Thursday, May 11, 2023 Edition

Sudan war: FG to ensure safe return of 5,500 stranded Nigerians

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Federal Government said it is committed to return about 5,500 stranded Nigerian students in Sudan.

To this end, the government has set aside 1.2 million dollars to achieve that.

This position was made known by Rep. Lynda Chuba-Ikpeazu, a member of the ECOWAS

Parliament.

Speaking during the presentation of the Country’s Report at the ongoing First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, she said the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) responded positively.

“The NiDCOM has positively responded to the evacuation of stranded Nigerian citizens in

Sudan as the raging conflict in the country intensifies.

“For the smooth execution of this exercise, the Federal Government of Nigeria has earmarked the sum of 1.2 million dollars to ensure that about 5,500 Nigerian students currently schooling in Sudan and other citizens of the country are safely returned to Nigeria.”

On the recently concluded

elections in Nigeria, she said the voter turnout was low, in spite of the enthusiasm, awareness and campaigns.

“Out of the total 93.47 million registered voters, only 24.9 million persons voted in the presidential and National Assembly elections.

“This represents a meagre 26.72 percent voter turnout, the lowest since the return to democracy in 1999.”

R-L: Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, Chairman Senate committee on Police Affair, Senator Halliru Dauda Jika and Deputy chairman Senate committee on Police Affair, Senator Laah Danjuma, during a One Day stakeholders meeting on a Bill for an Act to Establish Transmission of the Nigeria Police Force College,Training School and Institutions (Establishment ETC) Bill 2023 at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Court strikes out Sen. Bent’s defamation suit against Fani-Kayode’s wife

AFederal

High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday struck out a suit filed by Sen. Grace Bent against Precious Chikwendu, wife of former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi FaniKayode.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu threw out the suit for want of diligent prosecution.

It would be recalled that Bent, through the Nigerian Police, instituted the case against Chikwendu, the exbeauty queen in 2021.

She was on March 10, 2022 arraigned by the police on allegations bordering on defamation of character and cyberstalking.

But the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge and the judge admitted her to bail in the terms of the administrative bail earlier granted her by the police.

Though Chikwendu and the ex-

minister were in court on March 29 when the matter came up, the prosecuting lawyer was conspicuously absent and no reason was given for the non-appearance, forcing the judge to fix the matter for May 9.

When the case was called up for hearing on Tuesday, the prosecuting lawyer, N.D. Elodimuo, said though the matter was slated for hearing and he was ready to go on, their witness was not in court.

Elodimuo then asked for a short adjournment.

But Chikwendu’s counsel, Emeka Uchegbulam, disagreed with Elodimuo on his application for a short adjournment.

Uchegbulam prayed the court to dismiss the suit for lack of diligent prosecution.

According to him, from the date this matter was filed, they have not

shown diligence in prosecution.

“This has been the attitude in every appearance,” he said.

“When a prosecution has not shown any diligence in prosecuting a case, the only option left for the court is to dismiss it.

“We urge the court to so hold,” he added, citing previous case to back his argument.

Elodimuo, who objected to Uchegbulam’s application, said Section 396(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 provided that, each party was entitled to fair hearing, and that the defence had not shown reasonable ground for a call for the dismissal of the suit.

Justice Egwuatu told Elodimuo that he expected him to apologise for the absence in the last adjourned date “but you just stepped into court as if nothing happened.

“You did not even give any reason why your witness is not in court.”

When the judge asked him if they had other witnesses in the matter, the lawyer said though the IPO was a witness, the officer was on official duty.

“When did you file this charge?” Justice Egwuatu asked.

“We filed it in 2021,” the lawyer responded.

In a ruling, the judge struck out the charge for want in diligent prosecution.

He held that the prosecution, apparently, was not ready to prosecute the matter.

Chikwendu who had been in court for no fewer than 11 times since the matter began, was sighted alongside her husband, Mr Fani-Kayode, feeling elated. (NAN)

Real reason why Tinubu was in Port Harcourt with Wike —Group

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Agroup, Center for Reform and Public Advocacy, said it is in possession of information that last weekend’s commissioning of some judiciary buildings in Rivers State by the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, on the invitation of the state governor, Nyesom Wike, has more to it than meets the eye.

It said contrary to the notion that the Rivers State governor invited Tinubu to commission projects in his state in order for him (Wike) to patronise and lobby the presidentelect for ministerial position, “it has come to our knowledge that the major agenda was for the Tinubu team to commission Wike for the job of compromising the merits of the petition filed by the PDP and

Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party and Peter Obi in challenging the declaration of Tinubu as winner of the February 25 presidential election.”

The group in a statement by Ifeanyi Okechukwu, its Public Relations Officer, said there is palpable apprehension in the camp of the APC and Tinubu because of the potential merits in Atiku’s and Obi’s case.

“According to information available to us, the decision to commission the Rivers State governor for undermining the PDP’s and Labour’s petitions is on account of the fact that Gov Wike is perceived as not minding to commit his last blood in ensuring that Atiku is not declared the real winner of the election for obvious reasons.

“Since Wike appears so

desperate to earn an appointment in the cabinet of the president-elect, it was unanimously decided to draft him for the job of undermining the petition from his party and Labour against the APC.

“While the APC was not certain about how Wike would undertake the task, the idea for the commissioning of judiciary buildings in Rivers State by the president-elect was a brainchild of the Rivers governor and the objective was to, use the opportunity of the event to convince the APC and president-elect of his (Wike’s) capacity to deliver on the assignment.

“Indeed, there is high expectation on Governor Wike to use the advantage of the fact that his wife and Rivers State First Lady, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Wike, in

whose honour one of the buildings commissioned by Tinubu was named, to network the judiciary for the purpose of discounting the merit in the PDP’s and Labour’s petitions.”

It said the invitation of Tinubu by Governor Wike to come and commission judiciary building projects was to provide a ground for the Tinubu team to meet with Wike and seal the deal with him.

“In particular, they believe that Wike has what it takes to undermine the petition by the PDP and Atiku, which they’ve adjudged as the most potent.

“It is their considered position that for as long as Wike remains Atiku’s albatross, the Rivers StateGovernor is more fitted for the task of liquidating the petition by Atiku.”

Photo: Mahmud Isa

NGE salutes Federal High Court over perpetual order against NBC

· Says editors vindicated over draconian NBC Act, code

TheNigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has commended the Federal High Court Abuja, over its order of perpetual injunctions restraining the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from imposing fines on broadcast stations in the country.

Ruling on originating motions marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1386/2021, instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda against the NBC - as sole respondent in the suit, Justice James Omotosho, also set aside the N500, 000 fines imposed on March 1, 2019 on each of 45 broadcast stations.

The judge also held that the NBC, not being a court of law, had no power to impose sanctions as punishment on broadcast stations.

He further held that the Nigeria Broadcast Code, which gives the commission the power to impose sanction, is in conflict with Section 6 of the Constitution that vested judicial power in the court of law.

In a statement signed by its President, Mustapha Isah and the General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, on Wednesday, the Guild saluted the courage of the MRA - for testing the draconian NBC Act, saying the judgement has vindicated the position of the editors that NBC could not appropriate the constitutional responsibility of the judiciary arm of government.

‘’Justice Omotosho’s ruling on Wednesday vindicated our consistent position over the years that the NBC cannot be the accuser, the investigator and the judge on matters relating to alleged breach of the Broadcast Code.

‘’Our position has always been that an independent body or institution should be the one to examine any perceived infraction by the broadcast stations, which should be given the opportunity to defend themselves.

‘’The court is right in its ruling - by saying that it would not sit idle and watch a body imposing fine arbitrarily without recourse to the law’’, the Guild stated.

The court yesterday said that the commission did not comply with the law when it sat as a complainant and at the same time, the court and the judge on its own matter.

The judge agreed that the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, being a subsidiary legislation that empowers an administrative body such as the NBC to enforce its provisions cannot confer judicial powers on the commission to impose criminal sanctions or penalties such as fines.

He also agreed that the commission, not being Nigerian police, had no power to conduct criminal investigation that would lead to criminal trial and imposition of sanctions.

“This will go against the doctrine of separation of powers”, he said.

Justice Omotosho held that what the doctrine sought to achieve was to prevent tyranny by concentrating too much powers in one organ.

The umbrella of all the editors in Nigeria reiterated its earlier resolution to engage the incoming government and other stakeholders over the NBC Act and the Broadcast Code of Conduct - with the aim to amend and reform them to conform to the global best practices.

Election Petition: Obi , LP support live coverage of proceeding

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

Mr. Peter Obi and the Labour Party (LP) yesterday said they are in support of the call for a live broadcast of the proceeding made by the Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Specifically, in an application yet to be heard, Atiku and his party are praying the court for “An order Directing the Court’s Registry and the parties on modalities for admission of Media Practitioners and their Equipment into the courtroom.”

Speaking shortly after the proceeding, counsel to Obi, Levy Uzoukwu, SAN said, for the interest of the general public, he

is supporting a live broadcast proposal as the court room not big enough to accommodate people.

However, at the resumed proceeding, the senior lawyer informed the court that the parties unanimously agreed and seek the leave of the court for an adjournment by one week (May 17).

“My lords, we agreed that it will be better if the matter is adjourned to Wednesday, next week to enable parties file and serve processes, so when we come back, we will be sure the processes are ripe for hearing.

“We also agreed that before then, we would have agreed on documents to be tendered without being objected to and without

being controversial,” he prayed.

Reacting, counsel to the Respondents, respectively confirmed what the petitioner said. The respondents through their various counsels pleaded with the panel that with the time frame, their documents will be ready for adoption.

The Counsel submitted that the procedure proposed, subject to the panel’s approval, will hasten the proceeding.

On the bench ruling, the Chairman of the panel, Justice Haruna Tsamani, on the instance of the all the parties, adjourned the matter till May 17, to enable them streamline and being up issues for determination.

Obi and his party are

challenging the declaration of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as winner of the presidential election that held on February 25.

He wants the court to withdraw the Certificate of Return that was issued to Tinubu.

Also, he maintained that Tinubu was not even qualified to contest the election in view of his previous indictment and forfeiture of funds in a drug related case in the United States of America.

In his prayers, he equally posited that Tinubu was not duly elected with majority of valid votes cast at the election, insisting that he failed to win the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, as required by the constitution.

Experts task FG on economic diversification

Aneconomist, Dr Zainab Usman, has underscored the need to conceptualise economic diversification as a political project to address internal threats affecting the country’s survival.

Usman, Director, Africa Programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C. said this in Abuja at a symposium jointly hosted by Agora Policy and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

The event also featured the presentation of a recently published book titled: “Economic Diversification in Nigeria: The Politics of Building a Post-Oil Economy,” authored by Usman.

“There is a need to stabilise Nigeria’s volatile balance of power through an enforcement of systematic power sharing, to resolve collective action problems and reduce the volatility of political competition for a long-term economic policy orientation.

“The government should envision an economy that works for all, balance the role of the state and the market, accommodate regional differentiations, and address revenue sharing complexities.

“Also, there is a need to proactively tackle market failures on the supply and the demand side, as the urgent policy priority for building a post-oil economy,” she said.

Usman said the book was produced based on a decade long inquiry on the development challenges of resource-rich countries.

She said the book explained reasons for underperformance of Nigeria’s economy in nine key messages which included an alternative framework for conceptualising the challenges of oil-rich countries.

She listed other reasons to include the nature of a country’s political settlement shapes policy making and economic outcomes.

The economist said policy reforms in Nigeria had been focused on crisis-management rather than economic diversification and expanded non-oil resources growth driven by non-oil sector.

According to her, changes have actually not diversified Nigeria’s exports or fiscal revenue while oil sector still accounts for 80 per cent export earnings and more than 50 per cent of government revenue.

She further listed other

reasons for underperformance as dependent on oil revenues which was acute at the sub national level, but Lagos state had diversified its fiscal revenues.

Earlier in a remark, Mr Waziri Adio, Founder and Executive Director of Agora Policy, who described the book as the Nigerian policy elite said it was committed to joining others in finding practical solutions to Nigeria’s urgent national challenges.

Adio said that Nigeria’s economic performance had been uneven and below par, adding that so much had been written about this and the reasons for the undesirable outcome.

“But Nigeria’s uneven and subpar economic performance is not just about theoretical constructs or just a mere academic exercise.

“It is not just about plans dutifully and periodically drawn up but more about carefully considered choices and consistently applied actions by the political and the policy elites,” he said.

He called for a solution centred deliberation, underscoring the need for deliberate journey of not only thinking differently but acting

differently, and most importantly— optimally and consistently.

Carnegie, established in 1910, offers decision makers global, independent and strategic insight and innovative ideas that advances international peace.

Agora Policy is a Nigerian thinktank and non-profit committed to finding practical solutions to urgent national challenges and build capacity for governance.

NAN reports that the book was selected as one of the Best Books of 2022 by the Financial Times.

The book also served as an entry point for a policy discussion by featuring a panel session on “How Nigeria Can Build a Post-Oil Economic Future.”

The eminent panellists who also endorsed the book for economic diversification and development included the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai and his Anambra counterpart, Prof. Charles Soludo.

Others included the former Central Bank of Nigeria’s Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Coronation Capital, and Dr Shubham Chaudhuri, the Country Director, World Bank, Nigeria. (NAN)

L-R: Executive Secretary, Centre for Crisis Communications (CCC), Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (Rtd), Board Chairman NIPOST, Barrister Maimuna Yaya Abubakar; Editor In-Chief, Economy Confidential, Malam Yushau Shuaib; Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami; Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, (RMAFC), Alhaji Mohammed Bello Shehu; and Federal Commissioner of RMAFC, Prof. Adekunle Wright, during the 1st Economic Confidential Public Lecture and Book Presentation on the Theme: Economic Diversification In An Evolving Cashless Society held on Tuesday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

FG launches national campaign

for AGILE project

By Maryam Abeeb

The Federal Government has launched the national campaign for Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project for more advocacy of importance of girl child education.

The AGILE project is an initiative of the federal government supported by the World Bank to reduce the gender gap in secondary completion rate and labour market transition among adolescents girls between the ages of 10 to 20 years in Nigeria.

The campaign which was tagged: “Madubi” is said to a mirror or looking glass theories which we can view not just a reflection of the girls child’s potential, but that of the entire society.

The National project coordinator, Amina Buba during her opening remark at the launching in Abuja, explained that the project, madubi is a national campaign aimed at advocating to the outside society on the importance of girls child education.

According to her,madubi means a mirror of a child.

She noted that the project will be looking at constraints facing adolescent girls.

She added that the project will also encourage more female teachers in school.

Buba said that about 7 states has been involved in the project such as: Kano , Plateau, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kebbi , Borno and Kastina.

“About 3 million children have been enrolled. we have renovated over 5,000 classrooms we are now going on construction, we now have the financial incentives where it will allow retention of girls in school and financial incentives for beneficiaries and caregivers”, he said .

Further speaking, the representative of Madubi, Khadijah Bello during her presentation reiterated that Nigeria is faced with a gender learning crisis.

While lamenting that 60% of out of school children are girls, Bello stated that less than 30% of primary school girls transit to secondary school.

According to her, Adolescent is a critical stage in human development , even more so for girls after the early years.

She explained that adolescence and secondary education are the period most capable of influencing the kind of women and humans that they turn out to become.

“By scaling investment in girl’s secondary education, AGILE offers a window to tackle other problems such as poverty, child marriage, maternal and child mortality and even gender based violence”, she stated.

Basic education: Over N46.2billion grants un-accessed by states- UBEC

By Maryam Abeeb

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) says over N46,2 billion matching grants for the development of public primary and junior secondary schools has remained un-accessed by some state governments.

The acting Executive Secretary of UBEC, Professor Bala Zakari, stated this during an oversight visit to the Commission by the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education in Abuja.

Presenting the 2022 capital budget implementation report, Zakari said a total sum of N162, 284, 117,592 was allocated to the states as UBE grants between 2019 and 2022 while

N116,072,964,294.33 was accessed by 36 states and FCT.

He said, “The sum of N46,211,153,298.63 is the total of un-accessed UBE matching grants as at 30th April, 2023 by the 36 states and the FCT.

“Between 2019 and 2022, the sum of N162, 284, 117,592 was allocated to the states being UBE grants. As at 30th April 2023, the sum of N116,072,964,294.33 was accessed by 36 states and the FCT, Abuja, representing 71.52 percent as at 30th April, 2023.

“As at the time of reporting, only 11 states accessed 2022 matching grant fund.”

Speaking on the levels of UBE matching grant accessed by states, he said in 2019, 35 states and FCT accessed 2019 allocatoon, with

one state - Anambra yet to access the grant as of 30th April, 2023.

On the 2020 matching grant, he said,” 30 states and FCT have accessed matching grant. Six states namely; Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Ebonyi, Kwara and Ogun are yet to access 2020 UBE matching grant as at 30th 2023.

“29 states have accessed 2022 matching grant projects, seven states and FCT are yet to access 2022 UBE matching grant AST at 30th April 2023.

“In 2022 matching grants, 11 states namely; Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa, Ondo, Taraba and Zamfara have accessed 2021 UBE matching grant. Twenty five states and FCT

are yet to accessed 2022 UBE matching grant as at 30th April, 2023.

Earlier, the chairman, Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, said it was important to ensure that money released by the government is use for the purpose it was released.

Gaidam who was represented by the vice chairman of the Committee, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, said the visit was to also confirm the implementation of the 2022 budget of the commission and proposal for 2023.

The committee stressed the need for state governors to key into it UBEC projects by accessing its fund in order to shore up the nation’s basic education sector.

Nigeria market vital potential for AfCFTA with private sector collaboration- PermSec

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, said Nigerian market is a vital potential for African Continental Free iTrade Agreement (AfCFTA) with a robust private sector collaboration.

She said Nigeria can achieve the objectives of the AfCFTA, when public private sector collaboration is entrenched in the implementation system and allowed to flourish.

This was contained in statement signed and issued by Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, FITPN National President ITPN/ Chairman Inter-Ministerial Committee, NTTSummit 2023.

Declaring the two-day Tourism

Transportation Summit and Expo opened in Abuja, with the theme AfCFTA:

“Exploring Intra Africa trade, Tourism and Transportation opportunities and Mitigating the Barriers to collaboration”.

Jafiya said :”It will be good to give all the implementers opportunities to play an incredibly valuable and crucial role in ensuring that the AfCFTA regime succeeds.

She emphasized the potential should not be ignored but be explored and utilized if the country is to benefit from the inherent benefits of the regional economic protocols.

While commending the organizers of the Summit, the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), for providing the forum to discuss the AfCFTA

protocols, urging that more platforms should be provided to deepen Nigeria’s understanding of the AfCFTA agreements .

Earlier in his welcome address, National President of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, reiterated that the theme for the 6th edition of the Summit is apt,”It was so chosen because of the need to overcome all obstacles and barriers to the realization of the dream for an all-inclusive trading partnerships for the countries of the African Continent as an entity of a singular market.

Odusanwo stated that like all free trade agreements, the AfCFTA will have both positive and negative effects and thus create both winners and losers, which is why the Summit will

also look at how Nigeria as a key player, can be a greater beneficiary of the AfCFTA Agreement given the opportunity and will for all participating institutions to have a common front and synergy of implementation.

Delivering a paper on Blue Economy: Panacea to Sustainable Development of Trades and Transportation in AfCFTA, the Director General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Yusuf Jamoh, called on key players and stakeholders in the various institutional frameworks of the AfCFTA Regime to maximize the Opportunities and benefits of the Agreements for the growth and development of the Nigerian economy and its participation the wider economic bloc of the African Continent.

The Acting Executive Secretary, National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) Alhaj. Ibrahim AbdullKareem (3rd right front row), Management Staff of NSSEC and the Co-Ordinating Committee members of the Secondary School Sewing Championship in a group Photograph, during their working visit to NSSEC Corporate headquaters, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NSSEC

How 14-year-old boy was found in Togo 2 months after missing in Kano

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

A14-year-old boy in Hotoro Quarters in Kano, Kano State, who was declared missing by his parents sometime in March has been found in the Republic of Togo.

Freedom Radio, in its programme, “In da Ran ka”, in Kano, reported that the boy was found alongside another boy, also from Nigeria, roaming on a street in Togo, looking for food.

They were said to have been found through a famous Nigerian selling food in Togo, Hajiya Maijidda Mai Abinci, who said they were brought to her by some people because they said they were from Nigeria.

According to Freedom Radio, Hajiya Mai Abinci said, “When I asked how they came here, they said they were from Ghana. They told me that a woman secretly whisked them away from Nigeria and took them to Ghana. They were begging for her on the streets. Later she decided to release them and they found themselves in Togo.”

She said they were now kept in Togo under her care and that she decided to reach out to Nigerians to look for their parents.

10th

She further said, “Especially the small one, it is not possible to say that he is not under the care of his parents. That was why

I decided to reach out for his parents.”

The boy’s father appreciated Hajiya Mai Abinci and begged

people to help him as he didn’t have the means to pay for transportation to get his son back.

He said, “We suffered so much

all these two months, no sleep, no peace of mind. But we thank God that he was found alive and healthy.”

Speakership: Don’t expect us to be loyal if your preferred choice stands - G7 candidates

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi and Christiana Ekpa

In reaction to the zoning arrangement for National Assembly leadership positions released on Monday by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), seven aspirants for the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives have come together under the G7 platform to express their rejection of the declaration.

The members of the G7 group are Rt. ; Hon. Mukhtar Aliyu Betara; Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi Rt. Hon Ahmed Idris Wase; House of Representatives Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Al Hassan Doguwa; Hon. Sada Soli; Hon. Mariam Onuoha and Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji.

Rising from a meeting with the APC NWC members at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, the G7 lawmakers vowed to oppose any attempts by outside forces to impose a leadership on the 10th House of Representatives. They described the zoning arrangement as unjust, unfair and inequitable, adding that it was unacceptable.

Addressing Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, the APC Chairman, Hon. Mukhtar Aliyu Betara said “I need to tell everybody here that when we were going in for the election, I supported every member of APC and I supported some of our leaders

even contesting for elections. I was shocked, when I was hearing that I did anti party. My unit is in Biu my result is in INEC you can request for my result for my unit if did anti-party it going to show.

“Another thing I need to clear here sir, somebody told me that the same group are saying, I gave monies to a presidential aspirant. So if there is any transfer to anybody, the banks are there. I want to still tell you as leaders if I should give money to a presidential aspirant and he wins, what is he going to give me. My own, I want to become speaker in my party. If another party wins, can I become speaker? No. So we don’t need to blackmail ourselves. Politics is about give and take.

“Our colleagues here can testify, I have done well for the National Assembly. When I was Chairman Army, Chairman Defence and now Appropriations. Sir, I have 38 members including me and my deputy chairman as Appropriations committee but for me to stabilise the House, I co-opted 100 members to my committee just for me to stabilise the House for Femi. But today, we are aspiring for speakership, the deputy speaker, the House leader, myself, Gagdi, Miriam, Sada, etc.

“We are not against our leaders but if we should sit down and said sit amongst yourselves and pick somebody you think you can work with, it is easy but the person, the

speaker is trying to even pick there are some of our colleagues that don’t know him. That’s the T truth, I am not lying. If today the party said we zoned to north west, I have to sit and think because now the party is zoning the deputy senate president and the speaker to the same zone. We have being in this Assembly, there is no time, two presiding officers are zoned to one area.

“It has never happened. And in our discussion here, on our inauguration day, it’s what happened in the Senate that will determine what is going to happen in the House. So, we need to sit down and look at it. We might produce the Senate President from a different zone. It has happened in 2015. So as party, we are pleading, we need to sit again with all of us and do more consultations” he said

Also Speaking furiouscity, Hon. Gagdi emphasized that the proposed arrangement by the NWC was wrong because the National Assembly is an independent body that cannot be turned to the Presidency’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) where people are picked at will.

He said: ‘’When we elect our leaders, all of you will not be there, it is we and our conscience and the covenant of the people of Nigeria that will be in the hallowed chamber. So it is better, it is not late, let the wrongs be righted. Unless this is done, Sir, our party

should not hope that our loyalty will be guaranteed at the detriment of justice, peace and fairness.

“We will respect justice, unity and equity in the chamber, but only if your instruction is in line with the principle of this party. Sir, do not hope that we have come here to succumb to any instruction and directive given to us.’’

Gagdi further stated: ‘’Our Party’s motto is Justice, Peace and Unity. Under your able leadership, you folded your arms and sat to allow aspirants contest elections under the supremacy of Nigerians through the delegates to choose whosoever they wanted to be the flagbearer of the party.

“The Vice President contested, he is the closest person to Mr. President and yet, because of democracy and because of justice in APC, delegates were allowed to choose whosoever they wanted to be the flagbearer of the party. Where is that principle now sir, where has it been thrown to? Have we forgotten about the motto of our party? Have we recently forgotten about the leadership that the National Chairman and Mr. President plus all of you provided during the primaries of the APC?

‘’Do we want unity, to say that the Deputy Senate President should go to North-West and the Speaker should go to NorthWest when in the true sense of the word, sir, in the presidential election, North-Central known

to have majority number of Christians, with utmost apologies let me say this, and the religious and tribal affiliations attributed to 2023 elections, yet North Central resisted the temptation, delivered 4 states to the President-elect, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu; delivered 11 senators.

“The North-west delivered 10 with 2 states and North-east 1 State with 10 senators and the zone that has performed like this for Mr. President will be relegated to have party chairman and perhaps, as they insinuate, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; positions that the president or whosoever can scream at them and they have no locus to speak for the people of North-central.

‘’Sir, we need fairness, we need justice, that is why we are here. We need peace and we need unity.

‘’Sir, I was a Deputy Speaker in Plateau and Chairman Navy. In my four years in the National Assembly, they said the candidate they picked founded 70-something bills, none of those bills was assented to by Mr. President in our 10 years in the National Assembly and in my 3-4 years in the National Assembly, I did 21 and Mr. President signed 6. I know no parliamentarian that within 3 years had the privilege sponsoring 6 bills which the president assented to. So what qualification are they talking about 70-something bills?’’

L-R: Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chairman of the Joint Task Force of the 10th Assembly, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, Chairman , House committee on Finance, Hon. James Falake and member elect, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki, during the Joint Task Force of the 10th Assembly meeting, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

NASS

2023 Presidential Petition: APP party withdraws suit against Tinubu APC, other

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

TheAction Peoples Party (APP) has withdrawn thier suit challenging the emergence of Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as the President -elect for the 2023 Presidential election.

The resumed proceeding, counsel to APP, Obed Agu, informed the court of the motion on notice dated and filed on the 9th of May, indicating the party’s intention to withdraw the suit number CA/PEPC/02/2023, pursuant to paragraph 29, sub section 1, 2, 3, 4 of schedule election petition.

“ We adopt the affidavit and other affidavit against terms of withdrawal of this application.

“ We want an order of the court to grant us leave to withdraw the petition, also an order to either strike out or dismiss the petition “

Responding, counsel to Tinubu(1st Respondent), Chief Woke Olanipeku SAN, informed the court that they are not opposing the application for withdrawal.

‘’We commend the petitioner for the motion to strike out the petition and hope that more will still come.

“My lords, we are not asking for a cost”

On their parts, Counsel to APC, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, and counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Abubarka Mahmoud, SAN, respectively aligned with Olanipeku and asked the court to grant the leave of the petitioner without cost.

The court on the bench ruling, granted the leave of the petitioner and dismissed the suit without cost.

“Having considered the application, we are certified that there was no collision on the part of the respondents.

‘The petition is hereby dismissed, having been withdrawn. We award no cost,”the court held.

Recall that Allied Peoples Party, APP, and Simon Nnadi are before the tribunal against the President-elect Bola Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Counsel for the APP, Obed Agu, told the court that the tribunal may wish to concede to the claim of his petition considering the weight of evidence against Tinubu and INEC.

The APP wants the court to nullify the election of Tinubu on the ground that he was not qualified to run.

INEC’s counsel, Mahmoud Yakubu SAN, said he has applications against the APP and would love the court to hear it.

Counsels for APC and Tinubu, Wole Olanipekun and Lateef Fagbemi, said they had preliminary objections against the APP also.

After hearing them, the panel led by Justice Haruna Tsammani adjourned to May 10, advising counsels to be ready to make submissions in their respective applications.

He disclosed that after the prehearing session, the panel will then come up with a report, streamlining the issues for determination when hearing begins.

Meanwhile, Olanipekun told the judges that “experience has shown over the years, that it is better that issues be submitted after submission of evidence.”

Responding to Olanipekun, the panel held that in other to save time of court, it will consider the issues raised in the pre-hearing session, come up with its report and draw up the issues that will guide the court and parties during hearing.

Nigeria Navy Presidential Fleet Review to honour Buhari —CNS

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, has said that the Nigeria Navy Presidential Fleet Review which will take place from Friday to Monday, will honour President Muhammadu Buhari’s achievements.

“Permit me to inform this audience that PFRs are traditional events, which navies across the world conduct in order to honour their sovereigns or heads of government.

“It involves assemblage of ships and other maritime assets at a designated area for the purpose of demonstrating loyalty and allegiance to the State.”

The CNS who was represented by Rear Admiral Saidu Suleiman Garba, Chief of Policy and Plans Naval Headquarters Abuja, said the review also provides an avenue for the President to

assess the navy’s preparedness to meet statutory obligations in maritime security, safety and defence within a global/regional collaborative approach. During a PFR, the president/head of state is invited to review the fleet in commemoration of a historical event, celebration of important anniversary or any other activity deemed necessary. Some of the occasions to organise a fleet review include special landmarks of either the navy or the country.

“The NN has attended many Fleet reviews with the nation’s Flag Ship, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) ARADU particularly, in the UK in 2005 to celebrate the Bi-centenary of the battle of Trafalgar and in 2007 in Brazil to celebrate the centenary of the Brazilian Navy. NNS THUNDER also sailed to Australia in 2013 to celebrate the centenary of the Australian Navy. More recently, the NN sent personnel to participate in the Bangladesh navy fleet review

in december 2022, to celebrate the centenary of the birth of the father of the bangladesh nation, bangabandhu sheikh mujbue rahman and the golden jubilee of the country’s independence. in nigeria, the last pfr was conducted in 2010 in honour of then president goodluck jonathan and to mark the 50th anniversary of nigeria’s independence.

“Permit me to recall that during the 8-year administration of president Muhammadu Buhari a total of 20 capital ships were procured for the NN. The ships comprise of offshore patrol vessels, landing ship transport, hydrographic survey vessels, seaward defence boats, helicopters, as well as, over 300 inshore patrol vessels and assault crafts.

“The President also commissioned 2 locally built ships in 2016 and 2021, and laid the keel for 2 more, which will be ready by 2024. The NN deems it appropriate

to honour the commander-in-chief for his support to the service.

“The PFR 2023 is therefore organised in honour of president Muhammadu Buhari, in recognition of his generous contribution to the service and the nation at large.

“The PFR involves 16 NN warships, 3 x AW109E NN helicopters and a mix of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Aircraft. The participating NN ships are NNS THUNDER, NNS CENTENARY, NNS IKENNE, NNS KADA, NNS LANA, NNS KANO, NNS NGURU, NNS IBENO, NNS ABA, NNS OJI, NNS ANDONI, NNS OSUN, NNS OSE, NNS EKULU, NNS GONGOLA and NNS SHIRORO.

“The participating NAF aircraft are 1 x MI35 Helicopter, 1 x Diamond-42, 1 x ATR-42 MPA and 3 x A29 Super Tucano. Some foreign warships from allied nations including Spain, Brazil and Ghana are also expected to participate in the exercise.”

L-R: Inspector General of Police Usman Baba Alkali, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo and Deputy chairman Senate committee on Police Affair Senator Laah Danjuma, during a One Day stakeholders meeting on a Bill for an Act to Establish Transmission of the Nigeria Police Force College,Training School and Institutions (Establishment ETC) Bill 2023 at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Sudan war: JAMB assures returnees of integration into varsities

By Maryam Abeeb

TheJoint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said it will provide necessary support to ensure that Nigerian students evacuated from war-torn Sudan are integrated into the nation’s universities.

This was made known by the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, in Abuja when the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs Abike DabiriErewa, led others to the exam body’s headquarters to discuss modalities for integrating the affected students into tertiary institutions in the country.

Oloyede, who empathized with the students, commended NIDCOM for the effective handling of their evacuation, adding that JAMB would ensure the desired support.

“What we will do is that we will provide the necessary infrastructure, the necessary enablement to make you accommodate or return these candidates (students) to our educational system,” Oloyede said.

The JAMB boss, however, called on the students not to tread the path of those who returned to the country over a year ago as a result of Ukraine’s

war but refused to comply with the stipulated procedures that would have ensured they continue their academic programmes seamlessly in Nigerian universities.

He said : “We must thank NIDCOM for making efforts that the students are brought into the Nigerian university system and we have given the Commission the process and procedure.

“There are procedures (for transfer of students) ; the transcript, the rules and regulations, and that nobody should be any illusion believe that Nigerian university will award certificate with less than two years stay and residency in the university, and the procedure is done legitimately and properly with the cooperation of the National Universities Commission and the individual institution.

“The guideline from JAMB has already been handed over to the chairperson of the Commission.”

Explaining further on the issue of spending minimum of two academic sessions for students who transfered to any Nigerian university, Oloyede said : “If you are doing a five-year programme, you will go to year four, because you are going to spend year 4 and year 5.

“For instance, if you are studying

Medicine and you are in your 600 level, and if the Medical and Dental Council assesses what you have done; practical is okay, they will just move you to year 5, 500 level. You will do 500 level and 600 level, and you will have the certificate of the institution in Nigeria.”

On her part, NIDCOM chairman, Dabiri-Erewa, said 1,730 Nigerians have been evacuated from Sudan as of Tuesday, adding that majority of them are students eager to continue their education in Nigeria while waiting for the war to be over.

The NIDCOM boss assured that the necessary procedures will be followed to integrate the affected students into Nigerian schools.

She said : “The key thing is that there are processes to follow but they are not difficult processes and that is what we learnt from JAMB.

“The institutions are already saying they want to give support, they want to admit them but the key thing is to follow the process as stipulated by JAMB.

“All the information are in our website, process to follow, it should not be difficult to follow. The key thing is that JAMB has assured that it will provide the enabling environment and infrastructure, if for instance a university

admit you, after the admission, you need to get that letter from JAMB that says you have been admitted, no matter what year; year 3, year 2, year 4, and I think that it is the most important thing, but all the information will be out there so that we don’t make mistake in getting these things done.

“I will also appeal to the students that there is a crisis, it is affecting them one way or the other. How will the limit the impact or effect on them, whichever way, we must follow the process.

“Most of them are hoping that the war will be over and they will go back , but what if it is not? What is the stop gap? That is why we are doing this with JAMB.”

Also speaking, one of the parents of the affected students, Asmau Yerima, commended NIDCOM and JAMB for ensuring that the students will not be abandoned at home doing nothing.

“Our children are ready to go back to school, we don’t want to keep them at home. We don’t want them to be traumatised. Thanks to JAMB, they have been kind of cooperating and they gave us all the answers that we needed and we are happy our children will be going back to school as soon as possible,” she said.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Court bars NBC from imposing fines on broadcast stations in Nigeria

AFederal High Court Abuja, on Wednesday, gave an order of perpetual injunction restraining the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from imposing fines, henceforth, on broadcast stations in the country.

Justice James Omotosho, in a judgement, also set aside the N500,000 fines imposed, on March 1, 2019, on each of the 45 broadcast stations.

Justice Omotosho held that the NBC, not being a court of law, had no power to impose sanctions as punishment on broadcast stations.

He further held that the NBC Code, which gives the commission the power to impose sanction, is in conflict with Section 6 of the Constitution that vested judicial power in the court of law.

He said the court would not sit idle and watch a body imposing fine arbitrarily without recourse to the law.

He said that the commission did not comply with the law when it sat as a complainant and at the same time, the court and the judge on its own matter.

The judge agreed that the Nigeria Broadcasting

British charity founder urges FG to establish out-ofschool agency

The founder of the British charity, IAFoundation, Mrs Ibironke Adeagbo has urged the Federal Government to establish an agency that would tackle Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis.

Adeagbo, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the out-ofschool crisis in the West African country, where some 20.2 million are currently out of school.

On Sept. 2, 2022, the UN agency UNESCO published a report that 20.2 million children in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation were currently out of school.

British-born Adeagbo, who has been leading an international campaign to end the out-of-school problem in Nigeria, noted that Nigeria must think outside the box to save the future of its children.

She urged the government took urgent steps to bring millions of kids roaming the streets back to the classrooms.

Adeagbo urged the incoming government to be decisive in ensuring that education was given its pride of place in Nigeria.

The top British civil servant, said that she was disturbed by the huge army of hopeless kids, roaming Nigerian streets from day to day to make a living instead of acquiring education.

“I think the way out is for the federal government to set up an agency to tackle the outof-school problem just like the government did in setting up a commission to handle issues in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.

Adeagbo said that the foundation has picked up about 100 children on the streets of Nigeria and ensured that they were placed in schools to acquire basic education in various states in the country.

She expressed worry that Bayelsa in the SouthSouth had also joined the list of states in Nigeria with high number of out-of-school children.

The IA-Foundation chief executive officer said that the group would engage various interests in the UK to assist Nigeria in ensuring that children got access to education as and when due.

On March 18, IA-Foundation staged a charity show in London to raise funds and global awareness on the out-of-school crisis in Nigeria.

Top Nigerians envoys, including a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, voiced their concerns on the out-of-school problem in the West African country.

Resource-rich nation has been grappling with various problems, including persistent insurgency which has forced many children out of school, especially in the country’s north.

The dreaded Boko Haram sect has held sway in Nigeria’s expansive north, fighting to discourage western education, killing people and destroying learning infrastructure. (NAN)

Code, being a subsidiary legislation that empowers an administrative body such as the NBC to enforce its provisions cannot confer judicial powers on the commission to impose criminal sanctions or penalties such as fines.

He also agreed that the commission, not being Nigerian police, had no power to conduct criminal investigation that would lead to criminal trial and imposition of sanctions.

“This will go against the doctrine of separation of powers,” he said.

Omotosho held that what the doctrine sought to achieve was to prevent tyranny by concentrating too much powers in one organ.

“The action of the respondent qualifies as excessiveness” as it had ascribed to itself the judicial and executive powers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NBC had, on March 1, 2019, imposed the sum of N500, 000 each on 45 broadcast stations in the country over alleged violation of its code.

However, the Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda had, in an originating motions

marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1386/2021, sued the NBC as sole respondent in the suit.

In the motion dated Nov. 9, 2021 by its lawyer, Noah Ajare, the group sought a declaration that the sanctions procedure applied by the NBC in imposing N500,00Q fines on each of the 45 broadcast stations on March 1, 2019 was a violation of the rules of natural justice.

The lawyer also said that the fines were in violation of the right to fair hearing under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Articles 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap AQ) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The group argued that this was so because the code, which created the alleged offences of which the broadcast stations were accused was written and adopted by the NBC, “and also gives powers to the said commission to receive complaints of alleged breaches, investigate and adjudicate the complaints, impose sanctions, including fines, and ultimately collect the fines, which the commission uses for its own purposes.”

They, therefore, sought an order setting aside the N500,000 fines purportedly imposed by the NBC on each of the 45 broadcast stations on Friday, March 1, 2019.

They also sought “an order of perpetual Injunction restraining the respondent, its servants, agents, privies, representatives or anyone acting for or on its behalf, from imposing fines on any of the broadcast stations or any other broadcast station in Nigeria for any alleged offence committed under the Nigerian Broadcasting Code.”

Delivering the judgment, Justice Omotosho described the NBC’s act as being ultra vires.

He held that the fines imposed by the NBC as punishment for commission of various offences under its code were contrary to the law and hereby declared as unconstitutional, null and void.

The judge also made an order of perpetual injunction restraining the commission from further imposing fines on broadcast stations in the country. (NAN)

L-R, Chairman, Nigeriam Bar Association FCT Branch Barr Afam Okeke, Executive Commissioner Legal and Enforcement Securities and Exchange Commission Mr Reginald Karawusa and Chairman / Chief Executive Officer, Investments and Securities Tribunal Hon Amos Azi during a Training Worshop on the Practice and Procedure of Investments and Securities Tribunal in Abuja yesterday

United Nigeria Airlines Chairman

tasks FG on

apprenticeship centres to end unemployment

TheChairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has called on the Federal Government to create apprenticeship centre to curb rising unemployment in Nigeria.

Okonkwo, who made the call in Abuja on Monday, stressed that it had become imperative for government to adopt the system having been tested and trusted over time.

He was speaking when Mr Bob-Manuel Udokwu, Special Adviser to Anambra Governor on Entertainment, Leisure and Tourism, led delegation of youths on a courtesy visit.

The delegation was on a visit to thank the airline for its support towards the show, which includes free domestic flights for winners.

Winners were drawn from four categories, technovation, music, dancing and acting.

Okonkwo said, creating a centre for the purpose of prioritising apprenticeship would go a long way in creating employment and ensuring self reliance, particularly among youths.

The airline chairman, said his foundation had embarked on research on apprenticeship, popularly called “nwa boi” to find out why it had remained effective over time.

He said adopting the South-East apprenticeship model would go a long way in tackling youth restiveness.

He further said Nigerian youths were greatly endowed and only required little support to blossom.

“On our part we are continuing our commitment to supporting youth development not only in the creative industry but other sectors.

“That is the reason why my foundation carried out a research on entrepreneurship, using Onitsha Main Market as a case study.

“Apprenticeship is one of the biggest things that has happened to the South-East and it can be replicated across the country.

“It is one way we have been able to raise capital for young people to start up something for themselves.

“We have published a book about it and if adopted, it will help to reduce youth restiveness,” he said.

On the part of the youth, the don said it was important to maintain high moral standards.

According to him, one of the driving forces of apprenticeship is trust and discipline, adding that it did not require much of formal education.

He added that business owners always looked out for people who could be trusted irrespective of status or educational qualification.

Earlier, Udokwu, thanked the airline for its sponsorship of the show.

“I am here with the winners of Anambra Talent Show Season Two on a courtesy visit to say thank you to the Chairman of United

Nigeria Airlines.

“He was magnanimous enough to say that those who win will get the opportunity to fly to any part of Nigeria at any point in time.

“So, we are here to say thank you to the company and the chairman, who is so benevolent.

“We thank him for making it possible to benefit from the operations of the United Nigeria Airlines, one of the fastest growing airlines,” he said.

He said, although the show was not funded by Gov. Charles Soludo was highly interested in youth development.

Udokwu, who is a veteran Nollywood actor, said Nigerian youths were multitalented but required mentorship and support to explore their talents.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Nwolisa Paul, student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, with “Legend 101″as stage name, won in the dancing category of the Anambra Talent Show.

Meanwhile, Jeremiah Sobechukwu, known as “Ecosafe Enterprise”, also a student, emerged winner in the technovation category.

Akaenyi Chukwubuikem, a graduate of Theater Arts and Film Studies, with the stage name “Ziggy Michael”, emerged winner in the acting category.

Okeke Chukwuebuka with the stage name “Howdy” and a Pharmacist, won in the music category. (NAN)

AIG zone 7 assures to look into Niger command challenges

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

The Assistant Inspector General of police in charge of Zone 7, AIG Aliyu Garba has emphasized on the need for better synergy between the police and public to enhance prevention of crime and ensure peace and order in the society.

He made this known during his one day official visit to Niger State command in Minna, calling on Nigerians to be their brothers’ keepers.

AIG Garba who warned over unverified social media posts in the country, however, assured to look into the challenges confronting the command as enumerated by the Niger State Police Commissioner, CP Ogundele Joshua Ayodeji.

CP Ayodeji noted that the command is faced with problems of insurgency/banditry, religious intolerance from She’ites movement, youth restiveness just as the command needs more logistics, manpower, riot control equipment, arms and ammunition as well as better office accomodations.

Niger NSCDC Cooperative names mini Estate after ACG Ayuba

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC)

Niger State Command staff Cooperative and Investment society has commissioned a mini housing estate at New GRA Maitumbi Minna, named after ACG Philip Ayuba.

The ceremony was witnessed by the Assistant Commandant General Philip Ayuba and the State Commandant CC Ahmed Mohammed Dandare, a three block of twelve flats were commissioned and handed over to the junior staff Cooperative members.

The Chairman of the Cooperative DSC Abubakar Mohammed who welcomed the special guest, said the project was named after ACG Philip Ayuba in appreciation of his roles and efforts in ensuring the society stood on its legs.

He explained that the cooperative is on the verge of collapse when ACG Ayuba who was the State Commandant came to the society’s rescue.

Similarly, the executive members of the cooperative society appreciated General Philip Ayuba’s leadership style by naming the first ever mini housing estate in the state after him

EFCC seeks extradition of brothers, other to U.S over child pornography

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated an extradition proceedings at the Federal High Court, Abuja against three suspects, Samson Ogoshi, his brother, Samuel and Ezekiel Ejemeh Robert, over alleged exploitation of minors and production of child pornography.

The EFCC Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, made this known on Monday in a statement in Abuja.

According to Uwujaren, the Ogoshis and Ezekiel were indicted in a U.S.A Federal Court on Dec.1, 2022 on charges of exploitation of minors and production of child

pornography resulting in death.

He said they were also indicted on conspiracy to distribute child pornography and conspiracy to commit stalking through the internet.

”According to investigations, the suspects conspired to conduct a sex-based extortion of minors and adults in the United States of America.

”The trio, investigations also revealed, hacked some social media accounts, posing to be young attractive women to entice unsuspecting victims to send their sexually explicit photographs.

”These pictures were then used in blackmailing the victims,

thereby forcing them into making huge financial payments,” he said.

The anti-graft agency spokesperson said consequently, Samuel Ogoshi was charged with sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of minors that resulted in the death of one Jordan DeMay.

He said that the offence carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a statutory mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison.

”The trio are charged with conspiracy to sexually exploit minors by causing them to produce child pornographic

images that they used to blackmail them.

”They are further charged with conspiracy to distribute child pornography, which borders on sending images to minors, their families and friends, as well as conspiracy to commit stalking through the Internet.

”Both offences carry a minimum of five years and maximum 20 years imprisonment.

”While the Ogoshis were arrested sometime in February, 2023 around the Ojo axis of Lagos, Ezekiel was picked up in Nasarawa by operatives of the EFCC,” Uwujaren said.

MAU set to graduate 4,638,honour 4 distinguished Nigerians @ 27th convocation

From Umar Dankano, Yola

The Management of the Modibbo Adams University Yola(MAU) will be graduating a total of 4,638 candidates in its forthcoming 27th Covocation ceremony slated for Saturday 13th 2023.

Vice Chancellor of the university, professor Abdullahi Liman Tukur made the disclosure at a pre-convocation press conference explaining that,63 fresh graduates will finish with first class degrees while 1069 candidates will finish with second

class upper and 552 will finish with third class as 40 will be graduating with pass degrees.

Tukur noted that in the category of higher degrees, 72 candidates will finish with postgraduate diplomas, 480 candidates will finish with masters degrees and 80 will graduate with PhDs.

He stated that, preparations have been concluded to confer on four distinguished Nigerians Honorary degrees for their outstanding contributions in human and social development.

Tukur disclosed the recipients

as Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar who will be honoured with Doctor of Law (Honoris Causa) and businessman Alh. Muhammad Indimi who will receive Doctor of Management (Honoris Causa).

Others are former governor Boni Haruna of Adamawa state who will receive Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) and Alh. Dahiru Bobbo, a seasoned administrator and educationist who will be conferred with Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) respectively.

The Vice Chancellor decried that, lack of lecturers in the

universities is one of the major challenges confronting the system in the country.

“Universities must be allowed to recruit staff as and when needed without external control.

“The universities should be allowed to operate the personnel cost of the institutions as appropriated by the National Assembly.”

The university will be having its first convocation ceremony since it was converted from technology based to a conventional university and the 27th in its 40 years of establishment.

Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr. Yusuf Yakubu Arrigasiyyu,- and others Pilgrims Officials, addressing the intending pilgrims, during the Kaduna State pilgrim’s welfare Agency has embarked on sensitization tour to eighteen orientation and education centers, on wednesday 10/5/23

Niger gov political adviser calls for prayers, support for incoming govt

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Special Adviser on political affairs to governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State, Alhaji Nma Kolo has appealed to the people to pray for the success of the incoming government of the Umar Mohammed Bago.

He made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Minna, saying that the current challenges facing the state which include; paucity of funds, insecurity, decayed infrastructure deserved the prayers of the citizens to succeed.

Nma Kolo disclosed that the out going administration of governor Abubakar Sani Bello has done its best despite challenges like economic down turn, Covid-19 among others.

He described governor Abubakar Sani Bello as a very humble and gentle man, peace loving individual down to earth whom he appreciated for creating environment for his success as his political adviser and the entire administration.

The APC stalwart decried surcharge of the North Central particularly Niger state in areas of zoning arrangement at national level despite the votes contributed to the victory of the party in the presidential election.

He applauded the initiators of zoning formula which has sustained political peace in Niger state, calling for its sustainability while urging other states of the federation to emulate the principle.

Nma Kolo told the youth in the state to give their maximum support to the incoming administration of Umar Mohammed Bago who is coming up with genuine inclusive project for Niger State.

Glovo expands frontier in Nigeria with second digital supermarket

Glovo,a multi-category digital application, has expanded its operations in Nigeria with the opening of a second digital Micro-Fulfillment Centre (MFC) for improved service delivery and better customer satisfaction.

Glovo’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Oscar Pierre, said this at the innauguration of the centre at MFC in Yaba on Tuesday.

Pierre said that the move would enable the company to deliver more value-adding and premium services, especially to shape the future of grocery shopping in Nigeria.

He said that the company decided to expand its quick commerce arm, following the success of the business in Lekki.

According to him, this will help to meet the increasing consumer demand for rapid delivery on the

mainland.

“With a young population, emerging middle class, and busy traffic, we recognised a huge potential in Nigeria to drive the adoption of quick commerce to enable people to save time and make better decisions when shopping for groceries online.

“Since our entrance into the Nigerian market in 2021, we have constantly worked to enhance our operating model to serve our consumers and give everyone easy access to anything in their city.

“This truly was, is, and will remain our main objective, and it is evident across all our operations.

“Glovo is driving the future of retail in Africa, and we are excited about the future opportunities and possibilities in Nigeria.

“Our goal is to increase the speed in which we digitise retail in our key markets, allowing us to

stay ahead of the trend and offer solutions that enable our retail partners to compete fairly in the digital world,” he said.

Mr Kolawole Adeniyi, Head of Q-Commerce, Glovo Nigeria, said the company’s expansion to the retail ecosystem was with several advantages.

He said that by using glovo bargains; individuals and small businesses could continue to open retail businesses, selling products on Glovo’s app which are fulfilled through Glovo’s logistics (last mile) services.

He added that opening up the MFC would also create job opportunities and give distributors and partners additional sales channels.

“Glovo bargain is accessible through Glovo’s app or website and is closed to walk-in customers and it offers customers the best

affordable prices for fresh and consumer packaged goods from the convenience of their homes.

“Using the latest in-store digital technology and dedicated resources, Glovo ensures the quickest possible delivery times with customers receiving their orders in 20-40 minutes.

“With Glovo Bargains, consumers conveniently buy groceries and other essential items at better prices than the open market, from the comfort and safety of their homes.

“We are excited to continue to expand our offering to meet consumer’s demands,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Glovo’s investments in Nigeria in the first quarter of 2023 stands at N1.5 billion and has overpassed one million delivery orders in the country.(NAN)

Cross sesion sum thousand of 2023 intending pilgrims from 18 local government, during the Kaduna State pilgrim’s welfare Agency has embarked on sensitization tour to eighteen orientation and education centers, on wednesday 10/5/23

FG, UNDP partner on countering violent extremism

The Federal Government with the support of UNDP on Tuesday, launched a project to enhance efforts in countering violent extremism and piracy, as well as enhancing civilian protection.

The ‘Enhancing National Capacities for Counter-Violent Extremism, Anti-Piracy and Protection of Civilians’ project, is designed to be implemented in Nigeria, ECOWAS and Gulf of Guinea.

The Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, said the effort was to achieve more results, to ensure safety in the country and the subregion.

Agba, represented by Mrs Victoria Olulade, a Deputy Director in the ministry, said Federal Government’s policies and investment in the Armed Forces and International community has helped in combatting the menace.

He however said there was an urgent desire to sharpen the capacities of security agencies on counter-terrorism and protection of civilians for more effective response and reduction in civilian casualties.

According to him, the project will build capacities, tactics and

strategies of security agencies to combat extremism and terrorism.

“This will go a long way to save lives, avert injuries, improve life expectancy and security,” he added.

He said the project would also contribute to achieving Nigeria’s long-term goals on humanitarian sector growth, as enshrined in the National Development Plan 20212025 and Sustainable Development Goals.

The minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to collaborate with relevant agencies to achieve the objective of the project in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, UNDP, Mr Matthew Alao, said the objective was to improve national capacities of ECOWAS and Gulf of Guinea countries to decrease the influence of violent extremists and pirates.

Alao said the project was also designed to improve protection of civilians in armed conflicts, given the challenges posed by the menace of violent extremism in West Africa and the Sahel.

According to him, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea has been detrimental

to economic prosperity and socioeconomic wellbeing of governments and citizens of the affected countries.

“UNDP and the Government of Japan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, MLAILPKC and the Nigerian Navy formulated this project.

“It is to build and strengthen the capacities of key stakeholders in the targeted regions to curtail the negative impacts of violent extremism and piracy.

“The project equally seeks to ensure that civilians caught up in armed conflict are secured and protected,” he said.

Alao said that the Government of Japan had funded 15 projects in Nigeria since 2015 with over 27.58 million dollars.

He said the launch of the project represented the fourth in the series of anti- piracy and peace support operations projects jointly designed by UNDP, finance ministry and the Nigerian Navy.

Alao the implementation was being done by MLAILPKC since 2020, with funding support from the Government of Japan.

“The continuous funding

of development projects by Government of Japan and UNDP at the Centre is indicative of confidence and reliability reposed on the Centre by the International Partners since 2014,” he added.

Alao recalled that the 2022 Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report puts Nigeria in 8th position on the table of countries most impacted by terrorism, three places lower than 2021, with Burkina Faso and Mali occupying second and third positions.

He said the situation also reflected similar prevalence in piracy attacks in the Gulf of Guinea, with 115 incidents recorded in 2022 and 132 in 2021.

The Commandant, Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, said that violent extremism has been driving violence in the society.

He said the project would promote protection of civilians caught in violent environments while trying to reduce violence.

The Japanese Defense Attache in Nigeria, Lt.-Col. Uchiumi Kazuaki, said Japan, in collaboration with MLAILPKC and UNDP, has been

implementing projects related to counter-piracy in Nigeria.

Kazuaki said that available data had showed that the security of the Gulf of Guinea had been greatly enhanced by not only this project, but also the tremendous efforts of the Nigerian government.

He pledged that Japan would continue to contribute to the security of the Gulf of Guinea, including the provision of high- speed patrol boats to NIMASA.

He explained that the project focuses on counter-piracy, and strengthening the capacity of security authorities and officials to counter violent extremism and protect civilians in armed conflicts.

“In short, the project will contribute to peace and stability in Nigeria and, by extension, throughout West Africa.

“However, we are also aware that violent extremism has been growing throughout West Africa in recent years and that violent extremism is expanding beyond the Northeast.

“Recently, military operations against terrorists have already resulted in civilian casualties and serious injuries and damage,’’ he said. (NAN)

NGO urges public office holders to declare their assets

Fixing the Future, a Non-Governmental Organisation(NGO) has called on public officials to declare their assets, their spouses and that of their children under 21, in accordance with the constitution.

Mr Stanley Ekpa, Founder of the organisation gave the advice while addressing a news conference on Monday in Abuja.

Ekpa said it was important that all public officials to comply with the provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act on full disclosure of assets and liabilities.

He said a survey on asset declaration compliance conducted by the organisation, revealed that more than 94 per cent of public officials do not disclose their assets fully.

He said that it was discovered that there were newer windows and complex channels for hiding proceeds of corruption, particularly through assets by proxy, block chain and real estate investment.

He said it was important to curtail corruption in public service, as it had continued to drain public finances, efficiency in governance and lower the standard of living in the country.

“We want to draw the attention of public officials within the constitutional contemplation of section 318, paragraph 19 part I and Part II of the fifth schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“That the law requires all public officials, their spouses and their unmarried children under the age of 21 to declare their assets and liabilities in the asset declaration forms as prescribed by the Code of Conduct Bureau.

“We are bothered that unless our asset declaration and declared asset verification system is made efficient, contract and procurement corruption will continue unabated,’’ he said.

Ekpa also called on the media and Nigerians to support the Code of Conduct Bureau in achieving its statutory mandate by providing ‘whistle blowing’ information to the organisation.

He added that the organisation would partner all stakeholders to raise awareness with outing, incoming as well as existing public officials on the need to comply with the law.

“We need to know what they have before coming into office and when they are leaving because that is the only way to hold them accountable at the end of their tenure.

“This is the only way the country can make progress,” Ekpa said.(NAN)

2023 Hajj: NAHCON, 4 Nigerian airlines sign agreement

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the four Nigerian Airlines approved for the transportation of pilgrims to the 2023 Hajj have finally signed an agreement.

The commission’s Chairman, Zikrullah Hassan, made this known in a statement by the Deputy Director, Information and Publications, NAHCON, Malam Mousa Ubandawaki, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the

four airlines, had earlier on Thursday, declined to sign an agreement with NAHCON due to the ongoing crisis in Sudan.

The airlines are Max Air with 16,326 allocation, Air Peace with 11,348, Azman Air with 8,660 and Aero Contractors with 7,833.

However, only the Saudi Arabian designated airline Flynas that will transport 28,515 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia had signed the agreement.

Hassan praised the patriotic

zeal of the local airlines for their sacrifices in the face of the challenge posed by the Sudan crisis.

“We are not unmindful of the challenge posed by the closure of the Sudan airspace to your Hajj operation.

” However, I wish to appeal to your conscience and sense of patriotism not to further burden the pilgrims with additional costs or changes.”

The Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Capt. Ado Sanusi, said the airlines were

mindful of the plight of pilgrims who had earlier paid their hajj fare before the crises broke out.

” But we are constrained to take that decision because of logistic and operational need. We won’t like anything that will disrupt our operation halfway.”

In the same vein, the Chairman of Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyeama, said their call for the review of the transportation agreement with NAHCON was not to exploit the Sudan crises for business gains or opportunities.

ONSA, NSCDC to strengthen protection of critical national assets

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, on Tuesday met to validate a new policy for the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the participants are to review the Draft Critical National Assets and Infrastructure National Protection Policy and Strategy (CNAI-NPPS 2023).

The National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, said the meeting was to ensure the full implementation of all aspects of the National Security Strategy.

Monguno was represented by the Principal General Staff Officer, ONSA, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Ndalolo.

He said the document was being presented to relevant stakeholders to enable them make observations and inputs to facilitate seamless implementation of the document

when approved.

“As we know, the survival and security of every nation and the quality of life of its citizens largely depend on the functionality of its critical national assets and infrastructure.

“Any attack on these assets and infrastructure will have adverse effect on national security.

“Contemporary concerns for the security of national infrastructures became more prominent in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the United States.

“Since that gruesome attack, the United States and many other countries have taken necessary steps to identify critical national assets and infrastructure with the aim of designing appropriate policies and strategies to secure them.”

He added that the UN Security Council Resolution 2341 placed premium on countries to prioritize the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.

Monguno said Nigeria had since 2009 suffered immense loss of lives and properties due to activities of terrorists and other criminal elements across the country.

He said the document had identified and sectorised Nigeria’s critical national assets and infrastructure domain into 17 sectors, as well as prioritised their protection into three broad areas.

The areas according to him are Lifeline, Life support and Life enhancing sector groups.

He said that the document being validated explained in detail how to achieve the prioritised protection of the critical national assets and infrastructure.

The NSA said this was necessary as various criminal and terror groups in Nigeria sometimes attack assets such as schools, mosques, churches, hospitals, bridges, power towers and telecommunication masts.

He added that clashes between farmers and herders as well as

inter-ethnic group conflicts also pose major threats to the country’s assets and infrastructure, as well as food security.

Monguno however said that the deployment of kinetic and non-kinetic methods by the government had considerably succeeded in protecting and safeguarding national assets and infrastructure.

“Nonetheless, there is the need to develop and continuously review measures to address dynamic threats to our infrastructure.

“Let me reassure you that ONSA remains committed to partnering with all relevant stakeholders in achieving lasting peace and security in our country,’’ Monguno said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, senior level officers from relevant MDAs and security experts, among others, were part of the validation meeting.

(NAN)

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle) flanked by The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Interior Dr Shuaib Belgore (right) and the Assistant Commandant General, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), George Edem,. at the official Launch of the Handbook on Expatriate Quota Administration in Nigeria by the Federal Ministry of Interior, held on Tuesday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Absurd! Kill it

Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom has consistently remained in the news for the past few months, albeit controversially. The latest is his proposed bill for bogus life pension for himself and past governors of the state. In the bill which has provoked concerns in Benue state and beyond, the outgoing governor is seeking to, among others, have monthly pension approval running into millions to be paid to him and his deputy for life. And, according to the proposal, the bill is to have retrospective effect to cover former chief executives of the state and their deputies, such as Senator George Akume, Senator Gabriel Suswam. Prince Ogiri Ajene and Chief Steven Lawani.

Recall that on April 11, 2023, Governor Ortom had proposed a pension Bill to the State Assembly titled, “A Bill for a Law to make Provisions for the Maintenance of Former Governors of Benue State and their Deputies and for Other Matters Connected Thereto.” Section 2(a)(i) makes provisions for the payment to all former governors a monthly “stipend”, which is equivalent to the “salary” of an incumbent governor. Section 2(a)(ii) makes provisions for the payment to all former deputy governors, a “stipend” equivalent to the “salary” of an incumbent deputy governor, while Section 2(b) provides for a building of permanent residential accommodation in any town and state of their choice.

Also, Section 2(c) and (h) makes provisions for four new cars every four years for former governors and two for former deputy governors, which shall all be maintained at the expense of the state.

driven by altruism and general good of the state, but by palpable self protection and preservation drive.

We concede that Benue is not the first state in the country to embark on this ambiguous project of making stupendous life pension provisions for their exgovernors. Lagos, Akwa-Ibom and Rivers are among other examples; and some of them have even extended the largesse to principal officers of their state legislatures. But the case of Benue is different because it can simply not afford this luxury.

No doubt, those familiar with the state would acknowledge that unlike others, its internally generated revenue is nothing to write home about, and that probably was the reason Ortom’s predecessors avoided the temptation to introduce the law to the state. If the state could not afford this luxury under the watch of Akume and Suswam when things were a little bit better, it should not by any means contemplate it now that the whole world knows that Benue is far from being buoyant.

Open letter to Governor Yahaya Bello

By Musa Wada

Your Excellency.

We concede that Benue is not the first state in the country to embark on this ambiguous project of making stupendous life pension provisions for their ex-governors.

Similarly, Section 2(d) and (e) provide for six personal staff for former governors and three for former deputy governors, all to be paid by the state, and Section 2(f) provides 24-hour security surveillance and guarding for all former governors and deputy governors.

Section 2(g) provides for free medical treatment for them, their wives and children, and Section 4 provides that former governors and deputies be entitled to two and one annual vacations abroad respectively.

It smacks of elite conspiracy to backdate such a contentious law to accommodate past leaders, an indication of desperation to give the bill some measure of credibility. This is more so as strong indications are rife that Ortom’s predecessors are not on the same page with him on this matter. We also believe that the bill which has already passed first reading on the floor of the Benue State House of Assembly is not

More worrisome is the accumulated huge salary and pension burden, in addition to quantum loans, a task the incoming administration has to grapple with. Aside pensioners whose monthly stipend arrears are in years, Benue teachers, state and local government workers are said to be be owed 11, 8 and 10 months salary arrears respectively. Feelers from the state also suggest that teachers and workers have taken to farming and petty trading in order to make ends meet, prompting questions as to what legacies the outgoing government of Ortom wants to be remembered for.

We advise the the governor to immediately withdraw the contentious bill to save the poor state from the yoke of debt burden. For many in the state, and even beyond, the vicissitudes of the past eight years will not be forgotten in a hurry. And the bill, if allowed to pass, will compromise the integrity of the fragile economy of the state. And it is for this reason that we view the governor’s proposal as misplaced. We urge members of the Benue State House of Assembly to not only discard the bill, but also proceed to demand explanation for the humongous federal allocations and sundry resources that have accrued to the state since May, 2015. By that, we believe that the legislators will demonstrate patriotism by standing with the state and its people, rather than with avaricious politicians.

OUR PEOPLE OUR MISSION

Iam disturbed because I was one of those who doubted your readiness to lead Kogi state prior to your becoming the state governor by default. I resolved to give you a chance to prove me wrong when it became crystal clear to me that God only gives power to whom he pleases at every point in time. For close to eight years which you administered Kogi state, I was amazed that your administration was anything but a failure in every sector. Forget about the praise singers hovering around you because they must look for ways to survive in the immediate time, at the expense of the difficulties that would come. Your administration, truth be told, is a monumental failure both at the economic, developmental, social and in the political sphere. I am today convinced that my impression about you as a person prior to your ascending the seat as the governor of our dear state was afterall right and this is because you have shown consistently that you lack the requirement to govern a state like Kogi that is multi-lingual, multi religious and politically diverse but mature.

Prior to the primary election of the All Progressives Congress, APC, I wrote you an open letter warning you of the armmagedon to come for the APC if you, as rumour then had it, went ahead to rig the primaries and enthrone your adopted stooge as the candidate of the party in a state like Kogi state where the Kogi east zone is in the majority.You decided to go ahead to foist your unpopular and politically novice cousin on the party when all calculations points to the fact that it portends the death of the party in the state.

appeal by the leadership of the party would dissuade our citizens to elect a leader they trust to bring about the needed harmony in the state and this is because the party leadership at the national level has shown they are in cahoot with you in foistering your unpopular candidate on the party. Time alone shall tell. I want to assure you that you have destroyed what is left of the chances of the APC in the state to win the next guber election. This time around, without the political elites in the state belonging to the party humiliated and ostracized by you and the discontent in the rank and file of the party, it amazes me how you think you can rig out the majority. The citizens of the state today are just waiting for the election day to show you that you can no longer take them for granted by voting against your annointed candidate and all he stands for.The peace today you see in the state politically is steategic. Our people are ready to speak using their votes.

HEAD,

Today, you have succeeded in turning the political zones against themselves because as it stands, all the zones have decided to regroup to support candidates and any political party that has their own as the candidate for the next guber election coming up later this year. Under your watch, our politics is returning to those days of yore when being from a tribe is the yardstick for voting and being voted for. We are now in a tribal political dispensation in Kogi state courtesy of your insatiable quest for enthroning a crony from your polling unit, zone, tribe and political family against the wishes and aspiration of the majority.

As it stands today, no amount of

I am writing this letter to you because I have written to you severally to forewarn you on the dangers of foistering your choice on the people of the state and by going ahead, you have destroyed your legacy, your party and everything it represents in the state and ready for the doomsday. Secondly, I write to remind you that what the state needed from you before the primary was to rise against petty political demands of self and sentiments by doing the right thing in order to carve for yourself a place as a leader to be proudly remembered. You have destroyed that chance.The APC as it stands today will surely lose Kogi state because the overwhelming wish of the people will outdo any personal wish of one person no matter who he is. Your Excellency, what gives you the confidence that you will win for your stooge the Governorship seat if the people are not with you? Remember, it is said that once bitten, twice shy, and one cannot eat his cake and have it, just as there can never be monopoly of ideas in a democracy.

Finally, I am still advising you to retrace your steps if there is still time to do that by reinvigorating the process of allowing the people to chose for themselves the type of leadership they crave for to lead them. Without this, your Excellency, forget Kogi state because the wish of the people will surely prevail this time.

Thank you most sincerely.

Musa Wada, wrote in from Abuja.

“To be a reputable, profitable, innovative and technologically reliant media company offering world class services and products”

OUR VISION

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

Chief Operating Officer

/Editor, Hameed M. Bello, PhD Manager, administration Hassan Hammanyaji

ADVERT Patrick UGAMA

“

A Peep into the scary matricidal world of “Yahoo-Boys”

By Isaac Asabor

Samuel who hails from Oghara in Delta State committed the act at their rented apartment in Ologbo community in Ikpoba-Okha local government area. Speaking to newsmen when he was paraded at the Edo State Police Command, Samuel said he was pushed to commit the act by a ritualist who sells drugs in the community.

Ask anyone how much he or she values his or her mother, and you will unarguably be treated with rollicking tales about how important moms are. In fact, the word “Mother” resonates with blissful unconditional love and care which the basic need of every child is. Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to say that the reason for the existence in a child’s life is endless and it surprisingly applies to the entire living world of humans and animals. The connection of children with their mothers appears to be timeless as the bond starts way before birth. If we go to jot down the list of reasons that make moms so important, then it might seem endless, but a few reasons why a mother is so important for a child are self-explanatory, and they cut across the fact that a mother’s love is unconditional.

The foregoing fact can be buttressed by opining that one look in a mother’s eye for her child, is enough for the child to decode what such a look means, and understand what unconditional love is all about. Though we all have seemingly become a pro with words and can exactly convey our emotions, expressing a mother’s love in words is still very problematic. For a mother, a child always remains her baby even if he turns 60 or becomes a tycoon, a leader, or a thinker. Without being emotional about this theme in this context, others hold this strong aspect of loving their children in any phase of life or situation. This unconditional love of mothers is what makes them so special for every child.

At this juncture, it is not an exaggeration to say that not a few artistic people in both the entertainment and literary worlds have used their works to eulogize and testify to the love their mother showered on them while growing up.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to say that Prince Nico Mbarga of blessed memory used his music titled “Sweet Mother” to eulogize his mother, and a notable lyrical line “Sweet Mother, I nor go forget you, for this suffer wey you suffer for me” resonated 1976 that it was reportedly said that, at least thirteen million copies were

sold across the African continent, more than The Beatles’ bestseller “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”

Even in the contemporary musical world where innovative and creative millennials and Gen Zs are unarguably holding sway, the memories of the love their mother showered on them whilst growing up, or the motherly support they respectively gained from their mothers as they tried to breakthrough into both local and international music scenes have not been lyrically neglected as they have continued to shower their mothers with praises on exhibited motherly-love.

It goes without saying that the foregoing view would be incomplete in this context if musicians and singers that dedicated a track to their mothers are not mentioned. For instance, Wiz Kid’s track, “Mama Mi” wherein he employed his native tongue, Yoruba, to sing, Adekunle Gold’s “Mama”, Flavour’s “Mama” ft. Chidinma and Asa’s“So Beautiful” are a few songs dedicated to mothers that can be mentioned in this context.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is not an exaggeration to say that the proverbial phrase, “Different strokes for different folks” which simply means different ways of doing something are appropriate or suitable for different people, can explanatorily be brought to bear in this piece to say that while not a few youths in Nigeria are using their creativity to eulogize the love they have for their mothers that the same cannot be said of infamous “Yahoo-Boys” who now kill their mothers for the ritual purpose of becoming wealthy or stupendously becoming rich.

For instance, a peep into the scary matricidal world of “Yahoo-Boys”showed that an-18 year-old-boy, Samuel Akpobome Emobor, had confessed that he killed his mother and slept with her corpse for the purpose of a money ritual.

Samuel who hails from Oghara in Delta State committed the act at their rented apartment in Ologbo community in Ikpoba-Okha local government area. Speaking to newsmen when he was paraded at the Edo State Police Command, Samuel said he was pushed to commit the act by a ritualist who sells drugs in the community.

According to him, “I wanted to use my mother for ritual. I am 18 years old. My father is dead. It was one man called One Love that told me to use my mother for a money ritual. He promised to give me N50,000 if I kill my mother and sleep with her. He said I should cut my mother’s ear and fingers and bring them to him.

“I wanted to cut the ears and fingers before the people came in. I slept with my mother only once. I pressed my mother’s neck to kill her while she was sleeping. The One Love sells drugs. He put something inside the drink he gave me and he told me to go and kill my mother.

“The day I went to his house with policemen, the man ran away. I hail from Oghara. I work in a pure water factory.

“I now feel very bad because I was beaten badly by people. I did what the ritualist told me.”

Police Commissioner Babatunde Kokumo, said the suspect would soon be charged to court.

In a similar vein, it will be recalled that the Lagos Police Command on September 4, 2018, arraigned one Taiwo Akinola before an Igbosere Magistrates Court sitting in Lagos, for an alleged attempt to kill his mother by smashing an electric stabilizer on her head. The accused, 28, is facing a lone count of charge bordering on attempted murder. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Komolafe, ordered his remand following his non-guilty plea.

According to the Police Prosecutor at the time, Kehinde Omisakin, Akinola, a resident of No. 2 Raji Ajanaku Street, Ayobo, a Lagos suburb, committed the offense on August 19 in the year under reference.

The prosecutor revealed that Akinola in a bid to kill his mother Iyabo Fawole, 68, smashed an automatic voltage stabilizer and a wooden stool on her head, thus contravening Section 230(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

As gathered, the suspect alleged to be a ‘yahoo yahoo’ fraudster and a cultistwas arrested by the police in an alleged failed bid to kill his mother for a money ritual.

The disclosed to the police that he was acting on the instructions of his native doctor (babalawo) to kill his mother and become rich quickly, and calabashes containing human skull and other mixtures were allegedly recovered from his room by the police on August 19, and he was being detained and interrogated by the police.

Given the foregoing scary narratives, it is expedient to urge the society to start treating teenagers and youths whose sources of income are doubtful as delinquents, and even as criminals that are not worth emulating by anyone even as the governments at all tiers with their security apparatuses should rein in their nefarious activities.

Isaac Asabor is a Public Policy Analyst.

Sahel region tops Japan’s agenda in West Africa

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

The Japanese Prime Minister was in Ghana as part of his Africa and Asia tour. Before coming to Ghana, he had already been to Egypt while he is expected to visit Kenya, Mozambique and then Singapore.

The situation in the Sahel region including Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger still remains extremely difficult with internal conflicts, extremism and militant attacks, economic development is undeniably at its lowest points in history. In addition, the Covid-19 and climate change are taking its toll on developments in the region.

A number of foreign countries have strongly suggested that the extremism and frequent militant attacks are eradicated through multilateral cooperation, but some are making unilateral commitment and offering support towards establishing peace and development in the region.

The Government of Japan has vowed to work closely with the Republic on peace, human rights, economic development and sustainability across the region. Announcing the collaboration during the Japan-Ghana Summit Meeting in Accra on May 1, 2023, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, asserted the need to quickly resolve the Russian-Ukraine conflict which has had a major impact on Africa, including food crisis and soaring

fertiliser prices.

Against this backdrop, Kishida said Japan would provide$500million for peace in Sahel region over the next three years to contribute to efforts to restore peace and stability and promote sustainable growth in the Sahel region and neighbouring coastal countries of the Gulf of Guinea.

Kishida further expressed serious concern about the situation in Sudan. According to the UN, more than 100,000 people have fled the country since heavy fighting broke out between rival forces on 15 April. A further 334,000 people have been displaced within Sudan, the BBC reported.

In order to respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan and its neighboring countries, Kishisa said Japan would urgently consider providing

emergency humanitarian assistance together with the international community.

Expressing his appreciation for Japan’s contribution to restoring global peace and economic growth, AkufoAddo said the two countries will cooperate closely as colleagues of the UN Security Council for the stabilisation of Sudan.

As non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, the two leaders believe that with the world at a historic turning point, cooperation among the international community is even more crucial to effectively address various challenges facing humanity, such as climate change, energy, and opaque and unfair development finance.

The Japanese Prime Minister was in Ghana as part of his Africa and Asia tour. Before coming to Ghana, he had already been to Egypt while he is expected to visit Kenya, Mozambique and then Singapore.

It is important to note that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and the bilateral and multilateral partners have suggested adequate steps to ensure a peaceful return to constitutional and democratic government in the Shael region. The G5 Sahel are Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.

Kestér Kenn Klomegâh is an Int’l Affairs Analyst.

Expressing his appreciation for Japan’s contribution to restoring global peace and economic growth, Akufo-Addo said the two countries will cooperate closely as colleagues of the UN Security Council for the stabilisation of Sudan

“

Bob Marley’s perspectives on power struggle

By Patrick Iwelunmor

Looking at the psychographic characteristics of present day Babylon which is Iraq, one can see that the defiance and the spirit of obstinacy that existed in people like the late Saddam Hussain is still much present in some Iraqis who are still posing threats to world peace.

As lovers of peace, Rastafarians want the world order to unfold as God wants it. This is the reason, Bob Marley is still taking on the persona of a prophet in most of his songs, warning of things to come and reminding us of a Natural Mystic blowing through the air, even after forty-two years of his death.

Ever since the Edenic misadventure that threw the gates of the earth wide-open to satanic deception and iniquity, mankind has largely wandered through the face of the earth in search of true redemption and only a few have found it; only those who have decided to get on board the heaven-bound Zion Train.

Those on the other side of the divide have willingly and deliberately decided to walk in iniquity, forming an alliance with satan to unleash terror on God’s creation, thereby causing the disruption of a peaceful world order. They are the ones Marley refers to in the song We and Them:

We no know how we and dem a-go work this out

Initially, Marley himself is at sea as to how the crisis created by this iniquitous people is going to be resolved but he finds an answer from the bible concerning the eventual fate of those who shed innocent blood:

Being the book of life, the bible always has an answer to all the fundamental questions of human existence. Marley’s reference to the bible is simple: those who shed innocent blood are addressed in the book of Deuteronomy 27:25:

“Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.”

There is no other state of damnation greater than the curse laid by God on those who shed innocent blood because they will also die in a very disgraceful manner. There are ample examples in history of people who received their rewards for spearheading or sponsoring the killing of innocent people.

Osama Bin Ladin and Saddam Hussein, in spite of their many years of hiding and evading the US-led antiterrorism intelligence, were caught and killed too. There are many other world figures in history whose shameful and painful deaths have demonstrated the

power and inevitability of the curse of the above scripture. Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Joseph Stalin, Samuel Doe, Sani Abacha, Laurent Kabila, etc.

The Babylonians are people without a conscience. They believe in their own selfish imagination. They are the stiffnecked fools whom Marley refers to in the song Stiff-necked Fools:

The biggest problems with these stiff-necked fools are their obstinacy, sophisticated imagination and preference to vanity just as Marley pointed out. In the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, the Babylonians thought they could encroach into the heavens with their architectural masterpiece but God struck them with linguistic anarchy.

One lesson we can learn from that episode is the fact that an average Babylonian is daring and always believes in his own selfish imagination. If people could have the guts to dare God, the Creator of the world, who then would they not dare? Their unbridled stubbornness remains a matter for transgenerational debate.

Looking at the psychographic characteristics of present day Babylon which is Iraq, one can see that the defiance and the spirit of obstinacy that existed in people like the late Saddam Hussain is still much present in some Iraqis who are still posing threats to world peace.

The Babylonians defy the teachings of the meek and humble Jesus and seek to establish a fundamentalist movement which thrives in terrorism. Their roles in the bombing of the World Trade Centre as well as the Pentagon cannot be forgotten, even though most of them paid the supreme prize for their indiscretions.

The characterization of the kings of Babylon reveals a deep-running blood of oppression and passion for subjugating other people to their whims and caprices through enslavement.

King Nebuchadnezzar who shares major characteristics with Saddam Hussein was credited as the one who destroyed Jerusalem in 526 BC and led away many Hebrews into captivity in Babylon. In another attack, according to Josephus’ Antiquities:

“Nebuchadnezzar later returned to besiege Jerusalem again in 586 BC. The book of Jeremiah reveals that this campaign resulted in the capture of the city, the destruction of Solomon’s temple, and the deportation of Hebrews into captivity.”

While the stiff-necked oppressor is driven by his Babylonian mentality, the oppressed, like Sisyphus, must continue to struggle for emancipation in an existential vicious cycle. Marley addressed this unending class struggle in the song “Guiltiness”.

Marley declares with a tone of confident finality the fact that the oppressors are guilty of their oppression and that the burden of their despicable deeds will continually hang on their conscience, even as they pretend to be the direct opposite of what they are. Class struggle is a universal issue that is dated back to creation itself.

A deeper deconstruction of the concept of class struggle will echo elements of Marx’s and Engels’ perspectives to the same issue. The war between God and satan is another example of the continuous contention between forces in creation either for supremacy or relevance. Even in the animal kingdom, the concept of territorialism points to the fact that one species is always wanting to dominate the other.

According to Thomas D. Ice, in his article Satan’s War Against God: “After Satan’s fall into sin he now sets out to expand his influence by tempting the newly created Adam and Eve to join his rebellion against God who created them all. This he succeeded in doing as he tempted Eve and got Adam to join them in rebellion against God.”

If God and His creation (satan) can go to war, it means that the entire human race cannot be free from the same struggle for supremacy which has manifested itself in various forms, starting with slavery, colonialism, racial segregation, ethnicism, etc. Lamenting the wickedness of the oppressors, Marley refers to them as the big fish who always try to eat the small fish.

Patrick

Iwelunmor is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in higher education; A tool for better learning

By Issa Aliyu Rahmat

Given the complex issues surrounding Artificial Intelligence in education, it is vital to carefully weigh the benefits and challenges of AI to make informed decisions for better educational standards.

It’s worth believing that life is becoming easier seeing the rapid development in the tech industry with the aid of artificial intelligence around every corner of the world. It has virtually replaced all sets of human activities in many sectors of organizations because the crude or old method of using man as the workforce is no more in vogue. With the help of AI, things have become much easier and faster than in the olden days.

Technologically, AI had spread all over the universe and things are changing in tune with the current situation, AI is now the talk of the town. You will see that everywhere you go, you will observe the presence of artificial intelligence there in one way or the other. With the invention of the first robot-human to the introduction of Chatgpt, you will realize that AI is the new talk of the town.

Alan Turing, a renowned British Mathematician, and Logician, defined Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a computer-controlled robot that

performs tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings (human beings).

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings,” he said.

In addendum, he further said that since the development of digital computers, it has displayed that computers can carry out very complex activities.

“Since the development of the digital computer in the 1940s, it has been demonstrated that computers can be programmed to carry out very complex tasks— as, for example, discovering proofs for mathematical theorems or playing chess—with great proficiency,” he added.

In analyzing the above-mentioned definition and examples, It is worthwhile to amalgamate artificial intelligence (AI) into higher educational institutions, it has triggered a dynamic discussion about the potential gains and deficiencies of this technology.

It can benefit the seeking, wanting, and acquiring higher institution learners in manifolds of dimensions for effective accessing and gaining knowledge. Citing the example of ChatGpt above, it is important to note that though it helped students in academic exercise but over-reliance on it by the student will affect the ability to make research and think effectively.

It can also produce many customized and efficient learning experiences and increased accessibility to information.

However, its challenges may well centered on aloofness concerns and ethical considerations on the potential AI system to safeguard existing biases.

Given the complex issues surrounding Artificial Intelligence in education, it is vital to carefully weigh the benefits and challenges of AI to make informed decisions for better educational standards.

Issa Aliyu Rahmat is a Public Affairs Analyst.

ince the development of the digital computer in the 1940s, it has been demonstrated that computers can be programmed to carry out very complex tasks

“

Ever since the Edenic misadventure that threw the gates of the earth wide-open to satanic deception and iniquity, mankind has largely wandered through the face of the earth in search of true redemption and only

“

Fintiri swears in first female CJ, 2 others

From Umar Dankano, Yola

Adamawa state Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has sworn in the first female Chief judge of the state, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahaman and two other judges on Monday.

Governor Fintiri at the epoch making occasion congratulated the elevated judicial officials, saying that their appointments confirm their suitability and efficiency.

Others sworn in along the new Chief judge were ; Grand Khadi, Hon Justice Ibrahim Sudi and president of customary court of appeal, Hon Justice Audi Balami respectively.

Fintiri said the occasion was historic for his government for producing the first female Chief Judge of the State, stressing that her emergence is a watershed development in gender mainstreaming and a testament that the girl-child is at liberty to rise and become anything with merit, devoid of any man-made barriers in the state.

“This ceremony isn’t only a fundamental ritual in public service, but a confirmation of the suitability of the celebrants to man our court rooms and dispense justice in the land.

“The three Justices are people I have worked with in their acting capacities and can attest to their capabilities and competence to honourably head our respective temples of justice. While upholding the fundamentals of this testament with a confirmation today, I congratulate them all for reaching this merited point in their individual careers.

“To parents, I must say, if we are looking for a role model for our daughters, this is a perfect place to come to – merit, right, truth, hard work, dedication, fairness and justice,” he said.

“The appointments of their Lordships are based on our recommendation to the National Judicial Council (NJC). This recommendation is equally hinged on our assessment of their suitability and performance which meets the NJC’ criteria for Appointment of Judges.

“These criteria include seniority, integrity, competency, having a good moral personality, impartiality, assertiveness, ability to make timely judgments, hard work and the ability to manage cases well.”

PCRC @39: Dingyadi, Arase, others hail support for effective policing

Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi and Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), Solomon Arase, have commended the leadership of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), for their contributions to effective policing in Nigeria.

They gave the commendation at the 39th Etim Inyang Lecture Anniversary and Award Ceremony with the theme, “Enhancing the Ideals of Community Policing in Nigeria” on Tuesday in Abuja.

The minister, who was represented by Mrs Jaachinma Agu, said the establishment of PCRC by leadership of the Nigeria Police Force in 1984 had continued to yield its desired result.

He said it was evident in the fostering of partnership between the police and the community with a view to enhance efficient and effective policing through active partnership with members of the communities and critical stakeholders across Nigeria.

Dingyadi said the 39th anniversary lecture organised to honour the founder of PCRC, retired Inspector-General of Police, Etim Inyang, was a means of

appreciating police contributions to safety of lives and property, good governance and improved living standard in Nigeria.

“This event is therefore highly commendable and reassures everyone here present including serving officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, that their commitment and contributions towards tackling crimes and criminalities will not go unrewarded,” he said.

The minister, who is one of the awardees, said his nomination reaffirmed President Muhammadu Buhari’s germane desire to reclaim policing primacy through police reforms, capacity building, enhanced welfare and equipping to improve internal security arrangements in Nigeria.

He said the award was a great impetus to consolidate on rendering services towards deepening economic development, through formulation and implementation of sustainable policies and programs that had in the last three years, promoted safety of lives and property across Nigeria.

He said the ministry had recently organised Town Hall Meetings with PCRC stakeholders

and the NPF in four Geo- political zones to enhance the unity and working relationship between NPF and PCRC.

According to him, the recommendations from the meetings are being implemented to ensure a smooth working relationship between the NPF and the PCRC to achieve maximum reduction in crimes and criminality in our nation.

On his part, the Chairman of PSC, Arase represented by Mr Olumide Sodeinde, said that PCRC had become a veritable means of ensuring effective community policing in Nigeria.

He said that even though PCRC was established in 1984, the concept of community policing did not materialise in Nigeria until the early 2000s when insecurity and increase in crime rates became major issues to contend with.

According to him, the foremost community police in Nigeria was the vigilante group which is still relevant in today’s community, a group of people taking off the mantle to ensure that the growing crime rates and insecurity in their community is highly controlled.

“The vigilante’s main goals is

to ensure the protection of lives and property, crime control and promotion of community policing in Nigeria.

“The need for community policing in Nigeria came as a result of an evidence based study which showed that the use of traditional policing methods and core law enforcement approaches alone are insufficient in dealing with crime and social disorder in the society.

“That is more reason why we need to seriously support the PCRC,” he said.

The National Chairman of PCRC, Alhaji Mogaji Olaniyan, said the committee now operate from its permanent site with the support of the ministry and the I-G.

Olaniyan said that PCRC had grown in leaps and bound in its 39 years of existence, saying the committee was poised to do more in delivering on its mandate.

He pledged to continue to work with the police force to be able to achieve effective policing in the country.

He said the event was organised to recognised those who had meritoriously served the nation with passion and commitment.

R-L: The Convener, Coalition for Spread and Balance Representation in Nigeria (CSBRN), Hon. Dauda Adamu, other members of the Coalition, Hon. Usman Ibrahim, Mr. Isaac Peace and Comrade Wale Bakare, during the Group world press conference on the need for Fairness, Justice and Equitable Zoning of National Assembly Positions and calling on the Leadership of APC to zone the Deputy Senate President slot to the north central region, held recently in Abuja. . Photo: Justin Imo-owo

WASSCE: Imo sets up monitoring C’ttee to checkmate malpractices

The Imo Government has set up a monitoring committee to checkmate malpractices, as the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) begins.

Commissioner for Education, Prof. Johncliffe Nwadike, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Owerri, on Monday.

Nwadike, a former Head, Department of History and International Studies at the Imo

State University, Owerri, said all possible loopholes for examination malpractices had been blocked.

He said the committee would rove from one part of the state to another, to ensure strict compliance with set standards for the examination.

According to him, a special team had also been set up to monitor members of the committee and make it difficult for them to compromise standard.

“The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and I set up a special squad to monitor the committee and supervise the supervisors to ensure strict compliance with set standards.

“We interacted with the WAEC Coordinator in Imo, carried out sensitisation in schools, on the need for principals to nominate as supervisors those who can protect their integrity.

“We also organised a workshop

for supervisors, where we told them that violations of guidelines for the exams would attract sanctions such as suspension, demotion or outright dismissal,” he said.

He also said that reagents and chemicals required for laboratory tests were ready, adding that candidates in the state would not lack any necessary items needed.

He however, assured Imo people that the ministry was

working in close cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure the release of all outstanding results for the 2022 WASSCE.

He urged candidates, schools and supervisors in Imo, to fully cooperate with the arrangements to ensure a smooth conduct of the examinations.

He expressed confidence that students in the state would excel in the examinations. (NAN)

Senate Presidency zoning: Consider National unity, cohesion, Izunaso urges APC

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Afrontline

aspirant for the position

of Senate President, Senator Osita Izunaso has said his aspiration to lead the Senate of the 10th National Assembly is in the best interest of the nation.

He urged the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to douse the tension generated by the controversial zoning formula already fouling the political atmosphere of the country by coming up with a zoning arrangement that would guarantee unity and national cohesion.

According to Senator Izunaso, the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the outgoing President, Muhammadu Buhari and APC under the leadership of Senator Adamu Abdulahi, should come up with a new zoning arrangement that would not only produce the best among the senators and House of Representatives Members-elect as their presiding officers, but be seen by Nigerians and the world at large meeting the best practices in legislative norms and satisfying the political exigencies of the present Nigeria

Senator Izunaso who spoke during a parley with media executives in his campaign office in Abuja said that the expectations of Nigeria and the entire world were high on the incoming

administration and that no efforts should be spared by the present political leaders of the country in meeting the yearnings of the people.

The journalist, lawyer and ranking senator-elect from Imo West Senatorial District, Imo State said he agreed with the position of the National Working Committee on the need for “further and better consultations” by all the necessary stakeholders of the party in reaching a workable zoning formula for the principal offices of the National Assembly.

The APC NWC had in its press statement of Tuesday said inter-alia: “the NWC noted with respect the outcome of the meetings held between the President-elect and the leadership of the NWC. The NWC called for further and better consultation with necessary stakeholders in order to assure the support of the aspirants to the National Assembly leadership positions and members of the party nationwide”.

From the statement, Senator Izunaso explained that the National Working Committee was ostensibly now satisfied with the zoning arrangement that allocated two major principal offices to a particular region and micro zoned all the four major offices in the National Assembly to individuals rather than zones as in the normal practice.

Senator Izunaso stated that the expectant ascendance of the

PDP mourns National Vice Chairman South West, Adagunodo

By Lateef Ibrahim

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that it is grief-stricken over the death of its National Vice Chairman (South West) and former Osun State PDP Chairman, Hon. Soji Adagunodo.

The party expressed the grief in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba in Abuja.

Hon. Adagunodo, the PDP said, was a very courageous leader, dedicated and fearless party man, true democrat, brilliant lawmaker, selfless administrator and grass root mobilizer who dedicated his resources, intellect and energy towards the wellbeing of the people in line with the ideals of the PDP.

According to the PDP statement, “As a Student Union Activist, two-time member of the Osun State House of Assembly, State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, PDP Osun State Chairman and later National Vice Chairman (South West) of our great Party, Hon. Adagunodo distinguished himself in all spheres as a statesman with uncommon commitment to duty.

“As the National Vice Chairman (South West), he worked tirelessly with other PDP leaders in the effort to rebrand and strengthen our great Party in the bid to rescue, rebuild and redirect our nation from the

undisputable greatest democrat and the most successful politician in Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the presidency of the most populous Black nation in the world had already raised the hope of a better and greater Nigeria in all aspects, particularly in the enhancement of democracy and good governance, across the globe.

Senator Izunaso who declared to the media executives that he was in the race to win the senate presidency and give the National Assembly a “clean and fresh breadth” expressed optimism that he would eventually triumph at the election and make our new President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, senators, members of the House of Representatives and the entire nation proud of an Assembly administered by competence, experience, capacity and integrity, comparable, if not better than any in the advanced world.

He noted that the outcry, protests, gang-ups that erupted following the informal and formal announcement of the provocative formula showed that the arrangements were not satisfactory to the overwhelming majority of the newly elected legislators and Nigerians generally adding that it should therefore be discarded without any further delay.

Senator Izunaso explained that what the country needed now was a brand new assembly chaired by a

competent, capable and experienced man of proven integrity, without any blemish whatsoever.

He said he was the highest ranking Senator from the South-South and South-East with a robust and outstanding legislative and National Assembly experience spanning from 1992 when he served as the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of House of Representatives to 1999 when he was appointed as the Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate.

In 2003, Izunaso continued “I was elected into the House of Representatives at the expiration of which I became a Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District. In all of these periods, I was one of the most outstanding committee Chairmen in both the green and red chambers”

“As a consummate party man, I joined the nation’s best of eggheads like Babatunde Raji Fashola, and our erudite baba, Chief Bisi Akande in the formation of the All Progressives Congress in 2014. After the birth of the party, I served meritoriously as the National Organizing Secretary of the party.

“It would also interest you to know that during the five years of my tenure as the National Organizing Secretary of APC there was no single litigation over our congresses both for party primaries and party executives. I was

fair, just, adroit and meticulous in all my activities.

“Looking for a complete and loyal party man, I am the best. If competence as in what our father, the President-elect desires in his planned Government of National Competence is the criterion, I am not just the most competent, I am the most capable, creative and organized senator among the contestants. If you want to go with the mood of the nation requiring a government of National Unity, I am an Igbo man from South-East, the most marginalized zone in Nigeria, I am the most qualified.

“Equally, if you want to go with the Not Too Young Act, one of the greatest achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, I am the youngest of all the aspirants, the face of the youths, representing the most agitated demography in the country today. It is me. I am indeed the best and the next person for Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Emi Lokan!

“I am the person that can give the Senate a clean and fresh image needed to give us a new Nigeria promised Nigerians by the greatest Democrat of our time, the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am the best and most suitable for the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly” Senator Osita Izunaso added.

misrule of the APC.

“His death is indeed a big blow which has created a huge vacuum in our Party in Osun State, the South West Zone and the national level.

“The PDP family commiserates with Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State; the wife, children and all members of the Adagunodo family, the Osun State Chapter of our Party and the good people of Osun State at this moment of grief.

“Our Party prays to the Almighty God to comfort the family and grant us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”, the party said.

10th NASS : Northern coalition rejects APC’s adoption of Akpabio, Abbas

By Abubakar Yunusa

TheCoalition of Northern Group (CNG) has rejected the adoption of the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, as the next Senate President and Speaker of the House of the Green Chamber, respectively.

The group also called on the the attention of the incoming President to watch his back and guard against entrenched Judases who are bent on pitching him against democracy.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja during a world press conference, spokesperson,

Abdul-Azeez Suleiman cautioned the President-elect against the antics of vested personal interests like those represented by El-Rufai and Ganduje.

“We are emphatically call on the leadership of the APC to reclaim its statesmanship by immediately reversing the decision on Akpabio and Abbass, and setting the stage for the emergence of a credible National Assembly leadership through democratic elections by its members as enshrined in our Constitution”, he said.

He also called against popular national will and against the North, which made massive sacrifices to keep the nation united and push it past a critical turning point by working to

ensure his victory at the February presidential poll.

The group warns that if this and any similar arrangements are allowed to pass through, the North as a whole would be deliberately shortchanged by stripping it of the three main democratic influences which would be absolutely unacceptable as it is unjustifiable.

“We encouraged all other aspirants for any position in the National Assembly to disregard this purported, undemocratic arrangement and insist on the emergence of their leadership through acceptable, constitutionally recognized democratic elections.”

Speaking further, Suleiman, said Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari, who

at present assumes the symbol of Northern aspiration to the Senate presidency, that he would lose respect and relevance if he submits to the temptation to quit the race for any undemocratic arrangement other than elections.

“We urge all aspirants to the position of the House Representatives Speaker, such as Betara, Wase, Doguwa and the rest from all sections of the country to insist on a transparent and democratic emergence of leaders of the House.

“We renew our commitment to engaging all leaders and fellow Nigerians as we have always done as northerners to form a coalition to reclaim, restore and protect the sanctity of our hard earned democracy.”

R-L: National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, (APC) Abdullahi Adamu; APC National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore; Deputy Speaker and Speakership aspirant, Hon. Idris Wase; Speakership aspirants, Hon. Muktar Betara and Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, during a meeting between the aspirants and APC leadership at over the zoning of the Speakership position, at the Party’s National Secretariat, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa.

Why Akpabio is most suitable for Senate President - SSSG

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

South South Support Group (SSSG), a political pressure group has said the former Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Godswill Akpabio is most qualified to lead the 10th National Assembly, urging the senator elect to give him maximum support.

Briefing journàlists yesterday in Abuja, Convener of the group, Peter Ikpen Ilefa said election has come and gone, hence need to spread political offices across the geographical zones in the country to build an all inclusive administration where every segment will have a stake by embracing the principles of equity, national solidarity, fairplay and justice.

He said Nigeria’s political arrangements in the recent past have not favoured the South-South geopolitical zone, particularly as it concerns the Senate Presidency, a reason for which they are requesting other zones to support the endorsement of Senator Godswill Obot Akabio by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group said “In the SouthSouth region, we have the presence of the APC more than every other place in Southern Nigeria apart from South West and the 2023 general elections points to this notorious fact. The results from the South-South region formed integral part of the victory the All Progressives Congress, APC is enjoying today and we however appreciate the endorsement of the Uncommon Senator for the 10th Senate Presidency.

“In Delta State for instance, the APC produced two Senators ditto Edo State, Cross River and one from Akwa Ibom State. This is in addition to a large number of members of House of Representatives under the fold of the umbrella party.

“In view of the above analysis, we request that all sons and daughters first and foremost of the Niger Delta region queues behind our illustrious son without necessarily playing the pull him down politics which is detrimental to collective progress and development.”

While pointing out that other zones in the south South have had their fare share in the allocation of political offices, especially the office of Senate President, SSSG said it was only the late Senator Joseph Wayas, who held forth in the second Republic, after which the region has not gotten to that exalted office again.

It said South East has had the opportunity of producing 8 Senate Presidents, most of whom were during the regime of Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and has sufficiently gone round the five southeastern states.

“We have stopped to be onlookers in the politics of Nigeria and without sounding immodest, the Senate presidency for all intents and purposes have been graciously zoned to our region and ultimately pinned down to our Uncommon Senator who is an agent of change and accelerated development in the Niger Delta region.

“It is of note too that the South East clamour for the Presidency of Nigeria and the 2023 presidential election afforded them the opportunity to make a good showing at the polls of which they are still in the clamour for that and not the Senate presidency.”

NASS: Akeredolu says Northwest clinching two slots in presiding officers illogical

By Musa Baba Adamu

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has rejected the zoning arrangement for the leadership positions of the 10th National Assembly, announced by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Recall that the National Working Committee (NWC) of APC had on Monday, given North West two slots of Deputy Senate President and Speaker of House of Representatives in a zoning formula allegedly okayed by the President elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In the House of Representatives, the party endorsed Tajudeen Abass from the North-West Kaduna State as the Speaker, just as Barau Jibril also from the North-West State of Kano for Deputy Senate President.

Condemning this zoning formula, Akeredolu, who is also the Chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum (SGF), said the zoning arrangement was skewed in injustice.

The governor, in a statement issued in Akure, the Ondo state capital, wondered why a political zone would be favoured with two

slots at the instance of others in the “permutation” carried out by the ruling party.

“It is an insidious permutation that North East will be deprived in the face of the unsavoury generosity dispensed through two slots to a particular geo-political zone. It is self-repudiating for one to argue, therefore, that the Speaker of the House of Representatives cannot also emerge from the North East.

“Therefore, the move to zone the National Assembly leadership positions on the behest of interested personalities with perceived closeness to the

President-elect manifestingly lays the dangerous foundation of distrust, and needless suspicion even as it structures nothing but a combination of booby traps. We must avoid all these,” he said.

Akeredolu said the intentions and motives of the zoning formula already represented early signs of steps aimed to tackle the hardearned presidency seat for Mr Tinubu.

According to him, the North should play a stronger, more robust and all-inclusive role in the emergence of the positions zoned to the region, especially the Speakership.

Centre, President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola flanked by the Minister of state Works and Housing, Alhaji Umar El- Yakub and Managing Director/ CEO Federal Housing Authority FHA, Senator Gbenga Ashafa during the commissioning of Federal Housing Authority FHA Mass Housing Scheme built in Zuba, FCT, Abuja on Tuesday.

Aggrieved Speakership aspirants storm Adamu’s office, lament marginalisation

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Aggrieved 10th Assembly Speaker aspirants yesterday stormed the office of All Progressive Congress (APC) National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, where they bared their fangs over the zoning formula adopted by the party to sachem them out.

The aspirants led by Ahmed Idris-Wase, the Deputy Speaker and Muktar Betara, the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, specifically kicked against the party’s choice of Tajudeen Abbas for the office.

Others who are also against APC’s endorsement are Yusuf Gagdi (Plateau), Miriam Onuoha (Imo), Sada Soli (Katsina) and Sani Jaji (Zamfara).

They warned the NWC and stakeholders of the party to prepare for a repeat of 2015 scenario should the party allow the endorsed candidates list to

stand.

In his speech, Wase said for such a decision to be arrived at, there was need for serious consultations with all members, reminding the party that it does not have the majority in the House, hence, the need to have everyone to agree with such a zoning template.

He said: “What was on social media, again, was the zoning and the micro zoned to particular individuals. As I speak to you sir, I want to say categorically that none of us here was approached or consulted even for a second to find our opinion and thought on what was going to be done or what has happened.

“Your Excellency, sir, that is the crux of matter and we feel betrayed by that action. We feel that as if our contributions are not recognized, we feel as if we are not members of this family. We feel that we have given our best but now the best is no longer needed.

“We are here to protest and to appeal to you to go again to look into this matter. That what had been ushered out will not stand. And we are disciplined party people.

Speaking also, Betara said there was no time two presiding positions were zoned to the same zone and warned the party against the consequences of such decision.

“We are not against our leaders, but if we should sit down and say sit amongst yourselves and pick somebody you think you can work with, it is easy. But the person, the speaker (Gbajabiamila) is trying to even pick, there are some of our colleagues that don’t know him. That’s the truth, I am not lying. If today the party said we zone to the North-west, I have to sit and think because now the party is zoning the deputy senate president and the speaker to the same zone.

In his response, Adamu

assured the lawmakers that the party would embark on further consultations and would get back to them, stressing that the statement issued by the party clearly stated that the party leadership would endeavour to do more consultations so that everyone would be carried along.

He said “There is nothing we do that may not be challenged here and there. But let us be able to attend the best possible consultation with people giving them their right of fair hearing before we can say yes we are changing positions or we are not changing positions.

“I plead with you in good conscience to give us a little time to take a good and better look at your presentation and open our ears and our eyes the more to hear more and see more before we can come with finality of your submission and the outcome of it. I thank you for your approach.

Buhari seeks Senate approval for $800m loan

By Musa Baba Adamu

President Muhammadu

Buhari asked the Senate on Wednesday to approve an $800 million loan to finance the National Social Safety Network Programme, NSSP.

Buhari’s request was contained in a letter read to the Senate by Ahmed Lawan during the Wednesday plenary session.

According to the President, the funds will be transferred to 10.2 million poor and lowincome households for a period of six months, with a projected multiplier effect on 60 million people.

The President, therefore, urged the lawmakers to expedite action on the request for proper implementation.

Each of the 10.2 million individuals will receive the sum of N5,000 per month under the conditional cash transfer window of the programme.

Tinubu on medical trip to Europe, not working visit –Atiku’s Spokesman, Bwala

By Musa Baba Adamu

The camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the report of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu departing Nigeria for Europe.

Atiku’s spokesman, Daniel Bwala, claimed Tinubu’s trip was a medical follow-up and not a working trip, as stated by his media team.

Bwala said calling Tinubu’s journey a working trip is wrong because he’s not the president yet.

Tweeting, Bwala wrote: “Now they have learned to call the medical follow-up trip a working trip. Hold on; he is not yet the president, so technically, it is wrong to call it a working trip or visit. His media people should learn to humanize him so they do not have to make lies statecraft.

“We have seen the movie before. Whilst PMB’s media people were busy saying the president is on a working trip or visit, PMB keeps saying “I have never been this sick before”. I thought Tinubu’s media aides would learn from that; alas if it didn’t Dey, it didn’t Dey.”

Recall that a statement by Tinubu’s spokesperson, Tunde Rahman, had said the Presidentelect will use the opportunity of his trip to Europe to finetune the transition plans, programmes and policy options with key aides without distractions.

Tinubu is also expected to engage with investors and allies to market investment opportunities for the country during his trip.

APC impersonating Obidients to attack eminent Nigerians – Peter Obi

By Christiana Ekpa

The candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the just concluded February 25 presidential election, Peter Obi has raised the alarm over attempt by some people who masquerade as “Obidients to abuse and insult eminent personalities in the country.”

Obi exonerated his supporters, popularly known as Obidients

as being behind railing of insults against prominent Nigerians, maintaining that they are lawabiding citizens.

Obi, in a tweet on Wednesday, condemned the development, insisting it’s unacceptable.

The former Anambra State governor mentioned Reverend Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God as one the personalities that had been attacked.

He said he eschewed namecalling, insults, and abuses, just like most of his supporters.

He wrote, “The use of subterfuge by people masquerading as Obidients to abuse and insult eminent personalities like Most Reverend Pastor Enoch Adeboye or anyone else is most unacceptable. Obidients are by and large, lawabiding citizens.

“While differences of opinion are normal, calculated efforts to

create ethnic or religious chasm all in the name of politics should not in any way be tolerated. As a person, I eschew name-calling, insults, and abuses, likewise most of my supporters.

“The suggestion that some in the fringes engage in such conduct casually overlooks the fact that the political opposition deploys such methods to gain undue advantage and create confusion and bad blood.”

Jubilation at the Supreme Court, as the Court declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ademola Adeleke winner of the July 16, 2022, Osun State Governorship Election, yesterday in Abuja..

APP withdraws petition against Tinubu at Presidential Election Tribunal

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Action Peoples Party has applied to withdraw the suit against President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential

Election Petitions Tribunal.

The Counsel to APP, Obed Agu, is also asking the court to strike out and dismiss the suit challenging Tinubu’s victory at the 25th February presidential

election.

Counsel to Tinubu, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, did not oppose the withdrawal.

The Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Haruna Tsammani,

10th NASS: Accept zoning in good faith — Jigawa APC

By Christiana Ekpa

The Jigawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged all APC senators and House of Representatives members to accept the adoption of consensus

in producing the 10th leadership of the National Assembly in good faith.

The state party chairman, Aminu Sani Gumel, made the call while briefing newsmen in Dutse, the state capital.

According to him: “The choice

subsequently dismissed the petition. Recall that the tribunal commenced sitting in Abuja on Monday.

to elected members

of Senator Akpabio as Senate President and Senator Barau Jibrin as Deputy Senate President, the nomination of Tajuddern Abbas as Speaker and Ben Kalu as Deputy Speaker was done for national unity and progress.

Gumel explained that the

Jigawa State APC is supporting any move by the national APC aimed at promoting unity, peace and progress in Nigeria. He then warned all APC National Assembly members against opposing the collective decision of the party.

Bauchi Assembly confirms Makama as SIEC chairman

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Bauchi House of Assembly on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of a former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Ahmed Makama as Chairman of Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) by Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.

The assembly also confirmed the appointment of its former Speaker, Right Honourable Bappa Haruna Disina as Chairman of the

Bauchi State House of Assembly Service Commission.

The confirmations as well as those of Alhaji Abdu Babayo Jalam and Dr Dauda Abdullahi as Permanent Commissioners, Bauchi State Civil Service Commission followed a message sent by the governor requesting for their screening and confirmation of the appointees.

The governor’s messages were presented to the House during plenary by Majority Leader, Hon Tijjani Muhammad Aliyu, who subsequently moved that since the nominees are very

important personalities who have meritoriously served both the state and the nation, they should be confirmed by the House.

This was seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon Bakoji Aliyu Bobbo, said that Disina had served as Speaker of the House and thus was very much qualified for the job, adding that Makama having served as INEC REC in various states was eminently qualified to serve as chairman of the state electoral umpire.

In his reaction, the Speaker, Rt Hon Abubakar Y Suleiman, said the nominees were veterans

in their respective areas of assignment and therefore were qualified for the respective appointments.

The speaker added that since the other two nominees as permanent commissioners in the state civil service commission are for reappointment, which is a testament of their good record and performance.

Members subsequently approved and confirmed the nominees for their respective appointments.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Effective Dispute Resolution Will Engender Capital Market Growth —SEC Boss

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

TheSecurities and Exchange Commission has said that the capital market, which is considered the catalyst for economic growth, must be sustained by an effective and efficient dispute resolution mechanism by adjudicators who are subject matter experts to engender investors’ confidence.

Yuguda stated this during a one day workshop organised by the Investmebrs and Securities Tribunal in collaboration with the Nigeria Bar Association wity the theme “Law, Practice and Procesure of the IST” held at the SEC head office in Abuja, Wednesday.

Represented by Executive Commissioner Commissioner Legal and Enforcement of SEC Mr. Reginald Karawusa, Yuguda said the workshop is important for legal Practitioners who appear before the IST on behalf of their clients and lawyers who generally practice in the capital market.

According to him, “This workshop is important for legal practitioners who appear

Senate confirms NDIC board members

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of AbdulHakeem Mobolaji and six others as members of Governing Board of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

This followed the adoption of the report of senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institution at plenary on Tuesday.

Those confirmed included Osita Ogbu (South-east) Umar Gambo Jibrin (Northcentral), Mohammed Haruna(North-east) Yasmine Dalhatu(South-west).

Others were Simon Ogie (South-south) and Abimbola Olashore(South-west).

Six bills also scaled first reading at plenary including -Haliru Dantoro University of Fisheries and Aquaculture, New Bussa, Niger Bill, the traditional complementary alternative medicine council establishment bill, the Institute of cooperative professionals of Nigeria establishment bill.

Others were the African Union of Development Agency -New Partnership for African Development Bill, the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons Domestication and Enforcement Bill and the Institute of Chartered Islamic Finance Professionals Establishment Bill.

before the IST on behalf of their clients and lawyers who generally practice in the capital market

“Lawyers play very prominent roles in Capital market and as such should not only how to structure transactions but also have clear knowledge of the procedure and the practices of appearing before the IST”.

The SEC DG said the workshop will among others, the workshop will discuss topical issues such as: The status, jurisdiction and power of the Tribunal; Transactions and dispute resolution in the Nigeria capital market; The role of lawyers and panel discussions on these all-important topics.

“It is a welcome development that workshops such as this is holding at this period when the new IST procedure has been published. I would encourage and recommend that this workshop be an annual feature in the calendar of the Investments and Securities Tribunal and the Nigerian Bar Association.

“I commend the organizers of this workshop and assure the Bar Association

and the IST that the commission would be ready to support them and also share in the knowledge and experience this workshop will produce since it is lawyers frequently appear before the Tribunal”. Yuguda added.

In his remarks, Chairman of IST, Mr. Amos Azi said that by the Securities And Exchange Commission Act of 1988 the Federal High Court was vested with jurisdiction over violations arising from capital market transactions.

Azi said pursuant to the said Act the SEC established the Administrative Hearing Proceedings Committee to resolve capital market disputes, and appeals lay therefrom to the Federal High Court.

“Unfortunately the Federal High Courts were largely unable to appreciate the peculiar nature of the capital market, being as it were very time sensitive. Investors’ confidence were not particularly helped by the delays encountered in the resolution of their disputes in the conventional courts as the transactions in the market increased, thereby impacting negatively on investors’

confidence vis-a-viz market performance” he said.

The IST Chaorman said mindful of the need to be responsive to an ever evolving market the Tribunal reviewed its Procedure Rules, which was exposed to stakeholders for necessary inputs.

“The new Rules which incorporated the use of technology and other trends in the market in the Tribunal’s proceedings further addressed all observed lacunae in the reviewed Rules.

“This workshop “Laws Practice and Procedure of the Investments and Securities Tribunal” is aimed at acquainting practitioners with the basic Laws and Rules governing proceedings at the IST. This is particularly so as most lawyers are not seized of the required knowledge in Capital Market Laws and Practice. It is hoped that this workshop will wet your appetite and create a desire for specialization in Capital Market laws and Practice”. Effective Dispute Resolution Will Engender Capital Market Growth— SEC Boss.

LinkedIn to lay off 716 employees

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The layoffs would affect 3.5 per cent of the company’s 20,000-strong workforce. The new development comes months after Jumia announced plans to lay off 900 of its employees.

In a message to the company’s employees on Monday, LinkedIn Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Roslansky, said the decision was aimed at streamlining operations and broadening responsibilities to make decisions more quickly.

“Over the years we’ve had to make hard decisions to ensure we were setting the company up to deliver on our vision, and I’m sharing one of those decisions today.

“As we guide LinkedIn through this rapidly changing landscape, we are making changes to

our Global Business Organization (GBO) and our China strategy that will result in a reduction of roles for 716 employees,” Mr Roslansky said.

He noted that colleagues who are impacted by this announcement have all made invaluable contributions to the company.

“I want to recognize the impact this decision has on the lives of those individuals. And I want all of you to know that the entire leadership team and I are dedicated to helping our colleagues during this transition and ensuring that they are treated with the care and respect they deserve.

“If your role is directly impacted by this decision, you will receive a calendar invitation within the next hour for a meeting with a leader from your team and a representative from our Global Talent Organization (GTO),” he said.

According to him, the company is making meaningful progress in creating economic opportunities for its members and customers and experiencing record engagement on the platform.

“We’re also seeing shifts in customer behaviour and slower revenue growth. In an evolving market, we must continuously have the conviction to adapt our strategy in order to make our vision a reality.

“Becoming more agile: with the market and customer demand fluctuating more, and to serve emerging and growth markets more effectively, we are expanding the use of vendors. We are also removing layers, reducing management roles and broadening responsibilities to make decisions more quickly,” he added.

While these decisions are essential for its

business, Mr Roslansky said the company’s employees will be leaving LinkedIn for new opportunities.

“We are committed to providing our full support to those impacted. U.S. benefit-eligible employees will receive a variety of benefits including severance pay, continuing health coverage, and career transition services.”

He added that benefits for employees outside the U.S. will align with the employment laws and local practices in each country.

“For both our GBO and China employees, we have an internal mobility process for impacted team members to help find a new role if there’s a skill fit.

“As we turn 20, we are entering a new decade for LinkedIn, one that will perhaps be the most consequential we’ve experienced to date.

L-R: Executive Director / CEO , Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Dr Ezra Yakusak, Director Market Access NEPC, Mrs Uduak Etokowoh, Director Product Development NEPC, Mrs Evelyn Obidike and the CEO Mint green Organs International Limited, Nwokedi Chinemerem, during the Programme of event for Hands-On- Packaging and Labelling Technical Session for Export, Organise by NEPC held yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo.

Airtel pays N58.7bn for 15-year spectrum licence

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

Airtel Africa has announced that its Nigerian subsidiary, Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel Nigeria), has made a payment of N58.7 billion to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to renew its 2x10MHz 2100MHz spectrum licence.

Once renewed, the group said the licence will be valid for a period of 15 years following the expiry of the previous licence on 31 April 2022.

The group made the disclosure in a statement posted to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) website, signed by the company secretary, Simon O’Hara.

“This investment to renew the licence reflects our continued confidence in the opportunity inherent across the Nigerian market, supporting the local communities and economies through furthering digital inclusion and connectivity,” the group said.

Airtel Nigeria had earlier in January announced the acquisition of a 5G spectrum and an additional spectrum for its 4G network for a total sum of $316.7 million.

According to a statement by the local unit of Airtel Africa, the decision is part of its commitment to deepen higher-speed connectivity in Nigeria by way of 5G cellular technology.

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

Last April, Airtel Africa got the Central Bank of Nigeria’s endorsement to run a payments unit named Smartcash Payment Service Bank Limited and subsequently, launched operations in Lagos and the rest of the country.

Forex shortage tips FrieslandCampina Nigerian unit into record quarterly loss

The loss was recorded after the company partially settled accrued foreign currencydenominated obligations to trade partners, which Nigeria’s foreign exchange scarcity has blown out of proportion in recent years.

That compares with a net profit of N2.9 billion reported for the same period last year.

A stack of past dues reaching back to 2020, unable to be repaid as the company couldn’t source enough forex, triggered “an exceptional foreign currency expense of N14.1b,” it said in its earnings report.

That added to higher interest costs at N4 billion which had the most squeeze on its bottom line

for the period.

FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, the manufacturer of noble milk brands like Peak and Three Crowns and the infant formula Friso, heftily relies on imports and foreign exchange for its operations.

It expects the development to have sweeping implications for its financials this year, saying a full recovery of the huge exceptional expense will likely happen beyond December.

A foreign exchange crunch, erupting in the heat of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, is tightening the noose on FMCG firms in Africa’s largest economy, many of whom depend on

imported raw materials to run.

Last month, Nigerian Breweries said a drought of dollars and euros similarly ramped up its outstanding payable to trade partners abroad to €110 million, a debt that must be quickly redeemed to prevent the country’s biggest brewer from a partial or total shutdown.

Unilever Nigeria declared in a statement in March it would be prioritising “business continuity measures that reduce exposure to devaluation and currency liquidity” after announcing a planned end to the production of its popular brands, including Omo, Sunlight and Lux.

For the three months under

review, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria posted a slight drop in revenue to N81.9 billion. Cost of sales contracted by 6 per cent, but selling and distribution costs accelerated by one-fifth to almost N7 billion.

The company trades its shares over the counter at Lagos NASD OTC Securities Exchange, where they are quoted at N71.50 per unit and a market capitalisation of N139.6 billion at market close on Tuesday.

Royal FrieslandCampina NV, the parent company, highlighted an exchange rate loss of €63 million (N30.9 billion at N490.4/€1) in its Nigerian operation in its 2022 financial statement.

Osinbajo inaugurates Afam 3 power plant, says Nigeria’s electricity market has huge potential

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the commissioning of the 240MW, AFAM 3 Fast Power Project in Rivers State.

Credit: Facebook/Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) has said that with increased investments and improvements in the electricity value chain, Nigeria could become one of the best power markets in the world.

He stated this on Tuesday in his remarks at the official commissioning of the 240MW,

AFAM 3 Fast Power Project in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he represented President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement by his spokesman, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo said, “We have all the ingredients to create one of the best power markets in the world. I am also confident it will happen within our lifetimes.

“The challenge before us now is for the industry to leverage the improved commercial environment that has been created to sustainably supply electricity and improve service to all citizens. This administration has made significant

strides in this direction.”

Referencing the efforts of the administration in the sector, the Vice President said, “The complete story is that in the past few years we have seen more new money coming into the power value chain.

“These transactions include, Quest PLC that became core investor in Yola disco in 2020 with the transaction worth N19 billion. Last month the National Council on Privatization, NCP, approved the 30-year concession on Zungeru Hydro Power Plant at $70 million a year. And overall, the story of the Nigerian electricity supply industry

is also getting better.”

Continuing, the VP disclosed that “since 2020, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has executed all of its bi-annual review processes without fail,” recalling that this was a marked difference from the past.

For instance, he said, “In 2019 subsidies reached a peak of N584 billion in an environment that was very burdensome on the Nigerian Government’s fiscal position.”

But he added that the “introduction of the Service Based Tariff, the Payment Discipline initiative for the sector (through

NERC and CBN) and the introduction of the National Mass Metering programme have led to a doubling of market collections in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry from N40 billion per month in 2020 to a record of N80 billion per month in the 1st quarter of 2023”.

He also stated that in 2021 and 2022 “five underperforming DISCOs were brought into a restructuring program that has led to a N10billion per month reduction in shortfalls. If this trajectory continues, the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry will attain self-sufficiency by the end of 2023.”

Representative of the President and Hon. Minister of Finance, Budget & National Planning, Mrs Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed (6th right) , Hon. Minister of Works & Housing and Chairman of the Board of Shelter Afrique, Mr Babatunde Fashola,SAN (7th right), Outgoing AGM Chairman and Hon. Minister of National Housing & Social Amenities, Republic of Zimbabwe, Hon. Daniel Garwe (9th left) and Hon.Minister of State, Works and Housing , Hon. Umar El - Yakub (8th left), representative of the Hon.Minister of the Federal Capital Territory & Permanent Secretary of the FCTA, Mr Adesola Olusade (5th right), Ag.Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr. Folorunso Esan (4th right), Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Shelter Afrique, Dr Chii Akporji (7th left), and others in a group photograph shortly after the Opening Programme of the 42nd Annual General Meeting and Symposium of Shelter Afrique with the theme,” Political Economy in the Built Environment,” jointly organized by the Federal Ministry of Works & Housing and Shelter Afrique at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja on Monday, 6th May 2023

Boosting Local Productivity Through CBN “100 For 100 PPP Initiative”

In October 2021, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced a new financial intervention window tagged: “100 for 100 P-P-P” to support companies and the nation’s economy.

The facility, Policy on Production and Productivity was launched to empower 100 local companies in 100 days, and many hundreds in months ahead, with the aim to boost their production capacity, create wealth and stave off importation which has been responsible for foreign exchange crisis.

Despite the continuous government efforts to boost local production capacity in recent years, Nigeria still spent a whooping sum of N1.9 trillion importing food in 2022.

A total of N1.9 trillion worth of food products were imported into the country in 2022, indicating a five percent rise compared to N2 trillion spent on food importation in 2021, data from the National Bureau of Statistics trade report has shown.

The imported food products accounted for 7.29 percent of the country’s total imports for the year.

In 2020, Nigeria imported N1.2 trillion worth of agricultural products for the year. In 2019, the country imported N959 billion worth of food, accounting for 5.66 percent of total imports. It imported N857.6 billion and N886.8 billion worth of food products in 2018 and 2017 respectively.

The CBN 100 for 100 P-P-P initiative was therefore, a move intended to reverse the country’s over-reliance on imports.

The apex bank has launched several initiatives in recent years to support private sector in Nigeria, as it battles an importation-fuelled foreign exchange crisis.

These interventions include the N1.0 trillion Real Sector Facility (RSF), Real Sector Support Facility (RSSF), Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS), NonOil Export Stimulation Facility (NESF), and Textile Sector Intervention Facility (TSIF).

Speaking at the launch, the CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele said, “over the past seven (7) years, the government under the visionary leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has made significant efforts at reducing our economy’s overreliance on imports for food and industrial raw materials, towards one that is selfsufficient and self-reliant, with strong commitment towards ensuring that Nigerians produce what they eat and eat what they produce.

“In line with the administration’s policy focus to stimulate domestic production and productivity, the CBN has continued to introduce various policy measures, in the form of interventions, to stimulate lowcost and sustainable financing to priority sectors and segments of the economy.

“The 100 for 100 Policy for Production and Productivity (PPP) is one of such interventions designed to fast track productive activities in priority sectors”, he said.

Going by the plan, 100 private sector companies with projects that have the potential to significantly boost local productivity and the foreign exchange generating capacity of Nigeria were selected in November 1, 2021 by the CBN.

CBN said, the projects must catalyse sustainable employment-led economic growth through increased domestic

production and productivity in the near term, adding that the instrument is for only new projects; will not cover any refinance of existing facilities and will be subject to an independent evaluation by international audit firms”.

Again, according to the plan, the process which is bank-led, is rolled over every 100 days (on quarterly basis) and new set of companies is selected for financing under the initiative.

CBN launched the policy with the presentation of commemorative cheques worth N23.2 Billion to 28 beneficiaries, through seven Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs).

Presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries, which comprised 14 companies in the manufacturing sector, 12 in the agricultural sector, and two in the healthcare sector, at the Bank’s head office, Mr. Emefiele disclosed that the 100 for 100 PPP was designed by the CBN to stimulate investments in Nigeria’s priority sectors with the core objective of boosting production and productivity.

According to him, the formal launch of the 100 for 100 policy for the Scheme’s developmental component underscored the critical roles in building new blocks for economic growth, improving production expansion, reducing reliance on imports and fostering growth on non-oil export, particularly as the country’s national growth was highly dependent on a strong and competitive businesses.

He explained that, “under the initiative, every hundred days, manufacturers in critical sectors that seek to engage in greenfield projects or in expanding their existing facilities will have access to cheaper forms of credit at single digit rates, as well as foreign exchange to procure plants and machineries.”

While noting that the programme had the potential to significantly accelerate manufacturing output, promote further diversification of the economy and enable faster growth of Nigeria’s non-oil exports, Emefiele expressed confidence that the PPP will help to reduce the country’s over-reliance on imports, and stimulate productivity in agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, extractive industries, logistics services, trade-related infrastructure, and renewable energy.

Specifically, he said, the scheme aimed at creating more than 20,000 jobs and expected to generate over US$125.80 million in foreign exchange earnings.

Speaking further, he explained that only 79 out of an initial 243 applications

valued at N321.06 billion spread across key sectors of the economy, were submitted by the banks, out of which only 28 companies with projects that had clearly articulated proposals were eventually selected for funding valued at N23.20 billion.

He said, “the launch also fulfills the commitment we made during the unveiling of the first central bank digital currency (CBDC), the eNaira, by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, on the 25th of October, 2021, when we announced that the CBN will introduce a 100 for 100 – Policy on Production and Productivity (PPP), under which eligible companies in priority sectors will be screened and 100 companies will be selected to receive funding from the CBN every 100 days, beginning from 1st November 2021.

“The selection of subsequent beneficiaries will be rolled over every 100 days with new sets of 100 companies and details of these companies will be published in the major national dailies.

“Today’s launch of the 100 for 100 Policy for Production and Productivity (PPP) initiative and cheque presentation to selected companies, is a culmination of our engagements with critical stakeholders in the manufacturing sector and financial institutions, as we have here today pioneer beneficiaries of the initiative and the participating financial institutions”, he said.

Also speaking at the launch, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige lauded the CBN Governor for what he described as laudable initiatives,

which he said aligned with the Federal Government’s goal of creating jobs and lifting people out of poverty.

While noting that the Nigerian economy was yet to be fully diversified, Dr. Ngige sued for greater collaboration between the fiscal and monetary authorities, noting that such partnership was vital to ensuring economic growth.

Speaking on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office, Dr, Habiba Lawal said, the ingenious initiative was coming at a time the country was exploring means of economic diversification aimed at reversing its overdependence on importation as well as galvanizing local production of goods and services that would trigger employment generation, wealth creation and poverty eradication.

In their separate remarks, the President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Mansur Ahmed and the Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, who doubles as the Chairman, Body of Bank Chief Executive Officers (CEOS), commended the initiative and pledged their readiness to collaborate with the CBN to ensure its success.

As expected, the initiative has received wide commendations from some notable financial experts within the country as captured by NAN.

A financial expert, Mr. Okechukwu Unegbu, commended the apex bank for thinking outside the box to salvage the Nigerian economy from its over-reliance on crude oil receipts.

He urged beneficiaries to ensure that the funds were judiciously utilised to achieve the purpose of boosting the productive sector of the economy.

“The CBN has made commendable efforts to encourage the manufacturing sector and economic diversification in recent times and this policy is another one.

“The realisation by fiscal and monetary authorities, that it is imperative to move the country away from dependence on crude oil to the productive and manufacturing sector is encouraging.

“I urge beneficiaries of this policy to ensure that the funds are used for the purpose for which they were allocated, while the CBN should ensure strict oversight and monitoring to ensure compliance,’’ he said.

Mr. Ibrahim Aliu, a Chartered Accountant, advised the apex bank to take stock of its recent economic policy decisions to determine their level of success.

“The CBN has introduced many policies in recent times aimed at diversifying the economy and stabilising the Naira. It is not just enough to introduce these policies.

“The apex bank needs to take stock, do an appraisal to determine the level of success of existing policies before initiating new ones,’’ he said.

An economist, Mr. Joseph Adebayo, also called for effective monitoring of beneficiaries of the policy to ensure that the funds were not diverted.

“Many Nigerians believe that government money is free money. I hope the CBN has adequate modalities to monitor the 28 enterprises and their usage of the N23.2 billion loan,’’ he said.

The funds were disbursed through FCMB, Fidelity, Keystone, Stanbic IBTC, Union, Wema and Zenith.

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

Climate change: Former Malawi President meets

FEMA officials on flood mgmt

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Dr. Abbas Idriss has met with the former President of Malawi and ambassador for climate change and justice, Dr Joyce Banda in Abuja, to dialogue on effective management of flooding.

It was gathered that the meeting was at the instance of the former Malawian President, who commended FEMA for recording zero deaths to flooding in 2022 and indicated an interest to know how the Agency achieved as such.

She noted that the Malawi and the FCT had faced similar climatic conditions last year.

Dr. Banda, in a statement from Head, Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, informed that in 2022 heavy floods and cyclone Freddy devastated Malawi, killing scores of people and displacing 2 million people.

According to the statement, while noting that Malawi requires 700 billion dollars to recover infrastructure damaged by the floods, Dr Banda lamented that the whole of Africa was paying the price of climate change.

It adds:” The people that were swept away by heavy floods on the 11th of March were ignorant people who did not contribute to global warming.

“The global north and global south must sit down and address climate change. The north must invest to fight climate change”.

Responding, FEMA DG noted that devastating floods in 2022 claimed about 600 lives in the country,but that no lives were lost in the FCT.

He attributed this to several assessment tour of flood affected areas immediately after the rains.

“In some places it could be due to infrastructure decay, the box culvert is too small causing over flooding. The general cause of flooding in the FCT is human induced.

“Building on waterways, erection of embankments on the back of a river there by blocking the free flow of water.

“When we carry out assessment and determine the cause of the flood we bring all the stakeholders together; Department of engineering, town planners, urban and regional planning.

“We now intend to bring in estate developers, because sometimes the floods occur within an estate”, he stressed.

The DG noted that the Administration was working out modalities to mandate developers who engage in infractions to pay for the removal of such structures.

He identified education, sensitization and engagement of residents particularly through town hall meetings as some of the measures adopted to mitigate flooding in the FCT.

He added that others are strengthening of local emergency councils, training of local divers on modern rescue techniques, emergency Marshalls, regular desilting of drainages, blockage of dangerous slip roads, mounting of billboards in flood prone areas and the deployment of drone for aerial survey of flood prone areas.

METRO

Respite as FCTA reopens Garki Int’l market

By Stanley Onyekwere

Traders in the Garki International Market were in a jubilation mood yesterday as officials of the FCT Administration reopened the market which was hitherto shut six day ago over alleged poor sanitation.

The officials led by the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Monitoring Inspection and Enforcement, Ikharo Attah arrived the market for reopening around 3.30pm, and after a painstaking inspection of its sanitary condition certified it okay for reopening.

Speaking to newsmen during the exercise, Attah expressed satisfaction with the management and traders of the market for swinging into action to ensure the restoration of the sanity of the market.

Attah however, warned the traders that the administration will not hesitate to seal up the market again if the management and traders fail to maintain the standard

of environmental cleanliness they demonstrated today.

Prior to the reopening, traders remained barred from accessing their shops and trading spaces within the Garki market for allegedly failing to heed to prevailing sanitation guidelines,

Recall that the FCTA through the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) had last week announced the closure of the Garki market over alleged poor sanitation and failure of the traders to take necessary measures to keep to the desired standard set by the Administration.

And when Attah and Director AEPB Osilama Braimah on Tuesday visited the market, to reassess the cleanliness of the environment, the officials observed that there were still refuse in different locations within the market.

Attah noted that the AEPB has acted in line with the Ministerial directives, any part of Abuja either market, school or office must be kept clean.

He added that the FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Bello wants a clean and safe Abuja, therefore necessary steps must be put in place to uphold the standard.

Similarly, the AEPB Director, Osilama Braimah, said the board was keen on reopening the market but was not satisfied with the level of hygiene.

A trader at the market , Daniel Kalu said: “We have even started the clean up of the market,all the refuse dumps have been reduced to a little as a result of our clean up exercise.

“Why we stop was because of Court issue as some of our people went to Court because they consider the service charge placed on us to be too much, so they want Abuja Market Management Limited to reduce charges, but can confirm that they have gone to the Court to withdraw the case.

“We are pleading with the AMML to come to our aid by reopen the market for us, on our part we are ready to ensure that the clean up of the market is completed”.

FCT-IRS committed to collaboration with global organisations on capacity building - Executive Chairman

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Mr Haruna Abdullahi says the Service is committed to collaborating with relevant organisations globally to build the capacity of his personnel for improved service delivery as a strategy to boost revenue generation.

Abdullahi stated this when he received the Global President of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Mr. Joseph Owolabi, and his team who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

He explained that the Service under his leadership is committed to prioritising capacity building as a way of improving revenue collection in the FCT.

In a statement signed by Head, Corporate Communications, FCT-IRS, Mustapha Sumaila, the FCT-IRS boss who

highlighted the enormous advantages and global opportunities ACCA has provided the Service, emphasised the need for staff to key into the ACCA programme in order to develop themselves.

He however added that, the Service is always ready to support staff in attaining the skills and expertise needed for the job. According to him, FCT-IRS is geared towards setting an example in terms of public sector in the country.

The Acting Chairman noted that the FCT-IRS being an Approved Employer of the ACCA, is by this virtue saddled with a global responsibility to ensure that the Service is equipped with well trained and knowledgeable professionals.

Abdullahi also reassured the ACCA of the Service continued support and partnership adding that the ACCA has grown tremendously over the years and the Service, being an active partner of the

Institute, will strive to maintain the image of ACCA across all spheres.

In his remarks, Mr. Joseph Owolabi commended the FCT-IRS for the critical role the agency plays in the FCT and the ripple effect it has on the Federation. He also appreciated the Service for the support it gives to not just ACCA but also fellow members.

According to him, the Institute is aimed at being a force for public good and will continue to empower its members in terms of learning and attracting the right talents in order to develop the next generation of professional accountants who he repeatedly called ‘talents of the future’.

The Acting Executive Chairman is a fellow of the ACCA

appointed to

sector expertise

on the

profession.

and was recently

serve

Nigerian Advisory Committee of the ACCA because of his vast knowledge, wealth of experience and cross-

in the

L-R: (front row) The President, African Emancipation Movement for Good Governance, Hon. Lucky Obiyan, Convener, Free Nigeria Movement (FNM), Dr Moses Paul , other members of the Movement, Comrade Oby Elekwa, Hon.Austin Attah , Comrade Angel Innocent and other members of the group, during the FNM World press conference calling on the Judicial officers to do Justice on the Presidential Election petitions as they resume hearing on it , held on Tuesday in Abuja. .

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

US Army sergeant sentenced to 25 years for shooting protester

AUSArmy sergeant convicted of killing a Black Lives Matter protester in 2020 has been sentenced to 25 years in a case that has outraged conservatives.

A judge sentenced Daniel Perry, 36, on Wednesday, for fatally shooting Garrett Foster, 28, at a protest in Austin. Perry and Foster are both white.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott previously said he would pardon Perry as soon as an official request “hits my desk”.

Republicans and Perry’s attorneys have argued he acted in self-defence.

“After three long years we’re finally getting justice for Garrett,” Foster’s mother, Sheila Foster, told the court on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.

“Mr Perry, I pray to God that one day, he will get rid of all this hate that is in your heart.”

The sentencing comes a month after a Travis County jury unanimously voted to convict Perry of Foster’s murder.

The jury also found Perry not guilty on an additional charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Clinton Broden, a lawyer for Perry, called the case “political prosecution” in a statement, and vowed to appeal.

He added that Perry and his legal team would “fully co-operate in the pardon process”.

The killing occurred on 25 July 2020, when Perry, a soldier who drove for Uber at the time, turned on to a street where Black

Lives Matter demonstrators were marching, went through a red light and stopped his vehicle.

Foster, a former Air Force mechanic who was openly carrying an AK-47 style weapon - which is legal in Texas - was

one of several protesters who approached Perry’s vehicle.

Perry - who had no passenger at the time - said some of the demonstrators began banging on his car. The protesters told police they feared the vehicle might ram

into them, according to media accounts.

Perry’s lawyers argued that Foster began to raise the assault rifle toward Sgt Perry.

According to authorities, Perry lowered his window and shot Foster five times with a .357 revolver before driving off. He called 911 shortly afterwards.

Prosecutors had argued that Perry could have driven away if he feared for his safety, rather than firing his gun.

After his conviction in April, Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, tweeted: “I am working as swiftly as Texas law allows regarding the pardon of Sgt Perry.”

The state’s pardon board, which must approve such orders, said an expedited investigation would begin immediately.

Conservatives have attacked the prosecutor who brought the case, Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza, a Democrat.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton told Fox News in April that Mr Garza “maliciously prosecutes people that he doesn’t like for political purposes”.

Mr Garza has described the pardon request as a “naked political intrusion into our criminal justice system”.

Harry blames press intrusion for Chelsy break-up

Ina witness statement, Prince Harry claimed Ms Davy decided that “a royal life was not for her” following repeated acts of harassment.

The claims emerged in a High Court case against Mirror Group Newspapers brought by several high profile figures.

It denies allegations of voicemail interception in the cases.

It also claimed some of the cases being brought are beyond a legal time limit.

Ms Davy and Prince Harry were in an on-off relationship between 2004 and 2010.

In a summary of his witness statement, the duke’s lawyers alleged unlawful activity “caused great challenges” in the relationship, and led Ms Davy to decide that “a Royal life was not for her”.

This included journalists booking into a hotel in Bazaruto, a small island off the coast of Mozambique, where Harry and Ms Davy had tried to escape to in order to “enjoy some peace and quiet”, the document reads.

The lawyers also said that mobile phone calling data to be used in the trial shows that Ms Davy was targeted for voicemail interception between 2007 and 2009.

The activities caused him “huge distress” and “presented very real security concerns for not only me but also everyone around me”, he said, adding that they also created “a huge amount of paranoia” in future relationships.

“Every time he was in a relationship, or even a rumoured relationship, that whole person’s family, and often their friends, would be ‘dragged into the chaos’ and find themselves the subject of unlawful activity on the part of MGN,” lawyers said.

Prince Harry’s lawyers allege that his mobile phone number was recorded in a handheld device belonging to “prolific hacker and head of news at the Sunday Mirror” Nick Buckley.

That editor’s device was also alleged to hold numbers for two key Palace aids, Paddy Harverson and Michael Fawcett.

Prince Harry is also expected to allege that he experienced what was, in hindsight, voicemail interception in relation to 30 people with whom he had a close relationship.

He is expected to give evidence in June - the first time a senior royal will be a witness in court in modern times.

A previous hearing was told the duke’s case focuses on 148 articles

published between 1996 and 2010.

MGN has not admitted to any of the charges, although it said it “unreservedly apologises” for a separate instance of unlawful information gathering against Harry and said that the legal challenge brought by the prince “warrants compensation”.

The article that incident referred to - regarding an MGN journalist instructing a private investigator to unlawfully gather information about Harry’s activities at the Chinawhite nightclub on one night in February 2004 - is not one of the claims being brought by the prince.

MGN said it would never be repeated.

Other celebrities have brought

claims against MGN, with “test cases” - including Prince Harry’s - selected to go to trial from the wider group of claimants.

They include that of former Coronation Street actress Nikki Sanderson, comedian Paul Whitehouse’s ex-wife Fiona Wightman and actor Michael Turner - who played Kevin Webster in Coronation Street and goes by his stage name Michael Le Vell. All are expected to give evidence during the six to seven week trial.

The court heard that Ms Sanderson felt like she was “public property” and experienced abuse in the street following “false insinuations” in articles published by MGN.

“[She had] people shouting at her in the street calling her a ‘whore’, ‘slag’ or ‘slut’ and even being physically assaulted on numerous occasions,” barrister David Sherborne said.

Mr Turner was accused by fellow cast members of being a “mole” amid alleged phone hacking, the court heard.

Mr Sherborne told the court that unlawful information gathering was both habitual and widespread at three papers from as early as 1991 to 2011.

He described “a flood of illegality”, adding that “this flood was being authorised and approved of” by senior executives.

The barrister also accused executives of misleading the Leveson inquiry - the inquiry into the practices, culture and ethics of the press - something it denies.

MGN has previously settled a number of claims against it in relation to stories obtained through unlawful means.

It was also involved in a 2015 trial, the only to take place during the long-running litigation, which saw claims brought by ex-footballer Paul Gascoigne, actress Sadie Frost, and Coronation Street actress Shobna Gulati.

Harry has become an outspoken critic of the tabloid press and has already appeared in court once this year to listen to legal arguments in another case he is involved in.

He is party to actions linked to alleged phone hacking against two other companies - the publisher of the Daily Mail, and the publisher of the Sun, both of which deny wrongdoing.

He is bringing a separate libel claim against the Mail’s publisher, Associated Newspapers Limited, over an article about his security arrangements with the Home Office.

Source: BBC

Texas Republicans want to pardon Daniel Perry under a self-defence clause

The Duke of Sussex has blamed alleged illegal intrusion into his private life by journalists for the break-up of his relationship with Chelsy Davy.

DR Congo floods: ‘Miracle’ as two floating babies survive on Lake Kivu

Two babies have been rescued floating near the shores of Lake Kivu days after floods killed more than 400 people in east Democratic Republic of Congo.

“It is a miracle, we were all amazed,” local community leader Delphin Birimbi tells the BBC.

Their parents have died but the community is in touch with people who can raise them, Mr Birimbi adds.

It is not clear how the babies survived three days in the lake, but onlookers say they were floating on debris.

The babies were rescued on Monday - one in Bushushu and the other in Nyamukubi, the two villages worst-hit by the floods which struck last week, Mr Birimbi says.

The tragedy has led to distressing scenes in the villages of dead bodies piled up and wrapped in blankets, and concerns about the smell of decomposing bodies, the Congolese Red Cross warns.

More dead bodies were found in the mud on Wednesday, taking the number of dead to at least 411. Of these 317 have been buried. However, identifying all the deceased is a challenge, local leaders say, as some of them were not village residents, but traders visiting from neighbouring towns as rains hit on a market day.

“More bodies are being discovered in a later stage of decomposition,” Congolese Red Cross spokesperson John Kashinzwet tells the BBC.

“Without a large-capacity morgue, safe burial must be done quickly, when identification by family members is possible.”

A representative from medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) earlier outlined the scale of the disaster in an interview with the BBC’s Newsday programme, saying that the villages were facing “a humanitarian crisis”.

In a video shared on Twitter by a local

It is not clear how the babies managed to survive

journalist, a woman can be heard saying that one of the rescued babies has a badly injured leg.

More than 5,000 people are still missing and “rescue activities are still ongoing” Mr Birimbi says.

Local civil society groups report that 200 injured people are in local health centres and a hospital following the floods, while 1,300 residential houses have been destroyed, and “many schools, health facilities, churches, and water infrastructure were destroyed”.

Victims of the floods have previously

told the BBC that their lives have been completely destroyed. “I don’t have any more relatives, and I don’t have a farm, I have nothing,” Gentille Ndagijimana said.

Many local people, including Nobel peace prize laureate Denis Mukwege, who comes from this area, have condemned the burial of flood victims in mass graves.

Similarly Mr Birimbi criticises the government, especially the president and prime minister, for not visiting the flood sites, although a national day of mourning was held on Monday.

The heavy rains struck just days after floods in neighbouring Rwanda where more than 130 people were killed.

UN chief António Guterres said the floods were another illustration of accelerating climate change.

Many factors contribute to flooding, but a warming atmosphere caused by climate change makes extreme rainfall more likely. The world has already warmed by about 1.2C since the industrial era began and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around the world make steep cuts to emissions.

Djerba Tunisia: Worshippers killed near Africa’s oldest synagogue

Two worshippers and three security officers have been killed in a gun attack near Africa’s oldest synagogue, on the Tunisian island of Djerba.

The attack took place during an annual pilgrimage to the island, which attracts Jewish visitors from Europe and Israel.

A guard reportedly shot dead his partner before opening fire on visitors and officers near the Ghriba synagogue before being killed himself.

His motivation was not clear.

The two dead worshippers were cousins.

They have been named by Israeli media as French national Benjamin Haddad, 42, and Aviel Haddad, 30, a dual citizen of Tunisia and Israel.

“They were shot - murdered in cold blood. They were just in the car park and were supposed to go in, in front of the entrance for the security check,” relative Mordechai Madar told Israeli radio station 103FM.

Tunisia’s former tourism minister René Trabelsi, who organised the pilgrimage and was inside at the time, said the two cousins had tried to hide behind a bus outside the synagogue, Reuters news agency reports.

“We heard the shots and knew it was related to an attack,” he said.

Four other visitors and four security officers were also injured.

Video posted online, that has not been independently verified, showed visitors running as gunshots rang out.

Tunisia’s interior ministry said that investigations were continuing to establish

the motive for the “cowardly” attack.

The French government “condemns this heinous act in the strongest terms,” foreign ministry spokeswoman AnneClaire Legendre said.

More than 5,000 Jews participated in the 2022 pilgrimage to Ghriba, AFP news agency reported, citing local organisers.

It is not the first time the 2,500-year-

old synagogue has been targeted.

In 2002 a bomb attack, claimed by alQaeda Islamist militants, killed more than 20 people on the island.

The annual pilgrimage to Djerba - about 500km (310 miles) from the capital, Tunis - has had tight security since the bombing. Tunisia is a majority-Muslim country, but Djerba is home to hundreds of Jews.

FEC okays policy to regulate diary industry

By Egena Sunday Ode

With only few weeks to bow out, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mahmood Abubakar on Wednesday disclosed the Federal Government’s decision to review the national diary policy and regulatory framework.

Abubakar who briefed newsmen after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, explained that a memo submitted by his ministry was hinged on the need to review the framework and guiding principles for the development of an efficient dairy sub sector to satisfy the national demand for milk and dairy products.

He further said revamping the diary sector also fell under the national food security policy, stressing that there was no way food security can be extricated from nutrition security.

According to him, the Vice President, who chairs the National Council on Nutrition had also advocated the need for the establishment nutrition department in several ministries department and agencies MDAs.

“The memorandum presented to Council today was to seek Council approval for the draft National Dairy Policy to regulate the Nigerian dairy industry by providing a framework and guiding principles for the development of an efficient dairy sub sector to satisfy the national demand for milk and dairy products.

“We have always been talking about food security, but we realize that food and nutrition security goes hand in hand,” he stated.

FG approves N3.4bn consultancy fee for 2nd Abuja Airport runway N107bn for Ogoni remediation

By Egena Sunday Ode

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), Wednesday approved N3.4 billion as post contract consultancy fee for the construction of a Second Runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport, Abuja.

Briefing State House

Correspondents at the end of the meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu said this after the weekly meeting in Abuja.

Shehu explained that the

Council also approved N449.9 million for the engagement of consultants for the development of masterplan for 17 airports in Nigeria.

“FEC approved N449.9 million for the engagement of consultants for the development of masterplan for 17 airports in Nigeria.

“The benefiting airports are located in Lagos, Abuja, Portharcourt, Kano, Owerri, Benin, Enugu, Maiduguri, Yola, Kaduna, Calabar, Ilorin, Sokoto, Ibadan, Jos, Akure and Katsina.

“The council also approved for post contract consultancy

amounting to N3.4 billion for the construction of the 2nd runway and associated faculties at the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport, Abuja,” he said.

The Presidential spokesman also gave details of other approvals which included that of over N100 billion for the Ogoni community of Rivers State, Southern Nigeria.

“Two major contracts were approved for Ogoni. They include contract for a water project that has been awarded under the 2nd phase in Ogoni land, amounting to N22.8 billion.

“Approval was also given for the award of contract for the

remediation of newly identified hydrocarbon impacted sites along the shoreline of Ogoni land and this is for about N107 billion,” Sheu added.

He further announced that of N90 billion was approved for the completion of various roads totalling over N125 billion.

Also, he said, N10.3 billion was approved for the construction of the construction of a multistory office complex of the Federal Inland Revenue Service in Lagos, as well as over N33 billion for the completion of some major roads in Borno, Adamawa, Kogi, Delta, Ondo, Ogun and Benue States.

FG unveils national automotive industry plan 2023 to 2033

By Egena Sunday Ode

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday adopted a new national automotive policy that would span through 2023 to 2033.

Minister of Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, explained that the new policy would explore how the automotive industry can migrate seamlessly from combustible engines into electric solar powered engines.

This was also in addition to FEC’s approval for the implementation of the first ever Nigeria investment policy 2023 to 2027.

Adebayo explained that the concept was for the country to develop rapidly through industrialization, then snowball into a sustainable investment climate to attract the kind of investment we desire.

Briefing newsmen, he said, “We felt that there was a need for us to have an investment quality, which would give confidence and

allow people who want to better the country, that confidence to bring their funds into the country, the result of which we put this policy together.

“Second memo, which we presented was for the approval of the Nigeria automotive industry development plan 2023 to 2033. This is an improvement on the 2013 automotive industry development plan, which was in place before.

“The whole idea is to bring it up to date with current realities. Also, to put our auto industry

on the proper footing, I don’t know if you are aware that we have capacity today to assemble 400,000 vehicles.

“One thing that happens to the auto industry is that when the assembly or companies move into a country to make that investment, which can be anything between $300 to $400 million for the assembly plant. What happens is that the makers of the components that go into the manufacture of these vehicles also move to that country to set up competent baking factories”.

Adebayo also disclosed that the third paper presented to Council was for the approval for trade policy of Nigeria for to 2023 to 2027.

He said it was basically, a review of the old trade policy that was in place adding that the whole idea was to have a policy in place that will improve Nigeria’s trade within the World Trade Organization and to bring increased level of Nigeria capacity to GDP to bring in more revenue for the country.

.Cross sesion sum thousand of 2023 intending pilgrims from 18 local government, during the Kaduna State pilgrim’s welfare Agency has embarked on sensitization tour to eighteen orientation and education centers, on wednesday 10/5/23

ASSOCIATION OF BATCH 82 OF BAUCHI RETIRED CUSTOMS OFFICERS

PUBLIC NOTICE

IDM FIELD COMMUNITIES HOST COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT TRUST

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1, MR INNOCENT KARIBO. - CHAIRMAN.

2,. CHIEF ASOTEKARI CHRISTIAN BAGSHAW

3,. MRS ODI INIABA AYUWU

4,.MS. IBIFAA ALEXBA AKUMA.

5,. MS. DATA INE AKOBO

6,. BARR. ISAAC ADAYE DUKE

7,.TAMUNOPRITE DAREGO FUBARA. - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

4. TO ENHANCE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBERS CHILDREN ON WARDS THROUGH BURSARIES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS

5. TO RAISE FUNDS THROUGH DONATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO FIND GROUP PROJECTS OR INITIATIVES.

6. ENSURE INTEGRITY ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY AMONG MEMBER IN HANDLING THE AFFAIRS OF THE ASSOCIATION.

7. TO ESTABLISH VIABLE ECONOMIC PROJECTS TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT TO MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES AND TO REFUNDS FOR THE ASSOCIATION INITIATIVES.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ST. RITA HEROES LIFELINE FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE-NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR A CHANGE OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART “F” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT.

CHANGE OF TRUSTEES.

OLD TRUSTEE.

1.MR. CYPRIAN ODUDU

NEW TRUSTEE.

1. MR. IDRIS ABDULAZEEZ OLOCHE

ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA. P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED. TRUSTEES

MARYAM

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS HAMZA MARYAM NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MARYAM SALIHU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

1. TO SUPPORT LOCAL INITIATIVES WITHIN THE HOST COMMUNITIES WHICH SEEKS TO ENHANCE THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT.

2,. TO ASSIST IN DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS DEEMED BENEFICIAL TO THE HOST COMMUNITIES WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : EZEJI GLORIA 08038769236.

PUBLIC AUCTION

PUBLIC AUCTION: IN ORDER TO DECONGEST AREA COMMAND METRO OF FOUND, RECOVERED, ABANDONED, UNCLAIMED AND PROPERTIES WHICH

JINCHENG AX100 MOTORCYCLE BLUE IN COLOR CPAGLH09SA62932

JINCHENG AX100 MOTORCYCLE BLUE IN COLOUR LJCPAGLH08883

SCRAP JINCHENG LADIES MOTORCYCLE RJB1024903

SCRAP KYMCO LADIES MOTORCYCLE LC2B80010A3304705

SPACE FOR SALE

India’s booming population needs more women at work

Last month, India surpassed China as the world’s most populous country, prompting analysts to point out the potential benefits of its significant young demographic. However, a major obstacle to realising this potential is the insufficient representation of women in India’s workforce. The BBC’s Arunoday Mukharji reports.

When Lavanya Ulaganathan decided to take a break from work in 2014 to have a baby, she felt torn and dismayed.

But the HR professional from the southern state of Tamil Nadu, who says she was at the “peak of her career” then, was clear that she wanted to spend time with her family.

Four years and two children later, she felt ready to re-join the workforce. But finding a job was hard.

She faced repeated rejections, and recruiters also asked her to take massive salary cuts, arguing that she couldn’t expect anything else after taking a break.

“It was a huge setback for my career,” she says.

Ms Ulaganathan is not alone. Nearly half of India’s population is female and yet, the number of working women has fallen to record lows in the past two decades. According to data from the World Bank, the female participation rate in India’s labour force was at its peak in 2000 at 31%. Since then, it has consistently fallen, hitting a low of 21% in 2018.

There are many reasons for this. India is still a largely patriarchal society, where women are expected to be primary caregivers at home. Indian women spend eight times the number of hours on unpaid care work compared with men, according to a national time use survey from 2019. The global average is three times.

Experts say that safety concerns and not being able to find jobs close to home also prevent women in big cities from joining the workforce.

After months of searching, Ms Ulaganathan did find a job - as

a human resources manager at TVS - one of India’s biggest twowheeler manufacturers.

The company has a scheme for women who are returning to their careers after a professional break

- it offers flexible working hours, mentoring and training to them.

Ms Ulaganathan said the programme helped her find her ground again.

“If you want us to come back with the same energy and enthusiasm, these kind of programmes have to be there,” she says.

Official data shows that only 32% of Indian women work after they get married - and most of them are part of the agricultural sector.

Ashwini Deshpande, an economics professor and head of the Centre for Economic Data and Analysis at Ashoka University, says that the country

$550bn to its gross domestic product by increasing its female labour force participation by just 10%.

Currently, women employees account for less than 20% of India’s manufacturing sector. But some changes are visible, especially in the industrial belt of Hosur in Tamil Nadu.

Located just 35km (21 miles) away from the information technology hub Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), Hosur is home to a host of industries and has become an attractive destination for investments.

Six years ago, Roshni Lugun left her home - 2,000km away in Odisha state - and came to Hosur to work as an engineer in a factory. She started off by making shock absorbers for two- and three-wheelers and is now a staff supervisor.

“I wanted to try something new,” she says. “If I had stayed at home, I would never have progressed so far. I could not have achieved this.”

Like Ms Lugun, hundreds of other women working at the plant are changing the face of what was once a male-dominated industry. Even companies in the area are focusing on hiring more women in their workforce.

Gabriel India Ltd - an auto parts company in Hosur - says that more than 20% of the workers in its factories are women. The firm says the move makes sense from a business point of view. “Our internal studies have shown that attrition rates for women are lower,” says Atul Jaggi, president and deputy managing director of Gabriel India.

The company provides perks such as on-site accommodation, subsidised food and several training programmes to attract more women workers.

“It doesn’t cost more. These are basic facilities which any good organisation should have,” Mr Jaggi says.

Ms Lagun agrees. “Why should it be that for India’s economy to grow, only men have to work? We can also help,” she says as she supervises a female colleague who is putting the finishing touches on shock absorbers which will be fitted on two-wheelers.

needs to create more non-farm opportunities in rural areas so that women can find jobs beyond agricultural work.

“If you want to gain from India’s gender dividend, then women need to be productively employed,” she says.

A 2018 McKinsey report estimated that India could add

For Ms Lagun personally, the most exciting part of her job is that it gives her a sense of independence .

“Sometimes when I am out with my friends, I spot a motorcycle fitted with our auto parts. And I say, look, I have made it. It makes me happy and proud,” she says.

Source: BBC

Hundreds of women work in factories in Hosur

The number of working women in India has fallen to record lows in the past two decades

Ms Ulaganathan found it hard to get a job after taking a career break

Six years ago, Roshni Lugun left her home - 2,000km away in Odisha state - and came to Hosur to work as an engineer in a factory. She started off by making shock absorbers for two- and three-wheelers and is now a staff supervisor.

Buhari to stay additional week in London

As Tinubu jets off to Europe on “working visit”

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari will stay back in London, United Kingdom, for an additional week, at the behest of his Dentist, who has started attending to him.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina on Wednesday.

Adesina noted in the statement that the Specialist had required to see the President in another five days for a procedure already commenced.

The statement recalled that President Buhari had joined other world leaders to attend the coronation of King Charles lll on May 6.”

Meanwhile the Presidentelect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday afternoon left Nigeria for Europe on a working visit.

A statement signed on behalf of his office by Tunde Rahaman said Tinubu would use the opportunity of the trip to finetune the transition plans and programmes, and his policy options with some of his key aides without unnecessary pressures and distractions.

— Akabueze

By Christiana Ekpa

The Director General of Budget Office of the Federation, Ben Akabueze on Wednesday disclosed that Nigeria needs about $100 billion yearly to fix its infrastructural needs.

Akabueze disclosed this during the 3rd day of the induction ceremony organised for 10th Assembly’s Senators-elect and Members-elect in Abuja.

“We are not even an oil-rich economy. To classify oil-rich economies, you talk of countries like Saudi Arabia where they are 34 million of them and pump 10 million barrels of crude per day, or Kuwait where there are 3 million of them and pump 3 million barrels per day. There are over 200 million of us and we are currently pumping about 1.9 million barrels per day.

“So, we are not a rich economy and must resist the temptation we are an oil-rich economy. Let me make it clear that we are potentially rich country, but we are not.

“I often hear people say that Nigeria is not short of development plan, but that the problem is implementation and I disagree because a plan that cannot speak to implementation is not a good plan.

“Development plan in Nigeria dates back to the early 90s, but you can argue that it has not been successful in the desirable manner. Annual budgets are essentially back sizes of development plans. They contain achievable objectives within a year. A budget that seats outside the development plan is not a good budget.

“For us to be able to fix the infrastructural needs of the country, we need to be spending about $100 billion annually as a country, including private spending on infrastructure. The aggregate budget of the Federal government is only about $30 billion dollars and the aggregate of the States and FCT budget don’t even add up to the federal budget.

“This means that even if we spend everything, we will still be left with a huge infrastructural deficit. Each country has to

During the visit, the statement said, the President-elect would engage with investors and other key allies with the goal of marketing investment opportunities in the country and his administration’s readiness to enable a business-friendly climate through policies and regulations.

“Already, meetings with multi-sectoral actors in Europe’s business community including manufacturing, agriculture, tech and energy have been lined up.

“Asíwájú Tinubu hopes to convince them of Nigeria’s readiness to do business under his leadership through mutually-

beneficial partnerships premised on jobs creation and skills acquisition.

“Reviving the country’s economy forms a major plank of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and the meeting is part of his efforts to re-establish Nigeria’s importance in the global economic chain and create empowering opportunities for the country’s huge youth population.

“The President-elect has hitherto promised to hit the ground running and the visit is reflective of his commitment to the promise as he has already begun talks with global actors

in the important areas of the economy and security,” the statement noted.

It added that before he left the country, Asíwájú Tinubu met with the House of Representatives candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker endorsed by his party, the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who were presented to him by Joint Task Team of the House.

He is scheduled to return shortly for preparations towards his official swearing in as the 16th President of the country on May 29, 2023, the statement noted.

determine its budget system that works for it. Budget is multidimensional in coverage. One, it is political because it allocates scarce resources of the country among multiple competing and sometimes, competing interests.

“It is also an economic document because it help as the primary fiscal instrument for stimulating economic growth, ensuring employment and maintaining economic stability. It is an accounting document and provides a ceilings a d is legally binding for government to operate. It is also a moral document. You can know what a country cherishes by looking at its budget document.” he said

Why we’re still awarding multi-billion Naira contracts -FG

By Egena Sunday Ode

TheFederal Government on wednesday justified dishing out approvals for multi-billion naira contracts, insisting that it remains at the helm of affairs and will continue to work until the last day in office.

This explanation followed the announcement of multiple contracts awards by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja wich considered 37 agenda items in a marathon session.

The break down of the approvals given for contracts in various sectors included; Transportation-N12,639,770; Sports-N8.4 billion; Aviation-N3,849,,9 billion; Ogoni projects: N129.8 billion; FCT: N132.9 billion and IRS building purchase in Abuja/PH-N10 billion.

Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, who spoke ro newsmen described Wednesday’s session as quite extraordinary, saying: “It’s been a very long day for everyone, 37 agenda items were considered for today’s meeting. Quite extraordinary.”

Fielding questions on why the administration had waited till late hour before it is hurriedly churning out sundry contracts, the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo,

said that the administration will continue to perform its duties to May 28.

He said: “Ladies and gentleman, without any intentions of mischief, this government was elected to function from 2019 to precisely 29th of May 2023. Should we now stop functioning one month before the next appointment because we’re coming to the end of the tenure?

“This government must work. We expect the next government to also work until the very last day of their tenure.”

Also speaking, Minister of Water Resources, Sulaiman Adamu, explained that contract processes take time, saying that even if the administration cannot finish what it has started, government being a continuum, it will be be the business of the incoming government.

He said: “If I may add, there are processes and this process have started. We’re still operating the 2022 budget, we have agencies. These things are not just done in one day. We had lots of submissions to BPP to ICRC, all the agencies involved in the procurement, and they have to get ready.

“So, anytime they’re ready, it’s at that point that we have to submit. And like the Minister of Transportation said, we’re still in office technically until the 28th of May.

So, we still have to operate. And this is the instruction that we have

from Mr. President.

Since the elections were conducted, government must continue to function regardless of elections and so on. And so we’re just doing our duty as we should serve in the country.

“We do not control the process, but when it’s completed and we’re still in office, we’re duty-bound to bring these memos to Council for Council to approve. Government is a continuum. There are still a lot of memos.

“I can assure you a lot of contracts will not see the light of day in the next one week or two. And for those, we don’t have any option but to let the process continue. And then for the next government to come and continue. That’s what we face also.

“Some of the very first memos we brought to council in 2015, for me, I had no idea when they started, but I had to be briefed on, this was the the way that it had to be and then we were brought in here. So, government is a continuum. And it should be seen as such.

“And I think this administration should be given that full credit because, to a large extent, we have continued since 2015, to implement projects and programs that we didn’t initiate that which, in our assessment, were good for the country. We continued them, we didn’t jettison them, and we’re confident that the incoming

administration will do the same.”

Council also approved two major contracts were approved for Ogoniland.

Giving break down of the approvals, Shehu said “You know Ogoni is one of the flagships of the Buhari administration. And you’re aware the whole world is watching Nigeria. There is water project that have been awarded under the second phase in Ogoniland amounting to N22.8 billion.”

The Spokesman said “Approval was also given for the contract for the remediation of the newly identified hydrocarbon impacted cites along the shorelines of Ogoniland, and this is for about N107 billion.

Meanwhile, the federal Capital Territory (FCT) also got a number of approvals including contract for the full scope development of the Shehu Shagari way for N91 billion, “rehabilitation of Rubochi township roads and upgrading of RubochiGwagwada road about N5.7 billion.”

Council also approved N1.6 billion contract for the construction of 3.2km road leading to Kwali bridge in Kwali Area Council in the FCT.

Another FCT contract was for the revised estimated cost for the provision of engineering infrastructure at Guzape District plot II of the FCT at the contract sum is N28 billion.

To fix our infrastructure, we need $100bn

Corps Members in procession during the Unity Road Walk in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of NYSC held in Abuja. Photo: NYSC

PUBLIC NOTICE

YESHUA DIVINE HEALING & RESTORATION MINISTRY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. APOSTLE HENRY NNAMDI ALI

2. PASTOR MRS TINA NNAMDI HENRY

3. ASANYA PEACE OGONNA

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO PROPAGATE THE WORD OF GOD IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE CONVERSION OF SOULS, SPIRITUAL TEACHING AND ENLIGHTENMENT FOR PEACE, LOVE AND BETTER FUTURE OF NIGERIA AND THE WHOLE WORLD.

2. TO ASSIST HUMANITY THROUGH PREACHING, PUBLICATIONS, SEMINARS, CRUSADES, ENLIGHTENMENT PROGRAMMES; TO ENGAGE IN COMMUNAL AND CHARITABLE AIDS, GIFTS AND OTHER WORTHY PROJECTS AS A WAY OF LIBERATING HUMANITY AND AMELIORATING THE HARDSHIP IN THE SOCIETY.

3.TO SPREAD THE WORD OF GOD TO THE WHOLE WORLD THROUGH THE VARIOUS MEDIA PLATFORMS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO RADIO, TELEVISION, SATELLITE, INTERNET, CONFERENCES AND OTHER INFORMATION DISSEMINATION CHANNELS THE WORLD OVER.

4. TO PRINT AND PUBLISH CHRISTIAN MATERIALS FOR THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

BORN2SHINE EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. HARUNA DANGKAT JINANG (CHAIRMAN)

2. AHMED PANNAN DAPAR (SECRETARY)

3. JWANBAK CHINNAN JACOB 4. DAMTER POLYCARP TONGRYAN

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO EMPOWER AND ALLEVIATE POVERTY AT THE GRASSROOT LEVEL FOR SOCIOECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH PHILANTHROPY AND CHARITY EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS.

2. TO FACILITATE AND PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN PURSUING SKILL ACQUISITION PROGRAMS, PROVIDE GRANTS AND GROWTH CAPITAL FOR LESS PRIVILEGED AND INDIGENT ENTREPRENEURS.

3. TO ASSIST LESS PRIVILEGED YOUTHS, WOMEN AND CHILDREN HAVE BETTER LIVING CONDITIONS BY PROVIDING SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL, ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND HUMANITARIAN SERVICES.

3. TO CREATE PUBLIC AWARENESS AGAINST SOCIAL VICES AND IDLENESS AMONGST THE YOUTHS THROUGH PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT PROGRAMS ON CHARITY BASIS.

4. TO ASSOCIATE ITSELF WITH ANY OTHER INSTITUTION, SOCIETY OR ASSOCIATION HAVING OBJECTIVES WHOLLY, OR IN PART, SIMILAR TO THOSE OF THIS FOUNDATION AND TO COOPERATE WITH ANY PERSON OR BODY OF PERSONS IN FURTHERANCE OF SUCH OBJECTIVES.

5. TO PROVIDE AND PROMOTE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING TO THE PRIVILEGED PERSONS IN ORDER TO ALLEVIATE THEIR SUFFERINGS ON CHARITABLE BASIS.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSOCIATION OF HANSARD/VERBATIM REPORTERS OF NIG

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REMOVAL AND APPOINTMENTS OF TRUSTEES (CHANGE OF TRUSTEES) UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE :

1. OGUNLUSI JOSEPH OMOBAYODE - RETAINED

2. WAKAWA JOSHUA. - REMOVED

3. OLOYEDE PHILIP OLURANTI - REMOVED

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE :

1. IDAKWOJI JOSEPH. - APPOINTED

2. VAKPORAYE AESODE ISIBHAKHOME - APPOINTED

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAINS THE SAME.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

JOHN AND LYDIA APEH FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1.ABUTU EMMANUEL MUNDI

2.APEH HOSEA ABALAKA

3.APEH LYDIA

4.APEH PAUL OCHEJE

5.APEH DEBORAH AMICHI

6.RALPH GRACE UFEDO

7.APEH HANNAH UNEKWU

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO GIVE REFUGE TO THE VULNERABLE LIKE ORPHANS, STREET CHILDREN, HANDICAPPED, WEAK, SICK, WIDOWS AND REFUGEES

2. TO PROVIDE HOUSES, SCHOOLS, SANITARY FACILITIES, WATER SUPPLY ETC. FOR THE NEEDY

3. TO PROVIDE FOOD, CLOTHES AND OTHER DAILY NECESSITIES. TO PROVIDE FOR THE NEEDY THROUGH FARMING AND LIVESTOCK BREEDING

4. TO IMPROVE THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF THE WIDOWS AND THEIR DEPENDENT CHILDREN, THROUGH PROMOTING INCOME GENERATION ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS, INCLUDING TRAINING, INCREASING THE GENERAL AWARENESS, JOB OPPORTUNITIES, ESPECIALLY FOR DESTITUTE, INDIGENT WIDOWS AND ORPHANS, SO THAT SUCH WOMEN MAY VIEW THEMSELVES AS EQUAL PART IN SOCIETY.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

ABUBAKAR

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ABUBAKAR SAEED NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ABUBAKAR SAIDU ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MRS. NKEM

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS NKEM STELLA OKWESI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS NKEM STELLA OGBU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

PRAISE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS PRAISE AJAMBRE AGBOR NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS PRAISE MICHAEL OGBU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ALLIES ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILL TRAINING INITIATIVES

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1.OLOLANIMI CHRISTIAN OLAWUNMI - CHAIRMAN

2.SHITERY PANJIEL ISTIFANUS - SECRETARY

3.ADEWALE SAMUEL TEMITOPE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO PROVIDE A HANDS-ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILL TRAINING FOR THE LOW OR NO INCOME EARNERS.

2. JOB CREATION THROUGH THE PROVISION OF ACQUIRING AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILL.( ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILL TRAINING)

3. PROVIDING A NEW AGE COMMUNITY FOR THEM TO TRADE WITH THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILL THEY HAVE GAINED.

4. SUPPORT THE LEARNERS WITH THEY WORKING EQUIPMENTS BEFORE AND AFTER THEIR TRAINING SESSIONS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INITIATIVE FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS FOR YOUTHS GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE

1. HADEJIA IBRAHIM HASSAN (CHAIRMAN) 2. ABBA-KYARI YUSUF (SECRETARY)

3. ATTA HABIBA ILIYASU 4. DODO YAKUBU AMINU

5. SURAJO ISA MUHAMMAD 6. MUHAMMED YUNUS MUSA

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE

1. TO FACILITATE THE STEM CLUB PROJECTS FOR YOUTHS GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA AND AFRICA IN GENERAL.

2. TO ENGAGE STUDENTS IN SCIENTIFIC ENQUIRIES ANN EXPLORATIONS THROUGH HANDS ON LEARNING IN OTHER TO RAISE AWARENESS OF HOW THE FIELDS OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHS(STEM) AFFECTS OUR EVERYDAY LIVES AND TO PREPARE THEM FOR FUTURE CAREERS IN STEM RELETED FIELDS.

3. TO FOSTER CURIOSITY, INGENUITY AND CREATIVITY IN STUDENTS BY PROVIDING A VARIETY OF HANDS ON LEARNING EXPERIENCES THOUGHOUT THEIR SCHOOL LIFE THAT ARE RELATED TO THE FOUR SPECIFIC DISCIPLINES OF STEM ALL OF WHICH EMPHASIZES THE APPLICATION OF THE KNOWLEDGE TO REAL LIFE SITUATION.

4. TO PROVIDE STEM PROJECTS INITIATIVES FOR YOUTHS GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.

5. TO ENHANCE KEY SKILLS IN STUDENTS SUCH AS INITIATIVE, CRITICAL THINKING, ADAPTATION, COLLABORATION, PROBLEM SOLVING, RESILIENCY, LEADERSHIP AND COMMUINICATION.

6. TO CREATE A CHALLENGING LEARNING ENVIRONMENT THAT PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES THAT HELPS MOTIVATE AND ENCOURAGE STUDENTS IN AFRICA TO BECOME LIFELONG LEARNERS IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE THEIR POTENTIAL, DEVELOP PERSONAL STRENGTHS AND ENSURE STUDENTS ARE WELL EQUIPPED TO MEET THE CHALLENGES THEY FACE IN THE WORLD AROUND THEM AND TO PREPARE THEM FOR THEIR FUTURE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

HALISA CARE FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. ALIYU ISAH - CHAIRMAN

2. SIMON OJODOMO GODDAY - SECRETARY

3. ACHENEJE MOSES SIMON

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THE NEEDY AND THE LESS PRIVILEGE

2. TO EMPOWER VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN THE SOCIETY THROUGH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

3. TO PROMOTE UNITY, PEACE ,LOVE , POSITIVE VALUE AND MORAL LIFESTYLE AMONG MEMBERS.

4. TO EMPOWER THE YOUTH THROUGH SKILL ACQUISITION PROGRAMME

5. TO PROVIDE HEALTH CARE ASSISTANCE TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED CHILDREN IN THE SOCIETY.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA

WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

VALENTINO HEAVENS MINISTRY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. HEAVENS VALENTINO OLUWATOSIN - CHAIRMAN

2. HEAVENS OLAWUMI RITA

3. AREOLA OLORUNTOBA - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO EQUIP AND EDIFY BELIEVERS FOR THE WORK OF THE LORD.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : OLUWATOYIN MARIA FALAIYE ESQ. 08062819095

PUBLIC NOTICE

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MAKURDI FOUNDATION FOR JUSTICE DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE - CAC/IT/NO 63269.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR CERTIFIED TRUE COPY (CTC) OF LOSS OF ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES REMAIN THE SAME.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

YEYEDU WOMEN ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. ZAKWOYI SARATU JEREMIAH - CHAIRMAN

2.AYUBA AGNES

3. AMOS YEMI GADO

4. JOSIAH LARABA

5. ANDREW ASIBI

6. MICAH JENNIFER - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. WE ARE DEDICATED TO PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF OUR WOMEN

2. WE ARE AIMED AT EMPOWERING OUR WOMEN TO BECOME SELF SUFFICIENT BY ORGANIZING TRAININGS AND WORKSHOP.

3. WE ARE AIMED AT CARRYING OUT PROGRAMS THAT TEACHES THE WOMEN ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS AND THE ROLES THEY PLAY IN THE COMMUNITY.

4. WE PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO AID OUR MEMBERS

5. WE ARE AIMED AT PROMOTING PEACE , LOVE AND UNITY AMONGST OUR WOMEN AND THE LARGER COMMUNITY.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WUKARI

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. NZUKWEIN MARK MAIGIDA - CHAIRMAN

2. BATURE ANTHONY IBRAHIM. - SECRETARY.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ETC.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023

Nigeria weightlifter Emmanuel Appah bags BSC in Physics from FUTMINNA Niger State

By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria weightlifter, Emmanuel Inemo Appah has bagged a Bachelor of Science (BSC) Degree in Physics from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State.

The 23 year-old graduated with Second Class Honour after undergoing a five-year engineering course in the Physics Department.

The Africa champion spoke extensively on an interview on his experiences in school, challenges in combining sport and education as well as motivations.

Why the choice of Physics?

Physics is related to my career choice in sports, weightlifting. Physics offers deep understanding of our natural world and provides insight into complex situations.

It is a mental filed of study, same as weightlifting sport. Weightlifting is mental drailing and you have to remain focused to succeed. Any miscalculation in the sport will bring you crashing to zero. So, both are similar, hence my choice.

How were you able to combine sport and education at the time?

It was God all through, because everyone complained I had no time for them nor for myself. It was tough, because immediately after class, I will get refreshment and proceed to training.

During competition, my state or federation would send letter of release to my school, and they would grant me leave to participate in the competition. Once the competition is over, I would report back to school before exam period.

It’s never easy. I have friends who tutor me before test and exams because I had to meet up with lost grounds in lectures. I call them my helpers because they are always there for me. Each time I am going for a competition, they would pray for me and will celebrate with me when I come back with medals. They made everything easy for me .

How did you manage training and lectures, Where there times you skipped exams for national competitions?

In the university, we have time interval from one lecture to other lecture and some days we are free or would have just one lecture. I use those periods for training. While some of my friends are going to the field to play football, I will be on my way to the gym for training. I have unhindered access to the gym because I have my spare key. This is a privilege I had.

I didn’t miss any exam period. God helped me. It didn’t happen in my year in school. On few occasions I missed test and the implications were that I had to write to get 70% in the exam. It’s really not easy.

Did your academic activities affect your performance in sport?

Yes, of course. There was no 100% concentration. I always had limited time in training but I was always motivated to compete. The key factor is that I have passion for the weightlifting and studying Physics. It made things much easier for me, though.

At my 500level, (final year) it was a big challenge as I was attending lectures and writing project at the same time. At a point too, I was also denied access to the state gym as I no longer compete for them. I returned to my state to compete for them.

You won gold medals at the National Sports Festival, NSF, how did you do it and what state did you compete for?

Hard work and prayer did it. As at that period, the university was on strike and it made to move to Benue State capital, Makurdi for training sessions. I completed for my state, Bayelsa State. I won three gold medals.

Of what value is the degree certificate to you as an athlete?

There is life after sports. Sporting career is not a long life venture. You spend few years on the stage and then you are out. So the question is, what happens after sports?

My education or certificate is a backup plan

for me. I believe that someday I will leave the stage and would want to start a new life. This certificate will give me the leverage.

Sports is a stepping stone to a higher ground, not a stationary point. Most of our national athletes that believe education/certificate is not important, where are they today?

Our coaches encourage us to go to school and acquire knowledge. They shared their experiences with us in training and it is wise that we listened to them.

Again, certificate in education gives you an advantage over other athletes. As sports persons we should be concerned about our lives after active sports and one of the easiest way to safeguard the future is through education.

When we can no longer perform, what next? Putting blame on the federation and the state or even the federal government at the same time? We dont even have the needed environment for sports development in the country, nurturing

and grooming young athletes not to talk of welfare packages for aged athletes. That is why education would bridge this gap in terms of having something to fall back on when we retire from active sports.

Message to other athletes who have not made up their mind to pursue their educational career

They can’t do without education. In the modern world today, education is key. I didn’t find it funny during my five-year progrmme but I was determined. As athletes we need to plan for our lives after active sports and the time to start is now. Stop procrastinating. End

Emmanuel Inome Appah hails from Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has won several continental and global laurels including one gold medal at the 2021 Africa championship in Kenya, three gold medals at the 2022 National Sports Festival in Asaba; three gold medals at the 2019 All African Games, among others.

He competes in the 61kg men category. By next year, he is expected to move to 67lg category.

2024 Olympic qualifier: Nigeria weightlifters depart for Africa Championship in Tunisia

By Amaechi Agbo

Acontingent of five weightlifters and two coaches on Wednesday departed Nigeria for Tunisia for the 2023 Africa Weightlifting Championship.

The championship which starts from May 11 through 20 will also serve as 2024 Paris Olympic Qualifier.

In a release signed by the Media Officer of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, NWF, Mr Amaechi Agbo, the Nigeria weightlifting contingent left Nigeria via Qatar Airways at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos by 6pm Wednesday.

The athletes are made up of three females and two males in five categories.

The male athletes are: 2022 Commonwealth bronze medallist, Umoafia Edidiong Joseph 73kg and Akano Desmond 89kg in men category.

The three females include: 2022 Commonwealth gold medal winners, Lawal Rafiatu 59kg and Olarinoye Adenike Adijat 59kg while Eze Joy Ogbonne in 71kg completes Nigeria’s trio in women category.

The weightlifters will be led by two coaches, Omogbai Tina Nnenna and Ayodabo Kehinde.

The athletes have been camped at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) in Lagos since April.

Nigeria last qualified for weightlifting Olympics event in 2012 London Games where Mariam Usman won bronze medal.

With Nigeria’s excellent performances at global, continental and national competitions in recent times,

By Amaechi Agbo

Atotalof 50 Students from eleven secondary schools in Anambra State participated in a twoday grassroots badminton training programme aimed at inculcating basic aspect of the sport on the children.

The training facilitated by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) was held on 4th and 5th May, 2023 at the Indoor Sports Hall of Nnewi Sports Club, was attended by fifty students of eleven secondary schools and 13 P.E. teachers.

The training was conducted by the Shuttle Time Nigeria Coordinator, Tajudeen Suleiman Ayodele.

“Shuttle Time,” a grassroots programme that is developed by Badminton World Federation (BWF) to Nnewi in Anambra State. It is a project in which lessons are designed to provide children with a positive image of badminton by providing children and youths with the opportunities to have fun, engage with others and experience success, with a view of introducing them to the game of badminton as part of promoting grassroots access to the game of badminton.

The Nnewi event is the second

Nigeria Weightlifing Federation, NWF President, Dr Ibrahim Abdul has expressed optimism that the weightlifters will get the ticket for 2024 Olympics.

Dr Abdul who bemoaned Nigeria’s last-minute nonqualification for Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to COVID-19

pandemic, stated that the federation is leaving no stones unturned in ensuring Nigeria’s participation in weightlifting event at the Paris 2024.

“The athletes have been in camp for some weeks now and we are doing everything we can within our reach to ensure that

50 students participate in grassroots badminton training in Anambra

to be held in Nigeria under the auspices of the BFN organized by South-East Badminton and powered by Community Sport and Educational Development (CSED) Initiative through the distribution of basic badminton equipment which included badminton rackets, nets, and shuttlecocks to the schools.

South-East representative in the BFN Board, Mrs Oby Edoga Solaja also acknowledged the warm reception and logistical support accorded the team of Shuttle Time trainers and BFN by the Badminton Section of the Nnewi Sports Club, anchored by Ambassador Odi Nwosu and the Acting Chairman, Arch Paul Ileka.

The eleven schools from Nnewi and environs are: Nnewi High School, Community Secondary School, Livingword Comprehensive Secondary School, Anglican Girls Secondary School. Premium Breed Secondary School, Maria Regina Model Secondary School, and Okongwu Memorial Grammar School.

Others are Immanuel Model

Secondary School, Akamili; Okija Grammar School, Austica Memorial College Nanka, and St. Michael’s Boys Secondary School, Ozubulu. Despite the heavy rain fall on the first day of the training event, the students and their P.E. teachers enjoyed the fun filled training sessions that had Godswill Ifejika and Chuma Nweje (certified BWF Shuttle Time Tutors) support Tajudeen Suleiman Ayodele, in running the training sessions.

Former African champion, Mrs Oby Edoga Solaja, was also present to share her experience of badminton with some of the attendees.

With two series of Shuttle Time Nigeria done in Ilishan and Nnewi, the Shuttle Time train is going to moves to Edo, Kaduna Delta and Bayelsa states within the next three months.

A Trustee of CSED Initiative told our reporter that they aim to use their grassroots partnership with BFN to reenergise some tertiary institutions in the country to use sports to empower the youths in the locality where their campuses are based.

they perform well in Tunisia.

“The championship in Tunisia is one of the Olympic qualifiers we need to participate to pick tickets for the Games.

“We missed out in 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Not because we were not ready but due to the outbreak of the global COVID-19

pandemic that disrupted human activities.

“This time around, I have full confidence in our athletes. They are world champions and the 2022 National Sports Festival in Asaba in December last year was a great outing for our lifters,” he said.

Senegal humiliates South Africa to qualify for U-17 AFCON semi-final, World Cup

By Amaechi Agbo

Five-star Senegal have booked Africa’s first ticket to the FIFA World Cup after running riot to beat south Africa 5-0 in the quarter final of the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Wednesday evening.

A pair of first half own goals by each of South Africa’s central defenders followed up by Mamadou Sadio’s goal and skipper Amara Diouf’s brace saw the Teranga Cubs continue with their impressive performance in the competition.

This is the first time ever that Senegal have progressed beyond the group stages of the U17 AFCON And by extension, the first time they have ever qualified for the World Cup.

Senegal scored three goals in seven minutes late in the first half to completely break down a spirited fight from South Africa.

Waylon Renecke was unfortunate to turn the ball into his own net in the 36th minute as he tried to cut out a headed ball just inside the six yard

box.

Three minutes later, his central defense partner, skipper Benjamin Wallis, also put the ball into his own net as he tried to clear out after the keeper had spilled a freekick from Diouf.

Senegal made it 3-0 in the 43rd minute when Sadio scored with a brilliant half volley from the edge of the box after Abdou Aziz Fall had teed up the ball for him.

With a 3-0 cushion at halftime and a complete dominance that had seen South Africa fail to land a ball on target, the West Africans had the job half done.

In the second half, they needed just nine minutes to get their fourth, though it had to be given by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) which was being used at the tournament for the first time.

A run by Omar Sall on the left caught the South African backline off balance, the latter squaring for Diouf to slam home from inside the box. He had initially been flagged offside, but upon review, the VAR gave the goal.

S P R T

“Africa needs another World Best” - George Weah tells Victor Osimhen

By Amaechi Agbo

1995 World Footballer of Year, George Weah has told SC Napoli of Italy and Nigeria striker, Victor Osimhen that Africa continent needs “another World Best” player.

Weah who is the president of his country, Liberia stated this in a congratulatory message he sent to the 24 years old forward after he broke Weah’s record in the Italian Serie A as Africa’s Top Scorer in the league in all competitions.

Weah previously held the record of 46 goals scored by an African player in the league but Osimhen got the record shattered last week after he netted from the spot to increases his goal in the league to 47 this season.

Remarkably, Osimhen’s 46th goal handed Napoli their first ever Italian Serie A title against Udinese in 33 years.

“My heartfelt congratulations to you, Victor Osimhen! I am very glad that you have accomplished a major milestone in your football career, after scoring your 47th goal in the Italian Serie A league.

“The records show that with this goal, which you netted on Sunday, May 7, 2023 when your team Napoli went against Fiorentina, effectively makes you the African with the highest scoring record in the Italian Serie A league - surpassing my own account of 46 goals.

“I am so proud of your exploits and congratulate you on this remarkable achievement which is a result of your hard work, dedication and tenacity. I am also pleased with your kind words of honor in tribute to me upon reaching such a giant milestone.

“With your dedication, commitment, humility, hard work, you can conquer the World. Africa needs another World Best. Africa needs another European Best. You Victor, can deliver that

for us,” Weah who won the 1995 World Best while playing for AC Milan, said.

He admonished the former Lille of France attacker against being contended with just one

Scudetto title challenging him to go for more records to be broken and trophies to be won “However, I want to admonish you not be contented. There are many more of my records for

you to break. I wish you go on to achieve greater success.

“You have won one Scudetto. Great! When I won my first Scudetto with Milan, I said to myself, why one, why not two? I went on to win another Scudetto with Milan. I went on to win the Ballon D’or. So why not two or more for you Victor? The sky is your limit.”

Weah believes that should Osimhen keep his head low, he would score 100 goals in a Serie A season adding that Africa had the best of talents in football despite huge challenges facing them.

“I watched your goal against Udinese when your 52nd -minute header won the Scudetto for Napoli. Your movement, your passion, your determination and hunger brought back many memories to me. I wait for your 100th Goal in all competitions in Italy so that you can celebrate (but don’t remove your shirt like I did or you will get a Yellow Card)

“The records that I set were meant not as a challenge, but as a motivation to you and other African Players. We have the best of talents. You have to remain humble, tenacious and focused. Don’t be distracted.

“There are many great African players in European leagues. They are already up against the hurdles of playing against many odds in leagues and stadiums so far away from home which present challenges for them; so to beat the odds and climb to the top is worth our commendation.

“May you continue to surge forward. My prayers are with you. My blessings are also with you. I am rooting for you Victor,” he concluded.

Why I chose Nigeria over England - Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre

Ashleigh Plumptre is fighting alongside two Aussies to keep her childhood club Leicester City in the WSL. Come July, however, the 24-year-old will be focused on her first FIFA Women’s World Cup with Nigeria and their secret weapon.

Ashleigh Plumptre is ready for the roar of the Australian crowd at Brisbane Stadium in two months’ time but she owes it all to a decision in 2019.

Facing the hosts of a major tournament like the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is nothing new for the 24-year-old, she basked in it at the African Cup of Nations as the drums and trumpets rang out.

Come July 27, she isn’t expecting anything different from the 12,500 Nigerians who reside in Australia and other travelling supporters. Plumptre suspects they will be heard regardless of how many Matildas fans are in the crowd.

“I picture it like when we played Morocco, because when we played them at AFCON they were the hosts and everyone was against us. I remember walking out there were just ‘boos’ and I remember actually looking up and smiling, I loved the idea that we were the underdog with no pressure at all,” she told Optus Sport.

“I’d love to say I’ll be the same [against the Matildas], I know I’ll be nervous but everybody was against us so I’m hoping it’ll be like that against Australia too.

There’s a different sound to the African football experience. You can normally hear the cheer of fans but the

cheers from Nigerian fans, it’s different. Even if there were way more Australian fans, I can’t imagine they’ll be drowned out.

“I’ve never experienced anything like African football in general,” the defender added with a smile.

“They’re so passionate to the point where they’re brutally honest, so when we win they’re great but when we lose they can be so, so critical which I get because they’re so passionate but that’s another thing I’ve had to deal with as well.”

But the Leicester City defender likely would not be heading to the World Cup if it weren’t for a decision four years ago.

Plumptre put her WSL career on hold in 2016 to move overseas, accepting a scholarship to the United States to get an education alongside her football, and it proved to be the best thing she could have done.

It was at the University of Southern California, where she won the NCAA Division 1 tournament in 2016, that she made her move from midfield to centre back and secured regular playing time.

Four years later, she returned to the Foxes - who were playing in the Championship at the time - after electing to forgo the NWSL College Draft.

She now plays in the WSL alongside two of players that are hoping to find their name on Tony Gustavsson’s squad list for the World Cup - Remy Siemsen and Courtney Nevin. The trio are fighting to keep Leicester in the top-tier next season in the relegation battle.

Three points separate bottomplaced Reading (11 points), Leicester

(13 points) and Tottenham (14 points) heading into the final two games of the season. The Foxes, however, have some breathing room with a game in hand over the other two teams but all remaining fixtures will still be crucial for each side.

Plumptre comes face to face each week with a number of Australians in the WSL, whether it’s Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso, or Mary Fowler, so she isn’t afraid of facing them with the nine-time African champions the Super Falcons.

“As a professional player, you want to be up against the best. You want to play with and against the best to test yourself,” she said.

“know when I’ve played against Sam Kerr in the past I’m like, ‘Gosh, this is one of the best players I will play against, so you have nothing to lose’.

“I’d say the pressures more on their side.”

For the Foxes defender, more than results are on the line at the World Cup and in the WSL.

She is playing for her childhood club, as she grew up about a 30 minutes’ drive from Leicester in Melton Mowbray and joined the club’s centre of excellence from age eight to under-15 level.

But as the women’s team were relegated from the third tier in 2013, Plumptre made the move to WSL club Birmingham City, from there she made the move to Notts County.

In August 2014, the defender became the youngest Magpies debutant at 16 years and 108 days in a match against Liverpool. It was here her

reconciliation with her Nigerian heritage began against someone she would play alongside eventually.

“One player that I remember is Asisat Oshoala,” she told the BBC.

“She was at Liverpool when I played for Notts County ... and the big thing was having Oshoala over at Liverpool.

That was the big name and then she obviously went to Arsenal. And everybody knew of her and how talented she was. For me an an English person, she was Nigerian football to me.

COVID-19 curtailed the 201920 season, her very first one back in England, but the lockdowns allowed her to reflect on things off the field like her Nigerian heritage and led her to the Super Falcons jersey.

Soon, she was talking to her younger sister about it. But they have each had a very different experience growing up in the UK with their African heritage due to their appearance.

Her sister, who identifies as black and has a “darker skin tone” and “different hair texture”, experiences racism while Plumptre, who people assume is white not biracial, doesn’t and this left her feeling helpless.

“I always say that I have to play football for more than just playing it itself, the same way that I chose to join Leicester because it’s my hometown club, with Nigeria I wanted to uncover more of my heritage that I’d never really delved into before,” Plumptre said.

My dad’s half-Nigerian, half-English and my granddad was born in Lagos, but I’ve been brought up very British. So it wasn’t until I actually joined

the Nigerian team where I’ve got to experience food like this and experience more of the culture.

It was this that inspired the young defender to explore the possibility of representing the African nation, who are one of only seven countries that have participated in every Women’s World Cup since it launched in 1991.

The young defender, who began her international career in an English jersey at the under 15 level and accumulated about 35 appearances all the way up to the under 23 age group, expressed interest in representing Nigeria in mid2021.

The very next month, she was called into a training camp with the team. Plumptre made her official debut in February 2022 and hasn’t looked back since.

While her focus remains on the job at hand at Leicester to keep them in the top-flight this month after their promotion in 2021-22, come July she will be focused on what she can do to make her family and Nigeria proud at her first World Cup.

The tournaments kicks off in Australia and New Zealand on July 20 and Plumptre’s side will be hoping to better their 1999 quarter-final berth.

Nigeria’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 schedule

Group B:

July 21 - Nigeria v Canada, 12pm Melbourne Rectangular Stadium

July 27 - Australia v Nigeria, 8pm Brisbane Stadium

July 31 - Republic of Ireland v Nigeria, 8pm Brisbane Stadium

LATEST SPORTS A

U-17 AFCON: Burkina Faso can’t stop us – Ugbade

Sudan and outcomes of wars

vicious power struggle between the Sudanese regular army and the country’s paramilitary force called the Rapid support Force (RSF) is the cause of the current fighting in the sudanese capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere in the country.

General Abdel Fattah-al Burhan, the country’s head of state, disagreed with his deputy and leader of the RSF, General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo , on plans to integrate the 100,000 strong RSF that grew out of Dafur’s Janjaweed militias into the army, and who would then head the new force

Guest Columnist

By Dantala Bello

force or target is isolated and surrounded by enemy forces) and weakening of Russia dating back more than one Century. These policies reached its apogee at the beginning of the 21st century.

facts of corruption schemes are reportedly increasingly surfacing.

session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU, and subsequently blocked the inclusion of the Ukrainian topic on its agenda.

Many observers of the cyberspace believe that the subsequent hacking of the Automatic Information System (AIS) of the AU is the revenge of the Kiev regime on the African continent for its refusal to condemn ‘’ Russian aggression’’ in Ukraine.

Nigeria’s U17 Boys, Golden Eaglets have not come as far as the quarter-finals of the Africa U17 Cup of Nations to be dumped out of the competition without earning a World Cup ticket, says Head Coach Nduka Ugbade.

The Golden Eaglets and their officials arrived in Algiers, the capital city of Algeria on Monday, three days ahead of their quarter-final clash with Burkina Faso’s Young Etalons at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.

“We had an interesting match with South Africa and it has prepared us well for further challenges in the competition. We learnt a lot playing Zambia, Morocco and South Africa – all strong teams – in the group phase and that was good furnace for us to be a better squad.

“The quarter-final matches will be very hard nuts to crack because that is the step that earns you the World Cup ticket. None of the four games will be easy. Our interest is Burkina Faso and we are working hard towards achieving success.”

Burkina Faso had an interesting last match of the group phase, coming from behind to defeat and dump out Cup holders Cameroon 2-1 in a truly fascinating encounter.

Nigeria also came from behind twice to edge South Africa 3-2 in a memorable encounter in Constantine, with the five goals scored by different players on the night.

Ugbade added: “We have not come this far to drop out. My boys are focused hard on the World Cup ticket. After that, we can then focus on other objectives.”

The match between Nigeria and Burkina Faso begins at 8pm on Thursday.

Victory over the Young Etalons will earn Nigeria the opportunity to go for a record-extending sixth FIFA U17 World Cup title.

Since the fighting broke out on April 15 this year , the clashes have reportedly led to the deaths and displacement of hundreds of people and left over 4000 injured. Hundreds of Nigerians fleeing the fighting have been evacuated and brought back home from the increasingly unstable North-East African Country.

Yet this tragedy could have been avoided if the two generals had sacrificed their ego and self – serving interests for the stability and progress of their country. Now the victor of this fight is likely to be Sudan’s next president, with the loser facing exile, arrest or death.

It is on this grounds that many believe that if Washington policy makers had heeded the warning of Henry Kissinger , former United States Secretary of State, Russia probably would not have embarked on its special military operation in Ukraine.

Kissinger earlier warned on several occasions that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) expansion would create tensions between Russia and the US as well as Russia and the rest of the Western Europe, Kissinger told the wall Street Journal that: ‘’It was a mistake for NATO to signal to Ukraine that it might eventually join the alliance, and that Putin’s security concerns should be taken seriously.

But Washington ignored kissinger and continued relating with Russia on its policy of containment (a geopolitical strategic foreign policy during the cold war to prevent the spread of communism after the end of world War II), and its policy of encirclement (a military term for the situation when a

The Maidan protest of 2014 in kiev, the Ukrainian capital, sparked by President Victor Yanukovych’s refusal to sign the European Union- Ukraine Association Agreement, was the turning point for the openly confrontational nature of Russian American relation’s, and the determination to protect Europe by the US. True, the current conflict in Ukraine, supported by the US - led west has resulted in numerous casualties, and it is reportedly aimed at weakening Russia but ironically it is equally weakening the west too.

Before now the cheap energy coming from Russia stimulated the European economy, including Germany which was its driving force. Europe now has to build a new infrastructure for gas supplies from the US, which is expensive compared with supplies from Russia

It is crystal clear that neither the US nor NATO or even the European Union needs Ukraine on its own with its polarized 40 million population, stagnating economy and highlevel corruption. Despite the comprehensive assistance to Ukraine from the West,

Ukraine officials are reported to have appropriated so many public property with embezzled public funds through the government’s so called privatization and nationalization policy. Western humanitarian aid has reportedly been plundered and sold to people by these officials . Their assistance to evaders from military mobilization to depart Ukraine reportedly on the average cost from $1,500.

Arms smuggling from Ukraine to Asia and African countries is reported to be booming under these officials. In fact the growth of threats to international security emanating from Ukraine has been recorded – drug trafficking, counter smuggling of weapons, trafficking in people , including children and human organs.

In recent years, according to western standards, Ukraine has been on the path of a terrorist state, carrying out terrorist acts, and its cyber attacks have reportedly become common place, and justifying them with claims of protection from ‘’Russian aggression’’.

It is therefore not surprising that the Ukrainian leadership reacted negatively when the African Union, AU, refused to approve for participation of Kiev’s representatives in the February

According to information from the cyber community, Ukrainian hackers have extensive experience in carrying out cyber-attacks on the AIS of both Russian state institutions and private companies (recorded before Russia invaded Ukraine) and foreign structures that maintain ties with Russia or are loyal to the policies of the Russian federation.

Reports say that the most active in Ukraine’s Cyber games are the so-called Cyber Army of Ukraine, operating under the patronage of the west which includes such groups as ‘’ Save UA’’ Cyber Cerber’’ ‘’Anonymous – Ukraine ‘’ and others.

There is a growing consensus that the west is courting disaster and risks another devastating world war with its NATO expansion . In the same vein, the two Sudanese Army Generals now at the throat of each other are equally courting disaster with the risk of a long-running civil war which might end up in partitioning of their Arab and African country into rival fiefdoms perpetually at war...

Bello writes from Ilorin.

DAN GAYE DANGAYE

How

“

Before now the cheap energy coming from Russia stimulated the European economy, including Germany which was its driving force

14-year-old boy was found in Togo 2 months after missing in Kano