Tuesday, January 10th, 2023 Edition

Buhari to commission made in Nigeria helicopter before May 29 -NASENI boss

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna has hinted that all things being equal, President Muhammadu Buhari will commission the first made in Nigeria helicopter before the end of his tenure on May 29th, 2023.

However, Prof. Haruna said the border closure by Chinese government due to COVID-19 outbreak has delayed Nigeria’s manpower training in China for the proposed locally manufactured helicopter.

The NASENI boss stated this while fielding questions

from Journalists shortly after a courtesy call on the new Commandant of the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), AVM Paul Jemitola, for site takeover of Aeronautics and Air Vehicle Equipment Development Institute, as well as inspection of ongoing construction work at the Agency’s Automotive Supplier Industrial Park project in Kaduna.

Earlier, during the courtesy call, the AFIT Commandant expressed excitement at the collaboration with NASENI and promised to maximise the benefits of the collaboration for the betterment of all stakeholders.

He said, “NASENI had been instrumental to so many things even here in AFIT, as such, we will maximise the cooperation

to the fullest. We will study the MoU and make the best out of it. NASENI can count on our 110 per cent support and cooperation.”

According to the NASENI boss, “The first made in Nigeria helicopter project, the permanent site has been shown at AFIT, the project itself has been developed here in Kaduna, so the project is about assembling. So far, we have assembled two helicopters.

“However, to have the first made in Nigeria helicopter with everything manufactured locally is still ongoing. We are committed and so far we have trained adequate manpower, however, we have some challenges because it was only recently that the Chinese have opened their borders as a result of COVID 19 and that has

affected some of the plans that have been prepared and handed over to them to manufacture for us, also the training of some of our experts in China has been delayed due to these challenges.

“By and large the President will still Commission whatever is on the ground before leaving office” he stressed.

AFIT which is the research and development (R&Ds) arm of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) had taken up the challenge of completing all works on the first Made-in-Nigeria helicopter initiated by NASENI.

The office space and hanger (Helipad) including the runway for a test - flight of the Helicopter located in the Air Force Institute was shown to the NASENI boss.

Nutrition: JICON lauds Jigawa govt, calls for more funds

The Jigawa Coalition of Civil Society on Nutrition (JICON), commended state government for the release of N237,000,000.00 out of N310,000,000 as nutrition funds budgeted for the year 2022.

The commendation was contained in a statement signed and issued to news men by the chairman of JICON, comrade Shu’aibu Musa Kafin Gana, in Dutse the state capital.

According to the statement, the success was recorded as a result of tireless hard working CSOs and Media through advocacy and awareness creation among the relevant stakeholders.

“The sum of N150, 000, 000.00 was released for the purchase of RUTF, N40, 000, 000.00 for MASAKI Program, while N47, 000, 000.00 was also released for other nutritional services, making a total sum of 237, 000, 000.00 out of the budgeted figure of N310, 000,

000 for the year 2022” the statement said.

The statement maintained that, As the year 2022 runs out, the sum of N73, 000, 000.00 remained unreleased, therefore the need for releasing the amount to enable the agency fill the gap being created as a result of flooded LGAs with high need of RUTF for children under the age of 5 who suffered from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).

However it added that, the sum of N40, 000,000.00 was released to Masaki

program across the identified communities in the state for year 2022, there is need for more fund to cater for this program, because is targeting prevention aspect of malnutrition and it can contribute in reducing the rates of stunting and severe acute malnutrition among children under the age.

The statement called for more awareness creation in radio, television, community and facility approaches on food demonstration and dietary diversity.

Barden Zazzau, Haruna Abubakar,and Chiroman Zazzau District head of Makera, Shehu Tijjani,- Receving an award from Prof. Yahaya Mohamed,during the Islamic Schools Coaliation of Nigeria (ISCON) 1st Innougration of their Excos in kaduna on Monday 09/01/22

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

NAHCON officials arrive in Saudi Arabia to sign MoU on 2023 Hajj

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria

NAHCON’s delegation has arrived in Saudi Arabia for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a preagreement document stating the guidelines for the 2023 Hajj.

The commission’s Assistant Director of Information and Publications, Mousa Ubandawaki, made the disclosure in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He explained that the delegation, which had the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubair Dada, as the head, also included Sen. Adamu Bulkachuwa,

Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Abubakar Nalaraba, Chairman, House Committee on Pilgrimage.

He said others were the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Zikrullah Hassan, some board members of the commission, stakeholders and staff.

Ubandawaki said that the signing of the MoU would signal the commencement of operational activities for the 2023 Hajj.

He said that the commission was leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the 2023 Hajj operation was more successful.

He stated that in its attempt to ensure complete success of the 2023 Hajj operation, the commission was carrying along all the stakeholders for synergy and effective service delivery.

” The commission is appealing to all stakeholders and the general public for cooperation, useful advice and objective criticism that will aid in achieving more successful hajj operation.”

He said the itinerary of the NAHCON team in Saudi Arabia during the visit included attending an exhibition on Hajj and Umrah and meeting with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

” Also, the team will hold series of meetings with Mutawif Company for Africa Non-Arab Countries, Adillah Establishment in Madinah, Deputy Minister of Hajj for Umrah and Ziyarah, Madinah and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Pilgrims’ E-track system Department.

” Similarly, the team will meet with General Cars Syndicate, the United Agents Office, the Islamic Development Bank, the Executives of the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies, Commissions, the representatives of Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria and others. (NAN)

Emefiele: Detained activist files N500m suit against DSS

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The detained right activist, Meliga Godwin has filed a N500m fundamental rights suit against the Department of State Service (DSS ) and its Director General, before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The DSS arrested Godwin, over a press conference he addressed condemning the agency for the planned arrest of the Governor of the Central Bank, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

Mr. Meliga Godwin, who is the president of Middle Belt Youth Forum, had on December 19, 2022, addressed the media where he condemned the DSS for its attempt to obtain an exparte order to arrest and detained the CBN Governor over alleged terrorism charges.

At the press briefing, the activist condemned the actions of the DSS and described it as a hatchet job.

He was later arrested by the operatives of the DSS on January 8, 2023.

Group supports Kaduna Govt with primary school learning materials

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) programme, yesterday handed over more than 280,000 learning materials for primary one and primary two pupils in Kaduna State.

Mr Salim Sadiq, PLANE’s Senior Technical Advisor, said at the event at Kaduna State Universal Basic Board office that the gesture was to improve learning outcomes in primary schools.

Sadiq added that the support was under output 1 Component of the programme which focuses on foundational skills.

He said that materials were developed and reviewed by education stakeholders in the three intervening states of Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa.

“In line with the PLANE’s mandate to improve learning

outcomes in primary schools, a total of 280,000 foundational skills materials were produced.

“The material would be distributed to the 728 primary schools in six intervention local government areas, namely Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Sanga, Jaba, Soba and Sabon Gari,” he said.

PLANE Team Lead in the state, Ms Diana Agabi, explained that the learning materials comprises primary one and primary two Hausa literacy and mathematics foundational books, teachers’ guide, literacy story anthology, and posters.

She said that the materials were being distributed simultaneously across the six local government areas for onward distribution to schools to ensure timely usage since academic activities had resumed.

“Every pupil in each of the benefiting schools is expected

to have the learning materials while the teachers will have the teacher’s guide to deliver on the content of the materials.

“The teachers have already been trained on how to use the materials to impact positively on the learning outcome of the pupils,” she said.

Receiving the learning materials, Dr Haliru Soba, thanked PLANE for the support, which he described as “very critical” to quality teaching and learning at the foundational level.

Soba pointed out that it was very unlikely to build anything meaningful on a defective foundation, stressing that the major causes of learning poverty was inadequate foundational skills.

According to him, inadequate skills among the pupils at foundation level will create a situation where the children of

up to 10 years will not be able to read and write.

“That is absolute learning poverty, but once we address the foundational skill issues, our pupils would be able to read and write especially in their mother tongue.

“This will build a solid foundation that would enable the pupils to navigate through the entire basic education level with ease.”

He said that the government would deploy an effective monitoring system to ensure that the materials were put to use, adding that the government would enforce stringent penalties for earring teachers.

He said that through different interventions, the government was able to reduce the gender parity index in primary schools, reduce the average distance from community to schools, and increase enrollment.

However, in a motion for the enforcement of his fundamental rights with suit No: FCT/HC/ CV/1034/2023, filed by his counsel, Mr. Chibuzo Ezike, the applicant is asking the court for his unconditional release by the DSS.

According to Mr.Okere Kingdom who addressed Journalists in court, the applicant has been incommunicado since his arrest and detention.

The applicant prayed the court to release him from detention and also make an order directing the DSS and its Director General to pay him the sum of N500m damages and public apology in two national dailies for illegal arrest and detention.

He further prayed the court to declare his arrest and detention from January 8, 2023 till the time of filling the suit as a breach of his fundamental rights, unconstitutional and of no effect.

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,

Mental Health Bill: Stakeholders commend Buhari

Mr Chime Asonye, Founder, Nigerian Mental Health, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the National Mental Health Bill 2021, into law.

He, however, urged incoming administrations to prioritise and implement the National Mental Health Bill 2021, to boost the country’s healthcare system.

Asonye made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.

The Nigerian Mental Health is a network of leaders and organisations on mental health.

According to him, the bill is the first legislative reform adopted in the field since independence and a major milestone to improve support for psychosocial wellbeing.

“The mental health community came together to speak with one voice in support of the Bill.

“We now need Executive implementation, State Governments to domesticate this legislation, and those contesting for elected offices to make mental health a national priority,” he said.

The network also called on the government to enact other critical reforms for those with mental health conditions, such as decriminalising attempted suicide, which is currently a felony subject to a year in prison.

They also urged the National Assembly to ensure gazetted copies of the Bill are available to citizens, so they know their new legal rights.

Asonye quoted Prof. Gboyega Abikoye, the President of the National Association of Clinical Psychologists, whose organization submitted memoranda during legislative drafting as saying “past legislation was outdated and inhumane.”

“The previous regulatory regime was based on the regional Lunacy Act of 1958, a colonial holdover that needed to be replaced,”

Asonye noted that the regulation, assented to on Jan. 5, established human rights protections for those with mental health conditions, such as banning discrimination in housing, employment, medical and other social services.

”It also guarantees that those receiving treatments have the right to participate in formulating their medical plans and cannot have forced treatment, seclusion or other methods of restraint.

“And other common practices in mental health facilities without appropriate safeguards,” he said.

According to him, other provisions of the Bill include establishing a new Mental Health Fund, a Mental Health Department in the Federal Ministry of Health, and a Mental Health Assessment Committee to protect stakeholders.

Asonye further explained that the Bill also expanded community-based coverage and improve the care and management of those with mental health conditions.(NAN)

Build ‘enviable’ legal profession - Malami tells NBA

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, SAN, yesterday, inaugurated the General Council of the Bar and urged members to remain committed to professionalism.

Malami emphasized the obvious need to reinvigorate the council by ensuring that necessary structures are put in place to allow it perform optimally.

“The importance of the council’s activities cannot be over emphasized.’’

Speaking at the inauguration, Malami advised the NBA to work

in synergy with the council “to build an enviable legal profession that will be beneficial to us all”.

“A body which consists of all the chief law officers in the federation cannot simply be ignored by any leadership of the NBA which is truly desirous of making significant impact on the administration of justice and promotion of the rule of law generally in Nigeria,” the AGF said.

“The Bar Council is, and should be seen, as a vehicle or platform for driving the developmental agenda of the NBA, implementing NBA resolutions, and influencing government policies in view of

its composition by the attorneysgeneral who are strategically positioned to influence their excellencies, the president and state governors.

“The NBA should consider the Bar Council as an alternate board of trustees or advisory body, a link or liaison with the federal executive council, state executive councils, national and state assemblies, Nigerian Governors Forum, conference of speakers of state assemblies, etc.”

The Bar Council is headed by the AGF with the AttorneysGeneral of the states and 20 NBA members as members.

The 20 other members are

listed as Aikpokpo-Martins Obaika, Agada Mercy ljato, lgba Theophilus Terhile, Oyeyiola Durodoluwa Emmanuel, Bello Abdulganiyu, Usman Joshua Enemali, Abdullahi Faskari Barau, Nduka Rapuluchukwu Ernest, Anizoba Obi Lawrence, and Nwaeze Nnaebuka Onyebuchi.

Others are Anagor Raphael Nnamdi, Agi Anne Uruegi, Okwun-Kalu Dave Ndara, Oladapo Olalekan Idowu, Lagbamue Israel Solomon, Edun Olukunle Ogheneovo, Akintayo John Oluwole Akinbiyi, Onwere Victor, Chinonye, Maidoki Muhhammad Mahmood, and Agbaga Dennis Ejakpovwere.

Ibadan Poly reverses self, lifts suspension on Students’ Union

The Management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan has reversed itself and lifted the suspension earlier placed on the institution’s Students’ Union Government.

This is contained in a statement issued by the institution’s Registrar, Mrs Modupe Fawale, in Ibadan on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the institution had earlier suspended the Students’ Union Executives and its activities indefinitely, over alleged protest by students in the early hours of Monday.

Fawale said that the reversal of the suspension order earlier placed on the union was based on

interventions in order to allow for further consultations.

“The management has decided not to use the big stick on the students, as they have also sheathed their swords.

“The management will be holding meetings with the leadership of the students to address their perceived

grievances,” she said.

The registrar, however, said that the first semester examination, scheduled to commence on Jan. 9, remained postponed.

“A new date for the commencement of the examination will be announced to the students through appropriate channels,” she said. (NAN)

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his wife, Dr (Mrs) Ibijoke; wife of the Minister of Works and Housing, Dame Abimbola Fashola; Deputy Governor, Dr Olufemi Hazmat and his wife, Oluremi, during the State’s New Year Thanksgiving Service at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan, Lagos.

I will prosecute, sack erring election tribunal members -Dongban-mensem

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Monica Dongban-mensem, yesterday, read a riot act to members of 2023 electoral tribunal.

The president warned that the court would not hesitate to sack any staff found to be compromising processes of petitions against the forthcoming general elections.

She stressed that unlike in the past when staff who were found to have compromised were removed and transferred to other division, anyone found culpable would be sacked by the Federal Judicial Service Commission and prosecuted accordingly.

Justice Dongban-mensem expressed this while declaring open a two day capacity building for Election Petition Tribunal Secretariat with the Theme: ‘Challenges Arising from Election Petition Tribunal and the Way Forward’ at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) Abuja.

Speaking to the members of the tribunal, she stated that the tribunals were established for the purposes of determining disputes arising from the conduct of elections into various elective positions, she urged staff of the tribunals to live above board and avoid anything that would bring the activities of the court to questioning or disrepute.

“It is part of your obligation to discharge your duties with utmost

good faith and not be carried away by little advances. Your integrity and that of the Tribunal and its members are in the public searchlight, you must therefore ensure you are not used as weapons to truncate the process”, she said.

Going further, she advised the staff not see their task as an opportunity to make money to enrich themselves but rather go there to build “your name and your future as it is literally said that a good name is better than silver and gold”, adding that “The Court will not hesitate to deal with anyone found wanting in this regard.

She equally harped on the need for the members to constantly relate with the Election Petition Tribunal Unit at the Headquarters at intervals and report matters likely to forestall breaches in communication.

“For the sake of emphasizes, it is important to state that Petitions before the Tribunals are time bound. It is therefore your utmost responsibility to ensure processes are properly and timely filed once they are brought to the Registry to forestall administrative injustice to the Parties before such matters are adjudicated.

“You must count yourselves worthy to have been chosen to

perform in this regard. Our choice is premised on trust, competence and confidence the Court has in you which I pray you do not erode while discharging your duties at the Tribunal.

“Let me once again mention that the work ahead is enormous and you must indeed brace up for the challenges ahead”, she said.

While noting that the training consists of scintillating topical issues that will in no small measure prepare them for their assignment, Dongban-mensem urge participants to pay rapt attention to every detail so as to be well equipped and informed of their roles as Tribunal Secretaries

and support staff as elaborated in the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) and the Election Judicial Proceedings Practice Direction, 2022.

She said, “This training will serve as a forum for you to share experiences with one another wherein guidance will be provided and strategies devised for the strengthening of the Tribunals.

“It is important for you to familiarize yourselves with the provisions of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Practice Direction as it affects your performance at the Registry”.

NSCDC operatives nab 5 syndicates for vandalising bridges in Abuja

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested five suspects for vandalising bridges in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Members of the criminal syndicate were arrested following credible information and surveillance mounted by the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation (DII) Crack Squad from the National Headquarters of the Corps with the support of other stakeholders.

NSCDC in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Corps spokesman, Olusola Odumosu, said recovered from the suspects included vandalised 5 inches galvanized pipes (5 mm), angle irons and a hand saw which was used in carrying out the destruction.

“It was uncovered that most of the suspects are artisans whose activities are domiciled around the crime scene which

is located close to the headquarters of Federal Mortgage Bank, Central Business District, Abuja.”

The Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Abubakar, had expressed worry by the incessant vandalism and theft of manhole covers on roads in the FCT, Abuja, however, directed operatives of the Corps to redouble their efforts in ending the menace.

“Following this directive, officers and men of the Corps immediately evolved new measures and renewed determinations to protect CNAI in the country nationwide; a move which resulted in the arrest of the suspects who confessed to having carried out the dastardly at night.

“The Corps equally intensified collaborations and engagements with other security agencies, stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians and it has started yielding positive results.

“The arrested suspects are Abdullahi Bello, 18, Suleja LGA, Niger State, Julius

David Madaki, 18, Sanga LGA, Kaduna State, Gambo Clement, 18, Sanga LGA, Kaduna State, Sadiq Abdullahi, 24, Billiri LGA, Gombe State and Abdulaziz Aliyu 25, Sanga LGA Kaduna State. A discreet investigation into the matter has commenced and would be followed by diligent prosecution of the suspects.

“The Corps is on the trail of other members of the criminal gang who are currently at large and very soon, it’s assured that, they will be arrested and brought to justice.

“Protection of critical national assets and infrastructure is the core mandate of NSCDC and the Corps is determined to deliver alongside other mandates to justify its existence.

“Vandals of bridges are warned to desist from this nefarious act of vandalising galvanised pipes and aluminium used in the construction and reinforcement of bridges or risk arrest and possible jail terms as security is beefed up around

those public utilities by the eagle-eyed operatives of the Corps.

“Vandalism of bridges constitutes great risks and dangers to the lives of users as they could fall to their untimely deaths unknowingly. A bridge could also collapse once it becomes weakened by the destruction of its various parts which makes it structurally deficient at some points.

“The government is investing heavily in infrastructural development in the country and has provided bridges amongst other public utilities to ensure safe mode of passages or movements for citizens of different social and economic classes and also, to enrich the environment.

“Citizens are enjoined to join hands with security agencies in ensuring protection and safety of lives and Public Infrastructure by giving useful and timely information to the Corps or any of the security agencies once anyone or groups of people are sighted vandalising them.”

School Resumption: Students of Great Light Scholars Academy resume for 2nd semester academic season at Jehu 3 Masala, yesterday in Nasarawa State.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Abubakar Yunus Abuja

Airtel Nigeria on Monday announced the acquisition of 5G spectrum and an additional spectrum for its 4G network for a total sum of $316.7 million.

According to a statement

LP appoints zonal coordinators for Obi-Datti campaign

The Labour Party (LP) on Monday released a list of nominated Zonal Coordinators for contacts, mobilisation and grassroots engagement for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council.

The party’s National Chief Mobiliser, Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council (LPPCC), Mr Olawale Okunniyi, made this known in Lagos.

Okunniyi said the appointment was in continuation of strengthening its campaign machinery for the forthcoming General Elections.

He said the party appointed three zonal coordinators for Grassroots Mobilisation; Contacts and Mobilisation; and Special Duties for the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The official said the directorate had appointed Mr Adewole Egbodofo as the Zonal Coordinator, Special Duties in charge of the South-West Zone.

“Mr Adewole Egbodofo was born to Mr Simeon Egbodofo, an accomplished teacher, popularly known as ‘Baba Fonen (Phonetics) from Ode Ajagba and Mrs Janet Egbodofo.

“Adewole Egbodofo had both his primary and secondary school education in Okitipupa before proceeding to the Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State.

“He also attended the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, for training on Banking and Finance respectively, “he added.

Okunniyi said Egbodofo had over 20 years of cognate experience in Finance and Banking, having worked in First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Providus Bank Plc and other financial institutions.

He said Egbodofo was passionate about the need for the overthrow of those he described as members of the ‘Ruiners Generation’, who had looted the country into a coma.

The official said Egbodofo was also an internationallyacclaimed advocate of Ballot Box Revolution. (NAN)

Airtel Nigeria acquires $317 million spectrum in push for 5G launch

by the local unit of Airtel Africa, the decision is part of its commitment to deepen higherspeed connectivity in Nigeria by way of 5G cellular technology.

The company said that it purchased 100 MHz of spectrum in the 3500MHz band and 2x5MHz of 2600MHz from the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), for a gross consideration of $316.7m, payable in the local currency.

A strategic strand of a broader plan to boost Airtel Nigeria’s mobile data network as well as the power of its fixed wireless home broadband, the spectrum purchase raises Airtel Nigeria’s current capacity ahead of the rollout of 5G technology.

The company seeks to gain the timely traction needed to earn itself a good place in the fifth-

generation technology segment of Africa’s largest telecom market where two early birds secured operational licenses in 2021.

“The acquisition of 5G spectrum will underpin our growth strategy by enabling the launch of higher speed connectivity to enhance customer service and accelerate digitalisation for consumers, enterprises and the public sector,” the document said.

On Monday, shares in Airtel Africa climbed 5.2 per cent to N1,630 per unit on Lagos’ Customs Street at 13:28 WAT after the news hit the market, pushing its market value above N6.1 trillion, the biggest by any publicly traded company in the country.

READ ALSO: NCC projects N633 billion revenue in 2022 as

reps approve budget

Airtel Nigeria gave up an early chance to run 5G technology in Nigeria when, in December 2021, big rival MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications snapped up the two available permits at the premier auction arranged by the NCC.

While MTN teed off operations in August, Mafab sought a fivemonth extension due this month from the regulator for its own launch.

Nigeria is the biggest market of both Airtel Africa and the MTN Group (the parent company of MTN Nigeria).

Airtel Nigeria has assured the expansion drive will ease connectivity at a faster pace to enable improved customer service delivery and fast-track access to digitalisation for

consumers, businesses and the public sector.

The corporation is weighing up “the (shallow) penetration of data customers in Nigeria”, where Alliance for Affordable Internet say fewer than 44 per cent of the people have access to smartphones and sees the gap as a room to foster growth.

“Nigeria is a market with enormous potential for future growth in mobile services,” said Segun Ogunsanya, CEO of Airtel Africa.

“Investment in new technologies and local infrastructure to enable this growth is a strategic priority for the group and will ensure we are able to provide reliable and affordable services to local communities across the country,” he added.

El-Rufai hails NAF for improved security in 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 Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari.

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

L-R: Minister of Defence, Major. Gen. Salihi Magashi (rdt), Governor of Plateau/Chairman of the Occasion, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, Governor of Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his Deputy/APC governorship candidate, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and APC Deputy National North, Senator Abubakar Kyari, during the presentation of the APC Kano state governorship candidate and fundraising dinner, in Abuja yesterday.

Niger gov signs 2023 budget We must collaborate to tackle insecurity -Emir of Zazzau

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has assented to a budget size of over N243 billion naira for 2023 budget into law.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello who signed the budget after being presented to him by the state speaker represented by member representing chanchaga constituency, Marafa Guni at the government house minna.

The governor applauded the efforts of the state legislatures, stating that the passage of the budget was timely and quick, hence their support have been of great success to the executive arm and the state at large.

He also prayed that the incoming government will implement the budget towards ensuring a better Niger.

He further appreciated the state legislatures, planning commission and MDA’s for ensuring timely passage of the budget.

Aremu says OBJ no longer a statesman

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

As Nigerians warm up for February 2023 polls, the Director General of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) Ilorin Comrade Issa Aremu has called for “new statesmanship and new citizenship to deepen the democratic process” in the country.

He spoke on the sideline of an annual walk out to mark his 62nd birthday at the Murtala Muhammed Square in Kaduna, yesterday

The celebrant took exception to the latest letter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo asking Nigerians to elect the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi ahead of the February election.

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali has called on residents of Kaduna state to come together to tackle the insecurity in

the state.

Ahmed, a former Ambassador to Thailand made this call when the Kaduna state gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Hon. Isa Ashiru, paid him a courtesy call as

part of his statewide consultative tour to chiefs in the state.

The emir, while pointing out that people hardly sleep at night, urged everyone, irrespective of religion, tribe, or political affiliation, to synergize against

insecurity.

Speaking earlier, Ashiru sought the blessings and permission of the revered chief to go into his emirate to ask for votes.

He also prayed for peace in the state.

Minister: Exchange rate determines fuel price, N40/ Litre not realistic

By Abubakar Yunusa

Minister of state for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva has tied the pump price of petrol to the exchange rate of the Naira to Dollar which determines how much the product sells at filling stations.

Sylva spoke yesterday at the 16th edition of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration Scorecard Series in Abuja Monday.

He said N40/Litre of fuel is only achievable depending on whether the country can also achieve one Naira to one Dollar exchange rate.

His words: “Yes we can, but it is dependent on if we are able to achieve within this period an improvement in exchange rate. If we can achieve the one Dollar to one Naira exchange rate and improve in some other factors.”

He likened subsidy of imported

refined petrol to buying and selling at a loss to the population. ‘Selling at N40/Litre is not something that is realistic’, he said.

He also reacted to question on how he will feel to buy fuel at N300 per litre as a private citizen, saying ‘frankly if you ask me I won’t feel bad knowing the actual situation”.

He added that one will understand the situation better if he compares Nigeria with other oil producing countries, and try to convert the N300 to other foreign currencies.

“Unfortunately we are still subsidizing the product. It seems to be a national consensus now that the subsidy is not sustainable, and together we will get there. Because if we want to take out subsidy, the same people will protest,” he said.

“Sometimes you don’t understand what an average person wants,” he added.

He said the government is concerned to ensure that petroleum pricing is market driven, in order to drive a lot of investments. Under a subsidized environment, he asked, who is going to invest.

He said also that if you build a refinery, for example, how will it make profit under a subsidy regime.

Sylva disclosed that the Federal Government has a 20 percent share in the Dangote Refinery billed to start operations this year. Already, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is said to be committed to commissioning the refinery project before the tenure of the government ends in May this year.

According to Sylva, the Federal Government has also entered into oil processing partnership in modular refineries, base oil production plant and Lube oil blending plant.

Some of the refineries billed to

start operations in the first quarter of 2023 include 5,000 barrel per day Waltersmith Modular Refinery in which the government has 20% stake. This plant has already been commissioned by the President and is in operation, the state Minister for Petroleum said. Phase 2 of this refinery, he said, will add another 15,000 bpd and petrol and is in progress, while in phase 3, the capacity will be increased to 50,000 bpd.

Also, he said the FG has 30% share in Duport Energy Park Modular Refinery (2,500 bpd Modular Refinery, with 30 MM gas processing plant, and 2MW power plant in Edo state).

According to him, there is also 2,0000 bpd Atlantic Modular Refinery in which FG has 30% share, and the 12,000 bpd Azikel Modular Refinery in Bayelsa State (30% FG share also).

Gov. Bello reiterates commitment to prioritize health sector

expansion work at the Suleja General Hospital.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has restated his commitment to revamping the health sector in the state

Governor Sani Bello disclosed this while inspecting the ongoing remodelling and

He said the project has become necessary as the facility has spent over 30 years without being attended to and the members of staff have been working under tight conditions, adding that the hospital was being expanded from 100 to

250-bed space.

According to him, the hospital will be provided with modern and technological equipment for effective and efficient service delivery to the people of Suleja and its environs.

The Governor who expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, said that the work

has attained 50 percent adding that it is expected to be completed in the next three months and ready for commissioning.

He maintained that emphasis is being accorded to the Primary Health Care (PHC) centers across the 274 wards and this, has reduced pressure on the secondary health care facilities.

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state (right), presenting the his Deputy/ APC Governorship candidate of Kano state, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, during the presentation of the APC Kano state governorship candidate and fundraising dinner, in Abuja yesterday

FG to float three industrial parks, votes N3.2b for first phase —NASENI

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna, yesterday said the Federal Government will establish three industrial parks in the country.

He said about N3.250billion has been earmarked for the first phase of the parks which will be sited in Nnewi (Anambra State); Osogbo (Osun State) and Igabi (Kaduna State).

He also said centre of NASENI Helicopter project of assembly and first made in Nigeria Helicopter is being relocated to Aeronautics and Air Vehicle Development Institute (AAVDI) in Kaduna.

Haruna made the disclosures when he paid a courtesy call on the Commandant of the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna.

He said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria has planned to develop industrial parks for the Automotive sectors in three zones of the country: Nnewi (Anambra State) Osogbo (Osun State) and Igabi (Kaduna State).

“Once fully taken up and equipped, the automotive park

will be self-sustaining and a government revenue source.

“In the first phase of the project, the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning has earmarked N3,250,000,000) for takeoff and we appreciate the Honourable Minister for the commitment and interest to the project.

“We are equally grateful to Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State for the allocation of 50 Hectares of land and his Excellency’s magnanimity for granting waivers of all statutory fees for the title of the land.”

Haruna explained in details the objectives behind the industrial parks.

He added: “The project initiative is in line with the concept of Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment which initially proposed establishing the Automotive Supplier Industrial Park (ASIP) in these three locations in the country for technology evolution in the automotive sector.

“This is in line with the mandate of NASENI for provision and development of primary and intermediate capital projects required for machine and equipment design, fabrication,

and mass production, in order to provide the enabling environment for sustainable industrialization of the country.

“The project is being supervised for NASENI by the Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute (HEDI) Kano, an institute of NASENI for the Agency.

“The project is intended to unlock the opportunities in auto sector as well as potentials in the manufacturing industry with a view of creating employment, skilled labour in this region and the sub-Saharan Africa. It will earn foreign exchange for the country and stop importation of vehicle spare parts.

“Major vehicle manufacturers from different countries have indicated interest to operate from this facility. It is also intended to provide the Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company with the necessary support in the production of Armoured Vehicles.”

“We also appreciate the Nigerian Air Force for the collaboration and provision of adequate site policing and security since the commencement of the construction work.

“Work in the phase one of the project comprising of perimeter fencing, construction of information and communication

building, construction of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) workshop, construction of Automotive Spare Parts, sales and services outlet are all above eighty-five percent (85%). “Completion of phase one of the project within the next few weeks will enable commissioning and commencement of operation which can run concurrently with development works in phase two of the project.”

The EVC sought for collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna.

He said NASENI’s project of first made in Nigeria Helicopter is being relocated to Aeronautics and Air Vehicle Development Institute (AAVDI) which will be in the same environment with AFIT.

“The institute has the mandate to research and develop spare parts, components and systems of Aeronautics and Air Vehicle Technologies. It is mandated to produce both passenger and military aircraft through backward integration.

The centre of NASENI Helicopter project of assembly and first made in Nigeria Helicopter is being relocated to AAVDI. We are in AAVDI today to finalize site takeover, design and strategize

commencement of construction work to fast-track take up of the project.

“Technologies prospecting for domestication from our counterpart agencies across the world for Aircraft manufacturing

have pilot plants for realization here in Kaduna by the Grace and will of God. The facilities designed

be provided; machineries, equipment, laboratories, and

be shared facilities

the AFIT and the Nigerian Air Force.”

The AFIT Commandant, AVM Paul Jemitola

.

institute

He promised to maximize the benefits of the cooperation for the betterment of all stakeholders.

He said, “NASENI had been instrumental to so many things even here in AFIT. As such, we will maximize the cooperation to the fullest. We will study the MoU and make the best out of it. NASENI can count on our 110 per cent support and cooperation.”

CNG reject fee hike, plans protest

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The Students Wing of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG-SW) said it will stage “a mother of all protest” in the next few weeks.

It said the protest will lead to the shutdown of all campuses and occupy northern states’ capitals.

This is as the Group appealed to all northern stakeholders to speak up to reject and discourage the passage of the education Loan Bill as the life span, and sustainability of the loan is not guaranteed.

Those in this category according to the Group, are, the University of Maiduguri in the northeast, the Federal University Dutse in the Northwest, and the Federal University Lafia in the Northcentral.

Addressing the press, Comrade Emuseh Gimba Bokunga, the group National Coordinator, observed that the hike by the Universities followed the ratification by the Federal Government of a regime of harsh economic policies that have caused mass sufferings to Nigerians.

Adamawa lawmaker carpets APC led government over excessive borrowing

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.

From Umar Dankano,Yola

From left: Registrar Nigerian Airfoce Institute of Technology (AFIT), Air Commodore Edmond O. Oluokun, AFIT Commandant Air Vice Mashal Paul O. Jemitola and Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Engineer Professor Mohammed Sani Haruna, during the inspection the model at the ongoing construction work at NASENI-AUTOMOTIVE Supplier Industrial Park (ASIP) Project Kaduna , Afaka in Kaduna.

will

to

workshops will

with

said the

was ready to collaborate with NASENI

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

As part of follow up to ensure efforts of the Niger state government in resolving Ja’agi community persistent crisis, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Traditional Council of Niger state, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar has approved the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Nurudeen Mahmuda as the new District Head of Ja’agi community in Mokwa local government of Niger state.

This followed the intervention of governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state through his deputy Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso in a meeting with the community people at government house Minna recently.

At the meeting the state governor directed his deputy to write to the Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar to as a matter of urgency appoint a new district head and advised him to reinstate the removed Chief Imam Alhaji Isah Liman.

Consequently, the royal father has also reinstated the said Chief Imam which mark the final effort in restoring peace, unity, togetherness and peaceful coexistence within the Ja’agi community to enhance development.

When contacted, an indigene of the area, Ahmed Idris Ja’agi confirmed the development to our reporter.

He appreciated the efforts of the state government and Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar for restoring peace in their community.

Etsu Nupe appoints new District Head For Ja’agi community FG flagg’s

Benue APC guber candidate berates PDP for lack of transparency

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue State, Rev.

Fr. Hyacinth Alia has berated the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party,

PDP, for lack of transparency.

Fr. Alia who made this accusation on Sunday while unveiling his manifesto to newsmen in his residence in Makurdi, regretted that the present administration has impverished

Benue people, stressing, “we are too rich to be poor and anything less is not to be appreciated for what God has called us to do”.

He decried the way and manner the government has failed to be truthful to Benue people especially

as it pertains to the wage bill of the State.

The clergy man also, accused the government of not being accountable as it concerns the plight of the Internally Displaced Persons.

Buhari urges Nigerians to vote for APC in the 2023 elections

From Umar Dankano,Yola

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to vote massively for candidates of the ruling All Progressives

Congress contesting for various political offices in the 2023

general elections.

Buhari made the disclosure at the Bola Tinubu/Shettima presidential rally in Yola Monday.

He stressed that electing Tinubu as president and Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani as Adamawa state Governor

will ensure continuity of APC led government laudable projects.

Buhari said his visit to Yola was purposely to support Tinubu and Binani’s political ambitions which will accord APC the opportunity to provide more dividends of democracy

to Nigerians.

He stated that Tinubu will be just and fair in handling the activities of governance if given the mandate.

In his address, the APC Presidential candidate,Bola Ahmed Tinubu appealed to the electorates to vote for his team.

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.

Kaduna State LP guber candidate unveils five-point agenda

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.

From David Hassan, Gombe

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello sits with other party leaders during the APC Presidential rally in Yola, Adamawa State yesterday

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)

Why fuel scarcity persists -Pinnacle Oil boss

By Egena Sunday Ode

The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the Pinnacle Oil and Gas limited, Peter Mbah, at the weekend cited poor investment in the downstream oil sector as the cause of the perennial fuel scarcity and its attendant long queues at filing stations across the country.

He stated this at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja while speaking to newsmen shortly after the company paid a thank-you visit to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Chief Mbah, who is the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Enugu State in the forthcoming general election, said in order to bridge the gap, Pinnacle Oil and Gas has invested about a billion dollar to address the stagnation of investment in the downstream sector.

Asked whether the country will ever get over the intermittent petrol scarcity it witnesses every

time, the Industrialist said with the intervention of his company and investments from other Nigerians in the downstream sector, the problem will be a thing of the past.

He said, “There has been a deficit of the set of investments Pinnacle has done in the last decades. But what we’re doing right now, is to address that stagnation of investment in the downstream oil and gas industry.

“This is an investment size of about a billion dollars. So we are expecting to see more of such investments because what the Pinnacle has done is to create some efficiency in the supply and distribution value chain of the downstream sector.

“So we are indeed expecting that more investment in the downstream sub sector would completely eliminate the sort of scarcity we are witnessing today.”

On what brought him to the seat of power, Chief Mbah said he and

his team came to show appreciation to Mr. President for accepting to inaugurate the company’s storage terminal adjudged to be the largest storage terminal in West Africa.

He said the offshore intake of the storage terminal is also adjudged to be the deepest intake facility in the entire Africa.

According to him, “We, Pinnacle Oil and Gas limited, have come here to express our profound gratitude and our heartfelt appreciation to Mr. President.

“You will recall that on the 22nd day of October 2022, Mr. President inaugurated our storage terminal adjudged to be the largest storage terminal in West Africa, with offshore intake facilities also adjudged to be the deepest intake facility in the entire Africa, sitting at a water depth of 23 meters.

“So we do have SPM (Single Point Mooring), and CBM (Conventional Buoy Mooring). Those are the offshore facilities

we have. Those facilities have the capability to take the largest vessels, you can imagine and discharge over 100 million liters of clean petroleum products within 24 hours.

“This is typically what takes the industry 32 days to discharge. So we have largely come here to express our gratitude to Mr. President, for the honor he gave us in inaugrating this largest facility, which has actually changed the face of the industry, because it has eased as you know, this facility is located at the Lekki free zone, just by the Dangote refinery.

“So what it has done, it has eased the congestion and the gridlock we have at the Apapa area in Lagos. It has also reduced the cost of supply and delivery of petroleum products in different parts of the country. It has also provided jobs for teeming unemployed Nigerians. So this is why we thought it necessary to come and say thank you to Mr. President.”

We must develop strong confidence in our country, Buhari says

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Damaturu urged Nigerians to develop strong confidence in the country, its security institutions and never allow any terrorist groups to destablise Nigeria again.

Speaking at the palace of the Emir of Damaturu, Hashimi II El-Kanemi, the President said government will continue to protect the right of every Nigerian child to education, particularly the children displaced from their homes by Boko Haram.

‘‘With the four months I have left as President, I’ll continue to be steadfast and I hope that I will retire in peace.

‘‘We must develop strong confidence in our country. Let us make sure we do not compromise security at all in any form because security and economy are the most important things.

‘‘We have gone through so much as a country and I appeal to you to be steadfast and make sure that we will not allow anybody to disorganize us again,’’ he said.

Expressing delight at the return of peace and normalcy in Yobe State and Northeast Nigeria, the President thanked Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State and his Borno State counterpart, Prof Babagana Zulum, for their persistence in reconstructing schools, health centers and institutions destroyed by the misguided terrorists.

The President noted that ‘‘there was a deliberate attempt to destroy Nigeria but God did not permit it,’’ adding that ‘‘God has helped Nigeria to bounce back.’’

He also commended members of the Armed Forces and the Police for their sacrifices in protecting the country.

The President recounted that having fought to defend Nigeria’s

unity during the Civil War, those who were part of that experience would never ‘‘allow anybody to fiddle with this country again.’’

Governor Buni told the President that in the heat of the battle against insurgency, the Palace of the Emir of Damaturu was overrun by terrorists.

‘‘However, today and worthy of note is that Yobe State is one of the States you liberated from the clutches of Boko Haram terrorists.

‘‘Before, in this Palace even if you placed one billion dollars for someone to come and pick it, nobody dared to come near but your coming onboard has made that history and the people of Yobe are enjoying relative peace.’’

The Emir also thanked the President for improved security in the country, saying ‘‘we have had bitter experiences in the past, but your administration has unified the country.’’

After the courtesy visit at the

Emir’s palace, President Buhari proceeded to the commissioning of several projects executed by the State government and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

They include the ultra-modern State Command Headquarters, the Police Tertiary Hospital and access roads, and Police Secondary School, conceptualized and completed under Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba.

He also inaugurated Damaturu ultra-modern market, Maternal and Child Health Complex at the Yobe State Teaching Hospital, the 2600 Housing Estate in Potiskum and the Damaturu Mega School at new Bra-Bra, executed by Governor Buni.

Earlier and immediately after his arrival from Yola, Adamawa State, the President had inaugurated Yobe International Cargo Airport, named after him.

Obiozor’s unity flame goes out

The death of Professor George Obiozor, last year, eclipsed a flame of hope lit in 2020 and was burning very brightly. He was elected President of Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo in December of that year but died in December 2022.

Imo state governor Hope Uzodinma announced Obiozor’s death in a statement he personally signed. It read, “A renowned academic, an exceptional diplomat and statesman and a tenacious patriot, Prof George Obiozor passed on recently after a brief illness. The death of this foremost Igbo leader and former Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States and the State of Israel is a big loss to Imo state, the South-east and the entire Nigeria. I have no doubt that both Nigeria and the international community will miss his profound intellectual contributions and wise counsel on national and global issues.”

The governor is absolutely correct. Obiozor’s passing due to illness, we have been made to understand, is a calamitous loss to not only his immediate Igbo speaking people but also Nigeria as a country. The Igbos are striving at being reintegrated into mainstream Nigeria after a failed secession attempt. Obiozor, everybody thought and believed, held out that torch of reunion.

In an August 3, 2021 People’s Daily editorial, we said, “It is true, in Obiozor, a well respected diplomat, the Igbo have found the right man to sell their ambition to produce Nigeria’s next president in 2023. He is the right hand to reach across the Niger for Northern solidarity if that sentiment must sell. But first, a badly politically splintered homeland must be reconciled to itself. Will Obiozor be able to pull that off? Only time will tell.

lives in that failed attempt at breakaway.

“Ohanaeze and the Igbo political establishment were simply overwhelmed by the frenzy whipped up by a youngster called Nnamdi Kanu until the Buhari government applied the wedge by declaring it a terror group and banning it. Even so, the group still wields much influence in Igbo land through its reign of terror. Obiozor must stop it and push for greater Igbo involvement with the Nigeria Project.”

Obiozor did push hard but the adversity against him was just as tenacious. Last year, masked gunmen attacked his house and burned down a half of the spatial compound. Luckily, the Professor was out of the country. Gov. Uzodinma described the attack as “cowardly and the height of desperation” on the part of some politicians. He said at the time that the government was working with security agencies to identify and punish the perpetrators. “The time of those who unleash this kind of mayhem in the state is over. We shall hunt them down to face the full weight of the law,” he said.

Our next editorial ( March 25, 2022) on Obiozor condemning the attack on his property, said he must not underestimate the enemy. That job he had taken on came with a huge risk to his personal life and family

“The significance of the Obiozor victory goes beyond that narrow Igbo unity. It lies in what President Muhammadu Buhari said in his congratulatory message to Obiozor. The message sent by presidential spokesman Garba Shehu, urged the ex diplomat to ‘deploy his immense experience within and outside to forge greater unity in the country.’” Our editorial continued: “The import of Buhari’s exhortation to Obiozor is in the background to his emergence as leader of Nd’Igbo. Under his predecessor, John Nwodo, Ohanaeze ceded its place to an ultra nationalist Igbo platform that stands to reenact the disastrous misadventure of Igbo secession that led to a civil war in 1967-70. Millions lost their

OUR MISSION

“To be the market place of ideas and the leading player in the industry by putting the people first, upholding the truth, maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards while delivering value to our stakeholders”

Our next editorial ( March 25, 2022) on Obiozor condemning the attack on his property, said he must not underestimate the enemy. That job he had taken on came with a huge risk to his personal life and family. The attack on his house in his absence, we said in the editorial, was “a foretaste of the worst to come. Kanu, the leader of IPOB, made a show of condemning the attack but he was only shedding the proverbial crocodile’s tears. We know he had a hand in the burning of Obiozor’s home.”

However, we advised the Nd’Igbo President to not abandon the noble cause he had chosen to fight. “We implore the Nd’Igbo leader to stay the course, no matter what the enemy brings his way. His role is cast in that of the biblical voice in the wilderness, crying to prepare the “way of the Lord”. Obiozor, never you waver in your duty to your mother land.”

Yes, Obiozor did stay the course and paid with his life. But he hasn’t died in vain. His effort has put an Ibo man in the presidential race coming up in February. The greatest tribute Nd’Igbo will pay Obiozor is to complete the national reconciliation project he started.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

Climate change governance: Challenges and way-forward

By Muhammad Mumtaz

The issue of climate change is being tackled in short-term and only address the immediate effects of the crises. However, the ‘wicket’ problem of climate change demands proactive and concerted efforts where climate impacts must be anticipated and relevant actions should be initiated.

Climate change is real and its impacts will be severe. World is facing multiple challenges related to climate change such as floods, heatwaves, rise in temperature, unpredictable rainfall and storms among others. Martin Weitzman and Gernot Wagner in their book Climate Shock indicated that “Climate change is unlike . . . any other public policy problem. It’s almost uniquely global, uniquely long-term, uniquely irreversible, and uniquely uncertain—certainly unique in the combination of all four”.

Scientific evidences prove that the impacts of climate change will be more devastating and disruptive by 2050 than today. According to Germanwatch, it is estimated that about 500,000 people died and US$3.5 trillion was lost as a result of extreme weather event during last 2 decades. More floods, droughts, fires, and heat waves will likely to be occurred in upcoming times. However, these events may vary from region to region and country to country. These variations in impacts and uncertainties of climate change have complicated the situation and set complex challenges for global community to respond. These complexities of climate change demand proactive and long lasting sustainable governance initiatives from local to global level.

Climate change has recognized a global issue and efforts are being initiated to handle the devastating impacts of climate change. Global leaders from all over the world (almost 200 countries) gather annually in conference of parties events for climate talk, to keep the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C alive, discuss what has been achieved so far, what actions are needed to be taken and how to move forward in relation to handling climate change.

In 2015, governments adopted the Paris Agreement (PA), agreeing to hold global average temperature rise “well below 2°C” and, if possible, 1.5°C. However, according to United Nation Environment Programme, countries’ collective emission reduction pledges remain far from sufficient: if implemented, they would lead to a temperature increase of more than 3°C, with devastating consequences for both ecosystems and humans. In light of these global actions it is far to state that the world has launched a successful drive against climate change rather need to do much more. It is therefore imperative to examine the current structures and dynamics of global climate governance so as to uncover the key climate governance challenges.

At international level, the realistic scenario of international politics is unclear with respect to climate change due to diverse political and economic ambitions and it is uncertain whether all countries especially the developed countries who are the major emitters of global greenhouse gases will consistently hold the political will to engage in climate negotiations and climate actions. Distorted perceptions of the climate crisis still exist at the global level and climate forums do not always attract the required levels of urgency or multi-sectoral leadership. Enormous promises and wishful decisions are made in international negotiations on climate change but normally they are not materialized as such or partially operationalized.

Most decisions made at the global level are not mandatory and the implementation relies on good faith. However, it has seen that multilateral institutions are normally slow to act, jeopardizing the fast, ambitious, and concerted actions required to address climate change. Climate actions are taken around the world but with a slow pace and importance is given to the responses as per requirement of their own relevancy. However,

climate crisis demands aggressive, coordinated and a cross-cutting approach connecting, social, environmental, and economic efforts. The issue of climate change is being addressed on an ad hoc basis but it must be taken on planned and permanent basis in view the challenging nature of climate change.

The issue of climate change is being tackled in short-term and only address the immediate effects of the crises. However, the ‘wicket’ problem of climate change demands proactive and concerted efforts where climate impacts must be anticipated and relevant actions should be initiated. It is therefore, global community has to come out of the business as usual approach and it is high time to mobilize global resources considering the cruelty of climate change and the stakes of upcoming generations in order to produce effective climate governance.

The 2009 UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen has often been described as a turning point for global climate politics that paved the way to replace top-down universal approach to global climate governance to a much more decentralized climate policy architecture. This conference has set the ground for the ‘hybrid multilateralism’ which was institutionalized through the PA. The PA was crucial milestone in climate governance that has brought together the international community’s consensus to actively respond to climate change. The PA recognizes the role of nonParty stakeholders in addressing climate change, including cities, other subnational authorities, civil society, the private sector and others. The shift in climate governance from top-down to bottom-up promoting multi-level governance appears a promising way but it has also various challenges and hurdles that must be addressed.

The subject of climate change has been devolved to lower level of governments in many countries such as Pakistan. The formulation of climate change policies and action plans rest with subnational or local governments. However, these lower level of governments may not be fully in a position to devise comprehensive policies and plans due to lack of coordination and absence of experience dealing with such complex issue at subnational and local level. Climate change decision-making processes are complex and involve multiple actors.

Governments at local level also consist of multiple agencies, each with a defined portfolio of responsibilities. One department might work for managing water resources while other might provide sewerage services and others are engaged with other services. To manage the complex challenge of climate change, these all departments and institutions have to work in coordination. However, evidences show that there is limited coordination among the local departments while dealing with climate change. To be successful against climate drive, nations need to integrate coordination among different government levels and non-government actors must be involved.

The PA institutionalizes an intricate interplay between state and non-state, multilateral and transnational climate action. It is assumed that power and authority are drifting from sovereign states to non-state actors at reginal and local scale, making it complex climate regime changing mechanisms where national governments have limited power and influence in decision making. However, there is need to understand that local governments are in a better position to act against the local challenges but they need full supports from upper tiers of the governments. It is therefore highly desirable to align non-state and intergovernmental relations especially at horizontal and vertical level to produce robust climate governance and meaningful actions. Efforts are needed to accelerate climate actions by facilitating dialogue, knowledge exchange and cooperation among governmental institutions and state and non-state actors to shape effective climate governance.

The writer is working as Assistant Professor at the Department of Public Administration, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. He can be reached at mumtaz86@ hotmail.com

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2023: Governors should play by the rules, and create enabling campaign environment for opposition parties

By Isaac Asabor

Unarguably to buttress his statement, Utomi who is also a former presidential aspirant and founder of the Centre for Value in Leadership (CVL), said “The experience in Delta has been the most scandalous where even Churches and Traditional rulers described the government as so vindictive, that they could not risk allowing the opposition to use their facilities.

If there is any resounding achievement that President Muhammadu Buhari has achieved since he came to power, it is unarguably that of bettering Nigeria‘s electoral process as it has been steadily improving since 2015. Evidence of his achievement in Nigeria’s electoral system can be seen from the fact that since 2015, the conduct of our elections continues to improve steadily. In fact, since the 2019 general election, by-elections and off-season elections in Edo, Ekiti, Anambra, and Osun states have been held in vastly improved contexts to the satisfaction and admiration of contestants and voters.

In fact, the president has for the umpteenth time assured Nigerians that his administration remains determined to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections whose result is widely accepted by the contestants.

Unfortunately, as we are fast approaching the presidential election that is scheduled to hold on February 25, 2023, less than two months from now, I believe, it is bound to remain consequential in Nigeria’s political history, and that there is an urgent need to call on governors across the 36 states of the federation to foster an enabling environment for peaceful elections and prevent election-related

violence, as the country prepares to hold both the general and presidential elections in February 2023.

The reason for the foregoing cannot be farfetched as civic space, public participation, fundamental freedoms, and a violence-free environment are critical to foster inclusive engagement in the electoral process, and the exercise of political rights.

In fact, governors across the 36 states of the federation should respect and uphold the right to political participation, freedoms of assembly, association, and expression, and in the same vein respect the role of an independent judiciary in elections.

Governors and their agents, and supporters alike should always have it at the back of their minds that political tensions and violence during the campaign period as well as hate speech and incitement by candidates and their supporters have a dangerous potential to ignite or fan flames of violence.

Why is this writer raising the red flag in this context? The answer to the foregoing question cannot be farfetched as trending news reportage has it that some governors are not giving their opponents space to campaign ahead of the election.

To say speak the truth to the foregoing situation, it is expedient to say that the unarguable retrogressive situation does not augur well for the prevailing democratic milieu in the country.

Against the foregoing backdrop, an instance that readily comes to mind is the one that was recently disclosed by the Labour Party (LP) chieftain, Professor Pat Utomi, who has expressed concern and worry over incessant intolerance exhibited by political gladiators ahead of the general elections, which starts next month.

Utomi, the Convener of The BIG-TENT Coalition

2023, our year of election

By Abimbola Adelakun

Our politicians are stuck to the old ways and will hardly risk their chances of winning the next election by trying something new. I have never quite believed that Nigeria must witness a complete ethical reformation before we begin to transform our lives, but one must also be realistic enough to accept that this routine of administrative failures will continue until we break the pattern of limited expectations.

The ushering in of the new year has hastened the countdown for Nigeria as it hobbles towards the biggest event that ever happens in respective African countries: elections. In terms of the high expectations that precede it and even its ability to momentarily remind people fragmented of their shared identity, elections in Africa are equivalent to the World Cup. Elections gulp as much as the Olympics (and similarly, many of the facilities you purchase for that event are hardly ever useful afterward). They make grown men (and women) sort themselves into partisan camps and engage in emotional arguments about who is the GOAT. In Africa where hardly much else happens due to our constricted economies, elections are about the only largescale excitement we can afford.

Elections cannot but be integral to African social and political life. It is through elections we sort out who has power and who can be sacrificed in the quest for even more power. Elections determine which of our tribes has more political relevance and which religion is dominant. Since we hardly get credible statistical figures to enlighten us on the demographics of our own country, election results provide a way of walking back to the answer. Through periodic elections, civic, political, and social actors get reshuffled so that some lucky ones can end up closer to power than they did just a day before the election. The closer you get to power, the better your access to resources, and higher up goes your social relevance. You can hardly blame the people who throw their spirits, souls, and bodies into elections. African elections, particularly presidential ones, are the ultimate determinant of destiny. It is why we fight with every weapon of our warfare to win them.

No other activities consume African resources more than elections. From the money we barely have to our psychic energies and the overdrawing on the capacities of our weak institutions, we pay so much for this aspect of democracy rituals. The one activity that makes time stand still in Africa is elections. The idea of time in this part of the world is beyond the calendar

or even seasons; the nature of our democracy configures time to be the space between two elections. Everything our leaders do by way of governance is either about preparing for the next election or undoing a previous election they have lost. Life itself is made to stop just for the sake of elections.

Elections are also, ironically, the least transforming of all our activities, which is why I wonder about the fate of the country after this coming general elections. Every election is unique and definitive in its own way, but this one produced third parties. Unlike previous times, they pose a threat to the formidability of the two main parties and heighten the stakes. Some hasty analysts thought the “Obidient Movement” would dissipate as soon as the ‘real’ electioneering started. But, as it turned out, those social observers both underestimated the resentment accrued against the present administration’s incompetence and announced their own unmooring from gritty reality. Those snorty dismissals have turned out to be shortsighted. The old electoral maps are being redrawn and making politicians trade horses crazily. By the time the elections come and go, they would have battered away the future in their desperate bid to win. Since there is hardly ever post-election accounting of finances, who knows what we would have lost and how much we would be invoiced to pay for what we did not join them to break?

When you consider the ongoing haggling and solicitations for the coming elections, you also wonder if there will be anything left for the country when they are done. Consider, for instance, those called ‘the G5’ and the efforts being wasted on seducing them to pimp their constituents for a presidential candidate in the next election. Mind you, ‘the G5’ is a term being bandied around to ascribe grave functional importance to what is essentially a bunch of overfed, overindulged, and underperforming politicians taking advantage of the dysfunctionality of Nigeria’s democratic system. Yet, the attitude towards these people by those wooing them goes a long way to clarify why our political system is still not ready to hold people accountable for their tenure in office. No matter what those governors have done or failed to do can be overlooked, no thanks to their current relevance. By putting themselves in positions where they are being solicited by desperate politicians who need to win the election, these five are also freeing themselves from the accountability that should ideally follow their stewardship.

It is unfortunate how the structure of the democracy we run allows our politicians perhaps the highest opportunity for a masterful display of cunning and calculations. They build

of Political Parties, Social Movements, and Civil Society Organisation for Obi-Datti’s presidential ambition expressed his reservation at a press conference held on Friday in Lagos where he alleged that the nation’s democracy is threatened by a growing situation where opposition parties are denied public facilities to hold rallies in some states ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

Unarguably to buttress his statement, Utomi who is also a former presidential aspirant and founder of the Centre for Value in Leadership (CVL), said “The experience in Delta has been the most scandalous where even Churches and Traditional rulers described the government as so vindictive, that they could not risk allowing the opposition to use their facilities.

It will be recalled in this context that the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about 3 months ago, following reports that state governments were trying to stifle the electioneering activities of opposition political parties and their candidates, condemned the practice, saying it was ready to penalize states where such undemocratic practices were recorded,

According to INEC, all parties participating in the 2023 general elections are free to campaign in all 36 states of the federation.

This, according to the Commission, was in tandem with the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election campaign by political parties as provided in Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. The Commission, therefore, warned state governments not to prevent other political parties from campaigning in their domains.

Isaac Asabor is a Public Affairs Analyst.

the skills to manipulate and outwit in the game of power, but they have yet to find it necessary to learn how to transfer the same skill set into actual governance. Getting power is where all the efforts stop for them. When elections are over, they hardly settle into governance. They continue jostling to maintain their space in politics by delegitimising their opponents. That is why much of what we call ‘democracy’ in many African countries barely transcends the basics. Some have even taken it as a given that what we see presently is all there is meant to be because every electoral cycle, such people confuse the broader gains of democracy for ‘credible’ elections. They say things like, even though this administrator has failed in every area, he can still seal his legacy by giving us “credible elections.” Such crude reduction of all the possibilities that democracy affords a people into the single component of elections is a drawback.

If there is going to be a resolution to the impasse of governance in our society, it will have to come from the people being governed. They are the ones who will have to break the logjam because there is little indication that our leaders are ready to provide any other experience outside obtaining power for its own sake. Our politicians are stuck to the old ways and will hardly risk their chances of winning the next election by trying something new. I have never quite believed that Nigeria must witness a complete ethical reformation before we begin to transform our lives, but one must also be realistic enough to accept that this routine of administrative failures will continue until we break the pattern of limited expectations.

This year makes it 23 years since Nigeria got on the path of an unbroken cycle of civil rule. We have been afforded some freedom, but we are still living well below our potential. Our freedom from mediocrity will take forgoing the usual sentiments of tribe and religion and willing ourselves to make better electoral choices at all levels. Our leaders do not think we have the mental and moral capacity to make choices outside the dictates of instinct. When one of politicians’ aides went on television last year to mouth off on live television, one of the revealing things he said was that Nigerians are too poor to care about the nature of choices before them. That mindset not only explains why they need people to be poor, but it also confirmed my thoughts that the coming election will boil down to a contest between those too impoverished to make sensible choices and those who will affirm they are sentient and thinking beings.

Abimbola Adelakun is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Pele: Genius who built the world cup

By Banji Ojewale

But Pele was human. There were failed marriages. There were children from mistresses. There were reckless investments. There was a time he hobnobbed with Brazil’s ruthless military rulers when he should have spoken against them as his teeming admirers, most of the poor of the land.

When boxer Muhammad Ali passed on in 2016, George Foreman, one of the sport’s fiercest demolition experts, was approached by CBS This Morning crew in the United States of America to speak on his old ring foe. Knocked out by Ali in their unforgettable Rumble in the Jungle duel in Kinshasa, Zaïre, in 1974, Foreman said what the sport had experienced of Ali defied all known approbatory allusions. It wasn’t enough to describe the man born as Cassius Marcellus Clay as the “best fighter,” he said. According to Foreman, “To say he (Ali) was the greatest boxer is a put-down…He was bigger than boxing. He was bigger than anything…I got into the ring with him…He didn’t have the best power, the best anything…But his presence…His greatest power was his presence…Nothing like him…’’

Since the death in December of another sports colossus, Pele of Brazil, the world is experiencing the same dilemma; a dearth of expressions to convey Pele into history. Is it adequate to see him as a legend? These days even flash in the pan celebrities get the tag. How about merely dubbing him the greatest in the field? Do our media personnel not slap the adjective on sports and music and theatre people who don’t last beyond a season, those who disappear from the annals after one or two laurels? Now, here come the words icon and titan. Man has made a sandcastle of these too. Every Tom, Dick, and Harry runs into them and they are presumed safe therein until history rumbles in with its hard punches. These words are too commonly used today to colour an uncommon Pele.

But though these epithets aren’t semantically unfit for the greatness of Pele, we must, nevertheless, qualify them, upgrade them, dress

them in robes that would drop the chaff so the wheat can stand out. For, as we say it colloquially, there are men and there are men.

So, how do we shroud Pele, the Brazilian footballer named at birth Edson Arantes do Nascimento? How would history rate him? What superlative metrics, regardless of our subjective opinions, will history apply to settle him? History is said to be impartial; it processes our present and posts it back at the departure of man. It uses as raw resources what we pump or write into her. The enduring record you’ll finally have is your true past, no makeup.

The Australian writer, Steve Douglas, also trod that route in his 1976 book, Kings of Sport. He paraded 20 spectacular sporting ‘kings’ in history: Pele, Ali, Rocky Marciano, Jesse Owens, Vladimir Kuts etc. Presenting the extraordinary exploits of Pele that earned him three World Cup triumphs in four appearances, a feat unprecedented and yet to be equaled more than five decades after, Douglas said baffled medical experts had to subject the footballer to thorough checks for an accurate assessment of his prowess. He wrote, “Psychiatrists attached to the Brazilian international team said he (Pele) was of aboveaverage intelligence… Top Brazilian medical experts examined Pele’s magnificent body and came to this conclusion: ’Whatever this man might have decided to do in the field of physical endeavour, he would have been a genius.’ ’’

The Brazilian truly posted a preternatural performance. At only 29, Pele had scored his 1,000th goal, breaking all known goal-scoring records. Of that goal on November 19, 1969, at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he said,” As I scored that goal I thought of all the poor children on earth, of those who have nothing, of the blind and the deaf whom I want to help during Christmas.’’

The Brazilian Post Office issued a stamp showing Pele netting the historic barrierbreaking goal. He was also presented with a gold football weighing four pounds. Later he unveiled a plaque commemorating the 1000th goal. More accolades came in 1970 as Pele got Brazil’s first

goal in the country’s victory over Italy in the final. It was also Brazil’s 100th in World Cup matches, leading to Brazil’s third victory in the global quadrennial soccer fiesta. Pele was crowned King of Football, 12 years after he had burst onto the world scene as Brazil’s teenage World Cup hero in Sweden in 1958.

Back home, Pele became better known than the President, ‘’More in demand than the most highly paid film stars. He enjoyed the same reverence on the field. Once, Pele succumbed to his base instincts when he was fouled and he retaliated. The referee sent him off. But, see what followed; the disciplinary board overturned the case and instead suspended the referee for 30 days! Pele disciplined for wrongdoing? Impossible!

But Pele was human. There were failed marriages. There were children from mistresses. There were reckless investments. There was a time he hobnobbed with Brazil’s ruthless military rulers when he should have spoken against them as his teeming admirers, most of the poor of the land.

This deprived Brazil and the Church benefited a lot from the enormous income soccer fame gave Pele. For him, God brought him wealth through kicking the round leather so he could be of help to the helpless, a passion he picked and nurtured from his days at Santos, the famous club he played for 18 years.

That’s where the real story began. He conquered the world right there at Santos, never leaving Brazil for European teams for recognition. He proved that the denigrated Third World could produce leading lights for the world to celebrate, without leaning on Western props. Pele was not just another player, says Tim Vickery, South American Football correspondent for BBC Sport. His verdict: Pele was far ahead of his time, ‘’a global icon before football was globalised…he built the World Cup.”

That takes us back to Foreman on Ali: Some figures step into the scene and the scene wears a new enduring look that transports it into history.

Ojewale writes from Ota, Ogun State

You can break your marriage barriers in 2023

By Elizabeth Badejo

There is a time and place in marriage for trials and tribulations but there are also opportunities for tears of joy if you make that a priority in your marriage. Blissful marriages do not happen by accident, invest in your marriage this New Year, and make conscious efforts to invite positive influences into your lives and home.

The New Year can signify different things to different couples; for some, it can be the perfect time to end a traumatic and distressing marriage after many years of uncertainties, and for other couples, a New Year indicates a new beginning, a period of reflection and evaluation of their marital relationships and their journey so far. Every New Year presents new opportunities for couples willing to make the necessary adjustments either in breaking away from unpleasant habits, setting new boundaries, or breaking new grounds together. Research states that around 43 per cent of couples who plan to reevaluate their marriages at the start of every New Year usually fall short of their own expectations due to a lack of awareness and experience. What are the things you plan to accomplish

this year? Marriage is a journey full of many great accomplishments along the way as well as challenges too. Every New Year creates a new opportunity for couples to set out their goals for their marriage and their plan to achieve them. Your goals can be simple or complex as long as you both believe in them and are prepared to walk together and hold each other accountable to achieve them. Challenges in your marriage may sometimes leave you feeling disappointed, nevertheless, do not allow these obstacles to stop you from reaching your goals as challenges are only temporary.

What are your barriers? The New Year can also bring undesirable memories of the previous year which can create fear and uncertainty preventing you from looking forward to a fulfilling New Year ahead. If fear is going to be your biggest obstacle this year, act, seek solutions, and turn things around for the greater good of your marriage. Sometimes fear can be linked with childhood trauma or personal experiences before marriage which may need professional support to overcome your fears.

How do you plan to overcome these barriers? No marriage is perfect as every marriage has its own ups and downs irrespective of the years. However, most

couples struggle in their marriages today because they lack the emotional intelligence to navigate their marital issues. Honesty is the best policy in marriage which can break the barriers holding you and your spouse back. Approach barriers with open communication, do your best to sustain a peaceful resolution, and trust the process till the end. “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”—

Maya Angelou

What are the sacrifices you are willing to make? No sacrifice is too much to make to secure your goals this New Year as long as you are both prepared to have a fresh start and turn your past failures into successes. There is a time and place in marriage for trials and tribulations but there are also opportunities for tears of joy if you make that a priority in your marriage. Blissful marriages do not happen by accident, invest in your marriage this New Year, and make conscious efforts to invite positive influences into your lives and home. Whatever you do this year, invest in your own happiness. Step out of your comfort zones, and do things you have always wanted to do, go places together, make lovely memories and stay safe. Goodluck in 2023!

Elizabeth Badejo is a Public Affairs Analyst.

By Albert Akota

The Executive Secretary

Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has said that the Commission had been given the powers to explore Holy Sites around the world.

He disclosed this over the

NCPC gets power to explore more holy sites -Rev. Pam

Attah tasks Customs officers on honesty

From Ahmadu Idris, Birnin Kebbi

The former Customs National Public Relations Officer (PRO) and Kebbi State Area Command Controller Mr. Joseph Atta has called on all customs officers in the state to be dedicated and honesty.

He gave this advise yesterday at the send forth reception organised in his honor.

He said honesty is a way of bringing development in human’s life.

Attah who is going on terminal leave described his experience in service as a way of blessing and service to humanity.

PRP

weekend at the Victor Attah International Airport UYo, during the airlift of intending pilgrims of Cross River state and Ondo state.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for given NCPC the enabling environment to exercise the powers given to the Commission by its enabling

Act.

He further lauded the two states that were being airlifted from the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Cross River state and Ondo state for being part of the current Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan.

He hinted that similar

orientation programme being organized at the Victor Attah International Airport, UYo was held in Enugu for the intending pilgrims of Ebonyi State who would join the intending pilgrims of Cross River state and Ondo to make up the third batch of intending pilgrims that would leave the shores of

Nigeria tonight to the Holy land of Israel and Jordan.

The NCPC boss further applauded the Governors of the South South for their sponsorship of christians to the Holy land especially in recent time. According to him,” God is using the Governors to advance the Kingdom”.

Women deserve a chance to rule -Buhari

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Yola, Adamawa State, said the election of Sen. Aisha Dairu Ahmed Binani, as the next governor of Adamawa will open opportunities for women in the country and send a signal to the world on Nigeria’s leadership maturity.

Speaking at the Lamido of Adamawa’s Palace in Yola, the President said he was in support of the gubernatorial candidate and would continue to provide moral support for her success in the forthcoming polls.

“I came here to make sure that from the end of Nigeria to

other places, I want to identify with the candidate, Binani, and other candidates.

“We are here to ensure that Sen. Binani becomes the first female elected governor God willing. Her election will speak to Nigeria and the world through Adamawa State.

“I thank you very much for all the support. I want everyone to support her to win. And for those in opposition to us, I wish them the best of luck,” he said.

President said, “We will give her our moral support. The women have been fighting from a distance, let them now come close, and also share in leadership.”

In his remark, the Governor

of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, thanked the President for various interventions in the state.

“I want to use this opportunity to welcome you to your second home, Adamawa State.

“We want to thank you for various and several projects in Adamawa. All our proposals for the state have been approved. We will not get tired of receiving you in the state. We will continue to pray for you. We love you and admire you.

“You have done well and surpassed what is expected of a leader. I wish you well and all the best in the campaigns,” the Governor added.

The Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, also appreciated President Buhari for the developments in the state, which include appointments into top positions in government like the FCT Minister, Mohammed Musa Bello, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa.

“The people of Adamawa are indebted to you,” the royal father told the President.

The Lamido of Adamawa thanked the President for his approvals for new universities in the state and a Federal Medical Centre.

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.

PVC

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

Ashiru urges Kaduna electorate

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.

presidential candidate urges youths to vote party

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

From Ahmed Idris: Birnin Kebbi

Cross session of Participhants, during the Islamic Schools Coaliation of Nigeria (ISCON) 1st Innougration of their Excos in kaduna on Monday 09/01/22

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Presidential candidate of Labour Party LP (LP), Peter Obi yesterday cautioned politicians that God is annoyed with them over how they have turned to entitlement, the grace He gave to them to govern and care for His people.

Speaking during an interactive programme with Human Right Radio in Abuja, Obi declared to

Politicians annoy God by turning grace into entitlement, grace period over - Peter Obi

political leaders, including those already serving and aspiring to serve, that the grace period offered to them by God to turn a new leaf is over, and the time for judgement is at hand.

PDP in Zamfara expels 2023 governorship aspirant over anti party activities

By Musa Baba Adamu

Agovernorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State, Ibrahim Shehu has been expelled for alleged anti-party activities.

According to the expulsion letter signed by Hon. Aliyu Hassan, the party’s secretary in Mayana Ward, Shehu was expelled due to anti-party activities contrary to Article 58(1) (a,b,c) of the party’s 2017 amended constitution.

The letter stated that the Mayana Ward Working Committee of the party took the decision effective from January 2023.

Ibrahim Shehu was twice responsible for the nullification of the party’s governorship primary election.

“Nigerian leaders have not shown enough compassion on the people and their plights by neglecting the people they govern. They are annoying God by turning His Grace into entitlement”, he said during the programme.

Further, Obi said that democracy makes the ordinary people poor, noting that the poor and the disadvantaged are the true owners of the country.

The LP presidential candidate, who was a Special Guest at the Human Rights Radio in Abuja called Brekete Radio, said that the ordinary people have a critical role to play in the selection process of who governs the country, a task which he said they can only perform through their Permanent Voters Card (PVCs).

The LP flag bearer said that he is seeking to be hired by the owners of Nigeria, the ordinary downtrodden, because he wants to build a new Nigeria where the populace are secured and productive.

Obi, who took time to explain to the listeners at home and those in the studio why he is aspiring to be hired for the job of Nigeria President, said that applicants’ antecedents should be put into consideration while interviewing and taking decisions to employ them.

The former Governor of Anambra state who took time to explain his past in public and private sectors, said having done it well in the past, he is well equipped to do better, being the most qualified of all the candidates.

On his being labeled a stingy man, Obi said it is not true, pointing out that what is being seen as and talked about his being stingy is his fiscal discipline in

the management of public funds, hence those who lose out in the blockage of waste see it as being stingy.

He used various examples to illustrate his frugality to public funds, pointing out that corrupt people fight back when you block them by tagging you stingy.

According to him, saving money is not in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, but said his Presidency will change the sharing mentality of politicians to a saving and production mentality.

On corruption, Obi said that if elected, he will draw the line and face the future as he would not close shop to chase thieves, although he noted that the looters would not be allowed to go free.

He described nepotism as a huge corruption, especially when leaders pick unqualified persons who may be of the same family with him and allocate land and contract papers to them.

Obi however disagreed with the

notion that when people assume office as President or Governor, the office changes them, rather he said that money and power expose the true character of a person.

The candidate said that North is the new Nigeria gold and oil, but requires only a person who knows like him and his Vice to unlock it.

He said “The poverty in the country can only be tackled through production and it is only through it that crimes and criminalities can be reduced. Those bandits are factory workers who are doing nothing.”

On his position on Biafra, whether he has plans of restoring it if elected, Obi declared unequivocally that the Biafra war ended 52 years ago and that is the position.

He said “If the President is to be given by whose turn it is, as an Igbo it’s my turn but I am in the race as a Nigerian wishing to be hired based on my track record, competence and capacity.”

R-L: APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Adamawa state APC Governorship Candidate, Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani; president Muhammadu Buhari,and APC Vice Presidential Candidate Senator Kashim Shettima, during Campaign Rally for Presidential Candidate and Adamawa state APC Governorship Candidate at Maidoki Yola,Adamawa state, yesterday

APC special persons’ leader, Bankole seeks

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, People With Disabilities (PWDs), Hon. Tolu Bankole, has charged all political parties to desist from a fetishistic and demeaning deployment of PWDs in the ongoing 2023 General Election campaign.

Bankole gave the charge in a statement on Monday in Abuja, where he said “For the umpteenth time, I call for the dignified inclusion of PWDs in political campaigns. No candidate is expected to treat PWDs as miscreants during the campaign. I frown at any campaign model that will derogate or endanger the lives of PWDs. All PWDs must be treated in a dignified manner

during campaigns.”

Bankole felicitated all PWDs and Nigerians, wishing them all a New Year filled with renewed hope.

He called on all Nigerians to collect their PVCs at INEC designated electoral offices nationwide to enable them participate fully in the 2023 general elections, urging them to vote APC candidates at all levels.

Bankole wrote: “2023 is a momentous year especially in the life of our country. We must ensure the choice of an acculturate Nigerian with a track record of unparalleled achievements in both private and public sectors.

“We must understand that the progressive ideals of All Progressives Congress (APC) are bigger than any

inclusion of members in campaigns

individual. Hence, the need to vote for a candidate who will build on the gains of the incumbent and offer far reaching elixirs to the current challenges in the country.

“Let us embrace reason and truth. We must be unanimous in shunning those bent on stoking the embers of hate using religious and ethnic fault lines. Our chief objective must be competence in the choice of leadership which Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope epitomizes.

“I call on all Persons With Disabilities who have not collected their PVCs; those who applied for transfer or replacement of cards across the country to go and collect their PVCs at their electoral wards

in order to achieve our drive for political, educational, economic and social inclusion of PWDs through the ballot.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission has devolved PVC collection to the 8,809 Registration Areas/Wards from Friday 6th to Sunday 15th January 2023. To ensure those that are unable to collect their PVCs at the Local Government Offices of the Commission can do so at the Registration Areas/Electoral Wards.

“Let me appeal to the election umpire that Persons With Disabilities must be treated with consideration due to our peculiarities during this PVCs collection period across the country to minimize the incidences of ill treatment in previous exercises.”

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has threw its weight behind the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying there is no going back on the Commission’s resolve to deploy the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) and INEC Result Viewing Portals (IReV) in the February general election.

Briefing journàlists yesterday after an emergency Council meeting at the National Secretariat of IPAC in Abuja, IPAC chairman, Yabagi Yusuf Sani, represented by the National Secretary, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, urged Nigerians to defend the nation’s hard earned democracy from those he described as political hirelings and their sponsors who he said do not want free, fair, credible, transparent, peaceful and inclusive general election.

Citing an alleged grand plots

2023: North paying price of voting based on religion, ethnicity

– LP’s Yusuf Datti

By Christiana Ekpa

The Vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Yusuf Datti BabaAhmed has said Northern Nigeria is paying an extremely high price for voting based on religion and ethnicity.

The former lawmaker disclosed this during ‘The Peoples Townhall’ organised by Channels Television and its partners on Sunday. The presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi also made an appearance at the event.

Baba-Ahmed said he and Obi would collectively work towards solving all problems, including insecurity and corruption.

He said, “The day you will hear the sentence “President Peter Obi”, Nigeria has already united. Once Nigerians are united, we will collectively work towards solving all problems – insecurity, failed-failing economy, and unprecedented aggravated corruption.

“We truly deserve the votes of Nigerians because this is one election that is turning out to be about character backed by record, competence and capacity. This is clearly not supposed to be an election about sentiments of religion and ethnicity because right now, Nigeria is paying a very high price; northern Nigeria is paying an extremely high price for voting based on religion and ethnicity.

“We are going to stop the killings and start the healing; stop the stealing, start the keeping; stop the slide of our currency and start the climb of our society.”

IPAC backs INEC, says no retreat, no surrender on deployment of BVAS, IReV

by “anti- democratic forces” to remove the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu from office on frivolous allegations of false assets declaration few weeks to the general election, IPAC said the Commission’s position on deployment of technology in the conduct of the 2023 general election is in tandem with the stance of IPAC.

While condemning the recent attacks on the commission’s offices in some parts of the country which destroyed sensitive, non-sensitive electoral materials and other property including Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), ballot boxes, among others in Zamfara, Imo, Ebonyi, Ogun, Osun, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, FCT, Ondo, Abia States, IPAC expressed delight that despite these setbacks by those working to truncate the polls, INEC has remained resolute, undaunted and courageous in deploying technology to conduct free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive general election leading to peaceful transfer of power.

IPAC which said the recent

campaign of violence against INEC facilities is unprecedented, attracting huge costs in replacing them, therefore called on the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and decisively deal with them to ensure a free, fair and credible elections in February.

“Accordingly, the entire political Chairmen under the umbrella of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) reaffirms its confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission led by Professor Mahmood Yakubu to conduct the 2023 general election.

“IPAC is satisfied with the preparations, arrangements and measures taken so far by the commission to conduct free, fair, credible and transparent, inclusive, peaceful and generally acceptable elections, particularly its decision to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), an electronic device designed to read permanent voter cards and authenticate voters using the voters’ fingerprints.

“BVAS is intended to achieve two objectives. First, is the

verification of the authenticity of the PVCs, the fingerprints and faces of voters during accreditation. Secondly, it replaced the Z-pad for uploading the polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portals (IReV) in real-time on election day. BVAS also acts as the INEC Voter Enrollment Device (IVE) during voter registration.

“Its usage has also eliminated the use of incident forms during accreditation on election day. It is an effective system that prevents electoral malpractices. It is this improved technology in the conduct of elections that triggered attacks on INEC facilities and grand plots to remove its chairman few weeks to the Presidential and National Assembly elections slated for 25th February 2023, by those who benefited from grossly flawed elections and want to maintain the status quo that impeded the nation’s democracy and impoverished the populace”, IPAC said.

Also Speaking at the event, former two term chairman of IPAC, Muhammad Lawal Nalado, said all

the registered political parties met with the INEC leadership where they all agreed that BIVAS and IReV should be deployed in the 2023 elections.

Nalado, who is also the National chairman of Accord (A), therefore wondered why some political actors have suddenly begun to kick against the technology, adding that the current leadership of INEC has been the most innovative so far. He expressed confidence that the use of BIVAS has increased the confidence of Nigerians in elections, hence the large number of people who came out to register.

“That is why you can see that the number of people coming out to register for this election are more in number than any other time. Because it has been certified that Nigeria election has been improved tremendously”, he said.

Nalado further argued that from the records, after every offseason elections, INEC continued to introduce innovations to improve in subsequent elections, adding that if Nigeria must develop, citizens must be allowed to freely choose those to represent their interest in the country.

Accord National Legal Adviser, Mgbudem asks DSS to make INEC security priority

By Musa Baba Adamu

The National Legal Adviser on Accord (A) party, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem has charged the Department of State Service (DSS) to make the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a priority while executing its security activities and strategy, especially given the sustained attacks on the Commission’s facilities ahead of the February general election.

Speaking to journàlists in Abuja, Mgbudem, who said the interest of Nigerians today is how to ensure that the next month election is credible and free of violence, added that security agencies should work in synergy and share information among themselves, with a view to nipping any planned attacks on INEC offices in the bud.

“I’m calling on the security agencies to act because we know that the DSS gather intelligence and we know what is happening in the country, so, that is why we are

calling on them (security agencies) to collaborate, they should synergise with each others so that these attacks on the INEC facilities will be nip in the bud.

“It is not a question of asking do we know who they are, but the most important thing is that at the end of the day, we have a very free, fair and credible election, and that is why we are standing firm with INEC and we are calling on the Federal Government to do the needful, because sincerely speaking, if they up their game, they would have been able to arrest the people that are perpetrating this evil”, he said.

Mgbudem, who expressed concern over the recent developments, with regards to attack on INEC offices, said it is like a cancer that is eating deep into the fabrics of the society, hence the need to rise up, including the Media.

“It is the duty of the media to help us to investigate and expose these people that are carrying out these evil act against our democracy. It is not

all about Accord or IPAC, it is not all about INEC, it is about our country and our democracy, because no matter what we do, we have to make sure that we have an institution that is so strong”, according to him.

Speaking further on the use of digital technology and other innovation in the election, Mgbudem, who is also the Deputy National chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said the use of BIVAS and IReV in elections have come to stay, adding that it may be to frustrate the use of these technology in the February election that INEC leadership and its facilities have been inundated with series of coordinated attacks.

He said “This election and use of BIVAS and IReV has come to stay. As you can see, there is an apparent systematic and a coordinated attack on on INEC facilities and as a Council, we have unequivocally condemned those attacks and we are calling on the security agents to give INEC priority in protection of their

facilities, INEC must be their priority in their activities.

“Whatever information they have, they should share, so that INEC facilities will be protected, otherwise, what we are talking about today about free, fair, credible, transparent and all inclusive election will be a mirage. So, I’m using this medium to call on them, especially as agents of the Federal Government, to make sure that Nigeria is safe and secured both now, during and after the elections.

“What is Paramount to us is to make sure that we get the February general election right. There are a lot of people that are working against the principles of free, fair and credible election ahead of February, but we are supporting INEC. We are passing a vote of confidence in INEC for what they have already done and we are letting the world know that we are with them because it is our aim, aspiration and desire to make sure that this forthcoming general election is credible, transparent, free, fair and all inclusive.”

By Musa Baba Adamu

Accord Party (A) presidential candidate, Prof. Christopher Imumolen said he would adopt the principle of inclusivity in selecting his cabinet if he becomes Nigeria’s president.

He said the task of rebuilding the country, battered by years of poor leadership and corruption, needed the input of all citizens, including presidential flagbearers, Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi.

Imumolen noted that to build an economically sound country where every Nigerian would be proud, he would solicit the help of the best brains in different fields to contribute their quota.

“The task of rebuilding our country is an onerous one. It is not going to be a one-man show. Every one who has the idea, capacity to add value to governance, no matter their background or party affiliations, shall be called upon to do so,” he said.

“For his adeptness and aptitude

as a businessman of no mean standing, I will appoint Peter Obi as my minister of trade and commerce, while Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will serve as an adviser, most probably on the political front for obvious reasons.

“You will agree with me that these men will most be suitable in the roles I have earlier mentioned because of their track records in both their private and public lives.

“The move is meant to demonstrate that we are all partners in progress in our desire to see our

country regain it’s lost glory, as well as deliver to it’s millions of citizens the true dividends of democracy.

“The move is also meant to send the message that appointments will only be given to those who merit it in the kind of reformist government we are planning to run.

“The concept of square pegs in square holes shall be the guiding principles of our government under the umbrella of Accord, the party that preaches oneness and togetherness,” Imumolen added.

Tinubu will be special envoy, Obi trade minister if I become president – Imumolen

•Accuses agents of seeking to truncate democracy

POLITICS

From Umar Dakano, Yola

All Progressives Congress

Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday in Yola, Adamawa State, called on the people of the state to vote the first female governor in the country.

A statement by Tinubu Media Office signed by Tunde Rahman said yesterday. .

Tinubu, according to the statement, was canvassing support for the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Senator Ayisatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani, saying she has all it takes to become governor.

“She is brilliant, driven and results oriented. He will perform better for the state,” he said at the well-attended rally at the Maidoki Ground in Yola.

Speaking about President Muhammadu Buhari who was present at the rally, Asiwaju Tinubu hailed him for laying a solid foundation for the country, which he would build on if elected.

“Your contributions are positive and enduring. As I have said before, when the history of this period is objectively written, it will treat you very kindly. It will treat you as a true patriot and hero. Thank you for providing the solid and strong foundation. Now, it will be up to the rest of us to carry on and build Nigeria into the finest national edifice we can envision,” he said.

The APC candidate also thanked the president for attending the rally, saying he was deeply moved and honoured by his presence.

“That you are here and that you have been gracious enough to be our campaign chairman shows your dedication and loyalty as a party member. More importantly, your presence underscores your commitment to progressive, democratic good governance and your belief that our party represents the best hope to lead the nation to the peace, prosperity and development it deserves,” he added.

Reiterating his agenda for the people of the North-east where he picked his running mate and Adamawa State, Tinubu said he envisioned a North-east that is safe and secure, that is thriving and flourishing.

“I envision productive farmlands that produce food abundant enough to feed the state and help feed the rest of the nation and even export to a world in need of our dynamic contribution to humanity. I envision both manufacturing hubs as well as agricultural hubs that will allow you to produce finished products that will expand the local economy, create jobs and increase the

Tinubu Urges Adamawa to Vote First Female Governor

standard of living for all of you.

“I see adequate fresh produce storage facilities, farm-to-market roads and access routes. I also envision the establishment of commodity exchange boards and credit facilities that will provide the hardworking farmer a guaranteed income for his crops and also allow farmers affordable loans to invest in and improve the productive yield of their lands. I can envision these good things my people because i have the expertise and commitment to see them become reality,” he said.

Pointing out that he achieved similar feats when he was governor of Lagos State, he said: “With your help, I will do so again on a larger scale. I have already done the research and have fashioned wise plans. What I promise is real and achievable.”

Asking the people of the state to vote for him come February 25, 2023, Tinubu said: “Give me and Shettima the mandate to achieve this. And we will give you the

economy, jobs, and incomes you seek. The power is in your hands, vote for m; empower me so that I may empower you!

Taking a swipe again at the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar, he said: “I hear that a former VP who comes from Adamawa wants to return to Aso Villa again. You have to decide whether you owe him your vote simply because he is from here or do you owe yourself a better nation and future?

“If you believe a better tomorrow is possible, then you cannot support Vice President Privatize Everything. If you give him the nation, he will sell all he can and leave you with nothing.”

The party’s National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu and Director-General of Tinubu/Shettima Campaign and Governor of Plateau State, Hon. Simon Lalong, both canvassed support for the election of Asíwájú Tinubu as president and Senator Ahmed Binani as Adamawa governor.

Senator Ahmed who spoke largely in Hausa promised a new lease of life for the people of Adamawa, saying salaries of civil servants and pensions would be paid regularly.

The rally was attended by APC Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Shettima, Governors Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa) and Nasir el-Rufai, former Adamawa State governor Admiral Murtala Nyako, former Sokoto State governor Aliyu Wamakko, former Gombe governor Danjuma Goje, former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole, and former Zamfara State governor Sani Yerima.

Also in attendance were APC National Woman Leader Betta Edu, Minister of Women Affairs Pauline Tallen, Minister of Sports and Youth Development Sunday Dare, former Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi and women rights activist Hajiya Najaatu Mohammed among others.

I will retire Atiku, Tinubu from politics - Peter Obi

By Christiana Ekpa

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi has vowed to retire the presidential candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubarkar and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu if elected president in the February 25 election.

Peter Obi also said that Nigerians will not want to elect persons who are known to have looted the treasury of the nation in the past.

Speaking at the campaign rally in Asaba, Delta State on Monday, Obi also vowed to revitalize the Warri refinery which has been in disrepair, and also ensure the completion of the East West road that has remained uncompleted in the last 24 years.

He said, “We will make Warri Port to work again. We will complete the east west road. They have been building the road for 24 years but we will complete it.

“If you put my age and Datti age and divide it into two, we are in our fifties. The other people if you put their own they are in their seventies. You know that there is a retirement age. PDP chairman is 70 years, APC chairman is 70 years. Labour Party chairman is 52 years old. So it is our turn. We will retire them, we will pay them compensation.

“Our government will be one for youth and women. That is why I told you our average age, not this other people we don’t know their age, we don’t know where they were born, we don’t know which school they attended.

“I know you heard when they said Peter is stingy. I agree, Nigeria don’t want people who will steal their money again. We want to use our money for our people.

“This election is about character and people we can trust. Everybody knows the schools i attended. When I was the governor in Anambra everybody knows what I did, all the works I did. When I left government, everybody knows where I live , go and verify.”

Also speaking, the vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba Ahmed said that both PDP and APC leaders have failed and has nothing to offer Nigerians.

“Do you know how to know who this losers are, they have made promises for 24 years, the other half made promises for 16 years, the other made promises for 8 years, and they all failed. How do you know a loser, with all they have had, they cannot face Peter Obi and myself and talk about security, they will hide behind and talk about structure. The structure that they used to destroy Nigeria and keep us where we

are today.”

The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure also applauded the rare qualities of Peter Obi even as he said that he would have supported the candidate were he not to be in Labour Party.

He said, “There is no gainsaying the fact that the country is in comatose , is in

trouble and nothing is working in the country. This is the only opportunity we have to change the narrative of this country.

“It is not because Peter Obi is running in Labour Party, if I was in PDP and Peter Obi is running in Labour Party , I would have supported him. I am saying so because he has what it takes to change the country.”

Peter Obi

•Says Nigerians don’t want looters as leaders

FG shortlists 20 candidates for AGF’s replacement, to begin accreditation

Nigeria’s oil production rose to 1.23m bpd in December

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

Nigeria’s crude oil production increased in December 2022 to an average of 1.23 million barrels per day (bpd) from 1.18 bpd in the previous month.

production averaged 1.24 bpd.

With the addition of condensate, oil production totalled 1.413 million bpd in December — down from 1.414 million in November.

1.24 million bpd, 1.22 million bpd, and 1.02 million bpd in February, March, April, and May, respectively.

The federal government has shortlisted 20 candidates for the position of a new and substantive accountant-general of the federation (AGF).

According to a circular seen by TheCable, the 20 candidates were drawn from different ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

In May, Peoples Daily had reported on how Ahmed Idris, the former AGF, was arrested in Kano after he failed to respond to invitations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to answer questions over an allegation of N109 billion fraud.

Two days later, Idris was suspended indefinitely “without pay” by Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance, budget and national planning.

Chukwunyere Anamekwe, who was chosen to replace Idris in an acting capacity, was also removed.

In the circular, the federal government, explained that the shortlist followed reports of the anti-corruption agencies on the screening of prospective candidates that applied to participate in the process for the appointment of a substantive AGF.

It said the accreditation process for the shortlisted candidates would commence on Monday, January 9.

“Consequently, the shortlisted candidates are to come for the accreditation exercise scheduled to take place from Monday 9th to Wednesday 11th January, 2023 at Olusegun Obasanjo Hall, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Federal Secretariat, Phase lI, Abuja between 8.00 am and 4:00pm each day, ” the circular adds. “Consequently, the shortlisted candidates are to come for the accreditation exercise scheduled to take place from Monday 9th to Wednesday 11th January, 2023 at Olusegun Obasanjo Hall, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Federal Secretariat, Phase lI, Abuja between 8.00 am and 4:00pm each day, ” the circular adds.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said this in its latest crude oil and condensate production data for December 2022.

The figure is 4.19 percent or 49,713 bpd higher compared to the November 2022 production figure of 1.18bpd.

Checks by Peoples Daily show that the figure represents the highest output since March 2022 when the country’s

Condensate is a mixture of light liquid hydrocarbons, similar to a light (high API) crude oil.

It is usually separated from a natural gas stream at the point of production (field separation) when the temperature and pressure of the gas are dropped to atmospheric conditions.

In 2022, the country’s January production figure 1.39 million bpd was the highest in the year.

But oil output began to declined to 1.25 million bpd,

In June, production increased to 1.15 million bpd, before falling to 1.08 million bpd in July.

Output in August hit an alltime low of 972,394 bpd, and further fell to 937,766 bpd in September, before rising to 1,014,485 in October.

Recently, Timipre Sylva, minister of state for petroleum, attributed the improvements in production in the last quarter of 2022 to collaborative efforts between security agencies and the government.

“We were here a few months ago with a charge and mandate

from President Buhari to ensure complete eradication of oil theft in the Niger Delta,” Sylva had said.

“Since then, we have seen a significant improvement, meaning that you (military and other security outfits) took the charge and mandate of the president very seriously.”

Peoples Daily had reported that due to a myriad of sectoral challenges including oil theft, Nigeria failed, throughout the year, to meet the production quota set by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

However, Sylva said Nigeria should be able to meet the production quota set by OPEC in May 2023.

Jack Ma to relinquish control of Ant Group in key shareholding structure revamp

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

Jack Ma, Chinese billionaire, will cease to be in control of Ant Group as the fintech company seeks to revamp its shareholding structure.

The firm disclosed this on its website recently ,said Ant Group is a fintech affiliate of Alibaba, both of which were founded by Ma.

According to the statement, the company intends to adjust “the upper-tier shareholding structure of Ant Group (the “Adjustment”), to further optimise corporate governance and to align the voting interests of shareholders with their economic interests”.

Ma only owns a 10 percent stake in Ant, but the company said after the adjustment, his voting rights will fall to 6.2 percent.

Prior to the restructuring,

Ma’s investment vehicle, Hangzhou Yunbo which has control over two other entities, owned a combined 50.5 percent stake in Ant, according to its IPO prospectus filed with stock exchanges in 2020.

In November 2020, Ant’s valuation took a massive hit, which by some estimates, fell over 70 percent from $235 billion to $70 billion, after its IPO was ruined by China‘s financial regulators.

The shareholders in the fintech company include: Ma, Eric Xiandong Jing, Simon Hu and Fang Jiang, Hangzhou Yunbo Investment Consultancy Limited, Hangzhou Junhan Equity Investment Partnership, among others.

Ant Group, however, said the parties have entered an agreement to terminate their acting-in-concert arrangement for the voting of shares of Yunbo

Investment.

“On 7 January 2023, the ‘termination agreement for concert party agreement’, ‘equity transfer agreement with respect to Hangzhou Yunbo Investment Consultancy Co., Ltd.’, ‘partnership admission and withdrawal agreement with respect to Hangzhou Junhan Equity Investment Partnership (limited partnership)’ and ‘letter of undertaking’ were entered into by the parties thereto,” the statement reads.

“The adjustment is being implemented to further enhance the stability of our corporate structure and sustainability of our long-term development.

“The adjustment will not result in any change to the economic interests of any shareholders of Ant Group and their beneficiaries.

“Ten individuals – including the founder, management and

staff – will exercise their voting rights independently.”

Ant Group further said the major goal for the adjustment is to ensure transparency.

It added that its activities of services will not in any way be affected.

“As a result of the adjustment, the shareholding structure of Ant Group will be more transparent and diversified, which will facilitate the steady development of the company,” the firm added.

“The adjustment will not affect the day-to-day operations of Ant Group. We will continue to serve the real economy by leveraging digital technology, implementing our sustainable development strategy, optimising our corporate governance, investing in cutting-edge technologies, and creating greater value for society.”

Abubakar Yunus Abuja

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) says it has not shut down the Tom Ikimi train station in Igueben LGA of Edo state, following the recent attack by herdsmen at the facility.

On Saturday, gunmen suspected to be herdsmen, kidnapped many passengers from the station.

The travellers were said to have been waiting to board a train to Warri in Delta, when they were kidnapped by the suspects on Saturday evening.

According to the state police command, the herdsmen had stormed the train station

NRC debunks shut down of attacked Edo train station

with AK 47 rifles and shot sporadically into the air before abducting the passengers into the bush, while others were said to have sustained bullet wounds.

Following the development, a WhatsApp message reportedly posted on an NRC passengers group, said the station has been temporarily closed.

“This is to inform our general

public and most especially our esteemed passengers, that Ekehen station has been temporarily closed due security issues, till further notice,” it reads.

On Sunday however, Fidet Okhiria, managing director of the NRC, told TheCable that the facility has not been shut down.

He said the train will no longer stop at the station for

now, but only pass through.

“The train station has not been shut down. The only thing is that we’re not stopping there. If we shut it down, the train will not be able to pass through,” he said.

Another message reads: “Due to the incident at Ekehen station yesterday, WITS 01/ 02 will no longer stop at HEN station. Please advise your

customers”.

Although the message corroborates Okhiria’s statement, TheCable could not confirm its source.

Meanwhile, the federal government had condemned the act, saying it was saddened by the “barbaric” incident.

It assured Nigerians that efforts will be made to rescue the kidnapped passengers.

Recurring fuel scarcity caused by inadequate investments in downstream oil sector, Mbah

Peter Mbah, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu, has attributed the persistent fuel shortages and the associated discomfort being experienced by Nigerians to insufficient investments in the downstream oil and gas sector.

Mbah, who is also the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, said this while speaking to journalists after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, Abuja.

He was accompanied by Nasiru Ado-Bayero, chairman of Pinnacle Oil and Gas, who is also the emir of Bichi Kingdom in Kano state.

Since February, 2022, Nigeria has witnessed extended periods of petroleum products scarcity, especially petrol, which sparked a number of disputes and blameshifting between the regulatory bodies and oil marketers.

The crisis, according to Mbah, was caused by a lack of investment in the downstream sector, a problem that his company, Pinnacle Oil and Gas, has begun to address with the opening of the “largest” storage terminal in West Africa in Lagos last year.

Asked if there could be an end to the scarcity that is being experienced nationwide, Mbah said: “There has been a deficit of the sort of investments Pinnacle has done in the last decades, but what we’re doing right now is to address that stagnation of investments in the downstream oil and gas industry.”

“As you know, this is an investment size of about $1 billion. So, we are expecting to see more of such investments because what the Pinnacle has done is to create some efficiency in the supply and distribution value-chain of the downstream sector.

“So, we are indeed expecting that more investment in the

downstream sub-sector would completely eliminate the sort of scarcity you are witnessing today.”

Explaining why he had come along with Nasiru Ado-Bayero to the villa to see the president, Mbah said it was a visit to express appreciation to Buhari for inaugurating the company’s facilities at Lekki, Lagos state, in October last year.

He said the operations of the facilities have reduced costs and enhanced the supply of petroleum

products to many regions of the nation, as well as eased traffic in the Apapa neighborhood of Lagos, and given many Nigerians access to worthwhile employment possibilities.

“We, Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, have come here today to express our profound gratitude and our heartfelt appreciation to Mr. President,” Mbah said.

“You will recall that on the 22nd day of October, 2022, Mr. President inaugurated our storage terminal, adjudged to be

the largest storage terminal in West Africa with offshore intake facilities, and also adjudged to be the deepest intake facility in the entire Africa, sitting at a water depth of 23 meters.

“So, we do have SPM and CBM. Those are the offshore facilities we have. Those facilities have the capability to in-take the largest vessels you can imagine and discharge over 100 million liters of clean petroleum products within 24 hours. This is typically what takes the industry 30 to 32

days to discharge.

“This facility is located at the Lekki Free Zone, just by the Dangote Refinery. So, it has eased the congestion and the gridlock we have at the Apapa area in Lagos. It has also reduced the costs of supply and delivery of petroleum products in different parts of the country. It has also provided jobs for teeming unemployed Nigerians.

“So this is why we thought it necessary to come and say thank you to Mr. President.”

Petrol subsidy is organised crime — Peter Obi

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has described the petrol subsidy regime in Nigeria as “organised crime”.

Obi said this on Sunday during a town hall meeting organised by Channels Television.

Nigeria spent a total of N6.210 trillion on petrol subsidy, also called underrecovery shortfall, between

2013 to 2021.

Last year, the federal government announced that it will stop spending on subsidy from June 2023.

The LP presidential candidate said if he is elected into office, the payments will stop immediately.

“They have removed it. That is what they’ve done. But I can assure you, it will go immediately. Subsidy, I have said it before is organised crime and I will not allow it to

stay a day longer,” Obi said.

“What they are telling you is not what it is. Half of what is being mentioned is not subsidy. First is that we consume the quantity that is not supposed to be consumed here.

“We are the same population as Pakistan. They consume below 50 percent of what we consume.

“So, the first half, I will remove it so we can save the money.”

The LP candidate, who

flayed the country’s public debt stock, added that the money spent on petrol subsidy should be channelled into social development.

“Look at this year’s budget. Education, which is the highest since this government came, is about N2 trillion. Health, which is the highest since this government came, is about N1.5 trillion. Then infrastructure, which is roads and everything, is about N1 trillion,” he said.

National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu, fsi (middle) with the Okigwe women first Alliance Group in a group photograph after praying for peace in Imo State recently. Photo: NEPAD

Elect 1st female governor, make history, Buhari urges Adamawa voters

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Yola, Adamawa State, called on voters to shun sentiments, and make history by electing the first female Governor in the country in 2023, Sen. Aisha Dahiru AhmedBinani, saying her track record of dedication to duty and service will improve the livelihood of citizens.

The President, who spoke at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential and Gubernatorial Flagoff of campaigns in Adamawa State, told voters that Sen. Binani had consistently worked for the welfare of the State and indigenes over many years, and entrusting her with the Office of the Governor would further strengthen her to reposition the State for greatness.

“Let me remind you of the good fortune that is awaiting your State in 2023 after returning the APC to power at the federal level and electing the party’s candidate as your incoming governor.

“You have been given the opportunity to set a record in the history of Nigeria and the annals of democracy and politics in our country by electing the first ever female chief executive of a state in Nigeria. You cannot afford that such a significant opportunity would slip through your fingers.

“I am, therefore, calling on all the men, women and youth of Adamawa State, the northeast and indeed the entire country, to support the candidature of Senator Aisha Binani and ensure her victory in March, 2023,’’ he said.

President Buhari urged the electorate to vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima as President and Vice President in the forthcoming elections, and candidates of the APC for Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly.

“I am delighted to be here today in Yola, Adamawa State, to be part of the campaign of our candidates for different offices in the country, starting from presidential, to gubernatorial, national and state assemblies. It is All Progressives Congress (APC) from top to bottom.

“APC for President! APC for Governor! APC for Senate! APC for House of Representatives! APC for Assembly Members!,’’ the President noted.

President Buhari said the APC had a vision of making Adamawa State more peaceful, progressive and prosperous.

“Your contributions in Adamawa State to our national development can be attested to by your output in agriculture, fishery, livestock, industry, manufacturing, commerce, mining, among others.

“Your achievements in the areas of education have made us proud and given us immense joy and satisfaction. Adamawa people are progressive in nature, and it is time to prove it once again.

“Our vision for Adamawa as a peaceful, progressive and prosperous state is strong and enduring. With your perseverance and determination, the All Progressives Congress (APC) will make Adamawa a model state in all areas of endeavour,’’ he stated.

The President urged youths in the state and country to pursue values that will bring honor to their families and the country, advising that Nigeria’s image could only be improved by the citizens.

“Let me now speak to the youths of our country, and Adamawa State particularly. I want you to know that you mean so much to us. Please remain loyal and patriotic citizens, learn from your elders and behave responsibly at all times.

“There can be no other place

better than this country that promises so much to us and beckons us to greater prosperity.

“I want you to remain true to our ideals of decency, respect and accountability. You should bear your responsibilities seriously and acquit yourself well in all that you are called on to do.

“You should all come out and vote in the forthcoming elections, exercise your franchise responsibly and do not allow yourselves to be misled by vain sentiments and idle promises.

“Let me remind you and the entire people of Nigeria that the eyes of the world will be on you come February and March, 2023. Therefore do not give in to temptation and allow yourselves to be manipulated,’’ he added.

The President advised the youths to remain loyal to the APC by sensitizing on the gains of the party, and voting for its candidates at various levels.

“I wish specially to thank you for reposing your trust in me and giving me your support during the last two presidential elections.

“I want you to continue with this spirit and remain loyal to our party the APC. I want you to support our candidates at all levels in the state and federal elections. You can trust Asiwaju

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban of Borgu, our party’s flag-bearer and presidential candidate, together with his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima.

“I want you to vote for them massively, retain the party in power at the centre, and also return Adamawa to the rank of the progressives.

“I want you to wholeheartedly embrace the message of “RENEWED HOPE” on which our candidates and party are campaigning,’’ the President said.

In his remarks, the APC National Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu called on voters to elect Asiwaju Tinubu for President, and Sen. Binani for Governor of Adamawa State.

Adamu assured the large gathering of party supporters at the Muhammadu Buhari Square that both candidates had been tested with responsibilities at various levels of governance, and would work together for the benefit of the people.

Presidential Candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Tinubu thanked the President for leading the country with integrity, and setting new standards in development projects.

“Nigeria is blessed. We have integrity in President Buhari. Whatever damage the Poverty

Development Party, PDP, have done, we will replace it with joy, prosperity, happiness and employment for our people.

“We will get you engaged properly. We will pay attention to your needs. Vote Binani for governor of the state, and when we are elected, we will work together to provide good water, education, health and end killings and kidnapping,’’ he said.

Binani pleaded with the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, APC stalwart, Nuhu Ribadu and member of House of Representative, Abdulrazak Namdas to join hands with her in ensuring success at the polls, and lifting the state to greater heights.

Former Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, urged the electorates to vote for Asiwaju Tinubu for President, and Binani for Governor of the state, noting that Tinubu and his Vice Presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima, had already set precedence of good leadership as former governors.

He said Binani would build on past achievements in the state, and correct anomalies in leadership and development, especially in placing the welfare of the people first and ensuring inclusive governance.

FG approves over N4.7 Billion for 219 TETFund research grants

By Maryam Abeeb

The Federal Government has approved the sum of N4,736,782,352.21 for the award of 219 research grants to successful participants under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF) programme for the 2021 grant cycle.

A statement by the Acting Director of Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi said that this followed the report of the TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC) which recommended the funding of the 219 research proposals after a rigorous screening exercise which commenced with the receipt of 4,810 Concept Notes from prospective applicants in November 2021.

According to him, a breakdown of

the approval indicates that the sum of N3,066,156,844.61 was approved for the Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) thematic group, N806,381,998.00 for Humanities and Social Science (HSS) while Cross Cutting (CC) received N864,242,509.60, with individual grants ranging from N4.5 million to over N41 million.

It’s reads,” some of the approved research works tailored towards enhancing national development include Molecular epidemiology of recurrent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria and pre-clinical evaluation of indigenous medicinal plants for its management; Effective High Throughput Phenotyping and Artificial Pollination for Improved Yield in Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) with Autonomous Drone and Investigating Nigerian medicinal plants as

sources of lead compounds for development of chemotherapeutic interventions for uterine fibroid and Production of Cartridge made from Hydrochar for the Treatment of Textile and Tannery Wastewater in Nigeria: ″Emerging Technology for Sustainable Water Purification using Biomass Waste; all under the Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) thematic group.

“Projects under Cross Cutting thematic group include Design and Fabrication of Efficient Solar Energy Storage System for Electricity Generation to Rural Communities; Adaptation of Conventional Septic Tank to Bio-digester for Sustainable Energy Generation and Viable Economy for Households Use in Nigeria and Development of Polymer-soilcrete Blocks and Pozzolanic Cement Concrete for

Integrated and Sustainable Mass Housing in Nigeria, amongst others.

“Approved under Social Science are Development and evaluation of phytoestrogenic transdermal nanogel for the management of menopausal symptoms and associated diseases; Fabrication and Characterization of New Glass Series from Rice Husk and Bismuth-Tin Ores for Application in Radiation Shielding and Green Pathway for Barite Production towards Decarbonisation of Mining Sector in Nigeria, amongst others.

“The National Research Fund (NRF) Grant was introduced to encourage cuttingedge research which explore research areas relevant to societal needs of Nigeria such as power and energy, health, security, agriculture, employment and wealth creation etc.

METRO

FCTA defends resuscitation of On-street parking scheme

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has defended its decision to revamp it’s suspended On-street parking scheme, in order to swiftly tackle disturbing traffic congestion in Abuja.

Making this position known yesterday, the Director, Traffic Management, FCTA Transportation, Wadata Bodinga, who assured that all the legal issues that was an impediment have been resolved.

Bodinga noted that the new FCT parking Regulations 2019 has sufficiently made provisions for the scheme, scheduled to come into effect before the end of first quarter of this year.

He said the first phase of the exercise in its preliminary stage will be carried out in Maitama and Wuse areas of the Federal Capital City (FCC).

He explained that following the rapid population growth in Abuja, and its consequential traffic congestion, resuscitating the policy was necessary.

He added that the nation’s capital was faced with many traffic irregularities, posing grave dangers to residents, noting that the reintroduction of the scheme will mitigate.

According to him,” the present state of the FCT Traffic irregularities which pose a great hazard towards road users, the reintroduction of the On-street parking scheme by the administration will mitigate these challenges to the barest minimum.

“While On-street parking scheme

may seem over bearing for some users, the scheme impact positively on the FCT residence on economic activities through improving customer experience and promoting efficient parking management system “.

It would be recalled that the controversy policy was in 2014 resisted by some residents, who allegedly decried the high handedness of operatives, and also queried the ownership of companies being used for ticketing and enforcement.

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello (right) in a handshake with the APC Presidential Candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu at the Yola International Airport following the APC Presidential rally in Adamawa State on Monday, 09/01/2023.

Middle is Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima, former governor of Zamfara State.

Kwali: Emulate qualities of late monarch- Minister urges leaders

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has urged political and community leaders of the area council to live up to the legacies of late Etsu of Kwali HRH Alh. Shaban Nizazo III, by emulating his exemplary leadership qualities.

Bello, described the late Monarch as a good leader who loved his people dearly and was passionate about the development of education and health care delivery.

The Minister said this when he paid a condolence visit to Kwali Area Council, to commiserate with the people over the passing of the late traditional leader who died on the 29th of December

2022, according to a statement from Director of Press, Office of the Hon. Minister, Anthony Ogunleye.

The statement read: “Received by the Ona of Abaji and traditional rulers from Kwali, Malam Bello who spoke in Hausa language said he had worked closely with the late Etsu who always gave him useful advise, one of which was that government officials should always be true to themselves and to God in all their actions and that they should take the issues of education and health care delivery very seriously.

“The Minister recalled his last meeting with the late Etsu which was on Christmas day during the traditional FCT residents’ homage to President Muhammadu at the Presidential Villa.

“He also commended the Kwali Area Council Chairman and other community and religious leaders for the roles they have played in the funeral rites and other events following the death of the traditional ruler.

“Bello equally called on the people of the Area Council to work together and harness the natural resources which are abundant in Kwali for the benefit of the people”.

It added that speaking earlier, the Chairman of Kwali Area Council Hon. Danladi Chiya thanked the FCT Minister for the visit and revealed that the late Etsu had requested that upon his passing, his successor should be named as soon as possible.

He said that that the Area Council

intends to honour the request of the late monarch.

He lamented that the people of Kwali had lost a great leader at a time when he was needed the most but also said no man could question the will of God.

He also commended the FCT Minister for his exemplary leadership in the management of the FCT.

Also speaking the Ona of Abaji HRH Adamu Baba Yunusa thanked the Minister for the visit and for the commendable efforts of the Secretary of the Area Council Services Secretariat , Hon. Ibrahim Abubakar Dantsoho in the days immediately following the passing of the Etsu and prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

world news

China Covid:

California weather: State braces for more storms after 12 killed

88 million people in Henan infected, official says

More

Nearly 90% of people in Henan, China’s third most populous province, have now been infected with Covid, local health officials say.

Provincial official Kan Quancheng revealed the figure - amounting to about 88.5 million people - at a press conference.

China is battling an unprecedented surge in cases after abandoning zero-Covid policies in December.

The move followed rare protests against lockdowns, quarantines and mass tests.

Mr Kan did not specify a timeline for when all the infections happened - but as China’s previous zero-Covid policy kept cases to a minimum, it’s likely the vast majority of Henan’s infections occurred in the past few weeks.

He said visits to fever clinics in Henan province peaked on 19 December “after which it showed a continuous downward trend”.

The Henan provincial figures are in stark contrast to Covid figures from the central government

According to official data, just 120,000 people in the country of 1.4 billion have been infected and 30 died since the shift in Covid policy.

Meanwhile on Sunday, authorities reported three Covid deaths in mainland China, one more than the day before.

However, with the definition of Covid deaths narrowed and mass testing no longer compulsory, government data is no longer reflective of the true scale of the outbreak.

Other local and provincial officials have also been providing very different data to that from the central government. On Christmas Eve, a senior health official in the port city of Qingdao reported that half a million people were being infected each day. Those case figures were swiftly removed from news reports.

Meanwhile Chinese health officials said they would not include Pfizer’s antiviral Covid medicine Paxlovid in its basic medical insurance schemes as a result of the high price quoted by the US firm.

The drug, temporarily covered by China’s broad healthcare insurance scheme until 31 March, has seen a sharp increase in demand since China’s Covid cases surged last month.

Pfizer would continue to collaborate with the Chinese government and all relevant stakeholders to “secure and adequate supply” of the medicine in China, the company said in a statement.

On Sunday, Beijing also lifted mandatory quarantine for all international arrivals and opened its border with Hong Kong.

In the first wave of pre-holiday travel, official data showed that 34.7 million people travelled domestically on Saturday. This represented an increase of more than a third compared to last year, according to state media.

Infections are expected to soar as the country celebrates Lunar New Year later this month, with millions expected to travel

California is bracing for more severe weather this week, with forecasters warning of an incoming “relentless parade of cyclones”.

The US state has already suffered a week of torrential downpours and damaging winds that killed 12 people in 10 days, Governor Gavin Newsom said.

More than 120,000 people are still without power as of Monday morning.

The governor warned on Sunday that the most brutal weather is due in the next 48 hours.

“We expect to see the worst of it still ahead of us,” Governor Newsom said at a news conference. “Don’t test fate.”

This new round of severe weather will bring heavy rain on already flooded rivers, damaging winds that are expected to topple trees and power lines, and heavy snow in northeast California.

The US National Weather Service (NWS) said the heaviest and most widespread rain will likely occur around Tuesday morning and afternoon, and have issued a flood warning in areas around Los Angeles, including Orange County and the San Bernardino County Mountains.

The Sacramento Valley is also under a flood advisory. Schools in and around Sacramento have cancelled classes on Monday in anticipation of the storm and amidst widespread power outages.

US president Joe Biden declared a state of emergency for California on Monday, which allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency, also known as FEMA, to provide disaster relief.

In the last week, California has

experienced two overlapping weather phenomena - an atmospheric river, where an airborne stream of dense moisture flows in from the ocean, and a bomb cyclone, a storm with a rapid drop in pressure that creates a cyclone effect.

Last week’s storms inflicted widespread damage in northern California and dumped record-breaking rain.

The storm damaged homes and businesses, and killed at least 12 people. Among the victims was a toddler who died after a redwood tree fell onto a mobile

home in northern California.

A woman who lived in a homeless encampment along the Sacramento River also died on Saturday when a tree branch fell on her tent.

Much of the area hit by heavy rainfall has been under extreme drought conditions. Last year, California issued caps on how much water residents can use in an effort to conserve its depleting supply.

Despite the rain, much of the state remains under moderate to extreme

Brazil Congress: Mass arrests as Lula condemns ‘terrorist’ riots

About 1,200 people have been arrested in Brazil after supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed Congress, the presidential palace and the Supreme Court.

The rioting came a week after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was sworn in.

He condemned the “terrorist acts” and vowed to punish the perpetrators.

Mr Bolsonaro has not admitted defeat and flew to the US before the handover ceremony. Unconfirmed reports say he is in hospital in Florida.

The new president - widely known as Lula - and the heads of Congress and the Supreme Court “reject the terrorist acts and criminal, coup-mongering vandalism that occurred” during the riots.

The dramatic scenes saw thousands of protesters clad in yellow Brazil football shirts and flags overrun police and ransack the heart of the Brazilian state.

Lula was forced to declare emergency powers.

On Monday morning, heavily armed officers started dismantling a camp of Mr Bolsonaro’s supporters in Brasilia - one of a number that have been set up outside army barracks around the country since October’s election.

Brasília’s Civil Police said an additional 300 people were detained on Sunday.

Justice Minister Flavio Dino said some 40 buses which had been used to transport

protesters to the capital had been seized.

Mr Bolsonaro condemned the attack and denied responsibility for encouraging the rioters in a post on Twitter some six hours after violence broke out.

Meanwhile, Brasília governor, Ibaneis Rocha, has been removed from his post for 90 days by the Supreme Court.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes accused him of failing to prevent the riot and of being “painfully silent” in the face of the attack. Mr Rocha has apologised for Sunday’s events.

Video shared by the Brazilian outlet O Globo showed some officers laughing and taking photos together as demonstrators

California is still reeling from last week’s severe weather, which brought widespread damage in the state’s northern region

Soldiers have begun dismantling the camp outside army headquarters

than

Gloucestershire charity founder awarded for water project

A“selfless” man who has provided thousands in Africa with clean water wells has been given an award.

Nigel Linacre, from Chippenham, has been given a British Empire Medal for his work in Uganda, Kenya, Gambia and Malawi with his charity WellBoring.

His organisation has built wells in 300 schools and aims to get clean water to a million people within three years.

Africa head of operations Benjamin Koyoo said the charity had made a “huge impact” on people’s lives.

“We here in Kenya, we’re celebrating the medal that Nigel received,” he said.

“The guy is selfless and has gone out of his way to ensure that small children in the village can get the clean water.

“The impact is huge.”

Mr Koyoo said water-related diseases were common in the places the charity worked in before the bore wells were made.

“The children are now healthy and they can attend school without missing class to fetch water for family,” he added.

Mr Linacre founded the Gloucestershire-based charity in 2012.

He said WellBoring initially aimed to provide 100 schools with clean water but that figure continued to increase.

Mr Linacre said having access to clean water in these places “really is a game changer”.

“Instead of having to walk to a river or a stream, where they’ll get water that can and often does make them sick, they’ve got water in their school that is shared with the community as well,” he said.

“Sickness goes down, attendance goes up, lives are changed.

“We’ve already got safe water to over a quarter of a million people. We’ll get safe water to a million people in about three years.”

Zambian footaller mauled to death by his own dogs

A60-year-old man who was mauled to death over the weekend by his own dogs in the South African town of Lichtenburg, has been formally identified as Zambian football star, Philemon Mulala.

Mr Mulala’s wife is reported to have found the him lifeless in the garden of their home and quickly called for the emergency services who pronounced him dead at the scene, according to a statement by the South African Police Service

.Tributes have been pouring in with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) leading the way. FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala told South Africa’s Times Live newspaper

; “We remain with wonderful memories that the late Philemon honoured us with on the pitch.”

Mr Mulala moved to South Africa in the 1980’s to play for the Kaizer Chiefs and later, the Cape Town Spurs.

The South African Police Service have said that an inquest docket has been opened and investigation into the matter

continues.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have removed the three dogs from their home and put them in shelters.

Key suspect arrested over Uganda New Year’s Eve crush

Police in Uganda say they’ve arrested a key suspect who went on the run after a deadly New Year’s Eve crush.

They said the event’s host, Elvis Francis Juuko, was found in a hideout about 60 km (37 miles) from the capital Kampala.

He has been accused of urging revellers to go through a narrow passageway to watch fireworks outside the mall where the party was held.

The event’s organisers closed other exits to prevent people who hadn’t paid from accessing the venue. At least 10 people died in the crush, most of them children.

Tigray passengers say they were blocked from flying

Passengers in the capital of northern Ethiopia’s Tigray province, Mekelle, have told the BBC that they were restricted from flying to the federal capital, Addis Ababa.

The passengers have alleged police at the city’s airport have barred anyone between the ages of 16 and 64 from boarding flights, without explanation, unless they are traveling for medical reasons.

A federal police spokesperson said he was unaware of the allegations while a senior official at Ethiopian Airlines, the national carrier, told the BBC that the airline does not discriminate against travellers.

Ethiopian Airlines, one of Africa’s largest airlines, resumed commercial flights to conflict-hit Mekelle late last month following a deal that was reached between the federal government and Tigrayan fighters to end a two-year civil war.

Much of Tigray had been sealed off from the outside world for more than a year and a half before the deal was agreed in November in South Africa.

Basic services including electricity, phone lines and flights are slowly returning to the region.

South Africa’s record-breaking former captain, Graeme Smith, says the country’s new limited overs SA20 competition can also help the struggling Test team recover past glories.

The T20 tournament begins on 10 January as MI Cape Town host Paarl Royals in the inaugural game (1630 GMT).

Smith - who led South Africa in 108 Tests, 149 one-day internationals and 27 T20 matches - is now commissioner of SA20 and insists it will also benefit the longer format of the game.

“The problem we’re having is the talent is still around,” Smith told BBC Sport Africa.

“But the standards have definitely separated a lot more between the level of the international game and our domestic one.

“We are really looking to bridge that gap, to expose our players to better coaching, medical fitness, the investment into the game, the exposure to the topquality internationals.”

The “challenge” for Test cricket South Africa’s recent three-Test tour of Australia ended in defeat, with the first match of the series lost inside two daysthe seventh shortest Test in history.

The second match was lost by an innings and 182 runs, leaving the Proteas with only an outside chance of reaching the World Test Championship final in June.

Ahead of the final Test, current captain Dean Elgar said more games were needed in the longest format, an opinion echoed by the national team’s batting coach Justin Sammons.

“I can feel the disappointment at how our Test team performed in Australia,” admitted Smith.

“People want to watch, they want to see the quality teams playing Test cricket against each other and the storylines that come from there.”

Smith insists Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport, but thinks some one-day cricket might have to make way to allow room in the calendar for the growth of the T20 format.

“The challenge for Test cricket is the growth: is it the same impact when two minnows are playing each other? You could probably say that for most formats.

“When the top nations are playing it is always of interest. That’s what we want, to keep South Africa strong so it remains a competitive nation, certainly in the Test cricket format.”

Tapping into Africa’s cricketing potential Smith, who remains South Africa’s youngest - at 22 - and most successful captain, already has plans to expand SA20 beyond his homeland.

“We’ve got a few nations close to us that have a bit of cricketing history: Kenya, Zimbabwe and Namibia - but how do we go out and interact with the rest of the continent?”

One of the ideas is to take SA20 games on the road - potentially starting in Angola next year.

“It’s been too long,” added Smith, referencing Africa’s last major international tournament, the T20 World Cup held in South Africa in 2007.

“We’ve had no global cricket since. This is going to be the biggest one and we hope that everyone will sit up and take notice and celebrate with us.”

Smith is also happy to work alongside the African Cricket Association (ACA), which has its own plans for two new pan-African limited overs competitions, rather than view possible competitors as rivals.

“We’ll sit down post season and discuss with the Africa team and see what the opportunities are and how we can handle it,” said the 41-year-old.

“We both can work together. How that looks, and how that business side comes together, I guess it’s a long strategy session!

“I think the intent and the motivation is there to grow the game and to make an impact.

“We have that opportunity now through the six (SA20) teams.

“We are going to make new heroes who will play for South Africa all around the world. That’s our goal.”

SA20: Graeme Smith convinced new T20 competition can boost South Africa’s Test team

Mr Linacre started the Wellboring project in Africa in 2012

Iran protests: Crowd gathers outside prison in bid to stop executions

Dozens of people demonstrated outside a prison in Iran overnight amid reports authorities were preparing to execute another two anti-government protesters.

Opposition activists posted videos showing people chanting slogans in front of Rajai Shahr jail in the city of Karaj.

The mother of Mohammad Ghobadlou, one of the two men at risk of execution, appealed for clemency at the gathering.

Two protesters were hanged on Saturday, prompting international condemnation.

The UN human rights office deplored the “shocking” executions of Mohammad Mahdi Karami and Seyed Mohammad Hosseini, which it said followed “unfair trials based on forced confessions”.

A Revolutionary Court found the men guilty of “corruption on Earth” over their alleged involvement in the killing of a member of the paramilitary Basij force in Karaj in November. Both denied the charge and said they were tortured.

They were the third and fourth people to be executed in connection with the protests that erupted in September following the death in custody of a woman detained by morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab “improperly”.

Authorities have portrayed them as “riots” and responded with lethal force.

So far, at least 519 protesters and 68 security personnel have been killed in the unrest,

according to the Human Rights Activists’ News Agency (HRANA).

It says that another 19,290 protesters have been arrested and that 111 of them are believed to “under the impending threat of a death sentence”, having been convicted of, or charged with, capital offences.

People gathered outside Rajai Shahr prison on Sunday night after activists warned that Mohammad Ghobadlou and Mohammad Boroughani had been transferred to solitary confinement in preparation for execution.

Opposition activist collective 1500 Tasvir published videos showing a crowd chanting slogans warning authorities against proceeding with the executions. Shouts included “I will kill who has killed my brother” and “This is the last warning. If you execute [them] there will be an uprising/ revolt.”

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. View original tweet on Twitter Ghobadlou’s mother, who has previously said her son has bipolar disorder, was filmed telling the crowd that 50 doctors had signed a petition calling on the judiciary chief to establish a committee to review her son’s mental health.

“If he believed in God, he would have responded to these 50 doctors,” she said, asserting that her son is “ill”.

She also claimed that the policeman who he is accused of killing was “martyred somewhere

else”.

1500 Tasvir also posted videos purportedly from the area around the prison in which gunshots could be heard.

The activist collective declared later on Monday that the protest had stopped the executions “at least up to this moment”.

Mohammad Ghobadlou’s mother urged Iran’s judiciary chief to review evidence about his mental health problems

Ghobadlou, 22, had his death sentence upheld by the Supreme Court on 24 December. He was convicted of “enmity against God” after being accused of driving into a group of policemen during a protest in Tehran in September, killing one of them and injuring others.

He stood trial without his chosen lawyer, who said the

prosecution had relied other flawed evidence. Amnesty International also said it was concerned that he was subjected to torture or ill-treatment in custody, citing a forensic report that pointed to bruising and injuries on his arm, elbow and shoulder blade.

Mohammad Boroughani, 19, was tried alongside Ghobadlou and was also convicted of “enmity against God”.

He was accused of allegedly wielding a machete, setting fire to a provincial government building and injuring a security officer. He was also accused of “encouraging” others to participate in protests via social media.

Amnesty International said he was found guilty after proceedings that “bore no resemblance to a meaningful

judicial trial”.

In a separate development on Monday, the judiciary announced that a court in Isfahan had sentenced to death three people over an attack during protests in the city on 16 November in which three security personnel were shot dead.

Saleh Mirbasheri Boltaqi, Majid Kazemi Sheikh-Shabani, and Saeed Yaqoubi Kordsofla were convicted of “enmity against God”.

Two other defendants were sentenced to prison over their alleged involvement in the attack, including professional footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani. Nasr-Azadani, 26, was jailed for 16 years after being found guilty of three charges including “assisting in enmity against God”.

Air India embarrassed by urination scandal

The head of India’s Tata Sons conglomerate has expressed “anguish” over an incident in which a drunk man allegedly urinated on a female passenger on one of their flights.

The incident took place in late November on a Tata-run Air India flight. But it was reported only last week when the woman filed a complaint.

The news led to massive outrage in India with criticism of how Air India handled the incident.

The man was arrested over the weekend.

He was also fired from his job at US banking firm Wells Fargo.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran said the airline should have been swifter in its response.

“We will review and repair every process to prevent or address any incidents of such unruly nature,” he said.

His statement came a day after Air India chief executive Campbell Wilson expressed “regret” and “pain” over its customers suffering due to “the condemnable acts of their copassengers”.

The incident took place on 26 November in the business class cabin of a New York-Delhi flight. The accused Shankar Mishra was allegedly drunk when he apparently urinated on one of his co-passengers, a 72-year-old woman.

“My clothes, shoes and bag were completely soaked in urine,” the woman wrote in her complaint to Mr Chandrasekaran the next day.

The woman said she asked the crew for a change of seat, but was told that nothing was available and was instead offered a small seat used by staff. She alleged that the crew also brought the man to heragainst her wishes - so he could apologise.

The woman described the

flight as the most “traumatic” of her life, and said that the airline only issued her a partial refund of her ticket. Her account was supported by a US doctor named Sugata Bhattacharjee, who was sitting next to Mr Mishra on the flight.

He told news channel NDTV that he had also written a complaint to Air India on the day of the incident, but “it went nowhere”.

After the incident, Air India formed an internal committee to investigate the complaint against Mr Mishra.

Two weeks later, it imposed a 30-day interim travel ban on him - the length of the ban was among the factors that generated outrage once the news broke.

On the request of the woman’s family, the airline finally filed a police complaint regarding the incident on 28 December.

A week later, it submitted a report to India’s aviation

regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Last week, the DGCA issued notices to the officials and crew of the flight, saying they had not complied with its rules for handling an unruly passenger on board. It also said the crew’s conduct had been “unprofessional”.

Air India has since derostered a pilot and four member of the cabin crew.

In his statement, Mr Wilson promised a robust reporting system for unruly behaviour on Air India.

On Friday, Wells Fargo issued a statement saying it had terminated Mr Mishra and “was co-operating with law enforcement”.

Mr Mishra was arrested in Bangalore (also known as Bengaluru) on Saturday and charged with offences including sexual harassment and public misconduct. He was then brought to Delhi and produced before a local court, which sent

him to judicial custody for 14 days.

Before his arrest, Mr Mishra had issued a statement through his lawyer, where he said that he had got the woman’s bags and clothes cleaned two days after the incident.

“The lady’s persisting grievance was only with respect to the adequate compensation being paid by the airline for which she has raised a subsequent complaint on December 20, 2022,” the statement said.

It added that “the statements recorded before the inquiry committee by the cabin crew show that there is no eyewitness to the incident and all the statements are merely hearsay evidence”.

“The accused has full faith in the judicial system of the country and will co-operate with the investigation process,” the statement added.

Source: BBC

Activists say Mohammad Ghobadlou (L) and Mohammad Boroughani (R) were sentenced to death after sham trials

620,300.00 392,100.00 245,150.00 540,500.00 360,100.00 295,500.00 482,350.00 360,000.00 260,000.00 390,600.00 310,300.00 220,200.00 345,100.00 270,800.00 290,000.00 240,000.00 180,000.00 102,100.00 240,000.00 191,300.00 150,600.00 90,000.00 190,000.00 158,500.00 120,000.00 70,000.00 55,000.00 82,600.00 37,000.00 8,500.00

46,522.50 29,407.50 18,386.25 40,537.50 27,007.50 22,162.50 36,176.25 27,000.00 19,500.00 29,295.00 23,272.50 16,515.00 25,882.50 20,310.00 21,750.00 18,000.00 13,500.00 7,657.50 18,000.00 14,347.50 11,295.00 6,750.00 14,250.00 11,887.50 9,000.00 5,250.00 4,125.00 6,195.00 2,775.00 637.00

666,822.50 421,507.50 263,536.25 581,037.50 387,107.50 317,662.50 518,526.25 387,000.00 279,500.00 419,895.00 333,572.50 236,715.00 370,982.50 291,110.00 311,750.00 258,000.00 193,500.00 109,757.50 258,000.00 205,647.50 161,895.00 96,750.00 204,250.00 170,387.50 129,000.00 75,250.00 59,125.00 88,795.00 39,775.00 9,137.50

475,200.00 310,300.00 152,500.00 312,150.00 286,500.00 252,400.00 301,000.00 240,600.00 225,500.00 265,650.00 235,550.00 191,350.00 220,450.00 180,000.00 190,650.00 160,100.00 140,000.00 80,650.00 152,600.00 125,500.00 95,000.00 65,000.00 132,500.00 102,300.00 80,000.00 50,000.00 60,000.00 38,000.00 27,100.00 6,100.00

35,640.00 23,272.5 11,437.5 23,411.25 21,487.5 18,930.00 22,575.00 18,045.00 16,912.5 19,923.5 17,666.25 14,351.25 16,533.75 13,500.00 14,298.75 12,007.5 10,500.00 6,048.75 11,445.00 9,412.5 7,125.00 4,875.00 9,937.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 3,750.00 4,500.00 2,850.00 2,032.5 457.5

510,840.00 333,572.5 163,937.5 335,561.25 307,987.5 271,330.00 323,575.00 258,645.00 242,412.50 285,573.75 253,216.25 205,701.25 236,983.75 193,500.00 204,948.75 172,107.50 150,500.00 86,698.75 164,045.00 134,912.50 102,125.00 69,875.00 142,437.50 109,972.50 86,000.00 53,750.00 64,500.00 40,850.00 29,132.50 6,557.50

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Lützerath: German coal mine stand off amid Ukraine war energy crunch

From her tiny wooden treehouse, which sways precariously in the winter wind, a young woman watches an enormous mechanical digger tear into the earth below, its jaws edging ever closer to the village which she’s determined to save.

Lützerath, in western Germany, is on the vergeliterally - of being swallowed up by the massive coal mine on its doorstep.

Around 200 climate change activists, who are now all that stand in the way of the diggers expanding the Garzweiler opencast mine, have been warned that if they don’t leave by Tuesday they’ll be forcibly evicted.

It’s why they’ve taken to the trees, Bente Opitz explains.

“It’s a lot harder for the police to evict us,” she says. “We have ropes between the treehouses so we can move from one to another.”

But the protesters are busy at ground level too. Young men and women, many with scarves masking their faces, reinforce makeshift barricades and load wheelbarrows with bricks.

Scorch marks on the road at the entrance to the village are evidence of a skirmish with police officers last week.

The land around and under Lützerath is rich in lignite - the dirtiest form of coal. The mine, a bleak and dull brown man-made canyon which stretches over 35 square kilometres, yields 25 million tonnes of the stuff every year.

The energy company RWE, which operates the mine, now owns the village. The residents are all gone, their houses abandoned. Only the protesters remain, squatting in the old brick buildings, watching the mine expand towards them.

The battle for Lützerath has been raging for a long time. But Russia’s war on Ukraine has given it a greater significance, transforming it into a national symbol of the struggle within German politics and society; how does a country which relied so heavily on Russian gas, now balance its need for energy with its ambitions on climate change?

Its government, a threeway coalition which includes Germany’s Green Party, has already had to, as the Germans would say, swallow some toads. Ministers who

came to power promising to end reliance on coal have found themselves ordering a number of old coal fired power stations back online or delaying plans to decommission others (including two lignite units run by RWE) to keep the country in electricity while other sources are found.

But Lützerath is likely to be the last German village lost to a coal mine.

The government has pledged to bring forward its planned phase-out of coal to 2030 in North RhineWestphalia, the state in which Garzweiler lies (the national target is 2038).

And RWE and the regional government have agreed to limit the extension of the mine; plans to demolish and excavate five other villages have been scrapped.

But RWE, which states it’s investing heavily in energy transition technologies both in the region and around the world, claims that, under the current circumstances, Germany needs the lignite under Lützerath.

The activists are determined to stop them getting to it.

“If they dig for this coal, they’re taking down climate goals, they’re throwing the Paris agreement in the bin,” says protester Dina Hamid. RWE insists that’s not the case.

“People are dying now from the climate crisis,” she adds.

“If we want to save lives, if we don’t want this to keep happening, we need to save every bit of coal, every bit of fossil fuel in the ground.”

Dina emphasises that hers will be a peaceful protest although she admits that there are differing views in the camp as to how far their resistance should go.

As we speak, more supporters arrive, bearing backpacks, to join the activists, some of whom have lived on the site for more than a year. Police officers, some in riot gear, stand close by, wary, as some of the protesters link arms and form a line just a few metres away from the giant digger bearing down on the village.

It’s a striking sight; the officers and the activists preparing for a last stand, all dwarfed by the great mechanical teeth working away at the earth in front of them.

Source: BBC

Bente Opitz is one of 200 activists trying to hold off the miners

The energy company owns the village, but the protesters now camp inside the abandoned homes

Authorities have given the protesters until Tuesday to leave the village

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2. GAMBO ABDURAHMAN BALA

Gareth Bale announces retirement from football at 33

By Amaechi Agbo

Former Real Madrid and Wales’ captain, Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from football.

Bale, 33, five-time Champions League winner, announced his departure from active football in a two separate statements on Monday.

“After careful and thoughtful consideration, | announce my immediate retirement from club and international football.

“| feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport | love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.

“From my very first touch at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, shaped a club career that | have an immense pride and gratitude for. Playing for and captaining my country 111 times has truly been a dream come true.

“To show my gratitude to all of those that have played their part along this journey, feels like an impossibility. | feel indebted to many people for helping to change my life and shape my career in a way | couldn’t have ever dreamed of when | first started out at 9 years old,” he said

Cardiff-born Bale’s club career took him from Southampton to Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid before his move to Los Angeles.

He was his country’s talisman as they reached the 2016 and 2020 Euros before he led Wales at their first World Cup since 1958 at Qatar 2022.

Wales went out of the tournament at the group stage, with their loss to England proving to be the final appearance of Bale’s career.

It was not a fitting end for a player who achieved extraordinary feats with club and country be he was grateful to his past clubs, managers and teammates.

“To my previous clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally LAFC. All of my previous managers and coaches, back room staff, team mates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my amazing friends and family, the impact you have had is immeasurable.

“My parents and my sister, without your dedication in those early days, without such a strong foundation, | wouldn’t be writing this statement right now, so thank you for putting me on this path and for your unwavering support.

“My wife and my children, your love and support has carried me through. Right beside me for all the highs and lows, keeping me grounded along the way. You inspire me to be better, and to make you proud.

“So, | move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure...” he continued.

He also wrote a personal letter to his Welsh team.

“My decision to retire from International football has been, by far the hardest of my career.

“How do I describe what being a part of this country and team means to me? How do I articulate the impact it has had on my life? How do I put in to words the way I felt, every single time I put on that Welsh shirt? My answer is that I

couldn’t possibly do any of those things justice, simply with words. But I know that every person involved in Welsh football, feels the magic, and is impacted in such a powerful and unique way, so I know you feel what I feel, without using any words at all.

“My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who | am. The fortune of being Welsh and being selected to play for and captain Wales, has given me something incomparable to anything else I’ve experienced.

I am honoured and humbled to have been able to play a part in the history of this incredible country, to have felt the support and passion of the red wall, and together have

been to unexpected and amazing places.

“I shared a dressing room with boys that became brothers, and back room staff that became family, I played for the most incredible managers, and felt the undying support and love from the most dedicated fans in the world.

“Thank you to every one of you for being on this journey with me.

“So for now I am stepping back, but not away from the team that lives in me and runs through my veins. After all, the dragon on my shirt is all I need.

Bale joined Southampton as a schoolboy and made his debut for the Saints as a 16-year-old in April 2006.

His first senior cap followed a

matter of weeks later, making Bale Wales’ youngest internationalalthough that record has since been broken.

That marked the start of a Wales career in which Bale inspired his country to the best spell in their history.

Having ended a 58-year wait for a major tournament appearance by qualifying for Euro 2016, Wales produced a sensational run to the semi-finals, only losing to eventual winners Portugal.

They also made it to the knockout stages of the next European Championship before last summer’s play-off final win over Ukraine saw Wales clinch their long-awaited return to the World Cup.

Roberto Martinez appointed new Portugal head coach

one of the national teams with the best talent in the world,” said Martinez.

The Spaniard, 49, replaces Fernando Santos, who resigned

Portugal’s quarter-final

Martinez stood down as Belgium coach after six years in charge following their group-stage exit in Qatar.

“I am very happy to represent

“I am very excited to be here. From the first time I spoke with the president of the federation I knew this was a sporting project that would excite me.

“I understand there are great expectations and big objectives, but there is a great team of people at the federation and I have great excitement that together we can achieve those objectives.”

Martinez spent four years as Wigan manager, which included winning the 2013 FA Cup, before a three-year spell at Everton in which they finished fifth once and 11th twice in the Premier League.

Appointed Belgium coach in 2016, he led them to the top of the Fifa rankings in 2018 after they came third at the World Cup in

Russia.

Portugal won the 2016 European Championship and the 2018-19 Nations League during Santos’ eight years in charge.

However, they won only one of their three group matches in Qatar and their campaign was overshadowed by Santos dropping forward Cristiano Ronaldo for the knockout matches.

Full time scenes as Morocco become the first African side to make World Cup semi-finals

Martinez said: “My point of departure will be the squad of 26 players who played in the World Cup, and Cristiano Ronaldo is one of them.”

He added that he would make decisions “on the pitch and not in an office”.

Martinez was criticised by some for not getting more out of the so-called ‘golden generation’ of Belgian players, including Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku.

Former Belgium and Everton manager Roberto Martinez has been appointed Portugal head coach.

after

defeat by Morocco at the World Cup last month.

Portugal football president Fernando Gomes said: “This is an important moment for the national team.”

Gareth Bale

FIFA names 4 African referees among officials for 2023 Women’s World Cup

By Amaechi Agbo

World football governing body, FIFA has listed four African women referees among the 33 officials to handle matches at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand

Leading the quartet is highly experienced Vincentia Enyonam Amedome of Togo.

Vincentia Amedome officiated Nigeria Vs Ghana Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON qualifier on October 21, 2021 in Lagos.

Other Africa officials include Karboubi Bouchra of Morocco, Makalima Akhona of South Africa and Mukansanga Salima of Rwanda. They will join other 29 officials from other continents of the world to officiate matches

Also included in the Assistant Referees (AR) list are Mali, Zambia, Cameroon with one AR each while Morocco has two ARs.

In a release on Monday, FIFA noted that the selected match officials represent “highest level of women’s refereeing worldwide” adding that they will undergo various seminars before the tournament commences.

FIFA Referees Committee announced the names of the match officials selected for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 on Monday with a total of 33 referees, 55 assistant referees and 19 video match officials (VMOs)

They were chosen in close cooperation with the six confederations, based on the officials’ quality and the performances delivered at FIFA tournaments as well as at other international and domestic competitions in recent years. For the first time in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, six female VMOs have also

been selected.

“As always, the criteria we have used is ‘quality first’ and the selected on-field match officials represent the highest level of refereeing worldwide,” said the chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, Pierluigi Collina.

“We all remember the very successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 in France. The high standard of refereeing contributed significantly to that success. The aim for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 is to repeat that success and to convince again

with excellent referees’ performances.”

Only Morocco’s Zourak Adil was named among the 19 Video Match Officials

The tournament will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand and is scheduled to take place from 20 July to 20 August 2023; it will be the first FIFA Women’s World Cup to have more than one host nation, and also be the first senior World Cup of either gender to be held across multiple confederations, as Australia is within the Asian Confederation while New Zealand is within the Oceania

Confederation.

In addition, this tournament will be the first to feature the expanded format of 32 teams, from the previous 24, replicating the same format used for the men’s World Cup.

The opening match will be between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park, Auckland on 20 July 2023. The final will take place on 20 August 2023 at Stadium Australia, Sydney.

The United States are the defending champions, having won the previous two tournaments.

doors are open for partnership in 2023 - Volleyball President, Nimrod

The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod said the doors of the Federation are open to corporate organisations that are willing to partner for the development of the sports across the country.

In his New Year message, Nimrod said the aspirations of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation in 2023 is to make a meaningful impact at International Championships as well as qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

He said Nigeria volleyball can achieve the desired goals when major stakeholders are committed to the same course.

The Secretary General of Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone 3 lauded the commitment of players, coaches, referees, club owners, administrators, sponsors and board members for their contribution to the growth and development of the game since their inauguration.

He said, “Our doors are open for

sponsorship and support as well as seeking partnership and MOU with corporate organisations that wish to key into the sport as a social responsibility to the youths of Nigeria.

“Our aspirations this year includes making it to the numerous and important continental as well as global engagements vis a vis the 2023 African Games, 2023 African Youths Games and FIVB U19 Boys World Youths Championship, as well as series of Beach Volleyball events which will climax with the 2024 Olympics qualifiers in which Nigeria have registered to participate.

“The year 2023 is an opportunity to step up our commitment and dedication to our goals and objectives. This can only be achieved by our collective efforts and common desire for success as a federation.”

Nimrod said, “Appreciation goes to all clubs, sponsors with due recognition to all players for their patience, club owners and

administrators for their understanding, stakeholders for their support, coaches and referees for their sacrifices and to all members of the Board of Administration for their contribution to the growth and development of the game since our inauguration.

“No matter what challenges we faced, the past is now but a lesson. As we are ushered into the new year, we have a renewed hope for greater vision and better goals”, he added.

The member of Confederation of African Beach Volleyball Commission recounted some of the successes recorded by the Nigeria Volleyball Federation.

He said, “Without recounting all our success, I will on behalf of the Federation express heartfelt gratitude to everyone that played a different role in our successes last year, especially the triple international participation of our junior national teams in which Nigeria topped the podium at the U19 Championship in

Morocco.

“The senior beach volleyball teams also participated in the African nations cup in Morocco where they performed credibly well. Your various contributions and involvement are noble and deeply appreciated.

“In 2022, M we dared to expand our horizon to involve National Division 2 Volleyball League and the Beach Volleyball Tour which another category will be created this year for new entrants into the tour. The aim is to spread the opportunities of the game to all levels.

“Despite the lapses we hope and believe we can do better and be better, but everything better can only be achieved with unity of purpose and collective effort,” he said.

Nimrod advised clubs and sponsors to always get clearance for the Nigeria Volleyball Federation Secretariat before using the logo for competitions across the country.

Vincentia Enyonam Amedome from Togo is among officials for the World Cup

Walid Regragui ranked World’s Thirdbest National Team Manager

The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) ranked Morocco’s national team’s coach Walid Regragui as the third-best men’s national coach in the world with 30 points.

Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni, who led the team to their third World Cup title in Qatar, ranked first with 240 points, enjoying a large margin over second place Didier Deschamps, who led France to the final and got 45 points.

“It is the first time in history that an African coach took place on the world podium!” the federation’s website said.

During the 2022 World Cup, Morocco enjoyed a Cinderella run that saw the team become the first ones from Africa to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

Regragui’s tactical prowess and the team’s performances received international praise, as they managed to clinch fourth place despite suffering from injuries and sickness.

Over the course of the tournament, Regragui also became the first African coach to take charge of a team in the quarter-finals and the semifinals.

The Atlas Lions took down several giants during their World Cup journey, including Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, before losing 2-0 against France in the semi-finals.

Despite a 2-1 loss against

11 more Cameroon players fail age test ahead of 2023 U-17 AFCON qualifiers

Eleven more Cameroon U-17 players have failed the Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI test on Thursday

The fresh failed tests results came after 21 players also failed the test late last year.

The Cameroonian Football Federation, FECAFOOTpresident, Samuel Eto’o ordered the tests in an effort to curb age cheating in the country with the U-17 team preparing for the UNIFACC tournament qualifiers, contested by Central African Football Federations’ Union countries, starting next week.

Goal reports that of the initial 30-member squad that was submitted for tests, 21 failed, necessitating a second round, of which 11 were found to have falsified their age, leaving coach Jean Pierre Fiala with limited time to find replacements for the qualifiers that will take place between January 12 and 24.

Cameroon host Congo, Chad, DR Congo and Central African Republic but their squad has been ravaged after Eto’o insisted on using MRI screening at their training camp in Mbankomo, on the outskirts of Yaounde.

Czech Republic champions Slavia Prague have announced the signing of former Nigerian U-20 defender Igoh Ogbu on a four-year deal.

The club confirmed the contract on its official website on Friday with Ogbu, a member of the Flying Eagles squad to the 2019 FIFA World Cup, switching from Norwegian top-flight outfit

Lilleström.

Club manager Jindrich Trpisovsky has confessed his delight at finally getting his primary target.

“He is a player we have been talking about for a long time, we were already interested in him during the summer transfer window,” Jindrich said.

“He really caught our

attention, but unfortunately it didn’t work out in the summer for many reasons.

“Our interest continued, we continued to follow him. After long and complicated negotiations, the transfer has now been successful.

“We are really happy about it, he is the player we were looking for typologically.”

A centre-back by trade, Ogbu

Flyings Eagles star Igoh Ogbu signs four-year contract with Slavia Prague Ex Cameroon, PSG midfielder Modeste M’Bami dies At 40

Former Cameroon and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, Modeste M’Bami has reportedly died after suffering a cardiac arrest.

His death was announced on the official website and verified Twitter page for PSG.

According to reports, he had

a heart attack at his home in Le Havre, France, on Saturday. He died at 40.

“Paris Saint-Germain is in mourning. Modeste M’Bami passed away at the age of 40 after suffering a heart attack. We offer heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” the

club’s statement read.

Before his demise, M’Bami played for several French clubs, including PSG and Marseille.

He won the Coupe de France with PSG in 2004 and 2006.

M’Bami scored three goals in 37 appearances for Cameroon and was part of the squad that

is dominant in ground and air battles, and can also threaten going forward.

Ogbu has represented Nigeria at youth level. He made seven appearances for the Flying Eagles, two of which were at the U-20 World Cup in 2019.

He will team up with compatriots Peter Olayinka and Moses Usor at Slavia.

According to the BBC, Eto’o gave “strict instructions” for the actions to be taken “in order to put an end to the tampering with civil status records” which have, in the past, tarnished the image of Cameroon football.

“Fecafoot urges all actors, in particular educators, to ensure that the ages by category are respected,” read part of Fecafoot’s statement.

won gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Paris Saint-Germain learned with deep sadness the death today of our former player Modeste M’Bami.

The Club sends its sincere condolences to his family and loved ones

African teams have previously been accused of age cheating, especially in junior tournaments, and Eto’o vowed to weed out the vice in Cameroon when he assumed office in December 2021.

This is the second time in the last five years that Cameroon has been rocked by age cheating after Fecafoot blocked 14 players from taking part in the 2017 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon after they failed the tests.

Croatia in the battle for third place, the team’s fourth place finish remains the best result

ever achieved by a Moroccan or Arab team.

The IFFHS’ ranking also

featured Croatia’s Zlatko Dalic, Japan’s Hajime Moriyasu, and the Netherlands’ Louis Van Gaal.

Morocco Head Coach, Walid Regragui

How Nigeria can win in 2023

2023 is a defining year. We, the people, will decide our fate. We will decide whether to retreat to the years of the locusts where public funds were magicked away from the national till; where impunity ruled over the land; where there was a lack of accountability; where soldiers drowned in blood in thousands because funds for the purchase of arms were appropriated by lightfingered agents of government; where lies were the language of the establishment, and where deceit was poetry, or to continue to advance on the trajectory of financial discipline, diligent resource allocation, and colossal infrastructural development.

see promise for Nigeria with Tinubu as president.

Super

He was responding to a question from The Punch; the Al Hilal forward will likely come head-to-head with Benzema

Meanwhile, Osimhen is the top scorer in the Serie A this season with 10 goals to his name; he doesn’t seem to stop scoring anytime soon.

“For me, at the moment, he’s the best striker [in the world]. He’s been incredible over the last two years. I’m very happy that he’s been winning awards,” Ighalo told The Punch in a recent interview.

Ighalo snubs Osimhen, picks Benzema as best striker in the world Bulgarian Club axe Super Eagles defender Shehu

Abdullahi

Super Eagles defender, Shehu Abdulahi, has been axed out of his Bulgarian Club Levski Sofia for a yet go be unknown reasons.

According to reports, the former Omonia Nicosia player is back in Nigeria and remained clubless while he’s still looking for a new club.

“I think it’s salary related. He’s back in Nigeria now and hope to make a move soon. One thing is certain, he won’t be without a team for long and as a free player he will appeal to several teams,” Owngoal quoted a source close to the player.

We will decide whether to return to ‘’governance Sobibor’’ or to soldier on to a future of greater possibilities. 2023 can be ours. Challenges are expected, but we can win. In our hands is the power to forge our own destiny, and to determine the trajectory of our country in the next few years. Yes, we wield that inexorable power to shape or impair Nigeria. But we must make Nigeria. We must apply this cosmic power responsibly – not to serve personal ends but to preserve our collective interest as Nigerians.

Good governance is heterogenous, and so is bad governance. We are potential victims or victors, depending on the choice we make on February 25.

The elections are a few weeks away, and destiny beckons. Nigeria can win. Nigeria will win if we elect the candidate who has shown a personal example of leadership, who has shown preparedness, demonstrated competence, expansiveness, and character, and who has put forward a clear and plausible plan for the development of the country.

I have studied the plans of the leading presidential candidates. I have listened to their stump speeches, and I have followed their pristine thoughts. One candidate stands out, and that is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I say this with all sincerity. I look into the future, and I

As I said in the column, ‘We need the Nigerian dream and identity’, inspiring citizens to dream the Nigerian dream through deliberate policies and good governance, should be a priority of the next leadership. Nigeria needs corrective leadership in 2023. No government has it all figured out. Progressive leadership is corrective leadership. It is important that the next government consolidates the achievements of the current administration and make adjustments where necessary.

I believe, in Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu resides the courage to inspire citizens to dream the Nigerian dream of hope, national unity, mass prosperity and selfactualisation.

Recently, the APC presidential candidate made a valiant statement on axing petrol subsidy and other economic drainpipes. What many will consider a political suicide attempt.

He said: “By all means, you must have electricity. And you won’t pay for estimated billing anymore. When I become president, multiple exchange rates will go away. Write it down. How can we be subsidising fuel consumption of Cameroon, of Niger, of Benin Republic. No

matter how long you protest, we are going to remove subsidy. We can do it. We are educated enough.’’

The honesty, courage and forthrightness exemplified by Tinubu in this instance is infectious. He did not dillydally or play around the critical issue with political chicanery; he made a firm statement and asked Nigerians to hold him to his word.

Petrol subsidy is a Venus flytrap. Tinubu is right. Petrol subsidy has to go. It is unsustainable. In 2023, it is projected to gulp about N7 trillion. Nigeria needs a leader with the mettle to take tough decisions for the greater good. I believe Tinubu is that leader.

I had argued for the removal of petrol subsidy even when it was unpopular to do so years ago. So, my standpoint on this matter has been consistent.

In 2021, I wrote that Nigeria needs a leader who can take tough decisions like removing subsidies on petroleum and electricity for instance; vacuum the tax system and make heads roll – if need be. The argument for subsidy retention is an emotional one that discounts the filth in the system. Nigeria is a quasi-socialist country, a highly subsidised country. Corruption thrives partly because of the regime of subsidies.

Any dauntless leader willing

to reform Nigeria must be ready to be unpopular because the status quo will fight back -- and will do so ruthlessly.

Virtually every essential commodity or service is subsidised and does not reflect true value. The subsidy regime is clearly unsustainable. Kerosene, which is the common energy of the poor, was de-subsidised; diesel as well, yet petrol which sells for over N700 per litre in Ghana – an oil-producing country -- is scandalously buffered. Who does this benefit?

The NNPC said it spent N541.65 billion within six months in 2021 on petroleum subsidy. Between 2017 and 2020, the company was projected to have spent over N1.53 trillion on petroleum subsidy. The reality is that the current price of petrol in Nigeria does not reflect its actual value vis-a-vis the prevailing global market value.

But if the poor can afford a basic commodity like kerosene which sells for N947 per litre without subsidy, why should petrol mostly utilised by the middle and the upper class be N195 per litre? Who does the subsidy regime serve? The masses or some industry leviathans and wolves?

Nigeria can win in 2023.

I believe Nigeria will win with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

By Fredrick Nwabufo, Nwabufo aka Mr OneNigeria is a writer and journalist.

Politicians

“

Petrol subsidy is a Venus flytrap. Tinubu is right. Petrol subsidy has to go. It is unsustainable. In 2023, it is projected to gulp about N7 trillion. Nigeria needs a leader with the mettle to take tough decisions for the greater good.

Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has snubbed compatriot Victor Osimhen to say that France’s forward Karim Benzema is the best in the world at the moment.

in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco this year.