Friday, February 10th, 2023 Edition

Photo: Mahmud Isa

2023: I will offer 4-point agenda for Kano if elected -Atiku

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar revealed that he has four-point agenda for Kano state if he become president.

Abubakar disclosed this while addressing mammoth crowd at the Sani Abacha Stadium, the venue of the rally on yesterday.

Our reporter observed that when governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto was called to

the podium to deliver his speech, the crowd started shouting “a bude border”, meaning reopen border in unison.

Tambuwal, in his response, said he would not say anything about this but the crowd should hear it from Mr Abubakar.

Delivering his speech, the former Vice President asked the crowd “do you need security, agriculture, commerce and reopening of border?”, the crowd answered in affirmative.

Abubakar them said i would

offer this four-point agenda for you, the people of Kano if i become president.

“I therefore urge you to vote for PDP from top to bottom. Only PDP can guarantee this fourpoint agenda for you,” he said.

He said if elected as president in the February 25 election, he would ensure agricultural boost and curtail poverty

The PDP presidential candidate noted that if given the mandate, the lost glory of business in Kano would be

recovered, adding that he would also revive the welfare of the people.

In his remarks, the senator representing Kano Central and former governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau said Mr Abubakar is the right candidate for the presidential seat.

He appeals to Nigerians to cast their votes for PDB from top to bottom, with the aim of uplifting the well-being of the general population.

Elections: PIN to deploy digital toolkits to tackle misinformation

Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a Pan-African social enterprise, says it plans to deploy digital toolkits and engage fact checkers, to ensure that only accurate information are disseminated before, during and after the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

Mr Sani Suleiman, Program Assistant, PIN, said this at a media parley organised to address digital rights violations in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that the plan was to

ensure that information provided on the social media by individuals and politicians were verified and corrected where necessary.

“We have developed AYETA which is an online toolkit for digital security. It was designed to provide users with tools and resources they need to protect their online privacy and security.

“This is particularly important in the run-up to the coming elections where access to information and the ability to communicate freely online

is essential for a transparent election process,” he said.

Speaking, Mr Adeboye Adegoke, Senior Manager, Strategy, PIN, said that for the country to have a seamless electoral process, digital rights of the citizens must be respected.

“This meeting is a pan-african meeting and we hold it in every African country, holding an election.

“But what we know is that across Africa, it is very common for internet to be shut down, but

we are calling on the government not to fall for that temptation.

“So let the platform of communication be left open so that people have access to alternative news and people can trust in the credibility of the election,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director, PIN, said that there was need to preserve digital rights during the election, as the internet had become an indispensable tool for political discourse.(NAN)

R-L: NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed presenting a souvenir to the Director General of the Department of State Services, Dr Yusuf Magaji Bichi when he paid a familiarisation visit to the DSS office, yesterday in Abuja . Photo: NYSC

77% Nigerian women use skin bleaching cream -NAFDAC

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said that 77 percent of Nigerian women use skin bleaching creams.

This was disclosed by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye at Media Sensitization Workshop on Dangers of Bleaching Creams and Regulatory Controls, held in Kano yesterday.

In her address at the opening of the workshop, Prof. Adeyeye said a World Health Organization (WHO) study in 2018 had revealed that Nigeria has the highest prevalence of use of skin bleaching cream in Africa.

Prof. Adeyeye said the study placed Nigeria highest above African countries with 77%,

2023: Journalists charged to be apolitical

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Media practitioners in Nigeria have been advised to remain apolitical by adhering to the ethics of the profession.

This call was made by a University don Prof. Andrew Ijwo at a conference/meeting organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Zone D in Makurdi on Thursday with the theme, ‘the role of the Media in enhancing peaceful election and Democratic participation’.

The guest speaker noted that just as the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC, is expected to be an impartial umpire in the electoral process, so do the mass media.

He stressed that the media should be pluralist and reflect the diversities of their societies, giving access to various points of views.

Togo 59%, South Africa 35% and Senegal with 27%.

According to her, the menace of use of skin bleaching creams has become a national health emergency which requires concerted effrots to eradicate.

“So you can see, we have a work cut across us, meaning

NAFDAC and states. This scary statistics have shown that the menace of use of skin bleaching creams has become a national health emergency in Nigeria that requires a multifaceted regulatory approach.

“Part of the approach is consultative and sensitization

meeting like this. Another is heightened raid on the cream outlets.

“It is therefore an honor to declare open, this sensitization workshop. I urge you to spread the knowledge acquired here to the general public,” she said.

The DG described media as i

dispensable to the agency’s war against skin bleaching creams, which it commenced since last year. She bowed that NAFDAC would not rest on its ores until it eradicate the menace of use of bleaching creams or reduce it to the bestest minimum.

Fuel/Naira scarcity: PNYF commends Sanwo-Olu 50 percent discount on state-owned buses

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Agroup, Patriotic Nigeria Youth Forum (PNYF) has commended the Lagos State Governor, Babajide SanwoOlu for a 50 per cent reduction in fares on all public transport services in the state for the next week.

Recalls that Sanwo-Olu announced a 50 percent reduction in the prices of all state-owned transport services.

The transport services include bus rapid transit (BRT), Lagos ride taxis, ferries, and other transportation services in the state.

The gesture comes amid the lingering petrol and cash scarcity, which has subjected residents of the state to biting hardship.

Commending the governor shortly after the announcement, the National Coordinator of PNYF, Comrade (Amb) Olamide Odumosu described the order as a kind gesture.

Odumosu stated that people are going through a lot, from the scarcity of fuel to and scarcity of naira. In as much as the policy is good for our economy, it should not come this when Nigerians are preparing for the election.

In his word: “This is the kind of quality leadership Lagosian deserve, at every point of hardship, Sanwo -Olu is always there to serve its people better. He has demonstrated it in the past, for instance during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now he is doing it again”.

While speaking on the

forthcoming election, he said Sanwo-Olu has beyond a reasonable doubt, proved his mettle to lead Lagos State to greater heights based on his administration’s commitment to infrastructural development, the success in tackling coronavirus, strategic solutions to traffic gridlock, as well as key interventions in various sectors in the state.

“We particularly are proud of his commitment to infrastructural development and the excellent manner in which he is transportation challenges, which is becoming the template for other states to copy.

“We must also mention that through the course of the period in which our country battled with the coronavirus pandemic and economic recession, Sanwo-Olu

ensured that the state remained well above the curve economically and also ensured that workers did not miss their salary for one day,” he said.

He also laud Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for establishing food banks in various parts of the State for distribution of food items to vulnerable families hit by the lingering crisis.

”I want to commend SanwoOlu for making every effort to ensure that underprivileged Lagosian are taken care of during these trying times. We really thank him for his good work.

“This is the first of its kind in Nigeria.Out of 36 states no any Governor is doing this except only Lagos State government,it is on this premises we are commending the him”.

L-R: Sen. Aliyu Wamako; APC Vice presidential Candidate, Sen. Kashim Shettima;Speaker House of Representatives,Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila; President Muhammadu Buhari; Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa;ad Abubakar; APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu;Senate President,Sen. Ahmad Lawan; APC National Chairman,Sen. Abdullahi Adamu and Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle, during a visit to Sultan palace, as President Buhari participates at APC Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign Rally in Sokoto State yesterday

Tinubu promises to resuscitate Ajaokuta, dredge River Niger

Sen. Bola Tinubu, the Presidential Candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has promised to resuscitate Ajaokuta Steel Complex Ltd. and to dredge River Niger, if elected president.

Tinubu gave the assurance at the APC Kogi mega rally on Wednesday at Confluence Stadium Lokoja.

”I assure you that hope is here, Ajaokuta steel will be resuscitated and running, the dredging of River Niger will be done and agriculture will be our means of livelihood and prosperity.

”The North-Central zone has potential of great mineral resources, industrialisation, fabrication and industrial development,” Tinubu said.

2023: Police vows to ensure security of 1,707 Yobe polling units

From: Shehu Abubakar, Damaturu

Police in Yobe State are set to provide adequate security to the 1,707 polling units in the state during the 2023 general elections.

Spokesman for the State’s Police Command, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, said in a statement that the Command had held astrategic meeting with all Divisional Police Officers and Heads of Departments of Tactical Commands to discuss all issues capable of causing security breaches around the polling units.

“The Command continues to assess and evaluate situations in the state toward ensuring hitch-free 2023 General Elections,” DSP Abdulkarim said in the statement.

He said at the strategic meeting, the officers reviewed strategies and outlined the risk analysis of each Local Government Area while overviewing the number of polling Units and collation Centres across the State.

The aim, the Police spokesman said, was to establish concrete solid fortifications around every polling unit as well as the collation centres.

The APC presidential candidate assured the people of a flourishing quality education, industrialisation and progress.

Tinubu commended the APC supporters in Kogi for mobilising themselves and managing to get to the stadium for the mega rally.

”Let me assure you that this

your sacrifice will not go in vain. I thank you all,” he said. Tinubu, however, urged the people to consolidate their support for the party to come out on Feb. 25 to cast their votes for APC candidates at all levels.

Earlier, Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi, said that the state had

done it for APC in 2019 and would do it again from the top to bottom.

The governor assured the people that Tinubu would check insecurity in the country.

Bello maintained that the mega rally was a form of referendum for APC, saying, ”Kogi is no go area for other

parties”.

NAN reports that governors at the rally included that of Jigawa Gov. Mohammed Badaru — Jigawa, Gov. Abubakar Bello — Niger and Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrasak — Kwara, among other members of APC Presidential Campaign Committe (NAN)

Niger Gov. appeals to NNPC to expedite exploration of Bida Basin

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to explore all avenues at its disposal to ensure the exploration of the oil

potentials of the Bida Basin.

Governor Bello stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC, Mele Kyari in Abuja.

He appreciated the NNPC for the work carried out in the Bida Basin Frontier in the past, adding that the Company

should commence work since crude oil is been discovered in most northern parts of the country

According to him, the NNPC has played an important role in the development of the Ibrahim Babangida Badamasi University, Lapai, and also the construction of a hospital in

Minna.

Speaking the NNPC boss Kyari, noted that Niger State occupies an important position that has made it critical for the company, pointing out that aside housing two of its strategic depots, most of the company’s pipelines passed through the state.

Gov Sule assures prompt welfare of vulnerable children

Nasarawa State

Governor Abdullahi Sule has expressed his administration’s commitment toward the upliftment of children especially the vulnerable ones in the state.

The Governor affirmed this while addressing over 650 participants during the closing ceremony of Training

Youth facilitators for “At Risk Children Programme” held at the Special School in Lafia the state capital.

Governor Sule who was represented by the state commissioner for Women affairs and social development , Hajiya Aisha Ruffai Ibrahim opined that the state government has taken into cognisance the importance of children which necessitated

the governore to sign an executive order to facilitate the implementation of child right law last year in order to protect children from all forms of violence.

Governor Sule said, “This gesture by the state government would continue to guarantee good health, education, security and adequate protection of our children especially the vulnerable ones in the society.

It is imperative that children are the future generation”

Also speaking , the special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on social investment Mrs Maryam Uwais who is also the National co ordinator of “At Risk Children Programme” charged participants to make judicious use of the knowledge gained in order to impact it to the children.

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

From Gambo Ahmed Lafia

L-R: Secretary of Arewa New Agenda (ANA), Hajiya Halima Idris, Member of ANA, Prof. Adamu Kyuka Usman; Convener/Leader of ANA, Senator Ahmad Abubakar and a member ANA, Prof. Ahmed Danfulani, during a press conference on response to Chief Pa Ayo Adebanjo statements that the north will not vote for the Presidential candidate of the APC Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming 2023 Presidential election, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

2023 poll: INEC warns VCs against nominating politically partisan staff for election duties

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja & Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has warned that it would not include any staff of the nation’s universities who are card carrying members of political parties or have participated in partisan politics in election duties in the forthcoming general election.

This is as it said buying of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) will not help any politician during the general elections.

Towards this end, the Chairman of INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu has told the Vice Chancellors of the various universities in the country to avoid nominating such members for election duties.

Prof Yakubu gave the warning yesterday during a meeting with Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities at the conference hall of the National Universities Commission headquarters in Abuja.

The INEC Chairman added that those who have been convicted of electoral malpractice must be excluded from the list to be compiled for election duties by the Vice Chancellors.

Prof Yakubu, in his speech at the meeting, categorically told the Vice Chancellors that INEC will carefully scrutinize the list ,which must be submitted confidentially in the manner prescribed by the Commission in an earlier letter to the Vice Chancellors.

His words, “I must warn that staff who are card carrying members or have participated in partisan politics should not be nominated.

“Similarly, those who may not be involved in partisan politics but are known to have obvious political leanings should not be nominated.

“Furthermore, those who have been convicted of electoral malpractice must be excluded.

•Says buying of Voters

“The Commission will carefully scrutinise the list which must be submitted confidentially in the manner prescribed by Commission in my letter to the Vice Chancellors.

“Like all election duty personnel, each Collation and Returning Officer will swear to an oath of neutrality”, he said.

Prof Yakubu pointed out that INEC has always appreciated the support of the Vice Chancellors and the continuing partnership with the Federal universities, often under strenuous circumstances. “We shall continue to work together in our collective effort to consolidate our democracy”, he stated.

Continuing, the INEC Chairman said, “At the polling unit level, the critical segment of election duty

staff is drawn from products of our Universities and Polytechnics, involved in the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

“For the various collation and declaration centres, the Commission draws the required Collation and Returning Officers from the academic staff of our universities, including the Vice Chancellors who serve as Returning Officers for Governorship election and State Collation Officers for Presidential election.

“Despite a few challenges, this happy partnership has further enhanced the transparency and credibility of the elections in Nigeria as well as public confidence in the process. The Commission wishes to sustain this partnership”,

he assured Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that buying of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) will not help any politician during the general elections.

The Kaduna INEC Administrative Secretary, Mr. Auwal Mashi said this on Thursday at a stakeholder meeting in Kaduna.

He also disclosed that INEC is almost 90 per cent ready for the conduct of the 2023 general election.

Mashi said that the commission held a successful mock accreditation to ascertain the functionality and efficacy of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) machine.

He said “I can assure you that

God willing, we will not have any problems with our machines”.

According to Mashi, about 408, 000 new Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and 228, 000 others transferred from other locations had been collected by their owners.

He said that, sensitive materials for the election were already secured at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He further said that INEC was collaborating with the CBN to ensure the availability of cash for the running of the election without hitches.

Meanwhile, stakeholders raised alarm over the rate in which politicians are luring electorate into the selling of their Permanent Voters Card (PVC).

The meeting had in attendance representatives of political parties, traditional rulers, media and others.

Troops kill 53 terrorists, rescue 57 in North East

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Nigerian Military said its troops have killed 56 terrorists, arrested 17 and 9 Boko terrorist logistics suppliers in the North East.

Maj-Gen. Musa Danmadami, Director, Defence Media Operations, made this known on Thursday in Abuja, while giving update on the Military operations in the country.

He said troops also rescued 59 civilians while a total of 340 terrorist and members of their families, comprising 12 adult males, 133 adult females and 195 children surrendered to troops at different locations of the North East theatre of operation.

“All recovered items, apprehended

•As 340 surrender with families

criminals and rescued civilians were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action while captured terrorists and surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province and members of their families are been profiled for further action.”

He said the operational activities were conducted in various villages, towns, cities and communities of Bama, Konduga, Biu, Magumeri, Kukuwa, Kaga, Mafa and Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno State.

“Operation were also conducted at Mubi Local Government Area of

Adamawa State in the North East region of the Country geared towards denying Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province and other criminal element freedom of actions and restore normalcy to the zone.

“Notably, on 27 Jan 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol to a Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province enclave at Yuwe village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State and made contact with the terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 17 Boko Haram/ Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists. Troops recovered 1 GPMG,

one 36 hand grenade and 77 rounds of belted 7.62mm NATO ammo.

“Also, on 30 January 23 troops conducted offensive operation to Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists enclave at villages within Bama and Mafa Local Government Areas of Borno State troops made contact with the terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 terrorists, and rescued 10 civilians, recovered 13 dane guns, 316 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition, 7 rounds of 7.62mm special, one terrorist flag and a bag of drugs amongst others.”

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa;ad Abubakar and APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, during a visit to Sultan palace, as President Buhari participates at APC Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign Rally in Sokoto State yesterday.

Card won’t help any politician

Sule cautions politicians against use of religion in politics

From Gambo Ahmed lafia

Nasarawa state Governor Engr Abdullahi Sule has called on politicians and the people of the state to desist from use of religion in politics.

He made the call during his re election campaign rally in Umaisha, Agwada and Gadabuke Development areas of the western senatorial district of the state Thursday..

Engr Sule assured the people of the western zone of his administration commitment toward developing the state especially in the areas of pragmatic projects and the continous maintenance of peaceful co existence of all the ethnic groups in the state.

He said” keep away from politicians who use religion to campaign for their personal interest. We need competent persons that would move the state forward. I promise you the good people of Nasarawa state that if given the mandate again, I am going to do more projects that would impact positively on the lives of the entire people.”Engr Sule assured the people of the western zone of his administration commitment toward developing the state especially in the areas of pragmatic projects and the continous maintenance of peaceful co existence of all the ethnic groups in the state.

He said” keep away from

Presidential transition council headed by SGF for inauguration Feb 14

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a Presidential Transition Council for facilitating and managing the 2023 transition programme.

The President also signed the Executive Order No. 14 of 2023 on the Facilitation and Management of Presidential Transitions.

This was disclosed in a statement by Willie Bassey, Director of Information for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Thursday.

The Transition Council will be inaugurated by the Secretary

to the Government of the Federation on Tuesday 14th February, 2023 at 12 noon at the Conference Hall of the SGF, according to the statement.

It said the members are expected to attend the inauguration in person.

A key feature of the Presidential Executive Order No. 14 of 2023 is the institutionalization of a legal framework that would enable a seamless transition of power from one Presidential Administration to another which is part of President Buhari’s legacy.

Members of the Committee

are: Secretary to the Government of the Federation who is Chairman, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the SolicitorGeneral of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Permanent Secretaries from the following Ministries and Offices: Defence, Interior, Finance, Budget and National Planning, Foreign Affairs, Information and Culture, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Cabinet Affairs Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government

of the Federation (OSGF), General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Economic and Political Affairs Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), State House, National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector-General of Police, Director General, National Intelligence Agency, Director General, State Security Services, Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and two representatives, to be nominated by the Presidentelect.

Police arrest woman extorting money for PVCs

The Police Command in Enugu State says it has arrested the woman in a trending video allegedly extorting money before issuing voter cards to their owners.

This is contained in a statement by the command Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, on Thursday in Enugu.

“Police detectives serving in the State Criminal Investigation Department of Enugu State Command on Jan. 31, 2023, arrested a female suspect, one Chinwendu Nnamani, 41.

“Nnamani was involved in the viral social media video clip in which she is seen and alleged to be selling INEC

Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at the sum of One Thousand Naira, at a Primary School in Emene, Enugu.

“Also arrested is one Nkiruka Patience Obinna, 38, identified as an INEC staff and alleged to have given the said PVCs to the first suspect for distribution to the actual owners.

“Investigation has been concluded, the case charged to court in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, and the suspects arraigned accordingly,” he said. The police spokesman further said that the suspects were granted bail and the case adjourned to Feb.15 for further hearing. (NAN)

Why Orji Kalu deserves 2nd term in Senate — Nkah

Mr Leo Nkah, former president, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Ebonyi Chapter, says the Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Orji Kalu deserves to return to the Senate based on his quality representation.

He described Kalu as a lawmaker with a wealth of experience needed to befittingly represent Abia North Senatorial District.

“A former student activist, an erstwhile member House of Representatives, an eight-year

governor of a state, an accomplished business man and now a sitting senator.

“His people stand to gain more in federal infrastructure based on the fact that like wine, representation at the parliament gets better with years as no door can be shut at a personality like Kalu,’’ Nkah said.

According to him, Kalu is needed by people at the grassroots who earnestly yearn for true representation based on his track records and friendly disposition to the cause of returning

local governments to their true destinies.

“Orji Kalu has also been known to speak for the cause of Ndigbo in the past in spite of the persecution it had attracted to him.

“So, it will be a minus for Ndigbo to lose such a voice in the Senate,’’ he said.

Providing a list of bills and motions sponsored by Kalu since he was elected a senator, Nkah said that the 51 bills and 28 motions were geared towards improving the welfare of Nigerians.

Some of them include: Citizens Welfare Bill 2022, Bill to Amend the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and a Bill to Provide for Increased Funding of Basic Education in Nigeria Bill 2022.

Others were: A Bill to Provide for the Establishment of Federal College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu and the Federal Polytechnic Abiriba, Abia State Establishment Bill 2022. Kalu, 62, assumed office as the Senator representing Abia North on June 11, 2019. (NAN)

L-R: Deputy Head of Mission, All Nigerian Nationals in the Diaspora (ANNID), Uke Agwu, Global Chairman ANNID / Head of ANNID Mission, Dr Peter Mozie, Head of Corporate Communications ANNID, Oliver Nkuku and Member of ANNID, Nonye Igwegbe, during the ANNID World press conference on the 2023 general election, held yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo.

2 friends jailed 24 months each for stealing tricycle

An Area Court in Jos on Thursday sentenced two friends to 24 months imprisonment for stealing a tricycle worth N670,000.

The judge, Mr Thomas Ajitise sentenced Hassan Abdullahi, 30, and Yau Mohammed, 22, following their guilty plea for conspiracy and theft and begged the court for leniency.

Ajitise gave the convicts an option of N50,000 fine each.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp. Labaran Ahmed told the court that the case was reported at the Laranto police station on Jan. 5, by Mr Adam Shuiabu.

He said the complainant said the convicts stole his tricycle where it was parked.

The prosecutor further told the court that during police investigation the convicts confessed to the crime and the tricycle was recovered.

The offence, he said, contravened the Plateau Penal Code law of Northern Nigeria. (NAN)

Man jailed 8 years for swindling woman

An Area Court in Jos on Thursday sentenced one Hashim Yakubu, 28, to eight years imprisonment for swindling a sales girl of three android phones valued N261,000.

The judge, Thomas Ajitise, sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to breach of trust

and cheating, and begged the court for leniency.

Ajitise gave the convict an option of N500,000 fine or eight years imprisonment for breach of trust and cheating.

The judge also ordered the convict to pay N261,000 as compensation to the complainant.

Earlier, the police prosecutor, Insp Ibrahim Gokwat, told the court that the case was reported at the A Division Police Station on Jan. 8, by the complainant, Ms Patricia Sati.

The complainant said Yakubu, who claimed to be a lawyer, came to her shop in 2019 and collected three phones from her to resale and

return the proceeds, but absconded to unknown destination.

The prosecutor further told the court that during police investigation the convict confessed to have committed the act.

Gokwat said the offence contravened Plateau State Penal Code law. (NAN)

Kano ADP guber candidate condemns attack on campaign vehicles

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

The ADP Governorship Campaign Council in Kano state has condemned alleged attack on campaign vehicles recently in the state.

In a statement yesterday by Abbas Yushau Yusuf, Spokesman ADP Gubernatorial Campaign Council the council alleged that

the attack took place at Mandawari area in the state metropolis.

The statement said Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada, the ADP Governorship candidate, had issued a statement, condemning the violent act and calling for peace during the campaign trail.

“The ADP Governorship Campaign was launched today at the Sani Abacha Youth

Centre in Kano with a mission to bring positive change to the state. However, these threats to our peaceful campaign must be addressed by the security agencies.

“We demand immediate action from the security agencies to maintain law and order and bring the perpetrators to justice. The ADP Governorship Campaign will not be intimidated by these

cowardly acts and we will continue to spread our message of hope and change throughout Kano.”said Sharada

“We will not rest until the security of our campaign and supporters is guaranteed. The security agencies must act now to protect the rights of all citizens to engage in peaceful political activity,’’ the statement said.

Niger Govt applauds GIZ - SEDIN for impacting on state activities

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Niger state government have commended the GIZ - SEDIN for its activities in the state which has tremendously impacted positively in various sectors of development and the lives of the people in the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane made the declaration during a one day validation workshop on the State NSME Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan held in Minna.

The workshop was organized by the Niger State SME and

Micro Finance Agency with Support from PRO Poor Growth and Promotion of Employment in Nigeria Programme (GIZ -SEDIN).

Ibrahim Matane said validation policy plan implementation especially as it concerned SMEs is crucial and will go a long way in addressing

socio economic development of the state.

The Niger state Coordinator of GIZ, Bello Dantoro stated that the idea of policy validation is to domesticate SMEs policy to enhance private sector development in the state to boost the economy devoid of depending on the federal statutory allocation.

L-R: Representative of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, CEO TAF, Mr. Jake Epelle and Representative of the Inspector General of Police, CP Basil Idegwu, during the official launching of PWD Data Dashboard and Inclusive Election Security Training for Inter Security Agencies, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

From Yakubu Mustapha

Minna

Niger State All Progressives Congress (APC), has reiterated the commitment of its stakeholders in ensuring the victory of the party and their candidates at all levels during the forthcoming general elections in the state.

The Director General Bago/ Yakubu of All Progressives Congress APC governorship, Isah Sidi Rijau said that the essence of the retreat was to brainstorm to come up with harmonious resolutions for a successful campaign and elections.

He made this known in an interview during a 2 Day retreat for Bago and Yakubu gubernatorial campaign for the directors, their deputies, secretaries and other members of the campaign Council in Minna.

Sidi Rijau maintained that the major political party, the PDP in the state is never in anyway a threat to their victory but they needed the inputs of all the directorates so as to have a united front.

The Chairman of the occasion and APC elder, Major General Abdullahi Garba (rtd) said that the essence of the retreat is part of activities lined up towards the success of the party and its governorship candidate Umar Mohammed Bago.

By Maryam Abeeb

The National Universities Commission, NUC, has directed that all Universities and Inter University Centres be shut down and academic activities should be suspended between 22nd February and 14th March, 2023.

In a letter signed by the Deputy Executive Secretary

(Administration), Dr. Chris Maiyaki, reads that, “as ViceChancellors of all Universities and Directors/ Chief Executive of Inter University Centres are quite aware, the 2023 General Elections have been scheduled to hold on Saturday 25 February 2023, for the Presidential and National Assembly, and Saturday 11 March 2023 for Gubernatorial and State

Assembly, respectively.

NUC orders closure of universities, others ahead 2023 election 2023: Niger APC holds retreat to strategize for party’s victory

‘’ In view of the foregoing and concerns expressed on the security of staff, students and properties of our respective institutions, the Honourable Minister of Education, Mal. Adamu Adamu has, following extensive consultations with the relevant security agencies, directed that all Universities and Inter University Centres be shut

down and academic activities be suspended between 22nd February and 14th March, 2023.

‘’Consequently, ViceChancellors, as well as Directors/ Chief Executives of interuniversity centres, are by this Circular requested to shut down their respective Institutions from Wednesday 22 February 2023 to Tuesday 14 March 2023.”

Niger Court dismisses suit files against new Kontagora Emir

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

The Court sitting in Minna has dismissed a suit filed before it, challenging the

appointment of the 7th Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Mohammed Barau Mu’azu. Justice Abdullahi Mikail while delivering judgment on

the matter ruled that the suit lack merit and substantial evidence to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. According to him, the

plaintiff failed totally to also prove the case against the defendant as required by the law, hence dismissed the case for lack of merit after three

hours judgement.

Justice Mikail said the third issue on the matter as regard documents of claims submitted did not satisfy the court.

Fali community urges Police,DSS to investigate attack on wife of Adamawa governor’s convoy

From Umar Dankano, Yola

The Fali community of Muchila ward in Mubi North local government area of Adamawa state have condemned in strong terms the assault mated on the convoy of the wife to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Hajiya Lami Fintiri by some miscreants in the area recently.

While distancing themselves from the unfortunate act at a press

conference in Yola yesterday, the community urged the police Commissioner and Director of Directorate of Security Service, DSS, to investigate the matter with a view of unraveling those behind the attack for neccessary action.

Recalled that on the 4th February, wife of the state Governor, Lami Fintiri attended a religious programme organised by Maiduguri Diocessan Women congress in the area but was

violently attacked by hooligans suspected to be political thugs.

Finding by this reporter revealed that four (4) vehicles in the Governor’s wife convoy were badly damaged including a press crew Toyota Bus.

Spokesman of the Community Sunday Mathew said that the visit of the first lady on Feb. 4, was not political activities but an invitation by Catholic women.

Mathew, who is the

Commissioner for Housing and Urban development stated that, some misguided young men violently attacked the convoy, destroying four vehicles including a press crew van.

“Its is on this premise that we come together to call on the Commissioner of Police and Director Department of State Security to carry out a full investigation.

“And, to ensure that the

perpetrators and their sponsors are brought to book to serve as deterrence to others,” he said.

Matthew further called on good people in the area and the victims to remain calm and be law-abiding.

Adamawa State police spokesman, SP Suleiman Nguroje confirmed the attack, adding that investigation into the matter has yielded a positive result with the arrest of the suspects.

R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari; Governor of Sokoto State,Hon. Aminu Tambuwal; APC National Chairman,Sen. Abdullahi Adamu and APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, President Buhari participates at APC Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign Rally in Sokoto, yesterday.

Naira swap, fuel crisis gross plot against Tinubu- Group

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

NACA, AHF, UNFPA advice adolescents against sexually transmitted infections

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

ACoalition

of Civil Society Group, have rose from a meeting in Kano, asking Nigerians to shame enemies of the nation who are behind currency swap, which they described as anti peoples policy and stand firmly behind the the candidature of Bola Ahmad Tinubu.

The Group convener, Ibrahim Suleiman, said on Wednesday that, “we understood with pain to the suffering’s of the innocent Nigerians caused by the persistent fuel scarcity in the country, coupled with the abrupt Naira redesign programmes, but Nigerians should endeavor to shame these enemies of progress and stand solidly behind the Presidential Candidature of Senator Bola Ahmad Tinubu”.

Suleiman alleged that the sinister motives was conceived to inflict hardship on innocent Nigerians and scuttle the candidature of Tinubu.

He further alleged that the new policy, coupled with the current fuel scarcity are the handiwork of some cabals at presidency who are against Tinubu and hellbent in scuttling his presidential bid.

He also attacked the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar for using the new naira policy to engage in campaign of calumny against Tinubu.

“Atiku Abubakar’s remarks on the Naira redesign programme were callous, insensitive and indifferent to the suffering’s of the common man, and this is enough to tell you that Atiku presidency will be bad for Nigeria and Nigerians as he will pursue this kind of policies that will make life miserable for the Citizens”.

“Therefore let us not give chance to Atiku Abubakar and his Party PDP by voting massively for Tinubu and all the other offices running under APC”.

The coalition then appreciated the efforts of the APC Governor’s forum and the leadership of the National Assembly for not only disassociating themselves from the new monetary policy.

“Their efforts is yielding fruits as Supreme Court has halted the move,” he said.

However, the group called on Nigerians to remain calm, law abiding, prayerful and determined to vote for APC and Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu comes 25 February 2023.

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and the United Nations Population Fund Nigeria (UNFPA) have urged adolescents in the country to practice safe sex.

A statement issued on Wednesday by Steve Aborisade, Advocacy & Marketing Manager AHF Nigeria, said Condom advocacy is more vital than ever, with more than 1 million sexually transmitted infections acquired daily across the globe and the world falling woefully short on HIV prevention goals in 2021.

“But we can turn the tide by working to ensure people worldwide can access condoms wherever they live – as condoms remain the most affordable way to prevent HIV, other STIs, and unplanned pregnancies!”

The statement said AHF has planned lively in-person and virtual commemorative “Always in Fashion” ICD events throughout its 45 country teams to highlight the importance of condoms and help people take control of their health through access to safer sex education and free or affordable condoms.

“In Nigeria, AHF Nigeria in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the United Nations Population Fund Nigeria (UNFPA) will host a Twitter-Space on February 12, while a panel discussion would be held on the 13th where a creative competition on safe sex would be adjudged as workable strategies to promote safe sex among the population are also examined. Partners shall partake in live radio discussions to provide needed education to the public.

“Knowledge about HIV and

STI prevention among adolescent is generally low, in this regard, we see the need to educate them about the importance of practicing safe sex and by ensuring we make the commodity easily accessible to the population” said Dr. Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Program Director.

“It has become important to ensure condom option is made available as a preventive measure to youths and people of reproductive age who may not abstain from sex given the rate of new HIV infections among young people aged 15-24 years, which calls for strengthened age and context-specific programming in this population” said Dr. Gambo Aliyu, Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA)’’.

The statement added that condom use has significantly impacted the global HIV/AIDS

response, averting an estimated 117 million new HIV infections since 1990, with close to half in sub-Saharan Africa and more than one-third in Asia and the Pacific. “However, millions of people globally are still without access to condoms due to many reasons across various parts of the world.”

“People want the ability to prevent HIV, other STIs, and unplanned pregnancies – but that becomes much more challenging if widespread condom stockouts, shortages, harmful taxation, and unaffordable prices continue,” said Terri Ford, AHF Chief of Global Advocacy and Policy. “AHF has put condoms and STI prevention at the top of our global priorities to intensify our efforts to get condoms to people throughout our 45 country teams despite the many existing barriers. We encourage everyone to help us promote safer sex!”

FG, UNESCO review annual school census tools, manuals

The Federal Ministry of Education (FMoE) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural (UNESCO) are to review the Annual School Census (ASC) tools and implementation manuals in line with global trends and the SDGs. This was made known at a three-day workshop for relevant stakeholders in selected states and education sector to review of the ASC instrument and implementation manuals on Wednesday in Abuja. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Andrew David-Adejo, said “ASC helps the education sector by generating data on the number of schools by level, learners, staff, classrooms, books and facilities.” David-Adejo, represented by Mr Zubairu Abdullahi, therefore, urged the participants to contributes towards producing a reviewed instruments and manual in line with global best

practices.

” I look forward to the report of this workshop, especially as Nigeria really needs to improve on the credibility of data on OutOf-School-Children,” he said. He also expressed appreciation to UNESCO for their support in the education sector, especially in the conduct of ASC to ensure Nigeria has the appropriate tools to use.

Also, Mr Mamadou Lamine-Sow, Head of Education Sector, UNESCO Abuja Regional Office, said the exercise aim at collecting accurate, reliable and timely data from schools.

“It is the primary source of education data in any country. Data provides the statistical evidence for a majority if not all the education sector’s policies, plans, strategies, decisions and distribution of resources.

“One of the objectives of this workshop is to review our annual

school census tools to be that 21stcentury tool we all want it to be and to capture most of the SDG4 indicators. “With this alone, there will not be anything like no data or blank spaces when it comes to reporting globally such as with UNESCO Institute for Statistics,” he said.

Lamine-Sow, represented by Mrs Ngozi Amanze, UNESCO’s National Programme Officer, said they would also be reviewing the indicators for school health and child well-being to promote positive development and healthy behaviours in children.

“It is important that we strengthen the capacity of the school health system to provide conducive environment for physical, mental and social wellbeing of young people and to achieve SDG 4 and the health-related SDGs.

“Also, to prepare learners to thrive, learn and build healthy and peaceful sustainable futures for all,” he said.

He said the workshop would educate school heads and teachers on the new integrations to the ASC tools, reduce the complexity of completing the questionnaires and improve the understanding of the school administrators to efficiently complete the assignment. He reiterated the commitment of UNESCO towards supporting the education system, adding that the workshop was part of UNESCO’s Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3) Programme. Also, Mr Adeleye Adeoye, Director, Educational Planning Research and Development (EPR &D), said the workshop will lead to the production of reviewed ASC Instruments and Manual for proper planning, decision making and policy implementation Adeoye, represented by Mrs Olayiwola Jawon, added that it would also guide school Heads and EMIS Desk Officers

in the school, to accurately complete the ASC questionnaires.

A participant, Prof. Toun Akinsolu, Federal Adviser, USAID Learn to Read, said the exercise would aide in having a credible and reliable data for educational planning, through the use of ASC, a reliable instrument.

” The review is apt because the society itself is dynamic and because of the dynamism of the society, we need to move with recent trends and emerging issues that is what necessitated this review.

” This is the second phase, the first phase was held in December 2022, we made a lot of inputs into all the various characteristics of the instrument so that we can make it more robust and holistic.

” So, that all data necessary for planning purposes and for educational reportage at the national level will be adequately captured,” she said. She added that new policies like the

L-R: Director, Broadcast Monitoring, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Franca Aiyetan, Director, Finance and Account NBC, Mr. Boniface Ekwealor, Director General NBC, Mallam Balarabe Shehu Ilelah and the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Igomu Onoja, during NBC media parley and presentation of the the Organisation’s Scorecard, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo.

From Umar Dankano,Yola

Ayouth organisation under the auspices Rescue Nigeria Mission (RENMISS) has endorsed Dr.Umar Ardo, the Adamawa state SDP gubernatorial candidate as their preferred gubercandidate for 2023 election.

State Cordinator of the Organisation,Uwais Adamu Barkido disclosed their position in Yola yesterday at a special statewide meeting, stressing that the quest of the movement was to create awareness among Nigerians on the need to elect good leaders.

Barkido said their Association was to ensure credible people are allowed to occupy various elective positions for the development of the society.

Barkido announced that after a thorough observation and screening of most of the gubernatorial candidates, the organisation found Dr.Ardo to be the most qualified and suitable for the job.

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Following the Supreme Court judgement that halted the ban on the use of old Naira notes which the Federal Government and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has vowed to enforce on February 10, 2023, there was a mixed reaction from the residents on the judgment.

Investigation by this reporter revealed that most respondents in Kaduna town are divided in their opinions.

Alhaji Umar Abubakar, a trader in the Sheikh Abubakar Gumi market opined that as a welcome development, saying in the past three days everything has come to a standstill for him.

According to him, customers have stopped coming and those who came to purchase few materials and those who

are willing to make transfer cannot because of the network problem.

Similarly, Madam Ruth Auta a fruit seller at the popular station market said the Supreme Court judgment is ‘God sent rescue’ for the masses owing to the hardship wrecked by the Naira redesign policy.

She explained that for 3 days, most of her perishable goods spoiled because of low patronage.

She therefore appealed to the federal government and the apex bank to obey the judgment.

However, Mr. Mohammed Mohammed is of a different opinion, saying it is not yet Uhuru for the judgment.

According to him, the apex bank cannot be sued because the CBN act is an independent statutory body and does not take directive from anybody

including the federal government.

He added that the failure to join CBN in the suit at the apex court is fatal.

The Supreme Court had on Wednesday, February 8 temporarily stopped the withdrawal of old Naira Notes from Feb 10.

A seven-member panel led by Justice John Okoro, halted the move in a ruling in an exparte application brought by three northern states of Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara.

Mixed reactions trail Supreme Court ruling on Naria swap in Kaduna 2023: RENMISS endorses Adamawa SDP guber candidate

The three states had specifically applied for an order of Interim Injunction restraining “the federal government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the commercial banks from suspending or determining or ending on Feb. 10, the time frame with which the now older version of the 200, 500 and 1,000 denomination

of the naira may no longer be legal tender pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice for interlocutory injunction”. Delivering ruling in the motion, Okoro, held that after a careful consideration of the motion exparte this application is granted as prayed.

“An order of Interim Injunction restraining the federal government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the commercial banks from suspending or determining or ending on Feb. 10,, the time frame with which the now older version of the 200, 500 and 1,000 denomination of the naira may no longer be legal tender pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice for interlocutory injunction”.

He accordingly adjourned until Feb. 15, for hearing of the main suit.

MURIC cautions Nigerians against all kinds of protests

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has tasked Nigerians to shun all kinds of protests ahead of the 2023 general election.

The Executive Director of MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria recently announced plans to redesign the country’s currency. The citizens were asked to surrender all old notes in their possession particularly the higher N1,000, N500 and N200 denominations.

“Unfortunately the ongoing naira swap became a booby trap particularly as it has been accompanied by a protracted fuel scarcity.

‘’The timing of the exercise has led us to suspect a grand provocation ploy

as Nigerians who surrendered their old naira notes were later denied access to both the old and the new. This ugly development led to widespread hunger and general suffering.

“The tendency is for the atmosphere to become explosive and already there have been pockets of demonstrations in one or two places particularly in the South West,’’ Akintola said.

He added: ‘’However, there is a strong suspicion that naira swap and the attendant artificial scarcity are booby traps aimed at goading Nigerians to anger. They expect the youth to troop to the streets.

“We must not fall for it. This is the grand plan of some selfish political shenanigans and capitalist comprador

bourgeoisie whose ambition is to hold the masses in their vice grip till kingdom come. Greedy bank officials have leveraged on the situation by hoarding the new naira notes and turning it into an opportunity for self-aggrandisement. It is the height of sadism.

“The aim of these wicked political charlatans is to manipulate the crisis once demonstrations begin. They plan to hijack the demonstrations, turn it into a viciously violent exercise and attack certain public figures as well as public properties.

“It is at this point that they plan to announce an indefinite postponement of the general elections and introduce an interim government. A military coup may also be on the table if the

plan for an interim government fails to work.

“We therefore appeal to Nigerians to eschew public protest in all its ramifications. Election is just sixteen days away. If we are patient, we will be able to peacefully elect leaders of our choice.

‘’On the other hand, we may play into the hands of agents provocateur and end up with an interim government or a military coup d’etat. But election is just a stone’s throw away. Therefore, let us be peaceful and endure until Feb. 25.

“On a last note, we advise the army to keep off. Involvement in politics is antithetical to professionalism in the military.

NAN

R-L: APC Gubernatorial Candidate of Nigeria State, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Sani Bello, his Deputy, Alh. Ahmed Get so, APC Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba and Senator Sabi Abdullahi, during the fund raising dinner of APC governorship Candidate of Nigeria State, at Transcorp Hilton, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Because we are Nigerians; a safer internet for all

By Kareem Itunu Azeez

These two stories are the realities millions of us are faced with, your decision should be based on the general good. I wish us all a safer internet day. It’s never too late to wish us a prosperous new year.

Because of the atrocities of very few Nigerians, most of us have been rendered useless on the international scene. This isn’t news but to further buttress the opportunities we are shutting its doors against our children and a better life. The things we do on social media today, otherwise known as the Internet would surely haunt us tomorrow positively or negatively in the nearest of time. You can guess for yourself, what you have therefore been doing on the internet in your leisure time. A safer internet is born from the celebration of the international center for leadership development, a group that tries to engage youths in the positive use of the internet.

There is no major point explaining what the internet is, it’s been around for several decades, and at this time, you either belong to the nomadic users or the indigenous users of the internet. or about in between, half nomadic half indigenous. But understanding both. While the nomadic are those who aren’t savvy or know little to no of the internet, the indigenous are those born during this age of the internet. They know the nitty, even though not gritty of it, but they are born with the basic knowledge of the internet. So it’s easy to determine where you fall.

Over 80% of visa denials are traced down to fraudulent activities, like, theft, money laundering, and fake business identity. In 2019, over 80 Nigerians were indicted to have engaged in Business Email Compromise fraud, (BEC) in the USA, these are youths between the ages of 20-38, the number has since gone higher in recent times, and this continues to deny true Nigerians opportunities over the seas.

I write this to make you do a background check on yourself, on the internet, then tell yourself how proud you are based on the results it returns to you, then from thereon, you can effortlessly determine if you are impressed with yourself now and even in the nearest future. A short narration which I would encourage you to be the judge goes thus, Chris is a Nigerian, between the ages of 18-35, ardent and internet savvy, who came across a Pakistani investor,

and his life took a turn from thereon.

While he introduced to the Pakistani man how he would love to partner with him as a beverage producer with factories across Nigeria. He excelled with a lot of forged evidence and proofs winning the trust of the foreign billionaire. Little did he know that his gains are nothing compared to the lots he would be losing. He forged the CAC certificate, forged the NAFDAC certificate, and sent them through the internet to the man who had trusted him. Having done all that, it was time for the next move, samples of the said products were sent to him, and was then implored to get land for the creation of the factory, but they must first meet with their lawyers for proper documentation.

Just as he has already made a sum of almost $20k from the man, he forged the lawyers as well, and in a twinkling of an eye, an all-expense-paid trip arrived, both for him and his lawyers that they should meet in Dubai for the finalization of their imaginary industry. But because of his lack of contentment and sincerity, Chris couldn’t travel, nor could he produce the fake lawyers, and the last time we heard of him, he had ascended to Ghana, because he was scared. This is a true life story.

The implication of his actions are, he lost the opportunity to change his generation forever, he lost the opportunity to change the life of many Nigerians in the labor market, and he encourage the phrase of innocent Nigerians that they are “Scammers” because of the gains of little rubies.

What would you have done if you were Chris, and by implication do a background check on the internet today and see what it would bring of you? Social media never forgets nor does it sleep like us, nor have a shallow memory like us, but as tender as we are, we already created a hindrance for our unknown future. There are thousands of opportunities not accessible to you and me because we are Nigerians. Yet waves of positivity keep escaping us, and globally we remain criminals because of what our young ones are doing negatively.

What are the causes of these negative use, with eternal implications? Well back then in school, we were taught about three types of competitions, the first is the Animate competition, which is the man against man, trying to be better than your pairs, us in all means that you can use. Usually, this type of competition end

Nigeria in debt rob

By Femi Oluwasanmi

Despite the loan, most of the projects stated in the agreement seems to remain in comatose with an unending postponement in the completion date. For instance, the Lagos – Ibadan express way that seems to be the most sung achievement by the government seems to have created more challenges for the users than benefits since the commencement of its rehabilitation in 2015.

The current state of Nigeria has shown that the gain made at the independence has been poorly managed. This systemic profligacy has reduced the country to a crippling giant in Africa and parasitic state on the global stage with an unabated enlargement in her debt rob. Quest for solution seems to have become a rocket science with the intensity in the velocity of policy somersault and inconsistency at the political space.

While addressing the nation on 1st October, 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari, had stated that the increase in the country’s debt profile is a necessary step to provide infrastructure that would expand opportunities for economic growth and turn Nigeria to El Dorado. However, despite the unprecedented debt, the country continues to future among the “super poverty” infected countries.

In the latest report by World Bank, more than 95.1 million people are living below poverty line in Nigeria. With the increase in the inflation rate, it’s obvious that more people would fall into this threshold. The country’s inflation rate accelerated to the highest ever recorded since September, 2005 in July, 2022 and had grown from the 19.64 percent to 20.52 percent in August with astonished 23.12 percent in food inflation.

No wonder Nigeria was ranked first among the countries with the worst malnutrition cases in Africa and second in the world by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2021. More than 17 million children are undernourished setting the country off-track to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 – “Zero Hunger” by 2030.

This is worsen by the security laxity that has created so much fear in the land to the extent that many farmers, especially, those in the northern part of the country have abandoned their farm land(s) because of the report of killings, maiming and kidnapping that continue to dominate the media space.

Failure to nip this in the bud has triggered the exodus

of investors from the country and prevented many foreign investors from investing in the economy. The capital flight has debilitated the base of the country’s economy and created stunted Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that has aggravated the thirst for borrowing.

The rising debt has moved Nigeria from the fifth position she occupied in June 2021 to fourth position on the World Bank debtors’ list with $13bn IDA debt stock as of June 30, 2022. This is different from the outstanding loan of $486m from World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development cum the ones collected from China and other countries.

It took great effort of the pundits to resolve the confusion that erupted from the controversies that charaterised a clause in commercial loan agreement signed on September 5, 2018 between the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Export-Import Bank of China for the Nigeria National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Infrastructure Backbone Phase II Project when it was being examined by Nigerian lawmakers.

The clause stipulates that “the Borrower [i.e., the state of Nigeria] hereby irrevocably waives any immunity on the grounds of sovereign or otherwise for itself and its property in connection with any arbitration proceeding pursuant to Article 8(5), thereof with the enforcement of any arbitral award pursuant thereto, except for the military assets and diplomatic assets.

Though, this appears to be the standard in Chinese loan contracts. However, it generated so much controversies because of the insinuation that some political class are ready to trade the nation’s sovereignty for personal aggrandizement, particularly with the increase in the report of looting and counter looting circulating in the media space.

Despite the loan, most of the projects stated in the agreement seems to remain in comatose with an unending postponement in the completion date. For instance, the Lagos – Ibadan express way that seems to be the most sung achievement by the government seems to have created more challenges for the users than benefits since the commencement of it rehabilitation in 2015.

The seven (7) year of traffic jam occasioned by the construction has led to the loss of lives of hundreds of people and aided the nefarious activities of the unscrupulous elements threatening the safety of people at the long bridge side of the road.

in tears and tragedy. We have the inanimate, which is man against nature, which is usually found in sporting activities, whereby man tries to beat nature to a certain limit, this is usually impressing unknown history seekers and makers as well. While we have the self-competition, Originally we call this self-appraisal in our local parlance, this is trying to be better than your former self. Not impressing anyone or society, and is the most important. But sadly we dwell on the animate competition which has indirectly contributed to our negative use of the internet.

Where do we do from here, because we are Nigerians? Well while there are a few warnings about our colors globally we also have a bigger number doing great things and in recognition of that, let’s use my last narration to encourage us. It was in Florida, as spoken by the narrator, who has been invited to a program. The hotel he lodged had several days before expiration, and because it was a self-funded program, he had run out of cash. Worsening the matters the card reader to his hotel room had logged him out because his time had elapsed. With nothing to do, or no one to turn to, he went to meet the hotel manager, seeking his assistance. Knowing his identity the hotel manager asked him to come by 6 pm, for a better discussion.

When he came back, there were more white men in the room, six precisely, and on the table where files tall as a heap, and in bundles, they showed him and told him, these were applications and fake reports by different princes and princesses from Nigeria, making different forms of request with their fake identities. How then can we believe you? While dejected, the only word he could mutter was, “Here is my name, search it on the internet for my antecedent” and in less than a minute all about him popped up, and wonderfully he had used the internet positively, which even further helped him enjoy more days and loved larger throughout his stay in Florida. A proud Nigeria indeed, you too can be one. These two stories are the realities millions of us are faced with, your decision should be based on the general good. I wish us all a safer internet day. It’s never too late to wish us a prosperous new year.

First, it was reported that the road will be commissioned in 2019 before it was shifted to 2020, 2021, 2022 and now 2023. The reason for this postponement seems to be centered around the 2023 election so that the commissioning ceremony can be fresh in people’s memories. However, a critical look at the previous postponement suggests that it is being used as means to divert monies to another direction.

This can be deduced from the government’s plan to divert the General Abacha’s loot recovered from the United States of America (USA) in the recent times to the projects such as 2nd Niger Bridge, Lagos -Ibadan express way among others that have received trenches of funds since 2015. Although, the rising in the exchange rate has affected the prices of most of the materials being used for construction in Nigeria but it further buttresses the claim that the government has failed to fulfill her promise.

In 2015, it was widely circulated that President Mohammadu Buhari had promised to reduce the exchange rate of a dollar which was hovering around 160 naira then to one (1) naira if elected. However, seven years after being elected, the opposite seems to be the case. The current exchange rate of a dollar at the parallel market is N 730/735 while the official rate continues to revolve around 420/430 Naira.

Hope to tame this pathetic situation seems to have been lost with the cascading revenue that has degenerated to an alarming level. The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed had at the interactive session with the members of the Senate Committee on Finance and heads of revenue-generating agencies in June 2022, stated that the proposed 2023 budget of N19.76 trillion is embedded with N12.43 trillion deficit.

Struggle to reduce this deficit has generated questions on the reason the country continue to sustain fuel subsidy in her budget when the reports of corruption radiating the spectrum has shown that the tenets of it existence has been eroded.

A country being confronted by these kind of humongous challenges needs a change that will resuscitate her economy and reconfigure the security architecture. Hence, the process of diversification must be given proper attention in order to strip off the country’s debt rob.

Kareem Itunu Azeez is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Femi Oluwasanmi writes in from Ibafo, Ogun State.

Be frank and dispassionate, are Nigerians better off now?

By Isaac Asabor

According to him: ’’Please in the name of God, be patient with us and forgive us. Tell your friends, brothers, sisters, and children to continue to vote for APC, Tinubu will continue from where we stop.

There is no denying the fact that Nigerians are all the time, more than ever before being inundated with headlines that suggest that the ongoing government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari is not doing well. Some of the headlines that can be found through Google Search engine cut across “Nigeria worst under Buhari – PDP governors”, “Buhari Government, Worst In The History Of Nigeria”, “Nigeria’s economy under Buhari worse than 10 years”, “Unemployment rate under Buhari worst in Nigeria’s history” “FACTCHECK: How true is Buhari’s claim that Nigeria is better …”

Besides the foregoing verdicts of condemnation given by the leadership of the opposition party to the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), reputable civil organizations such as the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), and even the World Bank have at one time or the other condemn the government been led by Buhari.

Unashamedly, rather than admit its failure to “Change”

Nigeria’s economy for the benefit of every Nigerian, the leadership of the APC has continued to put a boldface as it defensively keepsexplaining that it has committed more resources to diversify the economy than past Governments. How true

the claim remains hazy to comprehend as the dividends therefrom are not in any way reflecting on the general wellbeing of the people.

As often heard from most affiliates of the ruling party, “No past government had invested as much resources, particularly in agriculture as the Buhari government has done.”

Without resorting to denigrating anyone in this context, it is expedient to say in this context that virtually everyone that is affiliated with the ruling party has refused to accept the fact that Nigerians were better off under the PDPled government under the leadership of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. It is obvious that they have refused to acknowledge the stark realities presently being witnessed in ongoing fuel scarcity and the Naira crunch among other anti-people policies that were generated by the ongoing APCled government.

To worsen the fears of not a few Nigerians, the presidential flagbearer of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been campaigning that he will consolidate President Muhammadu Buhari’s achievements if elected to become president, come February 25, 2023, when the presidential election will hold. The presidential aspirant has been buttressing his stand that president Buhari has laid a good foundation for the nation’s prosperity.

In fact, the flagbearer during his campaign in Jos, the Plateau State capital, credited President Muhammadu Buhari for saving Nigeria from “sinking”, and promised to build on the successes of the Buhari administration while he listed infrastructure, agriculture, and the war against terrorists as some areas of achievements.

Ostensibly not done, he said the country was insecure pre-2015, and that Buhari’s

intervention was sought.

He said, “We turned to retired Gen. Buhari and he embarked on rehabilitation, recovery, and redeeming of Nigeria. “Nigeria was sinking but Buhari pulled us out and said that Nigeria will not sink in his time and in the time of the APC.”

The former Lagos governor added that terrorists’ flags are no longer visible in local governments and communities.

Despite the adulation showered on Buhari by Tinubu and other stalwarts of the APC, Buhari on Monday, February 6, pleaded to Nigerians to forgive political leaders affiliated with his party who played or are playing key roles in his administration and said that Tinubu will continue where we stop. Buhari made the appeal on Monday while addressing a huge crowd at the Dikko Stadium Katsina for the presidential campaign rally of APC.

He pleaded with Nigerians

to forgive and endure the shortcomings of his administration, and assured the next administration of the presidential candidate of the APC, Tinubu will not only correct those shortcomings but continue from wherever he stops.

He blamed the economic downturn in Nigeria on the COVID-19 pandemic and several other challenges, insisting though that his administration made some modest achievements.

According to him: ’’Please in the name of God, be patient with us and forgive us. Tell your friends, brothers, sisters, and children to continue to vote for APC, Tinubu will continue from where we stop.

‘’Ensure your votes go to Tinubu for President and Dikko Radda for Governor of katsina state and to other candidates of the party also.’’

However, without being partisan, not a few Nigerians currently believe that President, Goodluck Jonathan’s government is much better or more enjoyable than the current President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. The reason why most Nigerians think so cannot be farfetched as prices of virtually all essential items needed to survive on daily basis have continued to skyrocket in the past 7 years amid soaring rates of unemployment and insecurity.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to urge every Nigerian to be frank and dispassionate in their judgment, and answer the question, “Are Nigerians better off now under Buhari than under Jonathan?

Isaac Asabor is a Public Policy Analyst.

Of 2023 and the campaign strategy

By Olayode Inaolaji

The days of the incumbent president of Nigeria, General Muhammadu Buhari are numbered. He will, by now, be packing his loads out of the Aso villa as he has less than six months in office. Indubitably, power is ephemeral. Will power still retain back to the ruling Party? Yes or No! The 2023 election will proffer an answer to this.

As the presidential election draws nearer, the mind of the candidates eyeing a particular seat will be at the top. The anxiety of not wanting to lose the election will have, speculatively, pitched a tent in their various hearts which can only be quenched by the spirit of optimism. Refusal to be phlegmatic may end in high blood pressure. Contesting an election is not a mere game especially when one is strenuously struggling to attain the most revered political seat in the country.

The public campaign has kicked off as stipulated, the dust of the National Peace Accord signing ahead of the forthcoming 2023 presidential election held in Abuja is partly settled as issues were raised as the result of the absence of Alhaj. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the flagbearer of All

Progressives Congress, APC, ably represented by his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima. Among those presidential candidates in attendance were Omoyele Sowore, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar.

Strategies of the campaign and political permutation or mathematics will be ringing non-stop in the heads of the contenders. In this wise, campaign of calumny or libelous campaign may spring out and may result in chaos which possibly may result in disruption of tranquility and the wellbeing of the people in the community or the nation at large.

The days of the incumbent president of Nigeria, General Muhammadu Buhari are numbered. He will, by now, be packing his loads out of the Aso villa as he has less than six months in office. Indubitably, power is ephemeral. Will power still retain back to the ruling Party? Yes or No! The 2023 election will proffer an answer to this.

The trick most of the candidates will utilize is the promise to thwart the present menace of comatose security, economic downturn, tribalism, favouritism, and lingering industrial strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities which the innocent masses are grappling with, which will not be

fulfilled.

According to the interview the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, the former governor of Oyo state, High Chief Adewolu Ladoja granted BBC News Yòrúbá, in his discussion, he ventured into mentioning the promise made by Buhari during his campaign in 2015 that he would use his capacity and knowledge as a military man to quench the flame of insecurity and terrorism in the country. The question asked by High Chief Ladoja asked is: How is then the security condition now? In my view, the crystal answer to the question is, it is just deteriorating on daily basis.

It will be painful to the bone if at this present time we are still cajoled by pseudo- promises which we all know will only be breached if they later mount the mantle.

Let us exercise our franchise independently. Our thumbs and the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) are the major instruments to determine our preferred candidate. Power has been bequeathed to the masses as a result of the electronic electioneering process. My fellow Nigerians, be wise and never be tricked.

Olayode Inaolaji, Ogbomoso writes in from Oyo State and can be reached inaolajiolayode@gmail.com

He said, “We turned to retired Gen. Buhari and he embarked on rehabilitation, recovery, and redeeming of Nigeria. “Nigeria was sinking but Buhari pulled us out and said that Nigeria will not sink in his time and in the time of the APC.”

The former Lagos governor added that terrorists’ flags are no longer visible in local governments and communities.

FG inaugurates census publicity committee

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The federal government has inaugurated 2023 census publicity committee.

Inaugurating the committee on Thursday in Abuja, Chairman of the Committee and the Minister of Information, Lai Muhammed said, “Census is a legacy programme of the Buhari Administration, hence we are featuring it here on our Scorecard Series. As you are aware, Nigeria last held a population census in 2006. That’s about 17 years ago - almost an eternity when you consider the importance of population census to national development. It is recommended that a national population census be held every 10 years.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the conduct of the 2023 Population

andHousing Census is a top priority for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. It is borne out of the desire to bequeath an enduring legacy of evidence-based planning for sustainable development.

“Our population remains the most important equation in our national development. The people are both the agents and beneficiaries of development process, hence development must start and end with meeting the aspirations of the people for improved living standard.

The Buhari Administration has invested heavily in human capital development, social infrastructure, agricultural development, e.t.c., all part of building Nigeria’s economic base. The conduct of the 2023 Population and Housing Census is therefore to complement the giant strides of government by laying a

Kano Rep, Hafizu Kawu flags off N2.6bn road project in constituency

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano Hafizu

Kawu, member representing Tarauni Federal Constituency at House of Representatives has flagged off road construction project, worth N2.6 billion in his constituency.

The road, which is about 3 kilometers long that links Court Road, Karkasara, Darmanawa and end at Naibawa Yankatako by Zaria Road, has been in diplorable condition for years.

Speaking at the flag off ceremony, held at Court Road in Kano metropolis on Wednesday, Kawu said it is a historic day for him to launch the project.

The lawmaker said the project is important and key to socioeconomic development of his constituents.

According to him, the road has become a source of worry to the people of Tarauni Local Government, noting that the hardship would now be over as the reconstruction project had commenced.

“We are happy to see this historic day. This project is very important and key to the socioeconomic development of people to Tarauni Local Government.

The road has become a source of worry to the people of Tarauni for years, but now the hardship will be over.

“The road is a way that links Tarauni with other Local Government areas and even some major roads that people pass through to go to even some states,”

While assuring speedy completion of the project, the lawmaker appealed to the people of the constituency to give maximum cooperation to the workers during the construction works.

He also called on the contractor to ensure quality of the project.

On his part, the project supervisor, Engr. Ibrahim, said the lawmaker spearheaded the project through the Federal Ministry of Works.

He said he had been assigned to supervise the project, assuring that he would ensure it is done to the quality standard.

“I am not the contractor. I have been assigned by the Federal Ministry of Works to supervise the project because. Honorable wants the project to be qualitative, that is why he facilitated it through the ministry. So, i am here for supervision and will do our best to ensure quality of this project,” he said.

sustainable basis for a planned and prosperous Nigeria.

“The Federal Government notes with satisfaction and commendation the effort of the Commission to positively rewrite the history of census in Nigeria through meticulous planning and massive deployment of technology at every stage of the national exercise. We are happy to note that the Commission is not only making efforts to conduct the 2023 Census but also laying a solid foundation for the seamless conduct of future censuses.”

On his part, Nasir Isa Kwarra, Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), said overarching vision of the 2023 census is to produce not only accurate, reliable and acceptable census data but also an inclusive and user-friendly data that will be used by all segments

of the society for development planning and critical programme interventions.

“Therefore, as part of this commitment, the Commission will deploy full digital technology in the conduct of the Census and it will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the results of the census is acceptable to Nigerians and the quality of the data to be generated meets international best standards. This aspiration has informed the methodology and quality of preparations for the census in the last few years. In all these, the need for Advocacy, Publicity and Public Enlightenment cannot be overemphasised.

“Therefore, the mobilization of critical stakeholders to support and take ownership of the process to achieve the desired outcome is imperative and it hinges absolutely

on our ability to speak to the people in the language that will galvanize and mobilize them to participate in the 2023 census.

“ To this end, the Commission will be relying on your expertise and structures to drive the message into every home and household to drum up support and participation in the 2023 Population and Housing Census.

“In order to ensure that members of the National Census Publicity Committee have good grasp of the processes and methodology of the 2023 Population and Housing Census, a workshop will be organized to keep members of the Committee up-to-date on the preparation for the census. In addition, the Committee should be rest assured of the Commission’s full support for it to deliver on this very important national assignment.”

Immigration boss tasks new officers wives association excos on diligence

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Idris Isah Jere, has urged the newly inaugurated executives to be diligent in their service towards humanity.

Jere said this at the inauguration of the pioneer executives of the Immigration Officers’ Wives Association (IMMOWA), FCT Command Chapter, in Abuja.

Jere, who was represented by the Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration, Saadat Hassan, said he will support the association to achieve growth and development.

“The ongoing transformation and development seen in IMMOWA is a demonstration of membership commitment and dedication to the growth and progress of this great association.

“He requested me to inform you that as the grand patron, he will not relent in his efforts at ensuring you get all the support and protection needed to sustain this new developmental initiative.

“As a matter of fact, the desire is to see this positive transformation replicated at all levels and across board while the association maintains a strong united front.

“He commends the national president and her lieutenant, for their selfless sacrifice at championing the laudable project; the IMMOWA FCT Skills Acquisition Centre.

“The empowerment initiative is the first of its kind in the service. The CGIS is convinced that in the long run, wives and gallant officers, and men of the service especially with the unemployed will be equipped

with skills to provide a formidable economic support to cater for their families.

“To the newly inaugurated pioneer executives of IMMOWA FCT Chapter, the CGIS implore you to be dutiful and diligent in your service towards humanity. He implores you to promote a leadership style that is devoid of all forms of religious, political or ethnic sentiments.

“Good leadership is expected to be unbiased and maintain an administration that is positively disposed to contributions and constructive criticism.”

The IMMOWA National President, Hajiya Maryam Jere, congratulated the pioneer excos hoping they will make good contributions that will further bring growth to the association.

“I feel so excited to be in your midst, because your hardwork, dedication, loyalty, genuine interest and love for IMMOWA has made me proud.

“I am very much aware of a lot of hardwork you get to make this day a reality, and your efforts are truly commendable.

“My heartfelt congratulations to the successful election of your pioneer executives, please accept my best wishes for your success as you take up your responsibilities and challenges that may come with your various offices.

“I believe you’ll work diligently, as a team to achieve maximum success in your endeavours. The journey may not be easy for you, nothing worthwhile is easy, but anything is possible when you put

in your mind to make it and work as a team no matter how challenging it may be.”

She also enjoined wives of the officers to ensure they are a source of peace and comfort for their spouses.

She further appreciated the Comptroller FCT Command, for his effort in ensuring the FCT IMMOWA is inaugurated.

For her part, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, Chairperson, IMMOWA FCT Command, represented by the coordinator FCT IMMOWA, Hauwa Idris, appreciated the Comptroller for his effort to see to the establishment of the association in the FCT.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards, launching of IMMOWA FCT Skills Acquisition Centre and Exhibition of Products of the centre, and cultural dance. (NAN)

L-R: Deputy Head of Mission, All Nigerian Nationals in the Diaspora (ANNID), Uke Agwu, Global Chairman ANNID / Head of ANNID Mission, Dr Peter Mozie, Head of Corporate Communications ANNID, Oliver Nkuku and Member of ANNID, Nonye Igwegbe, during the ANNID World press conference on the 2023 general election, held yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo.

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Apolitical pressure group, Arewa New Agenda (ANA) has said the leader of Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo cannot does not and cannot speak for the North regrading the 2023 Presidential ambition of the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Briefing journàlists yesterday in Abuja, the Convener/Leader Arewa New Agenda, Senator Ahmad Abubakar MoAllahyidi, said the north is renowned for keeping promises, adding that the region will not disappoint Tinubu, whom he described as having played key

Your father Bayero predicted, prayed that I would be Nigeria’s President –Atiku tells Emir of Kano

By Musa Baba Adamu

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP,), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has reminded the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, that his late father, Alhaji Ado Bayero, had told them while on a visit to the Palace that he (Atiku) would be president.

“We were on a courtesy call to the palace sometime while I was the Vice President of Nigeria, then late Emir Ado Bayero said he saw among us somebody who was going to be President and who would bring greatness to Nigeria,” Atiku said.

Atiku Abubakar added that the late Emir Ado Bayero didn’t stop at that. He also went ahead to pray that the President he saw would bring sanity to Nigeria and improve its socio-economic standard.

He said he believes he is the person mentioned by the late Emir Ado Bayero which is why it became imperative for the sitting Emir Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero to follow suit and pray for him to achieve the dreams of the late Bayero.

Atiku Abubakar, who is in Kano on his presidential campaign, was at the Emir’s palace on a courtesy call, with his entourage, including his vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa.

Tinubu’s Presidential ambition: Adebanjo can’t speak for North - Arewa group

role in helping the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari to defeat ex President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

Senator MoAllahyidi said it was in keeping to this promise that the APC Governors in the Northern region unanimously agreed to cede power to the South, adding that the statement credited to Pa Adebanjo that the North will not vote for Tinubu is more of a meddlesome interloper in the affairs of the North.

“When has he become a spokesman for the North? for his information the north has never failed to keep to its promise; when the north makes a covenant, the north keeps to it.

“Pa Ayo, is not a northerner, and we cannot remember when we northerners appointed him to convey a message to any one; therefore, his assertion as widely reported is not only false but

unfounded and can be better seen as the action of a meddlesome interloper or on a lighter scale the antics of a busy body.

“Given what is unfolding in the South West today, Pa Ayo’s attempt to justify his position by saying that his submission is based on fairness, justice and equity is indeed laughable because it was said that whoever is coming to equity must come with clean hands.

“Records have shown that every presidential candidate that Pa Ayo opposes ended up winning the election- Asiwajus’s case will not be different

Just because Pa Ayo has some differences with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not in any way means that the Yoruba race think the same, as we have our doubts that he has the mandate to speak for the Yoruba.

“We warn that this is the time

for high wire political activities that usually culminates into tension and suspicion; we call for restrain in all utterances. From our research Pa Ayo’s statement was not driven by any nationalist instinct or principle; it is just a personal vendetta against the personality of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We advise Pa Ayo to stop taking advantage of Yoruba culture of respect to pursue a very myopic, narrow minded and selfish political vendetta, this a pure act of mischief and malice.

“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has visited many States in the North, made policy statements and made a committal promises to us, if GOD Almighty gives him the opportunity to serve as our next president, we the northerners will hold him accountable to that”, the group said.

Recall that Adebanjo had, during

a rally of Labour Party in Abeokuta, Ogun State, cautioned Tinubu to come home and join Obi to win the 2023 Presidential election, warning him that the North politicians are only deceiving him to collect his money, and discard him at the end.

He said the Northern politicians, based on antecedents, have always collected money from prominent Yoruba politicians, and at the end, work against them, arguing that the case of Tinubu will certainly not be different.

Meanwhile, Arewa New Agenda is a forum of concern northerners comprising of academics, serving and former legislators, diplomas, technocrats, development practitioners, women and youth leaders, politicians, artisans, traders and farmers, positioning to set an agenda for protection of the interest of the North.

L-R: Deputy National President, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Amb. Muhammad Abubakar Bishara, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Sahalu Junaidu and the Representative of the Director General NYSC, Mr. Ayodele Folorunso, during the Stakeholders summit on curbing vandalization of critical National infrastructure / Assets during the 2023 general election, Organise by the National council for Civil Society Organisations, held yesterday in Abuja.

Our mission is to revolutionize governance - Obi tells Abuja residents

By Christiana Ekpa

Fresh from the huge boost he got earlier in the day with the endorsement of the Ijaw nation, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, on Thursday took his campaign to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), declaring to the people that he and his running mate, Yusuf Datti-Ahmed are just tools that the forthcoming election is indeed their own.

Obi who had charged the nation’s capital with his Wednesday’s strategic visits to some markets in Abuja and a road show this morning, making the rally a carnival-like show, told the jubilant crowd that a revolution is coming if the people vote for him

and Datti into office on February 25th.

Addressing the people at the Old parade ground, Area 10, Garki, Obi assured them that the LP government is going to do things differently and promised to revolutionize the country if the party wins this year’s presidential election.

His words: “Nigeria in the past 20 years have produced insecurity; Nigeria in the past 20 years have produced poverty and unemployment.

“We are offering you security and prosperity. We are going to fight insecurity. Criminals are no longer formidable unless there is no leadership,”

He said his government will start by revolutionising Nigeria as a

country and move to provide good things of life.

“There will be a food revolution. We are going to make food abundant so that Nigerians will have no reason to be hungry again.

“We will empower women and youths. We will unite Nigeria. In the next five years, you will be proud to be a Nigerian and nobody will treat you based on where you come from,” he said.

The LP candidate noted that in 2012, unemployment was 16 percent, but now it is 65 percent.

“We will employ our youths. Nigeria will be a great nation again. Join us to build a new Nigeria. You are the ones contesting this election through us, we are only representing you,” Obi said.

“Labour Party is producing

what has never happened before. For the first time, the presidential candidate and the running mate, and the National Chairman were born after independence.

The vice presidential candidate Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, described Obi as a shining star, noting that for eight years as Anambra State governor, he borrowed no money.

Dr. Ahmed stated that after nine years, Obi is coming back, not for Anambra but for Nigeria.

“Anybody who tells you the security situation in the country has improved does not mean well for Nigeria.

“Peter Obi will unite Nigeria. We are coming to do things differently. Peter Obi is going to work for Nigeria,” he assured.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Obi gets a huge boost from Ijawland ahead of 2023

By Christiana Ekpa

Sixteen Days before the all-important 2023 Presidential election in Nigeria, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi on Thursday got a huge boost to his aspiration with an endorsement from the umbrella body of the Ijaw people known as Ijaw National Congress (INC).

The landmark endorsement was carried out at the Ijaw House, Yenaoga, Bayelsa State, on Thursday morning during an

interactive session with the apex Ijaw sociocultural body.

The Ijaw, who are spread from Sierra Leone to Gabon, dominate Bayelsa State, have sizeable populations in Delta, Rivers, and Ondo States, and are spread around the coast of Nigeria. They have a population strength of about 4 million, which could be about 2% of the Nigerian population of 200 million plus.

The endorsement by the INC is a followup to the one done by Southern Ethnic Nationalities comprising, the Yoruba apex

2023 election:

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared its major political opponent, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not a threat to its victory in the governorship and other elective positions in the forthcoming elections.

This was the position of Isah Sidi Rijau, the Director General, Bago-Yakubu Governorship Campaign Council. Rijau made the assertion at a two-day retreat organized for directors, deputies directors, secretaries and other members of the campaign council in Minna, the capital of Niger State.

The DG said all the party needs to do is to put up a united front and the inputs of all members of the governorship campaign council properly harnessed to ensure success at the polls.

“The essence of the retreat is to brainstorm to come up with harmonious resolutions for a successful campaign and elections [and] ensure the APC emerges victorious at the general elections in Niger state,” he stated.

Rijau maintained: “The [other] major political party the PDP is never in any way a threat to our victory; but we needed the inputs of all the directorates, secretaries and other members of the council to have a united front ahead of the elections.”

In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion and APC elders, Maj Gen Abdullahi Garba (retd) disclosed that the retreat was part of activities lined up towards the success of the party and its governorship candidate Umar Mohammed Bago in the elections.

He said: “It’s an opportunity to strategise by working

group, the Afenifere, Pan Niger Delta Forum PANDEF, the Umbrella body of the Igbos, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Middle Belt Forum announced in Abuja last week.

The LP Presidential flag bearer during interaction told the Ijaw National Congress that he is seeking the people’s mandate to fill the vacuum created in our polity by successive leadership failure.

He told the people that a new Nigeria is possible and it has to be based on justice and equity where the people’s resources should be used to develop their areas.

The former Anambra state Governor assured the Ijaw that he and his Vice are determined to create a new Nigeria where the people will live in peace secured and in harmony.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had led the high profile Nigerians that includes first Republic Minister of Information Edwin Clark, and renowned jurist Afe Babalola among others to endorse the LP Presidential candidate who is enjoying the massive support of Nigerian women and youths.

PDP not a threat – Niger APC

harmoniously in line with the overall objectives of the party which is to ensure the party’s victory during the general elections.”

Also, the APC secretary of the campaign council, Salman Yusuf explained that the purpose of the two-day programme for members of the governorship campaign council is to review the successes, challenges and prospects to enable them to strategize for a way forward in the elections.

The governorship campaign council was inaugurated last Saturday by the deputy

governorship candidate, Yakibu Garba on behalf of the governorship candidate, Alh. Umar Mohammed Bago. This was the position of Isah Sidi Rijau, the Director General, Bago-Yakubu Governorship Campaign Council.

Rijau made the assertion at a two-day retreat organized for directors, deputies directors, secretaries and other members of the campaign council in Minna, the capital of Niger State.

The DG said all the party needs to do is to put up a united front and the inputs of all members of the governorship campaign

council properly harnessed to ensure success at the polls.

“The essence of the retreat is to brainstorm to come up with harmonious resolutions for a successful campaign and elections [and] ensure the APC emerges victorious at the general elections in Niger state,” he stated.

Rijau maintained: “The [other] major political party the PDP is never in any way a threat to our victory; but we needed the inputs of all the directorates, secretaries and other members of the council to have a united front

ahead of the elections.”

In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion and APC elders, Maj Gen Abdullahi Garba (retd) disclosed that the retreat was part of activities lined up towards the success of the party and its governorship candidate Umar Mohammed Bago in the elections.

He said: “It’s an opportunity to strategise by working harmoniously in line with the overall objectives of the party which is to ensure the party’s victory during the general elections.”

INEC assures Kaduna residents of commitment to election

By Musa Baba Adamu

The administrative secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kaduna State, Auwal Mashi, has dispelled fears that elections might be cancelled in nine local government areas of the state

due to security challenges and scarcity of fuel.

He gave the assurances in a meeting with traditional rulers and representatives of all political parties across the state in a meeting on Thursday.

INEC, he said, is committed to free, fair and credible elections in the state and advised voters to get

prepared to vote for the candidate of their choice without fear, while also urging them not to sell their voters cards to politicians.

“Selling of voters card for material gains or for any reason by anybody must have done that [to] his or her detriment by only disenfranchising him[self] or herself from participating in the

election process,” he said.

The INEC secretary also explained that elections in the state are expected to be conducted in 8,012 polling units, adding that funds for logistics are already in the coffer of the Commission in preparation for a hitch-free election in the state.

2023 election: PDP not a threat – Niger APC

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared its major political opponent, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not a threat to its victory in the governorship and other elective positions in the forthcoming elections.

This was the position of Isah Sidi Rijau, the Director General, Bago-Yakubu Governorship Campaign Council. Rijau made the assertion at a two-day retreat organized for directors, deputies directors, secretaries and other members of the campaign

council in Minna, the capital of Niger State.

The DG said all the party needs to do is to put up a united front and the inputs of all members of the governorship campaign council properly harnessed to ensure success at the polls.

“The essence of the retreat is to brainstorm to come up with harmonious resolutions for a successful campaign and elections [and] ensure the APC emerges victorious at the general elections in Niger state,” he stated.

Rijau maintained: “The [other] major political party the PDP is never in any way a threat

to our victory; but we needed the inputs of all the directorates, secretaries and other members of the council to have a united front ahead of the elections.”

In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion and APC elders, Maj Gen Abdullahi Garba (retd) disclosed that the retreat was part of activities lined up towards the success of the party and its governorship candidate Umar Mohammed Bago in the elections.

He said: “It’s an opportunity to strategise by working harmoniously in line with the overall objectives of the party which is to ensure the party’s

victory during the general elections.”

Also, the APC secretary of the campaign council, Salman Yusuf explained that the purpose of the two-day programme for members of the governorship campaign council is to review the successes, challenges and prospects to enable them to strategize for a way forward in the elections.

The governorship campaign council was inaugurated last Saturday by the deputy governorship candidate, Yakibu Garba on behalf of the governorship candidate, Alh. Umar Mohammed Bago.

By Musa Baba Adamu

AFederal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has granted an order restraining the Rivers State Government, led by Governor Nyesom Wike; the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from arresting and intimidating members of the Atiku Campaign Council in the State.

Justice A.T Ibrahim issued the order against the DSS and the police following a motion ex parte filed by leaders of the Rivers State Atiku/Okowa Campaign Council.

The Council Spokesperson, Dr Leloonu Nwibubasa, on

We’re no longer interested in your stadium –Atiku campaign blasts Gov Wike

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday, turned down the approval by the state governor, Nyesom Wike, to use the Adokiye Amesiamaka Stadium, Igwurita-Ali, Port Harcourt, for its presidential campaign rally.

Recall that Wike, who fell out with Atiku following the outcome of the party’s primary election last year, had denied giving the approval for the venue.

However, while speaking at the PDP governorship campaign rally at Ogu in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, the governor announced the reapproval of the facility.

Court bars Rivers Govt, Police, DSS from arresting members of Atiku Campaign

Wednesday, noted that Atiku Abubakar’s supporters are now protected by the court order after some of them were arraigned on Tuesday before a Magistrate Court, Premium Times reported.

Over 20 of those arraigned were reportedly remanded in prison. And the case was adjourned to the 22nd of March for a hearing of bail application.

The applicants in the suit are former National Chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus; Chairman of the Council, Senator Lee Maeba; Former Transportation Minister and Director General of the Council, Dr. Abiye Sekibo; Senator Thompson George Sekibo, and Celestine Omehia (derecognised former Governor).

Others are: Former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Austin Opara; Member House of Representatives, Chinyere Igwe; immediate past Commissioner for Water Resources, Tamuno Sisi Gogo Jaja; and Spokesman of the Council, Dr Leloonu Nwibubasa; among others.

Justice Ibrahim ordered

the government and other respondents to maintain the status quo until the determination of the suit. Recall that Nwibubasa had recently accused the State Governor, Nyesom Wike, of using security operatives to arrest 35 supporters of Atiku during a meeting in Port Harcourt.

Osun Tribunal Judgment: We trust judiciary to right wrong, ensure justice – PDP

By Christiana Ekpa

ThePeoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun says it has confidence in the integrity and capacity of the Nigerian judiciary to right every wrong and ensure justice is served.

The PDP, which made this known on Wednesday in a statement by Dr Adekunle Akindele, the PDP Caretaker Chairman in the state, was speaking on the heels of the recent judgment by the Election Petition Tribunal in the state.

The Tribunal had in the judgment nullified the election of Senator Ademola Adeleke, as the Osun Governor, and declared the immediate past governor Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the validly elected governor.

The PDP said it only had issues with the partisan review of the evidence before the Tribunal and abandonment of incontrovertible facts from the BVAS (The Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems) machines.

The party also listed the neglect of the primary role of Form EC8 series, as well as the eventual deliberate miscarriage of Justice.

“Ever since the judgment was delivered, our party and the governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, have been consistent and frank in our separation of Kume’s Buga judgment, from the nation’s judiciary, an institution that remains a strong pillar of our democratic system.

“While the trial lasted, we also avoided media trial in the utmost

respect for the sanctity of the hallowed chamber of Justice.

“Since PDP is a party of law and order, we have refrained from prejudicial actions, even as we pursue the path of due diligence within the framework of appeal processes and in strict respect for the nation’s judiciary.

“We respect the judicial process as we have strong water tight grounds of appeal which we are convinced will be sustained by the appellate courts,” the PDP said in the statement.

According to the party, both

the local and international political space is still in shock over the Osun Tribunal ruling.

“That explains why the ruling was greeted with unanimous condemnation from members of the public, the political class, the mainstream establishment, the diplomatic community and the global democracy family.

“The judiciary is therefore well positioned and in full knowledge of all the facts to enable it to take appropriate corrective actions through the appeal process”.

Court adjourns Ekiti impeachment case to Feb 20

By Christiana Ekpa

Ekiti State High Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of the suit filed by the former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Gboyega Aribisogan due to fresh issues raised by the claimant in his reply to the counter-affidavit of the defendants.

The court subsequently adjourned the case till February 20 to allow the defendants to respond

to new issues raised by the former speaker.

Justice Adekunle Adeleye, at the resumed hearing of the suit on Wednesday, said the defendants should be given the opportunity to respond to new facts in the counteraffidavit and written address filed by the claimant.

Defendants in the suit are the Ekiti State House of Assembly, its clerk, and speaker, Olubunmi Adelugba, respectively first, second

and third defendants.

Counsel to the claimant, Stanley Imhanruoh, withdrew an application he had filed to set the matter down for hearing which was granted by the presiding judge, Justice Adeleye and on behalf of Aribisogan, filed a reply to the counter-affidavit in opposition to the Originating Summons and an affidavit of service of the process.

“We were served yesterday with their Counter-Affidavit which

contains new facts and new issues of law which we will have to react to and by the rules of the court and settled position of the law, we have to react,” Balogun said.

Justice Adeleye, in his reaction, stated: “Your application is not ripe for hearing; I don’t want to run a kangaroo court. If you served them yesterday and he has raised observations that you have raised new issues he would have to react to them.

“Ordinarily, the other party should be given the opportunity to react. You (Imhanruoh) that is delaying yourself by introducing new issues, next time, serve on time so that the other side can reply on time. Your failure in serving them on time is your own problem.”

Justice Adeleye also reiterated his commitment to be fair to parties in the suit urging them to cooperate with the court to hear and conclude the suit as soon as possible.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore during the inspection tour of Karshi 3000 Capacity Custodial. On his right is the Controller General of Correctional Service, CGS Aliyu Nababa yesterday.. Photo: Min of Interior

Fidelity Bank appoints former MD of UBA Benin Republic as executive director

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Fidelity Bank has named Pamela Shodipo, the managing director of the Benin Republic subsidiary of United Bank for Africa (UBA) between December 2021 and November 2022, as an executive director.

In a regulatory filing, the bank said Mrs Shodipo will head the South Directorate of the lender which, as part of the push to join the rank of Nigeria’s top banks by tier 1 capital, last August announced a pact to buy out rival Union Bank’s UK unit.

The appointment has the endorsement of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the bank said, adding that the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria have been notified.

With a banking experience of more than a quarter of a century, Mrs Shodipo has worked in retail, corporate, commercial and public sectors, functioning in management roles within and outside Nigeria.

She started her career in 1991 at International Standard Insurance Limited before switching to banking the year after, when she took the role of customer service officer at United Commercial Bank Limited (UCBL).

As of the time of exiting Zenith Bank in 2007, she had ascended to the Assistant General Manager grade within the ten years she spent at the organisation since joining it from UCBL.

“Pamela enjoyed an illustrious career at UBA and headed various regional banks,” Fidelity Bank said in the statement.

“She was elevated to the position of general manager in 2017 and had direct supervisory responsibility for up to 28 branch managers from 2017 to 2020.”

Prior to becoming the chief executive of UBA Benin Republic, she held the post of directorate head, Lagos 3/Public Sector at the bank.

Mrs Shodipo briefly led the personal banking division of the UBA Group until her current appointment.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Lagos in 1990 and later a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Wales College of Cardiff, UK.

Honda launches new motorcycle for private, commercial use

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Honda Manufacturing Nigeria Limited has launched a new motorcycle, Honda CB Unicorn, into the Nigerian market.

The new product, which was launched Wednesday at Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, is poised to be “very reliable for commercial and private use”, according to the company.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Honda Nigeria, Hirohide Ichikawa, said that “the new Honda Unicorn was manufactured with the same innovative precision technology that is synonymous with the Honda Brand, its unique and amazing features which makes it the best of its class.

He noted that the Honda Unicorn is designed to perfection after extensive engagement with their business partners on the distribution value chain and personal users, adding that the motorcycle is popular in India and the Middle East where the company recorded sales of more than 150,000 units in a year.

The event had in attendance 27 motorcycle dealers from Lagos, Abia, Ogun, Oyo, Adamawa, Bauchi, Kaduna, Adamawa, Taraba and Kano States.

Introducing the new product, the Sales Manager of the company, Olabade Badejo, said the Unicorn motorcycle stands out because

it is “convenient of service/ part availability, best in fuel consumption, guarantees high quality and durability, high resale value, comfortable seat and easy manufacturing”.

He added that the motorcycle which is targeted at private and corporate customers can be used for the dispatch of letters, food delivery, bank delivery, leisure, travel, fun ride, ride to church, delivery of general merchandise, and good for patrol by security agencies.

Mr Badejo noted that the retail price for the bike is pegged at N1,400,000 and is available in various colours, including imperial red metallic, mat axis grey metallic, pearl igneous black, and pearl amazing white.

He reiterated that the “high quality and efforts for service/ parts” are the strong points of the Honda Unicorn which is set for mass distribution from their head office in Ota, Ogun State.

The MD noted that the company decided to launch the Honda Unicorn despite the current situation of the Nigerian economy.

“We are particularly proud that the Honda Unicorn is being launched today under the present difficult operating terrain in Nigeria. This doesn’t only symbolizes the hope for a better future but also expresses our continued belief and trust in the

Nigerian dream.

“Indeed, despite the difficult operating environment, Nigeria continues to play a key role in the business plans of Honda Motor globally,” he said.

The Honda Nigeria boss further noted that the company has been committed to serving the Nigerian market with the best products.

He said: “When our journey started with its incorporation in 1979, we made a solemn promise to manufacture the best Nigerian product with a global appeal, and we are proud to state that we have continued to deliver on this promise.

“From our first product, CD195 in 1981, we have continued to operate by the global Honda brand fundamental beliefs of the three Joys (Joy of Buying, Joy of Selling and Joy of creating).

“From our product conceptualisation, design, quality and after-sales service, our goal remains centred on our belief and desire that each person working in, or coming into contact with the Honda brand should share a sense of great joy through an unforgettable experience of a world-class product.”

Speaking on the activities of Honda, Mr Badejo said apart from other products, their motorcycle products being the origin of their business are used in over 175 countries.

He said their total production all over the world hit 440 million units as of 2022 and in Nigeria, most of their products are distributed from the factory in Ota, Ogun state.

The other products include generators, engines, water pumps and attics.

“We have produced motorcycles (of) more than 1 million units since the first production in 1981. Long time history backs up reliance to our products.

“Our products are based on Global Honda R&D know-how & production with global quality standards. With it, we’re engaged in improving customer aftersales environment,” he added.

Mr Badejo also noted that the company will commence safety riding training in April 2023 to improve the riding skills of drivers, increase profitability and boost the safety image of the organisation.

“We would like to improve the safety of motorcycle users and change the perception that motorcycle is dangerous in Nigeria and to make the society everyone in Nigeria can enjoy Motorcycle as convenient mobility, by doing so, we’d like to develop motorisation in Nigeria,” he said.

He added that the training will be focused on riding mechanism, accident and responsibility, cornering postures, balancing (at low Speed) and braking System.

Petrol price hike: FG orders NMDPRA to penalise erring marketers

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The federal government says it has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to penalise oil marketers who are fleecing citizens by hiking petrol prices across the country.

Timipre Sylva, minister of state for petroleum resources, spoke on Wednesday while fielding questions from journalists after the federal executive council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Sylva, corroborating the position of Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), promised that the distribution challenge caused by the current petrol scarcity would not impede the forthcoming election operations.

He said all hands would be on deck to ensure adequate supply of the commodity.

“This is quite unfortunate, we are not happy at all about

what is going on. Every hand is on the deck. As I said earlier, the ministry of petroleum is not in control of all the factors that lead to scarcity in the sense that there are forex issues as well and other issues,” he said.

“But at the moment today, there is supply, but unfortunately, we are experiencing some bottlenecks with the distribution and movement of the product to various destinations for now.

“I want to assure you that everything is being done by the NNPC Limited, NMDPRA, the marketers.

“Everybody’s hands are on deck to ensure that this problem is resolved. To inform you today we had a briefing from INEC and the commission has also engaged NNPC and NNPC has assured INEC that petroleum products supply to INEC will not be a problem. The situation will not likely affect the election at all.”

Sylva also accused oil marketers of profiting from the situation.

He said anyone culpable

would be sanctioned.

“We have reports of profiteering by marketers, and I have directed NMDPRA to sanction anybody who profiteers in this kind of situation,” the minister said.

“We cannot stand by and watch our citizens exploited by marketers. But of course, I have given that directive and I do not know if it has not taken effect.

“I do not know the details of how far that directive has been carried out. But I am going to still further give that directive, if that is still the situation. But definitely, we are not paying a blind eye at all.”

Speaking about the performance of the monitoring agencies under his ministry, Sylva said they could only act in accordance with the dictates of the law.

“There are laws. You know how these things happen. There are definitely laws and this is a democratic system. Of course, they cannot go against the law themselves,” he said.

“The regulators cannot also

go against the law. So, it is only through the processes provided for by law that these regulations can be carried out.

“So, I will direct NMDPRA further to ensure that nobody profiteers on the citizens off Nigeria.”

Speaking on projects in energy sector, Sylva said the council approved N117 billion for the construction of the Oloibiri Oil and Gas Museum and Research Centre.

“Council has approved a contract for the construction of the Oloibiri Oil Museum and Research Center to Messrs Julius Berger PLC at a cost of N117 billion, with a completion timeframe of 30 months,” he said.

“This project has been on the drawing board for so long. The first time a foundation stone was laid for this project was in the early 1980s by President Shehu Shagari.

“So, this actually is a major milestone, and it is expected to be a major legacy of Mr. President in the Niger Delta.”

Sterling Bank denies hoarding N258m new notes

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

Sterling Bank has debunked an allegation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) that it “stashed N258 million new notes” in its vault.

ICPC had, on Tuesday evening, said that it discovered millions of new naira notes in the vault of Sterling Bank’s Abuja regional office.

The anti-graft agency also said that both the bank’s regional and service managers were arrested and later granted administrative bail while the investigation continues.

However, in a series of tweets on Wednesday, the bank described the allegation as “inaccurate and misleading”.

Sterling Bank said it has always complied with all the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) guidelines on the distribution of redesigned notes.

It said that when the ICPC monitoring team visited the Abuja regional office, all the bank’s automated teller machines (ATMs) were dispensing all denominations of the newly designed banknotes.

It added that customers were also withdrawing cash over-thecounter in accordance with the regulator’s recommendations.

“Dear @icpcnigeria, The allegation of a discovery, as presented in the narrative, is inaccurate and misleading,” the tweet reads in part.

“It must be noted that no cash was “stashed” in the vault of the regional office, and for emphasis, Sterling Bank has complied with all the guidelines on the distribution of redesigned notes from inception to date.

“We are neither gas-filled objects nor criminals, as such there was no “busting.”

Sterling Bank said that the N258 million in the vault of its Abuja regional office was earmarked for distribution to other branches in the region.

It alleged that members of the ICPC monitoring team were informed of the sums contained in the branch’s vault prior to the inspection.

“All balances in our vaults are reported daily to the Central Bank of Nigeria and form the basis for the allocation of new notes in an efficient manner; it is therefore,untrue that such monies are ‘stashed’ or ‘hoarded’,” the bank said.

Finalise securitisation of N23.7trn loan from CBN, IMF tells FG

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked the federal government to finalise securitisation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) existing stock of overdrafts (also known as Ways and Means financing).

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday after its 2022 Article IV consultation with Nigeria.

The federal government has been borrowing from the CBN through “Ways and Means”.

Ways and Means is a loan facility through which the CBN finances the government’s budget shortfalls.

In December last year, President Muhammadu Buhari requested for senate approval of the restructuring of N23.7 trillion Ways and Means Advances given to the government by the CBN.

But the senate demanded that before it could approve the request, it must have the details of what the funds were spent on.

“Directors also urged the authorities to finalize securitization

of the CBN’s existing stock of overdrafts and emphasized that the CBN’s budget financing should strictly adhere to the statutory limits,” the IMF said.

“Directors encouraged a continued move toward a unified and market-clearing exchange rate by dismantling various exchange rate windows at the CBN.

“Providing clarity on exchange rate policy would help boost investor confidence, quell capital.”

Despite the current high interest rate of 17.5 percent, the IMF called for fiscal and monetary tightening to secure macroeconomic stability, combined with structural reforms to improve governance, strengthen the agricultural sector, and boost inclusive, sustainable growth.

It encouraged the apex bank to stand ready to further increase the policy rate if needed.

It also recommended the implementation of additional actions including fully sterilising central bank financing of fiscal deficits and phasing out credit intervention programmes.

IMF said that despite rising oil prices, the nation’s fiscal deficit was estimated to have widened further in 2022 due to high fuel subsidy costs.

It said that while the current account might have improved in 2022, foreign currency reserves declined because of capital outflow pressures.

It advised Nigerian authorities to deliver on their commitment to remove fuel subsidies by mid-2023, and to increase well-targeted social spending.

The IMF highlighted the importance of improving the performance of the agricultural sector for job creation and food security.

It observed that notwithstanding the authorities’ success in containing and managing the COVID-19 infections, socio-economic conditions remain difficult.

“The spillover effects of the war in Ukraine, which have been transmitted mainly through higher domestic food prices, worsened the scarring effects of the

pandemic, particularly on the most vulnerable—with Nigeria being among the countries with the lowest food security,” the IMF said.

It warned that higher international food and fertilizer prices and continued widening of the parallel market premium could culminate in the de-anchoring of inflation expectations.

The IMF urged the Nigerian government to implement governance reforms, including delivering on commitments from the 2020 rapid financing instrument.

“Improving transparency and accountability in the oil sector is also key to strengthening governance,” the organisation said.

It said there is a need for bold fiscal reforms to create needed policy space, put public debt on sound footing, and reduce vulnerabilities.

The IMF recommended modernising customs administration, rationalizing tax incentives, and raising tax rates to the levels of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

RoutePay gets CBN licence to provide digital payment services

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted full operating licence to RoutePay Fintech Limited to provide digital payment solutions in Nigeria.

CBN granted the approval in a letter titled, ‘payment solution service licence category’, and dated January 12, 2023, according to a statement by the fintech company.

The apex bank had granted RoutePay an approval-in-principle (AIP) last year.

With the full approval, RoutePay is now “certified to have fulfilled all the conditions stipulated by the CBN”.

“We are pleased to inform you that the CBN has approved the issuance of a licence to operate under the payment solution service provider (PSSP) in Nigeria,” the statement quoted CBN as saying.

CBN added that the approval

followed a painstaking review and updates including on-thespot assessment of facilities at the fintech firm to ensure that it meets developments in the payment ecosystem.

Femi Adeoti, the group managing director of RoutePay, said the company is managed by a team of astute professionals with deep knowledge and understanding of the digital payment systems in Nigeria.

“The CBN approval validates the firm’s trustworthiness in the financial services industry,” he said.

Adeoti, also the former managing director of Inlaks, highlighted the growing need for improved processes, services, products and accessibility in the digital payment and financial technology industry.

He said Routepay was poised to ensuring that “digital payment solutions are made possible and

available in our environment without hassles”.

Also speaking on the approval, Abayomi Olomu, the company’s chief executive officer (CEO), said Routepay is very intentional about driving digital payment transformation in a changing and demanding world.

He said the organisation, through its diverse products, will enhance connections between parties in the payment space by concentrating on eliminating pain points and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Olomu said these pain points range from issues of reliability of channels to specific issues of trust, explaining that some people still would not use their cards for online payments because of the fear of fraud, while some are concerned about the cost of using payment channels.

This, he said, could be partly responsible for the low rate of

adoption despite all the awareness, products, services, government policies and investment in this sector.

In spite of the number of service providers in the financial technology and digital payments space, Olomu said more than 85 percent of transactions are still done via cash.

“All these concerns and many others are what we have termed as pain points and RoutePay is all out to fix them in very innovative ways. We are deploying an intelligent customer experience survey system to capture feedback from users from time to time so as to constantly adjust our services, processes, and products to meet the users’ expectations,” he said.

“We are making digital payment products and services available to all and sundry regardless of their exposure, technology awareness, location, age, affluence, and education.”

CBN to prosecute sellers, abusers of Naira

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned Nigerians against selling, spraying and stamping on the naira, describing the acts as “unlawful”.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the apex bank said the warning was necessitated by the

activities of persons who sell the new notes and those who abuse the currency by hurling wads of cash in the air at social functions.

On Wednesday, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arrested a woman for selling new naira notes on social media.

The CBN said there have

also been reported cases of unregistered persons and non-bank officials swapping banknotes.

“We wish to state unequivocally that, contrary to the practice of these unpatriotic persons, it is unlawful to sell the Naira, hurl (spray), or stamp on the currency under any circumstance whatsoever,”

the statement signed by Osita Nwanisobi, CBN’s spokesperson, reads.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 (As amended) stipulates that “spraying of, dancing or matching on the Naira or any note issued by the Bank during social occasions or otherwise howsoever shall

constitute an abuse and defacing of the Naira or such note and shall be punishable under the law by fines or imprisonment or both.

“Similarly, Section 21(4) states that “It shall also be an offence punishable under Sub-section (1) of this section for any person to hawk, sell or otherwise trade in the Naira notes, coins or any other note issued by the Bank.”

Hardships caused by Naira redesign worries FG -Minister

By Egena Sunday Ode

The Federal Government is worried over the hardships being experienced by the citizens arising from redesign of the naira..

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed disclosed this Thursday while featuring at the weekly press briefing organized by the Presidential Communication Team at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to the Minister, the harsh realities faced by citizens due to the introduction of the new naira notes by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is a necessary price to pay for the long-term health of the economy.

Answering questions from newsmen Mrs. Ahmed said

“President Mohammadu Buhari is not happy that the citizens are suffering because of the implementation of the naira redesign but was convinced that the policy will at the long run be beneficial to the economy.”

The current hardships, though temporal, are required to stifle corruption and gradually transition into a cashless economy, she said.

According to her, one of the positive aspects of the policy is that a lot of money has been mopped up.

Recall that in November last year, the CBN announced that it will redesign the N200, N500, and N1000 notes of the naira.

The nation’s apex bank gave January 31, 2023, as the deadline for the populace to return all old notes to commercial banks after

which they will cease to be Legal Tender.

The decision generated a lot of controversies which necessitated the meeting between President Buhari and the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele in Daura on Sunday, January 29 where the later after the meeting announced a 10-day extension from January 31 to February 10, 2023.

The new dates also include a grace period of seven days (February 10-February 17, 2023) when Nigerians could return old notes to the CBN.

Speaking in Daura on Saturday, January 28, the President had argued that the FG’s currency swap is not meant to target innocent citizens but corrupt persons and terror financiers hoarding illicit monies.

He also assured Nigerians that the government will ensure that they and their businesses will face no harm from disruptions caused to the entire supply chain arising from the currency swap.

However, the scarcity of the new naira notes has become a thing of concern to many Nigerians, who cannot lay their hands on either the new notes or the old ones.

The Federal Government will start collecting taxes from cryptocurrency transactions in Nigeria explaining that while the taxation of cryptocurrencies is provided for in the law that we’re trying to finalize the exact volumes, there’s still an assessment process that was going on which is supported by the World Bank.

“So we will know how much

yield in terms of taxes, saying Nigeria consistently ranked among the top global players in cryptocurrency transactions, and we’re missing out completely from taxing those things.

“The principle of taxation is whether or not the revenues are legal or tax and the government will take the right decision.”

On what effort the ministry takes to curtail the challenges of the redesign of naira notes in the country, Mrs. Ahmed said that it will be a monetary policy decision.

She assured that the CBN was considering resolving the issue because there have been several questions being asked, adding that the monetary authorities will take that decision and present it on the board and “we’ll have to wait for their own process.

By Stanley Onyekwere

To ensure active participation of women in electioneering processes, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Abiodun Essiet Initiative for Girls (AEIG) has stepped up social inclusion advocacy for women in Abaji Area Council of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The NGO stressed the need for stakeholders to always be politically accommodating, especially towards women in the area.

Our correspondent reports that the FCT Original Inhabitants (OI) project team of AEIG held a hall meeting on gender equality and social inclusion

METRO

NGO ups social inclusion advocacy for women in Abaji

with the theme: Raising Awareness on Violence Against Women in Politics

During Electoral Processes, which had hundreds of participants in attendance, on Wednesday.

In her remarks, AEIG Founder, Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, noted that everyday, women suffer violence in public life and even worse for those

FCT Minister visits Turkish Ambassador over deadly earthquake

By Stanley Onyekwere

Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello yesterday paId a condolence visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Abuja, to commiserate with the Government and people of Turkey over the recent earthquake that claimed thousands of lives.

This was disclosed by Director of Press, Office of the FCT Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, in a statement that

was made available to PeoplesDaily.

“The Minister, who was received by the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, HE. Hidayet Bayraktar, signed the condolence register, where he expressed the sadness of the FCT Administration and the residents of the FCT, over the unfortunate incident.

“The Turkish Ambassador expressed his appreciation to the Minister for the visit”, the statement read.

who are actively involved in the political processes.

According to her, the form of violence they suffer ranges from physical, psychological and even sexual.

She added people should learn to respect the political views and inclination of others and

disagreements shouldn’t result to violence.

Equally, she said the Judiciary and law enforcement agencies should do more within the ambit of the law to bring perpetrators to justice.

“Election is not war, but an opportunity for us to exercise our rights, and also participate

in entrenching democracy in this country.

“So, please encourage more women in Abaji Area Council to actively participate in the process, by giving them enabling environment. This has become imperative has the 2023 general elections draw closer”, she reiterated.

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello (right) in a handskhake with the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria HE.Hidayet Bayraktar during the Minister’s condolence visit to the Turkish Embassy in Abuja yesterday

Abuja Natives in court, demand inclusion in State Assembly, Governorship polls

By Stanley Onyekwere

Some Natives of Abuja have dragged the federal government and National Assembly to court for them to establish the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja functionaries and political structure to enable them participate in the State Assembly and governorship elections, scheduled for March 11, 2023.

This, they say would end the discrimination against the indigenous people of Abuja.

The natives in the case filed by the Registered Trustees of Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organization against the President of Nigeria, with suit no: fct/hc/cv/85/2023, through their lawyer, James Egah Nadeye on February 6, 2023, in the FCT High Court of Justice, seek that Section 299 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria equates FCT, Abuja with a State in status.

Also, the Natives are also seeking a declaration that the failure of the federal government to provide administrative units and political structure for the FCT, Abuja comprising a Legislative and Executive body to the House of Assembly of a State and governor of a state amounts to constitutional breach and a flagrant violation of fundamental rights of the natives and the entire indigenes of FCT.

Equally, they want the court to order the federal government to give effect to sections 299, 301, and 302 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and section 18(b) of the FCT Act Cap. F6, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to propose an executive bill or exercise his executive powers to establish for the FCT an elective functionary executive body to the governor of a state, for them to participate in elections to vote and stand to be voted into, like people in other states on March 11, 2023, or any later date before the new democratic order on May 29, 2023.

Furthermore, they want the court to order the president and National Assembly to give effect to sections 4(2) Sub-section (4) (b); Section 303 of the 1999 Constitution to embark on “accelerated passage of the bill” to create administrative units and political structure for FCT, to enable the indigenes of Abuja to participate in elections related to states House of Assembly and Governorship elections scheduled for March 11, 2023, or on any later date before the inauguration of a new democratic order on May 29, 2023.

Also, that the court alternatively should order the president and National Assembly to as a matter of urgency and exigency apply the “Doctrine of Necessity” and pass

a Resolution allowing elections to be conducted into designated Executive and Legislative bodies in whatever manner for the FCT, whereby the indigenes of Abuja could participate to vote and be voted for in the elections relating to the House of Assembly of a State and Governor of a State scheduled for March 11, 2023, or any later date before the inauguration of a new democratic order on May 29, 2023, and thereby end the discrimination against the natives and the indigenes of FCT, Abuja.

The natives are also seeking an order directing, the president to give effect to the provisions of Section 147(3) 302 of the 1999 Constitution and immediately appoint a Minister for the FCT, from among the indigenes of the FCT.

According to them, the court should also order the president to pay them the sum of N15,000,000,000,000 as damages for the infringement of their fundamental rights of freedom from discrimination and dignity of person for the past epochs of democratic dispensation in Nigeria from 1979 to date they have suffered, the deprivations and non-participation in elections into legislative and executive bodies akin to a State House of Assembly and Governorship of a State and all benefits, privileges, and rights inherent thereto.

Also, that the president

should pay them the sum of N1,000,000,000,000 as damages for the infringement of their fundamental rights of freedom from discrimination against the appointment of a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the past epochs of democratic dispensation.

“The natives’ case is in 1979, 1983, 1991, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019 Governorship and House of Assembly elections were conducted nationwide in the states of the federation except for the FCT. On March 11, 2023, Governorship and House of Assembly elections will be conducted nationwide in the 36 states of the federation except for Abuja.

“The Nigerian citizens who are indigenes of the FCT are the only people who do not enjoy representation in the state government with a Legislative body related to the state House of Assembly and an Executive body akin to that of a state Governor.

“The citizens of Nigeria who are indigenes of FCT-Abuja are the only people in Nigeria not accorded the privilege and right to participate in elections to vote and to stand for elections into legislative and executive bodies related to state House of Assemble and Governor of a state like their counterparts in the 36 states.

“The citizens of Nigeria who are indigenes of Abuja are the only

people in Nigeria that are subjected to the practical application of Federal Laws, Federal Executive and Legislative bodies and administrative or executive actions of the Federal Government under section 299(a)(b), 301, 302 of the 1999 constitution and the Electoral Act(as amended) as such a flagrant violation of their fundamental rights to the dignity of a person, freedom from discrimination,” the Natives stated.

Also, in their demands, the natives stated that the indigenes of the FCT are the only people who are governed by a minister as governor acting for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“No Minister has ever been appointed by the President from among the indigenes of the FCT, particularly the Minister of the FCT who have been non-indigenes since its creation in 1976. The indigenes of Abuja are the only people who have been deprived of a 2nd tier system of government in a country that is practicing federalism.

“It is highly disturbing to see that the Nigerian citizens who are indigenes of the FCT are the only people because of their place of origin and ethnic background not accorded privilege and rights particularly that flows from a 2nd tier system of government and dividends of democracy like their counterparts in the country,” the natives said.

Donald Trump back on Facebook and Instagram

Donald Trump’s Facebook and Instagram pages have been restored after being suspended for more than two years.

Mr Trump was banned from the social media platforms after the Capitol riots in 2021.

The platforms’ parent company Meta said it had acted after the then-president praised people who were “engaged in violence at the Capitol”.

If Mr Trump breaks the rules again, he may be removed again - for between one month and two years - Meta has said.

Posts in which he baselessly challenges the outcome of the 2020 US presidential election remain up on both websites.

Supporters have commented on the last of his posts with messages welcoming him back.

Mr Trump was initially suspended from the platforms indefinitely, but that was later revised to a two-year suspension after the platforms’ Oversight Board criticised the open-ended penalty.

At the time, he described the move as “an insult” to the millions who voted for him in the 2020 presidential election.

His return was announced by Meta two weeks ago.

Nick Clegg, the company’s president of global affairs, argued the public “should be able to hear what their politicians are

saying”.

He added that a review had found Mr Trump’s accounts to no longer pose a serious risk to public safety.

Last November, the former president announced he would be running for president again in 2024. He has 34m followers on Facebook and over 23m on Instagram. Ms Ardern choked up as she detailed how six “challenging” years in the job had taken a toll.

Labour MPs will vote to find her replacement on Sunday.

Ms Ardern, 42, said she had taken time to consider her future over the summer break, hoping to find the heart and energy to go on in the role.

“But unfortunately I haven’t, and I would be doing a disservice to New Zealand to continue,” she told reporters on Thursday.

Ms Ardern will step down by 7 February. If no would-be successor garners the support of two-thirds of the party room, the vote will go to Labour’s lay membership.

Ms Ardern became the youngest female head of government in the world when she was elected prime minister in 2017, aged 37.

And a year later she became the second elected world leader to ever give birth while in office, after Pakistan’s Benazir

Bhutto in 1990.

She steered New Zealand through the Covid-19 pandemic and its ensuing recession, the Christchurch mosque shootings, and the White Island volcanic eruption.

Ms Ardern said the past five-and-ahalf years had been the “most fulfilling” of her life, but leading the country during “crisis” had been difficult.

“These events... have been taxing because of the weight, the sheer weight and continual nature of them. There’s never really been a moment where it’s ever felt like we were just governing.”

National Party leader Chris Luxon was among those who thanked Ms Ardern “for her service to New Zealand”.

“She has given her all to this incredibly demanding job,” the opposition leader wrote on Twitter.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Ms Ardern as a leader of intellect, strength and empathy.

“Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many and a great friend to me,” he wrote.

Canada’s leader Justin Trudeau said she had made an “immeasurable” difference to the world.

Ukraine’s interior ministry leadership killed in helicopter crash

The three main figures in Ukraine’s interior ministry have been killed in a helicopter crash beside a nursery in an eastern suburb of the capital Kyiv.

Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky, 42, died alongside his first deputy minister and state secretary.

Fourteen people died when the helicopter came down in Brovary around 08:30 local time (06:30 GMT), including one child, authorities said.

There is no indication the crash was anything other than an accident.

But the SBU state security service said it was following several possible causes for the crash, which included sabotage as well as a technical malfunction or breach of flight rules.

The State Emergency Service had previously stated that up to 18 people were killed but later revised the death toll from the crash, saying 14 had died.

Mr Monastyrsky, who was one of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s longest serving political advisers, is the highest profile Ukrainian casualty since the war began.

The deputy head of Ukraine’s presidential office, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, said the minister had been travelling to a war “hot spot” when his helicopter went down.

The head of police in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, Volodymyr Tymoshko, said the ministerial team were on their way to meet him there and he had spoken to them only yesterday.

The minister’s death cuts to the heart of the government in Kyiv as the interior ministry has the vital task of maintaining security and running the police during the war.

President Zelensky has spoken of a terrible tragedy that claimed the lives of “true patriots”.

The head of Ukraine’s national police force, Ihor Klymenko, has been appointed acting interior minister following Mr Monastyrsky’s death.

Witnesses in Kyiv said Russia’s war was to blame for the disaster.

“It was very foggy and there was no electricity, and when there’s no electricity there are no lights on the buildings,” local resident Volodymyr Yermelenko told the BBC.

Key officials are flown by helicopter across Ukraine at tree-level, but that comes with risks.

All that was recognisable of the helicopter was a door panel and one of its rotors which landed on the roof of a car. Next to it were three bodies covered in foil blankets.

The main kindergarten building was left badly damaged by the crash.

The 42-year-old interior minister was a prominent member of President Volodymy Zelensky’s cabinet.

He was a recognisable face for Ukrainians throughout the war, updating the public on casualties caused by Russian missile strikes since Ukraine was invaded in February 2022.

Ukrainian officials said those on

board the helicopter included six ministry officials and three crew.

First deputy minister Yevhen Yenin died along with state secretary Yurii Lubkovich, whose task was to organise the work of the ministry.

Before he moved to the interior ministry, Mr Yenin helped represent Ukraine’s government abroad.

Mr Tymoshenko said the interior ministry’s work would not be affected by the loss of its leaders, but government colleagues were visibly shocked as they reacted on national TV.

A friend of the late minister’s, MP Mariia Mezentseva, said it was a tragedy for everyone as the ministry had a

significant role in Ukraine’s response to the invasion.

“He responded 24/7 to his colleagues, friends and family. He was very close to President Zelensky from day one of his presidential campaign,” she told the BBC.

National police chief Ihor Klymenko wrote on Facebook that the helicopter belonged to Ukraine’s state emergency service, while other officials said it appeared to a be a French Super Puma aircraft.

Parents were bringing their children to the kindergarten before going to work when the helicopter came down.

Source;BBC

Mr Trump, who is running for president again, has regained access to platforms where he has millions of followers

The remains of the helicopter were visible outside a residential building in Brovary

Congolese civilians flee fearing M23 advance

Civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are fleeing their homes near Goma, amid fears that the M23 rebel group are advancing.

There are reports that the Congolese army has been fighting the militia near the town of Sake.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in recent months after the Tutsi-led rebels launched an offensive.

Ten years ago the same group was chased out of eastern DR Congo into Uganda and Rwanda.

Rwanda’s government has been accused of supporting the M23, but it denies it.

Rwanda has for many years criticised the Congolese authorities for failing to disarm Hutu rebels - some of whom were linked to the Rwandan genocide.

SA president address interrupted by protest

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2023 state of the nation address was interrupted by jeering from one opposition party leading to chaos in parliament in Cape

Town.

As he stood up to start the speech a group of MPs attempted to drown out his speech, before being asked to leave the house.

A group of MPs from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) then attempted to storm the stage, with some carrying placards, and were forced out by security guards in dramatic scenes.

Procedures were then suspended.

Rwanda-DR Congo tensions stoked amid clashes - AFP

Rwanda’s government has accused the Democratic Republic of Congo of wanting to “perpetuate conflict and insecurity” and failing to stick by a peace agreement, according to the AFP news agency.

It comes amid ongoing fighting in the east of DR Congo and comments from Congolese Foreign Minister, Christophe Lutundula, that accused Kigali and the M23 rebel group of “once more failing to uphold their commitments”, to the peace deal aimed at stopping fighting in the tense region.

The UN recently confirmed the

discovery of mass graves in the eastern Congolese Ituri province. It was not clear who was responsible, but many armed militias operate in the area, including M23. Mr Lutundula added that his country would “safeguard its territorial integrity”

and “all means” would be used to protect itself.

DR Congo, along with some European nations and the US, accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23, but Rwanda denies this.

Two Ugandan women missing after Turkey quake

Two Ugandan women are missing after their flat in the Turkish city of Diyarbakir collapsed during a devastating earthquake that hit the southern part of the country and northern Syria on Monday, causing the death of at least 19,700 people so far.

The identities of the two women are not yet known, Uganda’s ambassador to Turkey, Nusura Tiperu, said in a statement. They lived in the same building with two other Ugandan women who survived. Turkish authorities were also able to rescue another Ugandan in the city of Malatya from his collapsed flat yesterday. Karara Ashraf is a graduate of Inonu university and was working as a teacher and model.

He is currently admitted at Malatya Yesilyurt Hasan Malik State hospital.

Three other Ugandans are stranded in the city of Gaziantep and are taking shelter in cars. A fourth is said to have left for another city.

Uganda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello Oryem said many Ugandans do not register with their embassies when they travel abroad but estimates that up to 6,000 of them are in the country.

Most are said to be living in the cities of Istanbul, Konya, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya, which are considered safe. But what do we know of their coach, Pape Thiaw, the man tasked with emulating Aliou Cisse, the coach who led the Teranga Lions to a maiden Africa Cup of Nations victory nearly a year ago?

BBC Sport Africa has been looking more closely at Thiaw as he tries to steer his local lions to CHAN glory and make Senegal double African champions.

Who is Pape Thiaw?

A former striker, Thiaw, 41, played alongside Cisse at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea - Senegal’s memorable first appearance at football’s global showpiece.

Another member of that squad, Alassane N’dour, says Thiaw and Cisse were very alike.

“Within the group, Aliou Cisse and Pape Thiaw had a certain similarity: their calmness,” N’dour told BBC Sport Africa.

“Thiaw was a little more sociable. Aliou was more into the action, I could say. After the game we wouldn’t see much of him.

“Pape is more open to discussions, more open to exchanges, but they are two professionals with profiles that are similar but with their differences,” the former defender added.

• Profile: Aliou Cisse’s path to Afcon glory

• Aliou Cisse on impact of ‘Africa’s Titanic’

As well as winning 16 caps and scoring five goals for his country, Thiaw represented several clubs including Strasbourg, Metz and Alaves during a playing career based in France and Spain.

He then went on to coach first division club Niarry Tally in Senegal until February 2021 before a move into the Senegal set-up as coach of the local team.

N’dour says the coaching styles of Thiaw and Cisse are very different.

“Aliou forges his team on rigour and drive, as he did when he played football. Pape’s style is more enveloped in stillness but we can still see a rigorous team.

Senegal’s CHAN qualification campaign impressed N’dour, particularly the crucial two-legged play-off against Guinea that ended 1-1 on aggregate and was decided by a penalty shootout on the

opponent’s home turf.

“The evidence of Pape’s coaching are the results of the two [CHAN] qualifying matches against Guinea. They had to focus on tactics, and it was successful.”

Pape Thiaw (top left) and Aliou Cisse (bottom right) played together for Senegal at the 2002 World Cup Thiaw’s coaching experience

Thiaw’s achievement in steering Senegal to CHAN qualification was notable; they had not participated since the second edition in Sudan in 2011.

At 36, Amara Traore, was the elder statesman of Senegal’s 2002 World Cup squad - and he thinks understanding the country’s football landscape has been crucial in Thiaw’s journey as a national coach.

“He has the benefit of knowing local football and African football so he knows and understands the mentality of the

leaders, of the people.

“Senegal went 11 years without qualifying for CHAN and he arrived and managed to do it so we have to let him grow and let him do his job,” Traore said.

Allasane N’dour also believes managing teams in the Senegalese league provided vital experience for Thiaw.

“He had an atypical career where he was a coach for a local neighbourhood team that he helped to raise to the first division. So he wasn’t scared to learn,” said N’dour.

“He took the time to complete his coaching training and to apply it as a coach at Senegalese clubs.

“So he can pass on all his knowledge, all his lived experience from Senegal, Europe and from playing in the national team.”

Can Thiaw lead Senegal to CHAN glory?

After the euphoria in Senegal following

Countries around the world have sent teams to help the rescue effort

N ews F rom A s IA

Turkey-Syria earthquake: Thousands offer to adopt baby pulled from the rubble

Thousands of people have offered to adopt the baby girl who was born under the rubble of a collapsed building in north-west Syria, following Monday’s earthquake.

When she was rescued, baby Aya - meaning miracle in Arabicwas still connected to her mother by her umbilical cord.

Her mother, father and all four of her siblings died after the quake hit the town of Jindayris.

Aya is now in hospital.

“She arrived on Monday in such a bad state, she had bumps, bruises, she was cold and barely breathing,” said Hani Marouf, the paediatrician looking after her.

She is now in stable condition.

Videos of Aya’s rescue went viral on social media. Footage showed a man sprinting from the collapsed debris of a building, holding a baby covered in dust.

Khalil al-Suwadi, a distant relative, who was there when she was pulled to safety, brought the newborn to Dr Marouf in the Syrian city of Afrin.

Thousands of people on social media have now asked for details to adopt her.

“I would like to adopt her and

give her a decent life,” said one person.

A Kuwaiti TV anchor said, “I’m ready to take care of and adopt this child... if legal procedures allow me to.”

The hospital manager, Khalid Attiah, says he has received dozens of calls from people all over the world wanting to adopt baby Aya.

Dr Attiah, who has a daughter just four months older than her, said, “I won’t allow anyone to adopt her now. Until her distant family return, I’m treating her like one of my own.”

For now, his wife is breastfeeding her alongside their own daughter.

In Aya’s home town of Jindayris, people have been searching through collapsed buildings for loved ones.

A journalist there, Mohammed al-Adnan told the BBC, “The situation is a disaster. There are so many people under the rubble. There are still people we haven’t got out yet.”

He estimated that 90% of the town had been destroyed and most of the help so far had come from local people.

Rescuers from the White Helmets organisation, who are all

too familiar with pulling people out of the rubble for over a decade during Syria’s civil war, have been helping in Jindayris.

“The rescuers can end up being victims too because of how unstable

the building is,” said Mohammed al-Kamel.

“We just pulled three bodies out of this rubble and we think there is a family in there that is still alivewe will keep on working,” he said.

In Syria, more than 3,000 deaths have been reported following the earthquake.

This figure doesn’t include those who have died in oppositionheld areas of the country.

Iran protests: 15 minutes to defend yourself against the death penalty

Four young men have been executed in connection with the nationwide protests that erupted in Iran four months ago, while 18 other people have been sentenced to death. Human rights groups have said they were convicted after grossly unfair sham trials.

Mohammad Mehdi Karami, a 22-year-old karate champion, was hanged on 7 January, just 65 days after his arrest.

Sources have told BBC Persian that he had less than 15 minutes to defend himself in court.

His story shows how authorities in Iran are using show trials to strike fear into the hearts of the protesters, who are demanding freedom and an end to the clerical regime.

‘Don’t tell Mum anything’

The protest movement began after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was detained by morality police in September for allegedly not wearing the mandatory headscarf “properly”.

Authorities dismissed the unrest as “rioting” and launched a violent crackdown. At least 481 protesters have been killed by security forces, according to Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based non-governmental organisation.

Karami was arrested in connection with the murder of a member of the paramilitary Basij force during protests in the city of Karaj, just west of Tehran, on 3 November.

He was later charged with the capital offence of “corruption on

Earth” and went on trial before a Revolutionary Court in Karaj on 30 November along with 16 other people, including three children, also accused of involvement in the murder.

Defendants are entitled to legal representation in Iran, but in sensitive cases like this one, or in espionage cases, they are not allowed to choose their own lawyers. Instead, the court appoints one from a list approved by the judiciary.

Journalists and members of the defendant’s family are also barred from being in court, so the only window into what happens behind the closed doors is heavily edited footage released by the judiciary.

In one such video, Karami appears visibly distressed as he “confesses” to hitting the Basij member on the head with a rock. His court-appointed lawyer does not challenge or dispute this and, instead, asks the judge for forgiveness. Karami then says he was “fooled” and sits down.

On 5 December, Karami was convicted and sentenced to death. Four of his co-defendants were also sentenced to death, while the children and eight others were handed lengthy jail terms, according to the judiciary.

Normally, defendants’ family members come under pressure from authorities to stay silent.

But Mohammad’s father, Mashaalah Karami, who works as a street vendor selling packets of tissues, gave an interview to the Etemad newspaper. He said his son had called him in tears

the day that he was sentenced to death.

“Dad, they gave us the verdict. Mine is the death penalty. Don’t tell Mum anything,” his father recalled, reiterating his son’s innocence.

Chilling accounts

Later, opposition activist group 1500 Tasvir published an account on social media alleging that Karami had been tortured.

It said he had told his family during a meeting in prison that he had been beaten unconscious by guards. The guards had assumed he was dead and dumped his body in a remote area, but as they left they had realised he was still alive, it added.

Karami also told his family that security agents had “touched

his genitals every day and threatened to rape him” during interrogations, according to the account.

Under Iran’s legal system, when a lower court passes a death sentence it is sent to the Supreme Court for approval. But even if the Supreme Court endorses the death penalty, it can still be appealed.

Karami’s father told Etemad that he had tried to contact the state-appointed lawyer multiple times, but there had been no response.

The family then tried to hire one of Iran’s most prominent human rights lawyers, Mohammad Hossein Aghasi.

“Mohammad called me from prison three times and asked me

to represent him. His parents also urged me to represent their son,” Mr Aghasi said.

Mr Aghasi wrote to the local court and then to the Supreme Court. At every stage, his letters were ignored or rejected. And lodging an appeal against the Supreme Court decision was also ruled out by a judge.

Authorities have repeatedly said the fast-track trials of protesters and the harsh sentences handed out are meant as a deterrent.

Vulnerable and isolated

Seyed Mohammad Hosseini, a 39-year-old volunteer children’s coach, was also hanged on 7 January, after standing trial alongside Karami for the same crime. Source; BBC

Mona Heydari had reportedly accused her husband of domestic violence before her murder

Mohammad Mehdi Karami told his family he was tortured in detention

Issues

National Tier IV Data Centre: Towards boosting the Nigeria’s digitalization process

By Hassan Bashir Ibrahim

At the launch of the National Tier IV Data Centre located in Kano on 30 January, 2023 by President Muhammadu Buhari, it would have been most fit and proper to play “Save the Best for Last”, a song by American singer and actress Vanessa Williams, released in January 1992 as the third single from her second studio album.

Co-written by Philip E. Galdston/ Wendy Waldman-parker/Jon Lind, the title of the song derives from the idiomatic expression of keeping something appealing in reserve until the end or the final moment.

Isn’t that what is happening with the plethora of infrastructural projects being commissioned just a few months to the end of the Buhari administration that can put the sail out of some of the criticisms directed at it?

Those who are willing to credit the Buhari administration with significant achievements can’t help but recall the following lines from the song:

Just when I thought our chance had passed

You go and save the best for last

On the famous Ahmadu Bello Way, Nassarawa GRA, which is less than 2km to the Kano State Government House, the State’s seat of power, now stands a magnificent edifice whose launch attracted ministers of Power (Mr. Abubakar Aliyu) and that of Finance, Budget and Planning (Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed) and several other top Federal and Kano State Government functionaries and diplomats.

Also in attendance was the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Cui Jian Chun. So was the MD/CEO, Huawei Nigeria. In his remarks, the Chinese Ambassador applauded the collaboration of Nigeria and the Chinese government (through Huawei) in the area of Information technology development, disclosed a sustained working relationship with the government to build a global data system. He said 5,000 youths would be trained in ICT knowledge through the Chinese owned ICT firm, Huawei, to strengthen Nigeria’s cyberspace and data intelligence.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), was the Chief Host. He and the MD/CEO of Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), Professor Muhammadu Bello Abubakar, were visibly elated to conduct the President and other dignitaries round the National Tier IV Data Centre.

Remarkably, the launch closely followed the commissioning by the President, last 20th December, 2022, of the National Shared Services Centre (NSSC), which was aptly christened Muhammadu Buhari National Shared Services Centre. The Centre, which

houses the TIER 3 Data storage facility, is expected to serve as a strategic and significantly important resource to stakeholder organizations in both the public and the private sector.

The TIER 4 Data storage facility is a major component of the phase 2 of the National Information Communications and Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB) Project. It is strategically located in the city of Kano as a model of the envisioned full-fledged national Data Center concepts that support the Data Sovereignty aspirations of the Nigerian Government.

Following the activation of the NICTIB phase 2 project, in November of 2020, the final detailed design of the facility was embarked on and received the approval of stakeholders.

The Government of Kano State, in appreciation of the strategic impact of such proposed state-of-the-art facility, actively supported the project by duly allocating a befitting plot of land for its development.

If the strides that Nigeria has recorded during the Buhari administration are due, in part, to the appointment of the right man at the helm of affairs of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, one of the master strokes was his assemblage of the right caliber of professionals to develop and implement the nation’s digital economy. Prominent among them has been the hardworking and resourceful Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone Limited.

One remarkable fact about the data centre project is the speed with which it was conceived and implemented – everything from detailed design to completion was nine months -- June 2021 to March 2022.

Speaking to the media on the event, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, said the impetus for the multi-million-naira project was provided by the President who directed his ministry, in his words, “to complete the project as part of the National Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB 2).”

He explained the significance of the project: “There is no data centre above this in the whole world because tier four data centre is the best all over the world. That is why the reliability is 99.999% which is almost 100%. So, by implication, this is the best anywhere in the world.” He explained the significance of the project in terms of the fact that “You cannot build a knowledge-based economy without where to keep your data. The security, reliability, functionality and many more are key to the success of the data centre. Secondly, it will go a long way in supporting Nigeria to continue to consolidate its own digital economy because data centre is key to the digital economy. Thirdly, it will also support

our country to continue to diversify our economy. Number four, it will increase revenue for government. Number five, there are also many opportunities for job creation, both in private and public sectors. So, these are some of the benefits to be attained. And finally, it will improve our cybersecurity and cyber space.”

The CEO of Galaxy Bakcbone Limited, threw additional light on the project: “If you look at the trend, the trajectory is always moving forward, and that is what this data centre is also going to do. In some few years to come, you will see that we are going to have much more unprecedented achievements. Now, the producers of services and products will get a much easier link-up with the consumers and ultimately, the businesses will continue to flourish in multiple forms.”

“Following the activation of the NICTIB Phase-2 project by November of 2020, the final detailed design of the facility was embarked on and received the approval of stakeholders for the project that covers north of Nigeria and some southern parts of the country.”

Its facilities comprise a 600 sqm tier 4 data center with capacity of 46 rack cabinets and fully equipped data centre infrastructure including cloud of 2.2PB storage capacity, 6,144vCPUs and 9TB memory; a regional office building of three floors, with private and open office spaces; a Network Operations Center; training facilities; meeting rooms; and a colocation room occupying 900 sqm of space.

The centre has power systems comprising a 33KVA utility source, dedicated transformers and two backup generators.

The benefits of the centre are

immense. In addition to providing full backup services for the primary Data Center facility in Abuja, it ensures fullfledged service availability that allows for independent operation and national cloud computing service delivery.

It is providing full backup services for the primary Data Center facility in Abuja that allows for independent operation and regional cloud computing service delivery. Its containerized design provides for high scalability.

This facility is available to both government and its agencies and private sector organizations looking to leverage the reliable infrastructure in providing services to their own clients.

The GBB CEO said the Kano Data Centre will offer an enabling environment for ease of doing business to boost Nigeria’s GDP. He puts the data centre projects in perspective: “The Information technology space is huge. The interesting thing about this industry locally and globally is its fast pace of evolution and transformation. As customer requirements expand, the potential and possibilities of this industry that now powers all industries expand, too. As an organization that is fully aware of the reality that it cannot be everything or all things to its numerous customers and stakeholders, Galaxy Backbone (GBB) has chosen to focus on one area that can help create the platform for other local ICT companies, Original Equipment Manufacturers and organizations from the private and public sector dealing with a lot of data.”

Indeed, Mr. President has saved the best for the last in the very critical communications and digital economy sector!

* Ibrahim is a contributor

Professor Muhammadu Bello Abubakar, Managing Director/CEO, Galaxy Backbone Limited

Feature

Droughts leave cargo riverboats high and dry

Increased droughts are forcing shipping companies to abandon some of the world’s main river cargo routes, warns Ann Christina Sloek-Andersen.

Ms Sloek-Andersen is a senior director at global shipping giant Maersk.

“[Last summer] we had to switch a lot of cargo from river to rail in Europe,” she says, “in order to keep the big German industry clusters in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Hessen connected to the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp.”

More than 300 million tonnes of goods a year are typically transported by cargo riverboats on the wide Rhine River, which flows for almost 800 miles from Switzerland to the Netherlands, where it joins the North Sea.

Yet during the summer months of last year, record low water levels meant some vessels were able to carry just 25% of their usual load, so as not to risk running aground on the riverbed. This caused severe delays to shipping.

“There are lots of well-known German and Swiss blue-chip companies... that rely on inland waterways to get raw materials and products in and out,” says Ms Sloek-Andersen.

The cargo Maersk’s riverboats carry ranges from temperaturesensitive fresh produce and pharmaceuticals, to raw materials like chemicals, and car and machinery parts.

“We carry our customers’ cargo on barges wherever possible,” says Ms Sloek-Andersen, “because it means far less CO2 emissions compared to trucks.”

BBC World Service - Business Daily, Why Europe’s inland shipping network is drying up

However, when the Rhine’s levels fell last summer, Maersk says its existing partnerships with rail providers meant they were able to “jump in with extra capacity”.

Rail, says Ms Sloek-Andersen, is the preferred alternative to river as they have a similarly low CO2 footprint, at around 2030g of CO2 per tonne-km per year (gCO2e/tkm), as opposed to trucks that emit almost 140 gCO2e/tkm.

However, she adds that other companies had to switch to road freight.

And it wasn’t just Europe that found itself high and dry last year.

“You could walk across the mighty Mississippi River - that’s not something we were prepared for,” says Sarah Schiffling, a supply chain expert, and assistant professor at Hanken School of Economics, Helsinki, Finland.

The Mississippi River is used to transport more than 500 million tonnes of freight a year, but last year record low water levels were estimated to have cost $20bn (£16.7bn) in economic damage.

“Droughts are not a new phenomenon,” says Prof Schiffling, “but [last year] we saw droughts in multiple areas across the world, all at the same time. It had a massive impact on inland shipping.”

In China, parts of the Yangtze River, whose surrounding provinces produce 45% of the country’s economic output, were closed to ships because water levels were more than 50% below average.

Meanwhile, two-thirds of Europe experienced drought conditions in 2022, as the continent saw its worst dry spell in at least 500 years.

It comes as studies show that drought conditions are only expected to worsen in the years ahead.

Global Trade

More from the BBC’s series taking an international perspective on trade.

So what can be done to help river barges stay afloat? In Germany, one proposed solution is to deepen a shallow section of the Rhine.

This would enable cargo riverboats to carry at least an extra 200 tonnes, according to Germany’s Waterways and Shipping Office.

But plans to deepen a 31-mile section of the World Heritagelisted Middle Rhine - where the river is lined with castles and vineyards - are controversial.

“Deepening and widening the area will have knock-on effects on the environment - flooding and destroying ecosystems,” says Prof Schiffling. “And, of course, it doesn’t solve the core problem. No matter how deep you make it, there’s just not enough water.”

Rather than swapping to land transport, one designer and

operator of cargo riverboats, Germany’s HGK, is now introducing vessels that can continue to sail in very shallow waters.

“Our shallow-water tanker, Synthese 18, can transport cargo weighing 300 tonnes - even if the water is only 1.05 metres deep,” says Anke Bestmann, managing director HGK Gas Shipping.

The boat has a very short vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of its hull, a measurement known as a “draft”. To compensate for this lack of depth, the vessel is wider than older barge designs.

It is also made from a lighterweight stainless steel, and the riverboat’s design is said to allow for great uplift as it moves along the water.

Fellow HGK director Tim Godde adds that the firm is “convinced that inland waterway vessels will transport even more goods in future”.

However, Maersk’s Ms SloekAndersen says that the ability for a transportation firm to adapt, and switch from river to rail, and so on, is key.

“Having a single provider for all parts of a supply chain makes it much easier and quicker to react and mitigate negative impact if disruption occurs - like a lowwater period on one of the main inland waterways of Europe,” she says.

Source: BBC

The Rhine, which is Europe’s main waterway for cargo riverboats, fell to record low levels last summer

Ann Christina Sloek-Andersen says shipping giant Maersk had to switch from riverboats to rail

HGK is now producing cargo riverboats that can sail through very shallow waters, such as this, the Synthese 18

“

“Deepening and widening the area will have knock-on effects on the environment - flooding and destroying ecosystems,” says Prof Schiffling. “And, of course, it doesn’t solve the core problem. No matter how deep you make it, there’s just not enough water.” Rather than swapping to land transport, one designer and operator of cargo riverboats, Germany’s HGK, is now introducing vessels that can continue to sail in very shallow waters.

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RAIN OF PRAYER ASSEMBLY

PATNAB HEALTH INITIATIVE

TREASURE MINDS CLUB

2025 AFCON: if Morocco becomes an obstacle,

we’ll crush them –Peseiro

Super Eagles Head coach Jose Peseiro has vowed to “crush” any team that will stand in the way of the Super Eagles as they prepare to go all the way and win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON title

Giving credit to Morocco, the Portuguese tactician agreed that Morocco has put football in Africa on a higher pedestal; but he still insists that Morocco will be crushed should they pose an opposition to his team.

“Morocco’s performance as the World Cup shows African football has come of age and many teams especially from the rest of the world will now show more respect to teams from the continent,” Peseiro told the Media.

“On our part, the aim still remains to win the next AFCON and we are ready to beat any team that comes our way.”

“That’s the target and it remains the same,” he added.

The gaffer further stated that he’s got his tactics, which will be transmitted to the players, and when the transmission is finally over with everybody understanding each other, even Argentina will not stop them.

Peseiro was in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup which ended on Sunday to understudy teams and their tactics.

Victor Osimhen is not for sale - Napoli President warns Man U, Chelsea

By Amaechi Agbo

Napoli president, Aurelio de Laurentiis has warned Victor Osimhen’s suitors that the striker is “not for sale”.

Mr de Laurentiis stated this on Wednesday following growing reports that English Premier League sides Manchester United and Chelsea are set to bid for the 24 years old with Red Devils ready to splash £107 million on the Serie A leading goal scorer.

He added that neither his prime asset, Osimhen or any other players in the team is for said.

The forward is currently the top scorer in the Italian top-flight with 16 goals from 17 appearances.

Osimhen’s contract with Napoli will last till June 2025.

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis insists Victor Osimhen is not up for sale as the Partenopei ‘don’t have debts’ and warns his players not to commit the same error as Barcelona in their Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Osimhen is Serie A’s highest goal scorer this season, with 16 goals in 17 appearances, including two in the last

round against Spezia.

The Nigeria international has been linked with a move to Chelsea or Manchester United in the summer, but De Laurentiis warns that he does not want to part ways with his star striker.

“Victor is not up for sale, our players are in high demand, but we are forced to sell nobody, we don’t have debts,” ADL told the German paper Bild.

De Laurentiis appeared to taut Napoli’s rivals Juventus as the Bianconeri confirmed a loss of over €250m for 202122 and have been docked 15 points for financial irregularities.

Napoli have only lost two games across all competitions this season, but are firmly on top of the Serie A table with a 13-point lead over second-placed Inter and won their Champions League group in December ahead of Liverpool.

They will meet Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt in the Round of 16, with the first match played in Germany on February 21.

“In the beginning, the feeling was of a non-difficult draw, but it’s not exactly like this,” noted De Laurentiis.

“It’s not a coincidence that they are in the race for the Bundesliga title. We

should not think that we are a better team. Barcelona did it last season and we should not make the same mistake.”

The La Liga giants were knocked out of Europa League at the hands of Eintracht last season with the German side eventually lifting the trophy.

Osimhen only moved to Naples twoand-a-years-ago from Lille in a deal worth around £72million but he could be on the move again this time to the Premier League with Chelsea and United eyeing him as their main attacking target for the summer.

Manchester United tried to get ahead of the pack, which includes Chelsea, by enquiring over a move for Victor Osimhen in January. Their report hints that the Red Devils were trying to get ‘in pole position’ for the summer instead of pushing for the deal to be completed in the winter window.

Napoli weren’t interested in entering talks this early though, despite United initiating contact and putting the effort in, preferring to leave things for June.

Chelsea and Man United could be set for a big summer of major signings being made with both clubs ‘ready’ to invest €120million (£106million) to sign Osimhen.

Peseiro charges Golden Eaglets to keep working hard

By Amaechi Agbo

Head Coach of the Super Eagles, José Santos

Peseiro says he is convinced that Nigeria is a country flowing with an abundance of football talents, after watching the training sessions of the U17 boys, Golden Eaglets on Monday morning at the NFF/FIFA Goal

Project pitch, Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

The Portuguese tactician admitted he was very impressed with the performance of the players, and charged them to keep improving their game as preparations for the Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Algeria hot up. He also admonished players that would eventually be dropped not

to be dejected as that would not be the end of their football career.

“I am impressed with what I have seen with the performance of the players here. Nigeria is known for having very talented players, so I am therefore not surprised with the performance of these players,” Peseiro said.

“You have to keep working hard and keep improving your

game. Unfortunately, not all the players here will be selected. You should not give up if you fail to make the final team,” he added.

The Golden Eaglets have been drawn in Group B of the Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Algeria, where the team will trade tackles with Zambia, Morocco and South Africa in the city of Constantine.

FIFA celebrates Morocco’s successful hosting of Club World Cup

The President of FIFA Gianni Infantino, says Morocco has mobilized all the necessary means and resources to ensure the successful hosting of the ongoing Club World Cup.

Speaking to Moroccan media upon landing at Tangier’s airport, Infantino said: “After the success of the World Cup in Qatar, this Club World Cup takes on a very unique and particular significance in the world.”

He noted that the North African country has made substantial efforts to guarantee the quality of the tournament, a reflection of the “trust” FIFA has given Morocco to organize the sporting event.

“If we did not have full trust [in Morocco], we would not be here today to organize the Club World Cup,” he emphasized.

Infantino said that he is looking forward to visiting Morocco again in the future, highlighting the country’s love and passion for football.

“It is a beautiful country … it is a country of football,” emphasized Infantino, celebrating the “huge success” of the Moroccan national football team

during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Morocco’s Atlas Lions achieved the unexpected at the global tournament, as they defied all odds and became the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup’s semi-finals.

Infantino noted that this edition of the Club World Cup, the third organized in Morocco, has brought together some of the world’s biggest football clubs, as well as sparked immense enthusiasm and passion among football fans.

The tournament is taking place between February 1 and 11 in the Moroccan cities of Tangier and Rabat, with the participation of seven clubs.

FIFA’s president is set to attend the remaining Club World Cup matches, including today’s semi-final game featuring Egypt’s Al Ahly and Spain’s Real Madrid.

In addition, he will attend the last day of the tournament on February 11, which will feature the third-place match between Brazil’s Flamengo and the losing team of today’s game, and the final featuring Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and the winner of today’s match.

2024 Olympics: Paris mayor calls for Russian athletes to be banned from Games

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo changed her stance on Russian competitors at the 2024 Olympics on Tuesday saying they should be banned “while the war continues” in Ukraine, her office said.

Last month Hidalgo said she believed Russians could take part “under a neutral flag” to avoid “depriving athletes of competition”.

On Tuesday she told French media her earlier position was “indecent” because a neutral flag, “does not really exist” although she said there should be a place for “dissident Russians who want to parade under the refugee flag”.

Her office said this was a “clarification” of her position.

They would, she said, be athletes who do not “support Vladimir Putin in his aggression”.

The Refugee Olympic Team competed for the first time in the Rio Games in 2016, where it was made up of 10 athletes originally from Syria, Ethiopia,

South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Hidalgo did not address the issue of the participation of Belarusian athletes.

While French President Emmanuel Macron and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) did not immediately respond to Hidalgo’s remarks, the French ministry of sports and the Olympics told AFP the question of a “possible participation” under a neutral flag in Paris is being “discussed” by the IOC but “has not been the subject of any decision”.

The ministry reaffirmed French “support” for “maintaining all economic, political, diplomatic, sports and cultural sanctions” against Russia.

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022, Russians and Belarusians have been banned from most world sporting events.

Hoodlums vandalize National Stadium cables in Lagos

The relative peace and security being enjoyed by the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos seem to have been compromised following series of vandalisation of facilities at the Stadium.

Our investigation revealed that in less than two weeks, thieves have been having a field day at the Stadium without any arrest by either the Stadium Police or local security guards employed by the Ministry.

The thieves who came calling last week carted away cables and batteries of the generator at the back of the Indoor Sports Hall of the stadium and came again over the weekend to steal the batteries of the generator and cables serving the Main Bowl of the Stadium. This prompted the Stadium management to embark on renting of generators to power facilities at the Indoor Sports Hall to enable those who have paid for it’s use for basketball clinic to continue their programme.

It was further revealed that both incidents were not discovered until some days after the robbery; Immediately after the discovery, the Stadium management decided to go round and take inventory of their facilities to determine the level of the vandalisation.

However, what surprises most people is that there is a Police Station stationed at the Stadium whose efforts are being complimented by private security guards employed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports which did not deter the thieves from having a field day at the Stadium. Apart from this, people are wondering how the cables where easily carted away since it is not what one or two persons can carry as it involves loading them in a vehicle to be moved away which has raised a lot of questions.

When our correspondent wanted to know the level of the vandalisation from the Lagos Liaison Officer of the Ministry, Nkana Mbora, she stated that she is still taking inventory of the vandalized items and will not make any statement now.

As part of efforts to avert another vandalisation of it’s facilities the stadium management has began restricting the movement of people in and out of the stadium.

As at the time of filling this report, they’ve already given marching order to some people from coming to the stadium till further notice and even threatening them with arrest.

However some of those affected by this order have advised the management to look inwards and re jig their security network positing that a situation where private security personnel employed by the Ministry are owed close to eight months salary arrears creates room for compromise.

Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay launch 2030 World Cup bid ...Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Greece Consider bidding

Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay on Tuesday launched their official joint bid to host the Football World Cup in 2030, exactly 100 years after the event was first held, in Montevideo.

“We are convinced that FIFA has an obligation to honor the memory of those who organized the first World Cup,” Alejandro Dominguez, president of the Conmebol South American federation, said in Argentina.

He was attending a launch event at the Argentine Football Association (AFA)

headquarters in Ezeiza, south of Buenos Aires.

Competition is intensifying before FIFA chooses a host in 2024.

The South Americans’ main challenge is a joint bid from Spain, Portugal and Ukraine, which has the backing of European governing body UEFA.

Saudi Arabia is considering bidding to host along with Egypt and Greece.

In December, Dominguez said FIFA should honor the legacies of South American icons Pele and Diego Maradona

by awarding the centennial 2030 World Cup to the continent.

Uruguay was the first-ever world champion in 1930, beating Argentina 4-2 in the final of the 13-team World Cup it hosted in Montevideo.

Argentina is the reigning champion, having triumphed over France in Qatar last year.

The next World Cup will be hosted in 2026 by the United States, Mexico and Canada -- the first time there will be 48 teams competing, up from 32.

LeBron surpasses Abdul-Jabbar as NBA all-time scorer

Witha 21-foot jump shot with 10.9 seconds left in the third quarter, LeBron James surpassed Kareem’s 38,387 career points to move into the No. 1 spot on the league’s all-time scoring list Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Lakers lost to the Thunder 130-133 though.

After the record-breaking shot, James raised both hands into the air as he looked skyward. Photographers quickly circled him on the court, as chants of “MVP, MVP” rained down from the crowd at Crypto.com Arena.

The game was stopped as some members of James’ family, including his wife, mother and his three children, took the floor for a ceremony recognizing the moment. The Lakers played a video filled with highlights of James’ career on the arena video board, after which commissioner Adam Silver and Abdul-Jabbar joined James at center court.

“A record that has stood for nearly 40 years,” Silver said. “Many people thought it would never be broken. LeBron, you are the NBA’s all-time scoring leader. Congratulations.”

Abdul-Jabbar then handed James a basketball, as the two posed for photos before James took the microphone to address the crowd.

“I just wanna say thank you to the Laker faithful. You guys are one of a kind. To be able to be in the presence of such a legend as great as Kareem, it means so much to me. It’s very humbling,” James said.

“Please give a standing ovation to the captain, please ... To my beautiful wife, my daughter, my two boys, my friends ... man, everybody that’s ever been a part of this run with me the last 20 years

-- 20-plus years -- I just wanna say I thank you so much ‘cause I wouldn’t be me without y’all.

“And to the NBA, to Adam Silver, to the late, great David Stern, I thank you guys so much for allowing me to be a part of something I’ve always dreamed about. And I would never, ever in a million years dreamt this even better than what it is tonight.”

James entered the game with 38,352 points, needing 36 on the night to overtake Abdul-Jabbar.

Abdul-Jabbar scored 38,387 points in his 20-

year career with the Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks. His career scoring record had stood since April 5, 1984. LeBron James, 38, was born about nine months later.

James is one of seven players to score 30,000 career points and the youngest in NBA history to do it.

As the youngest player ever to score each thousand-point milestone from 1,000 to 38,000 in league history, James, who came into Tuesday’s game averaging 30.0 points this season, is also the oldest player to ever average 30 points per game.

Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay launch 2030 World Cup bid

LeBron James

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Hugo Lloris Ruled Out For two Months

Nigerian dishes are best globally but not promoted

The reason for this is that Africa does not have a strong financial presence in the world. But another reason is that African countries don’t have strong restaurant brands outside the continent. Nigerians should take up the challenge of breaking this jinx by systemically establishing restaurants across the globe.

Guest Columnist

By Azuka Onwuka

Tottenham goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris has been ruled out for between six and eight weeks with a knee injury.

The former France skipper, 36, sustained ligament damage in Spurs’ 1-0 win over Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

Spurs have former Southampton and England international Fraser Forster as back up.

Academy players Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman are other options, but neither have much senior experience.

Spurs are currently fifth in the Premier League and fighting for a Champions League spot for next season.

They play Leicester City in the league on Saturday before travelling to AC Milan for their first-leg round of 16 tie in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Forster, who joined on a free transfer last summer, has made just one Premier League appearance for Spurs - a 2-2 Boxing Day draw with Brentford.

Christian Atsu’s whereabouts unknown after rescue Christian

Atsu’s agent says the footballer’s whereabouts are unknown, a day after it was reported he was pulled from the rubble of a building “with injuries” after the Turkey earthquakes.

More than 11,000 people in southern Turkey and northern Syria are now known to have been killed.

Ghana forward Atsu plays for Hatayspor and the club’s vice- president Mustafa Özat had said the player was rescued.

“We are doing everything we can to locate Christian,” said Nana Sechere.

“As you can imagine, this continues to be a devastating time for his family.”

In a social media post, the agent added: “Following yesterday’s update from the club that Christian had been pulled out alive, we are yet to confirm Christian’s whereabouts.

Someone said that Western countries have snacks while Nigeria has meals. It sounds cheeky, but from the Nigerian perspective of what constitutes food, the person may not be far from the truth. To the Nigerian, victuals such as pizza, hamburger, pie, shawarma, steak, lobster, etc, are not seen as “food” but snacks or food complements. A Nigerian who has eaten a kilo of steak, lobster or hamburger will not claim to have eaten food.

In my recent tour of North America (Canada and the United States of America) and the Caribbean, I was wowed by the huge popularity of Nigerian pop music (nicknamed Afrobeats or Afropop). Restaurants, shopping complexes, barbershops, coffee shops, radio stations, taxis, DJs, etc, play Nigerian music backto-back. It is my belief that this musical success can also be replicated in the culinary sector if more Nigerians abroad show more interest in the food business.

Cooking is not one of my passions, but given the passion I have for spreading the “the Nigerian gospel,” I have dreamed about setting up a Nigerian restaurant in the Western world. And my idea of it is that it won’t be a restaurant that will sell burgers and pizzas, but one that will sell purely traditional Nigerian delicacies like jollof rice, white rice with ofe akwu, fried rice, pounded yam/akpu/amala/eba with soups like edikaikong, egusi, okro, onugbu, etc, yam porridge, yam and beans porridge, boli (roasted plantain), moi-moi, nkwobi, ngwo-ngwo/isi-ewu, suya, spiced meat, pepper soup (beef, chicken, goat meat, fish) with agidi, etc.

Some of the ingredients may not be readily available in Western countries, but there are local alternatives or they can be shipped from Nigeria. Many of the Nigerian families I have interacted with in the UK, Canada and the US regularly buy foodstuff in large quantities from Nigeria and ship to their base.

No doubt, there are Nigerian restaurants in Western countries, but they are too few compared with the population of Nigerians. Countries like China and India

have more presence when it comes to restaurants. However, if some people argue that these countries should not be compared with Nigeria because of their population, what about countries like Jamaica (3 million), Malaysia (33 million), Vietnam (103 million), which have culinary presence in different countries?

Because of the paucity of Nigerian restaurants abroad, Nigerian meals are usually expensive. Even in cities where there are Nigerian restaurants, one has to commute long distances to dine there, unlike Indian or Chinese or Italian restaurants that are readily available.

Because of the high population of Nigerians abroad, getting Nigerian restaurants to spring up in different cities of the world should not be too difficult for Nigerians. The fact that most Nigerians who relocate to other countries initially feel disorientated because of the nonavailability of meals they can identify with makes setting up Nigerian restaurants attractive.

Ordinarily, it should be a project the Nigerian government should institute and fund, but everything that has projected the Nigerian name positively was achieved by individuals. The most reliable way to execute this is for more Nigerians to take up the challenge.

Non-Nigerians who have eaten Nigerian meals usually commend them. They always ask for more. The only time they complain is when the meal is peppery. That is a pointer that non-Nigerians will also patronise Nigerian restaurants if they become available and popular.

Talking about pepper, I have never tasted any of the meals called “soups” by the English that can compete with Nigerian pepper soup. It is in a class of its own. Interestingly, it can be prepared with different types of protein: beef, chicken, chevon (goat) and fish. And unlike some of the other meals that may contain items one may not easily explain to nonNigerians, the Nigerian pepper soup simply contains spices and the stated meat or fish. People around the world know beef, chicken, chevon or fish. Unlike

other soups from other countries, the Nigerian pepper soup can serve as a meal, especially to those who don’t want to eat anything heavy. And it goes amazingly well with drinks.

However, when it comes to what Nigerians call soups, even though egusi may be the most popular, there is no Nigerian soup that is richer, healthier and more appealing than edikaikong. It is made from virtually only vegetables. It’s not difficult to explain vegetables to anybody from any part of the world. And even if such a person is not keen on using it to eat any of the Nigerian meals that are pounded and swallowed, it can be used to eat boiled rice or yam. It can be added to jollof rice or eaten with fried plantain or French fries. Nigerian stew also combines with many meals and renders a better service to the palate than ketchup.

The only thing Nigerians need to look at when targeting nonNigerians is to tailor their dishes to meet some foreign preferences. For example, Westerners don’t like hard meat like Nigerians do. Their meat also usually has no bone or even tendon like Nigerians prefer. They also don’t like their meals to have a surfeit of pepper.

Importantly, in setting up Nigerian restaurants abroad, one thing those doing that must avoid is calling it “African restaurant.” The usual Nigerian thinking is that giving it such a broad name would attract more customers, especially from Africa. But “African cuisine” does not exist as far as the African is concerned. Narrowing it down to Nigeria will give it more punch, more direction and more appeal. When people want to eat out in an Italian or French restaurant, they don’t go looking for a European restaurant. Similarly, when people want to visit a Chinese restaurant, they don’t go to an Asian restaurant.

Another mistake will be to give such a restaurant an English name (like Licking Fingers) with no reference to Nigeria. That will deny the restaurant the immediate patronage of its primary target. Even if one gives such a restaurant an English name like Licking Fingers, efforts

should be made to add something like “Nigerian restaurant/ kitchen/dishes” underneath the name for easy identification.

Adding “Nigerian” to the name of the restaurant will not stop a Ghanaian or Kenyan from coming to dine there. When I was in Toronto two months ago and needed to eat something different from burgers and pizzas, I was directed to a Jamaican restaurant where I saw meals close to what we have in Nigeria, like rice and plantain.

One of the things that reenforce the fact that Africa is not counted among the continents of the world is the usual absence of an African section at the dining hall of global events. You see sections for Continental or Western, Asian or Oriental, Caribbean, International (where dishes from the West and Asia are still displayed), etc. It is rare to see any section tagged African.

The reason for this is that Africa does not have a strong financial presence in the world. But another reason is that African countries don’t have strong restaurant brands outside the continent. Nigerians should take up the challenge of breaking this jinx by systemically establishing restaurants across the globe.

Countries spread their culture globally through music, films, literature, clothing, technology, language, cuisine, etc. Nigeria is blessed with superb dishes that need to be popularised globally. When more chefs across the globe know about Nigerian dishes, Nigerian meals will start featuring at global events. Just as the world can no longer ignore Nigerian music, in the near future, Nigerian cuisine will be respected and demanded across the globe.

– Twitter: @BrandAzuka