwaju Tinubu, while further serving as a means of galvanizing public support for his presidency from May 29, 2023

.”As Tinubu has already said in his acceptance speech, we do not doubt that he would be a government for every Nigerian, irrespective of class, political affiliation, and social belief.

“We also want to hold out an olive branch to the other three frontrunners in the presidential race – Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi (LP), and Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (NNPP) –for their courage and unflinching belief in Project Nigeria,” she said.

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP blocked the main entrance of the INEC Headquarters, during their peaceful protest over the just concluded 2023 Presidential elections, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

From Umar Dankano,Yola

The Adamawa state Gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party(LP),Umar Mustapha Madawaki has stepped down

Niger APC kicks over suspension of State Chairman, Jikantoro

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

All Progressive Congress (APC) in Niger State has suspended the state Chairman, Haliru Zakari Jikantoro from the party over alleged anti party activities during the just concluded presidential and National Assembly elections.

Haliru Jikantoro was suspended from the party by the Kashini Ward Executives of the party in Agwara local government area of the state.

He was accused of violating the party constitution, hence crisis rocking APC ahead of governorship and state assembly polls.

But in a swift response, the APC state Publicity Secretary, Labaran Musa SarkinKaji in a letter titled 'Niger APC disassociates itself over the suspension of the state chairman Hon. Haliru Zakari Jikantoro' described as callous, heartless and figment of imagination of the peddlers and efforts in futility by the detractors.

SarkinKaji stated that based on the party constitution article 21 Sub- Section one and two the suspension can not stand because members in highest esteem like state chairman must be channeled to the local government, zonal and state working committee for ratification after due consideration, so the ward executives lacked the power to suspend the state chairman.

The party Ward Executive in a letter of suspension dated March 2nd, 2023, signed by the 21 member executives which was addressed to Agwara local government chairman of the party, a copy which was made available to newsmen in Minna, said the chairman was suspended for deliberately disregarding the party’s constitution.

Adamawa LP guber candidate steps down for Senator Binani of APC

his governorship ambition for Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani of the APC.

Madawaki made the official declaration at a world press conference in Yola weekend, stressing that he is saving his personal dreams and ambitions temporarily in favour and support of another dream and ambition for the sake of a greater good.

Madawaki fondly called “Otumba of Ekiti” in the state political arena urged all his teeming supporters and followers to go out and vote massively for APC gubernatorial candidate,Senator Binani in the forthcoming Saturday’s governorship and State Assembly elections.

“I have decided to put my

political ambition momentarily on hold and fully support the gubernatorial aspirations of Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani of the All Progressives Congress,APC.

“I am confident that Binani will provide a people-centred leadership that will prioritise human capital development,social development and resource

development that will eventually prosper Adamawa state and bring it to the place of genuine and sustainable growth and development.

“I am calling on my supporters and followers all over Adamawa state to come out on Saturday 11th of March and vote Senator Aishatu Binani as Governor of Adamawa state”.

2023: Kaduna group harps on show your projects to citizens

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Agroup under the auspices of Kaduna State Joint Action Committee for Uba Sani has flagged off a project termed: ‘operation don’t tell me your projects, show it to me’.

Convener of the group, Dr.

Abdul Ahmed Isiaq, stated this in a press statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday. The statement stated further that the Committee is a coalition of 69 different associations in its continuing series of engagement with the press where it discussed issues relating to Uba Sani, the

Kaduna State Gubernatorial candidate of the All-Progressive Congress (APC) in the 2023 Election.

The statement added that Senator Uba Sani has facilitated the following projects: Construction of N3.5billion faculty of engineering, Kaduna

State University, (KASU); Kaduna State (Igabi LGA), Construction of a fully equipped ICT Centre at Government Secondary School, Kawo, Kaduna North LGA; Construction and equipping of a skill acquisition centre at Kinkinau, Kaduna South LG.

Niger APC guber candidate pledges to improve IGR if elected

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

The Niger State All Progressives Congress (APC), Governorship candidate, Umar Mohammed Bago has said that his administration will embark

on urban renewal scheme to maximize the desired investment attraction to improve Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Bago made the disclosure while interacting with journalists at IBB Pen House

Minna, saying if elected, he would make a deliberate efforts to establish industrial pack especially in Suleja and Tafa local governments.

He hinted that such will check over one million vehicular movement in and

out of Niger state, increase employment opportunity and IGR as well as curb youth restiveness among others.

The APC candidate said he would embark on ICT development targeted at the youths and women.

L-R:Executive director media reach , Mr Adeyinka Adebayo; director, basic education services Lagos state ministry of education, Mr Adeyemi Adebayo; winner Kellogg’s super stars scholarship award , David Ogiata ; marketing manager, Kellogg’s Tolearn, Darlington Ighabali;and senior assistant education officer Lagos state universal basic education board(SUBEB) ,Mr popoola Ayodeji, during the the presentation of awards to the winners of Kellogg’s super stars scholarship 4.0 edition in Lagos. .

Tinubu’s emergence will usher in progress, development – RTEAN

The Road Transport Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has expressed optimism that the emergence of Sen. Bola Tinubu as Presidentelect of Nigeria would usher in progress and development in the country.

The Executive National President of RTEAN, Dr Musa Maitakobi, stated this in a congratulatory message to Tinubu, issued by the association’s Deputy National President in charge of Administration, Amb. Muhammed Bishara, on Sunday in Abuja.

Niger PDP calls for Presidential/ NASS elections cancellation, heads to Court

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Niger state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the cancellation of the recently concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state Chairman of the party Barrister Tanko Beji made the call while addressing journalists at the party secretariat in Minna.

He insisted that some wards taken over by bandits in four local government councils should be cancelled.

Barrister Tanko Beji expressed dismay that despite the fact that elections did not hold in such wards and poling units in some local government councils in Niger state, results were announced by INEC.

He also wondered why some BVAs machine were not used in most poling units while police were not deployed in many poling units in Niger state.

On APC situation room at Mamman Kolo street in Bosso local government council of Niger state that has been raided by the police, Barrister Tanko Beji called on Nigeria police to seale the house and hasten investigation into the matter to unravel truth of the matter.

The PDP chairman alleged that BVAS machine, voters registers, electoral materials, INEC adhoc staff and some youth corp members were found in the house.

Maitakobi said Tinubu would transform Nigeria like he had done in Lagos State between 1999 to 2007, where he demonstrated a consistent fidelity to progressive and welfarist ideals, and an ability to build bridges across several divides.

He urged candidates in the various parties in the justconcluded Presidential and National Assembly elections to accept the outcome of the election in good faith.

He stressed the need for both the contestants and their supporters to keep their minds open and be ready to take whatever be the outcome of the presidential and National Assembly polls.

Similarly, Maitakobi enjoined members of the association and the Nigerian youths to remain

law abiding and eschew conducts capable of leading to disturbance of public peace.

He also appealed to religious, traditional leaders and principals of schools and NGOs to join RTEAN in sensitizing the youths against embarking on any criminal act that might destroy their future.

Maitakobi, who commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the smooth conduct of the elections, described the voting process as good and well arranged.

He added that the deployment of technology has made the elections different from previous ones.

Maitakobi also commended the effort of the Nigeria Police

Force, alongside other security agencies deployed for election security management, for their commitment to ensuring a secured electioneering process in the country.

He also applauded the security agencies for exhibiting neutrality during the presidential and national assembly elections in the country.

According to him, reports from different parts of the country indicated that the Armed forces of Nigeria had kept to its promise and indeed not only that they were apolitical, but collaborated with other security agencies.

“The RTEAN National President, on behalf of the National Executive, Zonal Coordinators and State Coordinators of the organization,

wishes to convey RTEAN’s heartfelt congratulations to Sen. Ahmed Tinubu, on his election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

“We are very optimistic that the emergence of Tinubu as President-elect of Nigeria would usher in progress and development in the country as he had done in Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 where he demonstrated a consistent fidelity to progressive and welfarist ideals, and an ability to build bridges across several divides.

“We also congratulated Sen. Kashim Shettima on his declaration as Vice PresidentElect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” (NAN)

2023: Ashiru urges Kaduna voters to prepare to vote again

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Rt Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru has called on the people of Kaduna State to prepare to go and vote on March 11, 2023, despite some of the challenges they encountered on February 25.

This was contained in a state by Deputy Director, Media and Publicity, PDP State Campaign Directorate Reuben Buhari, and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

Ashiru explained that while people might be feeling demoralized about the outcome of the last election and possibly wondering why they should be bothered to go and vote on Saturday, giving up and staying at home might sound tempting

but wouldn’t come with any lasting reward for everyone.

He said voting for the PDP next Saturday, irrespective of party differences, would ensure that everyone finishes as a winner.

“If our dream is to have a secure, prosperous Kaduna State, then we owe it to ourselves and our families to resolve to go and vote for the PDP.

“Not voting would ensure that more of our people in Kaduna State get sacked with impunity, or forcefully retired without them getting their benefits.

“ Not voting might ensure that labour leaders who decide to legally protect the interest of their members when they would be sacked again, would be hounded and declared wanted like criminals.

“Not voting might ensure

the continuation of school fees increment in Kaduna’s tertiary institutions without regard to the common man.

“Abstaining from voting would continue to see our traditional institutions bastardised without recourse to what the people genuinely desire.

“ We would continue to witness more demolitions of houses and shops that the common man is using for sustenance; continue to see the forceful seizure of people’s land and continue to witness the most insecure environment that Kaduna currently has become. Not going out to vote for the PDP would ensure the continuation of these and many more.”

The gubernatorial candidate congratulated the people of Kaduna State by saying they did very well when they voted for

the PDP on February 25 and in the process clinched the three senatorial seats in the State, and ten out of the 16 House of Representative seats.

“With us all strategically closing ranks and putting the result of the past election behind us, we will emerge with enough votes to ensure that the APC never again brings any hardship to the residents of Kaduna State.”

Ashiru further warned that because the APC is desperate to continue with its deliberate misgovernance, they might employ and deploy all manner of illegalities to woo voters both before and during the elections. He asked potential voters to be extra vigilant and reject being induced in any way so as not to compromise their today for the tomorrow that holds so much potential.

L-R: Baale Mopo in Eti-Osa LGA, Chief Shakiru Akinlade; Secretary of Baales in Eti-Osa, Chief Tajudeen Adebayo; Chairman of Baales Forum in Eti-Osa, Baale Lafiaji, Chief Olanrewaju Alli-Balogun; Baale Ikota, Chief Nosiru Laguda and Baale Gedegede Tapa, Chief Ayodeji Thomas, during a Press Conference by the Baales of Eti-Osa on the upcoming Governorship Election in Lagos, held yesterday at Ikota Primary School,

Macron outlines France’s new policy strategy for Africa

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

Some opposition activists in Gabon demonstrated against his visit, which they perceived as bringing support to Ali Bongo Ondimba, whose family has ruled since the 1960s, before the presidential election scheduled later this year.

French President Emmanuel Macron has gained some considerable success during his trips to Africa, mostly capitalizing on the geopolitical neutrality of African leaders. And African leaders, without doubt, will benefit tremendously from this neutral position. He was in Gabon for an environmental summit, before heading to Angola then the Republic of Congo — also known as Congo-Brazzaville — and finally to the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. Macron also held talks with Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera in Gabon, after relations had deteriorated as Russian influence increased in Bangui and French troops left the troubled country last year.

This African trips aim at renewing frayed ties, and therefore all along the line, he pointedly focuses on practical development projects and humanitarian needs, and pushes a bit forward French soft power in those African countries. Anti-French sentiment runs high in some former African colonies as the continent becomes a renewed diplomatic battleground, with Russian and Chinese influence growing. But Macron, with high determination, explained the era of French interference – “Françafrique” – in Africa had ended and there was no desire to return to the past methods.

Here is interesting to note that majority of African leaders, with the simple understanding that their countries have several years ago attained their political freedom from colonialism, and currently the main challenging task is centered around transforming the staggering economy in order to win the hearts and minds of their electorate as well as ordinary citizens. This is exactly the strategy, to back away from critical anti-colonial rhetoric and adopt a different strategy of capitalizing on external resources needed for development in the continent.

According to reports monitored by this author, Brussels would set up a “humanitarian air bridge” to deliver aid to conflicthit eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as the visiting French president said all sides had given support to a ceasefire. Macron lauds DR Congo ceasefire as EU sets up air bridge, the air bridge will link with Goma, the capital of DR Congo’s eastern North Kivu province, where fighting with the rebel group M23 has displaced more than 600,000 people. The operation will “deliver humanitarian support in the form of medical and nutritional supplies along with a range of other emergency items”, a European Commission statement said.

During talks with Angolan President João Lourenço and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, as well as Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Macron said all had “given clear support” to a ceasefire, as envisaged in the timeline mediated by Angola. The EU said it was also releasing some €47 million to be channelled through humanitarian partners for immediate needs such as nutrition, healthcare, shelter and water. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of backing the militia group M23, which re-emerged from dormancy in late 2021, subsequently occupying swathes of territory in North Kivu.

“The EU stands ready to mobilise all the necessary means to support humanitarian workers, including logistics and air,

to meet the needs of the population in Democratic Republic of Congo,” said the EU’s commissioner for crisis management Janez Lenarcic.

In the Angolan capital Luanda, Macron held talks with his counterpart João Lourenço, calling the oil-rich country a “strategic partner in the region.” He chaired an economic forum attended by more than 50 French companies, underlined the indelible fact that ” the heart of the visit was the strengthening of agricultural partnerships” with Angola. Records, however, show that France has for decades been involved in the petroleum industry in the Portuguese-speaking southern African country, which is one of the continent’s top crude producers.

In Gabon, there is one interesting political development. President Ali Bongo Ondimba is currently in the run-up to presidential elections later this year. Ali Bongo, 64, has been president since succeeding his long-ruling father in 2009. Experts have envisaged that Macron’s visit could fix boost to his political influence in the country. Some opposition activists in Gabon demonstrated against his visit, which they perceived as bringing support to Ali Bongo Ondimba, whose family has ruled since the 1960s, before the presidential election scheduled later this year.

On the other side of politics, the One Forest Summit in the capital focused on preserving forests worldwide, including along the vast Congo River basin. Covering 1.62 million square kilometres (more than 625,000 million square miles), the forests of Central Africa represent the planet’s second-largest carbon sink after the Amazon. They are also home to huge biodiversity including forest elephants and gorillas, and bear traces of the settlement of early humanity. But they face threats such as poaching, deforestation for the oil palm and rubber industries, and illegal logging and mineral exploitation.

Reports monitored from the Elysee palace in Paris in a predeparture speech, there was one headway step underlined in the French policy approach: France’s military bases in Africa will gradually be co-run and managed with their host nations, after Paris suffered a series of setbacks in its former sphere of influence, and also an effort to defuse tensions particularly in French West Africa.

According to him, these bases will not be closed but reorganized, the new bases or “academies” will start to gradually be “africanized” and ran in conjunction with African and European partners. More than 3,000 French soldiers are deployed in Senegal, Ivory Coast, Gabon and Djibouti, according to official figures. Another 3,000 are in the Sahel, including in Niger and Chad.

Paul Melly at the Africa Programme, London based Chatham House, wrote that Macron’s main mission was to counter Russia in Africa. According to the Chatham expert, the whirlwind tour of African capitals was directed at shifting French policy on the continent away from military involvement. And the economic ties between France and its former colonizers were a form of continued exploitation.

Russia, hoping to rebuild the influence it had lost since the Cold War decades, is offering security support to governments that feel under threat or isolated from the international mainstream: mercenaries from the Kremlin-linked military contractor Wagner are now operating in Mali and the Central African Republic, where they have been accused of human rights abuses. China is a massive funder and builder of infrastructure, albeit on terms that Macron fears could trap some countries in debt crisis. Turkey and

Understanding generation

By Aisha Awoniran

…while Generation Z’s language use may be unique and creative, it can also create barriers in communication and negatively impact their psychological well-being. It is important for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to be aware of these concerns and work to help Generation Z develop the communication and coping skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Generation Z, also known as the iGen or the postMillennials, is the demographic cohort born between 1996 and 2010. These young adults are the first generation to grow up in a completely digital world, and their language use reflects this. They are known for their heavy use of internet slang, emojis, and abbreviations in their communication. However, as Generation Z becomes increasingly reliant on technology and social media, there are concerns that their language use may be negatively impacting their psychological well-being.

One of the most striking features of Generation Z’s language use is their heavy reliance on internet slang and abbreviations. Words like ‘lit’, ‘on fleek’, and ‘bae’ are

common in their vocabulary, and they often use shorthand like ‘u’ for ”you” or “tho” for “though”. This type of language use can create barriers for older generations who may not understand the meaning of these words and phrases. It can also lead to misunderstanding and confusion in face-toface communication, as these words and phrases are often specific to online communication.

Another notable aspect of Generation Z’s language-use is their heavy use of emojis. These small digital images are used to express emotions and ideas visually. Generation Z use emojis to communicate everything from love and happiness to sarcasm and anger. While emojis can be a fun and creative way to express oneself, they can also lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Without the context of tone and body language, it can be difficult to understand the intended meaning behind an emoji. The heavy use of internet slang and emojis by Generation Z can also be seen as a reflection of their lack of face-to-face communication skills. As they spend more time online, they may be losing the ability to effectively communicate in person. This could lead to problems in their personal and professional lives, as they may struggle to connect with others and form

India are increasingly active too.

In parallel with this effort at reconciliation over past history, Macron has been seeking to deepen today’s cultural connections and exchange of ideas. As part of pushing “soft power” with French-speaking Africa, he has announced schemes to promote sports training and to ease access to visas for Africans to pursue post-graduate study in France. However, the public impact of these initiatives, particularly in the eyes of African public opinion, has been largely lost during years when the most prominent dimension of French engagement has been the military struggle against militant groups in the Sahel.

Nevertheless, France calls time on anti-jihadist Sahel operation. Growing controversy came to surround the operations of the French force Barkhane, finally withdrawn from Mali in August last year. This has fuelled an upsurge in populist nationalism in some countries and a more generalised resentment of France across most of Francophone West and Central Africa, particularly among urban youth. Having instigated a shift towards a lower profile and more collaborative military approach, Macron has tried to reinvigorate this broader reform and change agenda.

In recent months, Paris has accused Russia of spreading disinformation to undermine French interests in former colonies. At the United Nations voted overwhelmingly to demand Russia immediately withdraw its troops from its pro-Western neighbour Ukraine, three of the four countries Macron visited early March — Gabon, Angola and Congo-Brazzaville — abstained alongside China and India.

Macron, 45, is the first French president born after the colonial era, and has been in a charm offensive to win back lost influence. He has previously sought to extend France’s cooperation with a number English-speaking countries, like Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya, and increase French investments in Africa’s private sector, as well as offering scholarships for study programmes. After his re-election as French head of state last year, has made Africa is a priority, and in July he undertook a trip to Cameroon, Benin and Guinea-Bissau. The President’s administration noted in a statement that “his priorities and his method to deepen the partnership between France, Europe and the African continent” and frankly criticized “the crimes of European colonisation” and called for a “truly new relationship” between Africa and Europe.

It is very crucial that Europe and Africa be as close as possible in dialogue to address differences, Africa could still benefit from French investment. Europe offers tourism destinations, and is still the traditional market for Africa. It is a matter of mutually understandable cooperation, but not to close corporate business doors. As widely known, Russia’s instruments for now is only the hyperbolic policy rhetoric, boasting several bilateral agreements with Africa. After all, Russia is not investing in economic sectors as expected and has even not publicly said how much it was prepared to invest in Africa.

Judging from developments and in a summary, France’s Africa policy is under necessary transformation and re-designing generally for achieving a “mutual and responsible relationship” with Africa and within the context of the new configuration and geopolitical changes. Therefore, with warm-heartedness and an irreversible pledge to break away from the former post-colonial policies, there is a bright headlight at horizon and in the future of the changing France-African relations.

Kestér Kenn Klomegâh is a Public Policy Analyst.

meaningful relationships.

Moreover, the constant use of social media and technology can also have a detrimental effect on the psychological well-being of Generation Z. Studies have shown that excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of loneliness. depression. and anxiety. The constant need for validation and approval from others can also lead to feelings of low self-worth and self-esteem. Additionally, the constant bombardment of information and images can lead to feelings of overwhelm and information overload.

In conclusion, while Generation Z’s language use may be unique and creative, it can also create barriers in communication and negatively impact their psychological well-being. It is important for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to be aware of these concerns and work to help Generation Z develop the communication and coping skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Encouraging them to engage in face-to-face communication and limit their screen time can help them to build stronger relationships and a healthier psychological state.

Aisha Awoniran is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Deafening silence on Nigeria’s restructuring

By Adetunji Ayobrown

We spend so much time planning our lives, convincing ourselves of what we want to do or have to do but often we don’t see what we are meant to do. World over, it is a known fact that self defence has always been the best line of defence. From north to south, east to west, angry reactions continued to trail the Miyetti Allah Kaute Hore’s comments that the South West should terminate its security outfit codenamed Operation Amotekun, warning that failure to do so may affect the region’s chance of producing the next president in 2023. It is now clear that only very few in the entire north are suspicious of the Amotekun security outfit.

Let us create space for wisdom, is daily killings and kidnapping for ransoms a good way of life, when the developed countries are looking for way to better the lives of their citizen? And then in Nigeria, a region or group is thinking otherwise.

Who will want to lie down and allow marauding herdsmen to kill them and their people with impunity? No one except a bastard!

Control freak, or how else can this be termed. The truth we all know, the oga knows this himself; was the submissions of Nigerians after watching all the recent unfortunate scenarios. How do they arrived at this, please let me use the little but biggest gift you gave me, your attention to do the analysis.

How come the organisation that should have been cast out from our society, but for highhandedness and ‘I-don’t-care’ attitudes of our rulers and leaders, should now be the decider of who becomes Nigeria president? Where then is our democracy? If a group of herders now see the protection of lives by other regions as bad politics, then we are definitely in a wrong and impossible country.

At this age and time, why are they still like this? This is the question I woke up with from thinking and waking up to listen to government’s inconsistencies in both body language and statement about the creation of Amotekun for instance. Was the FG and security agencies not part of several meetings held in the cause of creating Amotekun Sincerity to Nigerians should rather be my president’s number one priority. Little wondered, many see Buhari as the wrong number. ***If what report said is not true, Niger state just had his share of the high level insecurity.

Since all this while, Mr President just saw the need for community policing, which he just approved with the promise that it would be funded, an action many Nigerians felt has taken too long. If southwest would be colonised, of course it will not be by

those **should employ on ranches will do that.

The need to know is now greater the desired to be fooled. Certainly, we detest those feeding upon the gullibility of the masses. In reality, Amotekun outfit is in line and in tune with community policing or multi-layered policing, which is very effective in ensuring safety and crime prevention. Warning the South-West to give up on the idea of Amotekun because they felt the security outfit is politically motivated is rather not it. But shouldn’t the government tag those bandits and herders that are killing across the country? This has, however, drawn reactions from notable Nigerians who said that Miyetti Allah Kaute Hore should go to hell with its presidency. This came as Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, yesterday, said the Community Police already in the state would soon grow into a state police. Also, backing Amotekun, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, said the outfit has come to stay, warning that nothing untoward should happen to the outfit.

Everywhere in this world, self defence is the best form of defence, if these killer herders can abandoned stick to carry guns, and not just ordinary guns but sophisticated and expensive guns, many are wondering why a whole region should wait. Amotekun’s castigation and classification by this government seems to have crossed the bar and rather unnecessary considering what Nigerians are suffering from Miyyetii Allah.

Other regions should rather wake up before it is too late. The Yorubas are ready to rise against their governors if they dare attempt to go back on this present arrangement of securing the area with Amotekun, even if Miyyetti Allahi needs to speak before its godfather uttered a word concerning the outfit, nothing should make the governors shiver in this regard. Perhaps, the FG had tried and done its best, but maybe they just could not give us the needed security, Nigerians are not just too dense to be hypnotised in this age with flimsy excuses. Indeed, Nigerians can now see through this smoke screen, many agreed they choose a wrong number in their previous support. If they see the protection of our lives as politics, we are definitely in a wrong and impossible country.

Buhari seems to be the bane and burden of this country. I believe the citizens of this country now know the need for an enlightened government that would be tough on the likes of the killer herdsmen, a government that would speak with a strong voice whether he is their godfather or not.

Alas, as it is, Buhari’s government does not fit that description as anecdotal evidences of this administration is preaching. A sharp divide cutting the Nigeria’s society.

Prevalence of pedophilia: The way out

By Owolabi Kuburat Omobolanle

In recent times, reports of rape and pedophilia have cascaded the pages of national dailies and social media. Reports on how young kids are being sexually abused, molested and how aspiring women have been made to face horrifying experience of their lives.

Cases of rape and act of pedophilia is so alarming that it has become a daily occurrence in Nigeria. It’s a barbaric act against everyone: young or old, male or female, though it has a higher rate of occurrence among the females.

Rape according to Oxford English Dictionary, is the act of forcing sexual intercourse upon another person without their consent or against their will. While Pedophilia according to Oxford English Dictionary is the sexual attraction to children by adults or sexual activity between adults and children.

It is pertinent to understand that a nexus exist between rape, defilement and pedophilia in terms of the abuse and imprint left on their victims, and so they are mostly used interchangeably. By and large, defilement is believed to be an unlawful sexual intercourse with an underage below the age of twelve and rape, the same act above the age of twelve – this as explained by section 218 of the 2004 criminal code act.

Regardless of their differences, they all portray sexual abuse against humanity. They are all acts that has rendered the lives of many people useless. Children with great dreams of becoming a doctor, lawyer, banker, etc have watched their dreams and dignity scattered and taken away by some maniac pedophiles or rapists.

Rape/ Pedophilia is an act that hurts the victims in a physical, psychological and sociological way.

Victims of Rape/ Pedophilia suffer psychological problems such as depression, panic attack, self blame, isolation, aggression, feeling of shame and may even turn suicidal.

The effects of sexual assault is even more severe on the part of females as they are the major victims of the barbaric act. Heath problems such as vaginal bleeding or infection, Hypo active Sexual Disorder, Unwanted pregnancy, Vagina inflammation, HIV/AIDS and even death occurs as the result of sexual assault.

As if it’s not enough, victims and family as a result have to live the rest of their lives in stigmatization and infamy.

Young kids with bright future have been made to lose their self esteem because of the cruel act of pedophilia against them.

Earlier this year, a picture of a young girl wearing a white T-shirt up to her knee, stained with blood went viral on Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter etc for being raped by an unknown man. Then I start to wonder, “How is she going to survive people’s harsh comments?”, “How will she cope in the world of hypocrites; where she’d be pitied for a while then mocked after?”

Considering how dangerous and scary the act of sexual abuse is to the society, many laws have been passed towards curbing this menace. Nigeria alone has four laws put in place to address the issue of sexual abuse against children and women. We have the Criminal Code which is applicable within the south; the Penal Code which is applicable within the north; The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and the Child Right Act which was adopted in 2003.

The maximum sentence provided for the act of rape or sexual abuse against children is life imprisonment. The Child Right Act of Nigeria 2003, provides in section 31(1) “No person shall have sexual intercourse with a child.”

(2) “A person who contravenes the provision of subsection(1) of this section commits an offence of rape and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.”

Section 32 of the Child Right Act further stated in section 32(2), “the term of 14 years imprisonment for any person who sexually abused or sexually exploits a child in any manner.”

However despite all these, the act of sexual abuse remain persistently on the increase. The inconsistency in law is one of major reasons sexual abuse remain on increase. The Child Right Act which has been domesticated by Nigeria was only accepted by 25 states out of the 36 states. I believe this isn’t enough strategy to curb rape. A global collaboration on sexual abuse law is needed to create a hostile rape punishment and environment for these miscreants.

Prevention they say, is better than cure. Thus, preventive measures should be adopted over curative ones. Life imprisonment, castrations, payment of fines etc are all curative measures, which only focus on the perpetrators and not the welfare and future of the victims. Punishing the offender is fundamental however that’s not all. After all, India gives death penalty to rapists, yet India

It has now become a crime that many tribes inhabit the same country, a group now owns the presidency, which they feel they can give as gift to who they want and deny who they choose? Many saw this as an act of insolence, a slap on the face to true Nigerians. Imagine cow herders threatening a people that produced the first lawyer in 1879. ‘We have our own defence mechanism’, Miyetti Allah said this openly. Buhari did nothing, none of his ministers too, including that of justice raise an eyebrow to declare Miyetti Allah illegal. And to crown it all, this group of killer herders does not want a whole region with millions of people to have any form of protection. Can you imagine the callousness? So, who is in-charge of the country? To say that many have lost faith in the present leadership is saying the least.

Nothing is ever locked, democracy is about freedom. If the killer and terrorists thinks they can have a field day, they better think twice because even the north central and other parts of the country are following the southwest in protecting themselves. Police authorities were involved in the setting up of Amotekun and the promoters of the project made it clear that it was in response to the security challenges in the zone and that it was designed to complement efforts of the established security agencies.

Balkanization of Nigerians was never intended, and if the motive of the security outfit is not clear to these few, they should consult those who are involved like the police IGP team, other security agencies and even Buhari himself (who was in full knowledge) for clarity and better understanding. For the records, mannerism has just been proven to be accurate. The entire South West made a bold and brilliant move, though some are of the opinion that it is in alliance with the Biafrans, which probably is not true.

If you want rainbow, you have to deal with the rain, let us embrace our destiny, because people don’t understand the purpose of their making. It is rather better to express concerns when security situation is not palatable. Most Nigerians are interested in the restructuring of the country but are not keen on who becomes the president come 2023. As it is, defending yourself is not a political scheme, a self defence scheme as the constitution expressly allows such to defend ourselves. Nigerian foundation allows forming organisations and agencies to defend ourselves. Even this was stated by Nasarawa Governor, Abdullahi Sule, who said the community police already in the state would soon grow to become a state police.

Adetunji Ayobrown is a Public Affairs Analyst.

remains one of the top 10 countries in the world with the highest rate of sexual abuse.

Meanwhile, the one million question here is, what is the way out? How do we eradicate rape/ pedophilia for good in Nigeria?. Well, it starts with the family.

The first agent of socialization is the family. To be able to curb the menace of rape/ pedophilia, the family is needed to provide basic education and care to their wards.

The rise or fall of any country lies in the hand of family upbringing. We live in a world where parents have little or no time for their children, they put strangers in care of their children, exposing the children to danger.

I could remember vividly, when I was much younger, my mom would call on us both the females and males and give us sexual orientation. She even came up with the idea of telling us “If a man touches you, your stomach will get big and you’d die”. But many parents have replaced that with the search for greener pastures. Imagine a mother going to work by 7:00 am and returning by 9:00 pm when the kids would have been on bed.

Most parents would blame Nigeria economy and the need to go out for greener pastures, regardless I believe parents should dedicate time for their kids.

Every kid deserves sex education.Teach them what is Vagina, Penis, Breasts, Sexual Intercourse, Pregnancy, AIDS/ HIV etc.

You might be worried about how to educate them if they’re young, however there’s something I read, called age appropriate messaging. It’s not too big to tell a 3 year old girl “Don’t sit on a man’s lap”, “Don’t allow any man touch your breast or Vagina”. Furthermore, parents should maintain a closer relationship with their children. Ask them not to keep secret as their rapists would obviously tell them “Don’t tell anyone”.

In addition, parents shouldn’t leave their children alone with a stranger or family members when they won’t be around for long. Most act of sexual abuse are done mostly by close and trusted relations. Just like the case of the 27 year old man caught fondling his 11 month old niece in Ogun state. There is also the need for parents to censor what their children view, their watchlist must be appropriate with their age.

Owolabi Kuburat Omobolanle is a Public Affairs Analyst.

NASS memberelect assures constituents of developmental projects

Mr Joseph Bassey, member-elect for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/ Calabar South Federal Constituency, has assured his constituents of development through execution of quality projects.

Bassey, who is the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River House of Assembly, gave the assurance on Monday, during a thank you tour in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River.

He told the people that their overwhelming support, which gave him victory in the Feb. 25, polls indicated their love for him, hence his pledge to fulfill his campaign promises through developmental projects.

According to him, the electorate came out to vote for him during the polls, hence his visit to say thank you to them.

He promised to attract developmental projects that will have direct impact on their communities and their socioeconomic well-being.

“Today, I have come here to say a big thank you to the people of Akpabuyo, who came out en mass to vote for me during the house of representative elections.

“Without your support, we won’t be celebrating today; so, I want to promise you that I will do my best to attract projects that will have meaningful impact on you all,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bassey was declared winner of the polls with a total 23,885 votes to defeat his opponents. ectorate came out to vote for him during the polls, hence his visit to say thank you to them.

He promised to attract developmental projects that will have direct impact on their communities and their socioeconomic well-being.

“Today, I have come here to say a big thank you to the people of Akpabuyo, who came out en mass to vote for me during the house of representative elections.

“Without your support, we won’t be celebrating today; so, I want to promise you that I will do my best to attract projects that will have meaningful impact on you all,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bassey was declared winne. (NAN)

Gov. Adeleke appeals for violence-free House of Assembly elections in Osun

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun on Sunday in Osogbo appealed to residents of the state to avoid violence at the March 11 , House of Assembly elections. He said in a statement issued by his media aide, Malam Olawale Rasheed that elections should not be about killing and maiming.

“I appeal for a violence-free election. Election is not about killing and maiming.

“It is about the exercise of electoral choice. Mobilise peacefully and cast your votes for candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),’’ the governor said in the statement.

Adeleke thanked Osun

residents for their support at the July 16, 2022 governorship election in the state as well as at the Feb. 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

He urged the electorate to replicate the support at the March 11 election to enable him to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy.

“My good people of Osun, I address you today to express my heartfelt appreciation for your love and backing for me all the time.

“You voted for me massively in 2022. I am ever grateful. You voted for my party massively at the Federal elections. I am thankful.

“Your trust in me is not taken for granted. Since I assumed office, I have been delivering on my electoral promises in spite of funding constraints.

“I have blocked leakages in the state’s finances and launched Osun on technological revolution through the New Technology Innovation policy and the ICT Policy and Domestication of Nigeria Startup Act.

“I have also stabilised the then heavily-politicised public service and introduced the farmers’ intervention initiative, among others.

“For me to continue to serve you well, I request that you vote for the 26 House of Assembly

candidates of the PDP.

“They are the team I will work with. They are very important for the implementation of the `Imole’ agenda.

“A PDP fully-controlled Osun State Assembly is the key to more dividends of democracy.

Next Saturday’s election is very critical for Osun state.

“A vote for those assembly candidates is a vote for me. I need them to serve you better and to complete the work we have started.

“Another victory for me and my party, the PDP, will speed up the progress already recorded and drive our state to greater heights,’’ the governor said. (NAN)

Ajiya’s APC takes over Abuja South Constituency

By Usman Shuaibu

The former Chairman of Abaji Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Abdulrahman

Ajiya, has won the House of Representatives election to represent the Abuja South Constituency which comprised of Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kwali and Kuje at the National

Assembly.

Ajiya polled 51,502 votes to defeat the incumbent member of the House of Representatives. Hon. Alhassan Usman Sokodabo who was the flag-bearer of PDP scored 47,376 votes.

Announcing the result of the election, the INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Wasiu Olugbenga Gabadeen, said Ajiya had met the requirement of the election.

In an interview with newsmen in his residence in Abaji, Ajiya said he would provide purposeful leadership capable of satisfying the aspirations of his people at the National Assembly.

He pointed out that he would partner with the FCT Senatorelect in order to move his constituency to the next level and called for the support and

co-operation of the residents in Abuja South constituency.

Ajiya, however, described the conduct of the election as peaceful and credible, thanking the electorates for voting him.

Meanwhile, Party supporters, associations as well as the residents of Abuja South constituency have been paying congratulatory visits to the lawmaker in his residence.

National chairman Izalatul bidi’a, Sheik Abdullahi bala lau,- (left) and General overseer of Christ evangelical and life intervention ministry pastor. Yohanna buru,- during the death of Sheik Ahmad Gumis mother, yesterday in Kaduna

Peter Obi meets Lagos woman attacked by hoodlums during presidential election

By Christiana Ekpa

The Labour Party presidential candidate in the just concluded February 25 presidential election, Peter Obi, has paid a visit to Jennifer Efedi who was attacked by hoodlums during the election.

One of the spokespersons for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, Ndi Kato, disclosed this on Monday via her Twitter handle.

Recall that Efedi was attacked by hoodlums in Lagos during the presidential election and sustained injuries in the process.

Her resilience to cast vote amidst the pains of the injuries she sustained attracted her commendations and applause from the well-spirited Nigerians.

Kato revealed that though the political season had been torturous, she hoped they would get through it together.

“A leader like no other. Peter Obi visited Mrs Jennifer Efedi who was attacked on the 25th of January while trying to cast her vote. This has really been a torturous season but we will get through it together,” she tweeted.

LP denies alliance with APC in Cross River ahead weekend polls

By Christiana Ekpa

The Labour Party (LP) in Cross River State has distanced itself from the alleged alliance between the ruling All Progressives Alliance (APC) and Odey Brian who claimed to be the LP candidate in the forthcoming State House of Assembly election for Yala 1 Constituency.

Brian had appeared with the Cross River APC chairman, Barrister Alphonsus Eba, at a news conference at NUJ Press Centre, Calabar, where Eba had declared that the APC has decided to project and sponsor the LP candidate since its own candidate, Regina Anyogo, was

disqualified by the Supreme Court last week.

According to the APC chairman: “We have decided to go into alliance with the Labour Party in the state. We also want to identify with this young man, Brian Odey who was able to mobilise vast numbers of votes for Labour Party. We have agreed that while we support him with all he needs to win the election as member representing Yala 1 State Constituency, he will also work substantially to boost votes for our governorship candidate, Prince Bassey Otu, instead of Prof Sandy Onor, the PDP candidate.”

The APC chairman also said that the Labour Party has no governorship candidate and,

therefore, is now willing to work with the APC.

Reacting swiftly in a statement, the leadership of the Labour Party in the state distanced itself from the said alliance and also denied that Brian Odey is the party’s candidate for the weekend election.

LP further affirmed that Ogar Osim remains its governorship candidate for March 11 election.

Cross River State Publicity Secretary of Labour Party, Dr L.U. Ofem, who signed the statement on behalf of the party chairman, said: “Labour Party is not in any alliance with APC or any political party. LP has its governorship candidate in the

person of Patriarch Ogar Osim who is very much in the race to victory.”

He affirmed that the purported endorsement of a certain Brian Odey as the LP candidate for Yala 1 State Constituency was an exercise in futility as he “has no affiliation with LP Cross River State structure.”

In measured words, Ofem stated: “LP CRS completely dissociates itself from the arrangement.”

The desire of the APC to draw closer to LP, he claimed, is a result of the LP’s massive win in the state as well as in Yala LGA during the presidential election, adding that APC now sees LP as a bigger threat.

election: Vote APC on Saturday – Joe Igbokwe begs Igbo

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

With five days to the governorship election, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Joe Igbokwe, has urged Igbos in the state to vote for the APC.

Igbokwe urged Igbo communities in Lagos to repay the hospitality extended to them in Lagos State by voting for APC on Saturday.

Stressing that Saturday’s election provides an opportunity for Igbo to cement their relationship with Yoruba, Igbokwe said,

“please vote for APC all the way.”

In a Facebook post, Igbokwe said Yoruba had created a conducive environment for Igbo in Lagos and the South West to thrive.

According to the APC chieftain, the Igbo have built great business empires due to the conducive environment created by the Yoruba.

He said: “We have recorded great and monumental progress in Lagos since 1970.

“No Umunnem, this is the time to cement and renew our relationship with the Yoruba nation that dates back to the

50s and 60s. A lot is at stake in Lagos. Igbo have built huge business empires in Lagos, and we are not taking all these for granted. Yoruba are good and they accommodate people.

“We voted in last Saturday’s Presidential Elections, and I know that our son is on the ballot and you voted for him. It is not out of place because he is our son. We played the politics, and we have moved on. Politics is fun. Politics is a game. Politics is deep. Saturday, March 11, and let us not burn bridges but build new bridges of hope, friendship, brotherhood, mutual respect and understanding.”

March 11 election must be better – Former INEC chief

By Musa Baba Adamu

Aformer National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Lai Olurode, has described the resort to technology for the conduct of the 2023 general elections as “an almost impossible” task for the electoral agency.

While noting that there were lapses in the February 25 presidential and National Assembly election, Olurode avowed that the electoral agency deserves commendation for going ahead with the poll when there were fears of a possible postponement like the last two general elections.

The former INEC National Commissioner who spoke on Monday, charged the electoral body to post a better performance and get its logistics right at Saturday’s governorship and state assembly elections.

The use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and the electronic transmission of results to the central server of INEC have been the controversial talking points since the collation and declaration of results of the presidential and national legislative polls. Olurode, however, enjoined stakeholders in the electoral process not to throw away the baby with the bath water when looking at the generality of the whole process

noting that INEC has another opportunity with the governorship and state assembly polls “since no set of elections in any country is perfect.”

According to him: “When you look at the generality of the process, you can’t throw away the baby with the bath water. If I have to give my mark, I will give (INEC) well above average, 65 to 70.

“But INEC can still do better. INEC had an overdose of technology. It promised what was almost impossible for it to deliver in the manual for the elections, that is e-transmission of election results.

“It never thought of the possibility of an attempt to hack into its system. We are no longer in the era of Maurice Iwu when

elections were blatantly rigged [and] when results were announced when collation was ongoing. INEC should get its logistics right in Saturday’s elections.”

He further stated: “You cannot completely eliminate human discretion in the electoral process. Technology has to be powered by electoral personnel. Elections are cheaply run in Nigeria and we have other agencies working on election day that INEC has no control over.”

The Professor of Sociology said the last election had its credibility shored up by the reduction of vote buying and selling which he attributed to the improvement of the electoral process from what it used to be in the past.

Guber

Joe Igbokwe

Kano guber: Ganduje issues warning to NNPP, supporters against violence

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Kano State Government has warned the opposition against any form of violence during the Governorship and State Assembly elections.

Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba issued a statement directed at the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

The official cited credible information on how thugs would be hired from Kano and nearby states to carry out rigging, box snatching and arson.

Garba recalled that in 2019, the opposition managed an organised election rigging network that involved youths, mostly without voter cards.

He said the plan for the 2023 poll is to create chaos and disperse voters at polling units in order to subvert the will of the people.

The commissioner accused the NNPP of playing the victim card, assuring that the Abdullahi Gandujegovernment would ensure peace.

The statement urged security agencies to arrest any individual or group bent on fomenting trouble in the state.

The NNPP had accused the ruling APC of planning to suppress the people’s wish through intimidation and other strategies.

The governorship contest in Kano, a key battle state in Nigeria elections, is between the APC and the NNPP led by former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.

On February 25, the NNPP presidential candidate won in 38 of the 44 local government areas of the state with 997,279 votes.

Guber polls: PDP alleges discovery of electoral materials in APC situation room

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Niger State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the state All Progressives Congress, APC, to explain why sensitive electoral materials like BVAS, ballot papers and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, staff are at an apartment that serves as its situation room in the state.

The state Chairman of the PDP, Bar. Tanko Beji made the disclosure while addressing journalists at the party’s secretariat on the issue in Minna.

He urged the INEC to as a matter of urgency cancel the February 25, 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state, saying plans were

made by the ruling APC to use INEC and security personnel to rig the March 11 governorship election.

According to him, “We have it on record that plans are being made by the APC to use the INEC and security agencies to rig the forthcoming Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.”

He continued, “We have our facts and evidence, some people call that place a situation room. What are they doing with various electoral materials Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines, PVCs?

“These items were found there; what were INEC adhoc staff who are National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and stalwarts of the APC doing at the said apartment?”

Recall that the APC had claimed that the state police stormed the situation room of its governorship candidate, Hon. Umar Bago in Minna, the state capital on Sunday.

Beji further stated that with the discovery, the ruling party should explain to Nigerlites what they are doing with electoral materials in the said apartment.

“Therefore, we are calling on the INEC to hasten the cancellation of the February 25 elections and the police need to seal off the apartment, find out what corps members who are adhoc staff were doing there,” he maintained.

The Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abiodun Wasiu, who confirmed the development in a statement, explained that two persons were nabbed for false

information and attempting to cause breach of peace in the state.

The police said, “On 5/03/2023 at about 1500hrs, information was received that some persons were found in a building at Bosso Estate thumbprinting ballot papers towards the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

“Unfortunately, on entering the building and based on preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the information is false.”

The police spokesman further noted that the informant identified as Engr Ndagi and one other were immediately arrested for giving false information and attempting to cause breach of peace at the scene.

the

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi has described the former Nigeria President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as a model statesman whose love for service to humanity is legendary and outstanding.

He also applauded the immense contributions of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God who clocked 81 years last week.

Obi in a birthday wish

to the international elder statesman who turned 86 last Sunday said that Obasanjo has over the years demonstrated his zeal for a united strong country where humanity is accorded its due.

He said that over the years Obasanjo has by his conduct and utterances put himself above the destructive variables of tribe and religion that have kept our nation down.

The LP Standard bear wished for many more fruitful years ahead for the former President whose impact in

all spheres of our national life remains remarkable and exceptional.

In congratulating Obasanjo on his birthday anniversary, Obi prayed to God to continue to grant the octogenarian, good health of mind and body to enable him to continue his fatherly role to the county.

“I joined millions of people all over the world to celebrate the birthday of this great man of God, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

“Daddy you have continued

to give so much of yourself in the service that we celebrate you every day. Thank you for touching our lives and for your great work and evangelization ministry.

“I wish you many happy returns on your special day and every blessed day. God bless you.

The LP flag bearer prayed to the almighty to continue to bless and grant Pastor Adebayo many more fruitful years of good health and sound minds for the service of the lord and humanity.

L-R: National Chairman, African Democratic Congress (ADC), , Chief Ralph Nwosu, National Secretary, Labour Party, Alh. Umar Farouk Ibrahim,The BOT Chairman ADC, Dr. Ibrahim Mani and the Labour Party Chieftain, Prof. Pat Utomi, during the endorsement of Mr. Peter Obi of Labour party as their Presidential Candidate for the February 25th election as

sole ADC Presidential Candidate. held yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo.

POLITICS

Tinubu: We will not allow GRV handover Lagos to Igbos – Fani-Kayode Governorship election:

Eight political parties support PDP in Kaduna

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Eight political parties have withdrawn from the forthcoming governorship election in Kaduna State and are now supporting the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Isa Ashiru.

The move is aimed at ensuring that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC is defeated in the governorship election in the state and the main opposition party, PDP takes over the affairs of the state.

Amb. Sanin Yaya, the chairman of the Rescue and Rebuild Gubernatorial Candidates Forum, speaking on behalf of all the candidates while addressing newsmen in Kaduna on Monday, said: “Today, we wish to announce our support and loyalty to Isah Muhammad Ashiru Kudan, the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP. We took this decision after extensive consultation with our party members as well as the good people of Kaduna State.”

He added that the decision is borne out of their genuine desire to have one indivisible state irrespective of tribal or religious differences, and the confidence that Isah Ashiru Kudan is the only candidate that will unify the state from the present challenges it is facing.

He explained that these can be seen from the manner of his campaign which is aimed at building Kaduna State, saying that the selection of his running mate has given fair representation to both Christians and Muslims who are the two major stakeholders in the state.

He lamented that some desperate politicians have turned the political space into a hub of religious sentiments, stressing that Isah Ashiru chose to stand by issuebased campaigns only.

The chairman used the opportunity to remind the good people of Kaduna State of the hardship and pain inflicted on them by the APC administration.

“It is on these grounds that we call on our people to stay away from the APC candidate who is only a puppet to his paymaster who will continue with their anti-masses policy in the state,” he explained.

The parties that are supporting the PDP gubernatorial candidate are Young Progressives Party (YPP), Action Alliance (AA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), National Rescue Movement (NRM), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Action Democratic Party (ADC).

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Femi Fani-Kayode, has said the party will not allow the Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo RhodesVivour, hand over the state to Igbos.

Fani-Kayode noted that Yorubas and Igbos were subjected

to torture in the Southeast during the presidential election.

In a series of tweets, the politician said some Igbos were killed in the Southeast for voting for the President-elect.

According to Fani-Kayode: “How can such a well brought up & distinguished young man be one of those that joined the mob to burn buses during the Endsars riots?

“How can he be one of those that turns his back on his own Yoruba people, hero worship secessionists

like Ojukwu & conspire to hand over Lagos to the Igbos? Can any Igbo man do that for a Yoruba in the East? Is he aware of what the Yoruba were subjected to in parts of the east during the just concluded presidential election?

“Does he know the number of Igbos that were killed, tortured & whose homes were burnt in the east simply because they dared to vote for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Yoruba man?

“I love the Igbo & I believe in a

plural society which welcomes all ethnic nationalities & creeds but to hand Lagos over to them as a way of compensating them for their past woes is absurd.

“That would be absurd and suicidal and we will NEVER allow it to see the light of day. What happened to this otherwise brilliant and cerebal young man called Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour? What has got into him? Is he possessed? Is he in need of prayer and deliverance?”

The Chief of Jiwa, HRH (Dr) Musa Idris flanked by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello (left) and the Minister of Aviation Sen. Hadi Sirika during visit to the construction site of the 2nd runway for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, yesterday in Abuja.

Election: They can be bought over by bigger parties - Joe Keshi on new LP lawmakers

By Christiana Ekpa

Aformer diplomat, Joe Keshi, has said the lawmakers elected on the platform of the Labour Party, LP, will all dump the party for the bigger political parties in the country.

The Labour Party won six senatorial districts and over 30

House of Representatives seats in the National Assembly.

While some political analysts believe it is a new dawn for politics in Nigeria, Dr. Keshi said that may not be the case for the new winners.

Keshi, a diplomat claimed the politicians could easily be bought over by the already established

political parties.

“Don’t be surprised that those that won those seats from the Labour Party would be bought over to join the other parties,” he said on Arise TV.

“What would have changed the dynamics of Nigerian politics would have been if this election had gone on well and results

properly announced and a new leader emerged. But as it is now, I do not agree that the dynamics have changed.

“We’ll still continue with what we have in the past. And come four years from now it’s still going to be the same if we don’t get it right based on the judgement of the Court judgement.”

Kaduna guber: Labour Party denies collapsing structure for PDP

By Christiana Ekpa

The National Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Umar Farouk has debunked rumours making the rounds that the party has collapsed its structure to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State.

He described the rumours as untrue, adding that the party would take solid stand to contest

and win the coming Saturday election in Kaduna State

At a press conference held on Monday, the LP scribe said its gubernatorial candidate would not step down for any political party in the Saturday governorship election in the state.

According to him, the Labour Party in Kaduna State had received several threats, from opposition PDP, adding that

despite threats to the party’s women leader, the opposition parties have renewed their onslaught on the party by spreading falsehood, telling the Obidients that the Labour Party and its governorship candidate, Jonathan Asake have collapsed structure into the PDP, just as it described it as complete falsehood.

He insisted that the LP gubernatorial candidate,

Jonathan Asake is the only qualified candidate to be the governor of Kaduna State.

“Asake is going to bring unity, peace, harmony and sincerity of purpose to Kaduna State for the collective interest of the people of the state. We call on all peaceloving people to vote for our candidate, Jonathan Asake. We will ensure that the Labour Party becomes victorious on March 11,” he said.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Debt Management Office (DMO) on Monday offered two Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) savings bonds for subscription at N1,000 per unit.

According to the DMO, the first offer is a two-year FGN savings bond due on March 15, 2025, at an interest rate of 465 per cent per annum.

Cash crunch: Banks ‘shut down’ in Lagos awaiting CBN directives on old Naira notes

Most deposit money banks in Lagos State are under lock and key, awaiting further directive from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

Recall that a seven-member panel of the apex court had on Friday held that the old N200, N500 and N1000 notes remain legal tender until December 31.

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling of Friday, many customers besieged the banks’ premises to make withdrawals.

But a report by the Daily Trust report observed that many customers who were at their banks to make transactions this morning were disappointed as they were denied access.

Many residents of the state were seen queuing at the gates of some commercial banks around Ikeja, Alausa, Surulere and environs.

A representative of one of the banks told the newspaper that they decided to close their gates pending directive from the CBN and availability of cash.

“We are waiting further directive from our regulator on the decision of the Supreme Court. We also ned cash, either old or new notes to attend to customers.

“One of the major challenges we have faced in recent weeks is that most people have been making withdrawals with little or no deposits. So we need cash from CBN to be able to meet the demand,” he said on condition of anonymity.

Another top bank official confirmed that their staff are inside the banking halls but they are preventing customers from accessing the premises to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

“We should be able to get clarity from the CBN very soon. We can’t act on our own without the clarification. Don’t forget that the banks were not part of the suit,” he added.

DMO offers two FGN savings bonds for subscription

The second offer is a threeyear FGN savings bond due on March 25, 2026, at an interest rate of 10.465 per cent per annum.

“They are offered at N1,000 per unit, subject to a minimum subscription of N5,000 and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter, subject to a maximum

subscription of N50 million.

“Interest is payable quarterly, while bullet repayment (principal sum) is made on maturity,” the DMO said.

It said that FGN savings bonds qualified as securities in which trustees could invest under the Trustee Investment

Act.

“They qualify as government securities within the meaning of the Company Income Tax Act (CITA) and Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) for tax exemption for pension funds amongst other investors.

“They are listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange

Limited and FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited, and they qualify as liquid assets for liquidity ratio calculation for banks,” it said.

It added that they were backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government and charged upon the general assets of the country.

CBN recovers 52% of loans under Anchor Borrowers’ Programme – Official

From Abubakar Yunusa ABUJA

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, says total repayment of loans under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, ABP, stood at N503 billion, representing 52.39 per cent,

The CBN Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Dr. AbdulMumin Isa, made this known in a statement on Monday.

Mr Isa said that the apex bank remained committed to its developmental mandate of stimulating access to finance for the real sector.

Recall that the International Monetary Fund, IMF, in a recent report, had said only 24 per cent of loans collected by farmers under the ABP had been repaid.

The IMF said the report was based on the information available at the time it was completed on Jan. 12.

According to the IMF, agricultural credit in the country has not significantly succeeded in increasing production due to the

difficulty in targeting the correct recipients.

It said that although the CBN allowed farmers to pay in cash or give the CBN their produce of same value, repayments had been very low.

According to Isa, the CBN has released N1.079 trillion under the programme, out of which N960 billion is due for repayment.

He said that the ABP had supported about 4.57 million smallholder farmers who cultivated over 6.02 million hectares of 21 commodities across the country.

He listed the commodities as rice, wheat, cowpea, millet, maize, cotton, fish, soya bean, poultry, cassava, groundnut, ginger, sorghum, oil palm, cocoa, sesame, tomato, castor seed, yellow pepper, onions, and cattle/dairy.

Isa said that the ABP had contributed significantly to the increased national output of focal commodities, with maize and rice peaking at 12.2 and 9.0 million metric tonnes in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

He said the programme had also helped to improve the national average yield per hectare of the commodities, with productivity per hectare almost doubling within the eight years of the programme’s implementation.

According to the acting director, repayments under the ABP have been made through cash or produce by the beneficiaries.

He said that the outstanding due balance on loans was still under moratorium due to the COVID-19 forbearance granted to beneficiaries of the apex bank’s interventions in March 2020 and extended to Feb. 28, 2022.

“It is pertinent to note that the tenor of loans under the ABP is based on the commodity gestation period.

“For instance, loans granted to farmers cultivating some perennial crops could have up to seven-year tenor,” he said.

He said that CBN’s interventions, with the core objective of catalysing the economy’s productive base, have continued to support investments

in capital assets in sectors with high-growth and employmentelastic potential.

“The CBN remains committed to its developmental mandate of stimulating access to finance for the real sector, particularly agriculture, as it continues to support the Federal Government’s drive for food security and economic growth.

“Accordingly, the CBN continues to welcome applications from eligible Nigerian farmers and firms under the ABP, ” he said.

NAN reports that the ABP was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2015, to create a linkage between anchor companies involved in processing and smallholder farmers of the required key agricultural commodities.

It was designed to provide farm inputs to the beneficiaries to boost production of the key commodities, stabilise input supply to agro-processors and address Nigeria’s negative balance of payments on food.

From Abubakar Y Ojimaojo ABUJA

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) on Sunday said operations in depots have fully resumed following the restriction of movements during the recently concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The elections prompted many truck drivers to travel to different parts of the country to exercise their civic duty, the agency said.

In a statement on Sunday, the agency said it is working with

Petroleum marketers resume loading at the depots – NMDPRA

other stakeholders to mitigate the challenge being experienced in the distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The NMDPRA said the current stock sufficiency stands at 35.39 days for PMS, 34.86 days for diesel (AGO) and 31.36 days for aviation turbine kerosene (ATK).

It said it continues to strive towards guaranteeing supply

and distribution reliability nationwide and strongly advises against panic buying.

Last Sunday, fuel queues resurfaced in petrol stations across Abuja, the nation’s capital city, with many motorists scrambling to get petroleum products.

Peoples Daily correspondent who visited petrol stations on Sunday found that some filling

stations were shut to buyers while others along Abuja -Keffi road, Nyanya and Karu were besieged by end-users queuing to buy petrol.

The development is coming days after Nigeria’s presidential and National Assembly elections.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), however, attributed the fuel queue in Abuja and some

parts of the country to restrictions on businesses and movement during the presidential and National Assembly elections. It reassured Nigerians of the robust supply of petrol in the country and advised against panic-buying.

It added that operations have now resumed at the depots and trucks are being dispatched to various parts of the country.

Flutterwave denies alleged hacking of payment system

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Flutterwave, an Africafocused payments company, on Sunday debunked reports that its account was hacked and the sum of N2.9 billion was lost to fraudsters.

In a statement issued recently, the fintech company said it collaborates with other financial institutions and law enforcement agencies to keep its ecosystem safe and secure.

“We want to reassure you that Flutterwave has not been hacked. As a financial institution, we monitor transactions through our transaction monitoring systems and 24-hour fraud desk and review any suspicious activity,” the statement said.

Earlier on Sunday, reports said that hackers made away with N2.9 billion from the company’s accounts and that the funds were illegally transferred into several accounts with different Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria.

The reported breach made the company take an order to free the accounts of several customers in many banks and that over 300 customers have

been affected, the reports said.

However, Flutterwave in its statement said its payment system was not hacked and that none of its users lost any funds as reported.

“We want to confirm that no user lost any funds, and we take pride in the fact that our security measures were able to address the issue before any harm could be done to our users,” the statement noted.

“At Flutterwave, we understand that our customers’ personal and financial

information is of the utmost importance. We take this responsibility seriously and understand that any potential security breach can cause anxiety and concern among our customers.”

The fintech company claimed that during a routine check of its transaction monitoring system, it identified an unusual trend of transactions on some users’ profiles and that its team acted accordingly.

“Our team immediately launched a review (inline

with our standard operating procedure), which revealed that some users who had not activated some of our recommended security settings might have been susceptible,” the statement said.

“Our commitment to keeping our users’ financial information safe and secure is why we invest heavily in security initiatives such as periodic audits, certifications, and licences such as the PCI-DSS & ISO 27001. These are in line with global best practices in information security

management.”

The tech company urged its customers to continue to trust its operations and feel secure in using Flutterwave for their business needs.

“Our commitment is to enable your business growth while keeping your financial information safe and secure,” Flutterwave said.

Flutterwave, founded in 2016, specialises in individual and consumer transfers. It is headquartered in San Francisco.

Nigerian emerges first African to head G24 global Secretariat

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Iyabo Masha, a former member of the Nigerian Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), has taken office as the Director and head of secretariat of the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G24).

Based in Washington, the G24 comprises nations collaborating to coordinate the positions of developing countries on monetary, financial and development matters.

Dr. Masha replaces Marilou Uy, an erstwhile senior adviser of the World Bank and G24’s director of secretariat from 2015 until her recent exit. The new appointee emerged after what the institution called “an extensive recruitment process.”

The new director has broad experience in research, policy and operation on local and international fronts, the G24 said in a press statement.

Her past role in Nigeria, as part of an eight-member presidential advisory committee (PEAC), between 2019 and 2022, centred on advising President Muhammadu Buhari on economic policies. The position allowed her to offer direction on PEAC’s work on global economic impact and policies on macroeconomic and sustainable development.

Mrs Masha is a global economist with a demonstrated history of working in central banking and financial markets, economic management, international lending, finance and development. She

has a strong focus on macroeconomic stabilization policy research and implementation.

She worked with the International Monetary Fund beginning 2003. The assignments in more than 10 emerging markets (Asian and African countries) focused on comprehensive economic management, including (i) policy reform advisory services and dialogue with governments (ii) financing and lending programs; (iii) analytic research and economic modelling and forecasting.

Specifically, she helped design for national governments and central banks implementable solutions specific to their circumstances. She also ensured that key economic and financial policy reforms are focused

on fiscal and debt sustainability; foreign reserve adequacy; improving the transmission mechanism of monetary policy; achieving depth, safety and soundness in the financial sector; and managing capital flows.

She worked at Central Bank of Nigeria’s Research Department between 1998 and 2003. She also worked with the World Bank between 1997 and 1998 as well as at the IRIS Centre, the University of Maryland at College Park, as a consultant.

She also served as IMF Representative for Sierra Leone.

Mrs Masha attended the University of Lagos and the American University in Washington and holds a doctorate in Economics.

CBN releases N114bn under 100-for-100 policy

From Abubakar Y Ojimaojo ABUJA

The Central Bank of Nigeria has disbursed N114.17bn to beneficiaries under its 100-for-100 Policy on Production and Productivity since the commencement of the intervention.

This was disclosed in a communiqué issued by the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, after the last Monetary Policy Committee meeting held in Abuja.

He stated that the funds were expended on 71 projects across healthcare, manufacturing and agriculture sectors.

“Furthermore, under the 100 for 100 Policy on Production and Productivity, the Bank has disbursed the sum of N20.78 billion to nine projects in healthcare, manufacturing, and services. This brings the cumulative disbursements under the facility to N114.17 billion to 71 projects across healthcare, manufacturing, services and agriculture,” he said.

The CBN programme, launched in January 2022, is for a select 100 private sector companies with projects that have the potential to significantly increase domestic production and productivity, reduce imports, increase non-oil exports, and overall improvements in the foreign exchange generating capacity of the Nigerian economy.

According to the guidelines for the implementation of the initiative, the CBN fixed the maximum loan amount that a participant could get at N5bn.

“The initiative, which shall be bank-led, will be rolled over every 100 days (that is, quarterly) with a new set of companies selected for financing under the initiative,” it

stated.

In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, the apex bank said the initiative would be implemented with a focus on micro- and macro-economic impacts, including the creation of sustainable jobs, the development of local content, production output, capacity utilisation and integration into global value chains.

“Loan amount shall be a maximum of N5bn per obligor. Any amount above N5bn shall require the special approval of CBN’s management,” it said. According to the guidelines, the broad objective of the initiative is to reverse the nation’s over-reliance on imports, by creating an ecosystem that targets and supports the right projects with

the potential to transform and catalyse the productive base of the economy.

Highlighting the specific objectives of the initiative, the CBN said it was designed to catalyse import substitution of targeted commodities, increase local production and productivity, increase non-oil exports, and improve the foreign exchange-earning capacity of

the economy.

It said key activities covered under the initiative would be existing businesses and projects (brownfield) with the potential to immediately transform and catalyse the productive base of the economy, and new projects (greenfield) with equal potential may be considered under the initiative, subject to CBN management’s approval.

Oil production may drop over pipeline explosions

Nigeria’s oil production output may fall this month over a fresh pipeline explosion, according to findings by our correspondent.

A fresh explosion was said to have rocked a major export pipeline in the Niger Delta, with about 12 deaths reported on Thursday at Rumuekpe community in the Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The explosion occurred at a major export pipeline, the 180, 000 barrels per day Trans Niger Pipeline that passes through the Rumuekpe community.

TNP pipeline, Nigeria’s major liquid hydrocarbon delivery channel, was under force majeure for the better part of last year. Apart from transporting crude to the Bonny Export Terminal, the TNP is also part of the gas liquids evacuation infrastructure which is critical for continued domestic power generation and liquefied gas exports.

Nigeria’s crude oil production has begun to recover, having increased by 100, 000 barrels per day last month, according to data obtained from Reuters’ secondary sources survey.

An increase by 100, 000 barrels per day in February, amounted to a rise of 2.8 million barrels in the month. The survey puts Nigeria’s oil output for last month at 1.3 million barrels per day, amounting to output of about 36,400 million for the month. Nigeria’s crude grade, Bonny Light, was sold for $84 per barrel in February, translating to a total earnings of about N1.408tn in the month.

However with the fresh development, Nigeria risks losing export of 180, 000 barrels per day this month, which could amount to losing over four million barrels of export if the pipeline is not quickly repaired.

Brent International closed around $86 per barrel on Friday, and Nigeria’s crude grade, Bonny Light, is usually sold at +$1 per barrel above Brent. Experts and analysts have continued to predict higher oil prices in 2023.

The Rivers State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the explosion occurred at about 2a.m. when a bus loaded with illegal crude oil exploded just on its way from the site.

“Preliminary investigation by the police command indicates that the victims were scooping crude oil when the site caught fire. So far, about 12 persons are believed to have been burnt to death. The identities of the victims are still unknown.

“Five vehicles, four Keke NAPEP (commercial tricycles), and one motorcycle were all burned to ashes,” Iringe-Koko disclosed.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Youth and Environment Advocacy Centre, Fyneface Dumnamene, said the investigation by the organisation revealed that all those who were at the exact tapping point in the “pit” got killed.

He added that some of those who had loaded the crude or were waiting to load, including women, were also killed by the explosion.

A statement signed by Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, also confirmed the incident on the shell-operated line, noting that the matter had been reported to the regulatory agency.

“The NUPRC wishes to announce that an explosion leading to a major fire incident near a pipeline in Rumuekpe Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State on Thursday night has been reported.

“The commission in line with its statutory regulatory oversight of upstream petroleum operations in the Nigerian oil and gas industry has commenced investigations into the incident in conjunction with relevant stakeholders and will provide updates appropriately,” he said.

Crude oil theft and explosion resulting from pipeline vandalism have continued to deny the Federal Government huge sums of revenue.

The Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari had recently said the country could be losing as much as 900, 000 barrels per day to the menace.

The country has also not been able to meet its Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries quota for over a year due to crude oil theft.

NGO harps on accelerating justice for SGBV victims

By Stanley Onyekwere

ANon-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Voice of the Girl Child and Vulnerable People’s Foundation (VGCVPF), has stressed the need to help generate and keep track of nefarious acts especially Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), in order to ensure justice for the victims.

VGCVPF noted that security agencies need citizens to help them in tackling the menace and other security challenges.

The NGO explained that it conceived and developed Guardup’ mobile internet application, designed to avail information as evidence and engage with critical stakeholders such as Government agencies and Civil Society Organisations

(CSOs), security agencies amongst others.

Executive Director of the Foundation, Aisha Bello, said with the app, it is easy to monitor activities and prevent criminalities, so as to serve as a deterrence to criminal minded people, thereby help to reduce the level of crime in the society.

Bello said it will also assist to mitigate SGBV especially

empowering the victims to access with proven evidence captured on the app, as well as boost tackling some of the insecurity challenges in the society.

She said: “We realised that when we take SGBV cases to courts they keep asking for evidence, that’s what makes is to lose the cases. And if the perpetrator is not punished, definitely, there would be more

people involved in that particular crime.

“So, if it is evidence that is required, lets come up with what can help people get the evidence ready, so as to have evidence for whatever that is done to them.

“We are ambassadors. We can the phones to capture evidence even for others, who may not have Android enabled phones. So we are not going to keep quiet”.

Foundation advocates stronger collaborations in humanitarian services

By Stanley Onyekwere

Gracious Foundation, a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO), has sort for a stronger partnership with the government, local and international donors and other spirited individuals to excel in its humanitarian services to the people.

The Foundation made this point at a recent workshop/ sensitisation, where health professionals gave talks on different areas, ranging from; menstruation, menstrual cycle, menstrual hygiene and everything a growing and maturing girl should know concerning her

developing body.

Also, participants were exposed to the dangers inherent in unprotected sex and the need to maintain sexual purity as growing up girls.

The seminar, which centered on the consequences of engaging in early sexual intimacy with the opposite, also touched on how unwholesome practices could lead to unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV/AIDS, amongst others.

Speaking at the, founder of the NGO, Miss Amarachi Smart Ukonu, while distributing free sanitary pads to 96 teenage girls from Ndi Uduma Awoke Community of Abia state, decried

poor usage and lack of awareness of its health implication.

Ukonu, the lead organiser of the Pad a Girl Child Outreach, reeled out the vision/mission of the Foundation to include: reaching out to vulnerable children and the youth in rural and semi-urban areas with the Gospel of Christ, health awareness and needs, educational empowerment, food provision, poverty alleviation, skill acquisition.

She also revealed that an extensive- random research conducted by her team and other concern Organizations showed that about 80 percent of adolescent girls in rural and semi-

urban areas use rags and tissue papers during menstruation, due to high cost of sanitary pads and lack of awareness of their health implication.

Describing the finding as most pathetic and unaccepted in this age, Ukonu, made a special financial and technical appeal to National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA), Ministry of Women Affairs and UNICEF.

She noted that paramount in her mind is the desire to develop programme that will carter for the health needs of the aged and the less privilege in the society.

She equally hinted that in collaboration with foreign partners, the Foundation intends

to expand her activities and operations beyond the shores of Nigeria.

One of the beneficiaries, Miss Miracle Agwu Ochu, who expressed gratitude to the NGO for the gift and exposure, said the seminar was an eye opener.

Another beneficiary, Miss Chioma Wellix Anyaorie, was full of appreciation to the Founder for her kindness and concern for the girl child.

For Joy Olaka Awa, one of the girls that participated in the Outreach, also expressed her unreserved joy as she lauded the effort of the Founder and her team for the sensitisation and exposure.

Twitter can’t protect you from trolls any more, insiders say

Twitter insiders have told the BBC that the company is no longer able to protect users from trolling, state-coordinated disinformation and child sexual exploitation, following lay-offs and changes under owner Elon Musk.

Exclusive academic data plus testimony from Twitter users backs up their allegations, suggesting hate is thriving under Mr Musk’s leadership, with trolls emboldened, harassment intensifying and a spike in accounts following misogynistic and abusive profiles.

Current and former employees of the company tell BBC Panorama that features intended to protect Twitter users from trolling and harassment are proving difficult to maintain, amid what they describe as a chaotic working environment in which Mr Musk is shadowed by bodyguards at all times. I’ve spoken to dozens, with several going on the record for the first time.

The former head of content design says everyone on her team - which created safety measures such as nudge buttons - has been sacked. She later resigned. Internal research by Twitter suggests those safety measures reduced trolling by 60%. An engineer working for Twitter told me “nobody’s taking care” of this type of work now, likening the platform to a building that seems fine from the outside, but inside is “on fire”.

Twitter has not replied to the BBC’s request for comment.

My investigation also reveals:

• Concerns that child sexual exploitation is on the rise on Twitter and not being sufficiently raised with law enforcement

• Targeted harassment campaigns aimed at curbing freedom of expression, and foreign influence operations - once removed daily from Twitter - are going

“undetected”, according to a recent employee.

• Exclusive data showing how misogynistic online hate targeting me is on the rise since the takeover, and that there has been a 69% increase in new accounts following misogynistic and abusive profiles.

• Rape survivors have been targeted by accounts that have become more active since the takeover, with indications they’ve been reinstated or newly created.

Abuse on Twitter is nothing new for me - I’m a reporter who shares my coverage of disinformation, conspiracies and hate there. But throughout most of last year I noticed it steadily lessening across all of the social media sites. And then in November I realised it had got worse on Twitter again.

It turns out, I was right. A team from the International Center for Journalists and the University of Sheffield have been tracking the hate I receive, and their data revealed the abuse targeted at me on Twitter had more than tripled since Mr Musk took over, compared with the same period in the year before.

All of the social media sites have been under pressure to tackle online hate and harmful content - but they say they’re taking measures to deal with it. Measures that no longer seem to be top of the agenda at Twitter.

In San Francisco, the home of Twitter’s headquarters, I set out to look for answers. What better place to get them than from an engineer - responsible for the computer code that makes Twitter work. Because he’s still working there, he’s asked us to conceal his identity, so we’re calling him Sam.

“For someone on the inside, it’s like a building where all the pieces are on fire,” he revealed.

“When you look at it from the outside the façade looks fine, but I can see that

nothing is working. All the plumbing is broken, all the faucets, everything.”

He says the chaos has been created by the huge disruption in staffing. At least half of Twitter’s workforce have been sacked or chosen to leave since Musk bought it. Now people from other teams are having to shift their focus, he says.

“A totally new person, without the expertise, is doing what used to be done by more than 20 people,” says Sam. “That leaves room for much more risk, many more possibilities of things that can go wrong.”

He says previous features still exist but those who designed and maintained them have left - he thinks they are now left unmanned.

“There are so many things broken and there’s nobody taking care of it, that you see this inconsistent behaviour,” he tells me.

The level of disarray, in his view, is because Mr Musk doesn’t trust Twitter employees. He describes him bringing in engineers from his other company - electric car manufacturer Tesla - and asking them to evaluate engineers’ code over just a few days before deciding who to sack. Code like that would take “months” to understand, he tells me.

He believes this lack of trust is betrayed by the level of security Mr Musk surrounds himself with.

“Wherever he goes in the office, there are at least two bodyguards - very bulky, tall, Hollywood movie-[style] bodyguards. Even when [he goes] to the restroom,” he tells me.

He thinks for Mr Musk it’s about money. He says cleaning and catering staff were all sacked - and that Mr Musk even tried to sell the office plants to employees.

Iran: Suspected school poisonings unforgivable crime, Khamenei says

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called the wave of suspected poisonings of schoolgirls in recent months an “unforgivable crime”.

“If there are any people involved in the matter, and there certainly are... the perpetrators must be given the most severe of punishments,” he warned.

More than 1,000 girls at dozens of schools have been affected by unexplained illnesses since November.

Incidents were reported in at least 15 cities and towns on Sunday alone.

Authorities have released very little information about their investigations and announced no arrests, but they have accused Iran’s “enemies” of using the suspected poisonings to undermine the clerical establishment.

Some Iranians believe the girls’ schools are being targeted by hard-line elements to stop them receiving an education.

Others suggest the authorities may be punishing girls for their leading role in the nationwide anti-government protests that erupted in September.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

End of twitter post by Parham Ghobadi

The first known case was reported at a school in the Shia holy city of Qom on 30 November, when 18 schoolgirls fell ill and were taken to hospital.

Since then, a total of 127 schools in 25 of Iran’s 31 provinces have been affected, according to a tally by the reformist news outlet Etemad Online.

Students have said they smelled tangerine or rotten fish before falling ill. Many have suffered respiratory problems, nausea, dizziness and fatigue.

In his first public comments on the matter Ayatollah Khamenei called on law enforcement and intelligence agencies to “seriously pursue the issue”.

“The poisonings are a grave and unforgivable crime,” he declared during a speech at a tree planting event in Tehran, adding that there would be “no pardons” if anyone was identified as a perpetrator and convicted.

Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei meanwhile warned that they could face the charge of “corruption on earth”, which is punishable by death.

He also said special courts would be set up in each province to summon “liespreaders and disrupters of public opinion in the case of the poisonings”.

Their remarks came a day after a series of suspected poisonings was reported in at least 15 cities and towns, with the south-western city of Ahvaz and the central city of Yazd said to have been worst affected.

Opposition activist collective 1500 Tasvir posted footage that it said showed girls at

Fatemieh Art School in the western city of Hamadan shouting: “We don’t want to die.”

In another video, a woman in the northern city of Rasht said security forces had fired tear-gas at concerned mothers protesting outside the local education department.

On Saturday, Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said that investigators had gathered “suspicious samples” at affected schools, but provided no details.

Health Minister Bahram Eynollahi meanwhile told a conference last Tuesday

that research indicated that “a kind of mild poison caused the intoxication”.

1500 Tasvir tweeted on Sunday that it had “received the results of 25 blood tests from poisoned students in different cities” and that the “MCV number in all of them is lower than normal”.

The MCV, or “Mean Corpuscular Volume” count, measures the average size of red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body.

Elon Musk took control of Twitter in October 2022

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said there would be “no pardons” if anyone was identified as a perpetrator and convicted

China, Nigeria relations: Nigerian envoy in Shanghai emphasizes prospects, others

By Ochiaka Ugwu with Agency Report

Recently, the Consulate General of Nigeria in Shanghai, China organized a townhall meeting.

The theme of meeting was tagged ‘Exploring Opportunities for Nigerians in East China: Consular Support’.

In his opening remarks, the Nigeria’s Consul-General in Shanghai, Chimezie Okeoma Ogu, stated that the reason for the convening of the meeting was the goodwill effort of the Consulate to highlight and bring to the fore the inherent opportunities available as well as the challenges pose to Nigerian students and businessmen in host country often encounter to succeed in China. He stated that hitherto, the impression was that Nigerians living in China suffered lots harassment, attack and intimidation while pursuing their businesses legitimately.

According to Amb. Ogu, “the story is now different as many Nigerians are doing well in various fields of endeavours such in Academia, Corporate world, businesses and others. That’s the reason behind the assemblage of these myriad of guest speakers to talk and share in their experiences, and trajectory of your success stories in China.”

Continuing, the Consul General stated that the Consulate has intervened and corporated with several hardworking

Nigerians to record successes in their chosen profession.

He mentioned that the Mission recently supported two Nigerian nationals in their quest to be granted permanent resident citizenship by issuing appropriate Notes on their behalf to host Foreign Ministry.

The two receiptant of the Permanent resident card visited the Mission to thank the Consul General as a show of gratitude for the Consulate support in their journey of application to be granted their permanent residency in China.

Furthermore, the Consul General reiterated the need for the townhall meeting as follow up to the first maiden edition was to bring all Nigerians under one family group and to create awareness as well as enlighten Nigerian nationals on the peculiarities of doing business in China as well as the prevailing risks so as to be equipped with the knowledge and information necessary to guide them towatds the part of success while doing their legitimate business hitch-free.

On the welfare of Nigerians in his areas of jurisdiction, the Consul General stated ,”the Mission very often has had to intervene in supporting in stranded Nigerians financially such as in settling medically receipts and consumables. Stipends to released intimates who are freed from detention who found themselves in difficult situations to enable

return to Nigeria.”

Amb. Ogu cited a recent occurrence of a student who was deceased and the Mission assisted and repatriated the remains to the family back home in Nigeria. He also stated that the Mission engaged the insurance firm in host country to redeem the deceased insurance claims which the Consulate successfully executed and the insurance claims was paid to the Mission and the money was released and transfered to the family back in Nigeria.

In conclusion, the Consul General stated the duty of the Consulate is to protect is to ensure the protection of lives and properties of Nigerians in China.

The meeting witnessed the participation of 50 Nigerians both in China and Nigeria during the online town hall meeting. All the guest speakers shared their personal experiences and encouraged Nigerians living in China work hard and be law abiding.

Prof Yekini Shehu shared his career experience in the academic institutions in China and expressed particularly the fair and accepted promotion procedures in China based on merit. Chief Ibe Udensi who is successful in the textile and logistics business in China challenged Nigerians doing business in China to be honest in their business dealings in host country while obeying the laws of the

land.

Mr A. M. Dogondaji, the Consular affairs officer in the Consulate also spoke about the need for Nigerians to assess the inherent opportunities within the laws of host’s Consular policies for a meaningful successful living in China. Others who spoke during the Townhall meeting were Engr. Chidi Osisioma of LandRover, a British auto company in Shanghai. Engr. Nathinel, the President of NIDO and others participants who made laudable contributions during the meeting.

In his closing remarks, Mr Tafik Coker, Consular officer in charge of Education, information and Culture thanked His Excellency, Mr. Chimezie Okeoma Ogu for organizing the insightful townhall meeting, as well as all the participants and panelists who contributed to the success of the meeting. He stated that the Mission is working hard since the reopening of Chinese birder to recalibrate the promotion, cooperation and collaborations between Nigerian and Chinese universities especially in the education sector.

The meeting came to a close as the Consul General thanked everyone that participated in the meeting. He promised that the Mission will continue to articulate ideas on ways to further the welfare of Nigerians living in China to enable them succeed.

Kenya’s first lady declares prayers against homosexuality

Kenya’s First Lady Rachel Ruto has declared national prayers against homosexuality in the country, saying the family unit was under attack.

Mrs Ruto said the country cannot condone the Supreme Court ruling last month that upheld the LGBTQ community’s right of association.

“We should not even try to talk about LGTBQ. This is a conversation we should not even have in our country because accepting it is like throwing our morals into the dustbin,” the first lady said on Sunday.

Homosexuality remains criminalised in Kenya. The Supreme Court ruled that refusal to allow the LGBT community to register lobby groups in Kenya would would violate their right to association, as provided in the Kenyan constitution.

However, the ruling was met with protests from President William Ruto, as well as religious leaders in Kenya.

Kenya’s attorney-general said the government will challenge the court’s ruling, insisting that the issue is a matter for public consultations rather than for the courts.

South Sudan opposition wants sacked minister reinstated

South Sudan’s main opposition political party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), is demanding that President Salva Kiir reinstates Defence Minister Angelina

Teny.

President Kiir sacked Ms Teny on Friday in a presidential decree. She was the country’s first female defence minister.

The president also dismissed Interior Minister Mahmoud Solomon. No reasons were given for their sacking.

Mr Kiir also swapped the Ministry of Defence to his political party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the Interior Ministry to the SPLMIO.

The SPLM-IO has “condemned and rejected” the “unilateral removal” of Ms Teny.

It called it a violation of the revitalised peace agreement, which gives parties the power to remove their representatives in the council of ministers and nominate the replacements by notifying the president.

It said swapping of the ministries also violates the provisions of the peace agreement – which require the parties to agree on the allocation and selection of ministerial portfolios in the unity government.

In a statement, Riek Machar, the SPLM-IO leader and the first vicepresident, called for the president to “revoke the unilateral decree”, adding that his party was committed to the revitalised agreement.

Analysts say the latest move seems to suggest that the relations between Mr Kiir and Mr Machar “remain strained”.

Nigerian polls ‘failed to meet expectations’ - US

envoy

The US ambassador to Nigeria has said the 25 February elections

“failed to meet Nigerians’ expectations” In a statement, Mary Leonard urged the electoral commission to address the hitches it experienced before the governorship polls on 11 March.

“It is clear that the electoral process as a whole on 25 February failed to meet Nigerians’ expectations,” the US ambassador said.

“We thus reiterate our call on Inec [Independent National Electoral Commission] to promptly address the challenges that can be resolved ahead of

the 11 March gubernatorial elections,” Ms Leonard said.

The envoy urged Inec to be more transparent as it makes reforms on the elections systems.

She commended the presidential poll losers, opposition Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of Labour Party, for pledging to go to court to challenge the outcome of the vote.

Inec has said it will deploy its voter identification system for the 11 March elections and pledged to punish its officials found to have compromised the presidential election.

Source: BBC

The Supreme Court said Kenyan authorities were wrong to deny gay community right of association

N ews F rom A si A

Ukraine war: Russia’s Wagner boss suggests ‘betrayal’ in Bakhmut battle

The head of Russia’s Wagner private army has said it is not getting the ammunition it needs from Moscow, as it seeks to gain control of Bakhmut.

Russian troops - from Wagner and regular Russian forces - are trying to seize the eastern city from Ukraine.

But Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has complained of a lack of ammunition, saying it could be “ordinary bureaucracy or a betrayal”. Relations between Wagner and Moscow seem increasingly tense.

The Wagner group has tens of thousands of troops in Ukraine - some recruited directly from Russian prisons - and has become a key part of Moscow’s invasion.

In a post on Sunday, Mr Prigozhin said documents had been signed on 22 February, with ammunition expected to be sent to Bakhmut the next day.

But most had not been shipped, he said, before suggesting it could be deliberate.

And in a further sign of the rift, on Monday Mr Prigozhin said his representative was unable to access the headquarters of Russia’s military command. It is unclear where the headquarters is located.

Mr Prigozhin said it came after he wrote to the chief of Russia’s “special military operation”, Army General Valery Gerasimov, about the “urgent necessity to give us ammunition”.

Separately, in a video uploaded on Saturday - but seemingly filmed in February - Mr Prigozhin said his men feared that they were being “set up” as scapegoats in case Russia lost its war in Ukraine.

“If we step back, we will go down in history as the people who took the main step to lose the war,” he said.

“And this is precisely the problem with the shell hunger [ammunition shortage]. This is not my opinion, but that of ordinary fighters...

“What if they [the Russian authorities] want to set us up, saying that we are scoundrels - and that’s why they are not giving us ammunition, not giving us weapons, and not letting us replenish our personnel, including [recruiting] prisoners?”

In Saturday’s video, Mr Prigozhin said Russia’s front line would collapse without his troops.

“If Wagner PMC [private military company] were to now retreat from Bakhmut, then the entire front - which PMC Wagner today is cementing - would crumble.”

He suggested Wagner fighters were taking on the “entire Ukrainian army ... destroying it” and depriving it of the chance to concentrate on other parts of the front.

While the private army was “moving forward”, the Russian military was being forced to “catch up in order to save face”, he implied.

Last month, Mr Prigozhin complained that Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov were withholding supplies of munitions to his troops.

Ukraine’s troops were probably conducting a “limited fighting withdrawal” in eastern Bakhmut, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said on Monday.

But it added Ukraine was “continuing to inflict high casualties” on Russian forces.

The ISW said the Russian military relied on Wagner in the months-long effort to seize Bakhmut and had since “reinforced Wagner forces in Bakhmut with

Russian airborne elements and mobilized personnel”.

On Saturday, the deputy mayor of Bakhmut told the BBC that there was street fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces.

However Oleksandr Marchenko said Russian troops had not yet gained control.

“They have no goal to save the city... their only goal is killing people and the genocide of the Ukrainian people,” Mr Marchenko told the Today programme.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian military officials said leaders of Russia’s 155th Brigade fighting near the town of Vuhledar, south of Bakhmut, had resisted orders

to attack after sustaining severe losses.

The Russian Defence Ministry said its forces had hit a command centre of the Ukrainian Azov Regiment in southeastern Zaporizhzhia region.

Separately, Moscow’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has visited the occupied city of Mariupol during a trip to eastern Ukraine - a year after his troops besieged the city.

The defence ministry said he was inspecting work carried out to “restore infrastructure in the Donbas” - words that are likely to grate in Ukraine, given Russia’s responsibility for the destruction.

Turkey earthquake: Survivors living in fear on streets

Songul Yucesoy carefully washes her dishes, soaping the plates and cutlery before rinsing off the bubbles and laying them out to dry. An unremarkable scene, except she’s outdoors, sitting in the shadow of her ruined house.

It tilts at an alarming angle, the window frames are hanging out and there’s a large chunk of the rusty iron roof now resting in the garden.

It is a month since the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria - with officials putting the number of deaths in Turkey alone at 45,968. In Syria, more than 6,000 are known to have lost their lives.

Those who survived face an uncertain future. One of their most serious problems is finding somewhere safe to live. At least 1.5 million people are now homeless, and it’s unclear how long it will take to find them proper shelter.

The Turkish disaster agency Afad, meanwhile, says almost two million people have now left the quake zone. Some are living with friends or loved ones elsewhere in

the country. Flights and trains out of the region are free to those who want to leave.

But in the town of Samandag, near the Mediterranean coast, Songul is clear that she and her family aren’t going anywhere. “This is very important for us. Whatever happens next - even if the house falls down - we will stay here. This is our home, our nest. Everything we have is here. We are not going to leave.”

Precious pieces of furniture have been carefully pulled from the house and set up outside.

On top of a polished wooden side table is a holiday souvenir, a picture made of shells from the Turkish resort of Kusadasi. There’s a bowl of fruit, with white mould creeping across a large orange. Things that look normal indoors feel strange and out of place when they’re sitting in the street.

Right now, the whole family is living in three tents just a few steps away from their damaged home. They sleep and eat there, sharing food cooked on a small camping stove. There’s no proper

toilet, although they’ve recovered one from the bathroom and are trying to plumb it in in a makeshift wooden shed. They’ve even created a small shower area. But it’s all very basic, and the lack of space and privacy is obvious.

These tents are cramped and overcrowded.

It’s been an agonising month for Songul. Seventeen of their relatives were killed in the quake. Her sister Tulay is officially missing. “We don’t know if she is

still under the rubble,” she tells me. “We don’t know whether her body was taken out yet or not. We’re waiting. We can’t start mourning. We can’t even find our lost one.”

Source: BBC

Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner group, speaking in Bakhmut in a video released on 3 March

Songul Yucesoy’s home was destroyed when a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck a month ago

The ‘‘Two Sessions’’: China’s unique process and the imperative to be different

By Charles Onunaiju

In the month of March, a key and important event in China national political calendar, watched closely around the world would unfold in the country’s capital, Beijing. The 14th National People’s Congress, the country top legislative body and its supreme state organ would meet in full session to receive reports, deliberate and give legislative effect to landmark issues accelerating the modernization efforts of the country. Along with the National People’s Congress, China’s top advisory body, the “Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) would also convoke the first session of its 14th National Committee. It is the meeting of the full session of these two important bodies that are referred to as the “two sessions” in China’s political calendar. Apart from the convocation of the two sessions annually, the two bodies also elect permanent working organs, referred to as standing committees who engage in the routine legislative and advisory work of the two institutions that are presented and considered at the annual full sessions. The NPC and CPPCC are the institutional expression and structural representation of China’s system of socialist multi party consultation and cooperation, giving full expression to democratic inclusion and consensusbuilding. As core fabric of China’s political life, the “two sessions” is significantly impactful not only in their democratic content of representations and participation but in outline of key policy agenda and generating feedback on state administration and governance. Apart from giving effects to state institutional structure, the “two sessions” plays vital role in major policy directions, including issues very relevant to modernization and deepening reforms.

The histories and background of the two key national institutions shape their contemporary and strategic roles in the governance of modern China, especially, as the country plays pivotal role in global economic recovery and the emerging multilateral framework of the international system. The Chinese People Political Consultative

Conference (CPPCC) was the first institution of modern China. it developed from the revolutionary bases as a consultative platform of patriotic alliance of Chinese people opposed to the one party dictatorship of the western backed Kuomintang and forged through the leadership of the Communist Party of China. Following the victory of the revolution in 1949 and the founding of modern China, the CPPCC served as the legislative body until 1954 when the National People’s congress was elected and convoked. Following the establishment of NPC as the country’s supreme state organ, the CPPCC continued its role as a top rallying and advisory body. As the highest institutional platform for all Chinese people across every sector, including ethnic, religious, party, professional, Chinese in special administrative regions and overseas, the CPPCC provide quality insights and advisories on the trajectories of China’s contemporary modernisation. Its significance and impact in building and driving an all China coalition in the revolutionary struggle is no less significant in its contemporary contributions to the advancement of reform and modernization, a deepening and continuation of the revolutionary process in the modern times. The CPPCC is the amalgamated strength and wisdom of all Chinese people to define a road map to national goals and build both an institutional and popular consensus around it, a key factor in both policy sustainability and goal-getting. The uniqueness of the CPPCC in giving vital stakes to all sections of society through broad consultations and engagement remain critical in understanding the enabling institutional and popular consensus that have driven China’s outstanding achievements and phenomenal development. The institutions underwriting China’s rapid modernization are uniquely forged in their own history, designed through their own experience in practice and derived entirely from their own national reality. The institutions and processes of China’s modernization are not inoculated from the experience of others in the world but these experiences are skilfully tailored to align with the national

reality and are validated only through practice. The context of national consensus forged in consultations and cooperation is not an absence of disagreements or even rancour but that all contending views and visions are integrated into a broad roadmap to national development and are tested for viability through practice.

The National People Congress (NPC) is China’s top legislative body and a supreme state organ, whose work is integral to the reputation of the modern Chinese state as efficient. As a key processor of policy options, and a firm line holder for the institutional credibility and integrity of China’s modern state, the NPC is well known to discharge its duty with the highest level of diligence and integrity. It gives expression to vital legislative issues of national importance ranging from national security, economic reforms, social outputs, cultural and foreign affairs, and endows state administration and governance with the vital political fibre and muscle. It is the national repository of legitimacy and dispenses it with acute

awareness of the popular and collective will for which it is the supreme representative The broad representation of the National People’s Congress and its unique work style of the standing committee system, where its routine work is done by a fraction of its members elected on a permanent basis, while the rest of the members return to their base, feeling the pulse of the people in direct engagement, may be a way off, from the parliamentary orthodoxy of the west, but its viability is exemplified in the contributions of the NPC in shaping China’s modern state and its outstanding achievements in development of which one of its iconic outputs is the end of extreme poverty among the 1.4 billion Chinese people.

If China’s unique political process and its system of multiparty consultative socialist democracy has delivered tangible results, it is not to mechanically copy it by any other country that its strength and attraction lies, but that any country can interrogate its own unique history and reality to extract a unique path to

development and modernization and development. The China unique path to modernization and development speaks to the resovir of original insights, strength and imaginations that are endowed to every country and its people to search and leverage its own history and reality to build institutions and process not only derive from its own unique experience but aligned to its own collective inspiration of good life. Africa countries historic trajectory to a good life for its people has encountered difficulties and challenges, not because of lack of bold vision. The core challenge of compatible institutional drivers to give practical effects to bold vision has reached a historic proportion, and the imperative to rethink the structure and nature of key institutions should be seriously engaged, in other to align the institutions with the goals of achieving sustainable and inclusive development.

China “two sessions”, sitting its two major national institutions will certainly deal with issues of current concern for the Chinese people, but would engage China as a major responsible power in the world, whose role in global economic recovery is of utmost importance, China’s outstanding economic recovery in the past few months, following its declaration of decisive defeat of the covid-19 especially after the successful convocation of the 20th National Congress of the Communist party of China would in inspire recovery across the world. Economic growth put at 5.5% last year which fell to 3% because of the then rampaging covid–19, which though outperform other big economies, like the U.S, Japan and Germany is expected to grow at more than 5% this year, a sign that China would be a decisive factor in the global recovery efforts.

The “Two sessions” are enormous window to the world to understand the policy directions of the world second largest economy and provide instance of reflections to those caught in the dilemma of institutional atrophy, that their strength of renewal is in original insight derived from the conscious grapple with ones history and existential social reality.

Mr. Onunaiju is the research director of an Abuja based Think Tank

The “Two sessions” are enormous window to the world to understand the policy directions of the world second largest economy and provide instance of reflections to those caught in the dilemma of institutional atrophy, that their strength of renewal is in original insight derived from the conscious grapple with ones history and existential social reality

President Xi Jinping

Seychelles: The island paradise held prisoner by heroin

Some 10% of the local population in the tropical island nation of Seychelles is dependent on heroin in what is now an epidemic, according to the country’s government. Even being locked away offers no protection for those dependent on the drug.

BBC Africa Eye gained rare access to the main jail to witness the sharp end of a problem threatening to overwhelm the country.

Nestled on the top of a hill, surrounded by beautiful views of the Indian ocean is Montagne Posée Prison, Seychelles’ main correctional facility.

Seychelles is a country of contradictions, but still, it is hard to reconcile these breath-taking vistas with what lies within.

At the entrance to the place where the prisoners are kept, after going through numerous locked gates and passing miles of coiled barbed wire, there is a four-metre-high mural of Nelson Mandela, painted on the office block wall.

Beside the smiling face of the late South African president - who was of course a prisoner himself - there is a quote which reads: “It is said that no one knows a nation until one has been inside its jails.”

And it is true that in many ways this prison is a reflection of what is going on in Seychelles beyond its luxury five-star branding.

We are here to meet one of the inmates, Jude Jean, but the BBC team is first taken to what the prisoners tell us is a bit of a show cell for visitors. It is clean but cramped.

There are eight beds, four on each side - one atop the other without space to sit up straight. In the same room there is a toilet and shower - privacy is not a thing.

Nearby are the dirty and dilapidated kitchens. Rotting fish guts clog the drain, the stench is overpowering but the flies are enjoying the feast.

Then there is the main cellblock. The darkness is overwhelming. It is early afternoon yet there is no daylight, small bulbs in a nearby corridor cast a weak light. The prisoners use cardboard boxes to create privacy behind the bars of their open-fronted cells. Some of them are so small they look more like cages and there are dirty mattresses on the floor.

The heroin problem also lurks in the darkness as class A narcotics flow through these cells.

Prison offers no protection from what is happening outside.

Seychelles is facing what is now an epidemic.

It is estimated that around 10% of the Seychellois population is hooked on heroin. So much so that foreign workers are having to be brought in to do the work that drug-dependent locals cannot.

In the jail, Tanzanian guards are rotated onto the staff in an attempt to stem corruption and the flow of heroin into the cellsbut it is not working.

Corruption, drugs and prison

Even President Wavel Ramkalawan admits the prison is not fit for purpose.

“When you have such a mess, this is the breeding ground for corruption on the part of the officers. And once you have corruption, then drugs will continue to enter prison,” he tells the BBC from State House in the capital, Victoria, adding that he is planning to build a new jail.

He acknowledges that “the drug situation is very bad”.

“At this point in time, per capita, as far as consumption of heroin is concerned, Seychelles is number one in the world. And this is not a statistic that gives me personally great pleasure.”

It is visitors’ day in the prison and Jude, who is on remand for theft, is waiting for his mother.

The family room is outside - it’s a concrete courtyard surrounded by wire-mesh fencing with plastic furniture.

Jude is likable - warm and friendly, confident but humble. He is also dependent on drugs.

“I’m ashamed to say but you know, I’m an addict,” he tells us, “and it’s not easy.”

Today as he takes his seat, his eyelids seem too heavy for him. Despite being in prison, he has managed to get his heroin fix that morning, as well as a few spliffs.

Jude has been in and out of prison for more than a decade, mostly for theft to feed his habit.

His mother Ravinia has had to cope with this, as well as another terrible tragedy.

She is a bubbly woman; her smile lights up the room and her laugh is larger than life.

She worked hard for years running a fast-food outlet, trying

to provide for her four children and give them a good life.

But heroin took all of that away. In 2011 Ravinia’s eldest son Tony was found hanged. His death remains a mystery, but Tony was heavily involved in heroin, and she has no doubt the two are linked. She does not believe he took his own life.

As she speaks, she looks a million miles away, pain and confusion etched across her face.

‘Be strong, mum’

To this day she is baffled as to how not one but two of her sons went down this path.

“Even if you tell me not to blame myself, I have to blame myself,” she says. And so many mothers across the country feel the same.

When Ravinia sees Jude, her mood and smile brighten.

“I’m happy to see you my son,” she says as she hugs him tightly.

“I’m happy to see you too Mum,” Jude beams back.

As they sit down she tells us: “You know we talk, even though I know he lies to me sometimes, we talk, we are friends!”

But the strain soon shows. As she breaks down in tears, Jude wipes away his own, and tells her: “Be strong mum, be strong.”

And she is.

She is Jude’s rock and you can see how much it means to him, but over the years he has tested her.

“We don’t have any of the anything nowadays because it’s all gone. He even took my chequebook and started [writing] cheques,” she explains.

“He took everything… I

remember once we didn’t even have bed sheets. Everything he saw, he just took it and sold it for drugs.”

The first time Jude went to prison Ravinia was relieved, but her respite was short-lived, she says it is as if she had sent him to “a school for criminals”.

Promising to change

While he was inside, Ravinia was also forced to fund her son’s drug habit as he “was taking drugs on credit”.

She says she “had to pay because they would send people to collect their money” and they would make threats. Its Jude who told them, go to my parents, they will pay for me.

“They threaten you. They say that they will kill him.”

It is not lost on Jude how lucky he is to have such a mother.

“Thank you, mum, for always being there, I know with you there,

one day I will be a better person, I want to be a better person.”

“Do it before it’s too late,” Ravinia tells him through her tears.

Jude promises her he will make a change. She is not convinced but will not give up on him.

Jail is not the ideal place to recover but it is not impossible. It does have a methadone programme, which can be used to treat heroin dependency, and some limited counselling sessions but Jude has got to want to do it. Methadone is also available to users outside prison. It is free to anyone who is registered, such is the extent of the epidemic.

In Victoria, every morning a bespoke white van with a distribution window on its side makes several stops around the city, where long queues form as people from all walks of life wait to get their medicine. BBC

The problem in Seychelles is so bad because the islands are caught up in well-established trafficking routes from Afghanistan and Iran to East Africa and Europe - but President Ramkalawan says the issue was exacerbated when a group of Iranian drug traffickers were incarcerated in the country.

Jude Jean has been in and out of jail after stealing in order to get money

The prison conditions are cramped and afford little privacy

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ELDER SIMON ACHENEJE HELPING HAND FOUNDATION

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31 JANUARY 2023

THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA ABUJA

DEAR SIR, NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR OF SVENSKA NIGERIA EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION LIMITED I, INAM WILSON OF 5TH FLOOR, THE OCTAGON, 13A A.J MARINHO DRIVE, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS HEREBY GIVE NOTICE THAT I HAVE BEEN APPOINTED LIQUIDATOR OF SVENSKA NIGERIA EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION LIMITED BY VIRTUE OF A SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF THE COMPANY PASSED ON 31 JANUARY 2023.

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YOURS FAITHFULLY,

SPACE FOR SALE

READ WITH CYNTHIA FOUNDATION

ARE :

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2.IHANDEN PAUL FRIDAY - SECRETARY THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO BECOME ENGAGED IN EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS BOOK CLUBS AND OTHER COMPETITIONS.

5. TO CREATE A SAFE AND ENCOURAGING LEARNING ATMOSPHERE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

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TIJANIYYA YOUTH ASSOCIATION KOGI CENTRAL

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2.MUHAMMAD AHMAD RUFAI--VICE CHAIRMAN

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5.SALL IBRAHIM BABA--PRO

6.ABDULSALAM OMENESA SHAIBU

7.LAWAL KAMARUDEEN MUHAMMED

8.SHAIBU ABDULAZEEZ

9.ISAH ZAKARIYAU

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ASSOCIATION DES FRANÇAIS DE L’ETRANGER IN NIGERIA

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THE TRUSTEES ARE :

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2. PATUREL NANA FATIMA-SECRETARY/MEMBER

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO PROMOTE FRANCOPHONE CULTURE AND PRACTICES.

2. TO BE NON-POLITICAL, NON-RELIGIOUS, NON-GOVERNMENTAL, NONPROFIT MAKING AND NON-RACIAL.

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UFEDO ENYO OJO GLOBAL EVANGELICAL MINISTRY

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THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1.SUNDAY AMEH

2.SUNDAY OJONE

3.SUNDAY JOSEPH

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE :

1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

MRS. ISAIAH

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ASSOCIATION DES FRANÇAIS DE L’ETRANGER IN NIGERIA

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THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. PEYSSON ROMAIN OLIVER-CHAIRMAN

2. PATUREL NANA FATIMA-SECRETARY/MEMBER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO PROMOTE FRANCOPHONE CULTURE AND PRACTICES.

2. TO BE NON-POLITICAL, NON-RELIGIOUS, NON-GOVERNMENTAL, NONPROFIT MAKING AND NON-RACIAL.

3. TO OFFER SUPPORT AND SOLIDARITY TOWARDS THE INTEGRATION AND RECEPTION OF ALL FRANCOPHONES PERSONS.

4. TO PROMOTE RECEPTION, INFORMATION AND INTEGRATION OF PEOPLE ESPECIALLY NEWLY ARRIVED FRANCOPHONES FAMILIES IN NIGERIA.

5. TO AFFILIATE AND CO-OPERATE WITH OTHER SISTERS ASSOCIATIONS WITHIN AND OUTSIDE NIGERIA FOR THE PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE INTEREST OF THE ASSOCIATION

6. TO ORGANIZE AND HOST COCKTAILS, PROGRAMS INCLUDING MEETINGS AIMED AT ENHANCING INTER-PERSONAL CONTACT AND COMMUNICATION.

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Team Hasso emerge champions of Life Camp Female Captains Volleyball Championship

By Amaechi Agbo

Team Hasso on Sunday emerged champion of the 2nd edition of Life Camp Female Captains Volleyball Championship in Abuja after defeating Team Taminu 3-2 in an epic final.

Organised by the Life Camp Volleyball Club, Abuja, Team Hasso avenged their 2-1 opening day defeat to their final opponents as they triumphed (22-25, 2510, 25-22, 20-25, 18-16) in an entertaining final five-set in front of jam-packed spectators at the Jabi Recreational Park, Abuja.

Tagged “the battle of titans” by fans who trooped en mass to watch a classic display of volleyball by the ladies, Team Hasso, captained by Amara Gabriel show grit and stoicism as they overcome Team Taminu who had remained undefeated in the competition prior to the final.

Speaking after the final game, a former national U-17 women’s player and Most Valuable Player of the championship, Chigoziem Nneoma, said that loss of concentration cost her side Team Taminu, victory.

“We lost a bit of concentration, the champions did more of defense which we lacked in our team. Next time we need to combine defense and attacking game.”

The Chairperson Planning Committee of the tournament, Amusa Rabiat said the import of the tournament is to encourage female participation in volleyball

“The tourney is organized to bring female volleyball players together so as to keep playing the game. So far, we have been able to achieve the aim of organising the competition because a lot of

players have improved in their game.

She added that the three-day tourney will spur many grassroots players to be invited into the national team.

Obiora Nwora, Director, Life Camp Volleyball Club Abuja, said, “we are doing our best to see that volleyball gets to the level of football in Nigeria. “It also shows that women are actually embracing sports and volleyball in particular and with this, volleyball will be more popular among Nigerians few years to come.

“This will help to develop the sport as you can see some grassroots players competing with those who are national team players. This means that the competition will produce more national team players.

Outstanding players received various individual awards which include Best Setter Award won by Mary Ishaku of Team Hasso while Best Spiker Award was picked by Lydia Daniel popularly known as Mangala.

Amara Gabriel won Defender Award; Uyoyou Udubra went home with the Best Blocker Award just as Esther Dominic won the Best Server Award.

MVP award was won by Chigoziem Nneoma, a former national women’s U-17 player.

Apart from giant trophies and individual awards, the four teams that participated in the championship were financially rewarded depending on their efforts.

Winners, Team Hasso got ₦100, 000 cash prize. 1st runner up, Team Taminu got ₦70, 000. Team General got ₦50 000 as 2nd runner up, the bottom placed team in the tournament, Team

Justice went home with ₦30, 000 consolation package.

Four teams, Team Justice, Team General, Team Hasso and Team Tanimu took part in the three-day championship which commenced on Friday, March 3rd.

Interestingly, both the finalists had clashed in the preliminaries with Team Tanimu winning the encounter 2-1 in a three-set game on Friday.

In the other matches, Team Justice defeated Team General 2-1 also on Friday in a 25-22, 1225, 15-6 victory.

In matchday 3, Team Hasso triumphed 2-0 (25-22, 25-16) scoreline against Team General.

On Saturday, Team Tanimu

beat Team General 2-0 (25-14, 2516. They also had same scoreline against Team General in the last preliminary game.

The four teams are named after key individual sponsors. Team Justice is named after the President of Industrial Court of Nigeria, ICN, Justice Bennedict kanyip,

Team Hasso is named after ACP Steven Hasso just as Team Tanimu is adopted from Arc Adamu Tanimu’s name.

In the last match on Saturday, Team Hasso set aside Team Justice 2-0 (25-20, 25-14)

Speaking in an exclusive interview with in Abuja, the sponsor of the tournament, Ikemi Asibong Eni said the purpose of

the tournament is to encourage female football competition and also prepare the players ahead if the Life Camp Volleyball Club 2023 activities.

“The purpose of the competition is to promote female volleyball especially vat the grassroots and also prepare the players and their technical officials ahead of our camp activities for the year.

“We are delighted that the second edition wasa great success and the final match lived up to the hipe.”

She thanked the media for their immense support adding that the competition is open for corporate sponsorship.

Defamatory: BSN Sports humiliates NFF’s Ruth David in Court

The Acting Director of Competition, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ruth David, today (Monday) lost its defamatory case against BSN Sports filed at the FCT High Court, Gwagwalada over a publication titled “U20 FIFA World Cup - Allowance Scandal Hits Falconets Camp,”

In 2018, two months after the publication, Ruth David sued BSN Sports in the suit number CV/1975/2019 for defamation

adding that the publication is aimed at disparaging her personality. She however, prayed that the court asked the defendant to pay the sum of Twenty million naira (N20m).

BSN Sports on 4th August, 2018 few weeks after the Nigeria U20 women’s team, the Falconets lost out at the world Cup wrote the story that the federation failed to pay the players and officials match bonuses and allowance for the

African qualifiers and 10-day camping in Austria.

Ruth David in her written address before the court showing the payment of the players and officials of the team for allowance received for one win and one draw at the World Cup. The payment of the twomatch allowance according to the exhibit was paid on 4th October, 2018 while the story was published two months (August 2018) before the

purported payment. More so, the publication dwelled on the non-payment of the six matches the team played during the African Qualifiers where they won five games and drew one.

Defendant lawyer, Barrister Dr. Celsus Ukpong (esq) stated unequivocally that the publication was not aimed at Ruth David but the NFF who didn’t see the publication as defamatory and reason they refused to be joined in the case.

Not being convinced by the plaintiff claims as she failed to provide enough evidence and witness to back her claims, the judge on Monday 6th March, 2023 said the evidences provided by the defendant were overwhelming that the publication was not libellous nor defamatory.

Justice A.I Akobi, therefore threw out the case and ruled in favour of Mr. Niyi Busari, Publisher BSN Sports.

Team Hasso celebrating their victory on Sunday

Senegal reach AFCON U-20 final unbeaten

Senegal players celebrated their U-20 final qualification on Monday

Onazi Scores first goal in Bahrain League

Forgotten Super Eagles

midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has scored his first goal for East Riffa in their 4-2 win at Bahrain SC in the Bahrain League.

The former Lazio player converted a spot kick in the 83rd minute to make it 3-2 for his side.

The Jos-born midfielder has played in Italy for Lazio and Casertana, Denizlispor, Trabzonspor (both in Turkey), SønderjyskE (Denmark), FK Zalgiris (Lithuania) and Al-Adalah FC (Saudi Arabia).

East Riffa are hovering around the relegation zone with nine points from as many matches.

The AFCON 2013 winner has 52 caps with a goal for the Super Eagles.

The 30-year-old midfielder has also played in Italy, Turkey, Lithuania, Saudi Arabia and Denmark.

Senegal reached the final of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations after Lamine Camara scored a double to help them defeat Tunisia 3-0 in Ismailia on Monday.

The Teranga Cubs won the semi-final match emphatically after beating the Young Carthage Eagles at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium to secure their place in the final.

Two goals from new FC Metz recruit Camara and a sumptuous strike by Pape Diop was enough to send Senegal to their AFCON U-20 final.

The three-time runners-up will face the winner between Nigeria and The Gambia in the final on Saturday, 11 March at the Cairo International Stadium.

Senegal started brightly with captain Samba Diallo operating down the left channel while Mamadou Camara rejoined Lamine Camara in the heart of defense.

Senegal broke the deadlock through Zulte Waregem starlet Pape Diop’s ferocious effort from distance after seven minutes.

The 19-year-old forward latched onto Sulaymane Faye’s squared pass before beating Raed Gazzeh with a spectacular finish to register his fifth goal of the TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON in Egypt.

The Young Carthage Eagles grew into the match as they tried to weather the early Senegal storm at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia.

Mohamed Wael Derbali forced a save from the towering Senegal custodian Landing Badji. The Olympique de Beja midfielder volleyed his rebound straight into the gloves of Badji.

The Young Teranga Lions upped the ante and came close through defender Seydou Sano’s long range drive which Raed Gazzeh pushed away for a corner.

The West Africans doubled their lead on 17 minutes through 2022 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship star Lamine Camara.

The former Generation Foot graduate profited from his relentless press in the

Carthage Eagles area which forced Zinedine Sassi to under-hit his backpass before sliding to make it 2-0.

Camara saw his well drilled low effort on the edge of the Tunisian box turned for a corner before Raed Gazzeh produced another top class save to deny Samba Diallo from giving Senegal a three goal lead.

Adel Sellimi’s side should have pulled a goal back on the half hour mark when Ali Saoudi headed Mohamed Dhaoui’s freekick just wide off Landing Badji’s far post.

The Carthage Eagles coach made two changes six minutes before the break withdrawing Ghaith Wahabi and Zinedine Sassi for Yassine Dridi and Adam Garreb respectively.

Mahmoud Ghorbel failed to convert Mohamed Derbali’s inviting cross into the Senegal box on 42 minutes.

The Club Sportif Sfaxien CSS defender broke free at the back post but couldn’t beat Badji in the Teranga Cubs goal.

Malick Daf’s side held onto their two goal lead going into

the break as they moved closer to their fourth appearance in the TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON final.

Senegal started the second half from where they left off with captain Samba Diallo flashing two efforts over Raed Gazzeh’s goal.

Camara made it 3-0 for Senegal with a close range effort following successive saves by Raed Gazzeh to deny Samba Diallo.

Camara won possession deep into the Tunisia half to play in Sulaymane Faye who found Samba Diallo on the edge of the box, the captain had two efforts blocked before tucking away the rebound to score his second of the day.

Both sides continue to effect changes as they look to freshen up things in the second half. Jibril Othman headed wide of Badi’s goal on 73 minutes from substitute Mohamed Aziz Abid’s delivery into the area.

Backed by their travelling 12th Gainde the Young Teranga Lions held on to secure their place in Saturday’s final.

Neymar ruled out for rest of season

Governors on tenterhooks as they await electorate’s judgement

PSG Star, Neymar Jr. has been ruled out if the French League 1 season following an anckle injury

Neymar has had his season ended after it was confirmed he will need surgery on an ankle injury suffered last month

He will miss PSG’s crucial Champions League trip to Bayern Munich this week.

The Brazilian forward was forced off with an ankle problem during PSG’s win over Lille on February 19, and has not played since.

The club has now said Neymar will be ruled out for between three and four months by surgery, which will be carried out in Doha.

A statement from PSG said: “Neymar has had several episodes of right ankle instability in recent years.

“Following his last sprain contracted on February 20, the medical staff of Paris Saint-Germain recommended a ligament repair operation, in order to avoid a major risk of recurrence.

“All of the experts consulted confirmed this need. A delay of three to four months is expected before his return to collective training.”

This weekend’s governorship and State House of Assembly elections is being awaited with bated breath especially, by governors in southern Nigeria and north central states . Understandably, because results of last election on February 25, demystified the political might of governors. Until now governors were the alpha and omega in their respective states, determining the political direction of their states, where the pendulum should swing to. On that fateful day of February 25 when the presidential/national assembly polls took place many of them were swept off their feet, flung from their high horses down to mother earth. They were dealt a fatal blow by a ‘third force’ they never reckoned with. Those of them vying to go to the national assembly as senators(hitherto seen as a retirement place for governors that are no longer eligible for another re-election after staying in the saddle for two terms) lost woefully save for one or two instances. Sitting governors whose names are actually on the ballot for Saturday’s poll, seeking re-election, now have to fight the biggest battle of their political lives, to save themselves from being buried politically.

A third set of governors--- those that are not up for election yet--are no less jittery. Notwithstanding that they are not contesting as such, they are nonetheless fighting tooth and nail to ensure that their party wins majority seats in the State House of Assembly election. They fear that they may be impeached if another party has the upper hand in this regard. Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki is in this category.

In the presidential election, Obi’s Labour party (LP) won in Edo with 331,163 votes followed by the APC which garnered 144,471 votes while the governor’s PDP trailed a distant third with 89,585 votes. PDP won two of the state’s senate seats while APC clinched the remaining one. For the State House of Assembly poll, all three parties are expected to win seats. The question is: which of them would have the highest number of seats?

In Nasarawa state the reelection bid of Governor Abdullahi Sule appears to be in the balance going by penultimate Saturday’s results. Peter Obi got 191,361 to beat APC’s Tinubu who had 172,922; PDP’s Atiku placed third with147, 093. Nasarawa state had always been an APC state especially since it has some powerful politicians, among them, Senator Abdullahi Adamu (its first democratically elected governor) now APC national chairman and Senator Tanko Almakura(a former governor too ). So, it came as a surprise to some people that

By VICTORIA NGOZI IKEANO

APC lost to LP in the presidential election. The reason for the presidential loss is majorly religious sentiment. Embarrassingly, APC also lost all three senatorial seats, including Almakura’s and Adamu’s zones. However, the voting pattern was different. Indeed except for the south east zone, LP did not have a good showing generally, in the national assembly election in states where it won the presidential poll. SDP clinched two of the senatorial seats in Nasarawa and PDP one.

Internal wrangling arising from alleged imposition of candidates during the primaries that saw some erstwhile APC politicians defecting to other parties, a tinge of ethnic sentiments and sabotage were contributory factors.

The candidacy of APC’s flagbearer for the western senatorial district became a matter of litigation for months. Amidst this distraction, the SDP candidate for that zone, Ahmed Wadada, himself a grassroot mobilizer and core politician was forging ahead and strategising. It was no surprise therefore that he won hands down ---96,488 votes to APC’s and PDP’s 47,717 and 46820 votes respectively. In the northern zone, Godiya Akwashiki (SDP) a onetime deputy speaker of the House of Assembly defeated retired executive secretary of the National Judicial Commission, Danladi Envulanza (APC) who was contesting for the first time--44,471 to 32,058. Former governor and incumbent senator, Almakura was defeated in the southern district by one-time Speaker of the State House of Assembly and current member House of Representatives, Ogoshi Onawo who had remained in the PDP all through. He scored 93,064 while the senator scored 76,813 votes. Here, it was a case of the Alagos (the largest ethnic group in that zone, siding with their son rather than the former governor. But how come they did not side with their son when Almakura contested and won in 2019? There are speculations that sabotage may also be involved here.

All of Nasarawa’s APC leaders from the national chairman down the ladder are expected to

buckle up and unite for ‘operation return Sule’, lest they further damage their political standing with loss of the governorship contest. A technocrat from the corporate world, Governor Sule has performed creditable well in management of the state’s meagre resources. His co-contesters are relatively inexperienced. So, notwithstanding his party’s rather embarrassing loss on February 25, I expect him to triumph on Saturday.

On the Plateau, LP expectedly won the presidential election in the state with 466,272, followed by the APC candidate with 307,195 while the PDP candidate was third, scoring 243,808 votes. However in the national assembly election PDP had the upper hand, winning five of the eight House of Representatives seat and two of the three senate seats that had been officially announced as at time of writing this column, Notably, Governor Simon Lalong who is director general of APC’s Presidential Campaign Council lost his bid to be a senator. Would the PDP bounce back to occupy the Rayfield Government House come this Saturday? It looks likely.

The story is different in Benue state where the APC’s Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia is poised to succeed PDP’s Samuel Ortom as governor. The APC won overwhelmingly here, winning all three elections --presidential, senate and House of Representatives. It won all three senate seats and lost only one House of Representatives seat. Ortom is likely heading to political oblivion, having also lost his bid to become a senator and also failed to deliver for Obi. He supported Obi to win the presidential election.

Nevertheless, the Labour party is most probably going to have its very first set of governors in the south east. LP’s Obi had the highest percentage of votes in this zone. In his home state of Anambra in particular he had 95 percent of the total votes cast there and its senate candidates dismantled two powerful incumbent senators. If the governorship election for Anambra and Imo state were to be held on Saturday the incumbents

would likely be dethroned by LP candidates. Fortunately or unfortunately, both Governors Charles Soludo and Hope Uzodinma are not due for re-election this year. The ruling PDP gubernatorial candidates in both Abia and Enugu states may lose out on Saturday.

Ebonyi state’s Governor Dave Umahi is expected to put up a stiff fight in an attempt to install his anointed APC candidate to succeed him, having won his own senate seat and helped his party to win the two other seats, although LP won the presidential election by 75 percent. Whether Umahi’s APC’s governorship candidate would succeed remains to be seen on Saturday. Also, Delta state governor’s preferred candidate (Sheriff) to take over from him is not assured of victory. It looks dicey. All eyes are on the PDP candidate, Sheriff, to see whether he can make it. Notwithstanding protestations by his opponents for influencing the presidential victory of the APC candidate in Rivers, Governor Nyesom Wike is likely to get Fubara his anointed one, over the line to victory this Saturday.

A great shout out was made when Tinubu lost his home state to Obi in the presidential election. As a result some people are looking forward to the LP dislodging the APC from its long held governorship seat at Alausa. The fact that Tinubu is now president elect would have an effect on this election. And aware of how strategic Lagos state is nationally, I believe Lagos APC is re-strategising to ensure that the governorship post does not fall into the hands of any opposition party.

I expect Governor Babajide SanwoOlu/APC to win at end of the day. Rabiu Kwankwaso’s NNPP may have a lone governor-elect in Kano state. Overall APC is expected to have more elected governors than any of the other parties.