Monday, January 9th, 2023 Edition

NASENI gets supply orders from Uganda, Cameroun, Cote d’Ivoire -EVC Haruna

By Egena Sunday Ode

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) disclosed at the weekend that it has received procurement orders from three African countries to supply laboratory equipment their secondary schools as well as tertiary institutions.

The countries, according the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Professor Mohammad Haruna, are Uganda, Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire.

Haruna told newsmen on Friday shortly after a closeddoor meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja that he was at the seat of power to brief the President on developments in the agency.

Giving an insight of the revenue-generating efforts for the 2023 fiscal year, Haruna revealed that NASENI has been implementing various local

and international contracts to manufacture and supply laboratory equipment.

He also noted that the Agency received N44.56bn from the federal coffers. This is 20 per cent less than the N56bn earlier appropriated for the 2022 fiscal year.

“Between July and September 2022, NASENI received N35.61bn as first line charges. N28.77bn of that amount has been spent, leaving a balance of N6.84bn”, said the Executive Vice Chairman.

Haruna also explained that the funds went for the acquisition and domestication of technologies for the laboratory equipment for secondary and tertiary institution from Delorenzo, Italy. This includes training and local production of equipment.

According to him, the infrastructure agency utilised part of the appropriated funds for aircraft development

and some defense related equipment.

“Part of our collaboration with the defense sector and development of three out of the 12 new Institutes that the federal government has approved and the development of three out of 24 skill development centers that Mr. president has approved.

“And of course, completion and equipping NASENI technology complex that Mr. President has commissioned recently. And production of food processing equipment and provision of laboratory equipment, and of course, upgrading NASENI institutes across the nation. These are the major areas,” he continued.

Said he: “The Federal Government will complete payment of the 15 per cent counterpart funding of the China Great Wall Corporation by Q2 2023”, Prof. Haruna disclosed.

Fielding questions to

reporters, the NASENI boss revealed that three out of 24 skill development centres will be commissioned by March 2023.

“The ones that are near completion are the Agricultural Equipment and Machinery Development Institute in Mbutu, Aboh-Mbaise near Owerri in Imo state. This has been delayed by some security challenges.

“However, through the intervention of the state governor, work is taking place at the site 24 hours. God willing, in March, after the elections, the President will commission that.

“So also, the Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute in Lafia Nasarawa state. Work has reached advanced stage.

“That one also will be due for commissioning. There is skill developments centre in Gwantu, Kaduna state. That one will be ready for commissioning in March too”.

IBB jets out to Germany for medicals

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Babangida, has flown out of the country to Germany for his routine medical checkup.

The former Military President

departed from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, yesterday.

Sources said Babangida

reportedly left the country and he is expected to be back after the general elections slated for February and March respectively.

CEDDERT, MacArthur Foundation partner on Almajiri education

Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training (CEDDERT), Zaria and MacArthur Foundation are set to introduce a new phase of almajiri system of education in Nigeria by the end of 2023.

CEDDERT’s Director –General (D-G), Dr Abubakar Sadiquee, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja that the collaboration was to change the misconception on the system to tap more of its abundant benefits.

“It is also aimed at understanding what the problems are and proffer plausible solutions to the issue of almajiri education system,’’he said.

Sadiquee said that the centre and the foundation had designated some organisations that specialize in study of the Glorious Qur’an and Arabic in the Northern States to pilot the project.

“We have one in DutsinMa, Katsina state, Zaria, Kaduna state, Bayero

University, Kano and Yobe University, Damaturu,’’ he said.

He, however, said that the centres would provide training on other O’ level courses offered at formal Islamiyya primary and secondary schools apart from the conventional system of studies in Tsangaya schools.

“Some of the almajiri students are performing very well in the pilot project and many are already in Diploma and Degree programmes while some are currently doing Masters degrees in the universities.

“From our research, most almajiris were victims who were denied of basic amenities including access to formal education,’’ Sadiquee said.

He argued that the most almajiri students were not involved in criminal activities as some people assumed due to their religious teaching and disciplines.

“The more almajiris moved out from the frustration, the less the temptation.

“Many almajiris are living

on menial jobs like nail cutting, shoe shining, selling recharge cards or laundry, except few who beg for food to survive.

”Of course, this attitude is a circumstantial problem and conditioned to the reality of the nation’s economy,’’ he said.

The D-G further said as a part of the project, the centre had constructed boreholes for some almajiri schools in Nasarawa State while some computers would soon be donated to them.

Also commenting, Project Coordinator and a Director in the centre, Prof. Mustafa Gwadabe, listed some ways to achieve effective reform progromme for Tsangaya and almajiris educational system.

“Measures must be taken which include according top priority to the system, reorganisation and shoring up funding of the system by the Muslims communities.

‘Others are joint consultations between government and stakeholders on the workable

implementation strategy for the system,’’ Gwadabe said.

Other measures, he said was the establishment of almajiri education system which would be communitydriven.

Gwadabe also said that the was the need for the government to establish skills acquisition centres in strategic locations to train the adult almajiri students.

“Almajiri pupils should study for a period of four years after which they will be allowed to opt out and start basic education, or proceed to advanced Qur’anic studies and to acquire some skills,” he said.

Gwadabe said the advocacy plans should go beyond Radio or TV jingles or discussions.

According to him, high powered visits should be organised to traditional rulers, community leaders and political officers at the levels of government to get more support and provide leadership to the almajiri schools in the communities.

(NAN)

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi

Minister of Transportation lauds Lalong on roads intervention

By Albert Akota

The Minister Of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo has commended the Plateau State Government on the completion of Federal Government road projects in the state.

In a statement made available to pressmen in Abuja by Director Press and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike said

Sambo led the visit of the Presidential Committee For the Verification Of Federal Roads Intervened by the Plateau State Government.

According to the statement, four projects were in order and gave the assurance on reimbursement to the state.

“This visit is by a team that constitutes part of the Ministerial Committee to assess road projects that were undertaken by the Plateau state government on designated Federal highways.

“It is also for the purpose of reimbursing the state government with monies expended in carrying out such projects.

“We have seen the projects, four of them. As somebody who knows Jos very well, I must say that I am highly impressed because if I had come alone, I probably would have missed my way due to the quality flyovers and roads that I have seen.

“The state Government needs to be commended and for this project, the reimbursement is timely and in order,” he said.

The Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Prof. Sonni Tyoden said the verification of the projects being carried out by the presidential committee was evidence that the state government has been working.

“As stated by the Minister, the four projects are in order in terms of quality and usefulness to the people and as a state, we are looking forward to the reimbursement by the Federal Government.

“Coming at this time, it will be of help to the state and the citizens of Plateau state. However, the state government will not relent in completing projects which would be of benefit to the people,” he said.

The Projects inspected are: Heipang-Mararaban Jama’a and Mararaban Jama’a British American Junction, Polo Roundabout to Farin Gada, Secretariat Flyover and British American Junction Flyover.

24,714 Abuja residents affected by flood in 2022 -Report

By Stanley Onyekwere

The FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has disclosed that no fewer than 24,714 persons were affected by flood, in some parts of the Abuja, the nation’s capital city in 2022.

FEMA in its report explained that the flood which had affected 3 Area Councils out of the 6, also displaced 3,695 persons, with 131 property damaged.

According to the report

released to newsmen by FEMA’s Director General, Abbas Idriss, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) had 20, 376 persons affected, while 2, 058 persons were recorded in Bwari Area Council, whereas Abaji Area Council recorded 2,280 cases.

Idriss added that through the Agency’s interventions with the support of other emergency stakeholders, a total of 9,813 lives saved, with only 102 houses damaged within the period under review.

“In AMAC, 6,876 persons were affected in the first flood at Ebano Hudu road by Damagaza river, Efab Estate Lokogoma, Apo - Dutsen expressway, Carters court Apo and Trademoore Estate, Lugbe.

“The second one affected 4, 368 persons in Lokogoma Carters Court Apo, Efab Estate Lokogoma, Nnamdi Azikiwe expressway by Lugbe.

“Third one, 3,060 at Nyanya phase IV. 3,528 in Nyanya phase 4, by Redeemed Church with 2,

544 at Ipent 5 road, Lokogoma.

“In Bwari Area Council, the flood affected 2058 persons at Dutsen Makaranta by Police signpost, while in Abaji Area Council 2,280 persons were affected at abattoir behind Sarkin Powa.

“We responded to 15 incidents of road crashes, 10 fire incidents with a building collapse in Kubwa, where 5 persons were rescued with 2 fatally injured. No life was lost”, the FEMA boss stated.

R-L: Marketing Executive, Marketing Space magazine, Taiwo Ayodele; Publisher/CEO, Marketing Space magazine,Ayobami Lukman Ishau, and CEO, Aster Integrated Marketing Ltd.,Tolulope Medebem, after receiving Most Consistent Experiential Marketing CEO (Female) of the Year award during 8th anniversary of Marketing Space magazine held in Lagos.

Tech education: Firm set to train, employ millions of Nigerians

Bullseye Digital Manpower, a technology-focused job placement and career management brand, says it is set to train and empower millions of Nigerians with in-demand digital technology competencies in 2023.

The Founder of the firm, Mr Lare Ayoola, in a statement by the organisation’s Head of Communications, Mr Damola Olofinlua, disclosed this on Saturday in Lagos.

Ayoola, an entrepreneur who doubles as Chairman of Tranter IT, said that the training and empowerment would cover software development, software quality assurance, UI/UX design, data science, and digital marketing within six or 12 months.

“Bullseye will empower enrolees with ample opportunities to gain hands-on experience during their programme, after which they would be placed in technology jobs with organisations across different industries in Nigeria and beyond.

“Already, the institution is set to admit the first stream of students into its software

development programme,” Ayoola said.

According to him, in the coming weeks, other courses will be introduced in addition to the software development courses.

He said these “would also follow Bullseye’s robust curriculum which is guaranteed to set them on the right path to achieving their career goals and life ambitions”.

“With courses spanning 6 or 12 months and classes held on weekdays or only weekends, enrolees are spoilt for options based on their preference.

“Its flexible arrangement makes it a great choice for recent graduates of higher institutions, secondary school leavers with intermediate knowledge of their chosen field, professionals in the early years of their career or even those more advanced in their career, desirous of a switch to tech.

“Students also have the option of making one-off payment, in instalments, or access a friendly facility payable within 3 years after their post-graduation job placement when they would

already be earning,” he said.

Ayoola said that, with Bullseye, recruiters would have a ready pool of trained and experienced talents to fill openings.

He added that well-meaning organisations like NGOs, international organisations, professional bodies and governments at all levels could also support the national quest towards capacity development, by sponsoring interested enrolees of their choice.

Ayoola said other training institutions could leverage Bullseye’s talent placement proposition to secure jobs for their trainees.

“Bullseye will address some of the major challenges in the technology and human capital management industries, including the high attribution rate of talent, the increasing lack of specialised skills in technology, and the rising global demand for local talent, among others,” Ayoola said.

According to him, the firm is celebrated for its provision of technology support staff to some of the foremost organisations

across Nigeria for over a decade.

He said that in about a decade, Tranter IT had outsourced over 8000 tech talents to organisations across Nigeria.

The founder said that Bullseye Digital Manpower, the tech education, recruitment, and career support brand, would enhance the reskilling and upskilling of interested participants.

He said it would fill the widening talent gap in the technology ecosystem with proficient and experienced specialists and accelerate tech entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

“We have set up Bullseye Digital Manpower to empower enrolees with ample and practical opportunities to skill up in the most sellable aspects of technology services and solutions delivery.

“Not only would enrolees be trained in real-life environments by some of the most qualified tech tutors on the continent, they would also benefit from internships and job placements in leading companies during and after their programme,” Ayoola added. (NAN)

ABU set to establish distance learning center in Jeddah

From:Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Plans are afoot by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to establish a center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as part of the institution’s internationalization project to promote its distance learning degree programs across the globe.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, disclosed this when the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, of Federal University, Dutsinma (FUDMA), Dr. Aminu Ado, called on him at the weekend.

He explained that the University established its presence in Dubai early last year when its Distance Learning Centre partnered stakeholders in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attract eligible candidates for e-learning academic programs.

He said that the University, having established itself as a leading institution in modern open distance

learning and e-learning deliveries, launched its internationalization project in the UK also last year to attract foreign students and qualified Nigerians in the Diaspora.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, of Federal University, Dutsinma, Dr. Aminu Ado, was in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in the company of Bursar, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Gafai; and University Librarian, Dr. Ukashatu Hamza Musa, to understudy ABU Distance Learning Centre to replicate same at Federal University, Dutsinma.

Prof. Bala further disclosed that ABU was already in partnership with UNESCO-ICHEI for capacity building in the area of digital education, saying that in the next 10 to 20 years the entire learning process would be digital globally.

The Vice-Chancellor appreciated the initiative by the Federal University, Dusinma to learn from the

ABU Distance Learning experience and stressed that the “more education you have the better”.

He said that ABU as a firstgeneration university in Nigeria would assist FUDMA to establish its distance learning programs and advised that the young university must work hard in the area of training and retraining of staff to achieve the desired objectives.

“This is a good initiative indeed. You can start, but you should know that maintaining the program is very important, as you have to work very hard.

“We are ready to assist you when you are ready. But don’t always think we have the solutions to all your problems because the pressure on ABU is much”, he said.

The Vice-Chancellor thanked the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and members of his team for the visit and wished them all the best.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, of Federal University, Dutsinma, Dr. Aminu Ado, had earlier told the ViceChancellor of his institution’s plans to begin the distance learning program, saying that based on their study the best place to come for guidance was Ahmadu Bello University.

“We are of the view that ABU is the best place to come and learn from its distance learning experience. We are here because the ABU distance learning program is the best in Nigeria as adjudged by the National Universities Commission (NUC), besides the fact that the firstgeneration university is a role model.

“With your guide, we would be able to replicate in FUDMA; we want you to assist us with the resource persons to help us establish our own Distance Learning Centre; and we also believe that with ABU Distance Learning Centre we would be able to design our own easily”, he said.

PDP inaugurates campaign council in Kano

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano state has inaugurated its campaign council, management team, and leadership of zonal caretaker committees to spearhead the campaign activities of the party ahead of the forthcoming elections in the state.

The National Chairman of PDP, Iyorchia Ayu, represented by the National Vice Chairman, North West, Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo who officially inaugurated the executives Chairmen, Deputy and secretary

from each zone in the state.

He said, the committee members were carefully selected due to their immense contributions and unreserved loyalty to the progress of the party.

Ayu charged them to maintain the tempo in discharging their responsibilities towards achieving the desired goal of winning the 2023 elections.

“By the powers conferred on me by the constitution of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), I hereby inaugurated this campaign council,” he said.

The inaugurated members of the state campaign council

is led by Kano state former governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, PDP senatorial,house of representatives, and state house of assembly candidates, While the campaign management committee is led by Director General, Atiku/ Okowa campaign, Dr Yunusa Adamu Dangwani to be deputised by Al’amin Ibrahim little and Umar Mustapha Mai Mansaleta as secretary.

Speaking at the event, former Kano state governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, said, the leadership structure is in synergy with the national campaign council down to the grassroots level.

“This council, you are our ambassadors, our eyes and ears, you will oversee our activities in your various locations, you are the ones to represent us down to the polling stations. This council is the same and goes in line with the council leadership from the national level.”

The inauguration was attended by former Kano state deputy governor, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, former speaker house of representatives, Ghali Umar Na’abba, the state caretaker committee chairman, Alhaji Mai Adamu Mustapha among other prominent stakeholders in the party.

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Aclose aide to former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Salman Yusuf has urged Nigerians to beware of internet fraudster using the name and picture of IBB to send wrong signals in the name of politics.

Malam Salman Yusuf in a statement issued and made available to Journalists in Minna, said the former Nigerian leader cannot send messages since he does not operate any social media account.

He declared that IBB has never owned nor operated any social media account, and he does not intend to operate any now or in the near future.

He added that a post on Facebook accounts bearing his photos and names are fake.

Yusuf noted that the fake accounts are the creation of identity thieves and cyber fraudster.

IBB disassociates self from social media post Nasarawa residents task government, stakeholders on security

By Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

Residents of the CAJAAH Estate in Orozo, Nasarawa State have called on the Nasarawa State government and Inspector General of Police and the relevant stakeholders to save them from daily embarrassement and mayhem being unleashed by non state actors.

They made the call in an interview with journalists in Abuja, yesterday.

The public relations officers of Orozo Mass Housing Scheme Landlord Association (OMHSLA),Dr Lawrence Umeji disclosed that the estate was invaded by armed men recently.

He said ,” The armed men were sent by management of CAJAAH Estate as directed by the Emir.

“Some of the boys now told me they have taken over the gate and that there is nothing we can do about it.

“We are saying that the government should come here and see what is going on here.”

Graduated Health Student Trumatized how they will treatening an accident victims, during the Nurulbayan School of Health Sience and Technology Graduation of 82 Student on Sunday 8/1/2023

By Our Correspondent

The Federal Government said on Sunday that the Nigeria Police and other security agencies are on the trail of the armed gang who attacked a railway station at Igueben, Edo state on Saturday evening, abducting passengers and staff at the station.

The Federal Ministry of Transportation in a statement on Sunday described the act as sad, assuring that all efforts were on top gear to address the ugly development.

In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Henshaw Agubike, government described the action as despicable and utterly barbaric.

“The Federal government condemns the despicable and utterly barbaric kidnapping of passengers at Tom Ikimi Train Station Igueben Edo State.

“The Public is hereby reassured that the security Agencies are making efforts to rescue the kidnapped Train passengers. The Nigerian Police is on the trail of the criminals and have mobilised with a view to protecting the lives and property of the remaining passengers. The Government is saddened by this unpleasant development and assures on its prompt response to the ugly situation,” the statement said.

Edo state Commission for Comunication and Oriatation, Chris Nehikhare said in a statement that one suspects in connection with the abduction has been arrested.

Although no official statement have confirmed the numbers of persons abducted by the gunmen, reports have suggested that no fewer than 30 passengers and members of staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation may have taken hostage by the armed gunmen who attacked the Igueben train sub-station in Edo State on Saturday evening at about 5pm.

According to reports, the Local Government Liaison Officer in the area, Mr Best Oseh said on Sunday that over 30 passengers comprising passengers, NRC staff and indigenes of Igueben were taken away by the gunmen.

He said a combined team of security agencies are combing the

NDLEA

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Train station attack: Police, Military, hunters comb Edo forests for kidnapped persons

sporadically into the air before abducting scores of intending travellers into the bush.

forest in the bid to rescue those abducted.

“As I speak, people are in the field all over the place, vigilante, security agencies and other people, everybody is concerned but we have to be careful with what we divulge so that we won’t jeopardize the processes we are doing.

“As for the category of people kidnapped, some of them are from Igueben while others are passengers from other places and as for the number, for now we are looking at over 30 but we can only give comprehensive number when preliminary investigations are concluded.” He said

Also, an indigene of the area, Mr. Odia Benson reportedly told newsmen that the gunmen released two children while a woman escaped.

According to him, among those in custody of the kidnappers were personnel of the NRC including the station manager and ticket clerks.

He said that the leaders of the various security outfits such as the the Commissioner of Police the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army Commander, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) were at Igueben to supervise the search for the abducted passengers.

“The train normally arrives by 5 pm so as at about 20 minutes to 5, bandits just came through the bush part and invaded the place.

“They took away the station manager, took away the booking clerk and about 29 other passengers made up of males and females.

“As I speak with you, the Deputy Governor left the place about an hour ago, the Commissioner of Police and his men are here, the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army Commander is here, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) is here and many paramilitary representatives: the DPO Igueben and his men, the Esan Akatakpa Security network, the hunters association have been in the forest since last night doing bush combing. We are hoping that by the end of today, they will be rescued.

“The railway station is in the forest, there is no security, no police, no vigilante and they are at the mercy of God. The station is in Igeueben town, just about 1.2 km away from Igueben General Hospital.

“I think about only three of the victims are from Igueben; one of them is from Ward 8,we had another who is married to an Igueben man but based in Warri while others are from Ekpoma, from Uromi, Ubiaja,

some are not even from Edo State.

“The kidnappers released two children, it is believed that they felt the children will slow down their movements. They dropped them in an abandoned petrol station, they called the family of the mother of the children that they should go and pick the children from the place they dropped them.

“One woman also escaped with her little baby. The woman escaped and found herself in Opoji which in Esan Central local government area.

The Edo train station attack is coming barely a year after terrorists attacked a Kaduna-bound train from Abuja, at a place called Katari in Kaduna State.

The Edo State Police Command said scores of passengers waiting to board a train from the Igueben station in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State to Warri in Delta State were kidnapped by armed gunmen on Saturday evening.

Many of the travellers were also reportedly injured.

The Edo Police Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the incident in a statement.

The statement claimed that the abductors, armed with AK 47, invaded the train station and shot

The Command added that many of the passengers sustained bullet wounds, assuring that operatives were on the trail of the abductors with an aim to rescue those the kidnap victims herded into the bush.

The statement read, “This is to inform the gentlemen of the press that today, 7th of January, 2023 at about 1600hrs, unspecified number of herdsmen armed with AK 47 riffles attacked the train station at Igueben, Edo State and kidnapped unspecified number of passengers who were waiting to board the train to Warri.

“The kidnappers who shot sporadically into the air before kidnapping some passengers left some persons with bullet wounds.

“The Area Commander Irrua, DPO Igueben Division, and men have visited the scene of crime with members of the Edo State Security Network, local vigilantes, and hunters with a view to protecting the lives and property of the remaining passengers.

“Bush combing operations have commenced in order to rescue the victims and arrest the fleeing kidnappers. Further developments will be communicated”, Nwabuzor stated.

Police kill 2 gun runners, recover explosives shells in Zamfara

Police Tactical Operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command have successfully neutralised two gun runners along Gummi-Anka road in a gun duel that lasted for hours while conveying sophisticated arms and ammunitions to the terrorists camp in the state from Taraba state.

According to the PPRO of the

Zamfara Police Command, SP Shehu Mohammed, the feat was recorded following receipt of an intelligence information about the movement of the suspects driving a Toyota Corolla vehicle containing dangerous arms and ammunitions as exhibits from Taraba State enroute terrorists camp in Zamfara State.

“Two of the suspects were fatally injured while others escaped to the bush with possible

gun shot wounds. Injured suspects were taken to Yariman Bakura Specialist hospital Gusau, and later confirmed dead by the Medical Doctor while on admission.

“Spot search by the operatives led to the recovery of the exhibits comprising three live explosive shells, three live shells for rockets RPG, 151 live ammunitions for AK47 rifle, 200 rounds ammunitions for anti-aircraft rifle AA.

Meanwhile, additional joint Vigilant operatives were deployed to the location for confidence building patrol aimed at apprehending the fleeing suspects”, PPRO has added.

He further conveyed assurance by the Commissioner of Police, CP Kolo Yusuf, of continuous commitment to rid the state of terrorists and other criminal activities for safety, security and peace of Zamfara state.

raids; arrests 11 suspects

Attempts by elements of Organised Criminal Groups to use various disingenuous modes of concealment to import consignments of illicit substances into Nigeria and export same to the United Kingdom, and United Arab Emirate through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja and Tincan seaport in Lagos have been thwarted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

NDLEA in a statement issued yesterday by Femi Babafemi Director, Media & Advocacy, said no less than 37.5 kilograms of such illicit consignments were intercepted in the past week, with the arrest of 11 suspects in interdiction operations that led to the seizure of almost four tons of skunk in Kaduna, Kano and Lagos state.

“At the Lagos airport, a freight agent Ogunsina Damilare was arrested on Friday 6th January following a bid to export 1.5 kilograms of skunk hidden in foodstuffs to Dubai, UAE through the SAHCO export shed of the MMIA, while a similar attempt to ship 11.5kgs of the same substance to the United Kingdom was frustrated when the consignment concealed in a giant wooden sculpture was intercepted by NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations (DOGI) at a courier company in Lagos. Curiously, the latter emanated from Ghana with London as destination.

“At the Tincan port in Lagos, a shipment of 24.5kilograms cannabis indica to Nigeria from Montreal, Canada was intercepted by operatives while an N8million bribe offered NDLEA officers by the importer has been secured in an account for the prosecution of the case.

“While the importer, Cedrick

Maduweke is still at large, one of his accomplices, Steve Isioma Adigwe has been arrested. The consignment was hidden in a used Toyota Sienna vehicle that arrived the port along with three other cars in a container marked MSMU 5082733.

“A total of 3, 672 kilograms of cannabis sativa were recovered from two locations and five suspects arrested in Kaduna during separate raid operations. Arrested at a warehouse at Rido village on Wednesday 3rd January include: Edward Emmanuel, 28; and Miracle Madu, with 298 bags of C/S weighing 3,576kgs. Investigations revealed that the consignment was moved from a southern state to Kaduna in a petroleum product bearing truck.

“ Also, two other suspects: Sunday Bassey, 29 and Jessica Daniel, 14, were nabbed with 96kgs of same substance at Gonin Gora area of the state, while Sanusi

Isah, 30, was arrested on Saturday 7th January at Giwa area with over 12,000 tablets of Tramadol 225mg and Diazepam.

“In Kano, NDLEA operatives on Saturday 7th Jan. intercepted Kabiru Abdulhamid, 40, with 119 blocks of C/S weighing 73kgs at Semugu area, while a total of 28,400 tablets of tramadol and over 230kgs of cannabis were seized in raid operations in Festac town and Lagos Island areas of Lagos state. Some of the suspects arrested in the Lagos raids include: Rukayyat Eshinlokun; Pelumi Alejo and Banna Maina who specializes in distribution of illicit drugs disguised as a dispatch rider.

“In Imo state, a suspect, Amechi Moses was arrested in a follow up operation on Friday 6th January following the interception of 29, 800 tablets of Tramadol 225mg in a commercial bus along Owerri - Onitsha road going to Aba in Abia state.”

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

seizes 3,975kgs skunk, 58,200 tramadol pills in Kaduna, Kano, Imo, Lagos

•Station manager, booking clerk among abductees •1 woman, 2 children rescued •One suspect arrested -Edo govt

Adamawa lawmaker carpets APC led government over excessive borrowing

From Umar Dankano,Yola

The Senator representing Adaamaw Southern Senatorial District,Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe chided the APC led government for allegedly mortgaging the future of the country through excessive borrowing (loans).

Senator Yaroe made his position known in Yola weekend while hosting Adamawa journalists at a lunch outing.

He expressed dismay with borrowing spree by the president Muhammadu Buhari’s government which stood at N47 trillion at the moment.

Yaroe lamented that the moment federal lawmakers approved the N23.7 trillion overdraft with the CBN, it would jump up to over N70trillion.

He described as unfair and unjust the loan collections which will be a burden for the children yet unborn to contend with its repayment, urging Nigerians not to re-elect the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Niger Govt inaugurates State Road Safety Advisory Council

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Niger state government has inaugurated the Technical Working Committee of the State Road Safety Advisory Council (SARSAC) with the deputy governor Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso to serve as the chairman.

The deputy governor during the inauguration at government house Minna, said the committee is about the peoples’ safety and assured of doing the needful on the state roads,

Ketso lamented over non compliance with the traffic rules and regulations by most drivers.

He also called for discipline on the part of the road users.

YPP guber candidate, running mate defect to ADP in Kano

The Kano Young Progressive Party (YPP) Gubernatorial Candidate, Dr. Yakubu Uba Muhammad, has defected from the YPP alongside his Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate and joined the Action Democratic Party.

Dr Yakubu Uba Muhammad made the statement when he visited the Kano ADP Governorship candidate and a member of the House of Representatives for the Municipal Federal Constituency, Honourable Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada OON, at his office on Sunday.

In a statement by Abbas Yushau Yusuf, ADP Gubernatorial Campaign

Council spokesperson, Dr. Yakubu said he defected to the ADP, with some Federal House of Representatives candidates and state House of Assembly candidates of the YPP vying for the positions in Kano.

He informed Sharada that he had already abandoned his YPP Governorship ambitions, together with his running mate and 24 state executives of the party out of 27, as well as 32 local government structures out of 44.

According to him, one of the reasons for his defection and to support Honourable Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada’s ambition was done out of patriotism and to rescue Kano State from maladministration.

The YPP Governorship candidate, who is one of the

leading and most focused Governorship candidates in Kano, said he decided to back Sharada’s candidature out of his own personal belief in Sharada’s capacity to touch the lives of Kano people, especially the youth.

He said based on the findings he made from the people of Kano that they are wise enough to vote for candidates with pedigree like Honourable Sha’aban Sharada and are ready to retire old brigade politicians who are recycling the political governance of Kano among them.

Dr Yakubu Uba further called on the youth to back the candidature of Honourable Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada due to his achievements in a short period of time as PA to the

President on broadcast media and a member of the House of Representatives for Kano Municipal federal constituency.

“We are aware of how the old politicians are retarding the progress of Kano in critical sectors such as education, the plight of pensioners, health, decayed infrastructure, the economic predicament, and encroachment on public properties.

Responding the Kano ADP Governorship candidate, Honourable Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada thanked the former YPP Governorship candidate for believing in his course to save Kano, as there is no place to call our own except Kano, and urged his fellow candidates to do away with politics of godfatherism and inheritance.

Emir of Zazzau lauds FG efforts in tackling insecurity

improved measures across Northwestern states.

The Emir of Zazzau, His Riyal Highness, Amb Nuhu Ahmed Bamali has appreciated the efforts of the federal government in addressing security concerns but called for

He also commended the federal government for completing the KadunaZaria and charged them to do the same along the KadunaAbuja highway.

The Emir made the

commendation when the Vice Presidential candidate of the APC Senator Kashim Shettima paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Zaria, Tuesday.

Sen Shettima said the Tinubu/Shetima presidency will place a premium

on tackling all forms of insecurity in the Northwest if elected.

He acknowledged the success achieved in the counter insurgency fight across states in the Northeast and promised that same will be done in the Northwest.

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. (Sen.) Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora (middle), Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Mrs. Monilola Udoh (left), and Director, Legal Services Mrs. Odu-Thomas Yvonne (right) during the Minister’s 4th Quarterly Meeting with Directors and Heads of Agencies under the ministry at the weekend in Abuja. Photo-: FMSTI

By Usman Shuaibu

Asurveyor in Gwagwalada

Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Sunday Jonah, who is also the Special Adviser to Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman on land matters, has awarded scholarship to 151 students in the area.

Jonah made this known in an interview with newsmen after the disbursement of scholarship to students in Giri Primary School on Friday.

He said the scholarship was given out to students in order to encourage them in their academic pursuit, pointing out that he would continue to assist the less privileged in the society.

He then advised the beneficiaries to make use of scholarship judiciously so as to alleviate their suffering in school and warned them against diverting the money for personal use.

He, therefore, called on the elected politicians as well as political appointees to help the less privileged ones in the society.

Surveyor Jonah used the occasion to appeal to the general public to always purchase property from genuine offices in the FCT, as he said the people should not buy property or land on trust.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Barr. Umar Isah, said the scholarship was awarded to students to empower them academically.

On his part, the Vice Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Abdullahi Saidu who spoke on behalf of his boss, Hon. Abubakar Jibrin Giri, commended surveyor Sunday Jonah for his initiative.

While addressing the crowd, Giri proclaimed that his administration would provide scholarship to students this year.

Presenting a paper entitled “Leave a Legacy”, a Commissioner at the Public Complaints Commission in Abuja, Mr. Ezekeil Dalhatu, charged the political office holders to leave a legacy behind for upcoming politicians to emulate. While addressing the crowd, Giri proclaimed that his administration would provide scholarship to students this year.

Presenting a paper entitled “Leave a Legacy”, a Commissioner at the Public Complaints Commission in Abuja, Mr. Ezekeil Dalhatu, charged the political office holders to leave a legacy behind for upcoming politicians to emulate.

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Abdulsamad Rabiu Initiative for Africa, an initiative of the Chairman of BUA group of companies, Alhaji Abdulsalam Rabiu on Friday, offered the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) security sector grant of five hundred million Naira each as part of her social development programme.

A statement released by the NIS spokesperson, DCI Tony Akuneme, said the Nigeria Immigration Service has been awarded a Five Hundred Million Naira from Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative for Africa in recognition of the many successes recorded by the Service both nationally and internationally.

Akuneme said the Comptroller General of Immigration, Isah Jere Idris, while receiving the award letter, commended the Chairman, BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, for the initiative and for recognizing the strides of the Service.

He restated the Service’s commitment to Nigeria as well as the global security while assuring the delegation of ASR Africa that the grant will be effectively

utilized.

“The ASR Africa Security Sector Support Grant Scheme, is an intervention initiative, targeted at sustainably impactful interventions in Security and Social Development in Africa.

NIS, Correctional Service get security grant of N500m each Surveyor awards scholarship to 151 students in Gwagwalada

“The grant is part of efforts of the Chairman of BUA Group, to give back to the African continent and make lasting impact in peace and security, as a means of uplifting and restoring lives of Africans.

“It may be recalled that last year 2022, in recognition of the efforts of NIS in better service delivery and migration management, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), rated the Service as the best performing MDA in the country for 7 months consecutively.”

Speaking while presenting the cheque, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Initiative Dr. Ubong Udo, said the organization was set up as a vehicle to drive the Chairman’s mission for Nigerian and Africa to crate a platform where Nigerians and Africans can take responsibility to solve their own developmental problems by looking inwards.

This initiative has tree thematic areas which include Health, Education and Social

development. In his response, the NCoS boss applauded the initiative and promised to make judicious use of the grant as intervention to improve on the security of custodial centers by adding another layer of technological surveillance that will enhance the remote monitoring frameworks.

Nababa said the grant will provide the service with equipment in ensuring that the security solutions cover a wider range of Custodial Centers and will reduce the chances of further attacks.

“While in capacity building more personnel will enjoy quality training on how to effectively utilize the IT solutions in driving the Service forward this will improve the morale of Staff.”

Nababa further said the image management of the Service will not be left out as he promised to bring to limelight the efforts of the CGC through hi-tech equipment.

He also promised to expand the Service by employing more technology to make the Service at par with international Correctional Centres in developed countries.

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Acitizens-led anti-sabotage group on the aegis of The Natives has cautioned Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and other stakeholders in the oil sector to stop threatening the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited in its efforts in the supply chain of petroleum products, thereby causing hardship for Nigerians.

The group also asked all the stakeholders in the oil industry to start preparing for fuel subsidy removal by June 2023, saying the country cannot continue with the regime of fuel subsidy that benefits only the few.

The anti-sabotage organisation was reacting to a media report credited to the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (PTDNUPENG) threatening another strike.

In the report NUPENG had accused security agents of “illegal activities and high-handedness” particulalrly the Military Task Force operating in the Port Harcourt zone of the Union.

But in a statement signed and released Thursday in Abuja,

by the President General of The Natives, Hon. Smart Edwards, the group said instead of threatening the NNPCL and sabotaging Nigerians, DAPPMAN and other Unions in the oil sector should devise another productive means of resolving impasse among the stakeholders and not causing Nigerians to be panic.

The statement said: “We read with disappointment the media reports credited to NUPENG against efforts to enforce sanity by joint task force on illegal activities by marketers and we called on DAPPMAN and other Unions in the Oil Sector to stop sabotaging the masses.

“We call on Depot Owners in the oil sector to stop their acts of economic sabotage capable of imposing hardship on the masses. We believe that your businesses should be done within the law. It is an act of sabotage when you purchase products at regulated prices and go on to sell at prohibitive prices to independent marketers, what then do you expect? This is profiteering at the expense of Nigerians and therefore evil.

“Nigerians are not having this conversation amnesia. In 2022 the nation witnessed a great

discovery of a network of pipes shortchanging Nigeria’s crude oil pby collaborative theft, the same which led to a joint action to collapse and curb this evil venture by NNPCL and Tompolo’s company, we will therefore not take lightly any act capable of reinstalling this kinds of economic sabotage.

“The players in this sector must seek new ways of doing things with transparency and not transferring their sole goal of making profits on the masses. Lifting and storing of products are services rendered in a critical sector that affects all Nigerians, so it must not always be about threats.

“We must seek with the managers of the oil sector to begin to do things differently. Depot owners must begin to be patriotic.

“Again fuel susbidy will be removed in June this year and it is a must, therefore DAPPMAN and all other unions and associations must be ready to make sacrifices as the year progresses.”

While calling on all the Unions and associations in oil sector to be patriotic, The Natives demanded for elevation of transparency in their businesses.

“We also wish to make it

abundantly clear that certainly transparency and patriotism must be elevated.

“We call on IPMAN, PTD and NUPENG to begin to look inwards, sanitize their midst and purge themselves and expel from their midst some unscrupulous members and unpatriotic players who engage in smuggling, to desist from this retrogressive acts declared on the Nation, so as to carry out their businesses without let or hindrance rather than accusing the military or security agencies of taking actions based on intelligence gathered.

This is a new year and the budget already is seeing N3.6 Trillion Naira been earmarked for fuel susbidy, when youths are earnestly yearning for jobs and better livelihood.

“Nobody will save us as a country except we ourselves. Nigeria’s resources are bleeding in the midst of blessings in natural resources, and citizens have been responsible for it, now that the country is aware, we cannot fold our hands, we all must set Eagle eyes on the players and cronies of the sector.

“We are tired of the blame games always let’s enthrone transparency.”

Group warns DAPPMAN, others to stop sabotaging Nigerians, threatening NNPCL over fuel supply

Comptroller

General

of

Immigration, Isah Jere Idris

*Urges IPMAN, PTD, NUPENG to prepare for subsidy removal

Kaduna State LP guber candidate unveils fivepoint agenda

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The gubernatorial candidate of Labour Party (LP), in Kaduna State Hon. Jonathan Asake has unveiled a five-point agenda which he said would ensure growth, prosperity and development if elected Governor in March 2023.

He unveiled the agenda during a gubernatorial dialogue organized by Partnership For Issues-based Campaign in Nigeria (PICaN) and Legal Awareness For Nigerian Women (LANW) in collaboration with action Aid and Partnership To Empower Reform and Learn (PERL)

Asake promised to run an inclusive government and ensure fair representation that will provide effective leadership to resolve the challenges facing the state.

The LP flag bearer decried the deteriorating security situation in the state, which according to him had crippled agriculture, education, trade, investment and general economy of the capital of the old northern region, the hub of business activities in the past.

He listed; Security, Sports, Women and Youth Development, Human Capital Development, Inclusive Economic and Infrastructural Development, Institutional Reforms as key tripod he would build his administration on if elected.

According to him, Kaduna state is the epicentre of insecurity which radiates to other states surrounding it like Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, Nasarawa and Plateau, which all suffer insecurity.

Gov Yahaya implore synergy to tackle insecurity

From David Hassan, Gombe

Gombe state governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has implored synergy in tackling insecurity in the country.

The governor also said tackling insecurity will help boost the nation building.

He stated this when he paid homage to the Emir of Dukku Alhaji Haruna Abdulrasheed on Thursday when his campaign train landed in Dukku town.

He called on electorates to do the needful by collecting their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) to enable them vote people of their choice.

FG flags off rehabilitation, expansion of water supply project in Gombe

From David Hassan, Gombe

The federal government has flagged off the rehabilitation and

expansion of water supply project in Gombe state.

Minister of water resources Engr Suleiman Adamu stated this in Gombe while flagging of

the water project on Friday.

He said the flagging of the project was aimed at touching the lives of the people.

Engr Adamu explained that

the water project which was flagged off was the initiative of the state and the federal government.

Buhari hails FCT, women affairs ministers on 64th birthday

President Muhammadu Buhari has shared in the joy of celebrations as Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Musa Bello, and Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, clock 64 years, January 8, 2023.

A statement by the Special Adviser to President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina said Buhari warmly felicitated

with families, friends and associates of the ministers, who have meritoriously served the country, making noticeable and commendable differences in their positions with humility and focus, further bringing government closer to the people.

The President noted the stability, decency in allocations and predictability that the FCT Minister had restored in

the capital city, through hard work and collaboration with stakeholders, especially local communities, opening up places for more infrastructural development, and attracting tourism opportunities for growth, the statement said.

President Buhari extolled Tallen for pushing and ensuring actualization of policies that favoured women and children,

particularly the girl-child empowerment, and remaining a strong voice for the campaigns against domestic violence, exploitation of children and equal opportunities in work places, according to the statement.

The President prayed for more of God’s blessings on Mohammed and Tallen, it added.

NEMA begins second -phase of food distribution to 8,000 IDPs in Borno

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced the second phase of food distribution from items donated by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) for 8,000 households of Internally Displaced Persons in four camps and host communities in Borno State.

This was contained in statement signed and issued by Manzo Ezekiel NEMA Press Unit.

Director General NEMA Mustapha Habib Ahmed who flagged off the distribution in Maiduguri on Thursday said at

conclusion of the second phase of the distribution, about 16,000 IDPs households in Borno State would have benefitted from the food donation by KSrelief. The first phase of the food distribution was done in December 2022.

He said the distribution would be carriedout in four camps that are located around Maiduguri namely: Muna Kumburi, Gongulon, Madinatu I and Madinatu II. These, according to him were in addition to the earlier distribution in December 2022, during which about 8,000 households benefitted in five camps at El-Miskin, Doro, Ashiri, Shuwarin and Nganzai.

The NEMA DG who was

represented by the Director of Planning Research and Forecasting Hajiya Fatima Suleiman Kasim said each of the households is expected to have 59.8 kilograms food basket, made up of 25kg of rice; 25kg of beans; 4kg of Masa vita flour 2kg of tomato paste; litres of ground nut oil; 1kg of salt and 0. 8kg of maggi cubes.

While appreciating the King of Saudi Arabia, His Majesty, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammad Bin Salman for the donation delivered through KS relief, the NEMA DG Mustapha Habib Ahmed said the gesture would go a long way to benefit the IDPs

and complement the efforts of the Federal Government.

He said “our partnership with KSrelief dates back to 2018. Between 2018 and 2021, the Centre donated relief items (food baskets) to some Internally Displaced persons in Borno, Yobe and Zamfara States.”

He further that “KSrelief has been very benevolent to the Country. Interventions have been beneficial as evident from the positive testimonies from the IDPs.”

The food distribution is being carriedout directly to the IDPs in their places of abodes at the camps by NEMA Staff in collaboration with staff of Borno State SEMA.

L- R: Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Sulaiman Adamu, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar lll, performing the official flag-off of the rehabilitation, upgrade and expansion of the Gombe Regional Water Supply project, at the weekend in Gombe

Rise above petty ambitions, Rivers LG boss tells politicians

Mr Erastus Awortu, Chairman, Andoni Local Government area in Rivers has urged politicians to rise above petty ambitions in the interest of peace.

Awortu made this known on Saturday at the grand finale of the Andoni Unity Festival in Ngo, headquarter of Andoni local government area.

He said that his administration had invested so much to achieve the level of peace it is currently enjoying, adding that no politician is permitted to take the area back to obscurity and unrest.

”The essence for the Unity Festival is to further strengthen communal peace and attract investment to Andoni.

”As the general elections approaches I’m sure you will remain committed to a violencefree exercise to help us continue to nuture potential economc interest of the area in the next political dispensation,” he said

According to him, some people have started consulting some of the repentant cultists who laid down arms to embrace peace.

”Sadly some over ambitious politicians are already trying to lure them back to violence and they’re already dishing out mouth watering promises.

”But I’m impressed that you stood your grounds and chose to work with us to sustain the peace in Andoni.

”They introduced you to politics, gave you guns and money to cause mayhem in Communities, killing your own brothers, they may chose other strategies but we’re saying: ‘Andoni must continue to enjoy peace and unity’.

”We must revive those positive aspects of our culture and attract investors to our land because economc growth is basically driven by peace which we have struggled so hard to achieve,” he said.

Awortu also noted that the festival and cultural exhibitions has further identified the area as a safe business Community for tourism.

”The natural ambience, wildlife, sand beach, sea deposits and a viable population of youths are indications that Andoni is a prosperous business hub,” he said.(NAN)

Lamido lambast Obasanjo over endorsement of Peter Obi

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

The former Jigawa state governor and also a chieftain of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido lambasted former president Olusegun Obasanjo for the endorsement of Peter Obi as his presidential candidate.

Lamido made the statement shortly after receiving his two

term running deputy governor Alhaji Ahmed Mahmud Gumel in Bamaina area of Jigawa state.

He described Obasanjo’s action as irrational decision adding that, it is PDP that made Obasanjo what he is today not Peter Obi or any other political party.

“It is so sad after PDP give Obasanjo chances to serve for eight years as President and

today you endorsed someone else from other party as your candidate, this is so sad” Lamido said.

The former governor then welcome his deputy back to PDP adding that, PDP still remain their home as they are among the builders of the party.

While making his remarks, the former deputy governor Alhaji Ahmed Mahmud Gumel

Borno safe for general elections

By Egena Sunday Ode

Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum at the weekend said his state is 90 percent secure and safe for the forthcoming general elections.

Accordingly, he assured the voting public of their safety before, during and after the elections in all parts of the state.

Recall that Borno has been in the news in the past decade for the wrong reason of the nefarious activities of Boko Haram insurgents.

Besides, Borno state has also, in recent times, grabbed the headlines for electoral violence with the November 2022 attack on the PDP presidential campaign train in Maiduguri, the state capital.

Governor Zulum gave the assurance after a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari, Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Asked what he was doing to assure those afraid to go collect their PVCs because of insecurity as they may not be able to use it during the election, he said: “The People of Borno State voted during the 2015 election. They also voted during the 2019 election. Can you compare the security situation in 2019 and 2015 and now? The security situation has improved tremendously by over 90 percent so we don’t have any problem.

“Eligible voters can go and cast their votes on election day, Inshallah, in Borno State, we don’t have any problem.“

Speaking on the state of security currently, he said: “We thank that

there is great improvement in terms of security in Borno State. We are doing very well now, rehabilitation and resettlement is also going very well. We are looking forward to see how we can rehabilitate Maiduguri, GamborunGala road and then MaiduguriBanke road with a view to opening up opportunities for the people to earn their means of livelihood.

On what is to be expected in the new year, Zulum, he said: “Want to see how we can sustain what we are doing. So far so good in terms of security, the federal government has done well, the military has also done very well. We are now looking into the possibility of rehabilitating the victims of the insurgency, a lot of them have surrendered. The Federal government is supporting our

mission of rehabilitating. But most importantly, we are yet to complete our resettlement project and very soon we will resettle victims of Gudubali local government area and also we will resettle all our refugees that are living Republic of Niger and Chad and Cameroon. Mr. President has given approval to this effect and very soon we will complete the entire settlement.”

Asked when the resettlement will be completed, the governor said: “Resettlement is not something that is easy, it will take a long time. But the most important thing is that those that are very much in need to be resettled will be resettled. But most importantly we have closed down all official IDPs camps winin Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Gere local

said, many APC bigwigs will soon join PDP in the next few days.

According to him, PDP remain a solid political party both at Jigawa and national level will take over power in the forthcoming general election.

He then promised to work hard together with thousands of his followers and ensure the victory of the party.

government area, as I said, last one year ago. For now, we don’t have any official IDP camps within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, the unofficial camps will also be closed in the next few months.

On whether there are some areas in the state where insurgents are still holding sway, he said: “Even in the developed world we still have some pockets of insecurity. But by and large, we have succeeded a lot. Over 90 percent of our security situation has been improved.

Asked how he was prepared in his re-election bid against an opposition in the state, he said: “It is impossible to question the destiny of God. Campaign is going on very well, Borno State is one big APC family.”

NNPP governorship candidate tasks electorates on candidate that will advance C/ River

The Governorship Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Cross River, Dr Wilfred Bonse, has advised electorate in the state to vote for candidate that would advance its development in the forthcoming elections.

Bonse in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said that the choice of the electorate would define the socioeconomic and political future of Cross Rivers.

He urged the electorate to cast their votes for him and his party, adding that he was in the race to bring to bear his experience in financial management to help restore the state’s lost glory.

“2023 is going to be a defining

year in the political history of our great nation in general and our dear state in particular, as we will be going to the polls to decide our electoral, political, social, economic, and developmental future.

“The choices before us are quite simple, and the options are very unambiguous. We have to choose between the continuation of the status quo or choose to break free and vote for a future we can be proud of.

“It is for this reason that I’m offering my service to the people of Cross River State. I bring you a viable, credible, and competent alternative to the status quo.

“I come with the fresh breeze of a new dawn, where Cross River State

can live up to the true meaning of its title: “The People’s Paradise.

“I bring you a mixed bag of high-capacity expertise in financial management, engineering, alongside a high level of goodwill among the foreign investors and the business community, to say the very least.

“A vote for me is a vote to restore Cross River State to her state of lost glory as well as setting her on the path to rapid accelerated growth and development,” the Bonse said.

The governorship hopeful called on the electorate in the state to cast their votes for NNPP for development of the state.

He said that NNPP remained the only viable, credible and competent

alternative, capable of rescuing the state and giving Cross River people a future they would be proud of.

He added that NNPP is also politically equipped to save the country, saying “I believe we can save Nigeria, one state at a time.

“As we go to the polls, let us make use of the power we have been given by the universal adult suffrage provision of the Constitution, to bring about a new Cross River, free from the shackles of subjugation and socioeconomic slavery.

“New Nigeria and a New Cross River are possible. Let’s begin with Cross River State, vote NNPP,” he appealed.

L-R: Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Manya Achida, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State and Sokoto State PDP Governorship Candidate, Mallam Saidu Umar, during the PDP gubernatorial campaign rally at Wurno Local Government area of Sokoto state, yesterday

Achieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State, Alhaji Yasha’u Ahmad Kebbe says the party has fundamental leverage to win the Feb. 25 presidential election than the PDP or any of the opposition political parties.

Kebbe said in a statement in Abuja on Saturday that the ruling party at the centre has been waxing stronger since 2019.

He said: “And along the line, it has been getting more state governments under its control.

“But, on the other hand, the main opposition party, the PDP has been fragmented. The PDP of 2019 is not the PDP of 2023

“The votes had been divided into 3 or 4 when you look at the likelihood of the G5 Governors not supporting their presidential candidate.”

The former PDP chieftain said that even the stalwarts of the NNNP were aware that it lacked the national spread to win the presidential election.

“Same analysis goes for LP which I comfortably likened to a

Adamawa govt partners NEDC on schools renovation

From Umar Dankano,Yola

The Adamawa state government has collaborated with the North East Development Commission, NEDC, to renovate more schools that were destroyed by the Boko Haram Insurgency in the state.

Head of the state Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA),Aishatu Bawa Bello made the disclosure at a press conference in Yola at the weekend, stressing that the Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration has been creating ways for the populace to benefit from dividends of democracy.

Mrs Bello announced that over 20,000 beneficiaries have accessed various skills acquisition and empowerment programmes by the Agency since the inception of Governor Fintiri’s government, noting that N4.4 billion has so far expended on the project.

Bello explained that among the support and intervention given to the people included ; training of starters, technical support to business owners and entrepreneurs as well as allocating social welfare packages to those in dire need.

APC has fundamental leverage to win presidential election — Chieftain

morning blizzard that will fizzle out on the morning of the election day.

“So, fundamentally, APC has all it takes in terms of strength and membership to win the 2023 election,” he added.

Kebbe further said that another comparative advantage for the APC was the technical aspect upon x-raying the antecedents of the presidential candidates.

He averred: “Fortunately enough, they all had an opportunity to showcase what they could have done in the past.

“Atiku had served as the Vice

President of Nigeria and had contested to serve as the Governor of Adamawa.

“But, by providence of destiny, he was selected as the VP, so he left the post to his erstwhile Deputy.

“I am therefore challenging anyone to show his blueprints for the development of Adamawa or the North then. There were none,”the renowned businessman said.

On Asiwaju BolaTinubu, Kebbe recalled how the APC presidential flag bearer drastically transformed Lagos State when he

served as its two- term Governor.

He recalled that the preTinubu Lagos was very notorious in terms of criminal activities and social vices,with dead bodies daily littering the roads.

Kebbe said: “But, by the time he became Governor and took over, he changed Lagos completely and the city became liveable.

“He was able to draw up a masterplan for the development of Lagos which all his successors adopted.

“So, Lagos is today, apart from being a formidable economy in

the African continent, one of the most liveable cities.

“Therefore, this man, Tinubu has antecedents of vision and Nigeria is in dare need of visionary leaders not rhetorical ones.”

The APC chieftain added that Nigeria desperately required visionary leaders who will lay the foundation for economic development and empowerment.

Kebbe said: “So, Nigerians have looked at all these issues critically and they are going to make a very wise decision come Feb. 25.

NAN

L-R: Asst. National Secretary, the Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria (SOEHPON), Dr Ini Usoro; Chairman, Scientific Committee, Dr Israel Iroezindu ; Chairman, Local Organising Committee

2022 Annual SOEHPON Conference,Dr Musa Shaibu ; Vice President, Dr Uche Enumah ; UK based OH facilitator,Dr Ephraim Anyanate; National PRO, SOEHPON,Dr Charles Onigbogi, and National Treasurer, Dr Ayo Agboola, at the Annual SOEHPON Conference held at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, recently.

Elections: Action Alliance threatens to protest over exclusion of its candidates

Action Alliance (AA) on Saturday, threatened to stage a peaceful protest at the National Assembly over alleged exclusion of its candidates from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s list for the 2023 general elections.

The National Chairman of AA, Dr Adekunle Omo-Aje, stated this at a news conference at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

Omo-Aje said that INEC’s alleged failure to upload the names of all the candidates presented to it by his leadership in spite of various court orders against the recognition of the list of candidates submitted by the sacked national chairman of the party, Mr Kenneth Udeze, might jeopardise the forthcoming polls.

“We shall move to the National Assembly on a protest and, to submit our protest letter and to inform our lawmakers that, if the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, is not called to order, there will be negative consequential effects on the outcome of 2023 elections.

“We shall use all legal channels to ensure we get justice against any form of exclusion from presenting our candidates for elections, and every such election stands the chances of annulment by law,” he said.

Omo-Aje alleged that “Yakubu is covertly orchestrating a clandestine plan against the 2023 elections, and Action Alliance will not fold our arms and watch our nascent democracy rubbished and wounded.”

He said that Udeze was the party’s national chairman up to June 2019 before he was suspended and expelled.

Omo-Aje said he emerged the national chairman after a national elective convention conducted in February 2020 and monitored by INEC officials.

He said instead of Udeze to challenge his suspension and expulsion from the party internally and through the courts, he instituted several court cases urging the courts to declare him national chairman of the party but lost all.

According to him, in spite of fulfilling all INEC

electoral guidelines and requirements according to the Nigerian constitution with the commission, the electoral umpire is “hell bent on excluding Action Alliance from the coming 2023 general elections.”

“It has gotten to the level for us in Action Alliance to come out in the open and make categorical statements loud and clear on the rooftop to the hearing of all concerned citizens of this country.

“This forms the crux of our press briefing, to draw the attention of the relevant authorities and the nation in particular about the miscarriage of justice in INEC, actively promoted by its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu,” he said.

He also called on the Nigerian Bar Association to intervene in concertedly sanitising the legal profession by fishing out bad eggs among its membership.

“There is a clique of lawyers today on our streets that neither cares about the ethics of the bar nor give credence to professionalism.

“These lawyers sniff around for legal lacuna to exploit, not

minding whether such constitute abuse of court processes or not.

“In the course of our ordeal, we have seen a lot of these tactical unprofessional practices where lawyers are engaged by persons to sue themselves as if they were truly sued in real terms, ” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at a national congress held by AA in Abuja, Mr Solomon-David Okanigbuan emerged the party’s presidential candidate, among others.

But retired Major Hamza AlMustapha, the former aide to late Gen. Sani Abacha, also won the presidential primary election conducted by the Udeze-led faction on June 9 in Abuja.

The electoral umpire had recognised all the candidates presented to it by the Udezeled faction, despite court judgements declaring that Udeze was no longer a member of the party.

There is also an order directing INEC to accept and publish all the candidates sent to it by the Omo-Aje leadership of the AA.

(NAN)

EDITORIAL Out 2022, in 2023

We often say a “happy New Year”. But this is more a wish than a fact. It also suggests that the previous year wasn’t a happy one. In a sense, therefore, 2022, for a majority of Nigerians, was a year to forget. No surprise, therefore, they literally rushed into, not “walked over” to, 2023.

The New Year is a week old today. The federal government declared a two day public holiday. But the fireworks that often light up the skies to welcome the new year were not seen. The streets were empty and few neighbours shared meals because there was no feasting. So the melancholy spirit of 2022 never really left us as entered the New Year.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in the twilight of his presidency, himself admitted in his New Year’s message that the old year was a difficult one. He said “Inflation around the world is at an all time high (and) 2022 brought a combined impact of ongoing wars (Russia-Ukraine, for example) and Covid-19 side effects.” Domestically, insecurity peaked in 2022 when gunmen attacked a passenger train

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in March and took away over 200 passengers, demanding a hefty ransom for their release. A maximum security prison in the heart of Abuja was also attacked and several inmates were released, including high profile politicians.

However, though 2023 holds out no certainty of happiness and prosperity, it will not be without some excitements. After all, this is an election year. It is Buhari’s last year in office and he has promised to make the polls successful. He pledges “my personal commitment and executive promise to ensure that the 2023 elections, which are diligently conducted by INEC, are free and fair. The collective electoral will and the votes of Nigerians will be fulfilled, even in the twilight moments of my turn.”

“Indeed, whether or not 2023 will be “happy and prosperous” will depend on how transparent the polls are conducted and the quality of new leaders they produce. It means we hold the key to our happiness in our hands. Use it well and the door opens but lose it and we shut out our happiness and prosperity

Indeed, whether or not 2023 will be “happy and prosperous” will depend on how transparent the polls are conducted and the quality of new leaders they produce. It means we hold the key to our happiness in our hands. Use it well and the door opens but lose it and we shut out our happiness and prosperity.

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Lessons from Kwanzaa for reducing religious and ethnic conflict in Nigeria

By John Egbeazien Oshodi!

Particularly During This Tense Ethnic And Religious Presidential Campaign In 2023.

In all of Africa, religion and ethnicity have generally caused and diminished a sense of communal tolerance and coexistence, which continue to reawaken divisions, hatred, and even violence.

This dilemma is more prevalent in the most populous nation in Africa, Nigeria, which is dominated by entrenched, intense religious and ethnic tensions.

No wonder the successful planting of democratic structures that express unity, institutional healthiness, instability, national security, and an expressed positive future remain distant.

Before we get into the tradition of “Kwanzaa,” an annual festival celebrating unity and social values observed primarily by Blacks in the United States from December 26 to January 1, it is worth knowing that Nigeria is recognized for its numerous native and adopted festivals. So far, none has reasonably served to unite Nigerians across ethnic and religious persuasions.

Let’s look at Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa derives its name from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, which translates as “first fruits” or “harvest.” Kwanzaa underlines African heritage in African American culture in the United States of America.

The celebration is observed and runs for seven days, from December 26 to January 1, and focuses on one principle each day: unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Celebrations often include the lighting of candles, singing and dancing, storytelling, poetry reading, and African drumming. Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration. Where it is celebrated, the room is often decorated in the black, red, and green colors of Kwanzaa. The table setting includes a candle holder for seven candles (one black, three red, and three green), a placemat made of straw, a crop item (vegetable), ears of corn to match the number of children in the family, a communal cup, and gifts.

Dr. Maulana Karenga, born Ronald McKinley Everett in Parsonsburg, Maryland, and a professor of Africana Studies at California State University, California, founded the African American and African-oriented observance Kwanzaa in 1966 as a celebration of family, community, culture, and unity.

Dr. Karenga created seven guiding principles. During the week of Kwanzaa, we explore each principle. The seven principles represent seven values of African culture that help build and reinforce community, especially among African Americans or American Blacks.

Kwanzaa has seven core principles, or Nguzo Saba:

Umoja: “Unity” means to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Kujichagulia: self-determination: to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

Ujima: Collective Work and Responsibility—To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems and solve them together.

Ujamaa: Cooperative Economics: To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Nia: “Purpose: To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.”

Kuumba: “Creativity”: To always do as much as we can, in the way we can, in order

to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Imani: “Faith is to believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.”

Kwanzaa should be understood by both continental and resident Africans as not being an African American or Black Christmas. A lot of people, especially whites, assume that Kwanzaa was intended to replace Christmas. No, Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday. It is celebrated by people of many faiths as well as those who do not embrace any religion. Its purpose is to promote unity among black people as well as an understanding of our cultural roots.

Kwanzaa may be new in terms of time out like the historic roots of Hanukkah observed by Jews, Christmas by Christians, and Ramadan observed by Muslims, but its cultural tenets are old regarding paying homage to our ancestors, forging hope and faith, and rekindling unity and pride.

A proverb often quoted during Kwanzaa reads: “I am because we are; because we are, I am.” Harambee! (Let’s pull together!)

Unlike the above religious traditions and holidays, for people of African origin, Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday; it’s a cultural one. It is about people from all different religious backgrounds, including African spiritual traditions, celebrating the holiday. which makes it more appropriate for Nigerians of all faiths as it cuts across religious and tribal lines and serves as a time for families and communities to come together to not only reflect on past struggles and difficulties but to celebrate and practice cultural unity.

The features of Kwanzaa remind this writer of his own background among the Esan people in what is now Edo State, Nigeria regarding Esan cultural events and festivals. There is what is called the New Yam Festival, among many other festivals.

Some ethnic groups in Nigeria celebrate the new yam festival, including the Esans. Every year from September to November, Esanland celebrates the new yam festival known as Huan.

It includes serving yam dishes, which come in the form of pounded yams paired with some sort of traditional soup, porridge or yams roasted yams.

Nigeria, with all its multiple divisions and intense relationships, should adopt the basic principles of African fruitage celebrations established in Kwanzaa.

These seven basic principles found in producing the harvest are vital to building unity and maintaining strong and wholesome communities.

In this way, Kwanzaa can be used to reflect on how we have applied the basic principles, to share and enjoy the fruits of our labor and struggle to combat colonialism and racism, and to recommit ourselves to the collective unity of a better life for our people.

It does not require travel to Israel or Saudi Arabia to celebrate the unity and development of any continental African community.

This call for the adoption of Kwanzaa appears timely at a time in Nigeria where many people say the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari has ruined the nation’s unity, causing ethnic and religious groups to clash over political, educational, and cultural differences, and I perceive Kwanzaa as one of those collective cultural apparatuses that could get some of these lingering differences resolved. Let’s try it out. In fact the celebration is going on now!

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist.

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Benedict XVI: Counting our losses!

By Abiodun Komolafe

Take for instance, a General Overseer (G.O.) somewhere may say something to his or her members and the leader of another denomination may be opposed to it! It is this lack of cohesion amongst the denominations that has made it easier for the political King Kongs and socioeconomic swallowers to factionalize the Church. If God is God and the same One, it is common logic that the doctrines coming from the denominations should not be different.

On January 26, 1998, I authored an article, entitled Lessons from the Dead, in one of Nigerias foremost newspapers. In the piece, I attempted to eulogize the late Mother Theresa of Calcutta for her avowed commitment to the advancement of global development as well as her giving an everlasting face of honour to humanity. As a member of staff of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) later that year, I came to a striking realization that ‘Catholics are made, not born!’

As a writer and public affairs commentator and, much later, as a leading member of the production crew of CSN News, the official newsmagazine of the administrative headquarters of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, yours sincerely was able to read widely in a bid to know more about the Church and its leaders. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, then, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, was one of them. In 2002, I had a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity of visiting the Cathedral Church of Our Dear Lady (Frauenkirche), Munich, Germany, which served as Ratzingers seat as Archbishop of Munich and Freising, between 1977 and 1982.

Indeed, one of the attributes of the Catholic Church is its ability to train its people. Well, the Church believes that one should always be at the top of ones game. Thats why the institutional prowess of the Catholic Church is unparalleled all over the world. It is also the reason an institution like that can raise a pope like Benedict XVI. The Church is supportive of its members and adherents of the faith. It is also pro-intellectual like no other Church; and it is wealthy enough to see its projects through anywhere on Planet Earth. Thats why we seldom have a wishy-washy man becoming pope.

The Catholic Church must actually be commended for the selection process of popes because enormous responsibility is placed on it to ensure that the right candidate is chosen. Ideally, the Church can afford no error! Ceteris paribus, it has fared better! So, raising a brilliant, charismatic and resourceful priest like Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is also a sign of the shrewdness

of the process of the selection of popes.

To be sure, one of the shining attributes of leadership is an individuals ability to thrive in untested waters navigating roads that were hitherto never travelled and how specific leaders fared at the end of the day. Indeed, Pope Benedict has demonstrated to the world what the ideal profile should look like. He was a pragmatist; and, like former President J.F. Kennedy, the Bishop of Rome and Sovereign of the Vatican State understood the huge responsibilities of power and its functions. Therefore, he would not stick to power for the sake of power. Instead, he carried power gingerly throughout his tenure. And, when it was time to let go, he didnt need anybody to persuade him. He knew his health was failing and he decided to let go. Whereas other people would have been beating a wall with the hope of transforming it into a door, the pontiff opted for the path of honour. Even with the clergy in Africa, they wouldnt have let go of that sweetness of power!

When Benedict resigned as pope on February 11, 2013, the world was taken aback while some people felt it was rare and unheard-of. Indeed, in the preserved historic account of the Church, only one pope had attempted such; and did resign, hundreds of years ago. Pope Benedict lived above his peers! He glossed through life with abundant grace and vitality because he has an understanding of the intricate details of life and the inevitability of death. Like King Hezekiah, whose resolutions were based on the convictions of his faith, the Holy Father was a man of uncommon courage and a sure symptom of manly tenderness who, until death, was developing. Unlike others, whod never want to listen to the topic of death, Benedict XVI was able to speak truth to power and face any situation because he knew that he would be here only for a while; that he would one day take the exit route of life. And, by so doing – not living for the moment –he would surely live forever in the hearts of a lot of people.

Abraham Lincoln! Nelson Mandela! The tragic truth is that the world is fast losing its best with striking vengeance and opportunities for their replacement are waning with each passing day. Unfortunately, Africa is the worst hit! Therefore, welcome the African continent, where leadership positions are held in a ‘tilldeath-do-us-part’ fashion. In the African setting, it is considered normal for leaders to stay put in positions of power. The point is: in our clime, leaders dont quit; they dont resign; and they dont retire! Of course, they are not even supposed to leave, courtesy of the alignment and accommodation found in the cultural contents of most African societies. Unlike Giovanni Martinelli, the Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli who, despite repeated threats to his life, preferred martyrdom to betraying his community, the story

of leadership in Africa has been one of unutterable desolation, indescribable poverty and wanton destruction of innocent lives.

Lets face it: leadership in the African setting doesnt have the same root in cultural foundation with the rest of the world. In a continent where people with neither decency nor honour dictate the pace of affairs; where conspicuous underachievement and struggle for power crudely compete for space; of course, where poverty increases with the same proportion as the national budget, why wont times and things get messed up? Thats why you have a leader like Paul Biya and Yoweri Museveni who will not want to go after spending 40 and 37 years in office respectively.

Nigerias case is even peculiarly worse! Here, the society and the social structures are ambivalent; and successive leaders understand this! Thats why they can afford to mess up in public office while the society debates the pros and cons of the alleged misdemeanour. To get out of this doctrinal mess, the Cultural Revolution and new orientation will have to start from scratch; that is, from the youths. The youths need to learn that, when they are in a position, they should do for their country something great because everyone has an expiry date!

Generally in Nigeria, the leadership and/or ownership structure and the preponderance of diverse denominations have actually divided the Church more than unite it. The personalization of the ownership of the churches for pecuniary conveniences has made cohesion and control of the Church a difficult venture. Take for instance, a General Overseer (G.O.) somewhere may say something to his or her members and the leader of another denomination may be opposed to it! It is this lack of cohesion amongst the denominations that has made it easier for the political King Kongs and socioeconomic swallowers to factionalize the Church. If God is God and the same One, it is common logic that the doctrines coming from the denominations should not be different.

Undeniably, the Catholic Church and, indeed, the world, has lost a star; not only because the Successor to the Throne of Peter shined as a noble priest, but being someone who through his life and death has contributed significantly to the leadership and institutional attributes of the Church globally. May the generations of Pope Benedict XVI abound, even in the future!

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, rest the soul of our beloved Pope Benedict XVI and comfort the Church he left behind!

*Komolafe wrote in from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, Nigeria (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk)

By Isaac Asabor

Without a doubt, the seemingly intractable challenges Nigerians are the moment facing are being orchestrated by the leadership and by complicity, followership of the APC, and which unarguably prompted the elder statesman to endorse Obi who promised Nigerians of reversing the retrogressive trend of governance.

There is no denying the fact that Britannica is an organization that is reputed to have a team that cut across researchers, editors, technologists, designers, and quizmasters united in their commitment to telling stories, teaching, and never losing sight of the fact that learning is one epic, lifelong journey. Without resorting to eulogizing the organization, it is expedient to say that it has a substantial presence in virtual space. In its lexicon popularly called “Britannica Dictionary”, it defines an elder statesman as a retired government leader who gives advice to current leaders, and also as a respected man who has been a member of a group or organization for a long time.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is not in any way an exaggeration to say that the foregoing description aptly finds expression in Olusegun Obasanjo’s personality by virtue of being an army general, who was the first military ruler in Africa to hand over power to a civilian government, even as he served as Nigeria’s military ruler from 1976 to 79 and, as a civilian president from 1999 to 2007.

As contained in the foregoing Britannica’s description which implies that an elder statesman must as a matter of duty be speaking truth to power, it is not an exaggeration to say that Obasanjo has never relented since he vacated Aso Rock as Nigerian president in 2007. The basis for the foregoing view is inextricably linked to the fact that Britannica in its somewhat job description of an elder statesman says, “Elder statesman as a retired government leader gives advice to current leaders”, it will not be offbeat in this context to ask whether as a retired government leader, precisely as a two-time number one citizen of Nigeria, has been playing the role of an elder statesman by advising contemporary leaders. Aptly rephrased, “Has Obasanjo,

since retirement, been speaking truth to power? If the question is posed to most Nigerians that have been following him as he patriotically plays his elder statesman’s role, their unanimous response to the question would predictively be in the affirmative.

It is not an exaggeration to say that Obasanjo has been playing the role of an elder statesman, more than any other elder statesman alive in Nigeria, through letter writing, and which has for the umpteenth time pitted him against not a few politicians, and some of their overzealous spokespersons.

For the sake of clarity, lexicographers are unanimous in their definitions that speaking truth to power simply means “Standing up for what is right and telling people in charge what is what. That is the idea behind the phrase “speak truth to power”, which is invariably an expression for courageously confronting an authority, calling out injustices on their watch, and demanding change”.

It will be recalled that on 2nd December 2013, former President Olusegun Obasanjo wrote to now-former President Goodluck Jonathan, a letter that clearly competes as one of the most acerbic in modern history, accusing him of ineptitude and of taking actions calculated at destroying Nigeria.

It will equally be recalled in this context that in the 18-page letter, Obasanjo unarguably scolded Jonathan by reminding him that “Nigeria is bleeding and the hemorrhage must be stopped,” and warned, by saying “Before It Is Too Late.” Not only that, he said Mr. Jonathan has failed to deliver on his promises to the Nigerian people, stem corruption, promote national unity, and strengthen national security.

He added that rather than take steps to advance Nigeria’s interest and make policies that are capable of raising the standards of living of Nigerians, Mr. Jonathan had betrayed God and the Nigerian people that brought him to power, and has been pursuing selfish personal and political interests based on advice he receives from self-centered aides.

n a similar vein, it will be recalled that ex-President Jonathan on September 22, 2015, wrote a letter to Obasanjo, informing him of his plans to set up a foundation on which platform he will stand to continue serving humanity.

In response to Jonathan’s letter, Obasanjo in a letter dated October 12, 2015, advised him to use the Foundation to show remorse, and use it to engage in soul-searching and reviewing his past actions as well as consider the Foundation as a platform through which he can heal his conscience and demonstrate penitence over his past actions.

Also in July 2019, a letter that Obasanjo wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari, was made available to the media by his Special Assistant Media, Mr. Kehinde Akinyemi. As conveyed by the letter, Obasanjo highlighted the weak points of Buhari in addressing critical challenges across all sectors of the economy, and in the same vein prayed for him at the conclusive part of the letter thus: For the sake of Nigeria and Nigerians, I pray that God may grant you, as our President, the wisdom, the understanding, the political will and the courage to do what is right when it is right and without fear or favor. May God save, secure, protect and bless Nigeria. May He open to us a window of opportunity that we can still use to prevent the worst from happening. As we say in my village, “May God forbid bad things”.

Still, in the same characteristic manner, Obasanjo had recently in an open endorsement of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, in his New Year message to Nigerians elicited angry reactions from the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, and that of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of APC described the endorsement of Obi by Obasanjo as “useless”, alleging that the former president hardly has strong electoral value. The PDP PCC reacted in like manner, saying whether Obasanjo likes it or not, Atiku would be president in his lifetime, the presidential campaign council of the LP said other former Nigerian leaders should emulate Obasanjo and endorse Obi. However, in my view, those who hate Obasanjo for playing his role as an elder statesman have the choice to hate him, while those that like him equally have the collective choice to like him, but one fact remains, Obasanjo will always speak the truth to power.

Isaac Asabor is a Public Policy Analyst.

Hate him or like him, Obasanjo will always speak truth to power

The citizens’ loyalty towards national rebirth

By Clement Uwayah

Ordinarily, it is expected that the prosperity of the nation takes centre or prime position in the hearts of every wellmeaning citizen, to the effect of free choice of leaders during elections. This has not ever been brought to bear, because from onset the political class had found a way of enshrined and perpetual pauperism of the masses and the control of their mind through financial handouts, inducements, or baits.

In his inauguration address in 2017, US President, Donald Trump, stated, “At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America, and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other”. This was a weighty remark, propelled by the strong belief that loyalty is not only key, but of paramount importance towards national growth and development. The issue of loyalty is very critical, being a necessary elixir needed to push forward intentions and thereby attain the envisaged success. Every group, organization or nation relies on the loyalty of people to move forward. The impetus derived from loyalty makes it a necessary requisite for the attainment of success in all spheres of life. Businesses survive when people are loyal to their brands. For any entity to thrive, it is necessary for the leader to be surrounded by loyalists who believe in the vision and by extension the leader. These indices account for differentials in growths of groups, organizations, or a country.

So, whether to an individual, group, organization or a country, loyalty remains a sure elixir for hope and positive results. And, when and where loyalty becomes dimmed or diminished, the resultant effect is often characterized with despondence, uncertainties and possible termination of dreams and ultimate failures. So, to advance a course, individuals, groups, organizations and indeed nations need people who would maintain some high degrees of loyalty. But then, what happens when there is a conflict of loyalty? Is it possible to be loyal to two courses simultaneously, especially if it tends to be at cross-purposes? And more importantly, is there no boundary or limitations to loyalty

of individuals or groups when governance and national political leadership recalibrations becomes inevitable? What more, if such loyalty is somewhat perceived to be at cross purposes to a nation’s redemption, growth, and development, knowing too well that we are in a society of highly ignorant and gullible citizens with pauperism as an established tool for the securement of loyalty? This is where we need to x-ray the subject, ‘loyalty’, with the intention to redirect our mindsets towards more productive, prosperous, and futuristic tendencies and outcomes now and after the 2023 general elections. This is much so important as it is needful to ensure that our quest for a new Nigeria on the basis of rebranded leadership get birthed.

Loyalty, political loyalty (in particular) has become a critical subject. This is because loyalty is a strong basis upon which people situate and rally support for and to candidates during elections. Wikipedia states that, ‘Loyalty, in general use, is a devotion and faithfulness to a nation, cause, philosophy, country, group, or person. The definition of loyalty in law and political science is the fidelity of an individual to a nation, either one’s nation of birth, or one’s declared home nation by oath (naturalization).’ What the above definition clearly depicts is the fact that there should be no basis for conflicts when allegiance or loyalty towards an individual or group runs at cross purposes to majority leanings or desire. This is where the current political development in Nigeria has generated into a movement for a preferred candidate. It seems to wear the toga of national desires. However, the resistance from far and near is indicative of manipulations. It is a matter of fact that loyalty can be and is being misplaced. But then, what defines a nation’s desires to justify insinuations, perceptions, or outright conclusions that some people’s loyalty is wrong or not in the nation’s best interest?

National desires, just like national interests, are issues and topics that are very critical to the nation, especially within the context of its internal confines. It is unarguable that one of such desires of Nigerians is and remains the quest for the emergence of a political system or class that would change leadership concepts,

thereby paving the way for the redemption of the country from the ravaging situations of economic quagmires, social milieu, and unabated poverty in the land. There is no doubt that our retardation as a nation took root from the consistent failures of successive government, leadership incompetence and self-serving tendencies. Such leadership incompetence was heightened because the political system has a way of throwing up misfits. The emergence of candidates from where choices are ultimately made always left much to be desired; always characterized by monetary influences that eventually make the moneybags or their stooges always emerge from political party primaries. So, in effect, our greatest desire as a nation at this point in time, is the institution of leadership that is different from the prevailing order of mediocrity, self-service, and purposelessness, which has thrown the nation into the pitiable situation of insecurity of lives and property, hunger and deprivation. This desire reflects in the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians, as exemplified in the various support groups for Peter Obi in the build up to the upcoming 2023 general elections.

Ordinarily, it is expected that the prosperity of the nation takes centre or prime position in the hearts of every well-meaning citizen, to the effect of free choice of leaders during elections. This has not ever been brought to bear, because from onset the political class had found a way of enshrined and perpetual pauperism of the masses and the control of their mind through financial handouts, inducements, or baits. This explains the fact that much of what we see as loyalty is misplaced. Misplaced or mistaken loyalty refers to loyalty placed in other persons or organizations where that loyalty is not acknowledged or respected, is betrayed, or taken advantage of. It can also mean loyalty to a malignant or misguided cause. Social psychology provides a partial explanation for the phenomenon in the way “the norm of social commitment directs us to honor our agreements. People usually stick to the deal even though it has changed for the worse”.

Clement Uwayah, a public affairs analyst writes from Edo State

Nigerians do not want the office of First Daughter

By Matthew Ma

The latest criticism comes from a renowned blogger Pauline Njoroge on her Facebook page, who locked horns with Charlene by questioning whose office should be called the office of the first daughter between Charlene and June Ruto. She argued that June Ruto is the firstborn daughter of President William Ruto. So how does Charlene claim her office is that of the first daughter? How will the office of June be referred to since she is the firstborn daughter of the president?

“Nigerians do not want an office of the first daughter, first son, last-born, or side chick. It is not everything we see overseas that is good for Nigeria. Some (if not most) of them are not designed for us. Before we add any office to the country, we should evaluate to see if such an office suits us. Hence, my position on the Office of the First Daughter is if these women desire power that much, they should wear the garb of politicians and stand for elections instead of this unconstitutionality we are witnessing.”

Who says women are not powerful? Women are not only powerful; they indirectly or directly determine the affairs of a nation. Some of the most crucial decisions in history have either been influenced or made by women. Women exercise a lot of power and influence not just in the kitchen or home but in a man’s heart. Nothing inspires a man’s decision as much as the voice of his wife or concubine, as the case may be. There are several examples of powerful women in history whose actions inspired or motivated their men. Examples of such women include Isabella I of Castile, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Nefertiti Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, and many others. Even in the Jewish culture, we find stories in the Bible of women who showed extraordinary leadership and courage. For example, Deborah, with no aristocratic ancestry, was a powerful woman in Scripture elevated to high political power by the common consent of her peers. She displayed her leadership skills as a counselor discussing and suggesting solutions to people with problems near her home. Deborah reigned when the civil court system was inept, the military was too weak to defend national borders, the priesthood of what had been a theocracy was powerless and ineffective, and life was no longer possible. At the same time, she became a judge to deliver her people from war. When King Jabin was harassing the Israelites, Deborah summoned Barak from the tribe of Naphtali on the northern border. She ordered him to recruit an army of ten thousand men from his tribe and the neighboring tribe of Zebulun. Barak hesitated, insisting that Deborah accompany him for the task. Later, Deborah joined the recruits and also advised them on tactics.

To modern feminist leaders, Jezebel is one of the most intriguing women in the Scriptures, a bloody yet strong-willed, politically clever, and courageous woman. A Phoenician princess who worships Baal, the pagan god of fertility, Jezebel marries King Ahab of the northern kingdom of Israel. She persuades him to tolerate her alien faith, then becomes entwined in the vicious religious conflict that ends in her death. After her marriage to King Ahab, Jezebel emerges as the power

behind the throne. Their combination represents a political alliance that benefits both countries. It is also an opportunity for Jezebel to foster the spread of her Baal religion with its many gods, ritual sex, and temple prostitutes. She hates the monotheistic Hebrew religion, and when she became queen, the Israelites began worshiping alien idols. Influenced by his malicious wife, King Ahab protects and encourages pagan rituals, prompting Yahweh to inflict a three-year drought in a land where people reject him. Seizing the initiative, Jezebel imported 450 priests of Baal from her native Phoenicia and murdered many priests of Yahweh. But the drama switches to the royal palace, where Jezebel’s husband covets a vineyard owned by Naboth that he wants for a garden. Naboth’s refusal to sell his family inheritance sends Ahab into depression. Jezebel asserts her dominance: Now is the time to show yourself king over Israel, she says scornfully. I will get the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite for you. How she succeeds reinforces the eternal image of Jezebel as a scheming, murderous woman. Forging the king’s signature, she sends letters to townspeople falsely accusing Naboth of blasphemy. Once face-to-face with Naboth, Jezebel urges the crowd to take him out and stone him to death. Naboth dies, and his property reverts to the royal family. Martha appears three times in the Bible as one of the most powerful testimonies in Scripture when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. It is in this story that Martha shows the unshakeable strength of her faith. A friend of Jesus, she lived in Bethany with her brother Lazarus and sister Mary. In John 11, Lazarus falls seriously ill, and despite sending a message to Jesus asking for help, Lazarus passes away before Jesus arrives. However, Martha’s absolute faith in Jesus shines through when she runs to meet him. Lord, Martha said to Jesus if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now, God will give you whatever you ask. Jesus performed a miracle and brought Lazarus back to life, fully healed. How amazing is it to witness that strength of faith, to be so convinced of God’s provision and power no matter what happens in the natural?

In Kenya lives another young lady called Charlene Ruto. In December 2022, Kenyans took to social media to express their disbelief over the apparent existence of an office of the first daughter, linked to President William Ruto’s second-born daughter. In a video circulating online, Charlene Ruto spoke to an audience at a summit in Tanzania, where she introduced her team from Kenya, including her adviser and another head of trade and investments at the office of the first daughter. Upon hearing the statement, members of the audience who innocently thought Charlene was joking appeared to respond loudly with applause, while some laughed. Following widespread criticism, Charlene Ruto granted an interview to an online media where she tried to clear the air. Charlene also revealed to be working on her Foundation, whose main objective is to amplify the voice of the youth. According to her, many Kenyans wondered why she was going around counties. But what is it exactly? She affirms she is not asking anyone to give her a position anywhere. Also, she does not need any title to do what she is doing. She decided to establish her initiative to help the community, Kenyans, and be a voice

for our youth. She believes there is a difference between leadership and politics. You can lead without a title in politics. That is why she took that path, she added. Charlene also dismissed claims that she was using public funds to move around the country, saying she has her funding. According to her, the Charlene Ruto Foundation has many donors and sponsors who have come on board. Some are individuals who have come to her. She maintained that many business people have also come to her to support her NGO. She denies using any government resources to do her job. She has also revealed that she will launch the Charlene Ruto Foundation in early 2023. Currently, she said, she is establishing the functional structure of the Foundation. She claimed she has also released an official statement on the matter, saying that the Office of the First Daughter is a private entity and not run using the taxpayers’ money. It is neither a constitutional office nor funded by Kenyan taxpayers. The office runs to facilitate the activities of any programs initiated by her. The Office of the First Daughter has acted in good faith to ensure that the Kenyan Youth have a voice and get access to opportunities to enable sustainable livelihoods.

Africans likewise took to social media to express their disbelief and disapproval over the apparent existence of an office of the first daughter. On Twitter, they backlashed Charlene for laying claim to such an office. The latest criticism comes from a renowned blogger Pauline Njoroge on her Facebook page, who locked horns with Charlene by questioning whose office should be called the office of the first daughter between Charlene and June Ruto. She argued that June Ruto is the firstborn daughter of President William Ruto. So how does Charlene claim her office is that of the first daughter? How will the office of June be referred to since she is the firstborn daughter of the president? But reacting to the claim, Kenyan President William Ruto denied the existence of the Office of the First Daughter, a title under which his daughter Charlene has held several high-profile events and meetings. President Ruto told journalists in the State House in Nairobi to leave his daughter Charlene alone. According to him, Charlene is just a kid. Hence, children will always be children. He refuted that there is no such office as the office of the first daughter and that Charlene is only the daughter of William Ruto, even though, there are times when she does not know the boundary between the president and the father. But critics have argued that if we do not kill the ideology fast, it would be a matter of time before children of presidents across the continent will begin to adopt the term – which they say is unconstitutional and can be an avenue of corruption and embezzlement. Those who frowned against the announcement of Charlene Ruto, the second daughter of President William Ruto of Kenya, said that Africans in the continent and the diaspora must stand up against the move. They claim that the continent is already suffering from what some have classified as the unconstitutional office of the first lady, which invokes powers on the president’s wife not recognized by law.

Rev. Ma, S.J, is a Jesuit Catholic priest and PhD candidate in public and social policy at St. Louis University in the state of Missouri, USA

PRP presidential candidate urges youths to vote party

From Ahmed Idris: Birnin Kebbi

The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) Presidential Candidate Alhaji Abdullateef Kolawale Abiola has charged Nigeiran youth to vote for PRP.

He gave this charge yesterday at the flag-off of the Governorship campaign in Kebbi State.

He added that 2023 general election is for the youths to decide.

Another Etsu Kwali will be appointed soon — Official

By Usman Shuaibu

Following the death of Etsu Kwali (second class chief), Alhaji Shaban Audu Nizazo III, the Chairman of Kwali Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Danladi Chiya, has said that another Etsu of Kwali would be appointed soon in order to fill in the gap.

Chiya stated this in an interview with newsmen during the three days funeral prayer of the late Etsu of Kwali on Sunday.

He said his administration would do everything possible to see that the right person is being appointed for the sake of peace in the area.

He, therefore, described the late Etsu of Kwali as a man of peace who had left a good legacy behind, saying that the people of Kwali had lost a great man.

He then called on the entire residents of Kwali Area Council to deem it necessary to emulate the good life style of the late second class chief.

Also speaking, an indigene of Kwali Area Council, Dr. Aliya Bakka Kwali prayed that the Almighty God should choose the right royal father for the people of Kwali.

Bakka Kwali expressed happiness the way at which the royal fathers across the six area councils attended the funeral prayer of the late chief.

Collect your PVC now, Ashiru urges Kaduna electorates

From:Attn:News Editor

The Kaduna state gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Isa Ashiru, has called on those

yet to collect their Permanent Voter’s Card, PVC, to do so immediately.

He added that the change they desire to see in Kaduna state would only be effective when they have their PVCs.

Ashiru pleaded with them to go to the various offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to pick theirs, pointing out that the INEC offices stay open between 9am - 3pm daily.

The Guber candidate said this yesterday in Saminaka, Lere local government while receiving defectors from the All Progressives Congress, APC, and other parties into the PDP.

Buhari mourns Kebbi boat mishap victims

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the Government and people of Kebbi State over loss of many lives, following the capsizing of a boat conveying farmers.

President Buhari condole

with families who lost loved ones in the accident, urging more prayers for the rescued persons that are still undergoing medical examinations and treatment, Special Adviser to the President on Media and

Publicity, Femi Adesina said in a statement at the weekend.

He said the President commended the efforts of rescue workers who worked for days searching for the missing persons, while calling on stakeholders to pay more

attention to proper regulation of transportation by boats, especially in rural areas.

President Buhari prayed that the Almighty God will receive the souls of the departed, the statement added.

L-R: Bigi consumer and winner of the grand prize of a brand new car in the 2nd Bigi Watch and Win Promo, Kehinde Adewole, receiving the keys to his car from Digital Lead, Rite Foods Limited, makers of Bigi drinks,Olawale Odenusi , during the car presentation at Silverbird Cinema, Victoria Island, in Lagos

El-Rufai hails NAF for improved security in Kaduna

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Gov Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has commended the heroic performance of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in the restoration of relative peace in the state.

El-Rufai gave the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit to Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, at NAF Headquarters on Friday in Abuja.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Wap

Maigida, made this known in a statement in Abuja.

El-Rufai disclosed that there had been significant improvement in the security situation in the state in the last three months, adding that several terrorists’ commanders had been neutralised by the NAF while the remnants had relocated from the state.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Kaduna state, I came to thank the Chief of the Air Staff, Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force

for the excellent work done and still being done in the state.

“The security situation in our state and environs has improved drastically. Please keep up the excellent work,” he said.

Responding, Amao thanked the governor for the visit as well as the support and cooperation the NAF had been receiving from the Government and people of the state in tackling the security challenges in the entire North West region.

He said that NAF would continue to do its best to make

the country safe and secured in line with its constitutional responsibilities.

“We will continue to do our best until the entire country is safe. We have professional and experienced operational Commanders overseeing various operations across the country,” the CAS said.

The Air Chief said that the numerous successes the NAF had recorded so far in the fight against insurgency and terrorism was as a result of the overwhelming support of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari.

Disregard opposition’s propaganda, LP’s polling agents solidly on ground -Tanko

By Christiana Ekpa

The Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Council on Sunday dismissed as opposition propaganda the allegation that the party does not have polling agents in core northern states, saying they are solidly on ground championing the ways and means to change the narrative in this year’s elections.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Spokesman of LPPCC, Yunusa Tanko, the party said it has foot soldiers scattered all over the North to man all polling units in the north and the entire nation.

Tanko, who was reacting to sponsored stories by opposition parties at the weekend, said “Opposition gimmicks to weaken the resolved minds of Nigerians to Vote Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed

into power this year will not fly.

“The attention of the Labour Party Presidential campaign council, (LPPCC) has been drawn to yet another deceitful information circulating in the social media to the effect that our party has not submitted agents for 90,000 Polling Units in North Central, Northeast and Northwest.

“We see this as yet another propaganda from the opposition to bring our rising influence down and deceive the electorate in an election year.

“We have volunteers all over the country that surpass even the number of agents required for each Polling booth so the issue of not being able to supply agents for 90,000 units is a complete fallacy designed by the enemies of progress in Nigeria.

“INEC gave a window of up to January

20th for political parties to submit their list of agents for the elections and as such cannot at this time raise concerns about any political Party not being able to submit enough agents.

“The Labour Party has a task force on the recruitment and selection of agents headed by our presidential candidate H.E. Peter Obi himself and his Vice, Datti, the National Chairman and the National Secretary of the party are all members of that committee.

“LPPCC is investigating the source of this propaganda because we know it is not definitely from the INEC.

“We appeal to the Obidient family and the teeming supporters of our party to disregard the deceitful information and focus on the collection of their PVCs which are our collective weapons to dislodge the enemies of our dear country.”

Oil producing status: Enugu next Gov has no excuse to fail - Group says

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Apolitical pressure group, Save Enugu Group (SEG) has said that whoever emerges as the next Governor of Enugu State cannot have any excuse not to perform better than Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, saying that the state Governor has left yet another legacy achievement by putting the sate on the map of oil producing states in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Willy Ezugwu, the group said that in a few years time, the oil producing status of Enugu State should reflect in infrastructural development, improved Healthcare facilities, boost in educational support and in all other sectors of the state.

“For us, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has left a commendable legacy achievement by silently, but effectively, pursuing to a logical conclusion desired inclusion of Enugu State on the list of oil producing states in Nigeria.

“It will remain the most valuable achievement of the outgoing administration when the tenure of the incumbent Governor ends in May this year.

“We totally agree with Governor Ugwuanyi that the actualisation of his administration’s struggle for Enugu State to join the league of states enjoying oil producing

status in Nigeria will ensure the fulfillment of his prayer that his successor will perform better than he is doing if elected.”

Currently, the Governor’s preferred governorship candidate is Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the candidate of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The SEG said that the state’s

oil producing status is a mega success of the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi administration that is glaring to all, saying that “when the new status of the state first become public, it was considered a political rhetoric.

“But with the unfolded reality, we congratulate the people of Enugu State and hail Governor Ugwuanyi, who has

now distinguished himself as the people’s Governor, who will be leaving a big shoe for the next administration.

“We hereby assure our dear state that the Save Enugu Group is alive to its mandate and prepared to continue on the path of holding the sate government accountable if any administration deviates from

making pro-people projects the central focus of the government.

“With the new status, we enjoin the people of the state to vote wisely and elect a candidate who is prepared to not only sustain the achievements of the Governor Ugwuanyi administration but to surpass them”, the group said.

Lawan vows 98 percent Yobe votes to be for Tinubu/Shettima ticket

By Musa Baba Adamu

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan expressed with confidence on Sunday that 98 percent of votes in Yobe in the forthcoming Presidential poll will be delivered to the candidate of the rulling All Progressives Congress(APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima.

Lawan described Yobe State as the pride of APC and vowed that no stone would be left unturned to ensure its victory at the polls at all levels.

The Senate President made the remarks in Damaturu, at the inauguration of the Yobe State APC 2023 Campaign Council which held at Yobe Government House.

The council which is chaired by former Governor of the State, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam has Lawan as Alternate chairman

and also former Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim as the Grand Patron.

Speaking at the occasion, the Senate President said: “Just as the chairman of the council said, we will be totally committed to ensuring that this party, the APC in Yobe State delivers all the seats by the Grace of God.

“We will work tirelessly, we will ensure that we leave no stone unturned, we will do whatever it takes because APC in Yobe State is the pride of APC in Nigeria and we cannot afford to let APC family in Nigeria down.

“Actually, we believe that we are supposed to dominate in Presidential poll when it comes to performance. We should be able to have the highest percentage, like we did before, nothing less than 98 percent to vote our Presidential Candidate.

“And we can do that by mercilessly committing

ourselves to our party rather than regional thinking or sentiments.

“In Yobe State, you know we have a single family and our Governor by the Grace of God should have the highest number of votes for any Governor in Nigeria.

“This we will do by making sure that our zones, the three zones in the state compete. So I want to assure you that we do everything possible within the law to ensure that our Governor comes back to office in flying colour.

“Our National Assembly and State Assembly members should be waiting for inauguration Insha Allah.

“Above all, we should be a very shinning example to everyone in this zone, I mean the North East zone. We have a vice Presidential Candidate in the neighbouring State, our sister State, Borno. Let’s beat

“Borno and Yobe are the same people. They have given us every possible support before and one good turn deserves another. It is for us to also do the same for them.

“Lastly, I want to thank those who decided to bring us on board as members of the campaign council for the confidence reposed in us and I want to specifically say that I’m committed to ensuring that we deliver our party in Yobe by the Grace of God.

“As for the unity of the party, there is no one here who has any doubt, we have a united party... We are brothers here. We will continue to be one.”

In his acceptance speech, the chairman of the campaign council, Senator Gaidam said Yobe state, from its creation, had always aligned with the progressives.

Borno State in the Presidential election.

Dr. Yunusa Tanko

POLITICS

My experience in APC full of sorrow – ExJigawa deputy gov, Gumel

By Musa Baba Adamu

The former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Ahmed Mahmoud Gumel has described his time as a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as full of pain and agony.

Gumel stated this weekend after he collected his new PDP membership card in Bamaina, the country home of ex-governor Sule Lamido.

He claimed the APC administration has failed to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the common man.

“I used to shed tears whenever I see how things are happening in APC and remember how things were when we are in government under the Peoples Democratic Party,” Gumel stated noting that it was high time for him to rejoin his party and meet his people to make things better.

“That is why I didn’t tear my old PDP membership card because I know I will come back to my house one day because we build the house,” he said.

He, however, debunked the allegation that he left the party alone.

“I and all my supporters who worked for the success of APC in 2015 and 2019 have quit the party and will work for the victory of PDP in the coming 2023 general election,” he asserted and also affirmed that more prominent politicians in the state will join PDP in the next two weeks.

The former deputy governor resigned his membership from the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and rejoined his former party, the PDP.

AA to INEC: Remove Al-Mustapha, others as our presidential candidates for 2023

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Action Alliance (AA) has again condemned the refusal of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu led Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize its Presidential candidates, Solomon -David Okanigbuan against Major Hamza Al-Mustapha in the 2023 general elections, saying failure might nullify the electoral exercise.

The National Chairman of AA, Adekunle Rufai Omo-Aje made the appeal at a press conference held at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

He noted that INEC’s failure to upload the names of all the candidates presented would threaten the polls.

Omo-Ajeat claimed that at a national convention held by the party and monitored by INEC, Solomon-David Okanigbuan emerged the party’s presidential candidate, among others.

However, Major Hamza AlMustapha (rtd.), the former aide to late Gen. Sani Abacha, won

the presidential primary election conducted by the sacked national chairman of the party, Barrister Kenneth Obidiche Udeze, on June 9 in Abuja.

The electoral umpire had recognised all the candidates presented to it by the Udeze-led faction of the party, despite court judgements declaring that Udeze was no longer a member of the party and order directing INEC to accept and publish all the candidates sent to it by the Omo-Aje leadership of the AA.

Addressing the newsmen, Omo-Aje alleged that INEC is covertly orchestrating a clandestine plan against the 2023 elections, and Action Alliance will not fold our arms and watch our nascent democracy rubbished and wounded.

“Gentlemen of the press, it has gotten to the level for us in Action Alliance to come out in the open and make categorical statements loud and clear on the rooftop to the hearing of all concerned citizens of this country about an orchestrated

plan by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman — Prof Mahmood Yakubu in making the coming 2023 General Election a waste of the nation’s resources and cause chaos in the polity.”

According to him, we are at the receiving end of a calculated plan/agenda of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, going by his wicked meddlesomeness, through INEC, in the internal affairs of our party, Action Alliance.

“We fulfilled all INEC electoral guidelines and requirements according to the Nigerian constitution with the commission, yet he is hell bent on excluding Action Alliance from the coming 2023 General Elections.

“This forms the crux of our press briefing, to draw the attention of the relevant authorities and the nation in particular about the miscarriage of justice in INEC, actively promoted by its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu,” he said.

Omo-Aje, who said that Barrister Udeze was the party’s

national chairman up to June 2019 before he was suspended and expelled, said he (Omo-Aje) emerged the national chairman after a national elective convention conducted in February 2020 by Alh. Abubakar Mohammed who took over as the acting chairman then and the poll was monitored by INEC officials.

“This brought in Hon. (Dr.) Adekunle Rufai Omo-Aje and his team as the new National Executive Committee (NEC) of Action Alliance.

“And INEC had related with this new NEC of our party, until around April 2022 when a collaborative plan started between Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and Kenneth to return him (Kenneth) as chairman of our party through the back door,” he said.

He said instead of Udeze to challenge his suspension and expulsion from the party internally and through the courts, he instituted several court cases urging the courts to declare him national chairman of the party but lost all.

Akpabio accuses A’Ibom APC chieftains of working for Atiku

By Christiana Ekpa

Senator Godswill Akpabio has berated some Akwa Ibom All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in the State for not truly working for its success but rushing to claim success in Abuja.

Akpabio, who is the National Vice Chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, said those leaders whom he described as “Abuja politicians” shout Tinubu in the day and Atiku in the night.

He noted that he was

particularly aware of one of them who had publicly endorsed the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and a PDP Senatorial candidate but would rush to Uyo to claim chairman of the party.

Akpabio further noted that someone in the APC, poised to destabilize the party for the benefit of PDP, instituted seven cases in court against his party’s governorship candidate, Akanimo Udofia.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Akpabio’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Jackson Udom

and sent to journalists in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Hee said Akpabio made the revelation, weekend, while receiving the leadership of about 250 Presidential Support Groups in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the State.

The statement quoted Akpabio to have promised to personally support any other support group in the State with genuine interest to work for the APC.

The statement reads in part, “I have heard of several other groups

being set up within the party by other party leaders. I am not against it, so long as they are being set up in support of the party and our Presidential candidate. I will personally support and attend their meetings anytime I am around in the State.

“I will not support a situation where some leaders of the party in the State would be shouting Asiwaju in the day and PDP (Atiku) in the night.

“I am very much aware of a particular person in our party,

who has publicly endorsed the governorship candidate of the PDP and its Senatorial candidate, but would rush down to Uyo to say I am the chairman of the rally for Tinubu. Which Tinubu are you talking about?”

Describing the groups as the real supporters of the APC in the State, the former governor said anybody who would not embrace the groups is not a politician, stressing that no matter how he identifies with the centre, he would always identify with the grassroots.

L-R: APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, during the Arewa endorsement rally for Tinubu at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, yesterday in Lagos.

POLITICS

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Zamfara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that the State Anti-Thuggery Committee was established to intimidate its members and supporters during the 2023 general elections.

The Acting State Chairman of the Party, Hon. Muktar Lugga disclosed this on Saturday during an interview with newsmen in Gusau, the State capital.

According to Lugga, the committee had no constitutional role to play in the election as the Independent National

Shun all forms of electoral malpractices –John Cardinal Onaiyekan to politicians

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

His Grace John Cardinal Onaiyekan, a former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, in Abuja on Saturday, advised politicians in the country to shun any form of electoral malpractices for a credible election this year.

He said that Nigerians would not accept rigged elections anymore in the country.

He gave the warning during the celebration of his 40th anniversary as bishop, at the Holy Trinity Church, Maitama in Abuja.

He warned politicians scheming to manipulate the results of this year’s election that the current mood of the country can lead to unrest at the slightest provocation.

Onaiyekan stated that the current yearning of Nigerians is for a better country. Noting that the election would no longer be business as usual with regard to the result of the elections, he urged politicians to desist from any form of manipulation.

“All of them, whether they are in government or not, should desist from rigging or causing violence; they should not do it; they should allow this election to run in a free and fair way,” he admonished.

While insisting that he has no special candidate, Onaiyekan said the advice was for the politicians to understand that “the mood in which Nigeria now is not a mood that they will quietly accept a rigged election.”

He advised politicians to fear God, saying they would answer to their actions before Him when they leave this world.

“Even if no one asks questions, God will definitely ask questions and He has His way of asking questions about the deeds of all humanity”, he said.

Zamfara Anti-Thuggery C’ttee intimidates opposition – PDP chairman, Lugga

Electoral Commission (INEC) had outlined conventional security agencies to take part in providing adequate security during election processes across the country.

“Therefore, any attempt to give chance to the State anti-thuggery committee is contradictory to the constitution

of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will not be accepted by the PDP in the State.

“The PDP will continue to follow the rule of law in the fight for our rights and we will never succumb to any pressure until we salvage Zamfara State.

“I have said it times without number that no amount of

intimidation or harassment can pull us back, we must address the perplexing and embarrassing situation of the State.

“We are, therefore, alerting all security agencies in the State to note and remain focused in their responsibilities to ensure peaceful political processes across the State,” he said.

The chairman also expressed worry over the recent indiscriminate arrest of the party’s supporters, including PDP heavyweights, citing example of the recent arrest and detention of a former minister of Information, Hon. Ikira Bilbis and a former Ambassador, Captain Mairiga Mafara.

NNPP guber candidate tasks electorates on candidate that will advance Cross River

The Governorship Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Cross River, Wilfred Bonse, has advised the electorate in the state to vote for a candidate that would advance its development in the forthcoming elections.

Bonse in a statement in Abuja, said that the choice of the electorate would define the socioeconomic and political future of Cross Rivers.

He urged the electorate to cast their votes for him and his party, adding that he was in the race to bring to bear his experience in financial management to help restore the state’s lost glory.

“2023 is going to be a defining year in the political history of our great nation in general and our dear state in particular, as we will be going to the polls to decide our electoral, political, social, economic, and developmental future.

“The choices before us are quite simple, and the options are very unambiguous. We have to choose between the continuation of the status quo or choose to break free and vote for a future we can be proud of.

“It is for this reason that I’m offering my service to the people of Cross River State. I bring you a viable, credible, and competent alternative to the status quo.

“I come with the fresh breeze of a new dawn, where Cross River State can live up to the true

meaning of its title: “The People’s Paradise.

“I bring you a mixed bag of high-capacity expertise in financial management, engineering, alongside a high level of goodwill among the foreign investors and the business community, to say the very least.

“A vote for me is a vote to restore Cross River State to her state of lost glory as well as setting her on the path to

rapid accelerated growth and development,” Bonse said.

The governorship hopeful called on the electorate in the state to cast their votes for NNPP for development of the state.

He said that NNPP remained the only viable, credible and competent alternative, capable of rescuing the state and giving Cross River people a future they would be proud of.

He added that NNPP is also politically equipped to save the

country, saying “I believe we can save Nigeria, one state at a time.

“As we go to the polls, let us make use of the power we have been given by the universal adult suffrage provision of the Constitution, to bring about a new Cross River, free from the shackles of subjugation and socioeconomic slavery.

“New Nigeria and a New Cross River are possible. Let’s begin with Cross River State, vote NNPP,” he appealed. (NAN)

APC could only win presidential poll if Nigerians go to

By Christiana Ekpa

Senior Pastor of Awaiting The Second Coming Of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa has predicted that the chances of All Progressives Congress(APC) winning the presidential poll is not feasible.

Pastor Giwa, while addressing his congregation in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Sunday, said it could probably happen when Nigerians decide to feign ignorance

by going to sleep.

Pastor Giwa is famed for being critical of the APC-led Federal Government, especially in relation to insecurity and the economy.

He cautioned the electorates to guard against selling their voting rights for peanuts.

According to him, Nigerians are not lost on how President Muhammadu Buhari-led government and his party had plunged the nation into its current economic comatose.

sleep – Pastor Giwa

Giwa stated: “We have not forgotten how they lied to us that they would make naira equal in value to the dollar, but failed to actualize it. They promised our children scholarships, but they ended up closing our higher institutions for almost a year. Most of their policies have turned married women and young ladies into prostitutes. You can’t imagine how Yahoo boys have taken over the streets of Nigeria due to the failure of the current government

to provide jobs.

“APC can only return to power again if Nigerians are sleeping. Let me advise you to get your PVC ready and vote out this ruling party”.

Pastor Giwa’s reactions comes just as the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently took delivery of its last batch of BVAS machines, which it hopes to deploy massively in the conduct of the general elections slated to kick off in February this year.

Edo State Police Commissioner, Mohammed Dankwara, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu of Edo State when They visited Igueben Community After the Abduction of Passengers At A Train Station yesterday In Edo State,

*Says decision foster transparency in energy sector

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) over its decision to identify the real owners of all lease and licence holder operators in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

In a statement issued and signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organization described the regulatory commission’s action as ultimate, noting that the decision will further promote transparency and accountable system in the Nigeria’s energy sector. It is indeed the way to go given Nigeria’s endorsement of the renowned Open Government Partnership, OGP

The civil group, which also declared its support for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission in ensuring transparency in the energy sector, added that the organization shared a common vision of transparency and accountability with the commission in the energy sector.

Suraju, further charged NUPRC to call on the law enforcement agencies to ensure the compliance of the operators in providing the required information as directed, and to follow up with review of the information and veracity of the submissions.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum for all lease and licence holder operators in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, to disclose the identity (ies) of the beneficial owner(s), the level of ownership, and details of how control is exerted.

The move, which came on the heels of the recent release of a beneficiary ownership register by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, and the Corporate Affairs Commission seek to implement the beneficial ownership reporting system, a statutory requirement, which demands full disclosure of beneficial ownership information.

By Abubakar Yunus, Abuja

The Securities and Exchange Commission has stated that it has continued to employ its compliance tool to ensure that only fit and proper capital market operators practice in the market. This the Commission said, has resulted to an improved level of compliance with filing of prudential returns rising to 96% in 2022 compared with 81% in 2021.

Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr. Lamido Yuguda who stated this during an interview, described it as a welcome development given the Commission’s quest to pursue a capital market that is based on the principles of increased transparency, efficiency and global competitiveness.

He described year 2022 as another eventful year in which the Commission continued its implementation of sound initiatives that are expected to bring about the much desired market development that would not only deepen the market but also ensure the continued protection of investors.

According to him, “The Commission released Guidelines on the Implementation of Sections 60-63 of the Investments and Securities Act 2007.The NCMI organized training for CEOs, CFOs and other officers of public companies to facilitate their compliance. The Commission also provided filing options for Audited (Annual) and Fourth Quarter Financial Statements.

“The Commission has conducted the Risk Based

Supervision (RBS) examination on 20 capital market subsidiaries of five (5) Financial Holding Companies aimed at supporting the entire financial system stability.

“To further protect investors and boost confidence in the Market, the Commission has commenced implementation of 100 percent custody requirement on all Collective Investment Schemes (CIS).

“Also, after a thorough review of the status of privately managed funds, the Commission mandated that Rule 95 should also apply to all Discretionary/ Non-Discretionary Portfolios and Products to ensure the protection of investors’ funds in the Fund Management space”.

The SEC DG Disclosed that a comprehensive onsite inspection exercise was successfully carried out on the 95 registered Fund Managers to ensure that both the Public and Private Funds registered by the

Commission are being operated in line with the relevant Rules and Regulations.

Prudential returns compliance level boosted by 96% in 2022 -SEC HEDA lauds NUPRC for demanding oil well owners names

On Non-Interest, Yuguda stated that the Commission, working jointly with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Non-Interest Finance Committee of the CMC and other stakeholders has developed a taxation regulation on noninterest finance.

The Non-Interest Finance (taxation) regulation he stated, has been approved by the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and has already been gazetted. This is a positive development that will spur investments in Non-Interest Capital Market products.

He disclosed that the Nigerian Capital Market witnessed significant momentum, with the main equity bourse (NGX) recording a N6.1 trillion increase in the equities capitalization, from N21.82 trillion on

December 31, 2021 to 27.96 trillion as at December 30, 2022 representing a 28% increase, outshining most of the global securities markets. The NGX All-Share Index also recorded a 19.98% year-on-year growth from 42,716.44 points on December 31, 2021 to 51,251.06 as at December 30, 2022.

“On the Debt side of the capital market, the S&P FMDQ Sovereign Bond Index closed at 592.84 points on December 14, 2022 indicating a4.8% increase from 565.67 points in December, 2021.

“The Market witnessed this despite relatively weak corporate earnings, investor apathy and slow economic growth. However, we expect to see enhanced growth in 2023 driven by initiatives that target improvement in the business environment, increased liquidity, and possible increase in sovereign bond issuances to finance the budget deficit” he added.

CAJAAH Estate residents protest over insecurity

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

Residents of Orozo Mass Housing Estate otherwise called CAJAAH Estate in Nasarawa State on Saturday protested what they described as the distortion of the estate’s plan, and exposure of residents to security threats and armed robbery.

The residents subsequently called on the Nasarawa State Government, the Traditional council in the State and the security agencies to rescue them.

In an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the protest, the Chairman of CAJAAH Housing Estate Landlords Association, Mr. Mathias Amuta, said the lives of residents have been under threat, a situation he said required the urgent attention of the authorities.

He said, “We are tired of this harassment, intimidation, the extortion by the Director of CAJAAH Limited, please save us from these people. We are in a situation whereby we are at

work, our families are not safe, we say enough of this.”

Chairman, who was represented by Barrister Tom Egbele, said what prompted this peaceful demonstration was the recent attack on the estate. He explained that in early 2022, Emir of New Karshi, Muhammad Bako III took over CAJAAH Nigeria Ltd. But, Before his (Emir’s) takeover, we made a series of attempts to see him in 2020, asking him for his intervention concerning the crisis amongst Directors in

CAJAAH Nigeria Limited, but he refused to grant our request.

Also Speaking, Mrs. Oladipo Grace said,” This situation in the Estate is a major threat to us as residents. Our wives, mothers, and children too and even our husbands have not been at peace. So that is why we are here today to say no more to this. We are under threat. We cannot live peacefully in our homes. We have secured our properties here. We have invested our money here so we shouldn’t be living in fear.”

Caption: Residents of CAJAAH Estate protesting against insecurity in the estate.

BU$IN€SS

CBN stops overthe-counter withdrawal of redesigned naira notes

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed commercial banks in the country to load their automated teller machines (ATMs) with the redesigned naira notes in a bid to boost circulation.

The apex bank also ordered the banks to halt dispensing the new currency notes over-the-counter.

Disclosing this in a phone interview with journalists on Saturday, Osita Nwasinobi, CBN’s spokesperson, said the new directive takes effect immediately.

He explained that the attention of the apex bank was drawn to complaints from Nigerians who have not been able to access the redesigned notes since the banks started dispensing them on December 15, 2022.

The CBN spokesperson said the directive was given to increase the circulation of the new naira notes across the country ahead of the January 31, 2023 deadline to phase out the old notes.

“The CBN is concerned about claims by Nigerians that they had not come in contact with the new notes and therefore, directed the banks to ensure that they load their ATMs with new notes,” Nwasinobi said.

“This will ensure quick and wider circulation of the new notes across Nigeria.”

Responding to the claim that the new notes were in short supply in banks, Nwasinobi described it as “false”.

Meanwhile, Peoples Daily had visited some commercial banks in Abuja, Nasarawa State and observed that new naira notes were dispensed over-the-counter alongside the old notes.

But some banks also resorted to rationing them as they grappled with limited supply.

“That is not the correct position. We have enough supplies in line with the indent for the period,” Nwasinobi said.

He accused some citizens of attempting to swap large volumes of existing notes for new notes in banks.

“The report we have is that some persons are wanting to swap the amounts they have, which is not the objective of the currency redesign,” the CBN spokesperson explained.

“For instance, a customer brings in N2 million in cash and expects to get the same volume in the new currency.

“If the banks accede to such requests, it will be tantamount to leaving the challenge of excess cash unaddressed.”

FAO: World food prices fell for ninth consecutive month in December

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations says global food prices declined for the ninth consecutive month in December 2022 — but rose substantially on a yearly basis.

The UN agency made this known in its latest food price index released on Friday.

It said the food price index, which tracks international prices of the most globally traded food commodities, averaged 132.4 points in December, down by 1.9 percent from November, as well as 1 percent below its value last year.

It, however, said for 2022 as a whole, the index averaged 143.7

points in 2022, up by 14.3 percent from 2021.

FAO said the decline in the index in December was driven by a drop in the international price of vegetable oils, together with some declines in cereal and meat prices.

However, sugar and dairy prices rose during the period under review.

According to the report, the FAO dairy price index increased by 1.2 percent in December, following five months of consecutive declines.

“Higher international cheese prices, reflecting tightening market conditions, drove the monthly increase in the index, while international quotations for butter and milk powder declined,” FAO said.

It further explained that sugar prices rose mostly due to concerns over the impact of adverse weather conditions on crop yields in India and sugarcane crushing delays in Thailand and Australia.

“As noted, the FAO Food Price Index average over 2022 was notably higher than the previous year, which on top of large increases in 2021 catalysed significant strains and food security concerns for lower-income food-importing countries and the adoption, inspired by FAO, of a “food shock window” lending facility by the International Monetary Fund,” the organisation said.

“World prices of wheat and maize reached record highs over the year. The average value of the

FAO vegetable oil price index for all of 2022 reached a new record high, while the FAO dairy price index and meat price index marked their highest full-year levels since 1990.”

Commenting on the development in a statement, Maximo Torero, FAO chief economist, said, “calmer food commodity prices are welcome after two very volatile years.”

“It is important to remain vigilant and keep a strong focus on mitigating global food insecurity given that world food prices remain at elevated levels, with many staples near record highs, and with prices of rice increasing, and still many risks associated with future supplies.”

Why redesigned naira notes leave ink stains on white surfaces, Says MINT MD

The Nigerian Security Printing and Minting (NSPM) Plc has allayed the fears of Nigerians over the quality of the redesigned naira notes.

The company, also referred to as The MINT, is responsible for producing the naira, Nigeria’s currency.

In a statement , signed by Ahmed. A. Halilu, its managing director, NSPM said its attention has been drawn to various clips, skits, concerns and comments on diverse platforms regarding the quality of the redesigned notes.

On October 26, 2022, Godwin Emefiele, CBN governor,

announced plans to redesign the naira to control money supply and aid security agencies in tackling illicit financial flows.

On November 23, the new notes — N200, N500 and N1000 — were launched, and banks began to dispense the redesigned currency denominations on December 15, 2022.

Addressing misconceptions about the quality of the new naira notes, Halilu said they were of the same substrates as the existing ones and passed through the same printing processes and finishing procedures.

“It is, therefore, basically the same as the other notes in circulation,” he explained.

The NSPM managing director

also said the new naira notes leave traces of intaglio inks when rubbed on plain white surfaces.

This, he said, was a it’s security feature which makes it easy to identify fake currency.

“It is, however, important to note that new banknotes are generally light when issued, then become heavier in circulation on getting in contact with dirt and moisture,” Halilu added.

“In addition, the second stage of currency printing (intaglio) requires a heavy deposit of special inks with fairly large particles to give a tactile feeling of the portraits as well as other raised prints by way of design.

“One of the properties of intaglio inks is non-solubility in

water and ease of transfer (light stain) on plain white materials owing to the size of the particles.

“This is generally a security feature of all banknotes that easily differentiates them from forged or counterfeited notes.”

Halilu further said the best international practices have been deployed in the production of the new naira notes, adding that his agency would continue to ensure that it meets international standards.

“The naira is our legal tender and national symbol. We, therefore, urge Nigerians and other users of the naira banknotes not to subject our banknotes to experiment in order to prove a point,” he said.

Abubakar Yunus ABUJA

L-R: Chairman, Labour Party PCC, Imo State Chapter,Martin Agbaso; Chairman, Labour Director General, Big Tent Nigeria, Ibrahim Abdul-Karim; Director General, Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Akin Osuntokun; Co-Convener Value Driven Leadership, Nwamaka Oloye; and Special Adviser to Peter Obi on Technology Strategic Alliances, Valentine Ozigbo, at the launch of Peter Obi Town hall app in Lagos, at the weekend.

BU$IN€SS

Tinubu to youths: We will encourage use of blockchain technology in crypto assets

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Bola Ahmed Tinubu said his administration will encourage the use of blockchain technology in finance and cryptocurrency assets if he is elected into office.

Blockchain technology is an advanced database mechanism that allows transparent information sharing within a network.

In 2021, the Central Bank of Nigeria

(CBN) directed all banks in Nigeria to close accounts of persons or entities involved in cryptocurrency transactions within their systems.

Explaining the decision, Godwin Emefiele, CBN governor, said it was in the best interest of citizens.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with youths in Abuja, Tinubu said his administration would implement policies that would enable them to take advantage of the opportunities in ICT.

“I promise a thriving digital economy where those interested in pursuing careers

of integrity in ICT will be able to do so,” he added.

“We will also ensure that Nigeria can take greater advantage of relatively recent innovations such as blockchain technology.

“I promise to invest in the infrastructure required to boost an already-successful entertainment industry. Working with private sector partners we will bridge the existing gaps to build modern media centers and upgrade existing entertainment venues and stadia across the country to world-class standards.

“My administration will reform

the education sector by focusing on quality, access, funding, management, effectiveness, and competitiveness.

“I promise, we will provide good and quality education in tune with 21st-century demands.”

Tinubu also said under his administration, youths would become leading catalysts to drive economic prosperity.

“You will be empowered for individual and collective success. There will be opportunities across the board, and they will be for you. Let us go together,” he said.

Oil price rises to $78 a barrel amid hopes of increased China demand

Abubakar Yunus Abuja

Oil prices rose on hopes that China, the world’s largest crude importer, would increase its demand.

Brent crude increased 0.15 percent to $78.81 a barrel at 10.00 GMT+1.

The US West Texas Intermediate crude futures also rose by 0.12 percent to $77.58 a barrel.

The peak was sustained at $86 a barrel as at January 30, 2022, before embarking on a downward trend to $77 on Wednesday.

The latest oil price rise has been linked to the restarting of economic activities in China and the support interventions announced by the authorities for the country’s real estate sector.

“China’s reopening optimism, especially further stimulus measures to boost the property sector, is the main bullish factor for the oil prices, which has improved the demand outlook in the near year,” Tina Teng, an analyst at CMC Markets, said.

“A softened U.S. dollar has also added upside momentum to the oil markets.”

On Thursday, China announced more state support measures, including establishing a dynamic adjustment mechanism on mortgage rates for firsttime home buyers, in a bid to boost its highly indebted property sector, which accounts for a quarter of the country’s economy.

In a move that could bolster oil demand, China said daily passenger flights scheduled during the upcoming Lunar New Year, starting Saturday, averages about 11,000 — 73 percent of the pre-COVID-19 level in 2019.

On Friday, transport officials said the total number of passenger trips via road, rail, water and air during the holiday season is expected to reach 2.1 billion this year, double the 1.05 billion during the same period last year.

Th Asian nation has also ended its stringent zero-COVID policy, leading to

a surge in COVID infections across the country.

Meanwhile, in the US, data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed on Thursday, that distillate inventories, which include diesel and heating oil, dropped more than expected in the week to December 30.

The inventories fell by 1.4 million barrels, compared with expectations of a 396,000-barrel drop.

The US gasoline stocks fell by 346,000 barrels last week, according to the EIA data, compared with analysts’ expectations for a 486,000-barrel drop.

Edward Moya, senior market analyst at Oando, said: “Oil is trying to rally but demand concerns are keeping the gains small.”

“The Saudis are slashing prices as the short-term crude demand outlook seems like it won’t quite get a major boost from a robust China reopening.”

On Friday, Saudi Arabia, world’s top

crude exporter, lowered prices for the flagship Arab light crude it sells to Asia, to its lowest since November 2021 amid global pressures hitting oil.

On the flip side, Nigeria started the fiscal year optimistic that it would wipe out some bottlenecks that restrained oil earnings in 2022 and bolster crude oil production in the year.

On Thursday, Timipre Sylva, minister of state for petroleum resources, had said there was significant improvement in crude oil production, due to the government’s intervention in eradicating crude oil theft.

In November, 2022, oil output rose from 1.01 million barrels per day (bpd) to 1.18 million. But it still below the 1.8bpd quota set by Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Sylva had said the federal government was targeting full production capacity of up to 3 million bpd of crude, with an oil price benchmark set at $75 per barrel in the country’s 2023 budget.

METRO

2022: How FCTA averted flood disaster in Abuja - Agency

By Stanley Onyekwere

Despite the devastating effect of the high volume of rain fall witnessed in 2022, to communities across the nation, the FCT Administration successfully managed the situation, leading Abuja becoming a standard in flood control in the country.

This, the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) attributed to early warnings and massive sensitisation drive which led to a drastic reduction

in the impact of flooding in the FCT.

Director General of FEMA, Alhaji Abbas Idriss, who made this disclosure while giving a scorecard on some of the agency’s activities in 2022, noted that the 2022 floods were the worst experienced in decades, as created humanitarian crises in many parts of the country.

Idriss, while making reference to federal government data, stated that “the floods affected 34 states in the country, displacing 1.4 million people,

killed 603 people and injured 2,400 persons. The FCT was not spared heavy rains according to the 2022 seasonal climate prediction by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), rainfall in the FCT fell within the range of 1190 mm and 1590 mm slightly higher than 2021, but in spite of the heavy rains, no lives were lost to flooding in the FCT.

He said: “Today, the FCT has become a standard in flood control in the country. This is because of a drastic reduction in the impact of flooding in the

FCT. We attribute this development to early warning and massive sensitisation on what to do before the rains, during the rains and after the rains.

“We have also issued early warning in line with the impact based seasonal climate prediction by NIMET, and the annual flood outlook issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Agency (NIHSA).”

Idriss also disclosed that in 2022, FEMA responded

to 42 distress calls on the 112 emergency toll free numbers, indicating a reduction from the 173 distress calls it responded to in 2021.

The DG equally attributed this reduction to the massive sensitisation of residents, whom he commended for heeding to early warnings on possible flooding.

Also, the FEMA boss commended FCT residents for their cooperation, particularly in heeding to its and other relevant emergencies early warning.

Candido tasks Civil Servants on retirement plans

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Secretary, Transportation Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido has tasked civil servants on retirement plans, so as to have a better welfare for themselves.

Candido equally noted that, politicians and civil servants are necessarily partners , when they work in unison there will be greater success.

He made this assertion at a sent forth party organised for the retiring Director of Administration and Finance (DAF) of the Secretariat, Malam Usman Musa Yahaya, over the weekend, in Abuja.

According to him: “35 years of service will still come, when it comes let it not meet you unprepared. My advice

for those who are still in service is that, they should start planning toward their retirement. Plan from your salary as you retire and land safely.

“I don’t like a situation where you retire and become a liability, I have seen cases where people who retired two, three years ago, look like people who never had the opportunity to work at all. We need to plan from the little salary we earn.

“Farming is a good job, and is the side hustle that was recommended for civil servants, you must not farm in Abuja, you can go to neighbouring states to farm, farming is very lucrative”.

Furthermore, Candido, who is the immediate past Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), opined that, politicians and civil servants are necessary partners, if you don’t listen

to their advice, you may find yourself in a mess. You can also be frustrated by policies and bureaucracy of civil service.

While commending the celebrant, Candido praised him for his dedication to duties, saying, “

I would have wondered if I heard anything different from those who had spoken earlier.

“We have known for years, I never knew we are going to work together. It is not how long but how well. And the remarks have been how well.

“We will continue to pray for you. Sometimes, I used to be afraid of civil service, but he gave me hope”.

He, however, charged other civil servants to advice him whenever he erred, in order to adjust and do the right thing.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, the

Director, Traffic Management, Alhaji Wadata Bodinga described the retiring DAF as a humbly and loyal civil servant, whose approach to work is worthy of emulation.

He said: “We are going to miss him in the Secretariat, for his ability to carry everyone along. We will continue to tap from his wealth of experience and hope that he will avail us the opportunity to render his service to the Secretariat”.

On his part, the outgoing DAF, Usman Musa Yahaya, thanked God for sparing his life to see the completion of his service years.

He also thanked the Secretary, who insisted that the occasion be put in place.

He therefore wished, the secretary were with them long ago, saying, “your few stay with us shows that you are a good leader”.

Mahmood Yakubu, chairman INEC, (3rd Left), Christy Uba, acting DG National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), (4th Left), with the INEC and NYSC management teams after the working visit by the INEC delegation to the NYSC headquarters in Abuja over the weekend. Photo: Mahmud Isa

world news

Rishi Sunak refuses to say if he uses private GP

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has repeatedly refused to say whether he uses private healthcare, insisting it is “not really relevant”.

Mr Sunak told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme that his healthcare was “a personal choice”.

Nursing union leader Pat Cullen said the PM “needed to come clean as a public servant”.

And when asked the same question, shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said he did not use private healthcare.

In the interview, Laura Kuenssberg suggested there was huge public interest in Mr Sunak’s decisions and that former Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher was open about her choice to use a private GP.

Mr Sunak said healthcare was “something that is private”, adding he “grew up in an NHS family”, with a dad who was GP, and a mum who was a pharmacist.

But when pressed again, Mr Sunak did not answer the question and instead said,

in general, “we should be making use of the independent sector” so patients could choose where they have treatment.

A newspaper report in November last year suggested Mr Sunak was registered with a private GP practice that offers on-the-day appointments and charges £250 for a halfhour consultation.

The latest NHS figures show that, in November last year, 58% of NHS patients were not seen on the day they made an appointment.

At the same time, a record high of more than seven million people are waiting for hospital treatment, as the NHS faces one of the worst winters in its history.

Ms Cullen, the general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said public servants “ought to be clear with the public whether or not you are using private health cover”.

“That’s about being open, it’s about being transparent and it’s about honesty,” she said.

Mr Streeting said the PM’s answer to the question about his healthcare showed him to be someone who did not understand the

biggest crisis in NHS history.

He said private healthcare created a twotier system, but patients were free to make their own choices about treatment.

Mr Sunak has said he has a policy of not commenting on his family’s healthcare arrangements, when asked previously.

Laura Kuenssberg said there was likely to be a political row over Mr Sunak’s personal healthcare choices.

One former minister told the BBC presenter: “[Mr Sunak’s] lack of transparency shows he thinks going private is a problem. It is - he’s taking decisions on public spend that affect a version of ‘the public’ that he’s not willing to be part of.”

Some of Mr Sunak’s predecessors have made a point of drawing attention to their use of the NHS when they were prime minister.

David Cameron often spoke about how the NHS cared for his disabled son, while Boris Johnson said the health service saved his life after he fell seriously ill with Covid.

But when Mrs Thatcher was prime minister she was candid about her use of private health

insurance, which she said was vital for her to “go into hospital on the day I want, at the time I want, and with a doctor I want”.

Mr Sunak was interviewed as senior doctors warn of a NHS on a knife edge, with health workers striking over pay and some hospitals in crisis.

A sharp rise in Covid-19 and flu admissions in recent weeks has put pressure on hospitals, which are also dealing with a backlog of treatment that built up during the pandemic.

A&E waits and ambulance delays are at their worst levels on record.

In Sunday’s interview, Mr Sunak acknowledged the NHS was “undeniably under enormous pressure”.

When asked if the NHS was “in crisis”, he said while recovering from the pandemic “was going to be tough”, he was optimistic “we can get to grips with this problem”.

In his new year speech this week, Mr Sunak said bringing down NHS waiting lists was one of his five top priorities and has since held talks with health leaders to alleviate the crisis.

Ana Montes: Top spy freed in US after more than 20 years

Ana Montes - among the best-known Cold War spies caught by the US - has been released from prison after more than 20 years in custody.

The 65-year-old spent almost two decades spying for Cuba while employed as an analyst at the Defence Intelligence Agency.

After her arrest in 2001, officials said she had almost entirely exposed US intelligence operations on the island.

One official said she was among “the most damaging spies” caught by the US.

Michelle Van Cleave, who was head of counter-intelligence under President George W Bush, told Congress in 2012 that Montes had “compromised everything - virtually everything - that we knew about Cuba and how we operated in Cuba”.

“So the Cubans were well aware of everything that we knew about them and could use that to their advantage. In addition, she was able to influence estimates about Cuba in her conversations with colleagues and she also found an opportunity to provide information that she acquired to other powers.”

After her arrest, Montes was accused of supplying the identities of four US spies and

oceans of classified material. She was handed a 25-year prison sentence, with the sentencing judge accusing her of putting the “nation as a whole” at risk.

However, unlike other high-profile spies caught during the cold war, Montes was motivated by ideology, not personal gain. She agreed to work for Cuban intelligence in part based on her opposition to the Reagan Administration’s activities in Latin America.

In particular, a report from the defence department’s inspector general found, she is believed to have been angered by US support for the Nicaragua Contras - a right-wing rebel group suspected of committing war crimes and other atrocities in the country.

She was initially approached by a fellow student at Johns Hopkins University in 1984 after expressing outrage at US actions in Nicaragua. She was later introduced to a Cuban intelligence agent and at a dinner in New York City she “unhesitatingly agreed to work through the Cubans to ‘help’ Nicaragua”, the inspector general’s report said.

After travelling to Havana the following year for training, she joined the Defence Intelligence Agency, where she would

eventually become the organisation’s senior analyst on the island’s communist government.

For almost two decades she met with Cuban handlers every few weeks at Washington DC restaurants and sent coded messages containing top secret information to them via pager. She received her orders by

transmissions sent over short-wave radio.

She was finally detained in September 2001 after US intelligence officials received a tip that a government employee seemed to be spying for Cuba. One of the FBI agents who arrested her said she had appeared stoic upon her arrest.

Newport News: Condition of teacher shot by child improving

The condition of a Virginia teacher left seriously injured when she was shot by a six-year-old pupil has shown signs of improvement, authorities say.

Abby Zwerner suffered life-threatening injuries after she was shot with a handgun at Richneck Elementary School in the city of Newport News on Friday.

Mayor Phillip Jones told the BBC that Ms Zwerner’s recovery was “trending in a positive direction”.

But he added that she remained in a critical condition after the incident.

Online, social media users wished Ms Zwerner - who is believed to be in her 30s - a speedy recovery.

Her alma mater, James Madison University in Virginia, offered “prayers and best wishes for Abby’s health and recovery”.

It is unclear how the child - who remains in police custody - obtained the gun. Officials said that while the school - which has around 550 students - had metal detection facilities, students were checked at random and not every child was inspected.

Police have declined to say what might have motivated the incident, but Chief Steve Drew told reporters the shooting had come after an “altercation” in a first grade (ages six to seven) classroom and did not appear to be “accidental”.

One parent, Steve Gonzalez, whose child was present in the classroom at the time of the shooting, told Fox News that Ms Zwerner had reacted selflessly after the shooting.

He said that after being struck by the bullet “she screamed at her kids to run away”.

Mayor Jones - who took office just five

days ago - said police were continuing to investigate the circumstances around the shooting, but said he thought the “word altercation was a valid one, and one that I would use”.

“We don’t have all the answers about how a six-year-old was able to handle a firearm or how a six-year-old was able to access a firearm,” he said.

“This is a dark day in our history and I think this is a red flag for the country.”

Officers have also declined to discuss what contact they have had with the student’s parents.

Virginia law prevents six-year-olds being tried as adults. And the child would also be too young to be committed to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice if found guilty.

But a judge could revoke the parents’ custody of the boy and take him into the supervision of the state.

On Saturday, Chief Drew said police had “been in contact with our commonwealth’s attorney [local prosecutor] and some other entities to help us best get services to this young man”.

School District Superintendent George Parker said on Saturday that the shooting showed “we need to educate our children and we need to keep them safe”.

“We need the community’s support, continued support, to make sure that guns are not available to youth and I’m sounding like a broken record today, because I continue to reiterate that: that we need to keep the guns out of the hands of our young people,” he added. Source: BBC

NEWS FROM AFRICA

South Africa’s apartheid-era police minister Adriaan Vlok dies

Anotorious police minister during white minority rule in South Africa, Adriaan Vlok, has died aged 85.

He played a key role in enforcing the racist system of apartheid, with police running hit squads that kidnapped, tortured and murdered activists.

Vlok confessed to some of his crimes after apartheid ended in 1994 and was granted amnesty.

He also washed prominent antiapartheid cleric Rev Frank Chikane’s feet in 2006 in a gesture of contrition.

His critics saw it as a stunt to gain sympathy, and to avoid making a full disclosure of all the crimes committed by the apartheid regime.

Rev Chikane had survived an attempt by police to poison him to death in 1989.

More than 45 years of rule by the apartheid regime came to an end in 1994 when Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black president.

In 2007, Vlok was given a suspended prison sentence of 10 years for Rev

Chikane’s attempted murder.

“I feel ashamed of many things I have done,” he said at his sentencing.

Vlok’s family said he had died at a hospital in the capital, Pretoria, after a short illness.

He was minister of law and order from 1986 to 1991.

In its profile of him, South Africa History Online says his ministry was responsible for the detention of about 30,000 people as it tried to suppress the revolt against white minority rule.

Vlok testified at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission set up by Mr Mandela’s government to uncover the atrocities of the apartheid regime.

Vlok admitted that his police force had carried out bombings, including that of the headquarters of the South African Churches. He was given amnesty for making the confession.

He also washed the feet of the mothers and widows of 10 activists who were murdered by the police after being lured into an ambush.

In 2015, Vlok told the BBC’s Newshour radio programme that was not responsible for the “inception of apartheid”.

“I helped to keep it in place and to send me to prison for all the apartheid crimes, I think that would have been wrong,” he added.

Nigerian schools: Flogged for speaking my mother tongue

Nigeria says it wants primary school teachers to conduct lessons in local languages instead of English, which is currently used. But how practical is that in a country where more than 600 different tongues are spoken?

Kareem Abiodun Habeebullah, whose mother tongue is Yoruba, was just a secondary school student when he was whipped in class for not speaking in English.

“When I was growing up, I was struggling to speak English,” he tells the BBC. “There was a particular class,” he says, recalling the incident in 2010. The teacher called him up to answer a question, and he was stumped.

“I know the answer but I can only respond with my mother language,” he remembers saying.

The teacher replied “no way”, came to where he stood, and then the beating began. Corporal punishment is still common in some Nigerian schools, although moves have been made to eradicate it.

“She gave me one stroke of [the] cane,” and sternly reminded Mr Habeebullah that he was not allowed to speak Yoruba in class, he says.

His was not an isolated incident he says, and other students at his school received harsh reprimands for daring to speak in Yoruba instead of English.

More than 60 years after independence from Britain, English remains Nigeria’s official language, and is used in public settings such as schools, universities, government and many work places.

But the political tide appears to be turning. In November, Education Minister Adamu Adamu announced the National Language Policy which stipulates that the first six years of primary education should be taught in the children’s mother tongue.

He said the changes were necessary because pupils learn better when they are taught in “their own mother tongue.”

Currently, primary school children are taught in English, with teachers in certain communities mixing local languages with English for ease of comprehension.

However, it is unclear how the new policy will be rolled out because - in a country where government estimates say 625 different languages are spoken, and with people moving around the countrymany Nigerian children live in areas where their mother tongue is not the dominant local language.

Teaching in the mother tongue was in fact first put forward as a national policy in the 1970s, but because of difficulties rolling it out in such a linguistically diverse country, it was never put into effect, as the government wishes to do now.

The policy is already facing stiff opposition. Despite his own experience, Mr Habeebullah, who is now a school teacher, does not think teaching in local languages is a good idea.

“If you were to take a look at Nigeria as a country, we have more than 500 languages, which will make it very hard” to implement.

He questions how classes could be taught properly in a local language when it may contain students who speak different tongues at home. In his own class in Sabongidda-Ora, in the southern Edo State, five different languages are spoken, he saysIgbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Ora and Esan.

Although he is supposed to teach in English, there are times when he has to explain things in Pidgin English, so all the pupils can understand.

“There’s no point in teaching them something they cannot decipher, it would be very wrong.”

However, “I can’t be teaching students in their local language” he insists, because he simply does not know how to speak all the various tongues spoken by his students.

Furthermore, if they don’t speak English in primary school, they will find it difficult later on, he adds.

‘Too little too late’

For many middle-class Nigerians, especially in the south, English is now their mother tongue and some may not speak any local languages. This is partly a result of marriages between members of different ethnic groups, and people moving to cities, where English is the lingua franca.

Tayo Adeyemo, 46, from Lagos State agrees that teaching children in their local language at primary school is impractical.

Lagos’ local language is Yoruba, but as it is the country’s commercial hub, people who speak other languages have also moved there and still speak their mother tongue.

“I don’t think it’s a very good idea,” the father of a nine-year-old primary school student tells the BBC.

“For many years now English has been used. I used English in my primary school, many, many years ago. So for them to bring such a policy now, I don’t see it as something

that would work.”

Despite English and Pidgin being the lingua franca in the ethnically diverse city of Lagos, education ministry spokesperson Ben Goong confirmed to the BBC that Yoruba would be the language of instruction in the metropolis.

At first glance the new policy sounds positive because the government “is trying to bring back the culture” of local languages, Mr Adeyemo says.

But his children speak English at home so he doesn’t think his youngest son would even understand classes taught in Yoruba: “There’s this increasing trend of people speaking more of English. It’s the lingua franca anyway,” he says.

It “just seems easier” to speak English at home because that is the language the children are taught in at school, he says.

Although he would like his son to speak Yoruba, he thinks “it’s too little, too late” now.

“Unfortunately, you are unable to let them understand both languages at the same time.”

‘Failing the children’

However for the many Nigerian children who don’t speak English at home, being taught in a language they don’t necessarily understand very well from an early age puts them at a disadvantage at school.

Senior education specialist at the World

Bank, Dr Olatunde Adekola, tells the BBC the current teaching setup is “failing the children”.

Some parents who speak their local language at home complain that their children are “not learning fast” enough in schools, says Dr Adekola, who is from Nigeria. He blames this on the language barrier - namely, teaching in English.

When the language spoken at home is completely different to that taught in schools, it creates confusion and a “disconnect” he says.

It is not necessarily the role of the school to teach primary school children how to speak English, but to boost their literacy by teaching them how to read and write in their first language - whether that be Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Pidgin or another Nigerian language, he says.

“If any school is going to be meaningful in Nigeria” it must “start from the language the children speak to their parents, irrespective of where your parents come from”.

Dr Adekola adds that the key to whether the new way of learning succeeds is how it is put into practice.

Another huge stumbling block is that many current teachers simply cannot read and write at a high enough level in a local language to teach it to students, Dr Adekola warns. Source; BCC

Adriaan Vlok brutally enforced apartheid but then sought redemption

Kareem Abidoun Habeebullah works as a secondary school teacher

10MW Tigpower project: Towards reviving Kano’s economic glory

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

It is 1smiles and happiness everywhere in Kano state, second most populous states in Nigeria, when the news broke that the long awaited power project, embarked upon for over a decade, is to be commissioned in a matter of less than six weeks.

The cheerful story came after the state governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, paid an inspection visit to the project sites, named Tiga Power Plant and Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant only to see that the gigantic work is only waiting for some finishing touches to be commissioned.

The project, when commissioned, would revive the hundreds years of economic glory of the state, which is tagged as the economic nerve centre of subsaharan Africa.

The project is aimed at providing adequate power supply for the state’s moribund industries, water treatment plants and street lights, aimed at boosting the commercial activities, provision of portable water and lightening the commercial city to check the activities of hoodlums in the state.

On December 25th, 2022, Chief Secretary to Governor Ganduje, Abba Anwar releases a statement on the governor’s visit to the Tiga Hydro Power Plant and announced that the project would be commissioned in less than two months.

Governor Ganduje, according to Anwar, was satisfied with the progress of the work during his inspection visit to both Tiga Power Plant and Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant.

He also commended the efforts of state independent power company, Kano Hydro and Energy Development Company (KHEDCO), a limited liability company and contractors of the project.

The project was designed from the beginning of the process, the 10 megawatts generated from Tiga station, will be used to take care of Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant and metropolitan street lights

“With this, our water issue will be dealt with decisively. So also our street lights issues will soon become history. While this project will be commissioned on the 29th of January, 2023, we are still on similar project in Challawa Godge Dam, where we are generating 6 Megawatts,” Ganduje said at the

project site.

“All the two needed licences for operations were secured since June 2021 from National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Licences for power generation and distribution,” disclosed the governor.

“In the next few weeks, the power generated from Tiga will be evacuated to Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant. As all evacuation lines from Tiga to Tamburawa are fully completed,” the governor explained.

Giving explicit description of the project, Managing Director of the KHEDCO, Engr Hadiza Ahmed Tukur, said the two generators in Tiga- one is vertical while the other is horizontal, are going to generate 8MW and 2MW capacity of power respectively, saying “that is why it is called Tiga 10MW Hydro Power Generation Station.”

According to her, everything is being completed, as precommissioning test is even ongoing because 80 percent of the test is completed.

She added that only two major outstanding works remain, which are Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) certification, while the second one is the automation.

“Automation is the connection or linkage between the generation and scader system (computerized generation system). This is going to be completed in less than a week, then we open water to allow it run the turbines.

“We have gotten permission from Hadejia Jama’are Authority. They are now waiting for us. Whenever we are ready, they will open the water for us to run our turbines. The 8mw would be testrun on both no-load and load in the next two weeks time. By then, our NEMSA certificate might be out. While the 2mw would also be test run in few days. We hope to test-run both the two generation lines on load before 29th January,” Mrs Tukur explained.

She said the evacuation/ transmission lines have been 100 percent completed from Tiga to Tamburawa water projects, explaining that the company is generating 33KVA and transmitting the power also at 33KVA.

On reaching to Tamburawa water project, according to the Managing Director there is stepdown 33/11KVA, which is equivalent to 7.5MVA

transformer.

“On reaching Tamburawa water treatment plant, we have our stepdown transformer- 33.11, 7.5MVA. This 7.5MVA, the power would be transmitted from Tiga to Tamburawa at 33KVA, which

will enter the transformer to step it down to 11KVA, where we call it 33/11 stepdown. So when it stepped-down to 11KVA, it will move into our control room at Tamburawa and then to our control panel.

Then from the Tamburawa substation, after the power from Tiga reaches the 33/11KVA , one line would move into the control room at Tamburawa and the other line would move outside, which is being linked with with 2.5MVA transformer substation along eastern bypass, and then link to the street lights,” the MD explained

XIn the control panel, we made two selections- one is for our hydro power and the other one is for KEDCO for general electricity supply. We made these two selection because we may decide to shut it down at the end of every year, may be for one week or 10 days so as to carry out maintenance.

“That is why we have made this selection process because, for instance, when we are carrying out maintenance on hydro power, so our Tamburawa treatment plant would run on NEPA line, so we can select at either hydro power or NEPA. So, we thank God the project at Tamburawa is 100% completed, even the control room is 100% completed.

“Then from the Tamburawa substation, after the power from Tiga reaches the 33/11KVA , one line would move into the control room at Tamburawa and the other line would move outside, which is being linked with with 2.5MVA transformer substation along eastern bypass, and then link to the street lights,” the MD explained.

That 2.5MVA substation we went finally, that is where the power from Tamburawa would move in and then to our metropolitan street lights.

She explained further that in the 2.5MVA there are smaller transformers- one at Sa’adatu Rimi, the other at Kwanar Danhassan, while the other ones at CBN Quarters, down to Dangi, down to eastern bypass.

“From there, they will be picking power from that 2.5.VA to distribute to our metropolitan street lights.

“As it is now, even the 2.5MVA is 100 percent completed. So, in the next 4 weeks, Tiga 10MW would be ready. It would be transmitted to Tamburawa treatment plant. From Tamburawa to our metropolitan street lights.

“This would reduce the burden of paying huge amount on utility bills on government for water treatment plant or buying diesel to power street lights,” Mrs Tukur noted.

When this project is commissioned governor Ganduje would leave a legacy that would be of benefit to Kano state for many years to come.

The giant stride would certainly revive the Kano’s economic glory as the economic nerve centre of sub-saharan Africa.

The power project being inspected

ASUU seeks education tax increase by 10%

By Maryam Abeeb

Its President, Emmanuel Osodeke, spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of 50 textbooks sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Osodeke, who described TETFund as a brainchild of ASUU, praised the agency for transforming the nation’s higher education sector.

He said the increase of education tax

to 10 per cent would enable TETFund to mobilise more funds to address challenges confronting the sector.

While decrying the poor attitude of some big companies and wealthy Nigerians on the payment of education tax, Osodeke said there was a need to reposition and expand the education tax net to bring about more resources for tertiary education institutions.

Unveiling the books, Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, said they were published by Nigerian authors under the

sponsorship of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

He added that the publications would end the dominance of foreign academic materials in the nation’s educational institutions.

Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Goodluck Opiah, Adamu said: “Over time, Nigeria’s tertiary education institutions became dependent on books published outside the country with the attendant consequences of the herculean processes and unfavourable foreign exchange

rate.

It is equally worrisome that the quality of most academic publications in our country leaves much to be desired.

“It is, therefore, expected that nourishing the culture of quality authorship and the production of indigenous books will not only ensure the availability of relevant books in the diverse subject areas taking cognizance of our local environment and sensitivities but will also safeguard national pride and reduce the demand for foreign exchange.”

NANS decries UNIMAID fee hike, seeks downward review

The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) has decried the increase in registration fees by the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID).

The union also called for a downward review of the fee, noting that most of the students could not afford it.

National Vice President of

the association (Special Duties), Suleiman Muhammad-Sarki said this at a news conference on Thursday in Maiduguri.

He dismissed the recent increase in the fee by the institution as unnecessary, as the North-East region was recovering from the insurgency.

“Increment of any amount on registration charges will definitely lead to a huge number of school

dropouts across the country.

The recent hike in registration charges by some Nigerian universities does not come to us as a surprise but as an affront to war against insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.

“Students who are unable to pay the new fee might end up becoming dropouts and this will add to the rising number of youth restiveness in Nigeria, which

may also in return increase the number of insurgents, bandits and kidnappers.

“As a student who paid N30,000 last session, I could not afford to pay N74,000 now expected from the latest increase, and I may be forced to quit studies,” he said.

The unionist urged the government and other stakeholders to intervene to enable

indigent students to access quality education, adding that, “education remains a right not a privilege”.

It is recalled that the university in a circular signed by the Registrar, Ahmed Lawan announced an upward review of registration fees and other charges.

The action is as a result of the rising cost of laboratory items, teaching and learning materials,” it said.

Minister unveils 50 new textbooks by Nigerian authors

By Maryam Abeeb

Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, has unveiled 50 new textbooks published by Nigerian authors under the sponsorship of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Speaking at the public presentation of the textbooks on in Abuja, the minister said the publications would end the dominance of foreign academic materials in the nation’s education institutions .Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Honourable Goodluck Nanah Opiah, Adamu said : “Overtime, Nigeria’s tertiary education institutions became dependent on books published outside the country with the attendant consequences of the herculean processes and unfavourable foreign exchange rate.

“It is equally worrisome that the quality of most academic publications in our country leaves much to be desired. It is therefore expected that nourishing the culture of quality authorship and the production of indigenous books will not only ensure the availability of relevant books in the diverse subject areas taking cognizance of our local environment and sensitivities but will also safeguard national pride and reduce the demand for foreign exchange.”

The minister, who commended TETFund for the publications, challenged the agency and authors to also produce books with the nation’s indigenous languages.

”I also charge TETFund and the academia to go beyond publishing in English Language to promoting authorship in our local languages

in line with the recently approved National Language Policy,” he said.

Also speaking, President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Comrade Emmanuel Osodeke, who described TETFund as a brainchild of the union, lavished praise on the agency for transforming the nation’s higher education sector.

The ASUU president called for increase of education tax from the current 2.5percent to 10 percent to enable TETFund mobilises more funds to totally address challenges confronting the sector.

While decrying poor attitude of some big companies and wealthy Nigerians on the payment of education tax, Osodeke said there is need to reposition and expand the education tax net to bring about more resources for tertiary education institutions.

On his part, Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, commended the authors, TETFund’s Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and others for the publication of the 50 new textbooks.

“TETFund is committed to do this. TETFund has set a minimum target of 50 textbooks per year. I am sure that TAG we also surpass our expectation,” Echono said.

The TETFund boss also assured that the newly published books, would be distributed to tertiary institutions’ libraries at no cost.

”All the books we have published so far, the initial publications are going to be distributed to the libraries of our tertiary institutions free of charge. It is the subsequent publications that students will be buying or other researchers wil buy.

”We are also going to help them because the ministry has established education cloud, we are

digitising our thesis and records, through that ecosystem, you are going to have digital copies of these materials. All we are going to do now is to ensure will protect the authors’ intellectual property rights and once that is done, they are going to be available in the internet,” Echono said.

On the ASUU president’s clamour for 10 percent education tax, Echono said :”I am aware the current administration has done a lot in this regard. Mr President in just two years has taken two bold steps, I know there is a degree of pushback from industries, from NECA about the issue of multiple taxation and the difficult operating environment, but seeing how important education is to national development, this president on two occasions; last year it was increased from 2 to 2.5 percent and in the current Finace Bill, Mr President has ensured that it is increased to 3 percent. I don’t want to preempt until it is signed, but that shows the commitment of the president that wants to leave a legacy.

“Everyone knows that what is happening in most tertiary institutions is through the instrumentality of TETFund so increasing TETFund funding will go a long way in achieving that, whether we can go to 10 percent currently is a conversation that will be held somewhere else.”

Also speaking, Chairman of TETFund’s TAG, Prof. Charles Aworh, said the event was epochmaking because 40 of the 50 textbooks were published by Academic Publishing Centres established by TETFund.

“We are witnessing today the realization of an important goal of the TETFund Higher Education

Book Development Intervention Project which is reviving academic publishing in Nigeria’s tertiary education institutions,” he said.

Speaking further, Aworh pledged the commitment of TAG to meet its mandate of delivering annually a substantial number of high quality textbooks to the Nigerian tertiary education system.

“I should add that among the 50 titles of academic books being presented to the public today, three are from PhD theses of our young academics that have been converted to books. Twelve are multiauthored basic or fundamental texts commissioned by TETFund and written by some of our best intellectuals in the academia, private sector and government agencies.

“These books though international in outlook, are written

bearing in mind our peculiarities and local needs and with practical examples that reflect familiar realities and experiences that our students can identify with. Fortythree of such books in diverse subject areas, identified by needs assessment, ranging from History, Women and Gender, Literature in English, Communication and Media, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology. Software Engineering, Materials Engineering, Medicine, Veterinary Surgery. Agricultural Economics, Political Science, Nigerian Legal System, Special Needs Education and Rehabilitation Sciences to Pension Systems, Actuarial Science, Modelling and Simulation, Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence have been commissioned by TETFund and twenty-nine have so far been completed.”

The Chairman, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, accounting class Set 97, Mr. Kayode Ajiga (3rd right front row) with the Cross Section of their class mates, during the Class Set 25th year Anniversary / reunion , held recently in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imoowo

Maryam Abeeb

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PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. CHIEF LIVINUS C. OHAGWU. - CHAIRMAN 2. OZOR - UDEGBUNEM UMEAYOR OLIVER. - SECRETARY 3. NKOMADU FRANCIS 4. NNABERG JAMES P. 5. NKOMADU PRINCE JAMES NNABUENYI 6. NKOMADU SERGIUS NDUBUEZE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO ASSIST NEEDY AND LESS PRIVILEGED.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : CHAIRMAN

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REMOVAL OF TRUSTEE (CHANGE OF TRUSTEE UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. GABRIEL MADUABUCHI PRINCE 2. ONWUDINJO IHECHILURU LUCKY 3.KANU MONDAY - REMOVE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED

PUBLIC NOTICE

SOLID MINERAL MINERS ASSOCIATION TARABA

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. ADAMU UDI NUBUNGA. - CHAIRMAN

2. UMAR AUWAL. - SECRETARY

3. AHMAD ADO

4. ZIKENGYU JETHRO YAKUBA

5. MAGAJI ISAIAH JIRAPYE

6. OGUJIUBA AMOBI BENJAMIN

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO PROMOTE MINING ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

SARAUNIYA CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. MUHAMMAD BATULU KALTUME. - CHAIRPERSON

2. ABDULHAMEED ABDULLAHI - SECRETARY

3. MUKHTAR LUKMAN

4. AHMADU MUSA

5. IDRIS ADAMU WAZIRI

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO PROMOTE ROYAL RITES AND CULTURAL HERITAGE.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : CHAIRMAN

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC

NWANNE DI NA MBA EMPOWERMENT AND PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION

REALWAY EVANGELICAL MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

OZOR - UDEGBUNEM CHARITY FOUNDATION

AMMAR BIN YASIR ISLAMIC CENTRE, DAWAKI

UNITY HOUSE OF ALAYO CLUB, LAGOS

UGWU ENA OTUTU ENYI ABIRIBA COMMUNITY

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. UGWU INNOCENT OGBONNA 2. UDEH LEONARD IKENNA- SECRETARY 3. ANIOKE OBINNA GEORGE 4. ANIOKE OBIAJULU SHEDRACK- CHAIRMAN 5. OKOLO DENNIS CHIBIKE 6. ONYIA GODWIN EMEKA

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO MAKE BEST EFFORTS FOR CREATING MUTUAL HARMONY, CO-OPERATION, AND LOVE AND AFFECTION AMONGST THE MEMBERS.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

CEMA LENDING HANDS FOUNDATION

PUBLIC NOTICE

TREKSTAR LIKEMINDS PROGRESSIVE INITIATIVE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE

CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. AUDU JIBRIN - CHAIRMAN 2. BAJEH ABDULLAHI - SECRETARY 3. OBIDIKE CHUKWUKA IKENNA TRUSTEE 4. ONI SHEDRACK - TRUSTEE 5. MUSA ISIAKA - TRUSTEE 6. OKEZIE VICTOR UGOCHUKWU TRUSTEE 7. BELLO ABDULRASHEED ADOGA - TRUSTEE 8. AUDU ISIAKA - TRUSTEE 9. OTIGA DAVID OKPANACHI - TRUSTEE 10. AUDU ISMAILA DANLADI - TRUSTEE 11. ADEWOLE OLUWASEGUN CHUKWUDI - TRUSTEE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO PROMOTE PEACE, LOVE AND UNITY AMONG MEMBERS

TO ENSURE THE PROGRESS OF THE ASSOCIATION AND HER MEMBERS

TO ACT AS MENTOR TO YOUNGER GENERATION

TO INTERACT WITH OTHER BODIES OF LIKE OBJECTIVES

TO ORGANIZE EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS 6. TO CO-OPERATE WITH SIMILAR ASSOCIATIONS AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN ORGANIZING AND TAKING PART IN MEETINGS, CONFERENCES, LECTURES, WORKSHOPS, SYMPOSIA, EDUCATION PROJECTS AND SUCH SIMILAR ACTIVITIES.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

MAXWELL HANDS OF COMPASSION FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.NWAEZE MAXWELL ENYINNAYA 2.NWAEZE BRIGHT CHIGOZIE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE COMMUNITY.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. MATTHEW FOLORUNSHO BRAIMOH – CHAIRMAN

2. RACHAEL BUNMI BRAIMOH – TRUSTEE

EMMANUEL ANAGA JOHN – SECRETARY 4. ESTHER FOLASHADE ABIODUN – TRUSTEE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. EQUIP, INSTRUCT, MOBILIZE, AND SEND PEOPLE INTO THEIR GOD-BREATHED CALLING AND KINGDOM ASSIGNMENTS. 2. SERVE AS A CHRISTIAN TRAINING CENTER FOR DISCIPLESHIP, ADVANCED KINGDOM LEARNING, BELIEVERS INSTRUCTION, PREPARATION, AND MOBILIZING MISSIONARIES TO THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD. 3. HELP PEOPLE DISCOVER AND DEVELOP GOD’S PURPOSES FOR THEM THROUGH LIFE-GIVING COMMUNITY THAT ENDEAVORS TO SHARE OUR LIVES, BUILD EACH OTHER UP, AND USE OUR PASSIONS TO HONOR AND SERVE GOD 4. RELEASE GOD’S INTENTIONS INTO INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS, EMPOWERING THEM TO MODEL THE GRACE OF GOD IN THEIR WORLD. 5. CREATE A SAFE PLACE AND DIVINE ATMOSPHERE WHERE PEOPLE CAN HAVE AUTHENTIC ENCOUNTERS WITH GOD AND HIS TANGIBLE PRESENCE.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GRACE TOP ASSEMBLY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1• CHINEDU VICTORY

2• OKEZIRI UCHECHI BETHEL

3• EZIKE GEORGLINE IFEOMA 4• ONYEARI REGINALD EKENE 5• OTUJIEME CHIKEZIE LEONARD

6• EHIRIM ONYEDIKACHI DANIEL

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1• TO SERVE THE PURPOSE OF GOD OF OUR LORD THE RISEN JESUS CHRIST AS STATED IN THE HOLY BIBLE IN WORSHIP, CHURCH, EVANGELISM, CHARITY, FELLOWSHIP AND DISCIPLESHIP

2• TO EVANGELIZE, PROPAGATE AND PROMOTE THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AND THE GOSPEL AND EXAMPLES OF OUR LORD THE RISEN JESUS CHRIST AS STATED IN THE HOLY BIBLE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ARIKE KIDNEY FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

FEMI AKINBINU OLUWAYEMISI - CHAIRMAN

AKINBINU FEYISAYO AYOMIDE - SECRETARY

AKINBINU FEMI SYLVESTER

MIMIKO RAHMAN OLUSEGUN

RAYMOND AKINYELE

BAMGBOYE EBUN LADIPO

ADEWUYI SAMUEL AYODELE

MUSTAPHA JAJI ZAINAB

YOMI-ADENIYI MERCY OLUBUNMI

MENAKAYA ELOKA

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO PROMOTE AWARENESS ABOUT KIDNEY PROBLEM.

TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE DIAGNOSED OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD) PSYCHOLOGICALLY, FINANCIALLY AND SOCIALLY. 3. DISTRIBUTION OF ERYTHROPOIETIN STIMULATING AGENTS TO PEOPLE LIVING WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

ESTATE 3.TO PROMOTE COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SECURITY, DECENCY AND AESTHETIC BEAUTY OF THE ESTATE 4.TO PROMOTE AND PROJECT THE COLLECTIVE INTEREST OF HOMEOWNERS AND RESIDENTS OF THE ESTATE. 5.TO MAINTAIN THE AESTHETIC AND VALUE OF THE ESTATE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT ,

STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE DAVID’S OUTREACH FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1.OLOKO OLUFUNMILAYO 2.AGBEDEYI ADEBOLA

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO CARRY ON PHILANTHROPIC ACTIVITIES BY HELPING ADULTS AND CHILDREN THROUGH OUTREACHES IN THE SOCIETY.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

OBIOMA PROGRESSIVE UNION ABUJA BRANCH

whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date place stated in the said in the column. AND WHEREAS the person(s) whose name (s) and address(s) and relation(s) to the deceased are set out in the second column hereto has/have applied to the High Court of Justice, Nasarawa State for the grant of Letters of Administration of the Real and personal properties/estate of the said deceased. NOTICE: IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letter of Administration (without will) will be granted to such applicant/applicants unless a “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the

hereof.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF NASARAWA STATE OF NIGERIA IN THE PROBATE DIVISION SCHEDULE

NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES) OF APPLICANT(S)

NAME OF DECEASED PERSON

Oche Sylvester Audu Sunday late of Nyanya Died on the 22nd day of June, 2022 at Abuja

Iliyasu Aishatu Naali late of Keana, Died on the 26th day of August, 2019 at Keana

Dogara Aboki Ahmed late of Lafia, Died on the 24th day of April, 2022 at Lafia

Danladi Mabele late of Doma, Died on the 10th day of August, 2022 at Lafia

Christopher Ashama Odeh late of Doma, Died on the 26th day of June, 2022 at Doma

Ozayashi Abari late of Alagye, Died on the 3rd day of September, 2021 at Alagye.

Jibril Suleiman late of Lafia, Died on the 23rd day of April, 2021 at Gwagwalada

Okoh Echoga late of Doma, Died on the 14th day of November, 2021 at Lafia

Dangana Agbo late of Lafia, Died on the 28th day of March, 2022 at Lafia

Maimako Yusuf late of Lafia, Died on the 27th day of May, 2017 at Lafia

Ishalaku Godwin Amegwa late of Doma, Died on the 4th day of September, 2022 at Doma

Ayuba Ajuma late of Lafia, Died on the 30th day of July, 2022 at Lafia

Mohammed Ogoshi late of Keana, Died on the 11th day of December, 2022 at Keana

Anzaku Musa Otso late of Lafia, Died on the 4th day of October, 2022 at Lafia

Abdullahi Musa late of Lafia, Died on the 10th day of August, 2022 at Abuja

Agwada Onah Salisu late of Keffi, Died on the 29th day of September, 2022 at Keffi

Ramat Ibrahim late of Agyaragu, Died on the 8th day of November, 2021 at Agyaragu

Namadi Jibrin late of Kekura, Died on the 6th day of September, 2022 at Awe

Hassan Dinatu Ashelo late of Lafia, Died on the 14th day of September, 2022 at Lafia

Ababakar Yakubu Haruna late of Lafia, Died on the 4th day of June, 2021 at Lafia

Musa Adamu Ogapa late of Ogapa Died on the 4th day of June, 2022 at Ogapa

Ogelebe Danjuma late of Nasarawa, Died on the 18th day of May, 2022 at Nasarawa

Kigbu Abubakar late of Gudi, Died on the 26th day of October, 2020 at Akwanga

Yakubu Tanimu late of Keffi, Died on the 20th day of March, 2022 at Keffi

Oche Audu of Lagos State the lawful Son of the said deceased

Naali Iliyasu Yakubu of Keana the lawful Brother of the said deceased

Manga Manga Dogara of Keffi the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Mabele Godwin of Doma the lawful Son of the said deceased Victoria Y. Ido of Doma the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Abari Rebecca Jonathan of Alagye the lawful Widow of the said deceased

Jibril Dauda of Lafia the lawful Brother of the said deceased

Aboje Acheligwu Echoga & Okoh Echoga Inalegwu both of Doma the lawful Sons of the said deceased

Abdullahi Abubakar Adamu & Sani Sanusi both of Keana the lawful Sons of the said deceased.

Musa Mohammed of Lafia the lawful Son of the said deceased

Godwin Tanko Emmanuel & Godwin Patience both of Doma the lawful Son & Daughter of the said deceased Ari Liman Aminu of Lafia the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Bala Husseini of Keana the lawful Brother of the said deceased

Musa Maryam Anzaku of Lafia the lawful Daughter of the said deceased.

Muhammad Musa Abdulllahi, Musa Abdullahi & Muhammed Fatima Liman all of Gwagwalada the lawful Sons & Widow of the said deceased.

Salisu Sharif Agwada of Keffi, the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Ibrahim Friday Akpomoshi of Agyaragu the lawful Son of the said deceased

Idris Fufai Maikudi of Kekura the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Hassan Kyauta Ayalo of Lafia the lawful Widower of the said deceased.

Yakubu Hussaini of Lafia the lawful Son of the said deceased

Ogelebe Danlami of Ogapa the lawful Brother of the said deceased

Habiba Ogelebe Danjuma of Nasarawa the lawful Widow of the said deceased

Abubakar Ismail Tsaku & Habu Asabe Kigbu both of Gudi the lawful Son & Daughter of the said deceased Yakubu Sidi Ahmed & Adamu Adama Usman both of Keffi the lawful Son & Daugher of the said deceased respectively.

Abah Okwute James late of Lafia, Died on the 22nd day of April, 2022 at Lafia

Bamaiyi Mali Gambi late of Lafia Died on the 24th day of June, 2013 at Lafia

Agawu Mary Odun late of Lafia, Died on the 20th day of December, 2021 at Lafia

Mustapha Aliyu late of Shabu, Died on the 22nd day of June, 2022 at Lafia

Egga Alex late of Sabon Pegi, Shabu, Died on the 5th day of November, 2022 at Sagamu

Yakubu Deborah late of Lafia, Died on the 12th day of August, 2017 at Lafia N/18066 2LT Adam Hamzala Abdulrahman late of Maiduguri Died on the 3rd day of December, 2021 at Maiduguri

Achegbani Patrick Abama late of Agbashi, Died on the 22nd day of September, 2021 at Lafia

Christopher Angbashim Sabo late of Gudi, Died on the 1st day of October, 2021 at Nassarawa Eggon

Achegbani Patrick Abama late of Agbashi, Died on the 22nd day of September, 2021 at Lafia

James Maga Olaku late of Keffi- Wambai, Died on the 19th day of December, 2022 at Keffin-Wambai

Shekwolo Rebecca Elisha late of Nasarawa, Died on the 23rd day of August, 2021 at Lafia

Patu Yusuf late of Wamba, Died on the 22nd day of December, 2022 at Wamba Barnabas Danazumi late of Akwanga, Died on the 14th day of February, 2022 at Sanga

Adamu Yusuf late of Nunku, Died on the 29th day of March, 2022 at Nunku

Bala Ekom Joseph late of Sabon Kwara, Died on the 4th day of September, 2020 at Sabon Kwara

REPUBLICATION

Adamu Zakari Bala late of Lafia, Died on the 20th day of June, 2020 at Abuja

James Danladi Aruwa late of Akwanga, Died on the 1st day of April, 2022 at Akwanga

Ouwuse Job Danjuma late of Lafia, Died on the 20th day of October, 2021 at Jos

Alkasim Abdullahi Muhammad late of Lafia, Died on the 11th day of April, 2022 at Abuja

Ogande Ali Malo late of Alushi, Died on the 5th day of September, 2016 at Alushi

Sunday Peter Adams late of Nassarawa Eggon, Died on the 13th day of November, 2019 at Nassarawa Eggon

Abah Patricia Onyemowo of Lafia the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Bamaiyi Sarah Allu of Lafia the lawful Brother of the said deceased.

Odu Agbawu of Odege Odu the lawful Father of the said deceased.

Aliyu Abubakar Allahkayi of Shabu the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Alexander Akolo Egga of Shabu the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Magani B. Nzas of Andaha the lawful Widower of the said deceased

Abdulrahman Ruqayya Adam of Keffi the lawful Sister of the said deceased.

Patrick Emmanuel Oga & Patrick Joseph Achegbani both of Lafia the lawful Sons of the said deceased.

Christopher Angbashim of Gudi the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Patrick Emmanuel Oga & Patrick Joseph Achegbani both of Lafia the lawful Sons of the said deceased.

James Jeremiah Maga of Keffin-Wambai the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Shekwolo Theresa of Lafia the lawful Daughter of the said deceased.

Hamza Shittu Yusuf of Wamba the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Barnabas Christiana of Anzele the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Adamu Salisu Ali of Akwanga the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Joseph Lydia & Joseph Ovye Ekom both of Obi the lawful Widow & Son of the said deceased respectively.

REPUBLICATION

Aisha Bala Zakari & Zaynab Lamine both of Abuja the lawful Daughter & Widow of the said deceased respectively.

James Leah & James Hope Danladi both of Akwanga the lawful Widow & Daughter of the said deceased respectively.

Luku Justina & Dakup Happiness Obadiah both of Lafia the lawful Widow & Daughter of the said deceased respectively.

Alakasim Fatima Abbdullahi of Lafia the lawful Daughter of the said deceased.

Osumayi Jamila Akwe & Ali Mohammed both of Doma the lawful Widow & Son of the said deceased respectively.

Sunday Bulus Adams of Nassarawa Eggon the lawful Son of the said deceased.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.AGABA SAMUEL BENSON 2.AGABA ELIZABETH

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO GO TO THE ENTIRE WORLD AND PREACH THE UNDILUTED GOSPEL OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TO EVERY CREATURE 2.TO TENDER,NUTURE,EQUIP DISCIPLE AND FEED THE NEW CONVERTS AND OLD BELIEVERS WITH THE WORD OF GOD 3.TO INSPIRE AND BUILD PEOPLE OF A CHRIST LIKE ATTITUDE.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

: SECRETARY.

grant is file in this Registry within Twenty- One (21) days from the date

(Esther M. Ejeh. Esq.) PROBATE REGISTRAR NASARAWA STATE OF NIGERIA, LAFIA

NAME OF DECEASED PERSON

NAME(S) AND

RAHAJI CLAN CHARITY FOUNDATION

KINGDOM GIANTS EMBASSY CHURCH

Share Chinese Harmony, Perform Nigeria-China Symphony

2023 New Year Address by Chinese President Xi Jinping

On New Year’s eve, President Xi Jinping delivered his 2023 New Year Address through China Media Group and the Internet. The following is the excerpts of the text of the address:

Greetings to you all. The year 2023 is approaching. From Beijing, I extend my best New Year wishes to all of you.

In 2022, we successfully convened the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). An ambitious blueprint has been drawn for building a modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, sounding a clarion call of the times for us forging ahead on a new journey.

The Chinese economy has remained the second largest in the world and enjoyed sound development. GDP for the whole year is expected to exceed 120 trillion yuan. Despite a global food crisis, we have secured a bumper harvest for the 19th year in a row, putting us in a stronger position to ensure the food supply of the Chinese people. We have consolidated our gains in poverty elimination and advanced rural revitalization across the board. We

have introduced tax and fee cuts and other measures to ease the burden on businesses, and made active efforts to solve the most pressing difficulties of high concern to the people.

Since COVID-19 struck, we have put the people first and put life first all along. Following a science-based and targeted approach, we have adapted our COVID response in light of the evolving situation to protect the life and health of the people to the greatest extent possible.

Officials and the general public, particularly medical professionals and community workers, have bravely stuck to their posts through it all.

With extraordinary efforts, we have prevailed over unprecedented difficulties and challenges, and it has not been an easy journey for anyone. We have now entered a new phase of COVID response where tough challenges remain. Everyone is holding on with great fortitude, and the light of hope is right in front of us. Let’s make an extra effort to pull through, as perseverance and solidarity mean victory.

Comrade Jiang Zemin passed away in 2022. We pay high tribute to his towering achievements and noble demeanor, and cherish the great legacy he left behind. We will honor his last wishes and advance the cause of socialism

with Chinese characteristics in the new era. Wave upon wave, the mighty river of history surges forward. With the persistent efforts of one generation after another, we have taken China to where it is today.

Today’s China is a country where dreams become reality. The Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games concluded with a resounding success. Chinese winter sports athletes gave their all and achieved extraordinary results. Shenzhou-13, Shenzhou-14 and Shenzhou-15 soared into the heavens. China’s space station was fully completed and our “home in space” is roving in the deep-blue sky. The people’s armed forces marked the 95th birthday and all service members are marching confidently on the great journey of building a strong military. China’s third aircraft carrier Fujian was launched. C919, China’s first large passenger aircraft, was delivered. And the Baihetan hydropower station went into full operation. None of these achievements would have been possible without the sweat and toil of the numerous Chinese people. Sparks of talent are coming together, and they are the strength of China!

Today’s China is a country brimming with

vigor and vitality. Various pilot free trade zones and the Hainan Free Trade Port are booming, innovations are gushing out in the coastal areas, development is picking up pace in the central and western regions, the momentum for revitalization is building in the northeast, and there is greater development and affluence in the border regions. The Chinese economy enjoys strong resilience, tremendous potential and great vitality. The fundamentals sustaining its long-term growth have remained strong. As long as we stay confident and strive for progress while maintaining stability, we will realize the goals we have set. On my visit to Hong Kong earlier this year, I was deeply glad to see that Hong Kong has restored order and is set to thrive again. With determined implementation of One Country, Two Systems, Hong Kong and Macao will surely enjoy long-term prosperity and stability.

Going forward, China will be a country that has great expectations of its younger generation. A nation will prosper only when its young people thrive. For China to develop further, our young people must step forward and take on their responsibilities. Youth is full of vigor and is a source of hope. Youngsters should keep their

country in mind, cultivate keen enterprise, and live youth to the fullest with great drive, to prove worthy of the times and the splendor of youth.

To the many people who are still busy working at this very moment, I salute you all! We are about to ring in the New Year. Let us welcome the first ray of sunshine of 2023 with the best wishes for a brighter future.

May our country enjoy prosperity and our people live in harmony. May the world enjoy peace and people of all countries live in happiness. I wish you all a happy New Year and may all your wishes come true.

Thank you.

China-Arab ties open a new chapter; influence profound

Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his Saudi Arabia trip on December 10, his first to the Middle East region after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which was also an unprecedented diplomatic event with the Arab world. The trip has not only yielded fruitful results in economic and trade sense, but also demonstrated that in addition to continuing to play the role of a contributor to regional development, China will also increasingly contribute to peace in the strategically important Middle East.

From December 7 to 10, Xi attended

China

the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit. During his stay in Saudi Arabia, Xi also held bilateral meetings with nearly 20 Arab leaders, said Wang Yi, former State Councilor and Foreign Minister, deeming Xi’s Mideast trip as China’s largest and highestlevel diplomatic action with the Arab world since the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Following the first China-Arab States Summit, the leaders of China and the member states of the Arab League issued the Riyadh Declaration, agreeing to strengthen

Chinese authorities have rolled up their sleeves to tackle headon the new wave of the spread of coronavirus “infection”.

Accordingly, China has renamed the Chinese term for COVID-19 from “novel coronavirus pneumonia” to “novel coronavirus infection,” and will downgrade management of the disease from Class A to Class B starting from January 8, 2023, according to a statement released by the country’s National Health Commission (NHC) on Dec. 26, 2020.

This marked another major shift in China’s epidemic response policies since the country began managing COVID-19 with strict measures against Class A infectious diseases on Jan. 20, 2020.

China divides notifiable infectious diseases into three classes, namely Class A, Class B and Class C, according to the situation of their outbreak and prevalence and the extent of the harm done at the time of their occurrence. Dynamic adjustment and scientific management are carried out according to the classification.

Liang Wannian, head of the COVID-19 response expert panel under the NHC, noted that the decision to downgrade the management of the disease was made in accordance with the transmissibility and pathogenicity of the Omicron variant, the capability of the variant to cause critical symptoms and deaths, and the COVID-19 development around the world.

It will help utilize epidemic prevention resources at a higher efficiency, better coordinate the epidemic prevention and control and the economic and social development, better ensure people’s daily life and social production, and minimize the impacts of the disease on economic and social development, Liang explained.

Both domestic and international data indicated muchweakened pathogenicity and virulence of the Omicron variant from those of the original COVID-19 strain and other variants of concern.

So far, China has administered over 3.4 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to over 92 percent of its population, and fully vaccinated over 90 percent of its total population.

China has made outstanding achievements in both economic development and epidemic control over the past three years, with positive results delivered on both fronts, demonstrating huge potential for continued prosperity.Having withstood waves of the pandemic while effectively safeguarding the life and health of its 1.4 billion population, the country has maintained the lowest COVID-19 infection and fatality rates among all major countries over the past three years. It has so far issued nine editions of COVID-19 control protocols, together with the 20 measures announced in November and the latest 10 released earlier this month, and quickly adapted to the constantly evolving epidemic situation with a flexible string of control measures.

China’s virus containment efforts have proven effective and helped the country navigate the epidemic-induced economic trough. The country’s gross domestic product

cooperation and enhance the China-Arab strategic partnership. China and Arab states are committed to deepening China-Arab cooperation in various fields through the mechanisms under the framework of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. The declaration stressed that the Arab states firmly adhere to the one-China principle, support China in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reaffirm that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory.

China and states of the GCC also agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership, issuing

Besides, China’s improved medical treatment capacity, its ability to produce and supply effective anti-COVID-19 drugs, as well as people’s increased awareness of health, also contributed to the downgrading of COVID-19 management this time.

At present, infections are rising rapidly in China. Responding to the rising demand for fever clinics, the supply-demand gap and other issues, Jiao Yahui, head of the Bureau of Medical Administration under the NHC said the demand for general outpatient services and hospitalization was on a steady rise, and the utilization of medical resources has remained controllable.

China has taken a series of measures to meet the demand of patients, such as further expanding medical resources and the supply of medical services, vigorously promoting online medical services and enhancing the supply of medicines through multiple channels.

Besides, the country has urged primary-level medical institutions to monitor the health of seniors and other vulnerable groups. It also beefed up the vaccination drive against COVID-19, especially among senior citizens.

Embassies and tourism bureaus around the world – including those in Austria, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, New Zealand, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and Thailand – have posted messages on China’s social media platform Weibo welcoming Chinese tourists again after Beijing’s optimization of the nation’s COVID-19 control measures, including its immigration management policies.

“Welcome our Chinese friends with open arms!” France’s embassy in China pinned on its Weibo social account.

“Embrace spring, summer, autumn, and winter, and travel in the Netherlands by bike in 2023!” Netherlands Board of Tourism &Conventions in Beijing said on Weibo as it welcomed Chinese tourists.

Recent reports claimed some Western media have discredited China’s COVID policy adjustment, alleging that China’s COVID response has failed. But according to Wang

(GDP) expanded at an average annual rate of 4.6 percent from the third quarter of 2019 to the third quarter of 2022, which is well above the world average, according to data released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.During the same period, the GDP growth of India and the United States stood at 2.2 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively, and those of other major countries including Japan, Germany, France and Britain were below 0.5 percent, the data showed.

Despite disruptions caused by the arduous battle against COVID-19 over the past three years, the Chinese economy has managed to consolidate its resilience, foster greater potential, and maintain sound fundamentals.

For a start, China’s demographic dividend is now translating into a talent dividend. The country’s working-age population stands at 880 million, with an average age of 38.8, and the number of people that have received higher education exceeds 218 million, indicating an

a joint statement to stress the importance of taking their strategic partnership into a new era in such fields as politics, economy and culture.

China and Saudi Arabia released a joint statement on the same day affirming to continue making the China-Saudi relationship a priority in their respective foreign relations, and build a model of solidarity and cooperation for mutual benefits among developing countries. The two countries also agreed to enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership to include a biannual meeting between the two heads of state, and upgrade regular high-level talks.

Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, this type of rhetoric is driven by bias, intended to smear China and is politically motivated. There is no truth in such rhetoric, which simply misses the facts. That much is clear to the international community, who won’t be easily misled.

Wenbin believes there are facts that since COVID began three years ago, the Chinese government has always put the people and their lives above all else. “We have poured all our efforts and resources into protecting the life and health of every Chinese, which enabled us to withstand each wave and get the nation through the difficult time when the virus was wreaking the deadliest havoc. Globally speaking, China has had the lowest rates of severe cases and mortality. Despite the pandemic, average life expectancy in China went up from 77.3 to 78.2 years. Even when the global Human Development Index dropped for two years straight, China went up six places on the Index, “ he said.

According to Wenbin, with Omicron much less pathogenic and deadly and China’s treatment, testing and vaccination capacity steadily on the rise, China has taken the initiative to refine its COVID response measures.

“We have adopted in an orderly fashion the 20 refined measures and 10 new measures. Earlier this week, we issued steps to treat COVID-19 as a Class-B instead of Class-A infectious disease, shifting the focus of our response from stemming infection to preventing severe cases and caring for health. This shift is science-based, timely and necessary. The aim is to protect the lives and health of the people and reduce the impact of the epidemic on economic and social development to the maximum extent possible, “ he said.

He said a small number of Western media have deliberately hyped up and even misrepresented China’s COVID policy adjustment, and yet avoided reporting on the deficiencies and heavy price paid in their own countries’ COVID response. This is nothing but double standards and is clearly against journalistic ethics.

abundant labor force.The country’s capital stock per capita is still relatively low compared with major developed economies, meaning China has more room for investment to further improve its modern infrastructure system, push for new modernization and rural revitalization, and boost green development.

Over the years, innovation has always been the main driver propelling China’s economic growth. By the end of June, the number of valid invention patents held by the country stood at more than 3.9 million, up 17.5 percent year on year.

As a major manufacturing powerhouse, China has the most complete industrial categories and is capable of making most of the industrial products in the world.

Infrastructure is also a strong underpinning for China’s economic growth, as the country boasts of the world’s largest railway and expressway networks, as well as the world’s largest 5G network and optical fiber network.

“A people-first and life-first philosophy, commitment to whole-heartedly safeguarding people’s well-being and solidarity with the international community against COVID — these are the choices China has made and the action China has taken faced by a once-in-a-century pandemic. We believe that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, with the concerted effort of the over 1.4 billion Chinese people and with the backing of China’s growing comprehensive national strength, we will secure the final victory of the fight against COVID-19, “ Wenbin said.

Another misrepresentation by a small number of Western media alleged that China’s COVID policy adjustment shows that China has changed its COVID response philosophy and no longer values people’s lives.

Wenbin’s response to that was that this type of rhetoric completely misses the facts and scientific truth. And that such rhetoric is ill-intentioned and aimed at discrediting China.

He said since COVID began, China has always put the people and their lives above all else. “We have made the best effort to protect people’s life and health and poured all resources into treating every patient. Over the past three years, we have effectively responded to five global COVID waves and avoided widespread infections with the original strain and the Delta variant, which are relatively more pathogenic than the other variants.

“We have greatly reduced the number of severe cases and deaths, and bought precious time for the research, development and application of vaccines and therapeutics, and for getting medical supplies and other resources ready. Globally speaking, China has had the lowest rates of infection and mortality. Despite the pandemic, average life expectancy in China went up from 77.3 to 78.2 years.

“Over the past three years, while we adapt the COVID response to the evolving circumstances, one thing has remained unchanged, which is our commitment to putting the people and their lives first. We believe that with this commitment and with the concerted efforts of the Chinese people, victory over COVID will arrive at an early date and a brighter future is ahead of us, “Wenbin said.

After 14 years of production, China’s first homegrown mainline commercial jet was finally delivered to the China Eastern Airlines to serve customers.

The C919 is a narrowbody passenger plane made by stateowned aerospace manufacturing Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac).

China Eastern Airlines’ other four C919s will be delivered over the next two years, though the airline initially planned to receive them all in 2023.

Regardless of whether the C919 ever operates outside China, the country hopes the jet will help

it become more technologically self-reliant and advance China’s aircraft manufacturing industry.

President Xi Jinping

raises the bar in COVID-19 response in view of new wave

China’s first homegrown mainline aircraft was delivered to China Eastern Airlines

Sports minister commissions newly renovated basketball court in LAUTECH

By Albert Akota

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare commissioned the newly renovated Basketball Court in LAUTECH Ogbomosho at the weekend.

The newly renovated Basketball court located at LAUTECH Sports Complex was financed by the Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland, Chief Sunday Dare, having been in a dilapidated state for few years now.

The Sports Minister used the medium to launch Ogbomoso Rockets Basketball Team and his personal Basketball outfit with the aim to play in the Professional

Basketball League. The team will have their trainings at the already established Ogbomosho Sports Arena.

The Honourable Minister donated a set of jersey and basket balls to LAUTECH Basketball team known as LAUTECH Thunders.

In his words, “the renovation of LAUTECH basketball court for and launching of Ogbomosho Rockets Basketball team is one of my ways of giving back to my community and I’m very happy to get it done. I’m proud of my homeland and will continue to do everything within my capacity to ensure development at all levels in Oyo State. More still coming”, Chief Sunday Dare

concluded.

With the commissioning of this Basketball Court, one will be certain that talents will be discovered in Ogbomosoland, having establish Ogbomosho Rockets, LAUTECH Thunders and others.

The Honourable Minister promised a basketball clinic, where Former NBA player Olumide Oyedeji will oversee competitions here in Ogbomoso. Activities will come up with 6 Basketball Teams having a tournament here in Ogbomosho by February 2023.

The occasion attracted dignitaries and eminent Sports personalities like former FIFA and CAF Executive Committee

member, Dr Amos Adamu, NOC President Engr. Habu Gumel, former Super Eagles Coordinator Emmanuel Attah, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Alhaji Abba Yola, Olumide Oyedeji, former captain of the D’Tigers, the national men’s basketball team, and prominent sons and daughters of Ogbomosho community.

The Sarkin Wasanni has earnestly committed himself to Sports development in Ogbomoso, Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

Chief Sunday Dare has exhibited lifetransforming initiatives and instituted track record projects for the development of Nigeria.

Delta to host 7th National Youth Games

The Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development has awarded the Hosting Rights for the 7th National Youth Games to Delta State.

The choice of Delta State was reached at a meeting of Stakeholders for the Games, which held on the sidelines of the recently concluded 21st National Sports Festival.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, stated that the National Youth Games has since inception become a veritable ground for harvesting the huge talents that abound within the country.

According to him, “many of the discovered athletes have

been nurtured to elite level by the Ministry where several of them have been excelling at the international stage by posting podium performance for the country.”

Other objectives of the Game according to him, is to “promote National Unity; curb age cheating in Sports and Youth restiveness as well as establish a standard

programme for athletes’ succession”, amongst others.

Alhaji Ismaila assured that the Ministry is poised to ensuring that the gains and objectives of the Youth Games are sustained hence, the Ministry’s determination to seek for an alternative host venue for the National Youth Games.

The newly appointed

Host State, Delta, he added, has indicated its interest to host the Games at the Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State. The State has equally expressed its readiness to host the Games from February 8-18, 2023, as unanimously agreed by the stakeholders at a virtual meeting that took place on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

Egypt 2023: Bosso calls Nwosu, Daga, Bernard, 32 other players to camp today

Isah Ladan Bosso, Head Coach of Nigeria’s U20 boys, has invited 35 players to resume camping in Abuja today as preparations for this year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations begins in earnest.

Goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu, who is also number one choice for the Olympic Eagles, is at the top of the roster alongside midfielder Daniel Daga and forward Promise Bernard. Training sessions will commence on Monday as Bosso looks to pick his final squad for the tournament that also serves as the qualifying tournament for this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Indonesia.

There are also goalkeeper Chijioke Anigboso, defenders Benjamin Frederick, Nathaniel Tambe and Hassan Shaibu, midfielders Ibrahim Yahaya and Muhammad

Aminu, and forwards Adams Olalekan and Ayuba Francis. Seven-time champions Nigeria will do battle with host nation, Egypt, Senegal and Mozambique in Group A of the 12-nation tournament taking place in the cities of Cairo, Alexandria and Ismailia, 19th February –11th March. All four semifinalists at the championship will fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup.

Uganda, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Congo are in Group B, while The Gambia, Tunisia, Benin Republic and Zambia will slot it out in Group C.

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

Goalkeepers: Nathaniel Nwosu (Water FC); Chijioke Anigboso (Giant Brillars); Saheed Akanbi (Adoration FC); John Otunbulon

(Mavloon FC)

Defenders: Benjamin Frederick (Nasarawa FC); Adedoyin Odole (36 Lions); Daniel Bamaiyi (YumYum FC); Femi Abubakar (Madiba FC); Nathaniel Tambe (Box2Box FC); Solomon Agbalaka (Broad City); Aminu Yusuf (Lobi Stars); Hassan Shaibu (Smart City); Augustine Njoku (Abia Warriors)

Midfielders: Daniel Daga (Dakkada FC); Ogbelu Onoche (Nasarawa United); Frederick Godwin (City FC); Jonathan Nicholas (Simoiben FC); Muhammad Aminu (Mailantarki FC); Shatima Umar; Abdulrahman Adam (Mahaniam FC); Caleb Ochedikwu (Mavloon FC); Ibrahim Yahaya (Mailatarki FC); Bilyaminu Musa (Mailafia FC); Musa Usman (Mailatarki (FC)

Forwards: Jude

Sunday (Realsaphier FC); Ifesinachi Obiakwu (36 Lions); Adams Olalekan (Remo Stars); Emma Ochegbu (Plateau United); Haliru Sarki (Maikunkele FC); Christogonus Ibe

(Chukwuebuka FC); Faruk Salami (Ikorodu City); Segun Otusanoya; Ayuba Francis (Nasarawa United); Promise Bernard (FAME FC); Shatima Abani (Plateau United)

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2023 and the infodemics quagmire

Sports minister Lays Foundation for Block of Classrooms at Girls High School

Barring any unforeseen circumstance, the 2023 general elections that will produce a new set of leaders to govern the country at the state and federal levels will hold in February.

Monday Column

By Albert Akota

The Minister of Sports and Youth Development Mr. Sunday Dare, on Saturday, performed the ground breaking ceremony to kick start the construction of a Block of three classrooms at a Girls High School in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

The Minister, who has never hidden his passion for the growth and development of his people, is investing in a conducive environment for learning in his community.

Before now, he had carried out series of activities within the three years he assumed office as Minister.

The foundation for the block of classrooms was laid at Mercyland Community Basic School Ogbomoso, the day he commissioned a basketball Court at LAUTECH and launched Ogbomoso Rockets Basketball Team, all financed by him.

Last year, Dare built a sporting arena that can be used for Table Tennis, Basketball, 5 aside football, badminton and volleyball for the use of youth in the area.

The presidential and National Assembly Election is specifically holding on Saturday February 25, barely 51 days from now. The electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has declared that there is no going back after it had received the last batch of the election materials last Wednesday, January 4, 2023, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, the use of which the Commission said is irreversible. The logistics arrangements and the security aspect of the election are reported to be set too, although occasional attacks on INEC facilities especially in the South Eastern part of the country still pose some threats. It was soothing news last week when Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma extracted the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari that technology will be deployed to arrest the security situation in the South East ahead of the poll. We hope that it works out. But one area of concern that worries me, and I suppose many others too, including media practitioners, is the preponderance of infodemics in our polity. It refers to the high rate of too much information from interested parties, the conventional and unconventional media, from media influencers and enthusiasts, including citizen journalists some of whom have little or no regard for factuality, correctness, accuracy, balance and other journalistic ethos.

An infodemic is also understood to be a rapid and far-reaching spread of both accurate and inaccurate information about something, and in the current context, of the forthcoming elections billed to hold in February. Infodemic is a portmanteau of “information” and “epidemic.” As facts, rumors, and fears mix and disperse, it becomes difficult to learn essential information about an issue. In 2020, alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, an infodemic of disinformation raised concerns for information quality in online environment. This effect was demonstrated in a study of news stories shared on Twitter. In the study, news stories rated as incorrect by fact-checking organizations were cited to have spread to far more people than factual articles did.

The huge dose of information bombarded the public, the good, the bad and the ugly, the factual and fictional which they are confronted with daily, have the potential to confuse the people in taking

By Hameed M. Bello, PhD

reasonable decisions on the basis of such discredited information. Of concern also is the desperation of state and non-state actors who continue to stir up political controversy on the verge of the election.

Already, we read about the latest highly partisan letter by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo which endorsed presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi. Obasanjo is constitutionally entitled to his opinion, just as every other person is too. And we have read about the varied reactions that trailed the former president’s letter, some scathing and others patronizing. As the election day draws nearer, we are going to see even more of volatile and scurrilous partisanship in media content orchestrated by political actors and influencers in the final push to gain an edge in the political contest. Many of these texts are constructed or reconstructed lies or propaganda. The voter must not be swayed by opportunistic content creators or content generators recruited to sabotage the integrity of the elections and the process of choosing credible leaders at all levels. To that extent, there is need for more vigilance and understanding of the many ways in which false information can be manipulated and imported into the media and public space and treated as if they were factual content.

Historically, media reports were upheld with trust on account of their truth worthiness, and communication evolved with a high level of trust until the advent of electronic mass media, and lately of the digital media. Media scholars believe that the most recent phase in the development of media and communication is characterized by a series of interconnected tendencies that make communication faster and over long distances, thanks to the digital era.

Since the 80s when technology started moving from analog to digital, the world of information sharing has consistently evolved, and according to a 2016 study by Excelacom Research Bureau, some 150 million emails were sent, three million Youtube videos viewed, 21 million Whatsapp messages transmitted, 700, 000 logged on to

Facebook. The truth value of many of these contents were however suspect. Some were truly true, others half truth and a large chunk of the content were untruth.

In the current age of information disorder (fake news), everyone who comes into contact with information now has the capacity of consuming and at the same time, producing the news. From your bedroom with a data enhanced cell phones, one becomes creator and distributor of content, either rightly or wrongly.

In the media space, it is now a tradition to send stories via mails, make texts, audio and video photograph etc with only one device. Media companies can now be operated at the comfort of our rooms (blogging), and we now break news as it happens thanks to the digital revolution. With digitization however comes plurality of media sources, including the multiplicity of multi media platforms. All these lead to ‘chaos’ where everything and anything goes, leading to more information disorder. One understanding of Information disorder is that it is the many ways our information environment is polluted. Often referred to as ‘Fake News’ but the complexity of this disorder goes beyond news only being fake. In an attempt to properly situate the subject, the Council of Europe in 2017 reportedly produced a report on what it calls information disorder. The authors refrained from using the term ‘Fake News’ for two reasons: One, they believe it is ‘woefully inadequate’ to describe a very complex issue. Secondly, it has been appropriated by politicians to slam any news organisation they find disagreeable, thus becoming a mechanism for repression.

Information disorder comes in different forms. It could take the form of disinformation, misinformation or malinformation. Disinformation is any information that is false and deliberately created to harm a person. This happens when the person sharing the information intentionally put out falsehood. Disinformation is usually fabricated or deliberately manipulated audio/visual content and it involves intentionally created conspiracy theories or rumours.

Misinformation is information that is false but not created with

the intention of causing harm. Most of the time, the person sharing the information intends to help, but with a false and unverified information. Misinformation is usually unintentional mistakes such as inaccurate photo captions, wrong dates and statistics, or translations, or when satire is taken too seriously.

Malinformation on the other hand is understood to be any information that is based on reality used to inflict harm on a person, organisation or country. It involves deliberate publication of private information for personal or corporate rather than public interest, such as revenge porn - Sexually explicit media of a person distributed online without the consent of the pictured individual, typically by a former partner or hacker, and often with the intent to humiliate the subject and damage his/her reputation. Malinformation could involve the deliberate change of context, date or time of genuine content.

The question to ask is why are false information spread? The advent of digital technology has allowed agenda setters to encroach the media system leaving them in a state of chaos. In this state, several motivations account for the spread of false information by agents, to divert attention, to cover up lapses, to promote political agenda and to amass popularity.

In a recently published article “Debunking Handbook”, writers believe that misinformation is sticky and it is best tackled in two ways; when it is preempted or when it is debunked. Preempting can be achieved by explaining misleading or manipulative argumentation strategies to the people, while debunking comes often and must be done properly. If you cannot preempt, you must debunk. For debunking to be effective, it is important to provide detailed refutations, a clear explanation of why the information is false or true.

hamdbelo@yahoo.co.uk