Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Edition

Oil Mining Lease: NNPC 18 Operating Ltd replaces Eroton

The non-operating Joint Venture (JV) partners of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 have appointed the NNPC Eighteen Operating Limited as operator of OML 18 to replace Eroton Exploration and Production Limited (Eroton).

Mr Garbadeen Muhammad, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, in a statement on Monday said this was to curtail further degradation of the asset and revamp production of oil and gas.

“In order to protect the JV investment in OML 18, the nonoperating partners, NNPC Limited (55 per cent interest) and OML 18 Energy Limited (“OML 18 Energy” – 16.20 per cent interest), jointly owning 71.20 per cent equity, removed Eroton as operator of the JV.

“This is in line with the provisions of the Joint Operating Agreement (JOA).

“NNPC Limited and OML 18 Energy further appointed NNPC Eighteen Operating Limited as operator of the JV,” he said.

Muhammad said the change in operatorship had been notified to the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and communicated to Eroton.

He said while the key business

reasons that made the change in operatorship were compelling, it was publicly available information that production had declined from thirty thousand barrels per day (30,000 bpd) to zero.

He said the persisting inability of Eroton to meet the fiscal obligations of the Federal Government led to the sealing of Eroton’s head office in Lagos by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for more than 12 months due to non-payment of outstanding taxes.

According to him, Eroton is also not able to remit to the JV parties the proceeds of gas supplied to its affiliate, NOTORE.

He said a number of audits and investigations, including by the EFCC, NURPC’s work programme audit and others had been undertaken or were ongoing.

He said some of these audits were regulatory steps that may lead to licence revocation under the relevant Laws if drastic steps were not taken by non-operating partners.

“NNPC Limited in particular, as majority shareholder with a unique stewardship responsibility to the Federation, is committed to assuring that the energy and financial security of the country is uppermost in its business decisions.

“Removing an operator in these circumstances is therefore inevitable in order to protect the JV from Governmental or third parties action from entities, including Eroton’s lenders and other service providers.

“It is important to highlight that OML 18 is an oil-producing block covering 1,035 square kilometres located south of Port Harcourt and contains 11 oil and gas fields with about 714 Million Stock Tank Barrels (MMSTB) of oil and condensate and 4.7 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas reserves.

“Eight fields have been developed, but only four are currently producing: Cawthorne Channel, Awoba, Akaso and Alakiri,” he said.

The chief corporate communications officer recalled that in 2014, Eroton acquired the 45 interest previously owned by Shell –30 per cent, Total – 10 per cent and NAOC – five per cent, in the then NNPC/SPDC/Total/Agip OML 18 JV.

Following the equity acquisition, he said Eroton became NNPC’s partner in the OML 18 JV and Eroton was designated as the Operator in accordance with relevant provisions of the Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) between the parties.

He said subsequently in 2018,

Eroton farmed-out part of its equity to OML 18 Energy Resource Limited – 16.20 per cent and Bilton Energy Limited – 1.80 per cent.

According to him, from 2016 to date, OML 18’s net crude oil production has significantly fallen from approximately thirty thousand barrels per day (30,000 bpd) to zero production.

This, he said, was in spite of consistent compliance to the joint venture’s funding obligations by the JV partners over the same period.

In recognition of the impact of the challenges in crude evacuation via the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL), the operator proposed, and partners approved an Alternative Crude Oil Evacuation Process by barging.

Eroton is unable to execute this alternative, leading to the current zero production status of the asset.

NNPC Eighteen Operating Limited has taken control of the operational and production assets in the block.

It is currently engaging the relevant stakeholders, workers union and communities, among others, to restore operations to its full capability and secure value for all partners and the federation.

Coy launches coffee pop-up at Jabi Mall Abuja

Tigray Coffee Company has announced the commencement of a monthlong coffee pop-up at the Jabi Lake Mall in Abuja.

The company’s Business-toBusiness Manager, Mohammed Isa-Dikko, made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

He explained that the engagement would run from March 8 through March 31 on the ground

floor of Jabi Lake Mall, in front of the ShopRite megastore to the right of the escalator.

“We are thrilled to introduce our Kwararafa Light Roast coffee to Abuja through this pop-up. Our goal is to introduce coffee lovers in Abuja to the unique flavour of our 100 per cent organic Nigerian coffee.

Isa-Dikko said: “While promoting sustainable practices in

the coffee industry. Our Kwararafa Light Roast is ethically sourced from farmers in the Jos and Mambila plateaus. It is then carefully roasted and blended to ensure every cup delivers a rich, satisfying drink.

” Our coffee makers are made from high-quality food-grade stainless steel and borosilicate glass. Our packs are reusable and biodegradable. Our tee shirts are made from 100% organic cotton.”

Isa-Dikko said all visitors to the pop-up could experience and purchase coffee, in both 250gms and 1kg packs.

“The TGR 101 Moka Pot, the TGR 171 French Press, and the TGR 171 Chemex will be available with discount coupons.

” Orders, and customization, of the Buna magic mug and tee shirts, can be made,” he added.

(NAN)

L-R: Moderator/Journalist, Mrs. Bimbo Oloyede; Panelist, First Lady of Kebbi State, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu; Chief Host, Hon. Minister of State, for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Mariam Yalwaji Katagum; Host, MD/CEO, Bank of Industry, Mr. Olukayode Pitan; Panelists, First Lady of Yobe State, Hajia Hafsat Kollere-Buni and First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Bene Obaseki,during the Bank of industry’s International Women’s Day Conference 2023 held in Lagos,yesterday.

IWD: Israeli embassy, Medical group donate free cervical screening kits for women

The Embassy of Israel in Nigeria in collaboration with Peramare Medical Services Limited have donated 1,000 free cervical screening tests for women using the innovative Illumigyn Gynescope device.

Ms Deinma Sekibo, Managing Director, Peramare Medical made this known during an event to commemorate the 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD) in Abuja.

NAN reports that the IWD is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women’s rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

Sekibo said that providing free cervical screening testing for women was in line with the goals of Peramare-Illumigyn Africa initiative to eradicate cervical cancer in Africa.

She said that the initiative seeks to achieve this by screening two million women in Africa annually by supplying the Illumygyn Gynescope free of charge to health care facilities across the continent, as well as subsidizing the cost of the test.

“This is a collaboration between Peramare Medical and

Our vote is for candidate committed to our welfareJigawa PWDs

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

The JIgawa state Association of People with Disability (PWDs), promised to support any gubernatorial candidate that would give priority to the welfare of People’s with disabilities.

The PWDs zonal national vice chairman in charge of northwest, Comrade Muhammad Usman stated this while delivering his speech at a meeting with the All Progressive Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Malam Umar Namadi Danmodi held at Manpower Development Institute, Dutse.

“We are ready to support any candidate or political party that shows commitment and assurance to our welfare and wellbeing”, he said.

the Illumigyn company which is an Israeli-based femtech company. So it is feminine technology hoping to address issues that affect women.

“So, our plan is to increase access to screening that is in line with what we have done today by donating 1,000 Free cervical cancer screening tests using the Illumigyn gynescope.

“What the Illumigyn gynescope. does is it allows you to visualise the cervix identify suspicious lesions and helps in diagnosis of cervical cancer with a quicker turn around time

“It is not just for that (cervical cancer screening) we can use it for other gynaecological examinations irregardless of what you want to see.

“For the 1,000 free tests, women are to report to Planned Parenthood and they will link them to St. Catharines and the testing will be done free of charge.

“Our goal is to test two million women annually in the whole of

Africa. And our goal is to actively work to eradicate cervical cancer

“The thing about cervical cancer is that it is treatable, so long as you detect it on time. So really, what we want is to raise awareness of the importance of testing, which is go to your gynaecologist request a test and check your cervix just to make sure that nothing is going on.

“Usually every three years, as long as you’re sexually active.

“We are at the point of creating awareness, reaching out to stakeholders, and looking for partners really, in this project.

We are partnering with a number of clinics and St Catherines is one of them. So we are signing clinics on, we are signing on organisations.

“We already have a bit of a partnership with Planned Parenthood at this point in time, and we hope to partner with more organisations going forward especially NGOs,” Sekibo said.

Israeli Deputy Ambassador to

Nigeria, Inbar Garden said that the Embassy is promoting the project knowing the importance of a woman’s health care.

Garden said that as the world continues to call for actions to accelerating gender parity, making standard, accessible and affordable healthcare for women across the African continent should not be underestimated.

“Like I said in my speech, I think a woman’s survival is something that is very important. One of the things that need to be improved is women’s health.

“And this is why we choose to promote this project because I think it is very important. And if we put effort into health care, we can only go higher from there,” Garden said.

Also speaking, Dr John Okoye, an Obstetrician/Gynecologist with St Catherine’s Clinic, said that the innovative Illumigyn machine will advance testing, and accurate diagnosis of cervical cancer in women.

Okoye said that that novel technology with high resolution images and magnification of the cervix also allows the patient see what whatever is going on inside the cervix alongside the doctor.

“It is an equipment that is useful for the screening and diagnosis of cervical screening and can be used for other things as long as the challenge is within the vagina and the cervix.

“I want to thank Peramare for launching this, it was delivered to use free of charge, and it is going to be a life-changing equipment for a lot of women.

“And I equally want to encourage every woman who is up to twenty-one years old, sexually active really need to have her cervix screened.” Okoye said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports present at the event were Female and some male Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Members of the Diplomatic Community. (NAN)

APC chieftain predicts massive defection to party

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Achieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue State, Chief Moses Ayom has predicted massive defection of members of other political parties to the APC.

He said this is as a result of the party’s success during Saturday

February 25th,2023 Presidential and National Asssembly elections.

Ayom who was a Presidential aspirant of the party, said already the party’s mega rallies in all the senatorial districts of the State have witnessed massive defection of politicians from the major political parties, including Labour Party, LP, People’s Democratic

Party, PDP, Social Democratic Party, SDP and New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP among others.

“You are all aware that on Monday, 6th March, 2023, the Gubernatorial Campaign Rally of the Benue State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, kicked off in Otukpo, Benue South

Senatorial District (Zone C) of Benue State.

“The essence of this rally and others like it that will hold by the grace of God is to ensure the emergence of our Governorship Candidate, Reverend Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia as the Governor of Benue State on Saturday, 11th March, 2023.”

L-R.........Kaduna state Governorship Candidate Allied People’s Movement, Yahaya Alhassan, Governorship Candidate Young Progressive Party, Amb, Sani Yahaya, and People Democratic party Gubernatorial Candidate, Isah Ashiru Kudan, when the Five Party Gubernatorial Emerges for Declaration and Endorsement in support of PDP Gubernatorial Isah Ashiru Kudan as Consensus candidate, yesterday in Kaduna

2023: Kaduna peace commission fumes over use of hate speech

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Peace Commission (KSPC) has expressed dissatisfaction over the nature of the ongoing campaigns for the forthcoming Governorship and House of Assembly elections scheduled to hold on Saturday 11th March 2023.

This was contained in a statement by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Saleh B. Momale and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

The statement stated that there is evidently growing use of hate speech, profiling and the negative exploitation of religious and ethnic differences in the campaigns, which are needless at this point in time.

The statement added that these utterances in various communication platforms have the effect of instilling fear on the electorate and cause voter apathy in areas where the electorates feel unsafe to exercise their franchise unfettered “ The Commission wish to remind stakeholders that political parties and candidates participated at a parley with traditional and religious leaders on 1st December 2022 where there were robust discussions. Agreements on peaceful processes, non-violent conduct and adherence to the rule of law were reached.

“As a follow-up, there was a meeting with all candidates in the State on 2nd December 2022 in the office of the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State where the need for peaceful conduct and issue-based campaign was unanimously agreed.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had canceled the senatorial results for Abaji and Bwari due to over voting.

Kingibe, while addressing Journalists in Abuja said that there was no over voting in Bwari Area Council, therefore, the cancellation was uncalled for.

According to her, a mistake in the tabulation of results should not affect the victory of a candidate.

2023 election: Tinubu, APC pray court to allow them inspect INEC materials

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

Ahead of his defense against Peter Obi of the Labour Party(LP)and

Atiku Abubarka of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the president-elect, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Party(APC) wants the court’s permission to inspect election materials of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Sequel to the arguments

canvassed in court, the Presidential Election Tribunal fixed Wednesday, to rule on two applications filed by the president-elect.

Akintola Makinde announced appearance for Tinubu in the applications filed against INEC, Peter Obi, Labour party, Atiku Abubakar and People’s Democratic party, respectively. in his argument, he submitted that the order will enable inspect, scan and make

photocopies of some of the electoral materials to prepare his defence against petitions that would seek to nullify his election.

“The materials will be relevant in helping us to prepare our defence and also make comparison with the information contained in INEC’s back-end server”

APC, in the same vein, through it’s counsel, Omosuya. P., aligned with the submissions of Tinubu’s prayers

Recall that with 8,794,726 votes, Tinubu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared the winner of the poll ahead of Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 6,984,520 votes, and Peter Obi, candidate of the Labour Party (LP), who secured 6,101,533 votes.

Obi and Atiku are alleging that the 2023 presidential election was rigged and marred with irregularities.

IWD: NCWS seeks mainstreaming of women into digital world

The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has urged stakeholders in the technology industry to mainstream women into the sector for gender equality.

The National President of NCWS, Hajiya Lami Lau, said this in a statement on Tuesday in commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD).

The theme of this year’s edition is: “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”.

Lau said that the United Nations observance of the IWD recognises and celebrates the

women and girls who were championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education.

She said that bringing women and other marginalised groups into technology results in more creative solutions and had greater potential for innovations that meet women’s needs and promote gender equality.

”The non inclusion of women comes with massive costs and according to the UN Women 2022 Snap Short Report, women’s exclusion from the digital world had reduced one trillion dollars from the

GDP of low- and middle-income countries in the last decade.

“This loss will grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025 if no action is taken to mainstream women in digital world,,” she said.

Lau said that to change this situation will require tackling the problem of online violence, which according to the reports, 38 per cent of women had personally experienced.

The national president stressed the need for digital education that could increase the awareness of women and girls regarding their rights and civic engagement in the sector.

She called for the adoption

of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses by girls to address the discrimination, gender bias and improve participation in all spheres.

Lau said that the celebration of the IWD 2023 would explore the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities.

This, she said, would also highlight the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces and addressing online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence.

(NAN)

.L-R........ ...Kaduna State Chairman, Alliance Democratic Congress, Ahmed Tijjani, Former Media and Publicity to Mukhtar Ramallan Yero, Ahmed Maiyaki, Chairman Global Peace Foundation Nigeria/ State Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev, Joseph Hayab, and State Secretary Jamaatu Nasir Islam, Alhaji, Ibrahim Kufana, during the one-day Interactive Session on Peaceful of Forthcoming Gubernatorial Elections, yesterday in Kaduna

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Ahead of the March 11 governorship and state Assembly elections in 28 States, including Kaduna, the leaderships of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has appealed to journalists practicing in Kaduna State to avoid promoting stories that are capable of triggering political violence

The two religious bodies and other partners appealed at a one-day interactive session organised by the Global Peace Foundation-Nigeria (GPFN) in collaboration with Big Minds Communications Consult (BMCC) and Corespondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Chapter.

Apart from being the third largest state after Lagos and Kano, Kaduna is one of the Northern states that has recorded the highest number of political violence that has claimed several lives and destruction of properties, especially during the 2011 post-election unrest.

Chairman of CAN in the State and Country Director, GPFN, Reverend Joseph Hayab while delivering his keynote address on “Peaceful Election in Kaduna State with Gubernatorial Candidates” from religious and political perspectives said, media and journalists are key in having peaceful elections in the State.

“To conduct credible, free, and fair elections that would usher in the kind of leaders that the Nigerian public desires, the role of the media is substantial and that leads me to appeal to journalists at this crucial moment, especially in Kaduna state, a state that has experienced devastation in the aftermath of elections in the past, to report in a manner that douses any rising tension than to add to the flames of an already a volatile situation with sensational reporting.

“As it stands, Saturday 11th March 2023 is the day slated for the next election and the governorship vote is considered closer to the people and may attract more attention than the presidential held on 25th February 2023.

“Given the sensitivity of Kaduna state and the resulting experiences of religious tensions in the past, GPFN is calling on Kaduna state people to make use of this election to unite and respect each other’s rights and freedom of choice”, Hayab said.

Also speaking, Secretary, JNI, Kaduna State Chapter, Ibrahim Kefena urged journalists not to create unnecessary political tension in the State because God already knows who will win no matter the circumstances that may play up.

He said, “already, God has

Polls: Avoid stories capable of triggering political crisis -CAN, JNI appeal to journalists

decided who will be the governor of Kaduna State. So, why should we fight over an election that God has already concluded even before we go to the polls?

“Journalists should not create tension in the state. I hope whoever emerges the next governor on Saturday should be left to God to judge if he fails to do justice for all of us.

“We are hoping we will have peaceful elections. We hope this and other engagements that have been coming up we help us to have a peaceful election in the state”, he added.

Engaging colleagues on the revised media code for election coverage, a former Director

General (Media) to a former governor, Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki recounted how about 800 people lost their lives while about 65,000 others were displaced due to the 2011 post-election crisis in Northern Nigeria with Kaduna topping the list. He urged media platforms to ensure equitable access to all contenders irrespective of whether they are contesting on a major or minor political party.

According to him, when access is given to a candidate and the same was not given to the other, “it is a breeding ground for conflict which media and journalists must avoid as captured in the first and most

important portion of the revised code.

“Again, the media must practice social responsibility. As a journalist, you are first a Nigerian before you are a journalist and so, you must promote peace at all times because conflict doesn’t know who is a journalist and who is not. You must ensure fairness, balance, and accuracy in your report. You must not report an issue that will generate conflict”, he said.

Earlier, the Chairman, Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, Abdulgafar Alabelewe said, “this

programme was put together to refresh our memories as journalists on the need to promote peace as we approach the 2023 governorship and state assembly elections.

“Though promotion of peace is entrenched in the journalism code of ethics and even in our formal training, we cannot underestimate the need for fora like this to remind us of our roles as nation builders.

“Without wanting to preempt the guest speakers, I want to call on my colleagues in Kaduna state to be conscious of the volatility of our dear state and avoid reportage that is capable of setting the state ablaze”.

L-R: National Commissioner of INEC, in charge of North Central, Prof. Sani M. Adam presenting the certificate of return to Senator Elect, representing Kwara Central, Sen. Saliu Mustapha, when the INEC present the certificate of returns to Senators elect, at the international Conference Centre, yesterday in Abuja.

IWD 2023: Nigerian women hardworking, dedicated, says Buhari

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari has joined Nigerian women in celebrating the International Women’s Day (IWD), observed on March 8, recognizing the invaluable role women have played in advancing the progress of the country since independence.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, stated this in a statement Tuesday to mark the 2023 edition of IDA.

The President, Adesina said, saluted the hardwork and dedication of Nigerian women working tirelessly and achieving results in different fields of endeavor, from those sacrificing

daily in the markets and farms to train the next generation of leaders, to those breaking limits in education, sports, medical field, arts, entertainment and even in politics, where they are still largely under-represented.

The President is proud to have worked and associated with some of Nigeria’s brightest women in his cabinet, government and the international community, the statement noted.

“He thanks the amazons who have served meritoriously as partners in the progress witnessed on the political, economic and social fronts.

“He notes that, against all obstacles, these women in leadership positions have

delivered in a society still largely dominated by men.

‘President Buhari welcomes the contributions of role models and women who have demonstrated that through hardwork, dedication and honesty, greatness can be achieved.

“He pledges the commitment of government to promoting gender equality, respect for the rights of women and working conscientiously to remove all barriers that prevent Nigerian women from realising their universal rights.

“On the theme of IWD 2023, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”, President Buhari believes that his administration has leveraged

on the creation of a ministry dedicated to digital economy to promote the importance of digital skills, innovation and entrepreneurship for the girlchild.

“As Nigeria builds on the successes of the digital economy sector, which is the most successful in the diversification of the nation’s economy, and the Start-up Act, which creates endless opportunities to Nigerians in the technology space, the President trusts that women and girls in the country will have access to equal opportunities, live their dreams and contribute immensely to the development of the country,” the said.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Bauchi NLC wants govt to pay outstanding benefits of retired workers

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Bauchi State chapter, has called on the Bauchi State Government to pay the outstanding balance of retirement benefits of retired workers to ease their sufferings.

Chairman of the NLC in the state, Comrade Danjuma Saleh, made the call at the opening ceremony of the 23 delegate conference held at Command Guest House, Bauchi, on Tuesday.

Represented by Dauda Shuaibu, Chairman of Joint Negotiations Council (JNC), he commended the Governor for paying part of the retirement benefits, and appealed for the balance to be paid timely to ease the sufferings of the affected retirees.

He said “The backlog of retirement benefits inherited from previous administrations runs into billions of naira, with many yet to get their benefits years after retirement.

“It is a source of pride for one to serve his fatherland and be compensated at the end of his career so as to ease his life and that of his dependents” the NLC Chairman said.

NLC Chairman described the relationship between Governor Bala Mohammed and the organised labour in the state as cordial, saying it has resulted in the continuous existence of industrial peace and harmony.

He appealed to the governor to sustain the cordial relationship.

“The recent renovation and upgrading of Abubakar Umar State Secretariat and provision of state of the art furniture and equipment in our offices as well as all Local Government Secretariats across the State is an effort towards providing a conducive working environment for our members/ workers and therefore worthy of commendation.”

Election Materials: Appeal court rules on application to vary order, March 8

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

The Appeal Court will Wednesday, deliver ruling on the application by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, seeking it to vary its order granted on Labour Party and People’s Democratic Party to access materials used for 2023 presidential poll.

A three-man panel of the Appallete court fixed date to rule on the matter after listening to the arguments of the parties involved.

INEC, had through it’s counsel, Tanimu Enuwa SAN, informed the court of it’s motion on notice and a written addresses filed and dated 6th March as well as an affidavit and exhibits attached to substantiate their application.

Adopting their written addresses and other documents as their brief of arguments, the electoral body asked the court to grant the application.

When asked by the court how they want the order varied, INEC maintained that their affidavit demonstrated the effect the order will have on the coming election.

“We will run into constitutional crises if you have the elections conducted outside the constitutional time.”

Also they want the order to inspect election sensitive materials varied in accordance with Section 122 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

In his argument, counsel to Labour Party and Peter Obi, Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN, adopted all the written addresses and counter affidavit, filed and dated 6th March as his argument and asked the court to dismiss the application.

On the application to inspect the BVAS, Mr Peter Obi is seeking for an order for a physical inspection of the machine to enable him conduct a forensic investigation.

Ikpeazu also submitted that LP is also seeking to obtain the certified true copies of the material as well as ensure the evidences are present before they are configured.

Recall that the appellate court had on March 3, granted leave to Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Mr Peter Obi of Labour Party(LP) to inspect election materials used by INEC to conduct the Feb. 25 presidential election.

However, INEC, on March 6, 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.

INEC maintained 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.

2023 Commonwealth Day: FG urges youths to embrace peace

By Maryam Abeeb

As the world prepares for the 2023 commonwealth day, the Minister of education, Adamu Adamu has enjoined the youth to raise a flag of peace and inculcate values that would engender national unity.

The minister made this call during a press briefing to inform the public on the activities lined up for the observance of the 2023 Commonwealth Day scheduled for Monday, 13th March, 2023 with the theme,

“Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future”.

The minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, David Andrew explained that the call can not come at a more auspicious time than now as the young people begin to progressively shun violence and adapt dialogue as a means of redress.

“Member States promote commonwealth shared values every year during the commemoration and in view of the conflict situation in some of

the Commonwealth countries and globally, this year’s celebration is calling on all young people to raise a “Flag of Peace” as a demonstration of their commitment to inculcate those values that would engender national unity and a sustainable peaceful future for all.

“You would all agree that this call can not come at a more auspicious time than now as our young people begin to progressively shun violence and adapt dialogue as a means of redress,” he said .

According to him, the

Federal Ministry of Education has requested the Management of respective State Ministries of Education nationwide to equally put in place programmes in all their educational institutions to commemorate the Day.

He added that the Federal level and as part of activities leading up to the Commonwealth Day, some private and public Schools including Federal Unity Colleges within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs participated in the commemoration quiz competition .

Chairman, independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (middle) with the National Commissioners, during the Commission’s presentation of certificates of return to Senators elect, at the international Conference Centre, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

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

AA: Again Court orders INEC to recognize candidates presented by Omo-Aje

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday affirmed its earlier judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to paste the names of all the candidates submitted to it by the national chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Dr Adekunle Rufai Omoaje.

The court had on November 4, 2023 in a ruling delivered by Justice Z B Abubakar

ordered INEC to recognize the candidates submitted to it for the presidency, National Assembly, governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections by Omoaje.

The court again reaffirmed the judgment on Monday directing INEC to recognize the candidates submitted to it by Omoaje and paste their names at its headquarters and all its state offices.

Besides, the court directed INEC to upload the names of the candidates on its website with

immediate effect.

The lists include those who contested for the last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections and those contesting the governorship and House of Assembly elections in all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Reacting to the judgement, the national chairman of the party, Dr Adekunle Rufai Omoaje said INEC had failed to respect court judgment in the past despite several judgments of the court that favoured him.

He said the INEC chairman, Prof Mamood Yakubu was hellbent at truncating the nation’s democracy through his flagrant disobedience to court orders, stressing that the actions of Yakubu are capable of undermining the confidence reposed in the electoral body.

He urged well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on INEC chairman to respect court orders and restrain from efforts aimed at undermining the nation’s democracy.

Stakeholders seek universal access to water, sanitation in Africa

Leaders, development partners and government ministries have called for a universal guaranteed access to water and sanitation services in Africa.

The stakeholders resolved this in a communique issued at the end of the 21st African Water Association International Congress and Exhibition.

The event was held at the 7th Faecal Sludge Management Conference in Abidjan.

The communique, issued on the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) website, acknowledged the burden of inadequate water and sanitation in Africa.

It also took cognisance of the need for closer coordination among the government, development partners and industry to mobilise financing to strengthen the water sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria

(NAN) reports that 1,600 delegates and representatives from 146 international companies participated in the joint conference, co-sponsored by the African Development Bank.

Dr Silver Mugisha, president of the African Water and Sanitation Association, said sanitation would be a big part of the Association’s focus.

“Let’s not just say that we have added sanitation, but build it in from the ground up. Let’s go with action-oriented takehomes to cause a difference.

“Whatever we do, we must do it in the best interest of people, and hopefully, this conference has provided a few things we can use,” Mugisha said.

AfDB’s Director of Water Development and Sanitation, Osward Chanda, stressed the importance of innovation,

partnerships and new approaches in strengthening water service delivery.

Chanda expressed optimism about the potential partnerships formed during the congress to implement innovations and help the water sector.

He also advocated for knowledge strengthening and promotion of business models to increase efficiency and scale up access to water and sanitation.

The director further called for including beneficiary voices in the sector’s conversations.

“We need more voices of beneficiaries in these conversations so that they can provide that much-needed experience and knowledge from the ground,” Chanda said.

More so, he reiterated the Bank’s commitment to supporting actions, initiatives and innovations that would

improve livelihoods and make a difference for Africans.

Meanwhile, Drissa Diomande, Chief of Staff to the Ivorian Minister for Hydraulics, Sanitation and Hygiene, unveiled the Abidjan 2023 Declaration on access to water and sanitation.

Diomande said the communique recognised the need for an integrated approach to managing water resources to achieve Sustainable Development Goal six by 2030. The chief of staff recommended that the Declaration be presented during the United Nations Water Conference in March 2023 in New York.

The next African Water and Sanitation Association congress will take place in February 2024 in Guinea Conakry.(NAN)

(L-R) John Sifuma, principal water and sanitation engineer, African Development Bank Group, Lamin Barrow, DG African Development Bank , Nigeria Country Department with Hassan Bdliya, executive secretary, Hadejia Jama’are Komadugu Yobe Trust Fund and Ibrahim Magaji, assistant director, Ministry of Water Resources during the official signing of the EUR 362,000 grant for Preparation of a Strategic Action Plan for Water Resources Development for Komadugu-Yobe Basin Phase II: Additional Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Studies, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

2023 guber polls: Labour party debunks collapsing structure in to PDP in Kaduna

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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) ahead of the Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Kaduna State.

Addressing a press conference yesterday in Kaduna, the LP scribe said the governorship candidate of the party, Jonathan Asake was fully ready for the election, adding that he will not step down for any governorship candidate.

Farouk decried the level of the campaign of calumny by the said opposition party that the LP had collapsed structure into the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the March 11 governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

Guber Polls: Foundation urges Kaduna journalists to calm tension

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Global Peace Foundation

Nigeria (GPFN) has urged Kaduna Journalists to calm down the tension in their reportage ahead of the March 11 gubernatorial election.

The Country Director of the Foundation, Rev John Joseph Hayab made the call yesterday in Kaduna State during a programme by Global Peace Foundation in collaboration with Big Minds Communications Consult (BMCC) and Correspondents’ of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna chapter.

According to him, to conduct credible, free and fair elections that would usher in the kind of leaders that the Nigerian public desires, the role of the media is essential.

Kaduna Guber: Southern Kaduna youths endorse Uba Sani/Hadiza

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Southern Kaduna Youth Stakeholders Forum, yesterday endorsed Kaduna state governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC),

Sen. Uba Sani and his running mate, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe for March 11th governorship polls. Addressing a news conference in Kaduna, Chairman Southern Kaduna Youth Stakeholders Forum, Chief Mock Samuel Kure, who

described Uba Sani as the best candidate to deliver if voted said the APC governorship candidate as first timer at the National Assembly sponsored many bills and initiated human development programs which have direct bearing to his

constituents.

Kure however, appealed to the people of Kaduna state, especially Southern Kaduna to come out en mass and vote Uba Sani/Hadiza Balarabe joint Guber ticket for massive rural and urban transformation.

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.

Property worth millions gutted by fire in Deidei

By Usman Shuaibu

At least property worth N300million were destroyed by fire at Deidei new site in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Chairman of Abuja Furniture Makers Association at Deidei new site, Mr. Daniel Akhigbe Ebhodaghe, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Monday

in Deidei, said the incident occurred around 4pm on Thursday.

Ebhodaghe revealed that nobody could ascertain the cause of the fire disaster, expressing shock over the properties being damaged by fire at the site.

He, therefore, appealed to the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello to come to the aid of the artisans whose goods were gutted by fire.

In their separate reactions, one of the affected artisan, Mr. Abdul Fatai and the treasurer of Abuja Furniture Makers Association, Mr. Paul Emiantor, pointed out that they had lost all their properties to fire disaster and called on the government of the day to assist them in order to meet up with basic needs of life.

On his part, the Legal Adviser to Abuja Furniture Makers Association, Barr. Ebosetale David Agbefoh,

disclosed that about 200 special skilled artisans were out of their businesses.

Agbefoh, however, pointed out that about 24 heavy duty machines were damaged during the fire disaster, charging the FCT Minister to rescue the artisans.

It would be recalled that the Abuja Furniture Makers Association has a case in the court for so long now over the land dispute.

Senators-elect, when the INEC presents certificate of return to Senators-elect, at the International Conference Centre, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

The Federal Government has lauded the British charity, IA-Foundation for the commitment shown by the charity in tackling the outof-school crisis in Nigeria.

Vice-President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo gave the commendation in a message to IA-Foundation, to commemorate the fourth annual Black-Tie and Charity Ball of the organisation.

Osinbajo’s message is contained in a message e-mailed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of IAFoundation, Mrs Ibironke Adeagbo, in Abuja on Tuesday.

The event with theme, “Securing the Future”, is

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)

FG lauds British charity for combating Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis

scheduled to hold on March 8 at Bishop Justus CE School in Bromley, Kent in England.

Osinbajo hailed IAFoundation for offering strategic support to Nigeria’s education sector, saying that the charity had contributed immensely to Nigeria’s growth.

According to the vicepresident, IA-Foundation has made remarkable impact in reducing the number of girls who are unable to access education, due to poverty, insecurity or poor orientation about the importance of acquiring education.

“Given the number of girls who remain out of school in our country and may never have the opportunity of formal education, girl-child education is an all-important assignment.

“I whole-heartedly commend the commitment and dedication that IA-Foundation has

deployed so far in getting our girls educated,’’ Osinbajo stated.

Similarly, the Chair of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the foundation for its consistency in the past four year in ensuring that children who were previously out of school were able to access quality education.

“For an organisation that has over 95 per cent of its leadership based in the UK to have executed projects across nine states in Nigeria, and also helping 100 children back to school is highly commendable.

“Government needs the support and partnership of the diaspora communities and I am happy that IA-Foundation is complementing the efforts of our government in the education sector to combat the problem of out-of-school children,’’ she said.

Dabiri-Erewa called on other

Nigerians and Nigerian-owned businesses in the diaspora to emulate IA-Foundation and be part of the development and transformation of Nigeria.

IA-Foundation Black-Tie and Charity Ball is an annual event, organised to intimate well-meaning individuals and the corporate world about the education deficit in Nigeria and mobilise resources to provide quality education for out-ofschool children in Nigeria.

Fund generated from the event is channeled towards support for pupils and families, especially the girl-child; persons with disabilities and orphans.

Some high-profile Nigerians, including the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Amb. Sarafa Ishola, and a former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, are expected at the event.

Also expected at the event

is the Chairman of the NigeriaBusiness Forum, Prince Folabi Andu, and other eminent Nigerians residing in the UK.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country has about 20.2 million kids out-ofschool, a development caused by lingering insecurity, poverty and other issues plaguing the country.

However, IA-Foundation, which is based in Kent, took up the challenge four years ago, providing scholarships to hapless kids, to enable them get quality education.

The foundation is active in nine states in Nigeria, including Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Delta, Ekiti, Kwara, Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory.

The charity has also spent handsomely to provide portable water in some poor communities in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub. (NAN)

Republic of Maldives to honour Dare for contributions in sports development

Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, is to be conferred with a “Special Recognition Award” in the Republic of Maldives, an aide of Dare disclosed on Monday.

Toyin Ibitoye, the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, in a statement quoted the Maldives’ Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Ahmed Mahloof, explained the award.

Mahloof said it was in recognition of Dare’s contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria and Africa.

“In recognition of the work you have carried out for the development of sports in your country and the African region, we will be conferring the “Special Recognition Award” on you,” he said.

Ibitoye said the conferment ceremony expected to hold in the Republic of Maldives on March 16, would be attended by the Maldivian President, Ibrahim Solih.

He added that world renowned athletes, as well as Maldivian athletes, among others, would also be in attendance.

The minister’s aide said the

award would add to various others Dare has bagged “in recognition of his stellar performances since assumption of office as Minister of Sports and Youth Development”.

He listed such awards to include the Award of Excellence in Public Service given by President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as those by the National Telegraph and Blueprint newspapers.

“Others are the Youth Award in the U.S., African Illustrious Minister of the Year Award, among many others.

”Apart from the various

awards, Dare has initiated a lot of programmes like the Adopt initiative as well as produced the National Sports Industry Policy, the 10-year Football Development Masterplan and the Talent Hunt Programme.

”He ensured the return of the long and middle distance races, and the cross country race in Nigeria after almost 40 years in the doldrums.

“Dare also embarked on the rehabilitation of sports facilities across the country, efforts that have impacted positively on Nigerian sports,” Ibitoye stated. (NAN)

L-R, Lamin Barrow, DG African Development Bank , Nigeria Country Department with Hassan Bdliya, executive secretary, Hadejia Jama’are Komadugu Yobe Trust Fund during the official signing of the EUR 362,000 grant for Preparation of a Strategic Action Plan for Water Resources Development for Komadugu-Yobe Basin Phase II: Additional Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Studies, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Banks yet to start cash payment, leaving customers stranded – NAN

Commercial banks in some satellite towns of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had yet to start cash payment, leaving customers stranded and frustrated in spite of the Supreme Court ruling.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who monitored banks in Nyanya, Mararaba and Karu in Abuja on Tuesday, reports that none of the banks have started paying customers over the counter or via Automated Teller Machines (ATM).

NAN reports that the apex court had on Friday nullified the ban on use of the old N200, N500 and N1000 banknotes saying the notes still remained legal tender until Dec. 31.

NAN reports that the gates to the banks’ are still being manned by security officials who barely permit the numerous customers with complaints to go into the banking hall in turns.

Some of the customers who spoke with NAN said the current development in banks was frustrating.

A customer seen at Zenith Bank, Mr Isa Abdullahi, said: “I have been here since 10 a.m. and this is 3 p.m. to complain about some failed transactions but I was refused entry.

“The crowd here is discouraging. They are not even listening to anybody here.

“Some people said that after the Presidential and National Assembly elections, the Naira will be released everywhere but that is not the case.

“We are suffering so much in this country. You will have money but you cannot access your money,” he said.

Also, Mrs Angel Abiodun, another customer at the First Bank, Karu road described the situation as annoying.

“I am helpless. I came to my bank to complain about my expired ATM car and also to collect some cash but I was not allowed in.

“If I knew that the situation will turn like this, I wouldn’t have deposited all my money in the bank even when they told us to take our old notes to the bank.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should do something and save us from this mess,” she said. Also, some PoS operators also confirmed to NAN that the new Naira notes were still scarce.

A POS operator, Gami Johnson, said: “I wonder what is happening. We are yet to see the old or new Naira”.

NAN reports that the CBN is

Senate President, Niger Gov absent as Senatorselect get certificates of return, Reps for today

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has presented certificates of return to most of the Senators -elect who were declared winners in the February 25 National Assembly election.

Few of the Senators-elect were however not available yesterday to collect their certificates of returns at the International collation centre of the International Conference Centre, Abuja, venue of the ceremony.

About 97 Senators-elect have so far emerged from the election of Saturday, February 25.

Prominent among those not available yesterday to collect their certificates of returns were the Governor of Niger State Governor, Mr Sanni Bello, elected to represent Niger North Senatorial district and Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan (Yobe North District).

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has however advised those not available yesterday at the national collation centre, Abuja, to come to its headquarters in Maitama,

Abuja, to collect their certificates of returns.

Elections in eleven Senatorial districts, spread across the country, are either yet to be held, postponed or cancelled.

The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, it will be recalled, had earlier said that supplementary election would be held in the remaining Eleven Senatorial Districts where elections did not hold or was cancelled.

The ceremony (presentation of certificate of returns to Senators-elect) witnessed a large crowd and heavy security presence yesterday.

In an interview, the new Senator-elect for the Federal Capital Territory, Mrs Ireti Kingibe promised to focus attention on issues of women and youth development.

Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, Ekiti Central Senatorial District (APC), assured that the 10th Senators of the National Assembly would work together in the overriding interest of Nigeria not for party or individual interests.

Bamidele, a reelected Senator, said the representation of different political parties in the

national assembly would make the incoming senate more dynamic, stressing that such would be of great benefits to Nigeria and its democracy.

According to him, One of the ways a parliament can be dynamic is for us to have robust representation by various political parties.

“We have always said Nigeria is not a one party state, we are a multiparty democracy. And this is going to be reflected in the 10th Assembly.

“We are going to the Senate where at least four political parties are represented the APC, the PDP and the Labour Party and the SDP

“Part of the advantages of this, for me, is that it will make it possible for all of us to reason together and to work together across board.

“One thing I know is that regardless of which political party brought you into parliament, once you are there, you are there as elected representative of the people in Parliament and all of us must work together”, he said.

Hon Sunday Karimi (APC Senator-elect, Kogi West) stated that the expectations of the people on the 10th Senate are high, promising that senators-elect, including him

would not disappoint Nigeria.

Karimi, a former member of the House of Representatives, promised to work for the development of Kogi West, Kogi State and Nigeria in general especially in the areas of infrastructural development and development of the people.

Chief Ned Munir Nwoko (PDP), Delta North Senatorial District, said his focused would be improving the wellbeing of Nigerians, reduction in cost of borrowing by 50 per cent and how to address insecurity. His words, “The cost of borrowing is too much, we need to bring it down by two per cent. Bank cannot be charging arbitrarily.

“We must focus on insecurity. We must dialogue with agitators any where they are, from north to the east and to the south”, he stressed.

Nwoko a lawyer and former member of the House of Representatives, pledged to serve the people of Delta and the Nigeria at large to the best of his ability.

Meanwhile, House of Representatives’ memberselect will be presented with their own certificates of returns today at the same venue.

Benue Gov. signs law domesticating new retirement age for staff of tertiary Institutions

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Benue State government has domesticated a law extending the retirement age of some section of civil servants in the State.

The category of civil servants are administrative and non administrative staff of state owned tertiary institutions including College of Educations

Katsina-Ala and Oju as well as Ugbokolo Polytechnic in Okpokwu local government area.

While signing the bill to extend the retirement age from 60 to 65 years into law on Tuesday at Government House Makurdi, Governor Samuel Ortom boasted that his administration has signed the highest number of laws over 55 more than any

government in the State. He added that all the laws were for the best interest of the people, maintaining that for the new law, his governmemt is replicating what is done at the Federal level.

“With this new law, except one is stricken with illness, it is expected that as you age, you get better in experience”, Ortom said.

In another vein, the Benue State has directed the lifting of ban on motorcycles in the Sankera axis consisting of Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum local government areas of the State.

A statent signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Samuel Ortom Nathaniel Ikyur said the lifting of the ban takes immediate effect.

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

Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa 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 antiparty 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.

Zamfara:

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

Humanists, (Ir)religious demographics and 2023 Census in Nigeria

By Leo Igwe

They are counted and included in the over 50 percent Muslims and over 40 percent Christians that are often quoted to be in the country. Humanists are concerned because it is only when religious questions are included in the census that there would be reliable data on religious and irreligious patterns and changes in Nigeria.

Humanists express concerns over the exclusion of questions about religious or nonreligious affiliations in the 2023 census. For a country where most people are often described as deeply religious, and religion is a device for discrimination, persecution, and murder, this omission is a grave error. It is a serious shortcoming in the forthcoming head count. Responding to a viral message that suggested that the next population and housing census would feature questions on religion, the National Population Commission (NPC) noted that there would be no questions on religion. The NPC said: “it was agreed that religion and ethnicity should not be included in the Census questionnaire to insulate the process and outcomes from unnecessary controversies”. Is that not a lame excuse? This explanation is a pretext to continue to misrepresent religious and irreligious demographics in the country. The commission did not

state who agreed to exclude the religion question and why. Look, one of the main goals of a census is to understand demographic patterns and shifts. Census is a mechanism to collect data on aspects of a population. People rely on the census to understand details of the population including the age, sex, religion, ethnicity or race. And if questions on religion are excluded, what then is the essence of this program? What information would the head count provide? What is volatile or controversial about providing information about religious belief and nonbelief in Nigeria?

Humanists are nonreligious and irreligious individuals and include atheists, agnostics, freethinkers, and other nontheistic and religion-free persons. According to the information out there, the nonreligious constitute less than 2 percent of the population. But many humanists are of the notion that Nigeria’s religious demographics are bogus and bloated. That the irreligious population is not adequately captured due to entrenched religious politics in the country. The nonreligious constituency is growing especially with the advent of the internet and social media that have liberated many from the grip of religious control and coercion. Many religion and god-free people who live in Muslim or Christian-dominated areas are mistakenly regarded as Muslims or Christians. They are counted and included in the over 50 percent

Muslims and over 40 percent Christians that are often quoted to be in the country. Humanists are concerned because it is only when religious questions are included in the census that there would be reliable data on religious and irreligious patterns and changes in Nigeria.

To register these concerns, the Humanist Association of Nigeria requested to meet with the National Population Commission. But the request, sent to the commission last year, has, so far, been ignored. The proposal has not been granted apparently because the commission does not reckon with the non religious constituency in the country. The NPC should understand that Nigeria has a diverse population that include believers and non believers. It should be open to understanding and appreciating the needs and interests of all Nigerians including the non religious population. The NPC has a duty to capture the changes in (ir)religious patterns and professions in the country. The irreligious population should be counted, and information about them should be contained in the 2023 census.

Leo Igwe is a Board member of the Humanist Association of Nigeria and Humanists International.

Highs, lows of Rabiu Kwankwaso’s red cap revolution

By Adelani Adepegba

Kwankwaso is known for his philanthropy through his Kwankwasiyya Development Foundation, an initiative designed to help the people of Kano state. Through the foundation, Kwankwaso has supported many young people to further their education with continued financial assistance.

Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria Peoples Party presidential candidate, has held many posts since he joined politics in 1990s. He is a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative, ex-Minister of Defence and former Governor of Kano State. ADELANI ADEPEGBA writes on the involvement of Kwankwaso in February 25 presidential election

Coming a distant fourth place in the February 25 presidential election result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Dr Rabi’u Kwankwaso’s grand dream of ruling the country may have been shifted to another year.

Though the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party standard bearer gave a good account of himself, polling 1,496,687 votes, he was no match for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress who was declared the winner with 8,794,726 votes.

Despite having a good showing in Kano which was his political base, the former governor’s votes were still not sufficient to power him to the Presidential Villa as he was similarly outranked by Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party candidates, respectively.

Born October 21, 1956, he attended Kwankwaso Primary School, Gwarzo Boarding Senior Primary School, Wudil Craft School and Kano Technical College before proceeding to Kaduna Polytechnic where he did both his National Diploma, and Higher National Diploma. Kwankwaso was an active student leader during his school days and was an elected official of the Kano State Students’ Association.

He also attended postgraduate studies at the Middlesex Polytechnic in the United Kingdom from 1982 to 1983; and Loughborough University of Technology where he received a Master’s Degree in Water Engineering in 1985. He bagged a PhD in Water Engineering at Sharda University India, in 2022.

Kwankwaso made his entry into politics on the platform of the Social Democratic Party in 1992. He was a member of the People’s Front faction of the SDP led by General Shehu Yar’adua and other popular politicians such as his former boss Senator Magaji Abdullahi, Babagana Kingibe, Atiku Abubakar, Bola Tinubu, Tony Anenih, Chuba Okadigbo, Abdullahi Sumaila, Abubakar Koko, Lamidi Adedibu and others.

In 1992, Kwankwaso was elected as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Madobi Federal Constituency. His subsequent election as Deputy Speaker in the House brought him to national limelight. During the 1995 Constitutional Conference, the NNPP candidate was elected as one of the delegates from Kano. He later joined the Democratic Party of Nigeria in the political transition programme of late General Sani Abacha.

Kwankwaso joined the PDP in 1998 under the platform of Peoples’ Democratic Movement in Kano led by Mallam Musa Gwadabe, Senator Hamisu Musa and Alhaji Abdullahi Sumaila. In 1999, he contested the PDP primaries alongside Abdullahi Ganduje, Mukthari Zimit and Alhaji Kabiru Rabiu. He was the governor of Kano State from 1999 to 2003. In 2011, he was reelected governor and went on to join the APC in 2014.

After he lost his re-election in 2003, he was appointed the first

minister of defence of the Fourth Republic with no prior military background from 2003 to 2007, under the administration of former president Olusegun Obasanjo. He was later elected to the Senate in 2015, serving one term under the platform of the APC representing Kano Central Senatorial District.

Banking on his reputation as a charismatic populist with widespread support in Kano and the North-West, the NNPP leader unsuccessfully contested the presidential primaries nomination of the APC. He lost to Muhammadu Buhari in 2014.

In July 2018, Kwankwaso alongside 14 serving senators of the APC defected to the PDP. Three months later he contested the PDP presidential primaries. At the convention held in Rivers, he came fourth behind Atiku with 1,532 votes, Aminu Tambuwal with 693 votes, Bukola Saraki with 317 votes. The ex-Kano State governor had 158 votes. Kwankwaso later endorsed the former vice president. He did not seek re-election into the senate and was replaced by another ex-Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau.

In a bid to strengthen his political hold on Kano, Kwankwaso campaigned heavily for his son-in-law Abba Yusuf to emerge as the governor of the state. His efforts failed as the poll was declared in favour of incumbent governor Ganduje.

On February 22, 2022, Kwankwaso set up the National Movement as a political platform against the staying power of the APC and the PDP. He co-opted the New Nigeria Peoples Party as the political wing of the movement and became the national leader of the party on March 30.

Before then, he had resigned his membership of the PDP, the second time he would do so in eight years. The former governor communicated the decision in a letter addressed to the PDP chairman for Kwankwaso Ward in Madobi Local Government Area of Kano State. He said he was resigning from the party over “some serious and irreconcilable differences.”

Kwankwaso had been having a running battle with the PDP over the leadership of the North-West zone of the party. The party had in April suspended the zonal congress in Kaduna after supporters of the Sokoto state governor, Tambuwal clashed with Kwankwaso’s loyalists at the event. They destroyed ballot boxes before voting could start, forcing observers and other officials to flee the scene.

To actualise his dream of governing the country, Kwankwaso engaged in talks with the LP presidential candidate, Obi, on the possibility of forming a coalition for the presidential election. The two politicians were hopeful that a merger would expand the support base of the NNPP and LP in the North-West and SouthEast regions and among the youths in the South following Obi’s defection to the LP. The proposed merger excited many Nigerians and political observers who felt it would create an opening to the North-West and further place Obi in a prime position to challenge his counterparts in the APC and PDP during the election. Sadly for both contestants, the talks collapsed after several back and forth.

But sharing details on why the proposed merger failed, Kwankwaso blamed the “media hype” being enjoyed by LP at that time.

“On Labour Party, I was initially interested in working with them. But at that time, they were at the peak of the media hype and we couldn’t reach a compromise. Our party is a national party, and we’re commanding the support of the masses.”

“If you have a party which is based on ethnicity and religion, that is the difference between the Labour party and our party,

which is a national party, New Nigeria Peoples Party,” he said. However, many believed that the unwillingness of the two politicians to step down for the other led to the breakdown of the merger talks.

The NNPP flag bearer confirmed this during his stump speech in Gombe, saying. “From the discussion with the Labour Party, the main issue was who becomes the president if the parties merge.

“At the end of the day, some of our representatives thought that there should be a criterion in terms of age, qualification, offices held, performance and so on. Of course, the other side wouldn’t want that. Most of the people from there, believe that the President has to go there (South-East).’’

“If now I decide to be a vice-presidential candidate to anybody in this country, NNPP will collapse because the party is based on what we have built in the last 30 years. I served for 17 years as a civil servant, we are talking of 47 years of very serious hard work that is what is holding NNPP now,” he said, inferring that he was more qualified to be the candidate.

Explaining his serial defections and motivation for seeking the presidency during the run-up to the February 25 polls, he stated, “In 2015, I became a senator under the APC and worked for the party, believing that they were real progressives. Unfortunately, we realised that the PDP was even better.

“I am angry with the status quo, but for those who are satisfied with the status quo, ranging from insecurity to the issue of economy that is so much in shambles across this country, it is unfortunate that they will continue to be in the ruling party.

“I am happy to say that I have already paid the N30m to the party for the expression of interest and presidential nomination forms. Let me call on all Nigerians, especially my brothers and sisters who are in this game of politics, to do what I have done, and that is to join the NNPP.

“While we are calling on everyone to join the NNPP, I want to remind Nigerians that this is a progressive party that wants to change the political landscape of the country. I want to tell them that those who really want to serve this country should join hands with us.

“But for those of us who believe in the unity of this country, Nigeria is divided like never before, we are the people who have decided to come together to make sure we have one Nigeria no matter which religion you practice. We have to come together to fight them and make sure Nigeria is returned to peace and a modern world economy.”

Kwankwaso is known for his philanthropy through his Kwankwasiyya Development Foundation, an initiative designed to help the people of Kano state. Through the foundation, Kwankwaso has supported many young people to further their education with continued financial assistance.

The 66-year-old politician is rarely seen without his red cap-a symbol of his ambition and achievements. The cap is also worn by his supporters in Kano who are part of his Kwankwasiyya movement, which in Hausa means “Red Cap Revolution.” The political fan club members have followed him as he switched parties over the years.

Is the defeat in the 2023 election the end of the road for the Kano politician’s ambition or will he run for the president again in the next four years? Only time will tell.

Adelani Adepegba is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Expediency of ensuring free and fair elections on March 11

By Isaac Asabor

Given the essence of free and fair elections, it is expedient to urge the INEC chairman to ensure that the March 11 gubernatorial election is held as ostensibly to calm fray nerves and engender trust as it is very obvious that freedom and democracy are visibly in retreat.

There is no denying the fact that since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the results of the last presidential election conducted on February 25, 2023, wherein Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged the winner that it has become relatively common for politicians to be disavowing certain contents depicting how the election was allegedly rigged. Some of the contents were shared through social media and were dismissed to be false by concerned politicians.

It is not an exaggeration to say that since the election was concluded, with its attendant results released to the public that there have been electoral materials that depict “doctored” scores of votes cast, even as some materials were reportedly found in the bush and all sorts of odd places. Despite the foregoing allegations, INEC officials were accused of not uploading the results on time to the commission’s website for public view. In fact, videos showing how the BVAS Machine and INEC’s result sheets were compromised during the February 25th elections have made the rounds on social media.

Against the foregoing weighty allegations that are no doubt capable of denting INEC’s integrity, image, and credibility, political leaders in various leadership positions, royal fathers, INEC officials, and supporters of the winner of the election have resorted to playing

the ostrich. As if the insensitivity been exhibited by them are not enough, they keep advising Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party to go to court as if obtaining justice in the court is assured. Not only that, they keep dismissing election-related content as fabricated. If I may ask, “Have they forgotten that the world is been driven by technology where people’s activities can easily be captured; either through audio or video devices?

Personally speaking, it is expedient to say that since the results of the election were announced, and the winner declared that not a few democraticminded Nigerians and foreigners have had ashes in their mouths, and become sickeningly disappointed as their collective joy and hope in Mr. Peter Obi, the LP candidate, have turned to despair and anger.

Without resorting to sounding exaggerative, Nigerians have lost total confidence in Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the National Chairman of the INEC, while some Nigerians who were disappointed with the outcomes of the election had urged him to resign. One of the Nigerians that have made such a call is the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Timi Frank. He expressed his view on the issue in a statement issued on Monday.

At this juncture, it is expedient for Nigerians that are expressing their grievances over the election not to be blamed or faulted as elections and other political processes are pivotal to the quality of a country’s governance and can either greatly advance or set back a country’s long-term democratic development.

Without a doubt, the most fundamental principle defining credible elections is that they must reflect the free expression of the will of the people.

To achieve this, elections should be transparent, inclusive, and accountable, and there must be equitable

Road to a clean Nigeria

By Aneke Samuel

The importance of environmental hygiene cannot be over emphasized, especially as regards to it’s effects on our health and safety. We already have so many problems that we are yet unable to solve, it’s therefore very unwise to create more or ignore to prevent those that can be prevented from occurring.

A public figure said that prevention is the best cure for every disease. Quite a lot of disasters, diseases and deaths could have been averted if it wasn’t for our attitude towards our environments. This matter is of serious concern because the effects of environmental pollutions had never been any far from devastating but not as much as the impending dangers should we continue with this poor attitude towards our environments.

Illegal dumping of refuse at almost every open spot in Nigeria is becoming increasingly appalling inspite of the effects starring at us everyday. Even the illitrates know or at least can see the bad effects of illegal dumping of wastes but surprisingly, a reasonable number of those who perpetrate this acts are the educated citizens who should be sensitizing the others on environmental sanitations. Does education not include learning the pros and cons of our actions and inactions? One would wonder.

A clean Nigeria is a dream that worth every effort made to achieve it and the earlier we start taking responsibilities for it the better for us.

Good health is tied to a healthy environment; which is a preventive technique against diseases associated with dirty environments.

The way we manage waste in relation to the environment also affect our safety. Disasters such as flood can be avoided by disposing our wastes the right way.

Disposing our wastes the right way also influences

the survival and Developments of aquatic lives and other agro products in positive ways, there by resulting in efficient food productions.

THE WAYS YOU SHOULD DEAL WITH WASTES:

*Proper Disposal- stop dumping trash just anywhere you feel like to do so. Don’t dump refuse inside the water bodies like rivers, ocean, seas, etc. They will destroy aquatic lives and also make the

Separate biogradable wastes from non-biogradable ones. Biogradable wastes are mostly organic wastes that can decompose easily and become part of the soil while the non-biogradable ones are inorganic and do not decompose, examples are glasses, metals, plastics, papers, woods, etc. Dumping them carelessly would mess up the environment. Infact you can sell your plastic and metallic wastes to scavengers and earn yourself some money while ensuring that a clean environment is maintained

opportunities to compete in the elections. These broad principles are buttressed by several electoral processrelated obligations, as well as a number of key rights and freedoms, each of which derives from public international law. The electoral cycle approach depicts elections as a continuous, integrated process made up of building blocks that interact with and influence each other, rather than as a series of isolated events.

Given the essence of free and fair elections, it is expedient to urge the INEC chairman to ensure that the March 11 gubernatorial election is held as ostensibly to calm fray nerves and engender trust as it is very obvious that freedom and democracy are visibly in retreat. Without a doubt, an election is intended as a mechanism for the peaceful arbitration of political rivalries, but if not well managed it becomes a flashpoint for political violence. At the core of these paradoxes are elections without integrity.

According to Kofi Annan, “All too often, elections serve merely to give autocratic regimes a veneer of legitimacy. But elections without integrity cannot provide the winners with legitimacy, the losers with security, and the public with confidence in their leaders and institutions. This makes polities fragile as it encourages disgruntled groups to find other, less constructive, channels for the expression of their discontent.”

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to urge the INEC chairman to ensure that the coming gubernatorial election is conducted in such a way that it redeems the commission’s image, and his own integrity even as doing that will in turn strengthen the integrity and legitimacy of the electoral processes and avoid election-related violence.

Isaac Asabor is a Public Affairs Analyst.

water bodies unhealthy for human consumptions. Dump throw trash by the road sides or in the drainage systems, especially the non-biogradable ones. In addition to irritating us, they occupy spaces that could rather be useful in one way of the others and they will also torment the free flow of water during rainy days. That have often caused flood in so many parts of the Nigeria at different times.

*Make efforts to dispose your wastes at legally approved dump sites and if you are unable to go to those places, it’s advisable to employ the service of professional waste disposers who usually drive arround the streets. Their service fee is not quite expensive that an average Nigerian can not afford it.

*Reserve a mini-waste bin in your vehicle so that whenever you or anyone inside the vehicle eat while while driving, you will have to drop the wastes in there instead of dumping them by the road sides.

This particular idea was suggested by a very intelligent Nigerian who called in during Good morning program in Anambra broadcasting program tagged “Keeping Anambra clean”.

Separate biogradable wastes from non-biogradable ones. Biogradable wastes are mostly organic wastes that can decompose easily and become part of the soil while the non-biogradable ones are inorganic and do not decompose, examples are glasses, metals, plastics, papers, woods, etc. Dumping them carelessly would mess up the environment. Infact you can sell your plastic and metallic wastes to scavengers and earn yourself some money while ensuring that a clean environment is maintained.

The last Saturdays of the months is our national day of environmental sanitations, let us live up to expectations.

We can make Nigeria clean for everyone.

Thanks for reading!!!

Aneke Samuel is a Public Affairs Analyst.

The Delta State Government has approved 65 years as the retirement age for teaching and non-teaching staff of all its public schools including polytechnics and colleges of education.

It also approved 40 years as the length of service year for teaching and non-teaching staff in all its public schools.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said the approval was part of the decisions reached at the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting, presided by Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa on Monday in Government House, Asaba.

The commissioner, accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, noted that other approvals which included upward

Okowa approves 65 years retirement age for public school staff

review of road projects and new roads contracts among others were considered at the meeting.

According to Aniagwu, teaching and non-teaching staff of public primary, secondary, polytechnics and colleges of education will now retire at age 65 years or after putting in 40 years of service in the state.

“In line with the promises we have made as an administration to work till the last day in office, the EXCO sat today and considered a number of memos.

“Today, the council approved that teachers and non-teaching staff in the public schools of Delta can be in the office up to 65 years of age.

“And that teachers can also be in the office for as much as 40 years which before now, it has been 60 years and 35 years of service before retirement but they now have additional five years in terms of age and years of service.

“We did it because at 65 years, teachers may have garnered lots of experience to teach more and

matured with clearer understanding of their field of study.

“For the non-teaching staff in polytechnics and colleges of education, we have given them the advantage to remain in service for 40 years or 65 years of age,” he said.

Aniagwu noted that even when some teachers may have retired, they may not be really tired, hence the need to effect the change and to take advantage of the human capital to develop and build a more viral society.

He said the council also approved construction, expansion, redesign works on a number of roads and drainages linking many communities across the state.

“The council also approved six new solar power grid for the six zonal hospitals across the state to ensure steady power supply, function optimally and to improve service delivery at the hospitals.

He said that government also approved upward reviews of contract sums for nine technical

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 post-harvest 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.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji being conducted round the premises of Government Technical College, Igbara Odo-Ekiti, the Vice principal, Mrs Yemisi Abidakun and other officials during an inspection of ongoing renovation work at the college, along Ibuji Road, Igbara odo...on Monday

Stakeholders seek universal access to water, sanitation in Africa

Leaders, development partners and government ministries have called for a universal guaranteed access to water and sanitation services in Africa.

The stakeholders resolved this in a communique issued at the end of the 21st African Water Association International Congress and Exhibition.

The event was held at the 7th Faecal Sludge Management Conference in Abidjan.

The communique, issued on the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) website, acknowledged the burden of inadequate water and sanitation in Africa.

It also took cognisance of

the need for closer coordination among the government, development partners and industry to mobilise financing to strengthen the water sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 1,600 delegates and representatives from 146 international companies participated in the joint conference, co-sponsored by the African Development Bank.

Dr Silver Mugisha, president of the African Water and Sanitation Association, said sanitation would be a big part of the Association’s focus.

“Let’s not just say that we have added sanitation, but build it in from the ground up. Let’s go with

action-oriented take-homes to cause a difference.

“Whatever we do, we must do it in the best interest of people, and hopefully, this conference has provided a few things we can use,” Mugisha said.

AfDB’s Director of Water Development and Sanitation, Osward Chanda, stressed the importance of innovation, partnerships and new approaches in strengthening water service delivery.

Chanda expressed optimism about the potential partnerships formed during the congress to implement innovations and help the water sector.

He also advocated for

knowledge strengthening and promotion of business models to increase efficiency and scale up access to water and sanitation.

The director further called for including beneficiary voices in the sector’s conversations.

“We need more voices of beneficiaries in these conversations so that they can provide that much-needed experience and knowledge from the ground,” Chanda said.

More so, he reiterated the Bank’s commitment to supporting actions, initiatives and innovations that would improve livelihoods and make a difference for Africans.

Meanwhile, Drissa Diomande,

By Christiana Ekpa

The National Working Committee (NWC) of Labour Party (LP) has dissolved the party’s State Executive Council in Rivers with immediate effect, over alleged gross anti-party activities and corruption in the management of Labour Party funds.

In a statement issued yesterday by the National chairman of the party, Julius Abure, LP said the NWC, arising from an emergency meeting in Abuja, believed that it is in the

LP NWC sacks Rivers executive council over compromise in presidential election

interest of Labour Party and the Obidient movement in Rivers State that those who were at the helm of affairs in Rivers State when the party’s presidential mandate was openly stolen in the State should step aside until full investigation on what happened on that day is completed.

“The National Working Committee has lost confidence in the ability of the compromised State Executive Council led by Mr Deinye Pepple to lead the campaign for the gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections come March 11th.

“The National Working

Committee urges all Obidients in Rivers State to disregard every comment made by the disgraced State Chairman of the Labour Party, Deinye Pepple, on the election of March 11th and reiterates the full backing of the Labour Party on the candidacy of Comrade Beatrice Itubo of the Labour Party as the

next Governor of Rivers State.

“The National Working Committee therefore enjoins all Obidients to come out massively on March 11th to vote for Comrade Beatrice Itubo of Labour Party”, the party said in the statement signed by its National chairman, Julius Abure.

NNPP’s Kwankwaso denies congratulating Tinubu, insists presidential election flawed

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has denied congratulating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, for winning the election, insisting that the March 25th presidential poll results were flawed.

In a statement issued yesterday by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Major Agbo, NNPP said the report that Kwankwaso congratulated Tinubu was a figment of the fertile imagination of anti-democrats, political hirelings and fifth columnists leveraging on the popularity of the party’s presidential flag bearer.

“NNPP rejects the outcome of the February 25, 2023 presidential election as it did not reflect the will, wish and mandate of the Nigerians, who trooped out to vote but were disappointed by the failure of INEC to conduct credible and transparent election and fulfill its promise to upload the Polling Units results to its portals which would have guaranteed the authenticity of the results and declaration of the winner of the presidential election.

“Sadly, the presidential poll turned out to be a charade as it failed to meet the expectation of Nigerians and the international community. NNPP was a target of these electoral robbers who want the status quo to remain, in place of the new and better Nigeria the party promised if voted into office.

“It is unthinkable that Engr. Kwankwaso would hastily congratulate Asiwaju Tinubu on his questionable mandate which other candidates also claimed they won and had approached the court to seek redress. All lovers of democracy, due process and rule of law will wait for the determination of the election petitions in court.

“Until the court decides them one way or the other, it will be preposterous for NNPP that was rigged out in most of its strongholds across the country to concede defeat and congratulate INEC’s imposed “winner”.

“The mood of the nation since the electoral body mischievously declared Tinubu the “winner” of

the election clearly showed that it was justice juxtaposed, absolutely unacceptable to majority of Nigerians who desire and deserve a

new Nigeria which only the NNPP can usher in.

“March 11 is another date with destiny as Nigerians go to the polls

to choose their governors and State legislators. It is yet another opportunity to vote for NNPP candidates for a better, greater

and prosperous Nigeria. Join us to make it happen and experience a better life”, the party said in the statement.

Akwa Ibom YPP urges INEC to redeem image with March 11 polls

By Christiana Ekpa

Ahead of the March 11 governorship and House of Assembly elections, the Young Progressives Party, YPP, Akwa Ibom State chapter, has urged the state Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC, Cyril Omoregbe, to win back the confidence of the public after the experience of February 25 presidential elections.

Addressing a press conference in Uyo on Tuesday, the YPP chairman in the state, Apostle Nyeneime Andy observed that the presidential election was marred by a lot

of irregularities, thuggery, operational failures and violations of the Electoral Act and urged the REC to ensure the same cases would not be repeated at the gubernatorial elections as the public is losing confidence in INEC.

According to him: “To say the least, the last presidential and National Assembly election was smeared with operational failures. For instance, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as earlier repeatedly publicised by the commission as its novelty, had many setbacks and was thus, not used maximally. On the

general overview, there were instances of lack of transparency and electoral malpractices and adherence to the stipulations of the Electoral Act.

“The state Residential Electoral Commissioner must use his office to restore the confidence of the public and the political parties in the forthcoming polls.”

Andy, who also disclosed an alleged plan by the state government to push for access to original result sheets of all the units, wards and LGAs before election day, urged the REC not to succumb to that as YPP would resist such an attempt.

The YPP chairman demanded from INEC early delivery of the original result sheets and all relevant materials to units, wards and LGAs across the state, warning that various agents will be on ground to resist any foul play and also report such to appropriate authorities.

He, therefore, called on the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Directorate of Defence Intelligence (DMI), international observers and the embassies in Nigeria to closely watch Akwa Ibom State to checkmate the alleged alliance between INEC and the PDP-led state government.

Guber/State Assembly polls: Labour Party not in alliance with any party - Abure

By Christiana Ekpa

As preparation for this Saturday’s Governorship/ State House of Assembly elections enter final preparations, the Labour Party has denied being in any form of alliance with any political party, even as the party said it is leaving nothing to chance in ensuring that its candidates not

only participate, but win at the ballot.

A statement issued by the National chairman of the party, Julius Abure, said “This call becomes necessary given reports from some political opportunists from other political platforms, claiming that they have reached an agreement with Obidients and LP supporters to cast their ballots for

them in this Saturday’s polls.”

To this end, he said that the national secretariat of LP has not given any instructions for any chapter of the party to liaise or support any candidate except LP candidates in this Saturday’s polls.

He therefore charged the members and supporters of the party to not only go out and vote, but follow the process to a conclusive

end as provided by the Law.

“We encourage millions of the electorate who believe in LP presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi and the philosophy of the party not to be deterred, but troop out en masse and vote for all LP candidates anywhere in the country. The LP is not in any alliance with any political party in the run-up to this Saturday’s polls”, Abure said.

APC assembles thirteen SANs to defend Tinubu’s presidential election victory

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The All Progressives Congress

(APC) has appointed a team of highly qualified and experienced lawyers to represent the Party at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

A statement issued by Ahmad Usman El-Marzuq, who is the National Legal Adviser of All Progressives Congress (APC), said the team is comprised of legal luminaries with vast experience

in election petition matters, constitutional law, and litigation.

“The legal team consisting of twelve (12) Senior Advocates of Nigeria and the National Legal Adviser of the Party, Ahmad Usman El-Marzuq, Esq., is led by Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, a renowned lawyer who has successfully handled various high-profile election matters and other landmark cases”, the statement said.

The full list of the Legal team

is as follows: Lateef Fagbemi, who will serve as lead counsel, Ahmad Usman El-Marzuq, Sam Ologunorisa, Rotimi Oguneso, Olabisi Soyebo, Gboyega Oyewole, Muritala Abdulrasheed, Aliyu Omeiza Saiki, Tajudeen Oladoja, Pius Akubo, Oluseye Opasanya, Suraju Saida, Kazeem Adeniyi, all are senior advocate of Nigeria. APC therefore expressed confidence that the legal team possesses the requisite expertise

and experience to ensure a successful outcome for the APC in the Presidential Election petition matters.

The party also urged members of the party to support the team in its effort to defend the will and mandate of the people, even as it called on all parties involved to conduct themselves with utmost professionalism and respect for the rule of law throughout the legal process

I am still in the guber race in Kaduna –Labour Party candidate, Asake

By Christiana Ekpa

The Kaduna State gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in Saturday’s election, Jonathan Asake, has said he will not step down or form any alliance with any political party.

Speaking during a press conference in Kaduna, Asake called on all supporters of the party to disregard any form of rumours making the rounds, continue supporting the Labour Party and vote it into power in the state.

He re-affirmed his party’s commitment to winning the gubernatorial election, assuring that all the necessary machinery has been put in place to protect the party’s mandate by insisting that every vote counts, is protected and ensure the correct result is submitted to INEC on Saturday.

He said, “I have made my campaigns in all the nooks and crannies of the 23 local government areas of Kaduna state. I have made my consultations and I am ready for Saturday’s election and convinced to be elected to change the narratives in the state for a better society.”

He said addressing the press conference became pertinent following the rumours on social media that the party was forming an alliance.

He explained that it is pure lies fabricated to undermine the Labour Party and his candidature, alleging that he has no alliance nor stepping down for any gubernatorial candidate in the coming election.

Asake reiterated that the labour party in the state is on a mission to salvage the state from bad leadership, insecurity and insensitivity to the plight of the citizens and give a purposeful leadership that will be acceptable to all.

INEC uploaded Jigawa results on iREV portal as Imo results – PDP

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State on Tuesday disclosed that results from Jigawa State were imported into Imo State, and transmitted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to iREV Portal on Sunday, February 26, 2026.

PDP alleged that INEC in Imo swapped the imported results with the authentic results from the three other local government areas, particularly, Aboh Mbaise, Oguta and Ehime Mbano, where PDP won by over eighty percent of the total votes cast.

The opposition party made this disclosure in a statement signed by Collins Opurozor, the state Publicity Secretary made available to journàlists in Owerri, Imo State.

The statement reads,” Producing fake results for places where elections weren’t held was the first stage. Elections in the Okigwe LGA’s Ihube, Agbobu, Umuowaibu, Aku, Umulolo, Ogii, and Amuro Wards did not take place. However, Senator Uzodinma’s representatives received the election materials for the areas from Imo State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Prof. Sylvia Agu.

“Results were ultimately written in favor of APC. These

faked results were accepted and announced by the state’s INEC, which is very corrupt and tainted and is led by Prof. Agu. In the history of Nigerian elections, INEC has never treated us so poorly!

“The worst occurred in three additional Local Government Areas, specifically Aboh Mbaise, Oguta, and Ehime Mbano, where PDP won by more than 80% of the total votes cast. Jigawa State results were brought into Imo State, where this morally bankrupt INEC replaced them with the real results from the polling places spread across these three LGAs. On Sunday, February 26th, 2026, the Jigawa findings were subsequently sent to iREV Portal.

“By the time it got dark on Sunday, February 26th, the following voting units in Aboh Mbaise LGA had been replaced with results from Jigawa State: Community School Okwu Na Akuwa, Community School Ndigbo, Community School Egbelu, Umumbie Hall, Umunobi Umuoshi Village Hall, Umuorobara Hall, Egbelu Ndiegbo Hall, Umuaghara Hall, Umueke Hall,

“In Ehime Mbano LGA, Isi Orie Primary School, UmuoparaAma Hall, Umuezeala Offor Hall, Obom Umuako Square, Secondary School UmuezealaAma, Ukwuegbu Umuaro Hall,

Ukwuobu Umuezeala Ogwara C/SUmuagba/Umuoba Hall, Community School UmuezealaAma, Umuduru Aro Square 1, Umuduru Aro Square 11, and Isi-Afor Primary School were polling units where Jigawa results were also uploaded and transmitted.

“This same fraud happened in Oguta LGA. For Orsu and Oru East, and most parts of Orlu LGA where elections never held at all, results from Jigawa State were similarly uploaded onto the INEC Server, while their authentic result sheets delivered to Imo APC by INEC for the second phase of the fraud. In Njaba LGA, the INEC Electoral Officer who refused to yield to threats by agents of the APC to do this same thing was abducted and almost assassinated. Till date, the elections in Njaba remain inconclusive.

In Ehime Mbano LGA, Isi Orie Primary School, UmuoparaAma Hall, Umuezeala Offor Hall, Obom Umuako Square, Secondary School UmuezealaAma, Ukwuegbu Umuaro Hall, Ukwuobu Umuezeala Ogwara C/SUmuagba/Umuoba Hall, Community School UmuezealaAma, Umuduru Aro Square 1, Umuduru Aro Square 11, and Isi-Afor Primary School were polling units where Jigawa results were also uploaded and transmitted.

“The Oguta LGA experienced the same fraud. Results from Jigawa State were similarly uploaded onto the INEC server for Orsu and Oru East, as well as the majority of Orlu LGA, where elections were never held at all. Their original result sheets were then delivered to Imo APC by INEC for the second phase of the fraud. The INEC Electoral Officer in Njaba LGA declined to comply with threats made by APC representatives to do this same thing was abducted and almost assassinated. Till date, the elections in Njaba remain inconclusive.”

Gbemi Saraki debunks rumour of joining PDP

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Senator Gbemi Saraki has debunked social media rumours that she has left the All Progressives Congress, APC and crossed over to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A social media story on a newsblog “Ilorin Info” had claimed that she has recently joined the People’s Democratic Party unofficially in Kwara State

A statement signed by

a media consultant to the Minister, Moses Bello, denied that Senator Saraki had joined the Peoples Democratic Party and is supporting its Kwara State gubernatorial candidate Yaman.

The statement said that the Minister worked tirelessly to ensure Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress torchbearer won the presidential elections in Kwara State despite a few disagreements with the actions of the APC-led state government in aggressively deconstructing the late Oloye Sola Saraki’s legacies.

“Senator Saraki has stated categorically that she remains an APC chieftain both in Kwara State and in the country and has no intention of leaving the victorious party. “If anything,I am even more committed to ensuring the success of the incoming Ashiwaju/Shettima administration come May 29”, Saraki enthused.

“Numerous groups in and outside Kwara State lauded the Minister for putting aside the unflattering attempt by the Razaq administration in decimating the Saraki family when it demolished parts of

Patriotic Nigerian hails Tinubu on victory

By Abubakar Ojimaojo

Patriotic Nigeria Youth Forum (PNYF) has congratulated President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his emergence as the winner of February 25 election.

In a congratulatory statement signed by the National Coordinator, Amb. Olamide Odumosu, and made available to journalists yesterday, described Asiwaju Tinubu’s emergence as the president-elect as a hardearned success in a keenly and

well contested poll. The statement said: “We and the entire members of PYNF wish to join adherents, political alliances, families and friends to felicitate you on the hard-earned success at the just concluded, well-contested election. Truly, whom God has

ordained, no man can stop. Odumosu said Tinubu’s victory was envisaged.

In his words:”Tinubu was not just a politician, but a political soothsayer and forecaster, who foresaw political situation and ideology ahead of his contemporaries.

Ile arugbo, the ancestral home of the late patriarch of the Saraki dynasty and pursuing the eventual victory of the APC against her brother Sen Bukola Sarakis People’s Democratic Party in the general elections.

“Senator Saraki has had a chequered political career and remains one of the powerful forces in Kwara State politics as a grassroots mobiliser and has pledged her continued allegiance to President Buhari’s administration as well as that of incoming Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Sen Kashim Shettima”, the statement said.

“As partners in this success story, we reaffirm our loyalty to your cause and vision for the renewed hope to our nation, Nigeria.We seek God’s wisdom and direction as you pilot the affairs of this nation. We believe in you and your leadership dexterity,” he said.

Mahood Yakubu

Oshiomhole: Tinubu won’t be interested in a rubber stamp National Assembly

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Former Governor of Edo State and Senator-elect, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has said that the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not be interested in a rubber stamp National Assembly.

Rather, Oshiomhole pointedly declared that Tinubu’s interest will be in a National Assembly that can help to contribute to knowledge, working together and negotiating to have a win-win formula that will contribute to the dividend of democracy.

The immediate past Edo State Governor and erstwhile National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, stated these yesterday shortly after receiving his certificate of returns as Senator-elect from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Abuja.

Oshiomhole, who has been elected to represent Edo North Senatorial district in the National Assembly, promised to be part of the Senate that will legislate for the good people of the country and not for the powerful.

He assured that the 10th National Assembly will handle the issue of appropriation in a meticulous manner so that Nigerians can get value for money.

Answering questions from Journalists after collecting his certificate of returns, Oshiomhole said, “I have been the voice of the people as a textile union activist, NLC President, and Governor of Edo. “Even my choice of projects (as Governor) was done where the mass population resides.

“I will be part of the Senate that legislates for the good people of our countrymen, not for the powerful, by making sure that what we do in appropriation will be such that Nigerians get value for money.

“It is expected that the executive is powerful, but does not have absolute power, so it will be subjected to legislative check.

“We are not there (Senate) for the allowance, there are couple of things that can be done differently so that the renewed hope of our party can be translated into reality.

“Even the president-elect will not look forward to a rubber stamp Assembly, but the one that can help to contribute to knowledge as nobody has absolute knowledge, by working together and negotiating to have a win-win formula that will contribute to the dividend of democracy.

“Those issues are well captured

in the APC action plan which forms the basis of our election.

“We are going to revisit the power sector. For example, because that is something that we must do to have economic growth and have a robust GDP.

“The current problem we face in the power sector was because it

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Kwara State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Tuesday officially announced its withdrawal from the ongoing negotiations with other opposition political parties on the possibility of forging a united front ahead of the fast-approaching March 11 gubernatorial and state House of Assembly elections against the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the state.

A statement by the state chairman of the party, Abdulazeez Afolabi, in Ilorin on Tuesday said: “The decision to pull out

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

With barely four days to the governorship election across the country, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State on Tuesday boasted that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state will retain power in the state.

“By afternoon on Sunday, APC will be declared winner of

By Musa Baba Adamu

Comrade Timi Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has urged the Appeal Court to discard a request by the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, for an order of court to reconfigure the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS)

was meant to favour friends and relatives who know nothing about power.

“Now we have to find the courage to deal with a system that makes citizens pay bills for power they did not consume, which for me is fraud.

“Government must protect

of discussions was taken at an enlarged stakeholders meeting of the party, involving the candidates, state executive members of the party among others, which held at the party’s secretariat on Monday, March 6th, 2023.

“Our decision is borne out of the founding principles of our party in the state, which was purely based on our ideological inclination, unflinching alignment and dedication to the exclusive yearnings of the Kwara masses.”

The SDP said further: “While we are not averse to all other opposition parties joining hands with our party, the SDP and

the governorship election,” he boasted.

Lalong stated this while speaking with journalists at the NUJ Secretariat in Jos, the state capital, after inspecting the remodelled NUJ Council Secretariat.

He said: “My candidate (Nentawe Yilwatda) will emerge victorious in the governorship election come Saturday.

“Even the presidential polls,

machines.

Last Friday, the court in its ruling granted permission to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, his Labour Party, LP, counterpart to inspect the sensitive materials used for the conduct of last month’s presidential election.

Yakubu had, in his motion before the court, said the order needed variation to allow it

its citizens, and customers must be protected, otherwise all the energy spent to vote for Nigerians to enjoy, will not be worthwhile.

“There are couple of things we have to do differently. We still see long queues and each time I see the queues I feel agitated because I fought against these obnoxious

gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Hakeem Oladimeji Lawal, we undoubtedly believe our party is the only bridge that can connect and actualize our shared aspirations of changing the trajectory of poor governance for good in our state.

“We, therefore, charge members of our party across the 193 wards of the state, to intensify efforts towards ensuring that SDP emerges victorious [in the] Saturday, March 11 elections.”

There have been reports of planned realignment by the opposition parties in the state to challenge the ruling APC which is seeking to clinch a second

I had said everywhere I go, that Bola Tinubu will win, and it came to fruition. I’m not a prophet, but some prophets came here and prophesied, those ones are false prophets.”

He continued: “From what I had seen on ground, and the campaigns that traversed the 36 states and the FCT, I said Asiwaju will be the next president of Nigeria, and today he is the president.

to deploy the machines for this weekend’s governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

However, Frank, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, urged the Appeal Court not to change its orders nor grant INEC’s request to reconfigure the BVAS machines, insisting that it is ungodly.

Frank’s statement partly read: “I hereby urge the Appeal Court not to vary its orders

policies when I was the President of NLC.

“We must take a radical action to ensure that the petrol we consume is refined in Nigeria.

“I will not go to the senate to lament but make a law that will be enforced. I don’t want to be in a Senate where Nigerian Police arrest someone and turn him to a criminal, while the real criminal are freed”, he declared.

term for Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq in the March 11 gubernatorial and state assembly elections.

The realignment plan was mooted after the dismal performance by the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state in the presidential and National Assembly elections of February 25 which was cleared by the ruling APC government.

It was learnt that a series of meetings, consultations and discussions were held with a view to presenting a formidable front to tackle the ruling APC in the next round of elections.

“So, for Plateau, by afternoon on Sunday, APC will bring [in] another government in Plateau State.”

Lalong also assured that in the next two to three weeks, President Buhari will be in Plateau to commission some of the projects executed by his administration amongst which is the remodelling of the NUJ, Plateau Council.

nor accede to the request of INEC to reconfigure the BIVAS machines.

“The request of INEC in all its ramifications is anti-people, ungodly, preposterous, jejune and beyond imagination.

“It is a ploy by INEC to hide and bury germane evidence that would enable the various opposition parties to prove their election petition cases before the courts.”

Again court orders INEC to recognize candidates presented by Action Alliance

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday reaffirmed its judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to put up the names of candidates submitted to it by the national chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Adekunle Rufai Omoaje.

On November 4, 2023, Justice Z. B. Abubakar in a ruling ordered INEC to

recognize the candidates submitted to it for the presidency, National Assembly, governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections by Omoaje.

The court on Monday directed INEC to recognize the candidates and paste their names at its headquarters and all its state offices.

It also directed INEC to upload the names of the candidates on its website with immediate effect.

The lists include those who contested the last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections and those contesting the governorship and House of Assembly elections in all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Reacting to the judgement, the national chairman of the party, Dr Adekunle Rufai Omoaje alleged that INEC had failed to respect court judgments in the past.

He said the INEC Chairman, Prof

Mahmood Yakubu was hellbent on truncating the nation’s democracy through his flagrant disobedience to court orders, stressing that the actions of Yakubu are capable of undermining the confidence reposed in the electoral body.

He urged well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the INEC Chairman to respect court orders and restrain from efforts aimed at undermining the nation’s democracy.

•Says he won’t go to Senate to lament Setback for opposition parties’ realignment against APC in Kwara APC will be declared winner by Sunday afternoon – Plateau’s Gov Lalong

It’s ungodly – Appeal Court told to reject INEC’s request to reconfigure BVAS

First Bank announces retirement of Deputy MD, appoints new executive director

From Abubakar Y Ojimaojo ABUJA

Nigeria’s oldest lender, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, has announced the retirement of Deputy Managing Director Gbenga Shobo which, the board said, took effect on 27 February.

“The retirement comes ahead of Mr Shobo’s attaining the mandatory retirement of 60,” it said.

The decision was made “in compliance with a recent directive of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tenure of Directors, via a Circular dated February 24, 2023, to Deposit Money Banks (DMB),” it added.

A Monday regulatory filing by FBN Holdings, the parent company, said Mr Shobo has been a board member of Nigeria’s oldest lender since 2012.

He previously held the positions of general manager for corporate/commercial banking at the lender’s sister company FBN Merchant Bank and the chair of the underwriting arm FBN General Insurance.

Meanwhile, FBN Holdings said elsewhere in the document the bank’s top hierarchy has approved the appointment of Oluseyi Oyefeso as the executive director for the Retail Banking South Directorate of the bank.

At various points in the recent past, Mr Oyefeso was the group executive, Commercial and Retail Banking South Division, and the group executive, Commercial and Retail Banking Lagos & West Division.

Mr Oyefeso took the position of branch manager of one of First Bank’s three major branches in 2006 on joining the organisation. Roles formerly held by him varied from group head and business development manager to country managing director FBN Bank Ghana Limited.

“A seasoned Banker and Chartered Accountant, Seyi started his banking career in January 1993 and has acquired extensive knowledge in Retail, Corporate & Commercial Banking, Credit Risk Management (Analysis & Administration) and Financial Control,” FBN Holdings said.

A fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria, Mr Oyefeso trained as an accountant and is also an associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

FAO: Global food prices dropped for 11th consecutive month in February

From Abubakar Y Ojimaojo ABUJA

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations says global food prices fell in February for the eleventh consecutive month.

The UN agency said its food price index, which tracks international prices of the most globally traded food commodities, averaged 129.8 points in February, a marginal 0.6 percent decrease from January but 18.7 percent down from its peak in March 2022.

FAO said the decline in the index reflected drops in quotations for vegetable oils and dairy products that more than offset a steep rise in sugar prices.

According to the report, the cereal price index remained

virtually unchanged from January.

“International wheat prices rose marginally during the month, as concerns over dry conditions in the United States of America and robust demand for supplies from Australia were largely countered by a strong competition among exporters,” FAO said.

“International rice prices eased by 1.0 percent due to a slowdown in trading activities in most major Asian exporters, whose currencies also depreciated against the United States dollar.”

The organisation said its vegetable oil price index declined 3.2 percent from January, with the world prices of palm, soy, sunflower seed and rapeseed oils all lower.

Similarly, the dairy price index declined 2.7 percent during the month, with butter and skim milk powder international quotations registering the steepest decline.

FAO said its meat price index also remained almost unchanged from January.

It explained that world poultry prices continued to decline amid abundant export supplies, notwithstanding the avian influence outbreaks in several leading producer countries, while international pig meat prices rose, mostly due to concerns over tighter export availabilities in Europe.

However, the sugar price index rose 6.9 percent from January to its highest level in six years, due largely to a downward revision to the 2022/23

production forecast in India.

“The February rebound was mostly related to the downward revision to the 2022/23 sugar production forecast in India, which dampened export prospects for the current season,” FAO said.

“Concerns over lower export availabilities from India amid strong global import demand lent additional support to world sugar prices.

“However, the good harvest progress in Thailand and abundant precipitation in the key growing areas of Brazil prevented a larger monthly price increase. The decline in international crude oil price quotations and ethanol prices in Brazil also contributed to limit the upward pressure on world sugar prices.”

Banks begin dispensing old N500, N1000 to customers

From Abubakar Yunusa, ABUJA

Some commercial banks in Lagos have started issuing the old naira notes to customers at their various automated teller machines (ATMs) terminals and over the counter.

The development is in compliance with the new directive of the supreme court, extending the validity period of the old notes to the end of the year.

Following the controversy that trailed the naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from October last year, several states sought the supreme court’s intervention in extending the validity of the old N200, N500, and N1, 000 notes.

On February 8, the court

restrained the CBN from enforcing the February 10 deadline following an ex parte application brought by the states.

It later insisted that the old notes remained legal tender while adjourning the hearing of the case brought against the CBN on the policy on February 15.

Setting a new deadline in its final judgement on the matter last week, the apex court ruled that the old N200, N500, and N1,000 notes should continue as legal tender until December 31, 2023.

According to the Nigerian online Newspaper reported that some commercial banks have stated to comply with the court order, despite silence from the CBN and President

Muhammadu Buhari.

It was observed that a Zenith Bank branch in Festac Town paid out the old notes to customers over the counter.

“It has been approved by CBN for circulation till December 31 and that’s why we can dispense to our customers,” a bank official said.

Another bank official said the branch had “received orders to begin dispensing old notes to our customers”.

The ATMs at the branches of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) close to Agege-Pen Cinema Bridge, and Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) in the Ikeja area Lagos, were also dispensing the old notes when TheCable reporters visited.

Isa Abdulmumin, CBN spokesperson, said both the old

and new notes are legal tender and banks are currently issuing to customers.

However, he said the CBN was yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

“Banks are paying old notes as well as new notes. They are all legal tender,” he said.

“Yes, the CBN has not issued an official statement on the issue. Anyone banks give to you, you can collect. We just want to make life easy for Nigerians.”

Abdulmumin expressed concern on the continued rejection of the old notes by some traders and transporters.

He said the old notes should not be rejected as they are still a valid means of exchange.

“No. They can’t reject it. It’s all legal tender,” he said.

MTN Nigeria issues N125bn commercial papers at record yields

From Abubakar Y Ojimaojo ABUJA

MTN Nigeria

Communications Plc is spending more to source short-term funds it needs to uplift working capital by way of commercial papers, the company said in a disclosure on Monday. Attracting interest to its commercial papers issued on 1 March implied yields were priced

at levels never before seen to compensate investors for the impact of inflation on return on such securities.

“MTN Nigeria issued 188-day commercial papers at a yield of 11.00% and 267-day commercial paper of 12.50%,” the firm said in a Monday note to the Nigerian Exchange.

The development mirrors a worsening borrowing ordeal in

corporate Nigeria, where the central bank’s move to curb inflation has pushed lending rates to their peak level in 17 years.

The company had two commercial papers of similar maturities issued last April. The first having a tenor of 184 days was priced at 7.5 per cent while the second running for 254 days carried an 8.5 per cent yield.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has

hiked the monetary rate five times in a trot now, summing up to 600 basis points and forcing corporates to pay more to service new debts.

MTN Nigeria, the country’s biggest public company by revenue, raised N125 billion from the latest issuance, initially planning to source N100 billion, according to a notification to the Nigerian Exchange dated 6 March, 2023.

Its maiden issuance of

commercial paper occurred in June 2020 when it raised N100 billion, the issuance being 400 per cent subscribed.

Last June, rating agency GCR affirmed the short-term issuer ratings of A1+(NG) for MTN Nigeria, meaning the telecom operator has the “highest certainty of timely payment of short term obligations relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country.”

The company’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation for 2022, a fundamental metric for gauging creditworthiness, climbed 22 per cent to N1.1 trillion.

AEDC announces power interruption in parts of Abuja

From Abubakar Y Ojimaojo ABUJA

The Abuja Electricity Distribution, AEDC, has announced that there would be power interruption in parts of Abuja as a result of annual maintenance on its 2X15 Mega Volt Ampree, MVA, B52 Injection Substation on Tuesday from 10a.m. to 2p.m.

NNPCL replaces Eroton as new operator of OML 18

From Abubakar Y Ojimaojo ABUJA

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and OML18 Energy Limited, both nonoperating partners of Oil Mining Lease 18, on Monday announced the removal of Eroton as the operator of the joint venture in line with the provisions of the Joint Operating Agreement (JOA).

Garba Deen Muhammad, the chief corporate communications officer of NNPCL, in a statement on Monday said the move is to curtail further degradation of the asset and revamp the production of oil and gas.

The partners appointed NNPC Eighteen Operating Limited as the new operator, the statement said. Both entities jointly own 71.2 per cent equity in the JV.

“The change in operatorship has been notified to the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and communicated to Eroton,” the NNPCL said.

“While the key business reasons that made the change in

operatorship are compelling, it is publicly available information that production has declined from thirty thousand barrels per day (30,000 bpd) to zero.”

The statement explained that the persisting inability of Eroton to meet the fiscal obligations of the federal government led to the sealing of Eroton’s head office in Lagos by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for more than twelve months due to nonpayment of outstanding taxes to the government.

It added that Eroton is also not able to remit to the JV parties the proceeds of gas supplied to its affiliate, Notore.

It said a number of audits and investigations, including by the EFCC, NURPC’s work programme audit and others have been undertaken or are ongoing.

“Some of these audits are regulatory steps that may lead to licence revocation under the relevant laws if drastic steps are not taken by non-operating partners.

“NNPC Limited in particular, as a majority shareholder with a unique stewardship

responsibility to the federation, is committed to assuring that the energy and financial security of the country is uppermost in its business decisions,” it added.

The statement explained that removing an operator in these circumstances is therefore inevitable to protect the JV from governmental or third parties actions from entities, including Eroton’s lenders and other service providers.

The NNPCL said OML 18 is an oil-producing block covering 1,035 square kilometres located south of Port Harcourt. It contains oil and gas fields with about 714 Million Stock Tank Barrels (MMSTB) of oil and condensate and 4.7 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas reserves.

The statement said that eight fields have been developed, but only four are currently producing, including Cawthorne Channel, Awoba, Akaso, and Alakiri.

It said in 2014, Eroton acquired the 45 per cent interest previously owned by Shell (30 per cent), Total (10 per cent), and NAOC (5 per cent), in the then NNPC/SPDC/Total/Agip OML 18 JV.

It added that following the equity acquisition, Eroton became NNPC’s partner in the OML 18 JV and Eroton was designated as the operator in accordance with relevant provisions of the Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) between the parties.

Subsequently, it said in 2018, Eroton farmed-out part of its equity to OML 18 Energy Resource Limited and Bilton Energy Limited.

It said from 2016 to date, OML 18’s net crude oil production has significantly fallen from approximately thirty thousand barrels per day (30,000 bpd) to zero production, despite consistent compliance to the joint venture’s funding obligations by the JV partners over the same period.

“In recognition of the impact of the challenges in crude evacuation via the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL), the operator proposed, and partners approved an alternative crude oil evacuation process by barging.

“Eroton is unable to execute this alternative, leading to the current zero production status of the asset.

AEDC management in a statement in Abuja said that the entire Wuse II, Aminu Kano Crescent, Kumasi, Libreville, Buchanan Crescent, Agadez Street, Parakou Crescent, FCDA Quarters would be affected by the outrage.

It listed other areas to be affected by the outrage to include the FERMA Headquarters, NEMSA Office, Dar-Es-Salam Street, Lingu Crescent and environs.

The company said that similarly, 132 Kilo Volt (kV) Gwagwalada-Apo Line 1 in Abuja would be out of supply to enable the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) carry out maintenance on the line between 8a.m. and 2p.m. on Tuesday.

”Areas and customers to be affected include Games Village, National Stadium, Eye Clinic, Galadimawa, Suncity Estate, Kabusa Gardens, Human Rights Radio, Parts of Lokogoma, ”Trade More Estate (Lugbe), Aco Estate, Aso Estate, Lugbe Across, Railway Station, Karmajiji, Kuchigoro Villages, EFCC, Coca-Cola, Utako District, and Wuye District.

”While we regret the inconvenience, please be assured that it is intended to ensure better service delivery, ” it said.

Nigeria to use digital maps, questionnaires, cloud computing in 2023 census – Minister

Zainab Ahmed, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, had said that the 2023 population and housing census will involve the use of digital maps, questionnaires and cloud computing.

Mrs Ahmed said this on

CBN

Monday at a meeting between high-level partners aimed to seek support for the conduct of the 2023 census in Abuja.

She said that the count method would ensure compliance with the global climate change campaign for the reduction of emissions by

30 per cent unconditionally and an additional 15 per cent conditionally by 2030.

According to her, almost two decades on, it has become imperative and urgent for Nigeria to conduct another census as clearly spelled out in the National Development Plan

2021 to 2025.

“This month marks 17 years since the last national census was conducted in Nigeria in 2006, by the United Nations standard, PHC ought to be conducted every 10 years,” she said.

The minister said that

there was a need to address the inconsistency in the nation’s census and statistical system which limits the efficacy of development initiatives premised on obsolete data.

She said that a major challenge over the years had been the lack of inadequate funds to readily carry out such a huge project in the face of pressing needs for social welfare and human capital development.

“It is worthy to note that 60 per cent of the funding and other requirements for the 2006 census could not have been achieved without the invaluable support of the development partners, corporate bodies and other key stakeholders,” she said.

Also speaking, the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, said major activities had been successfully completed in preparedness for the census exercise.

“Demarcation of 773 Local Government Areas (LGA) into enumeration areas for the census, only Abadam LGA is yet to be demarcated and a hybrid enumeration strategy is being deployed for its demarcation.

Mr Agba said that the Federal Government had set up a Census Call Centre and Situation Room, conducted a trial post-enumeration survey, and convene a stakeholder’s conference at the national and state levels.

counters IMF, says 52% Anchor Borrowers loan repaid

From Abubakar Y Ojimaojo ABUJA

The Central Bank of Nigeria has said that the total loan repayments under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) stood 52 per cent in February.

The CBN spoke in reaction to a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which claimed that only 24 per cent of loans disbursed under the ABP had been repaid.

In its recent report titled ‘Nigeria selected issues’, the fund said agricultural credit in Nigeria has not significantly boosted production even though there is the challenge of targeting the right recipients for the credit.

But in a statement released on Monday by the acting director of corporate communications department at the CBN, AbdulMumin Isa, the apex bank disclosed that it has released N1.079 trillion as of 28 February, of which N960 billion was due for repayment.

Mr Isa said the ABP supported about 4.57 million smallholder farmers who

cultivated over 6.02 million hectares of 21 commodities across the country.

He listed the commodities to include 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.

Citing statistics from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FOA), Mr. Isa noted that the ABP also contributed significantly to the increased national output of commodities, with maize and rice peaking at 12.2 and 9.0 million metric tonnes in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

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

He also said that the repayments under the ABP are made through cash or produced by the beneficiaries.

The CBN spokesperson explained that the outstanding due balance on

loans was still under moratorium due to the COVID-19 forbearance granted to beneficiaries of the bank’s interventions in March 2020 and extended to February 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 sevenyear tenor,” he said.

He noted that the bank’s interventions, with the core objective of catalyzing the economy’s productive base, have continued to support investments in capital assets in sectors with high-growth and employment-elastic potential.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria 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 Central Bank of Nigeria continues to welcome applications from eligible

Nigerian farmers and firms under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme,” he added.

The ABP was launched in November 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari to boost agricultural production and reverse Nigeria’s negative balance of payments on food.

Smallholder farmers cultivating cereals (rice, maize, wheat, etc.) cotton, roots and tubers, sugarcane, tree crops, legumes, tomato, and livestock are those captured under this initiative.

Loans are disbursed to the beneficiary farmers through Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and Microfinance Banks (MFBs), which the programme recognizes as Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs).

According to the guidelines of the programme, upon harvest, the farmer repays their loans by taking their harvest to ‘anchors’ who pay the cash equivalent to the farmer’s account.

L-R: Mr. Samad Saleem, Finance & Control Director, NESTLE Nigeria PLC during the Presentation of Letter of Establishment of a Promissory Note and Bond Issuance to Settle inherited Local Debt and Contractual Obligations by the Executive Director/CEO of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Dr. Ezra Yakusak yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NEPC

IWD: Helpline tasks women on boosting nation building

By Stanley Onyekwere

As the world celebrates this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), Helpline Foundation for the Needy, an Abuja NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) has enjoined women to be proactive and continue contributing to the development of the country.

Recall that Helpline has supported thousands of women in and around the nation’s Federal Capital Territory through skills acquisition and other empowerment programmes in the last twenty years.

The NGO, in a commemoration message signed and issued to the media

by the Foundation’s Assistant Communication Officer, Kadiri Cecilia, on behalf of its Founder and President, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, while congratulating all the women, stressed the need for them to help one another in the society.

It reveals that it has, within last year alone, empowered more than 700 women with various skill acquisition programs ranging from snacksmaking, bag-making and soapmaking, among others.

Also, it also discloses that thousands of women and young girls have received trainings in digital skills, as well as artificial intelligence which thus giving them comparative advantage and exposure to digital marketing

Calling on all the women who have benefited from its numerous self-sustaining trainings, financial and equipment assistance, Dr. Ahmadu noted that it was time they began to also empower other needy individuals and contribute their quota to building Nigeria.

The President, while charging the women to remain resolute and determined in their efforts to become better persons, said that the world and Nigeria needed them more than before, especially in the face of the prevailing global and national economic challenges.

She expressed optimism that this year’s International Women’s Day with the theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and

Technology for Gender Equality” would go a long way in exposing the women to the market thereby further improving their skills technologically and availing them more opportunities.

In her words: “This year’s celebration is basically to celebrate our women who have benefited from our skill acquisition programs over the years. These programs have no doubt helped in ensuring poverty eradication, as well as financial sustainability and stability, especially among the women.

“Responses through our evaluation so far has proven that our women are doing well and are financially stable and self-reliant compared to when they had not received assistance

from us (Helpline)”.

Ahmadu adds: “More than three hundred women have been empowered economically through exhibition and sell of their handmade products.

“Moreso, over two hundred women have benefited from our non-profit revolving loan scheme last one year. All these are parts of efforts put in place to better the lives of women in our society”.

8th of March is designated IWD by the United Nations and it is set aside for the celebration of social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is also serves a call to action for accelerating women’s equality through digital innovation and technological equality.

FCT Minister condoles Ogunleye, Director Press over father’s death

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam

Muhammad Musa Bello has condoled with Director of Press, in his office, Mr. Anthony Ogunleye, over the death of his father, Mr. Lawrence Ogunleye, who passed on Monday.

Bello, who was accompanied by some members of the FCT Executive Committee (FCT-EXCO) on a condolence visit to the Ogunleyes, noted that death is a necessary end and a path every mortal

must follow.

According to a statement from Director, Information & Communication, FCT, Muhammad Hazat Sule, the Minister advised the family, especially Director of Press, to be strong and take solace in the fact that his father lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation.

The Minister described the late Ogunleye as a man of honour, whose footprint could be felt in the behaviour and conduct of his son.

He said the entire FCT Administration received the sad news of the death of the

CPS father as a rude shock, saying that his counsel was still needed to guide his son and indeed, the entire family.

The Minister prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

Responding on behalf of the family, Mr. Anthony Ogunleye thanked the Minister for the visit and expressed the appreciation of the family to the entire FCT Administration, especially the EXCO for the prompt condolence visit.

He noted that the Minister’s

condolence will forever be cherished by the family.

He described his late father as an outstanding Teacher and Educationist, who worked diligently and retired from the Service as a Deputy Director, Education.

According to him, Pa. Ogunleye while in service worked in several places across the country including Kaduna, Jos, and Maiduguri among others.

Before his death, the deceased was a pillar of his community. The late Ogunleye died at the age of age Ninety (90).

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Andrew David Adejoh (4th right), Director Education Support Services, Mrs Lydia Giginna (3rd right) Director Human resources mgt, Mr David Gende (2nd right) , Director Press and Public Relations, Mr Ben-Bem Goong (left) with other Directors and other stakeholders,after the world press conference on the 2023 common wealth day celebration, held yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

China, Nigeria ties greatly enhanced by women contributions – Liang Huili

By Ochiaka Ugwu

The wife of the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria,

Madam Liang Huili said the big achievements recorded in China-Nigeria bilateral relations recently could not be made without the full participation of women from both nations.

Madam Liang who made this known Tuesday in Abuja during briefing on Development of Women Cause in China in commemoration of 3-8 International Women’s Day noted in her view, especially in media sector that Nigeria or China, women have played a more and more important role, to some extent, even bigger than the men saying she was proud of all of them.

She expressed her desire to see that the Chinese Embassy in recent years also paid a lot of efforts to improve the wellbeing of women, girls and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria by providing support to civil organizations or foundations.

Liang while noting that it was a good thing, to which they would increase, stated that over the past 40 years, the capabilities of Chinese women in contributing to economic and social development have

been significantly enhanced, which has been demonstrated in Politics, economy, science and technology, education, culture and health.

Continuing, she said that Harmonysymphony Initiative was forming up a new framework for bilateral exchanges of women from the two nations.

Her word, “After more than one year’s living in Nigeria, I have a strong feeling that harmony is indeed a common value pursued and cherished by both societies in Nigeria and China, which performs a natural bond for the furtherance of our bilateral cooperation.

“Last year, with a joint work, my husband, the Chinese Ambassador, put forward the Initiative of Sharing Chinese Harmony and Performing Nigeria-China Symphony. It is my view that, this Initiative, which is rooted from social characteristics of the both societies in Nigeria and China, will give a strong boost to the cultural and people-to-people communications, as well as to the exchanges of women from the two countries.

“Recently, Nigeria has finished its presidential election, with a new Presidentelect emerging. At the same time, China this

week is entering into the time of the “two Sessions, with an expectation that a new central government to be elected.

“Nigeria and China are about to turning into a new page of national development.

With a deeper Participation of women from both countries, our bilateral cooperation would definitely make more achievements and bring more benefits to the two peoples” she said.

Ukraine launches investigation into unarmed soldier killing

Ukraine has launched an investigation to find Russian soldiers who apparently killed an unarmed Ukrainian prisoner of war, after graphic footage emerged.

“We will find the murderers,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said late on Monday.

In the video, the Ukrainian soldier is seen smoking a cigarette in a trench. He says “Glory to Ukraine!” before being shot with automatic weapons.

One military unit has named the soldier as one of its own, but there are conflicting reports about his identity.

In the footage, one of the shootersbelieved to be a Russian soldier - is heard saying “die” and using an expletive after the prisoner of war (POW) is shot dead.

The alleged killer or killers - who are not seen in the clip - have not been identified.

The video first emerged on social media on Monday. The BBC has not verified where and when the footage was made, or how the

soldier was captured.

The general staff of Ukraine’s armed forces said: “The shooting of an unarmed prisoner is a cynical and brazen disregard for the norms of international humanitarian law and the customs of war. This is what worthless murderers do, not warriors.

“The Russian occupiers have once again shown that their main goal in Ukraine is the brutal extermination of Ukrainians.”

Russia has not publicly commented on the incident.

In his video address, President Zelensky said “the occupiers” killed “a warrior who bravely said to their faces: ‘Glory to Ukraine!’”

“I want us all to respond to his words together, in unity: ‘Glory to the Hero! Glory to the Heroes! Glory to Ukraine!’”

Mr Zelensky was referring to a battle cry in Ukraine’s military that has become popular among millions of Ukrainians.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted that the footage was

“another proof this war is genocidal”, and he called for an “immediate investigation” by the International Criminal Court.

And Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said a criminal investigation had already been opened.

On Tuesday, Ukraine’s military named the soldier as Tymofiy Shadura, citing preliminary information.

His unit, the 30th Separate Mechanised Brigade, said he was last seen on 3 February near the eastern city of Bakhmut - the scene of fierce fighting in recent months.

But it added that the identification could only be completed after the body was returned.

Before the soldier was named, Mr Shadura’s sister, Olia, said she recognised her brother: “[He] would certainly be capable of standing up to the Russians like that,” she told the BBC.

However, there is some doubt over the identity of the soldier, with one well-

known Ukrainian journalist naming him as somebody else.

Mr Shadura’s sister later told the BBC that she was not collecting money on behalf of relatives due to the conflicting reports on the unarmed soldier’s identity.

“I recognise my brother in that video. But if that’s not him, then I feel for his relatives, and in that case can someone help me to find my brother?”

Kyiv and its Western allies have accused Russian troops of committing mass war crimes since President Vladimir Putin launched a full scale-invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Russia denies the allegations.

Ukraine has previously accused Russian troops of torturing, raping and killing Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Last July, a video emerged that showed a captured Ukrainian soldier being castrated in the Russian-occupied Donbas region in eastern Ukraine.

Two dead, two alive after Americans kidnapped in Mexico

Two of the four Americans kidnapped at gunpoint in Mexico last week are dead and two are still alive, a Mexican state governor has said.

Four US citizens were kidnapped by armed men on 3 March while driving into the city of Matamoros in the north-eastern state of Tamaulipas, Mexico across the border from Texas.

They had travelled there for cosmetic surgery, relatives told US media.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby appeared to confirm the deaths on Tuesday.

“We offer our deepest condolences to the friends and families of those who were killed in these attacks,” he said, adding that all attacks on US citizens were “unacceptable, no matter

where or under what circumstances they occur”.

The governor of Tamaulipas, Américo Villarreal Anaya, said during a news conference that Mexico’s Attorney General’s office had confirmed the two deaths.

A Mexican official told Reuters that two men had been found dead, while another man and a woman were safe and in the hands of authorities.

Mr Villarreal said “ambulances and security personnel” were on their way to offer medical support to the survivors.

The Americans were found as a result of joint search operations, the Tamaulipas State Attorney General said in a statement, though it did not share details on how the US citizens were located.

“We are very sorry that this happened in

our country and we send our condolences to the families of the victims, friends, and the United States government, and we will continue doing our work to guarantee peace and tranquillity,”

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said.

The BBC’s US media partner CBS News reported the Americans were Latavia “Tay” McGee, Shaeed Woodard, Eric James Williams and Zindell Brown.

The four were driving through Matamoros - a city of 500,000 located directly across the border from the Texas town of Brownsville - in a white minivan with North Carolina licence plates when unidentified gunmen opened fire, the FBI said this week.

Video shows them being loaded into a pickup

truck by heavily armed men. One is manhandled onto the vehicle while others appear to be unconscious and are dragged to the truck.

A Mexican woman, believed to be a bystander, was killed in last Friday’s incident.

Andrés Manuel López Obrador described the incident as a “confrontation between armed groups”.

According to an unnamed US official cited by CNN, investigators think a Mexican drug cartel probably mistook the Americans for Haitian drug smugglers.

Ms McGee was said to be travelling to the Mexican border town to have a tummy tuck, a cosmetic surgery procedure to remove abdominal fat.

Source; BBC

Wife of Chinese Envoy to Nigeria, Madam Liang Huili during event

The Cameroonian migrants stranded on an island they had not heard of

How did more than 600 Cameroonians come to find themselves stranded on a Caribbean island that many of them had never heard of? Journalist Gemma Handy reports from St John’s in Antigua.

Daniel fights to hold back the tears as he recounts the day his two younger brothers were shot dead by militia during a trip to the market in his native Cameroon.

They are among more than 6,000 people to have been killed amid a bitter secessionist war that has been raging for six years in the Central African country.

Hundreds of thousands more have been forced from their homes since violence broke out in 2017 between security forces and Anglophone separatists who say they face discrimination in the majority Frenchspeaking nation.

Read more on the Cameroon conflict: How student rejects and bad spelling started a war

Daniel’s despair intensifies as he explains how he faces life imprisonment or death should he return - and pleads with the authorities not to send him home.

Thousands of Cameroonians have been forced from their homes by the violence

He was hoping to reach the United States, which last June offered temporary protected status to Cameroonians already in the country, and where he had planned to flee under the radar.

And neither is Daniel, whose name has been changed to protect his identity, alone.

He is one of more than 600 desperate Cameroonian migrants to have instead found himself stranded on a tiny island of 94,000 people in the Eastern Caribbean via what appears to have been an unscrupulous people-smuggling operation.

Some forked out as much as $6,000 (£5,000) on charter flights marketed on social media by bogus tour companies pledging to organise immigration logistics as part of the package.

Most of those who have unwittingly ended up in Antigua - an island some of them said they had never heard of before - say they had only expected to stay for a few days before being taken to South America, from where they had planned to make their way north to the US.

But when the transport failed to materialise, they were stuck in Antigua with no money left to fund their onward journey.

Some of the migrants looked lost after their charter flight had dropped them off in Antigua

The fiasco erupted in the wake of attempts by the government of Antigua and Barbuda to establish a direct air route between the twin isle nation and Central Africa.

Three centuries after Antiguans’ ancestors were first forced onto slave ships from Africa to work on brutal British-owned sugar plantations on the

island, many welcomed new linkages with the motherland. The first charter flight touched down - fittingly - on Independence Day on 1 November with a water cannon salute.

Within weeks, however, at least three more charters operated by another carrier mirroring its operations arrived in the country bearing throngs of Cameroonians escaping persecution.

According to official figures, 637 Central Africans remain on the island, with depleted finances due to the hefty fees forked out for the December and January flights.

Many are staying in ramshackle homes with sparse utilities at very low rents or cheap guesthouses, while they try to scrabble together funds to continue their journey.

Many have tried to find cheaper accommodation in small villages like this one

It has created a complicated situation for Antigua and Barbuda which is more used to welcoming tourists than refugees. What most residents are united on is sympathy; to what extent the situation should impact the local landscape with its limited resources less so.

“The government needs to resolve this matter both for the poor people of Cameroon and for the poor people of Antigua,” aviation entrepreneur Makeda Mikael tells the BBC. “Opening up the mid-Atlantic as a migrant route could ruin tourism in the Caribbean.”

The government previously declared its intention to repatriate the refugees. It has

since announced a U-turn on humanitarian grounds.

Information Minister Melford Nicholas said a skills audit will be carried out on the migrants to “determine the benefits” of allowing them to stay.

“As the economy continues to expand, we’re going to need additional skills,” he told a press conference. “We will give them accommodation and find a way to give them legal status here.”

He added that the government hoped islanders would “embrace and have an open heart” to the Africans.

Some have done just that, assisting what they see as their ancestral brethren with food, money and a place to stay.

But the government’s stance has not been welcomed by all. Opposition politicians staged a demonstration on 7 February demanding an inquiry into how the situation arose and a consultation on what should happen next.

In the meantime, incoming charter flights from Central Africa have been suspended. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams recently reiterated the government’s pledge to help their African “brothers and sisters”.

He said the country was “committed to protecting all residents from exploitation and harsh treatment”, adding that “no foreign national, except for criminals, should fear deportation”.

Antigua and Barbuda is not the only Caribbean country affected by an influx of Cameroonian migrants.

A few hundred miles away in Trinidad, five Cameroonians awaiting repatriation were granted an 11th-hour court injunction

on 16 February preventing the move after intervention by the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR.

Precisely how they reached Trinidad remains unclear but they shared similar stories of arbitrary arrests, torture and death threats in their homeland.

What started as peaceful protests in October 2016 by professionals protesting about discrimination against Englishspeaking Cameroonians escalated into a bloody conflict when government military forces cracked down.

There are now several armed separatist groups across Cameroon’s two Anglophone regions burning down entire villages and targeting any institution that represents the state, including schools and hospitals, Amnesty International researcher Fabien Offner says.

“It’s definitely one of the worst human rights situations we are covering in the African continent,” Mr Offner tells the BBC.

“Everyone is running for their lives,” Daniel concurs. “Those who are very poor don’t know where to go, they don’t have money to fly away. If some of these children can run to Antigua they should let them.”

Edith Oladele is an Antiguan who used to live in Cameroon.

“Cameroonians are generally a very peace-loving people. They’re just trying to make a better life for their children and families,” she says.

“When we go over there we are welcomed with open arms as the descendants of slaves who’ve come back home. I am praying these people will be able to stay here.”

Source: BBC

Hundreds of Cameroonians have arrived in Antigua

Afghanistan: Hopes fade as universities reopen without women

Afghan universities have begun reopening after a winter break, but the new term is another painful reminder to young women of how their world is shrinking.

The higher education ministry announced late last year that female students would be barred from returning to class, reversing policies that had allowed them to continue their studies after the Taliban government took power in Kabul in 2021.

“Now I’m a No-one,” said a fourth-year computer science student.

“My plan was to finish university, do my masters, and then my PHD. I wanted to work and serve my nation, my people, my country. I can’t do that now.”

Just months earlier, she and her friends had been talking about how to prepare for graduation.

Now several young women who spoke with the BBC said they cried as they shared memories of happy hopeful times and watched their brothers and cousins resume studies without them.

Atefa, the only one willing to let her first name be used for the article, is a 19-year-old computer science student in Herat who didn’t even have a chance to form those memories.

She had just passed the university entrance exam and planned to become a website developer, but “all that has been wasted”, she said.

“My friends and I put a lot of pressure on ourselves to pass the exam [but] my dream couldn’t come true… it has come to an end.”

The December 2022 ban on women attending university triggered protests

There have been a lot of endings for Afghan women as the Taliban steadily rolls back their

rights and freedoms, squeezing them out of public space.

Girls had already been excluded from secondary schools last year before the government applied the same ban to university students.

Several Taliban officials say it’s temporary. They’ve presented various explanations for it, from alleged violations of a strict dress code, to a lack of funds, to the need to remodel the syllabus along Islamic lines.

But there is evidence of disagreement within the ranks, with the clerics advising Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada strongly opposed to education and work for women.

The reality is that most universities had already introduced measures to separate men and women.

“If they are telling us to wear a hijab, we are happy to do that,” said a second-year theatre student at Kabul University. “If we need to have a segregated class, we are happy for that to happen, but just let us learn.”

The ban has been traumatic for male students as well.

Returning to class felt like a funeral, said one in the east of the country.

“The feeling was as though someone had died in our university,” he said. “Everyone was really upset. I know the reason… but I was scared to speak up because I thought that the Taliban government would arrest me.”

“You can’t build our country with only men,” said another young man in Parwan province. “We need women to work with us shoulder to shoulder.”

He told the BBC that even though it’s women who’ve been banned, “we feel there are restrictions on us as well.”

Protests have been muted. The Taliban broke up a small demonstration outside the United Nations office on Tuesday. Social media also showed a handful of female students apparently sitting on the street outside Kabul University reading their books.

Some put out a joint statement calling on male students to boycott classes until universities open for all. But so far that hasn’t happened.

A second-year language major said a boycott would be a waste of time because nothing would change.

But he challenged the Taliban to “show me a single quote in the Quran that girls should not be educated”.

“If I’m right and there isn’t any

such passage, then girls should be allowed to go to schools and universities,” he said. “We need … female employees because men can’t do those jobs alone.”

The Taliban’s treatment of women and girls has outraged the international community, increasing Afghanistan’s isolation at a time when its economy is collapsing. A UN report released this week said the restrictions could amount to crimes against humanity.

In an interview with the BBC Pashto language service, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi acknowledged there were “some shortcomings” when it came to employment and education for women.

But “it is not like everything completely shut,” he said, noting that tens of thousands of women were still working in government ministries.

“We hope the problems will be solved gradually,” he added without elaborating. “The world should have patience for this.”

Some female students are clinging to a rumour that the education ban may be lifted on 23 March. That’s the formal start to the academic year - the universities have opened early so students could make up lessons they missed last year.

But that is a desperate hope borne out of a profound sense of loss and despair.

“Let us complete our

Up to 30,000 Russian casualties claimed in Bakhmut

Between 20,000 and 30,000

Russian troops have been killed and wounded in the battle for the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut since it began last summer, Western officials say.

The epic nature of the battle is out of all proportion to Bakhmut’s strategic significance, they add.

But after more than six months of grinding, horrific fighting, the future of Bakhmut still hangs in the balance.

Since the fighting began, some 90% of its pre-invasion population has fled.

This small administrative city in the Donbas is a wasteland of shattered buildings and trees.

Even if it falls to Russiasomething that could still take time and is not guaranteedMoscow will, Western officials say, have gained little and lost

much.

For Ukraine, one official said, the battle for Bakhmut has been “a unique opportunity to kill a lot of Russians”.

Ukraine’s military has also paid a heavy price, although Western officials reject figures cited on Tuesday by Russia’s defence minister.

In a statement to a defence meeting, posted on Telegram, Sergei Shoigu said Ukraine had lost 11,000 troops in February alone.

“The Kyiv regime’s indifference towards its own people is astonishing,” Mr Shoigu claimed, perhaps deliberately flipping Ukraine’s criticism of Moscow’s own human-wave tactics on its head.

Western officials say they “don’t recognise” Mr Shoigu’s

figures.

By contrast, they believe the Wagner mercenary group, which has led Russia’s attempt to capture Bakhmut, is running short of manpower and equipment.

In the latest in a series of broadsides against the Russian military, Wagner’s boss Yevgeny Prigozhin accused the Russian military of failing to supply the ammunition Wagner needs to take the city.

This, Prigozhin argued, was the result of “ordinary bureaucracy or a betrayal”.

Whatever happens to Bakhmut - one official said he thought the Russian effort was “stalling” - there’s a clear hope among Ukraine’s allies that the battle has wrecked Moscow’s chances of making any further

meaningful headway in the near future.

One Western official dismissed the battle for Bakhmut as “quite a small tactical event” which held no strategic significance “for either side”.

In his remarks posted on Telegram, Sergei Shoigu said the “liberation of Artyomovsk [the Russian name for Bakhmut] continues,” and he suggested that it would represent a breakthrough.

“The city is an important defensive hub for Ukrainian forces in the Donbas,” he said. “Taking control of it will allow… further offensive actions into the Ukrainian military’s defensive lines.”

But Western officials said there was currently no sign of any wider Russian offensive.

The general in charge of Moscow’s war effort, Valery Gerasimov, they said, was “under pressure”.

“It’s hard to see how he’s going… to regain the initiative,” This isn’t the first time Kyiv’s Western backers have suggested that Moscow’s campaign has come unstuck. Similar claims were made following Ukraine’s lightning counter-offensives last autumn.

But Russia’s territorial gains over the winter have been extremely modest.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has been receiving fresh batches of Western military equipment, including tanks and other armoured vehicles, and laying plans for its own offensive, which could come as early as May.

Source: BBC

Male students returned to class in Herat and other universities this week

‘There are risks involved in property acquisition’

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

An Estate Surveyor and Valuer ESV Tochukwu

Emmanuel Agu said there are risk factors involved in acquiring property in Nigeria

He said risk associated with property acquisition are many.

He said some are foreseable and some cannot be foreseen.

The Estate Surveyor made this known to Peoples Daily during a chat in Abuja.

According to ESV. Agu, “Property is a thing or things that someone owns like, piece of land, building or both together, vehicle and knowledge otherwise known or referred to as intellectual property.

“It has quality, power that belongs naturally to something”.

He said there are several ways of acquiring landed property, we are going to focus on land and building He emphasized that the most common way to acquire property is by direct purchase from the previous owner, other ways are through auction sale, mortgage, sale by treaty private and public and compulsory acquisition among others .

ESV. Agu further explained

that acquisition of landed property direct purchase could be from the land or building owner.

“This is purchased directly from the owner of the property”.

He said there are steps to following when purchasing such property from the owner .

“Ascertaining the title document which includes: Occupancy, Right of Occupancy, Customary Right of occupancy, Land Title Certificate, Land Agreement”.

Others are, the survey plan attached to the title document is important in assisting you to identify the actual location of the land where same is not within a developed area.

Where there is a land agreement, you must examine what we call “recital”.

“This deals with historical analogy or background of the title holder and consequently confer some authenticity of whosoever claim to be the owner”,he said .

Speaking on auction sales,He said this type of sales are mostly concerned buildings.

He said one of the major things that must be looked in an auction is the method of

instruction.

“If it is a liquidated property, then one must exercise caution and price it low in case there is litigation”.

Similarly,he said mortgage properties are mortgaged for loans as securities could be acquired after foreclosure of the mortgage.

He stated that, in having a mortgaged property, “There are documents one would look for here are such as, deed of Mortgage empowering the Bank or Institution to take over and sell the building, registration of such deed and to examine whether its seller ought to obtain court order or nor before selling, If he ought to, the court order must be obtained”.

Others includes,Whether there was a consent to the transaction by the appropriate authority. You can also find out if there was any valuation exercise done shortly before the sale.

“You request whether the current seller now has all it takes to do perfection of title i.e. to change the name of the former owner to new owner. It is believed that a surveyor

should strive to find out all these information.”

Similarly, “if the property is occupied, you need to find out the terms of occupation that’s whether they are monthly tenant or yearly tenant and outstanding rent, if any”.

He also explained, compulsory acquisition saying that, the democratic republic nature of governance which we operate in Nigeria allows for compulsory acquisition of a person’s property or extinguishments of his or her right to property.

“Compulsory acquisition can only be done by government and there are laid down procedures the procedure is that after identifying the areas to be acquired, such must be published in Gazzette and the Air to enable those who have interest in such areas to be aware.

“Then enumeration of the area to determine the quantum of compensation to be paid and prompt and adequate payment thereafter”, he said .

Giving more insight on the risks involved in property acquisition,he explained that where you’re given a

property to sell or you want to purchase property on behalf of your client.

“The following is very key to check confirmation of the house to be sold to correspond with the description, visit the site and location.

Ask for copies of tittle Deed or Certificate and history of the ownership of the property. Conduct search at Land Registry.

“Where the house being sold belongs to a limited liability company conduct search at CAC to determine the quantum of debt if any.

If you’re satisfied with the above, you can now go into negotiation as to the price and modality of payment”.

According to him, payment is done, take the following steps.

“Ask for sighting the originals of the document, inclusive of the document, inclusive of building approved plan.

Discuss how to take over possession n case some occupants are in the premises.

By doing the above or going through the procedures, you would have taken enough caution”, ESV Agu stated .

Shackleton’s Endurance: The book that records all disasters at sea

It’s a hefty, leather-bound tome that records the sunken and the missing.

You can see it on the famous underwriting floor of Lloyd’s of London, the insurance market. They call it the Casualty Book.

I’m here in the spectacular Richard Rogers-designed building to track down information on one wreck in particular - that of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance. This week marks a year since its discovery in the Antarctic.

Every few days, after a maritime incident, a “waiter” - one of the market’s uniformed clerkswill approach the lectern on which the Casualty Book stands to make an addition.

Today, this job falls to Zsofia Korodi. With dipping pen and ink, she’s entering the details of a recently lost cargo ship.

It demands an ornate script that has hardly changed in 250 years.

I’m hoping I can find a reference somewhere to Shackleton’s doomed vessel.

The story of the Endurance has captivated the world for decades.

It was taken in 1914 by the British/Irish explorer to the Antarctic, where it became trapped and punctured by ice.

As it dropped 3,000m to the floor of the Weddell Sea, Shackleton and his crew made what still seems an impossible escape to safety.

Almost as extraordinary was the polar yacht’s discovery on the ocean bed this time last year. It had been regarded as perhaps the single most difficult wreck to find anywhere on the globe.

Endurance was insured by Lloyd’s for £15,000, on a premium of £665. Indeed, it was the very first vessel to enter Antarctica’s “ice zone” to carry a policy from the London market.

So, where is the record of its loss?

All the old Casualty Books - one for each year - are archived in the capital’s Guildhall Library, but if you ask to see the one from 1915 (Endurance sank on 21 November, 1915) you won’t find the entry.

You actually have to pull out the 1916 volume and go to June of that year to find the record.

The discrepancy is the result of the time delay in getting news of the sinking back to the UK.

It took months for Shackleton to reach a place where he could raise the alarm and telegraph London.

There’s a reference to the Daily Chronicle newspaper, which had the exclusive reporting rights on Shackleton’s adventures and which the Lloyd’s waiter at the time must have used as the source.

What’s fascinating is that the entry contains a number of errors.

“When you look at the record, they get the date wrong for the sinking, and they have to scribble it out; and then they put in another date, and that’s wrong too,” chuckles Dr John Shears, who led last year’s Endurance22 expedition that finally identified the location of the wreck.

Those errors are probably the result of some misinterpretations of telegrams and even mistakes by Shackleton himself as he communicated with the Chronicle.

The matter of insurance is very significant because it affects who might be the owner of the wreck to this day and what might happen to it in the future.

When underwriters determine a total loss, they can take ownership of a vessel, even if it’s at the bottom of the ocean. Almost invariably, they refuse; certainly in modern times. No-one wants to be responsible for a wreck that could later cause pollution.

“I’ve seen it done so theatrically,” said Stephen Harris who’s worked in and around Lloyd’s for almost 50 years.

“The broker will go up to the underwriter to offer them the ship, which by law they must do, and the underwriter will make sure he’s grandstanding, and in a loud voice will announce ‘I decline abandonment’ so everyone hears. In that case, even though the ship owners got the full insurance value, they retain ownership.”

The renowned shipwreck hunter David Mearns, who has researched the history of Endurance, has established this was the case with Shackleton’s vessel, too.

This means ownership in 2023 rests with the explorer’s descendants - his granddaughter Alexandra (Zaz) and grandson Nicholas.

And they are very determined that - as owners - the wreck should not be disturbed.

“Nobody’s going to rummage in her,” Alexandra told BBC News. “I’m very happy for photographs to be taken, but no rummaging, no touching. Just leave her as she is.”

Endurance already has some protection under the Antarctic Treaty. The fallen timbers have been declared a Historic Site and Monument.

But further measures are being

pursued under the leadership of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT).

The spectre here is the Titanic, which has essentially become a tourist destination. Thousand of items from the doomed cruise liner have been brought to the surface.

The UKAHT hopes to get the agreement of Antarctic Treaty signatories to impose

strict protocols to prevent anything similar happening with Endurance.

“The starting point for any decisions about control has to reflect the situation that the wreck is owned by somebody,” said David Mearns. “It’s not that Zaz is necessarily opposed to what might be decided but she has to have a seat at the table.”

Source: BBC

When underwriters determine a total loss, they can take ownership of a vessel, even if it’s at the bottom of the ocean. Almost invariably, they refuse; certainly in modern times. No-one wants to be responsible for a wreck that could later cause pollution. “I’ve seen it done so theatrically,” said Stephen Harris who’s worked in and around Lloyd’s for almost 50 years.

The date for the sinking of Endurance was entered incorrectly - twice

The act of recording ship losses in a book at Lloyds has been going on since 1774

The Lloyds clerks, or waiters, still use dipping pen and ink to make the entries

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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, 12-25, 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.

Team Hasso celebrating their victory on Sunday

S P R T

Nasarawa United midfielder Osanga targets Better second NPLF stanza

With the second phase of the 2022/23 Nigeria

Premier Football League Season set to commence, Nasarawa United’s winger, King Osanga, has assured that they would turn around the fortune of the Club.

Osanga(MON) who featured in five out of the nine games for the Solid Miners in the first stanza of the league and scoring two goals, stated this to the Club’s Media on Monday in Lafia.

“We are battle ready for the second half of the league, even though our start to the season

wasn’t good enough.

“We are bringing our heads together for the survival of the team. Hopefully, we are up and ready for the second stanza.

“We work as a collective team. No tree can form a forest. I will always do my best by bringing my wealth of experience to take the team out of the position we ended in the first stanza.

“We don’t deserve to be where we are in the league. You know the history of the Club, but we can finish among the best at the end of the season.

“We will approach each game

as it comes, and this begins from our next game away to Remo Stars whom we beat 2-0 in our last home game before the league went on a break.

“Regarding boosting the team with some new legs, I think it’s a welcome development and we hope that whoever is brought into the team would add to the progress of the team.”

The Nigerian junior international won the FIFA U-17 World Cup for Nigeria in 2007 in South Korea and also adorned Nigeria’s colours at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt

in 2009.

Nasarawa United started the 2022/23 league campaign on a rather sour note, suffering six defeats, winning only two and drawing one game in the abridged Group ‘A’ fixtures, sitting at the 9th position, with seven points.”

But the Coach Bala Nikyuled team is doing everything possible for better performance upon resumption, with their first match away to Remo Stars whom they had beaten 2-0 in the first leg in Jos on 20th February, 2023.

World Cup ticket

By Amaechi Agbo

Coach Isah Ladan Bosso

believes he has the men to push Uganda’s Hippos off the way in their Africa U20 Cup of Nations quarter-final duel on Thursday and reach the FIFA U20 World Cup finals scheduled for Indonesia, 20th May – 11th June.

Both teams clash at the 22,000 -capacity Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia as from 7pm Egypt time (6pm Nigeria time) on Thursday, and the Flying Eagles’ tactician says that while he does not underrate the Hippos, he trusts his charges to make Nigeria proud and reach the tournament’s last four.

“Before we left our training camp in Morocco, the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau told us clearly that the first objective should be getting a ticket to the FIFA World Cup. We are at that most important stage now and we cannot afford to falter.

“We are aware that Nigerians are looking up to us to deliver. While our mission remains bagging the World Cup ticket, we are also eyeing the trophy, which is still a number of matches away.

For the moment, we have Uganda in our view and we are working hard to see that we control proceedings on Thursday.”

Two-time silver medallists and one-time bronze medallists Nigeria are seeking to make another appearance at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals. They finished in third place when the tournament was staged in then USSR in 1985, beating the host nation on penalty shoot-out in the bronze medal match. Four years later, in Saudi Arabia, the

Chelsea defender Thiago Silver out for 6 Weeks

By Amaechi Agbo

Chelsea’s woeful performance in the Premier League may be far from over as their reliable defender and deputy captain, Thiago Silva has been ruled out for six weeks

Silver suffered knee ligament damage during Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at rivals Tottenham.

The 38-year-old Brazil captain had a scan on Monday and the club have not said how long he is likely to be out.

“Having sustained a knee injury during the first half of Sunday’s match against Tottenham Hotspur, Thiago underwent further assessment and a scan on his return to the training centre on Monday.

“Scan results from those assessments have confirmed damage to Thiago’s knee ligaments and he will now work closely with the club’s medical department during his rehabilitation to return to action as soon as possible,” Chelsea said in statement

It is however beloved that the defender would be out for 5 to 6 weeks

Silva will miss next week’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Dortmund, which Chelsea trail 1-0.

The Champions League is the Blues’ last chance of silverware this season.

Flying Eagles lost 0-2 to Portugal in a classic Final in Riyadh. And in 2005, Lionel Messi and Argentina were 2-1 winners in the Final match in The Netherlands.

The Hippos of Uganda finished top of their Group B which also included Congo, South Sudan and the Central African Republic. They defeated Central African Republic 2-1, and drew 2-2 and 0-0 with Congo and South Sudan respectively. It took a drawing of lots by the Confederation of African Football to separate Uganda and Congo and determine the winner of Group B, as both teams finished with the same statistics.

Meanwhile, the Flying Eagles will be without the services of team captain Daniel Bameyi due

to accumulation of two yellow cards. The defender was cautioned twice in the group games against Senegal and Mozambique.

In the other quarter-final games, nine-pointer The Gambia will take on fresh birds South Sudan, who shocked Central African Republic 1-0 and drew 0-0 with Uganda to finish in third place in Group B with four points. Their only defeat was a 1-2 reverse against Congo. The match will hold at the Haras El-Hedood Stadium in Alexandria on Friday.

On Thursday, before the Flying Eagles take on Uganda in Ismailia, Group A winners Senegal will tango with Benin Republic at the Cairo International Stadium. The Young Cheetahs finished in third place in Group C with

only two points having drawn with Zambia and Tunisia, but unlucky to concede an own goal two minutes to the end of their encounter with group winners The Gambia on Monday.

The last quarter-final duel is between Congo and Tunisia, at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday evening. The North Africans pulled their weight to defeat Zambia 2-1 on Monday, after having lost 0-1 to The Gambia and drawing 0-0 with Benin Republic earlier in Group C.

All four winners will advance to the semi-finals of the competition, but more importantly, qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Indonesia.

He will also be absent as Graham Potter’s struggling side look to improve their dismal league form, including Saturday’s home Premier League game against Leeds United Chelsea are 14 points from the top four and have only won twice in their past 15 games in all competitions.

Silva signed a one-year contract extension this month, which will keep him at Chelsea until summer 2024. He will also be absent as Graham Potter’s struggling side look to improve their dismal league form, including Saturday’s home Premier League game against Leeds United Chelsea are 14 points from the top four and have only won twice in their past 15 games in all competitions.

U-20 AFCON: Bosso confident his charges will neutralize Uganda for

The Flying Eagles before departing Cairo for Ismailia on Friday last week.

Hitting the ground running: Priorities for Tinubu presidency

Cont. from page 32

that we have a common problem and be ready to work together to solve our numerous problems

The process of solving a problem begins with the acceptance of the existence of the problem. Nigeria does have a number of problems; the social media is littered already with them; everyone is busy listing and counting the problems and even cursing with regard to the burden of these problems. We run the streets with anger at a myriad of problematic issues; we rarely remember that the problem would remain eternally with us unless we begin to proffer solutions to them.

So, where do we begin from? Our problems are many, multifaceted but it is also true that there is no problem without solution. An anonymous writer rightly said “when you find no solution to a problem, it’s probably not a problem to be solved, rather a truth to be accepted.”

I will begin with a take on agriculture and Nigeria’s failure over the years to come out better and great as a consequence of the total neglect of that very sensitive sector of the economy. We must all begin from the point of the realisation that every developed nation did not become developed until they first attained agricultural development, that is, as a functionality mature sector. Agricultural development comes first with food sufficiency which is the primary need of individuals and nations but it doesn’t end there; with food sufficiency comes excess that become raw materials for industries. When a nation maximally develops its agricultural sector, processing industries naturally spring up to process farm produce into finished product; jobs are created; crimes are minimal and people generally complain less.

Going into independence, the major contributors to Nigeria GDP and individual incomes; the major employer of labour; the major source of raw materials to several industries was agriculture. All the regions were self-sufficient with incomes generated from agricultural production and

practices. The West, for instance, was the great cocoa producing region; the produce turned out in tons and the mighty Cocoa House in Ibadan completes the story. Hundreds of thousands of Westerners were doing really well. Today, we ask, what happens to Nigeria’s cocoa production? Where are the acres of cocoa plantations all over the Southwest? What becomes of the value chain of opportunities along the cocoa business? The jobs created and the prospect of the cocoa processing industry in Nigeria. Sadly, they are gone, down the drain.

The famous groundnut pyramid of yore in the North has become only a theoretical subject in Nigeria. Once, we pride ourselves as the largest producer of palm oil in the world but who are we now with regard to these produce? The Southern Nigeria that used to be the beacon of palm oil production does not remember how to plant and process palm oil any longer. The attention of everyone including the government has been off the sector; agricultural extension officers that were a common sight in all our villages do not exist any longer. We have lost so much abandoning the sector. Today we grapple with the burden of unemployment when a flourishing agricultural sector alone can employ over 40 percent of our population along all its value chain.

Nigeria, a country of over 200 million people and blessed with good arable soil that supports almost all tropical crops has suddenly become a zero producing but 100% food and drinks importing nation. We ignore our capacity to be self-sufficient in food production and still cater for almost all nations in our subregion and have become products dumping ground for other nations.

The list is endless. We import rubber tyres to the tune of $309 million annually while our rubber producing capacity lay wasted; Nigeria, once a palm oil giant, now has a palm oil import bill to the tune of $199 million yearly. We import raw sugar to the tune of $406 million yearly; we even import wheat that we can plant in the North to the tune of

$1.09 billion yearly; needless to talk about fish, pork, beef and poultry importation. Between 1990 and 2011, record shows that we spent about N1.0 billion per day on imported food and drinks.

So, what is the way forward? What are the decisions that must be made? I think we must unanimously agree that we must at all cost attain sufficiency in basic food production, increase local processing of export crops, increase agricultural raw materials for industries, generate gainful employment through agriculture and grow to rationally utilise all our agricultural resources among others.

And how do we achieve these?

We must know and agree that we can produce almost all the food we eat because we possess the capacity. We must all become serious, beginning from the government at all levels; we must identify all the food items we import; we must give a time frame for total stoppage of their importation; we must encourage and mobilise farmers to the farm.

We must make effective usage of graduates of departments and institutes of agriculture. The NYSC scheme should be restructured to annex the knowledge of these fresh manpower. Massive NYSC farm settlements should be established across the country and all corps members with bias in agriculture should be sent to the farms to produce food for the nation. These corps members should be engaged on mutually benefiting agreements that naturally retain them in the scheme.

Finally, every graduate willing to go to the farm must be fully supported by the government; I suggest a partnership that guarantees land availability, resources, market, storage, conversion and processing facilities. It must be a unanimous decision that the incoming administration must return Nigeria to the path of gross agricultural production for local consumption and industrialisation.

How do we do these? There must be direct government investment in the sector across levels of administrations but majorly at the federal level. If

we want to get it right, a state of emergency ought to be declared in that very critical sector – agriculture. The multifaceted mandatory and mutually beneficial engagement would literally feed the nation, produce raw materials for many cottage industries, create jobs across many value chains, and reduce insecurity.

Another critical sector that must be attended to as a matter of emergency by the incoming administration is the nation’s education system. Our problem is not just about strikes; the sector needs total rehabilitation, from the curriculum, to the quality of teaching faculties, to financing, remuneration of teachers, lecturers and administrators. Our national education sector requires setting and religiously adhering to standards that comply with global education standards and turn out output that compete considerably on the global front. It is about time that we redesign the nation’s education system to turn out graduates who are on one hand employable, and on the other hand, able to stand on their own as entrepreneurs and inventors. We must critically look at the infrastructure that supports our schools, and the teaching structures; we must look at systemic corruption and malpractices that have taken over the national education system. We cannot have an effective and functional education system, where marks can be bought by whatever means. The incoming administration is already talking of a 25 percent budgetary allocation to education; we hope to see that becoming a reality, as it will be the much-needed intervention that the country needs and a response to the years-long hitherto cry from the sector. Addressing the fundamental challenges leading to recurrent strike actions and closing down of our institutions must be a priority, and of course, making true promises to establish a student loan administration system would be a catalyst to improved education efficiency in the country.

GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!

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.

PEOPLES DAILY

Hitting the ground running: Priorities for Tinubu presidency

Neymar ruled out for rest of season

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.”

The much awaited, heightened 2023 presidential election is over; the time for politicking is over. This is not to dismiss the usual election disputes that trail our elections since the birth of the Fourth Republic and thankfully, there are Constitutional and democratic processes and processing in place to address the peculiar matters. It is now time for Nigerians to get organised ahead for governance in the next political dispensation. It is time for all, individuals and groups, to begin to think of the way forward for Nigeria. It is the time to collectively contribute to the agendas that are desirable for the revamping of the Nigeria nation. It is time to set short and long term standards and goals that are achievable for our nation and our systems. In this piece, I hereby offer and project a number of policy priorities across critical sectors of the Nigeria system consecutively, until they are all covered. This is a clarion call and offer to all Nigerians, home and abroad, to review and enrich these priorities for the good of our commonwealth.

Nigeria is a nation that has no business struggling with real development and wealth of citizens. We are abundantly blessed across the board. Arable land that supports all season crops and ably capable of supporting food and cash crops to meet both local food requirement of the nation as well as substantial foreign exchange earner for the country. We are hugely blessed with water bodies across the country for all purposes that bring gains to the national economy and survival; the nation is blessed with natural resources of all kinds and of immense economic values. We are blessed with human resources; over 220 million citizens with varied capacities to contribute to national development and always readily available. Nigeria is so blessed that we have no reason

to be nowhere near where we are today as a nation.

We have virtually abused all the God’s blessings of the nation ; we have abused the resources at our disposal, limiting the capacities of our population to both develop individually and collectively as a nation. A great and blessed country that has over the decades become a dumping ground of many products from foreign nations across the globe; grossly depending on imported products, and an oil producing nation that has become permanently plagued with fuel scarcity and exorbitant price burden due to product inability; and we have apparently lost the capacity to employ the strength of our teeming youth population.

Consequently, unemployment, poverty, insecurity, corruption, infrastructural deficiency and sectoral depreciation have become the lot of the nation and its populace. This is not to talk of the social and cultural implications of the mismanagement of national resources; the emanating inequalities that have resulted in divisions across ethnic, tribal and regional lines, and the religion-bred divisions that has made it impossible for the many units within the country to congregate to any agreement.

How do we get here? Simply, we have been consecutively unblessed with unprepared leaders; those who become leaders without preparation for leadership, and many who forcefully become leaders for the power and fame that come with leadership of a nation, especially a significant one like Nigeria. We have had presidents and heads of

state that gambled with state administration and exited the stage without contributing substantially and meaningfully to the national system. Summarily, Nigeria’s problem has been leadership all through since independence. The time of gambling with leadership in the country is over for us; we cannot afford to rigmarole continuously about the same point of subeconomic, infrastructural and socio-cultural development.

Nigeria’s need at the moment is a functional leadership, a strong personality, ready and well prepared for leadership. Nigeria needs a figure with an illustrious antecedent in leadership and executive position over time; a man with recorded capacity to organise human resources for the administration of the abundant resources of the country. Nigeria needs a man who understands the intricacies of cultural, regional and religious differences among the Nigerian people and who is patriotic to the point of never taking sides; Nigeria needs a leader who understands the need for strategic infrastructural development across the country.

Personally, beyond the religious and tribal colouration of the 2023 presidential election, a factor that speaks more for the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is his antecedents in leadership position in and out of power. As a former governor of Lagos state, he has demonstrated the capacity to organise human resources beyond what we have seen elsewhere and from any other leader in Nigeria; he turned around the economic landscape of the state within a

short period of time, changing the IGR of the state by as much as 8500 percent from N600 million per year to N51 billion per year in a space of eight years. He surmounted pressure from the Atlantic Ocean, overpower the sea and converted a section of it to a livable city; that audacity to look challenges in the face, confront it and overpower it is one leadership character we voted for in Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and look forward to see him manifest the same in his coming presidency over the next few years in Nigeria. The expectations ahead are high; and the need to set desirable, broadly acceptable priorities and agenda for the incoming administration are sacrosanct. We want to see real changes in Nigerian governance; we want to see right and capable individuals occupying critical, sensitive positions across the board; we want to see appointments devoid of religious and tribal sentiments and colourations. Nigerians want to live the hopes they have had for decades; the hope of a Nigeria where economic prosperity, cultural prosperity, infrastructural prosperity and peace become real national manifestations.

And if Nigeria must return to the path of glory, we must altogether; I mean, all of us, across all boundaries must come together, agree together

Cont. on page 31

DAN GAYE

DAN GAYE

Don’t truncate electoral process, FG warns Obasanjo —News Old habits...!

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023