Monday, February 13th, 2023 Edition

Atiku in Kano, promises security, boarder reopening, provision of roads

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku

Abubakar has promised to make sure that Kano becomes a leading commercial centre in the country if he is elected as the next President of country.

Atiku also promised the nation’s boarders will be reopened in addition to ensuring Kano and the country are secured to enable people do their businesses without fear.

The former Vice President said this on Thursday while speaking at the PDP presidential campaign rally held in Kano, which attracted Governors , party chieftains and large number of supporters and members

He further assured of provision of road infrastructure that will link Kano to all the neighbouring states if the PDP is returned to the power at the centre in the forthcoming general

•Don’t be swayed by APC’s money, says Tambuwal •PDP will rescue Nigeria from various ills of ruling party, by Ayu

election.

According to him, “Kano has always been the centre of commerce in Nigeria. When PDP returns to power, we will make sure that Kano becomes a leading commercial centre in the country.

“We shall open the boarders.

“We shall also ensure that Kano state is secured so that you can do your businesses without fear.

“The people of Kano are also known for farming. So if you elect me, I will support the agricultural sector and improve on the business activities of the people. We will make Agriculture a priority.

“We shall provide road infrastructure that will link Kano to all the neighbouring states.

“We will make sure that university lecturers are paid so that our children will continue to

go to school.

“I have also pledged to set some funds aside for youths and women to receive loans to set up their small and medium business enterprise for self-employment”, Atiku said.

Speaking at the rally, the Governor of Sokoto State and Director-General of the PDP presidential management committee, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal called on the people of Kano not to be deceived by the money that the All Progressives Congress, APC, may offer them during the elections.

In the words of Tambuwal, “Reject those people (APC). Don’t be deceived by their money. It is the money they are supposed to use to provide security that they stashed. They want to use it to buy votes.

“You can see the level of infighting in APC. They have plans

to hack the INEC server. They want to make Kano and indeed, North-West, the dumping ground of their illicit money. Take their money and reject them”, he said.

While also addressing the rally, the National Chairman of the PDP, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, said, “Since that party (APC) came, they have not thought of anything that will benefit the poor. They always formulate laws that will suffer the people.

“Today, we have hunger, insecurity, people are being killed, there is no petrol anywhere.

“They brought another problem, they changed the currency. We did not tell them to change the currency but they did it themselves.

“They have not thought how it will affect the poor. But we the PDP will come to rescue the Nigeria”, Atiku said.

Army committed to win war against insurgency -Col Ofong

From David Hassan, Gombe

The Nigerian Army

that bedeviled the country. Commander 301 Artillery Regiment General Support Gombe Col. Abia Ofong Ndah stated this at the weekend during the West African Social Activities (WASA)

2022 that took place at the Army barracks Gombe.

He said with the deployment of Army to north east, North central, and North west of the country was aimed at enhancing normalcy

where insecurity affects the areas.

He said the army is committed to carryout its legitimate function in protecting the lives and properties of citizens in the country.

NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed presenting a souvenir to Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri during the inauguration of the new Orientation Camp built by the Bayelsa State Government for the NYSC held at Boro in Kiama Local

Area of the State... Photo: Justin Imo-owo

El-Rufai says laboratory

scientists key stakeholders in health sector

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Ahmed El-rufai, has described the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) as a key player in the growth of health sector in Nigeria.

He asserted this yesterday in Kaduna during the investiture of the 16th Branch Chairman of AMLSN.

The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Director Medical Services, Ministry of Health, Kaduna, Mrs. Felicial Anthony Kurah said AMLSN has always been in the forefront of strengthening the health sector in the state, while also tasking the practitioners to uphold professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

“ These are sets of people who continuously work tirelessly to save lives of others, and this was clearly displayed especially during the Covid-19, where the health works showed some level of patriotism in saving the nation,” the Governor said.

In his paper presentation titled: “Leadership and Professional Development; The Approach In The 21st Century”, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, said, the roles and expectations of leaders is to adhere to statutes guiding the operations.

Amba who was represented by the Director, Administration and Staff Training; Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), added that every leader must respect, maintain and enforce strict compliance with the constitution and standing orders guiding all members to ensure that the tenants of organisation are well kept.

While speaking during his inaugural speech, the newly elected Chairman of AMLSN, Kaduna Branch, Caleb Kantiyok unveiled a one-point agenda, protesting the welfare of the members.

“ We are going to set up AMLSN Kaduna State Branch welfare committee to always look into the welfare of members and advise us on what to do, just as we planned to have a Research and Training Fund Committee which shall access funding for the purpose of training research,” Kantiyok said.

Armed forces will never be part of plot to truncate democracy –DHQ

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed as malicious propaganda, the report peddled by some unscrupulous elements of plot by some military officers to disrupt the forthcoming general elections.

The Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

The defence spokesman added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria was dismayed that even politically exposed persons had denigrated themselves into joining the agents

Asaba mechanic village,

The Private Developers of the Mechanic Village and that of the Ogbeogono Market Annex in Asaba have assured that the projects would be opened for public use soon.

The investors gave the assurance on Friday, when the team from the Delta State Investment Development Agency (DIDA) visited the projects sites to ascertain level of progress made in Asaba.

The projects, they said had the capacity to create lots of jobs and generate huge Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the government.

According to the Managing Director, Real Homes Property

of destabilisation.

He said that the unscrupulous elements claimed that some military officers met with a Presidential candidate with the aim of disrupting the general elections and setting the country on fire.

According to him, the purveyors of the wicked and very malicious propaganda also indicated that a so-called Thursday meeting is plotting a Coup d’etat to establish unconstitutional order.

The Defence spokesman said

those who made the false claims were agents of destabilisation and violence seeking to heighten tension in the polity and would be made to face the wrath of the law.

“It needs to be stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is a professional military that is loyal to the constitution of the Federal Republic and will never be part of any evil plot against our democracy.

“Besides, the Military remains apolitical and neutral in the current political process and will not engage in the alleged

shenanigans.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will never be part of any ignoble plot to truncate our hard-earned democracy,” he said.

Gusau said the military high command would ensure that those who fabricated and spread the unfounded report were invited by appropriate law enforcement agencies to substantiate their claims.

“The general public is advised to disregard such information and go about their normal activities,” he added. (NAN)

Market annex ‘ll create jobs, enhance revenue –Investors

Development Company limited, Chima Ofoma, the developer of Asaba Auto Mechanic Village, the project is ready for inauguration.

Ofoma lauded Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa for partnering with the company and for subsidising the cost of acquiring the lock up spare parts stores by 30 per cent and the mechanics workshops by 20 per cent to make it affordable to the people.

He said that the motivation to build the project in Asaba was occasioned by the daily stress vehicle owners go through in Onitsha to get spare parts.

“What we have here is a modern mechanic village and auto spare parts, a one stop shop

where you can get all the spare parts both old and new.

“And, at the other side, we have a hi-tec mechanics workshop and at the rear, we have the low key service area.

“As you can see, the bank, police post, fire service station, clinic, everything that you will need is here and ready for take off.

“It is a public private partnership (PPP) initiative, government equity is the land while we developed the property.

“We want to appreciate the DIDA Managing Director, Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru and the Chairman, Mr Paul Nmah for their support that got the

approval of Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa that gave us a smooth ride.

“As you can see, the project is ready for inauguration with 704 lock up shops and 76 Mechanic workshops, we are also planing another 208 lock up shops for lower mechanics.

“All we are asking is that the governor should make it possible for all the scattered mechanics and auto parts dealers in Asaba capital territory to be assembled in this place,” Ofoma said.

On his part, Chief Emeka Okoye, Site Manager, Jamlor Nigeria Limited, the developer of the Ogbeogono Market Annex, Asaba, said the peace in the state was the motivator.

The Groom, Lieutenant Fahad Bello Tukur (right) with the Bride, Hajiya Ànisa Mohammed Sani Aliyu, during their wedding Fatiha/ceremony held on Saturday in Abuja. Photo; Justin Imo-owo.

Ogbeogono

Middle-aged man commits suicide in Niger community

By Usman Shuaibu

Amiddle-aged man from Dikko Community in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, Mr Amos Danjuma on Saturday committed

suicide by hanging himself.

A source who is working with the FCT Mass Adult Education in Gwagwalada disclosed that late Amos Danjuma was also a staff of Adult Education in Gwagwalada.

According to the source, in

a suicide note, late Danjuma stated that he committed suicide because he married about ten years ago without a child.

Source further revealed that the family of the deceased, expressed shock over the

incident, as it was learnt that there was tension in Dikko community.

Meanwhile, some of the staff of Mass Adult Education had already paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased.

NSA tasks Reps on solutions to Naria crisis

By Christiana Ekpa

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. Gen. Babagana Mongunu on Thursday appealed to the House of Representatives to evolve practicable solutions to the attendant economic crisis arising from the scarcity of the redesigned naira notes.

Babagana who appeared before the House of Representatives adhoc committee on the fiscal policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said his office was also working on measures to assist the House in tackling the problem.

Recall that the committee in continuation of its meeting had invited the minister of finance, Zainab Ahmed, the Managing Director, Nigerian Security, Minting and Printing Company, Ahmed Halilu and the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Professor Mamoud Yakubu and the Director of Currency Operations in the CBN to appear before it on Thursday, but the invitees took excuses for their absence.

Represented by Rear Admiral Abubakar A. Mustapha, a director

in charge of the secretariat that conducts general security appraisal of committee with special focus on elections and other security situations exigencies in his office, the NSA said that the policy was affecting military operations in some areas, stressing that some soldiers on the battle fronts were having financial difficulties.

Speaking shortly before the press was excused for a closed door session, Mongunu said “I am the Director at the office of the NSA. My mandate in the office actually is defence affairs.

“We actually chair the secretariat that conducts general security appraisal Committee which specifically focuses on elections and other security situations that might come up from time to time. I want to also apologize on behalf of my boss who is unavoidably absent. He left the country yesterday on a very special meeting and because he holds this committee in very high esteem he called and directed that I represent him. So, there is no written mandate. It was a verbal instruction that was given to me to attend this committee because

he said somebody must attend. He understands the severity of the situation in the country and that is why he said someone must attend.

“Because of the sensitive of some of the information that will come bothering on security, there are things you cannot say in the media. But that being said, globally, military operations even in the first world countries, such policies if not well thought out will affect some certain things because some of our soldiers are deployed in places where they cannot actually access digital means of paying whatever daily subsistence. One of the main issues that the NSA has been talking about is that this committee sits down and articulate better ways of addressing these issues and he has directed committee in his office which I am part of to write out his position to assist the committee to meet its mandate. On more detailed level, I will be able to talk to the the committee when the press leave”.

Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of the committee, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa said the meeting was in line with the

mandate given to them by the House to interface with relevant agencies on the naira redesign.

He said that the CBN policy was unpopular and had subjected Nigerian to untold hardships, adding that it was a threat to the general elections.

He said “For the records, this is a continuation of our duties and obligations as an Adhoc Committee of the House of Representatives in the specified matter of redesigned naira notes and swap policy of the federal government. I believe members would recall that on the last day of our sitting before we went for break, on the submission of our report, the House through the Speaker gave this committee an extended mandate to continue to follow up this matter so as to see to the implementation of this very important policy effective.

“We are therefore mandated to continue to follow up not only with the CBN as an agency or as a major regulator of our financial system but to follow up with all other relevant agencies that may have fallen in one way or the other important in the discussions before us.

By Albert Akota

The Shehu of Borno Alhaji

Abubakar Umar-Garbai ElKanemi has commended the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for setting up the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in the Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East (SIIP-NE), saying it was in the interest of the region.

The monarch made this commendation during a courtesy visit by the members of the panel to his palace.

While expressing delights at the visit, he said the Emirate is worried about the Reuters’ report, describing it as capable of distracting the military from carrying out its operations which according to him have brought relative peace to Borno state and the North East region in general.

“We are happy with the setting up of the panel by the government, it is a relief to us because we are hopeful that it will get to the root of the matter and unravel the truth,” he stated.

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The General Manager, Dangote Sugar (North) Abdulsalam Waya has assured Nigerians that the Dangote refinery will address the perennial fuel scarcity as it will complement the government’s effort in making the products available to Nigerians.

He asserted this during the ‘Dangote Day’ at the 44th Kaduna International Trade Fair recently.

According to him, the 650,000 barrels per day, refinery will also curb the long queues in filling stations, the selling of the products at exorbitant prices and hoarding if they take off.

Waya disclosed that Dangote refinery will commence production soon, adding that in a couple of months the refinery will be committed to start production.

Waya who is representing the Dangote Group also said the company is the biggest employer of labour outside the government, saying, the company has touched the lives of millions of Nigerians in many ways with its products.

Dangote refinery will addresses perennial fuel scarcity in Nigeria -Official

Shehu of Borno praises NHRC for constituting panel to investigate Reuters’ Report

The Chief Imam, Mambilla Barrack Central Mosque Asokoro Àbuja, (middle) leading prayers, the Father of the day, Lt. Gen.Tukur Buratai (Rtd), and other dignitaries, during the wedding Fatiha between Lieutenant Fahad Bello Tukur and Hajiya Ànisa Muhammed Sani Aliyu, held at the weekend at the Mambilla Barrack Central mosque Àbuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Bandits kill DPO, four others in Niger community

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Bandits have reportedly killed a Divisional Police Officer and four others in Niger community during an attack on Saturday in Niger State. In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Office, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the bandits had attempted to attack Chibani

Market in Munyan Local Government Area and were killed by local vigilantes.

He further stated that another set of bandits had tried to attack communities around Lambata when they were engaged in a gun battle with security operatives “Similarly, on Saturday, at about 11am, information was received that bandits were sighted

around Kwakuti-Dajigbe area of Lambata, in an attempt to attack some communities around the Gurara LGA.

He stated that the DPO of Paiko police station, Muktar Sabiu and four other officers died in the gun battle with the bandits.

“Combined teams of police from GawuBabangida Div and Paiko Div, military,

and vigilante members were drafted to the scene, the bandits were engaged in a gun duel and repelled with scores of them being neutralised, while others escaped with bullet injuries.

“Regrettably, the DPO, Paiko, SP Mukhtar Sabiu, and four other policemen from both divisions lost their lives during the gun duel,” the statement said.

Nigerian telecoms subscribers figure hits 222 million

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said as of December 2022, the number of active mobile subscribers in the country had reached 222.571 million, while internet subscribers had exceeded 154.8m.

This was disclosed by the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the commission, Professor, Umar Danbatta at the NCC day at the ongoing 44th Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna at the weekend.

Represented by Banji Ojo, Head, of consumer protection

and advocacy, he said the commission recognises the fact that the telecommunications sector has been a strategic driver of the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government, as it continues to provide the needed digital stamina to support the economy, especially the activities of the SMEs across in Nigeria and beyond.

“Information Communications Technology (ICT) is not only one of the fastest growing industries –directly creating millions of jobs – but it is also an important enabler of innovation and development, as it provides the backbone infrastructure for

transnational business.

Hence, in line with the Digital Literacy and Skills Pillar of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030, for a Digital Nigeria, the Commission embarked on digital literacy training for entrepreneurs across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Also he noted that NCC’s regulatory efforts in deepening access to digital services will benefit Nigeria and make it competitive compared with other economies in the areas of job creation; contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth; the emergence of new services and industries;

workforce transformation; and business innovation.

“It is in our response to ensuring that Nigeria is competitive in all these areas that Commission continuously puts a number of regulatory measures in place to ensure seamless access by Nigerians to telecommunications services in order to deepen competitiveness of the Nigerian economy by making our SMEs digitally compliant.

“In Nigeria today, the number of active mobile subscriptions reached about 222,571 million of December 2022 and Teledensity of 116.60 per cent as of December 2022.

“Also, Internet subscribers

have exceeded 154.8 million with broadband penetration standing at 47.36 per cent as of December 2022.

“Therefore, it is my pleasure to restate the NCC’s commitment to protecting and empowering consumers – whether individuals and corporate consumers – from unfair practices willingly or unwillingly orchestrated by the service providers.

“As you may be aware, the NCC is driving initiatives for a full commercial launch of the Fifth Generation (5G) network in Nigeria. Already, spectrum licences for the companies that will roll out service have been issued.”

L-R: Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Antonio Filipazzi; Emeritus Bishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onayikan; president, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of (CBCN), Lucius Ugoji and Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia in Anambra state, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke during the first 2023 CBCN plenary meeting with the theme ‘Citizens’ Participation in Good Governance’ , yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Ex-DIG,others refutes allegations of fueling communal crisis in Adamawa

From Umar Dankano,Yola

Aretired Deputy Inspector General of Police,DIG

Philemon Ibrahim

Leha and retired Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kennedy Dauda have denied any involvement in the communal crisis rocking their communities in Adamawa state.

Recalled that a communal dispute over farmland has ensued between Dingle Uboh clan and Wanela Wagowang Clan of Mayah community of Demsa local government area last week, where DIG Leha and Dauda were accused by Dingle Uboh clan of be backing their people (Wanela Wagowang clan).

Addressing a press conference in Yola Thursday, legal counsel to the duo (DIG Leha & Dauda),Barrister Ehimikhuai Godwin refuted the allegations of backing their kinsmen by Dingle Uboh clan against his clients, insisting that it was “totally false,unfounded,spurious and can’t be substantiated with credible evidence”.

Kolo warns warns against

politics of bitterness

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

The Special Adviser Political and Strategy in Niger state, Alhaji Mohammed Nma Kolo has warned political actors against vulgar, abusive, and insolent campaigns as the elections gathered momentum in the country.

In a statement in Minna, he said only politicians who have nothing to offer take on people with insults and go vulgar to score cheap political goals.

Alhaji Nma Kolo promised to continue to embark on political mobilization for the victory of his party APC, emphasizing that whatever the challenges of the party are, will be overcome because the party meant well for the people.

UK-Nigeria trade volume hits £5.5bn

Mr Ben Llewelyn-Jones, British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, has said the UK exports to Nigeria amounted to 3.3 billion pounds in the four quarters of 2022.

He said that the total UK imports from Nigeria, in the period, amounted to 2.2 billion pounds.

This, according to him, put the trade volume between the United Kingdom and Nigeria at 5.5 billion pounds.

Llewellyn-Jones gave the figures in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He said that the UK government was exploring ways to improve the trading relations with Nigeria, including partnering with it in bringing in electric meters

The envoy said that the UK government had also introduced the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) that would encourage and improve exportation of goods from Nigeria.

He said that under the scheme, 99 per cent of goods exported to the UK would be duty free.

“With the introduction of the DCTS, which would take off in April, 99 per cent of Nigeria exports to the UK would be duty free, as we see this as a real opportunity to improve trading between both countries.

“The UK market is a very large one so we have reached out to small and large businesses in different parts of the country and this is intended to help exporters and other people in the trading business to make the United

Kingdom an export destination.

“Also, it is important to note that our government has been carrying out a lot of work in the country through initiatives as British International Investment which looks into the possibilities of investment and provides them.

“We work closely with the Nigerian authorities to overcome some challenges that come with investing in the country and we are also working on several ways to further strengthen the relationship between both countries”.

Llewellyn-Jones noted that the UK government was looking at partnering with Nigeria in supplying electric meters to the country.

“In trading, there are different markets that can be explored and we are exploring different ways to make

Nigeria our top trade partner, and it is important to note that sometimes, it is about the quality one has to offer.

“The UK is known to have one of the most sophisticated metering in the world which would make a quality difference in Nigeria when it comes to the electricity sector as consumers would get the best value for their money spent.

“In terms of services, there are different British schools in the country as well as various partnerships with universities across the country. This goes to show that we are also about substance.

“We are committed in ensuring that we explore every opportunity available to strengthen the bilateral relationship between both countries,” he said. (NAN)

Experts advocate academics, security professionals collaboration

The Institute of Security, Nigeria, has urged the academic community and security professionals to work together to reexamine and re-evaluate the threats and vulnerabilities facing the nation’s security architecture.

The President of the institute, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, gave the advice at the 15th International Security conference 2023 on Saturday in Lagos.

The theme of this year’s conference is: National Security Environment and Challenges; Enhancing Security Services for Sustainable Development.

According to him, such collaboration will also go a long way in examining threats to the environment and consequently determine the level of challenges and solutions.

He said that the security practitioners provide security and protection services with the aid of God-given expertise and skills which remain the major tools.

Ogundipe said that the theme of the conference was well suited and timely, and to him personally, intriguing.

“We appreciate the complement of some of the best security experts

and professionals this country ever produced; well cultured, with excellent character.

“It is worrisome though that we still face security challenges as professionals, where a few among us have by their misconduct brought distain and disrespect to the profession,” he said.

Ogundipe, the immediate past vice chancellor of the University of Lagos, noted that such development had remained a grave concern to the security professionals and the nation at large.

According to him, it is proper to hold the view that those instances of professional misconduct does not represent all the security professionals and experts in the nation.

“We must teach the next generation to act professionally and play a central role in setting the parameters for them that will have the formidable task of safeguarding and securing the nation in the new and challenging context in which we now live.

“There is no other profession that is uniquely positioned to provide internal and territorial security, protection and defence, other than security professionals.

“Every negative ethical behaviour needs to be condemned. The instances of alleged corrupt practices and professional misconducts constitute a minute fraction of members of the security profession,” he said.

The former VC urged Nigerians to repose confidence in security professionals, while they hold them to account and report cases of misconduct.

He added that there was also the urgent need to ensure that the bad eggs among the security practitioners were singled out and brought to book.

According to him, the country is on the verge of conducting another general election, hence it is the responsibility of the security professionals to guarantee the security of lives and properties in the country.

Ogundipe further said that there was the need for citizens to also do all that was legitimate within their abilities and be motivated by the desire to find solutions to the many security challenges facing the country.

“All hands must be on deck and all arms of government have to do all that is possible to contribute ideas and actions that will birth the solutions needed to secure lives and

properties of Nigerians as envisaged in section 14 (2)(b) of the 1999 constitution.

“It states that ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary welfare of government’.

“I, therefore, believe that the professional actions will fully resolve this complex national security issues and frizzle all forms of corruption facing our country,” Ogundipe stated.

In his welcome address, Mr Adebayo Akinade, Deputy President of the institute, noted that the conference represented a milestone in the effort to create awareness among members of the general public and the law enforcement agencies.

According to him, one of the objectives of the institute is to promote and develop security science, technology and practice in all its ramifications.

He said that it also conducts research, collects and disseminates information on security subjects among others.

The deputy president said that there was the need to search for the remote and immediate causes of security challenges, security architecture and other breakdown in the social fabrics of the society.

NAN

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

FG inaugurates technical working group for not-for-profit governance code

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the development of the Not-For-Profit Governance Code.

The minister said that the code would enshrine good governance and ethical practices in all sectors and operating environments of Nigeria’s economic space.

According to him, the code when ready shall be adopted and complied with by not-for-profit organisations in Nigeria.

“This is coming against the general notion of insufficient regulation on the organisational/ operating structure and sustainability of various not-for-profit organisations in Nigeria.

“Therefore, having successfully issued the Private Sector Governance Code called Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG) 2018, and now set to issue a Public Sector Governance Code, council deemed it necessary to concurrently develop that for not-for-profit organisations,’’

he said.

The minister expressed optimism about the success of the group in carrying out the assigned task.

He said that there was the need to enshrine good governance and ethical practices in all organisations whether profit oriented or not could not be overemphasised.

Adebayo said that it would enhance the fulfilment of the overall mandate of not-for-profit entities so they could achieve their intended outcomes for citizens and render better service to users.

“It will also aid not-for-profit entities to operate in an effective, efficient, transparent and ethical manner while engendering public accountability of resources received from donor agencies.

“More so, it will ensure sustainability of these not-for-profit entities among others,’’ he said.

The minister encouraged members of the TWG to employ their wealth of knowledge, expertise and professionalism in developing an acceptable code that would rebuild and reshape perspectives

about Nigeria’s economic operating environment.

The Chairman of the Group, Dr Joe Abah, described it an honour and privilege to find the members worthy to serve.

“On behalf of my colleagues, the members of the technical working group will like to appreciate the ministry and the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) for deeming us worthy to work on this very important assignment.

Abah, who was a former DirectorGeneral, Bureau for Public Sector Reforms, described the code for the not-for-profit organisations as the most contentious among others.

“I need not to say that of all the codes that are being developed, the one for the not for profit organisations is probably the most contentious.

“We are aware of the previous attempt that was made in 2016 and the fact that some of the issues raised then was an issue of inadequate consultation of the key stakeholders

“I am, therefore, particularly pleased at the broad range of interest that has been nominated to be part of

First aid group seeks support in Kontagora Emirate

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Joint First Aid Group of Islam in Kontagora Emirate of the local government areas of Niger state has called for support and assistance from the people for effective and efficient service delivery.

The group chairman, Mustapha Nasiru Batsari made the disclosure at an organized special prayer session and lecture on the peaceful coexistence

of Nigeria in Kontagora.

According to Batsari, the group consist of Izala, Jamatul Nasirul Islam, Tijaniya, Munan Zamatu and Zumaratu of Yorubawa from the six local governments of the Emirate.

He challenged the members on the unity of purpose of all the various first aid groups in assisting the Muslim ummah at all times without expecting rewards from the human being but Almighty Allah.

Naira crisis de-markets APC candidates, Coalition cries out

Shehu Abubakar, Maiduguri

Tinubu/Kashim Youth Coalition for Northern Nigeria has admitted that the enduring Naira crisis is de-marketing the ruling APC and its candidates for the 2023 general elections.

The coalition is, however, appealing to the electorate to be undeterred by the crisis in their bid to vote for Tinubu/ Shettima presidential ticket and all other APC candidates in the elections.

Addressing newsmen in Maiduguri, Friday, February 10, the coalition alleged that the opposition parties have hijacked the crisis to cause chaos and aggravate the frustration of Nigerians to the point of swapping their choice from APC candidates to candidates of opposition parties.

“The opposition parties mischievously advise President Buhari not to extend the deadline for the circulation of the

old Naira notes and, by so doing, deepen the frustration of Nigerians and the hardship they encounter to the point that they get annoyed with the APC government and, therefore, not vote for Tinubu/Shettima,” Dr. Usman Ali Buduguma, the National Coordinator of the Coalition alleged.

“We are appealing to Mr President to please reconsider and extend the period of the Naira Swap due to the untold hardships faced by the less privileged,” Busuguma, flanked by other officials of the Coalition, said.

He continued: “The intention behind the policy may be laudable but the opposition have hijacked it to inflict untold hardships on the people,” he alleged.

“We are appealing to all Nigerians to patiently endure and not allow the recent developments hinder their choice for the best candidates APC have offered them,” he said.

this technical working group.

“And the fact that the expectation is that we are working together from the beginning to develop the code jointly rather than one person developing it and then consulting others about it.

`’I sense that perhaps it is one of the most contentious in quote because the public sector is used to taking directions from government, so is the private sector,’’ he said.

Abah said that there were debates as to how much oversight and regulation non-profit organisations should get from government.

“But at the same time there is the responsibility of government to ensure that people that occupy positions of trust and positions of interest behave in an ethical and appropriate way.

“So, the task for us as technical working group is to find the right kind of balance where government and the people are able to have comfort that this no profit organisations are operating the way that they are.

“And the non-profit organisations at the same time do not feel that

government has come to take over their space.

“That is what we have to work toward and I am very pleased with the level of experience around the table.

“And I have no doubt that we will produce good work for the ministry and the council to consider presenting more widely to Nigerians,’’ Abah said.

(NAN)

2023: Petrol & Nàira Scarcity, Anti-Democratic forces at work -Accord Party candidate

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Presidential Candidate of Accord Party, Prof.Chris Imumolen has said that the ongoing naira and fuel scarcity faced by Nigerians are calculated plans to scuttle 2023 general elections.

Prof.Imumolen who is the presidential candidate at his young age make this known ,during his State of the nation press conference in Abuja, decrying the hardship face by Nigerians as a result of the ‘twin problem.’

According to him, the decision to redesign naira notes was a good one but poorly executed, thereby resulting in a negative impact on over 200 million Nigerians.

He also express sadness over the epileptic power supply faced by Nigerians, saying that any further delay by government in tackling the issues would subject mày threatened Nigeria’s corporate existence.

He said, “Looking at the election coming up in two weeks or from now, Nigeria has been grasping with twin problems of accessing cash, a situation that has now

fuelled speculations that the general elections originally fixed for February 25th, and March 11th this year might be postponed as unconfirmed reports claimed that there are clandestine plots to use this uncertainty of the ongoing crisis to truncate the election.

“We know that what is happening in Nigeria is a calculated attempt by some group of people to ensure that Nigeria does not have a democratically elected president in the next election.

“Nigerians will not succumb to that, they are tired, we are suffering, you have money in the bank, yet you cannot access your money, mobile banks are not working, Nigerians are frustrated, no money to move from one place to another, jobs are closing up for lack of funds. It has not happened in the history of Nigeria.

“So we want to call on government to yield to the cry of the people. If the government of today does not declare a national emergency to quickly end the problem of cash scarcity and fuel scarcity, the nation might be in chos and we as concerned citizens, don’t want that to happen. So it is important

that government must begin to look at this issue critically.”

He faulted actions by anti-corruption agencies who were going after point-of-sale agents. He advised the federal government to mobilise resources and tackle the issues from the root to ‘avoid biting the finger of regret later.’

He, therefore, begged citizens to maintain calm expressing optimism that in the coming days, government will rise to the occasion to ensure that Nigerians have a saver and business-enabling economy before and after the elections.

He also implored youths to elect leaders who will lead Nigeria to the next generation, while urging them to free themselves from imprisoned minds and aspire to become great in Nigeria.

“Many Nigerian youths have been so suppressed in their mental oblongata that they cannot by themselves aspire, but they have forgotten that in time past, we’ve had a lot of youths who had been heads of state in this country. We’ve had youths at 29 years who were ministers, we’ve had youths at 29 years who were presidents, ” according to Professor Imumolen.

Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo

NDIC assures Bank Customers safety of deposit

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has assured Nigerians that their hard earned money in the custody of banks licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is safe.

The Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr. Bello Hassan asserted this during the NDIC special day at the ongoing 44 Kaduna International Trade Fair.

He advised against panic over money swap, saying that the NDIC has activated its crisis action management plan to prevent any negative impact on its operations and banks under its supervision.

2023: Vote for APC

— Says Sen. Nyako

From Umar Dankano,Yola

The Candidate of Adamawa Central Senatorial District of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Abdulaziz Murtala Nyako has urged his constituents to vote massively for the APC candidates in the forthcoming general elections.

Senator Nyako made the disclosure in Yola weekend during a town hall meeting stressing that voting for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani, himself and other candidates will avail them opportunities to use their wealth of experience and connections to drive developmental opportunities.

Nyako said he and his political associates provided the platform “Town hall meeting”for his constituents with a view to have on the spot needs assessment through physical presence which enables them ask questions on how their yearnings are being tackled by their representative.

Nyako therefore charged Nigerians to use the 2023 election in voting for politicians with track records of performance so as to consolidate the achievements recorded by the APC led government in the last almost 8 years of stewardship.

North committed to credible election-NEF

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Northern Elders Forum(NEF) has said the North is committed to supporting a credible election under peaceful conditions and will support any candidate who emerges as a leader through it.

This is as the Forum condemned the Leader of pan-Yoruba socio-

political organization, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo’s outburst in a statement shared with Journalists yesterday.

Chief Adebanjo said; “Forget Nigeria if you don’t vote for Obi. I am not boasting and it is not a threat. When we say we must come together, is it by cheating one of us? Is that equity, justice, and peace?”

In a statement by its Director,

Publicity and Advocacy Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed said “We do not believe that Chief Adebanjo’s reckless outburst reflects the quality or essence of the Obi/Datti ticket”.

He also appealed to leaders, elders, politicians, and the authorities to resist inciting particularly young Nigerians who are more gullible and exposed to

dangerous rhetoric.

“If there are Nigerians with any influence over Chief Adebanjo, they should advise him to show respect for his age and all the advantages he enjoys from being a Nigerian.”

The Forum, however, advises people like Chief Adebanjo to attempt to behave more responsibly.

Senator, widows others extol Emema Offor's virtue at 54th birthday

By Albert Akota

ASenator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Dr Ifeanyi Ubah has lauded Sir, Emeka Offor for his upright and philanthropic gesture towards people around and beyond.

The entrepreneur and businessman who is currently serving as Senator and CEO of Capital Oil, said "Sir Emeka Offor has touched a lot of lives in an extraordinary manner.

"If you go down to my Constituency where he is a leader,

you will see and hear of the many things he has done for the people and that's why you can see the multitude of people here from different backgrounds.

"He is the man of the people and loves God and people and that's the most important thing in

life," he said.

Also speaking, the wife of the celebrant who put everything together for her husband, Barrister Adaora Offor said, "The idea behind the event was to celebrate my husband. It's a special day and an opportunity to honour an icon.

L-R: Country Director

Abimiku , Deputy Head of Mission ANNID, Mr. Uke Agwu, Global Chairman ANNID / Head of ANNID Mission, Dr Peter Mozie, Head of Corporate Communications ANNID, Oliver Nkuku and Member of ANNID, Nonye Igwegbe, during the ANNID World press conference on the 2023 general election, held recently in Abuja.

Justin

2023:

Niger APC holds retreat to strategize for party’s victory

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

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

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

He made this known in an interview during a 2 Day

retreat for Bago and Yakubu gubernatorial campaign for the directors, their deputies, secretaries and other members of the campaign Council in Minna.

Sidi Rijau maintained that the major political party, the PDP in the state is never in anyway a threat to their victory but they needed the inputs of all

the directorates so as to have a united front.

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

/ Anchor Person, All Nigerian Nationals in the Diaspora (ANNID), Barrister Hannatu

Photo:

Imo-owo

Kawu Sumaila wants INEC, EFCC, ICPC arrest Kabiru Gaya for inducing voters with N5000

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

Suleman Kawu Sumaila, Senatorial candidate for Kano South, under New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has accused his opponent in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Kabiru Gaya of vote buying, ahead of the general elections. He made the allegation at a press conference held in Kano on Saturday.

Sumaila alleged that Gaya,

Gov. Bello presents staff of office to new Kontagora Emir

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state has presented the staff of office to new Emir of Kontagora

Alhaji Mu’azu Muhammadu Barau the second as the Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora.

The governor officially presented the staff of office to the Emir at the coronation ceremony in Kontagora to become the seventh Sarkin Sudan at the age of forty nine.

The Governor described Sarkin Sudan as a gentle, compassionate, humble man full of perseverance and faith in the will of God, while he expressed optimism that the new Emir will provide needed leadership that would propel development to the Emirate.

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar advised the new Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora to be just and fair to his subjects in addition to operating an open door policy to give his subjects a sense of belonging.

In his acceptance speech the seventh Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora Alhaji Muhammadu Barau Muazu the second appreciated Governor Abubakar Sani Bello for his support towards the success of the event and promised to stand by his subject to succeed.

The Chief Judge of the State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik administered the oath of office and allegiance to the new Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora which was supervised by the Governor.

who is the current Senator representing Kano South, has shared N5,000 to constituents under the guise of empowerment, just few days to general elections.

He therefore called on Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to arrest and prosecute him for vote buying.

“It seems that Senator Gaya has taken people of Kano South for granted and is treating our people with utter disdain.

Having spent 16 years as a Senator, we expect Senator Gaya to give a detailed breakdown of his achievements.

“Instead, he has engaged in a desperate attempt to deceive, blindfold and cajole the people with just N5,000.00, only under the guise of empowerment

“Make the calculation: N5000

x 1000 = N5 million per LGA x16 LGAs = N80,000,000.00, only, in his four years from 20192023.

“So, he thinks he can buy our people with just N80 million? What a shame! we are men and women of dignity and integrity, we don’t sell our conscience for a loaf of bread.

“If the above mentioned money that he is disbursing is a constituency project, he should come out and tell us the agency that it is domiciled. If it is budgeted, how much is the total sum ? What is the code in the budget? Which Federal government agency was responsible? Where were the representatives of the agency in question?

“If however, the money he is disbursing is his personal funds, why didn’t he do this since? Why now? this is a clear vote buying and as such we are calling on the Independent National

Electoral Commission (INEC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and prosecute him for vote buying,” Mr Kawu-Sumaila appealed.

The former president Muhammadu Buhari’s aide also accused Gaya, a former governor of Kano State of failing to facilitate the completion of Wudil-Gaya section of KanoMaiduguri road awarded by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006.

According to Sumaila, the Shuwarin-Azare, AzarePotiskum , Potiskum- Damaturu and Damaturu- Maiduguri sections of the project were completed, butr Gaya failed to facilitate the completion of Wudil-Gaya, a 20km long in his Senatorial District.

He also alleged that the said

road has become a death trap to motorists, killing over 300 people playing the highway.

“Again, let me also remind us that Senator Gaya was the Chairman Senate Committee on Works from June 2015 to June 2019. For good four years he supervised and over sighted the Federal Ministry of Works but failed to ensure that the road is dualised and completed as the other four sections that run into hundreds of kilometres.

“How Senator Gaya’s Misrepresentation led to death of over 300 people in four years from 2019-2023. On a daily basis, people are being killed in accidents on Wudil-Gaya road due to the negligence, incompetence and misrepresentation of Senator Gaya,” he said.

Kawu-Sumaila also described the 16 years of Gaya, currently the longest serving senator as wastage and bad representation.

Niger youth, women drums support for Atiku/Okowa Presidency

Niger State youths and women in their numbers under the auspices of Arewa Decides 2023 Niger state chapter has endorsed the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku/Okowa to better Nigeria.

The Niger state Coordinator of the group, Comrade Isah

Abubakar Vatsa declared the endorsement at the Sensitization and Awareness Conference on Vote Canvassing and Protection for Atiku Abubakar held in Minna.

He described Atiku as a nationalist, capable, competent, strong, healthy, mentally sound, physically fit and very articulated leader Nigeria needs at this crucial moment of the country

who will moved the nation to the next level of development.

Abubakar Vatsa was optimistic that the People’s Democratic Party and it’s candidates will emerged victorious during this year’s polls in Nigeria and Niger state sequel to the mammoth crowd that graced the gathering.

Another member of Arewa Decides 2023, Sadiq Abubakar

Kpotu in an interview said that the People’s Democratic Party is the party to beat following the acceptability and track records of achievements in the country.

He maintained that the youths should take their destiny in their hands by voting the PDP at all levels to save the country from maladministration, misrule, hardship and nepotism so as to better Nigeria for every citizen.

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) Prof Mahmood Yakubu, addressing the training officer during the Chairman on Inspection visit to the venue of the training officer of Supervisors presiding officer at Government Secondary School Garki, at the Weekend in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has partnered UNICEF to combat child rights violations and poverty in Nigeria.

The partnership, which took place yesterday will be financed by the federal government.

The partnership will align the country’s poverty reduction strategy with the child and national Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), review social sector policies to lower child poverty, and put in place presidentiallevel accountability measures for reporting and receiving feedback on issues relating to children’s rights

National assembly quarters mosque gets new chief imam

The Management Committee of the National Assembly Central Mosque, Legislators’ Quarters, Abuja, has appointed Sheikh Sufyan Malumfashi, as the new Chief Imam of the mosque.

The Secretary of the Mosque Management Committee, Malam Mansur Jarkasa, said in a statement on Sunday in Abuja that the appointment took effect from Feb. 1.

The appointment came about 10 months after the disengagement of Sheikh Muhammad NuruKhalid as Chief Imam of the mosque in April 2022.

According to Jarkasa, the new appointment was endorsed by the mosque’s management committee headed by Sen. Saidu Dansadau and his deputy, Abubakar BawaBwari.

He said that the committee “after all necessary due diligence, consultation with stakeholders and due process resolved to unanimously appoint Sheikh Sufyan Malumfashi as the new Chief Imam of the mosque.”

Jarkasa said Sheikh Malumfashi had served as the Chief Imam of Area 11 Jumu’at Mosque, and was at the Saudi Arabian Consulate Office, Asokoro, as Jumma’at prayer imam.

The secretary said Sheikh Malumfashi is currently a visiting Jumu’at Imam of Al-Noor mosque, Wuse II, all in Abuja.

“Shiekh Malumfashi is presently the Deputy Ameer (Chairman) of the FCT Committee of Imams.

“He coordinate Da’awah activities on behalf of an International Donor Agency in six African countries

“He hails from Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State and obtained his first degree in Islamic Studies from the Islamic University of Medina in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Similarly, the new chief imam of the National Assembly Central Mosque, Zone, E, Legislators’ Quarters Apo, got his second degree from the Nasarawa State University, Keffi and is happily married with children.” (NAN)

NESG partners UNICEF to combat child poverty, violations in Nigeria

and poverty in Nigeria.

Speaking, Chairman of NESG, Niyi Yusuf said, “Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, and it is crucial we tackle child rights violations and poverty in Nigeria to ensure their success.

According to the National MPI 2022, two-thirds of our children are multi-dimensionally poor, with 51% of all poor people being children.

“This means over half of the

poor children lack the intellectual stimulation necessary for early childhood development.

“Our partnership with UNICEF is both timely and significant. UNICEF is a leading provider of humanitarian and developmental aid for children worldwide, and this launch represents a critical step towards a future where children’s rights are respected, and they receive the support they need to

become productive citizens.”

Also speaking, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Cristian Munduate said, “UNICEF is dedicated to protecting children’s rights in Nigeria and worldwide, and helping them build a strong foundation for their future.

Our partnership with NESG highlights the urgency of realising this goal and will coordinate efforts to achieve child rights protection

in Nigeria through effective public policies.

“Investing in children is investing in human capital. The right nutrition and care, especially during the first 1000 days of life, can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to grow, learn, and rise out of poverty. It can break the cycle of poverty for families, communities, and countries, and shape a society’s long-term stability and prosperity.”

Supreme Court judgements: APC group calls for resignation of CJN, Ariwoola

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Apro-All Progressives Congress (APC) group on the aiges of Progressive Minds Forum (PMF), on Friday, called for the resignation, suspension or sack of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola, over alleged compromised judgements that recently emanated from the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The group lamented that the award of Senatorial tickets to Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Senator Godswill Akpabio by the apex court was a great embarrassment to Nigeria because they did not partake in the primary election of the All Progressives Congress won by the original holders of the tickets.

The Forum also insisted that Supreme Court’s ruling to extend the use of old Naira notes was not done in the interest of Nigerians but to please and aid certain political forces from the South-west who have been clamouring for the extension because the CJN is from the South-west.

In a statement signed by the Forum’s national coordinator, Barrister Preye Johnson, said that the comportment of the CJN since assumption of office does not befit a man who occupies such an exalted position and saddled with the responsibility of determining the destiny of litigants that come before

the Supreme Court.

The statement said: “The Supreme Court is the last hope of the common man, but under Justice Ariwoola, justice is now for the highest bidder.

“The whole world would want to know how failed presidential aspirants like Akpabio and Lawan were awarded Senatorial tickets by the Supreme Court when they never participated in the primary election for those positions in their Senatorial Districts.

“This is a man who recently attended a state dinner in Port Harcourt and apparently after much champagne that are common in such high level political gatherings, made political statements that were unbecoming of his position as the number one jurist in the country.

“Besides only the CJN and Supreme Court Justices can tell if the recent ruling unbanning the use of old Naira notes was done in the overall interest of Nigerians or to enable the APC access enough cash to buy votes in the forthcoming elections.

“Even the Minister or Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has kicked against the judgement and filed an appeal against it.

“The position of the AGF shows that the ruling lacks merit as it was apparently motivated by partisan

motives and tribal sentiments which may likely plunge Nigeria into crisis if not immediately curbed.

“Needless to say that such highly compromised and spurious judgements now emanating from the apex court, under Justice Ariwoola, represent a huge embarrassment to Nigeria both at home and abroad.

“They have also cast a pall of doubt over judgements on disputes that may emanate from the forthcoming general elections.

“Therefore, the need for Justice Ariwoola to either resign his position or be sacked in order to checkmate the gross danger the Supreme Court now poses to democracy and rule of law in Nigeria.

“It is clear that the Supreme Court under Justice Ariwoola’s watch lacks integrity therefore he has no basis to continue as CJN especially in view of the forthcoming general election.

The CJN must be seen to be above board and also must be blind to all parties in the dispensation of justice in order to display extreme neutrality for justice and fairness. However, this is not what we are seeing presently.

“Since the Apex Court has proved its unwillingness to save democracy, Buhari must rise up to the task of saving democracy by ordering the suspension and investigation of the CJN and the other Supreme Court Justices involved in the above

referenced cases.”

The APC members also called on the international community to place visa ban on the CJN and the Justices involved in the cases for working to undermine democracy in Nigeria.

They insisted that the judgements have set bad precedent and gravely breached the provisions of Section 115(D) of the Electoral Act 2022, especially in the case of Lawan and Akpabio.

“The whole world is still waiting to know how the Supreme Court came about its ruling making Ahmad Lawan and Godwill Akpabio candidates when it is clear they were both presidential aspirants under the APC.

“The Electoral Act 2022 is very clear that an aspirant cannot contest for two different positions in one election cycle.

“Section 115 (D) of the Act stipulates that ‘a person who signs a nomination paper or result form as a candidate in more than one constituency at the same election commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a maximum term of imprisonment for two years.’

“We appeal to international community to help save democracy in Nigeria by ensuring that the CJN and all justices involved in the recent ruling on Lawan and Akpabio are placed on visa ban,” he said.

L-R; Special Assistant to the President on Youths, Alh Nasir Adhama, DG/CEO National Council on Climate Change, Dr Salisu Dahiru, Minister of Water Resources, Engr Sulieman Adamu, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammed Abubakar, Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN, President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Environment Barr Mohammed Abdullahi, Minister of State Finance, Prince Clem Agba, Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Palline Tallen, Permanent Secretary, Petroleum Mr. Gaberil Adauda, Member NCC, Mrs Uchechi Dakoru and others during the Inauguration of National Council on Climate Change (NCC) at the State House Abuja,

PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023

Frankfurter Botschaft to host invest in African energy reception

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

After extensive negotiations these several months, Germany has accepted to host the “Invest in African Energy Reception” at Frankfurter Botschaft on February 23, primarily aims at showcasing investment opportunities across Africa’s burgeoning energy sector as the next significant phase on the organization’s European investment tour. The Invest in African Energy gathering at Frankfurter Botschaft is organized by the South African based African Energy Chamber (AEC).

Following successful Invest in African Energy Receptions held in London last year and Oslo in January 2023, in partnership with global energy market research firm, Rystad Energy, and leading pan-African financial services provider, the African Export-Import Bank , the AEC’s German leg of the Invest in African Energy European Roadshow aims to maximize energy investment partnerships between Africa and Europe’s largest economy.

Featuring German, European and global investors, private and public sector institutions, African energy policymakers and companies as well as stakeholders across both the German and African energy value chains, the Invest in African Energy Frankfurt event will highlight energy investment, economic growth, energy resilience and environmental sustainability prospects for both Germany and Africa on the back of improved energy development, exploitation and trade ties.

It will also address the energy infrastructure development and energy monetization initiatives in partnership with global players, foreign investors and governments. As Africa’s biggest gathering for energy ministers, energy policymakers, companies and investors –it will, therefore, be crucial for shaping discussions to find pragmatic approach around the key role the continent’s massive yet largely unexplored hydrocarbon resources play in driving making energy poverty history while triggering newfound socioeconomic growth.

“The Chamber is honored to expand its Invest in African Energy European Roadshow to Germany where we seek to unite African and German energy stakeholders. German companies have the technology and expertise which Africa needs to maximize its global energy leadership role and we hope platforms such as the Invest in African Energy will foster a new era of improved cooperation between the country and the African continent ahead of the 2023 edition of African Energy Week this October, where more industry changing deals will be signed and partnerships formed,” said NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the AEC.

According to several reports, European countries are seriously looking for more reliable energy suppliers. With Germany optimizing the diversification of its energy supply away from Russia due to the Russian-Ukraine war that began February 24, Africa appears to represent a perfect partner to drive the energy market stability.

While the demand for gas via liquefied natural gas continues to increase and take on a sizable share of the global energy mix, Africa is expanding its share of global gas supply.

With Africa requiring up to $1.7 trillion in the upstream gas sector to increase its gas production as the continent’s

role in shaping global energy security intensifies through 2050, Germany has a key role to play in helping the continent maximize and monetize resources. African countries such as Senegal, Mauritania, Algeria, Tunisia, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, Namibia and Angola are well positioned to supply Germany, and the Invest in African Energy Frankfurt event represents an ideal platform for Germany to enhance energy ties with Africa and secure its energy future.

“Hydrogen projects have been on the platform of all Germany Africa energy investments. Natural gas has seen new interest from Germany. Germany’s launch of two LNG import facilities within 12 months highlights the country’s commitment to securing its energy supply via gas and LNG. Africa is well positioned to be the country’s number one supplier and the Invest in African Energy Frankfurt event represents the ideal platform where improved GermanyAfrican energy ties can be turned into reality,” NJ Ayuk said.

Furthermore, while Africa is positioning itself as a global leader in green hydrogen on the back of the continent’s massive gas and renewable energy resources, with countries such as Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Mauritania and Egypt spearheading industry growth, the recent trip to South Africa and Namibia by German Economy Minister, Robert Habeck, in search of hydrogen to ensure energy security highlights the vital role African energy can play in shaping the energy transition and strengthening Germany’s energy security.

In this regard, the AEC, through the Invest in African Energy Frankfurt event, is committed to heightening German energy investments in Africa to accelerate the continent’s build-up of infrastructure across the entire green hydrogen value chain. This will in turn provide a win-win situation for both Germany and Africa as both parties seek energy market stability, economic expansion, environmental sustainability and GDP growth.

With over 600 million people across the African continent lacking access to reliable electricity and 900 million to clean cooking solutions, the continent’s estimated 125.3 billion barrels of crude oil, 620 trillion cubic feet of gas and untapped renewables potential present a huge opportunity to alleviate energy poverty. In this scenario, Germany represents an ideal partner for the continent as it moves to maximize energy investments and make energy poverty history by 2030.

By exploring the benefits and challenges associated with these exploration campaigns, investors play unique role in sustainable development as Africa has roughly 40 billion undeveloped barrels of oil and gas reserves in the energy industry. According to the World Bank, Russia also holds the world’s largest natural gas reserves, the second largest coal reserves, and the eighth largest oil reserves. With the Russia-Ukraine crisis and Russia the leading energy supplier redirecting its search markets in Asian region, it has brought good opportunities for new partners for Africa.

Over the past years after Soviet collapse, Russia has expressed heightened interest in exploring and producing oil and gas in Africa. Emboldened African leaders and industry executives have accepted proposals, signed several agreements with Russian companies, but little have

been achieved in the sector. With the rapidly changing geopolitical conditions and economic fragmentation fraught with competition and rivalry, African leaders have to understand that Russia might not heavily invest in the oil and gas sector, not even in the needed infrastructure in this industry.

NJ Ayuk observes that Africa has already made an indelible mark in the oil and gas industry. Africans must therefore become more accountable, and plan better in the energy sectors. Some potential external investors, such as Russia, have for many decades shown interest in this sector but have not delivered promptly on their promises and signed agreements.

Some experts believe that Europe can look to Africa as preferred energy supplier. Africa is ready to welcome investors currently pulling out of Russia if they can genuinely invest in developing oil and gas infrastructure which Africa seriously lacks in this industry. For Africa at this point in time, that’s a real opportunity and understandably Russia aspires to be the leading supplier on the global market and therefore seeks to marginalize potential producers such as Africa. In practical terms, it is very cautious making financial commitments in Africa.

“The demand for oil and gas from Africa is on the rise, especially as we expect domestic usage to rise significantly, driven by growing population and corresponding economic activity. It is therefore key for countries across the continent to leverage existing oil and gas infrastructure to fast-track the development of assets that would otherwise have been stranded,” said Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President of the African Energy Chamber. “We are delighted to continue working with interested investors and researchers to bring forward vital data that allows decision makers to drive investments in Africa’s energy sector, that ultimately will lead to ending energy poverty in Africa by 2030.”

According to Ayukegba, the African Energy Chamber continues to investigate how the accelerated investment and development of Africa’s infrastructure landscape will be key for ensuring oil and gas discoveries translate into long-term developments. Currently, there exists an infrastructure gap across the continent, a gap which significantly impacts exploration initiatives, bringing newfound challenges to project take-off and completion. Therefore, during the panel, speakers will explore this gap while making a strong case for alternative, expert-backed solutions.

If Africa is to make energy history in Africa by 2030, the continent needs to maximize utilizing all available resources. As such, African countries with energy resources have the potential to change the continent’s energy landscape, especially at this time of unprecedented global changes and large-scale developments set to establish a multipolar system. In spite of these, Africa needs to boost its energy security and work consistently towards energy self-sufficiency within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and within the African Union Agenda 2063.

Kestér Kenn Klomegâh is a Public Policy Analyst.

The So-called Npower Batch C Stream II

By Sulaiman Maijama’a

N890.7 billion in Npower? Which of the Npowers?

The one traumatizing and forbidden our youths their hard-earned five months stipends? Sincerely speaking, this farewell reputation the minister and her ministry are trying to leave behind is becoming unbecoming. It will surely tarnish the seven years of reputation Npower programme.

If there is any Npower category that suffered the extreme and got ill treated the most, that should be the Batch C Stream II. The Batch C category applied for the empowerment in 2020 and stream l was boarded in 2021 and unboarded in August, 2022 after a year of service. Batch C Stream II volunteers who underwent biometric data and physical screenings are still suffocating without knowing their fate.

Imagine applying for Npower since 2020 and receiving nothing up till this moment. Imagine applying for a programme that is aimed at alleviating poverty but ends of rendering you poorer. The current Batch C Stream II volunteers are, indeed, undergoing the worst moment of their lives. These are the children of the poor. The expended

the little they have for transportation and feeding at their Places of Primary Assignments. Some of them are even flooded by debt, hunger, anger and depression.

What did they do to deserve this punishment?

The disturbing fact is that whenever these volunteers seek to know about their payments via Npower social handles, the heartless Npower staff give childish, lugubrious and unwarranted cliches such as ” You will be paid soon, sooner, soonest, in no distance time, preparations are in top gear” among others. The question is, what type of ‘soonest’ that is not sooning for five months? when did Npower start teaching regular adjectives and adverbs? Are these beneficiaries’ stipend diverted? Are we serious in this country?

On the other hand, the most painful part is that the Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Minister Sadiya Farouq, recently said that N890.7 billion was spent on N-power with N246 billion on CCT, N17.6 billion on GEEP, N2.7 million on IM, while school feeding programme gulped N200.9 billion.

Farouq said this when she featured on the 23rd edition of the President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) Administration scorecard series organised by the Information and Culture

Ministry in Abuja this week.

N890.7 billion in Npower? Which of the Npowers? The one traumatizing and forbidden our youths their hardearned five months stipends? Sincerely speaking, this farewell reputation the minister and her ministry are trying to leave behind is becoming unbecoming. It will surely tarnish the seven years of reputation Npower programme.

More frightening are allegations that the monies earmarked for the programme are being diverted to Bauchi state where the minister’s husband is vying for governorship seat. The minister perhaps is investing as she is eyeing the seat of the First Lady in Bauchi. Is that how her husband, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar is planing to govern us if given the mandate?

If not for the sake of anything, the minister has to pay these vulnerable children their money in order not to make her husband’s political career short-lived.

Enough is enough, please pay Npower Batch C Stream II.

Maijama’a writes from Faculty of Communication, Bayero University, Kano and can be reached at sulaimanmaija@gmail.com

Nigeria’s mental health conundrum and the way forward for Africa’s most populous country

By Abiodun Salako

Implementing the law to the letter for the benefits of Nigerians is one thing we grapple with often in this political climate. We can only appeal to the incoming government to fully implement this new law, and partner with relevant stakeholders to map out measures for the mental health of Nigerians.

In November, 2018, the Federal Ministry of Health posited that 60 million Nigerians suffer from one mental illness or the other. This rather shocking revelation made the rounds in media and got many reactions from mental health practitioners and Nigerians. As usual, the story fizzled out. Everything went back to the abysmal normality of stagnation. Nothing concrete was done to solve the problem at hand.

2023, the new year met with bubbliness, is already here and these 60 million Nigerians have no succour to their mental health issues. In 2019, we lost two brilliant youths; Chukwuemeka Akachi and Michael Arowosaiye to suicide. Both deaths shook the social media space, but the outcry was as expected, ephemeral. Last year alone, we witnessed the death of Adetutu Adedokun and Laolu Martins, a minority stakeholder in the popular Lagos eatery, Bukka Hut, among others who shrunk at the hands of suicide. The Oyo State police recorded at least 10 suicide cases in the state between June and September 2022. These are just the numbers we know, the stories we hear, and unfortunately there are many more undocumented and unreported cases of suicide in Nigeria owing to a number of distasteful factors.

The problem we are faced with can be solved only if we are proactive enough to nip it in the bud. We don’t have to wait for the United Nations (UN) or World Health Organization (WHO) to churn out more statistics before we rouse ourselves. Hence, there is a need to focus on changing the mental health narrative in the country by deploying a number of strategies across board.

First off, functional and dedicated helplines serve as a key tool in tackling mental health. There are mental health hotlines globally but not many across Africa. Less than 10 countries on the continent have mental health hotlines, excluding Algeria, Kenya, Mauritius, and South Africa. In Nigeria, although the Federal government has the 112 toll-free emergency number for fielding and dispatching distress calls, it doesn’t have a dedicated emergency number for suicide prevention and mental health issues. On the other hand, African countries like South Africa and Mauritius have dedicated Suicide Crisis Lines.

However, Lagos state seems to be doing more when it comes to helplines. In 2021, LASG launched “The Lagos Lifeline,” a teleMental Health service that provides Lagos residents with access to psychosocial support, counselling and psychotherapy services free of charge through a dedicated line. The initiative has helped the Lagos State government have a hands-on approach to the mental health challenges of Lagosians. If other state governments could be as progressive in their approach, we might begin to see lasting changes.

Mental Health hotlines will serve as the first point of contact in averting crises on time. Nigerians can easily access 24/7 hotlines respective to each state with well-trained call centre agents who have sharp discernment and refer them to the proper offices for further consultation. For consultations to be effective, building mental health facilities should be a priority. This will require collaboration and funding, but the value of a Nigerian’s life supersedes these requirements.

Indeed, we cannot speak of consultations, treatment and management of mental health illnesses without sufficient psychiatrists and other mental health workers. There’s a shortage of psychiatrists globally; countries like South Africa, Indonesia and America are suffering from shortage. Sandwiched between Cote d’Ivoire and Togo, is Ghana, a country that has only 39 psychiatrists (0.13 per 100 000 people) for the entire population of whom an estimated 2.3 million people have mental health conditions and need care, according to the World Health Organization. The case is terribly the same in Zimbabwe and Uganda.

The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), last year, lamented the dearth of professional psychiatrists in the country and the huge shortage gap. The group made it known that only 250 qualified psychiatrists are working in a country of about 200 million people whereas the standard practice is for one psychiatric doctor to take care of 10,000 patients. This is even lower compared with South Africa’s 700 psychiatrists servicing a population of 60 million people. The management of mental illness in Nigeria has been going downhill for decades now. The development has made accessibility and deliverability of psychiatric care relatively difficult.

Every Nigerian knows why this is happening. The government cannot feign ignorance on the causes too. They need to create better working conditions, higher remuneration to match or balance the economic reality, a secured environment, job satisfaction and incentives and more working facilities. The government must block the brain drain and create more incentives for young people to study psychiatry and psychology. A huge percentage of Nigerian youths aren’t willing to study psychiatry or psychology in tertiary institutions. This is a sharp contrast to America where the number of students majoring in psychology has grown tremendously in recent decades. Many young Nigerians currently studying psychology found the course thrust upon them as an alternative. This not only underscores the dispassionate towards the course itself, but also the amount of graduates who do not practise. Hence, the education sector and the government must work together to make both courses enticing to youths. Whether we like it or not, we need more mental health practitioners to close the gap widening yearly in the country.

If people do not have knowledge of a thing, they cannot understand it, and there is bandage in lack thereof. Mental health education cannot be ruled out of a functioning, expansive and proactive mental health system in any country. Mental

Health education must be incorporated into Nigeria’s academic curriculum for all three levels of education like many educators and scholars have advocated for. In 2018, New York made mental health education mandatory in kindergarten through 12th grade, and Virginia made it a requirement in 9th and 10th grades. In Europe, the UK government announced the introduction of a new compulsory subject – Relationships, Health and Sex Education, or RSHE in 2019 as part of the national curriculum to focus on mental health and wellbeing. The subject is split into two sections: physical health and mental wellbeing and relationships.

There’s a reason that mental health education is required in schools and that’s not far-fetched. It’s not even rocket science. Half of all mental illnesses begin by the age of 14, according to the World Health Organization. However, most cases are largely undetected and untreated in time or at all. Early intervention and treatment can help mitigate the impact of mental illness on the lives of young people. Teaching children about the importance of having a robust mental fortitude promotes a healthy transition from adolescence to adulthood. This education will help them easily understand the state of their mental health and encourage them to seek out counsel if and when there is a need to.

It’s important that schools should have functional Guidance and Counselling departments whose herculean task is not only to encourage students’ academic, social development, but also their emotional and personal development. Their mental wellbeing is as important as their social and career wellbeing. The individual reflects back into society. If we neglect the individual, we are neglecting society and that’s quite disastrous. To ensure effectiveness, schools should employ a special set of observing eyes that will also train teachers and lecturers on behavioural and attitudinal signs they should look out for. Also, as part of the curriculum, having a qualified psychologist in school as a counsellor helps the students to open up as teachers and lecturers might not have the time required to spend with troubled students. In the UK, they’ve got Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHP) who work across education and healthcare to provide mental health support for children and young people in schools and colleges.

Anyone can see that G&C in Nigeria has deteriorated so much that schools don’t pay attention to it anymore. Since the proliferation of private schools in the country, many newly opened schools do not have a G&C department. Private schools are popping up in every small space, brandishing the words “international” and “montessori” as some sort of badge. Hundreds of “private” schools across the country have not been duly accredited and possess the licence to operate. This is an issue that can only be discussed on another day. Government owned schools aren’t left out of this rot. They rank high on the table of having a non-functional G&C department.

Abiodun Salako is a Public Policy Analyst.

Cashless policy and the cashless banks of Nigeria

By Ezinwanne Onwuka

Going cashless is not supposed to be controversial in a fastgrowing economy such as ours but there are doubts about whether the Emefiele-led CBN considered the unintended challenges of implementing the cashless policy before embarking on the laudable mission.

It was on October 2022 that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced its intention to redesign the currency, which it said was in the best interest of Nigerians to check terrorism financing, counterfeiting and imbalances in the fiscal space, and to enable the apex bank take control of the currency in circulation.

As a result of the currency redesign, the CBN also set the maximum cash withdrawal limit via the Automated Teller Machines and point of sales (PoS) agents at N20,000 per day for individuals subject to N100,000 per week, instructing commercial banks to load only denominations of N200 and below into the ATMs. Over-the-counter weekly cash withdrawals by individuals and corporate organisations were equally pegged at N100,000 and N500,000, respectively.

The mutually dependent currency redesign and revised cash withdrawal policy were aimed at steering the country into a fullfledged cashless economy by 9 January 2023. But despite the prominent goals of the policy, it is still a hot topic for discussion in the country weeks after its implementation. The new notes are insufficient and there is a paucity of cash, causing debates about the supposed benefits of the policy. Long queues at banks’ ATM galleries have become commonplace. The agent bankers or PoS merchants who are one of the major channels of distributing the new notes to the public charge exorbitantly. Hence, dissuading the public from using the channel, making Nigerians flood the ATMs, the only available avenue to get the new notes, to beat the short

deadline.

Despite the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele announcing a ten-day extension to the deadline for Nigerians to bid goodbye to the extant currency notes in circulation, the cash crunch persists. Many Nigerians, like myself, had thought that shifting the deadline from 31 January to 10 February would smoothen the transition to a cashless economy and enable sweeping circulation of the new notes but the reverse is the case. The situation is getting worse every day. While the apex bank continues to claim it allocates more than enough banknotes to deposit money banks daily and has authorised over-the-counter payment of the new notes to salvage the situation, the banks are saying the new notes are not available for disbursement.

Nigerians queue for long hours at the ATMs, struggling to get their hands on the new notes with little or no success accessing cash to meet their daily expenses as the machines are loaded with a limited amount of the new banknotes and customers can only withdraw a specified sum from the cash machines. This fuels anger from individuals, some of whom have vandalised bank property or stripped to their underwear in rage in banking halls during working hours, according to videos shared on social media.

Reacting to the plight of Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari assured that before the new 10 February deadline elapses, there will be ‘significant improvements’. However, positive impacts of the president’s promise on resolving the cash scarcity have yet to be felt nationwide and the deadline for the mop-up of old naira notes has been halted by the Supreme Court. The shift in the deadline and suspension would have been needless if such a good policy was not erected on a hasty implementation procedure or done without inflicting distress on Nigerians.

It is concerning that despite the billions of new naira notes purportedly printed by the CBN and the diverse channels the apex

bank listed for the distribution of the new notes, the transition to its usage is causing untold suffering to Nigerians. This is supposed to be the prelude to a cashless economy but the reality on the ground says we are not yet ready for the transition. There are lamentations from all corners.

The mounting outrage by many Nigerians who would have embraced the cashless policy as well as the redesigning of the naira is built on the unreliability and ineffectiveness of the several electronic and digital banking channels. This period would have been a major driver for the cashless policy but the pressure on the banking infrastructure which has caused many servers to fail has exposed the lack of investment in technological infrastructure by banks for digital payments and electronic banking.

Going cashless is not supposed to be controversial in a fastgrowing economy such as ours but there are doubts about whether the Emefiele-led CBN considered the unintended challenges of implementing the cashless policy before embarking on the laudable mission. Funny enough, the apex bank recently admitted that the disruptions in the economy caused by its cashless policy measures were not anticipated and that it lacks the capacity to print more new notes. Given the confession, suffice it to say that the CBN’s premature transition or a frog jump to new currency notes, though well-intentioned, landed us in a bottomless pit. Regardless, I refuse to reckon that little or nothing can be done to strategically arrest the crisis.

Whether the Buhari-led government calculatedly introduced the policy as a political witch-hunt targeted at some individuals to thwart their chances ahead of the forthcoming general election, as has been alleged, is a matter for another day.

Ezinwanne may be reached at ezinwanne.dominion@gmail. com

Kaduna LP guber candidate visits Emir of Zazzau, promises to unite, developed state

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Ahead of the March 11 governorship election, the Labour Party candidate for Kaduna State, Hon Jonathan Asake has paid a courtesy visit to the emir of Zazzau and chairman of the state’s traditional council, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli in his palace.

Asake who presented his campaign manifesto to the emir stated that the Labour Party had the most beautiful and realizable plan to unite and develop the state at this critical moment of its trajectory.

He said the 5-point blueprint was carefully researched and put together to provide direction for the development of the state based on the social Philosophy of the Labour Party.

“We have beautiful plans stated in 5 pillars. The first is security of lives and property. The second is sports, women and youth empowerment. The third is human capital development. The fourth is inclusive economic & infrastructural development. The fifth is institutional reforms,” he said.

In a press release by his media aide, James Swam, the governorship candidate assured the emir and people of Zaria of his commitment to justice and fairness.

He reiterated that when voted into office, the LP would ensure “the common man is protected from the menace of insecurity, hunger and poverty that has been deliberately allowed through bad policies to ravage the people.”

Asake expressed displeasure with the inability of the current government in the state to tackle insecurity, assuring that that would be the major focus once in office.

In his response, the emir bemoaned the spate of insecurity, especially kidnappings in Giwa local government. He said peace was paramount for the development of the state and the country.

The emir of Zazzau also urged for mutual respect among different groups, saying the ultimate is that there should be sustainable peace at the end of the elections.

The LP governorship candidate also visited the chairman, Northern Elders Forum, NEF, and Magajin Rafin Zazzau, prof. Ango Abdullahi as well as the Madakin Zazzau Manir Jaafaru and the Dan Barhim Zazzau, Ahmad Bashir Aminu and other eminent sons and stakeholders in the ancient city of Zaria.

Yiaga Africa urges INEC to address challenges during mock accreditation exercise

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Yiaga Africa has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address challenges discovered during the mock accreditation exercise before elections.

INEC on Saturday, February 4, 2023, conducted a mock accreditation exercise in 436 polling units selected in each senatorial district in the 36 states and the FCT.

But Yiaga Africa said several challenges were discovered from the BVAS function and network failure, including transfer of voters to other polling units without their consent.

While reading the report on Friday in Abuja, Yiaga Africa said, INEC should make public its reports on the set-up and testing of the BVAS and mock accreditation and provide updates on the steps taken to address the challenges

identified during the BVAS testing and mock accreditation.

“INEC should investigate cases where the BVAS failed to authenticate the biometrics of voters, despite having the names on the register. This will inspire public confidence in the BVAS and IReV.

“As a matter of national emergency, INEC should notify all voters affected by the migration of polling units of changes to their polling units via text messages, emails, and phone calls if possible. In addition, a copy of the voter register should be posted across polling units for voter to confirm their polling unit. This should be backed by a national campaign on locate and confirm your polling units via online and offline platforms.”

The report urged INEC to replicate the transmission of the accreditation data on the BVAS to the IReV in the general election.

“Transmitting accreditation

figures enhances the transparency of elections as it gives citizens the opportunity to check the consistency of the number of accredited voters recorded on the BVAS and the accreditation figures entered on the result sheet by polling officials.

“INEC should educate polling officials on recording and documentation of election figures, to avoid discrepancies between the accreditation data uploaded by the BVAS to the IReV and the figures recorded on the polling unit result sheet.

“INEC should ensure all the BVAS devices deployed for the mock accreditation are reconfigured to read zero in the field for accreditation before they deployed for the general election. A monitoring team to supervise and monitor the reconfiguration is highly recommended.”

The report also called on registered voters to utilize platforms provided by INEC to

locate and confirm their polling units before election day, saying it will fast-track the process of voting on election day.

The report called on National Assembly to consider further amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 after the 2023 general elections to make the conduct of testing and mock exercises for electoral technologies mandatory including timelines for the conduct of these exercises

“Political parties should educate party agents on the process of accreditation and results management process to ensure effective oversight and avert undue interference with the process on election day.

“Civil society, media and international partners should undertake and support campaign initiatives aimed at assisting voters to locate and confirm their polling unit including inspiring confidence in the BVAS and IReV.”

Group cautions politicians against dragging military into politics

The Unity Advocacy Group (UAG), a civil society organisation, has cautioned politicians against dragging the military into politics.

The group in a statement by its Convener, Ifeanyi Aigbedion, on Sunday in Abuja, condemned a purported tweet by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode which alleged that some military officers met with a presidential candidate in Abuja

Aigbedion alleged that in the tweet, Fani-Kayode insinuated

that such meeting could disrupt the elections, destabilise the country, set Nigeria on fire and incite chaos.

He added that the allegation was capable of causing more tension in the country in view of the already politically charged atmosphere.

The UAG convener said they were deeply concerned about underground plots by some disgruntled elements to derail the nation’s march to a stable

democracy.

“We are concerned the more, of attempts to draw the Armed forces of Nigeria into the political arena. This is capable of setting the nation on fire.

“A close observation reveals that the Armed forces under Gen Lucky Irabor has subordinated itself to democratic tenets and will never align with anyone to draw the country backward.

“UAG is not here to defend anyone, or any of the political

parties, but to advise politicians to allow the will of God prevail in the ongoing political process. They must learn how to give and take.

“From our observation, the military, already engaged in various operations aimed at restoration of peace, will continue to support the growth of our nascent democracy.

“Drawing them into the political arena is a disservice and must stop,” he added. (NAN)

L-R: Director General of PDP Gubernatorial Campaign of Sokoto State, Hon. Yusuf Sulaiman, Deputy Governorship Candidate, Sagir Bafarawa, PDP Governorship Candidate, Mallam Ubandoma, Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal , Deputy Governor, Munir Muhammad Dan’iya, with others, during the PDP Governorship campaign in Tambuwal Local Government Area of the State, yesterday

By Musa Baba Adamu

Buba Galadima, former associate of President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that a serving governor stashed N22 billion old naira notes.

The former National Secretary of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) made the disclosure in Abuja.

Galadima answered a question on the controversial naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) chieftain recalled the party

Northern governor hiding N22bn old naira notes, Buba Galadima alleges

already took a strong position on the contentious issue.

Galadima said the CBN Act states that in an event of naira redesign, it should be done within a period of not less than six months.

The statesman said the government however explained it approved the policy because

many individuals had amassed the currency in their houses.

“I agree. I know, from intelligence, that there is a governor in the Northwestern part that has about N22 billion of the old currency.

“Yes, N22 billion stacked in his house as I speak to you. He knows

himself. And the security agencies know,” he stressed.

Galadima said the agencies might be looking the other way because “maybe they belong to the same club or they are protecting him”.

The politician added that the trap is for the governor to go change

the cash “accumulated through corruption”.

A fortnight ago, CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele said the old N200, N500 and N1000 denominations were recalled because N2.7 trillion was kept in people’s homes before the Buhari administration came on board.

Desperado’s blackmail against Peter Obi dead on arrival - Obi-Datti Media

By Christiana Ekpa

The Labour Party Media Directorate has said the blackmail package of the opposition parties, including Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressive Congress (APC), against the presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi, is dead on arrival.

A statement issued yesterday by the party said the Obi-Datti Media Office, acting on credible intelligence, alerted the nation of a grand design to fatally injure the high-rising political profile of Peter Obi with what they called a ‘killer punch’ propaganda material.

“We hinted that the so-called ‘killer punch’ will come in various forms, including but not limited to a documentary portraying Obi in various negative lights.

“Circulating in social media this weekend is another blackmail stuff against the LP candidate purported to indicate that he gave out the sum of two billion naira to Christians under the umbrella body of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Catholic Bishops Conference and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria to induce them.

“The petition is said to have been signed by one Pastor Frank Onwumere of the Dominion Center

International based in Okigwe, Imo state. Obi-Datti Media feels the institutions so mentioned in the write-up have enough instruments to tackle such cheap extortion.

“Obi-Datti Media Campaign office knows it as a fact that you cannot be in front of a political competition and not get roughen, especially if you are in the race with morally bankrupt persons.

“That is why we will continue to be amused by the desperation of some opponents to search for faults on the front-running Presidential

candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, and the apparent frustration of not finding any.

“The LP standard bearer has remained the most searched and fact-checked one among the four top Presidential candidates for obvious reasons. He is the only one running an issue-driven campaign and therefore, provoking intellectual conversations.

“But as Election Day draws nearer and the victory of their ‘unwanted’ Obi looks real, the anger and frustration of some dubious

characters have increased.

“We are even beginning to notice some state of despair which is resulting in senseless violence and blackmail all aimed at distracting and removing the candidate’s eyes already glued to the ball.

“Our mission in the Obidient Movement this day is to alert and warn discerning minds, especially those desirous to see a new Nigeria emerge through Peter Obi to ignore and treat as thrash any doctored and faked items on Obi. Anything they are bringing now after their

Awolowo, Abiola robbed, Tinubu will be President

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode on Sunday predicted victory for Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC).

A statement by the former presidential aide declared that Tinubu will not be “robbed” like the late Obafemi Awolowo and MKO Abiola.

Fani-Kayode said the ruling party and its flagbearer were ready to go into the February 25th battle with strength and power.

He noted that no matter how thick the conspiracy is, they shall stand firm, hold the line, keep the flag flying and “prove that we are

men.”

“60 years ago Awolowo was robbed and lost it, 30 years ago

Abiola was robbed and lost it.

“30 years later and in

two weeks’ time, despite the desperation, plots and plans of our enemies, history will not repeat itself, Tinubu will not be robbed.”

–

long fruitless search is concocted to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of the candidate and should be disregarded.

“Obi-Datti Media is proud to insist that the LP standard bearer and his running mate remain the best product in the market for the much-needed political leadership in the country at this time. And to state without any fear of contradiction that they stand out untainted and possess the prerequisite qualities needed to rescue this troubled land.

2023 Election: APC Edo North Senatorial Candidate, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole entertaining his Constituency Members at Okpela during Ward Campaign at Edo State ahead of General Election, at the Weekend

Fani-Kayode

The former Minister of Aviation charged the Jagaban Army to stay strong, assuring that Nigeria will soon renew and regain its lost glory.

Advising Tinubu’s supporters never to waver, FFK maintains “Asiwaju shall be President” because it’s “his turn and our time.”

Nigeria needs Not-too-Poor-to-Run law – Sen Nyako

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for Adamawa

Central Senatorial District, Senator Abdul-Aziz Nyako, has spoken of the need to have a law that will make it easier for the poor to successfully run for political offices.

Nyako, speaking at a townhall meeting in Yola as part of his Senatorial campaign, said a law to give enablement to the poor, similar to the Not-Too-Young-to-Run law

favouring young politicians, is necessary to counter the prevailing electoral process which substantially excludes people who are not rich.

Speaking during a media interaction segment of his Meet-the-People townhall meeting in Jimeta at the weekend, Abdul-Aziz who championed the NotToo-Young-to-Run Bill in the Senate, expressed the view that the presidential system of government is too large and expensive to run.

“If I had my way, we will return to the

parliamentary system of government with its slim parliament and few institutions. This presidential system that we run is too large and too wasteful, ” he said.

Responding to a question on the ‘fat salaries’ senators receive, Abdul-Aziz Nyako, who was in the Senate from 2015 to 2019 and seeks to return via the coming National Assembly election, said that fat as the emoluments of senators seems, what needs to change is expectations of the people from their senators.

According to him, by the time a

Senator is done meeting the demands of people of his constituency every month, he would very probably have gone into his own money, beyond what he earns in salary and allowances as senator.

He said, “Now, if you are dealing with 76 wards and almost a thousand polling units, that gives you idea of how little the money is considering the expectations of your people. They demand everything under the sun. From my own experience, every month I had to carry red. I was never stable financially till I left the Senate.

POLITICS

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Apolitical pressure group, Arewa New Agenda (ANA) has said the leader of Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo cannot does not and cannot speak for the North regrading the 2023 Presidential ambition of the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Briefing journàlists yesterday in Abuja, the Convener/Leader Arewa New Agenda, Senator Ahmad Abubakar MoAllahyidi, said the north is renowned for keeping promises, adding that the region will not disappoint Tinubu, whom he described as having played key role in helping the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari to defeat ex President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

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

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

“Pa Ayo, is not a northerner, and we cannot remember when

Why Obi was not at NEDG debate - Head Obi-Datti Campaign Council, Onifade

By Christiana Ekpa

The head of Media for ObiDatti Campaign Council, Diran Onifade has explained that the Party’s Presidential candidate, Peter Obi could not attend the debate programme organised by the Nigerian Elections Debate Group following the advice of the technical crew of the aircraft he was travelling in.

“After an engagement in Akure, Ondo State, he meant to head for Abuja for the debate, but was advised otherwise due to technical issues with the aircraft which made the Pilot decide to head for Lagos instead.

“It must be noted that in anticipation of Mr. Obi’s arrival senior members of the campaign and the party had gathered at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, venue of the programme.

“They included the Director General of the Campaign, Balogun Akin Osuntokun, Campaign Manager, Ambassador Oseloka Obaze as well as Labour Party functionaries including Mrs. Esther Nenadi Usman and Alhaji Audi Mohammed.

Mr. Obi arrived safely in Lagos while the programme was still on”, the party said.

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

we northerners appointed him to convey a message to any one; therefore, his assertion as widely reported is not only false but unfounded and can be better seen as the action of a meddlesome interloper or on a lighter scale the antics of a busy body.

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

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

different

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

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

“We advise Pa Ayo to stop

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

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

Recall that Adebanjo had, during a rally of Labour Party in Abeokuta, Ogun State, cautioned Tinubu to come home and join Obi to win the 2023 Presidential election, warning him that

the North politicians are only deceiving him to collect his money, and discard him at the end.

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

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

Enugu PDP guber candidate, Mbah denies alleged EFCC case, certificate forgery

By Musa Baba Adamu

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Barr.

Peter Mbah has declared that he was never at any time convicted of financial crimes.

Mbah has been a subject of discussion in Enugu State, with many claiming that he wriggled out of the hooks of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through a plea bargain arrangement.

This took another dimension when a video was circulated in the State, entitled: ‘Ego Ndi Enugu’, (Enugu people’s money), wherein

it was claimed that Mbah’s Pinnacle Oil was established through illicit funds syphoned from the Enugu State public fund.

Mbah was at a time the Chief of Staff to then Governor Chimaroke Nnamani.

However, speaking at the weekend, the PDP candidate said he was never invited by the EFCC, adding that whereas the commission wrote letters of invitation to some government officials, he went there on his own volition.

He added that the commission held him in a situation that could be best described as “a placeholder” to someone that was of interest to the anti-graft agency.

“I have never been convicted by EFCC, I have never indulged in plea bargain. My name was struck out even before trial commenced.

“I was never tried, I did not request that my name be struck out, the prosecution did it on his own.

“The people who are behind this fake news, if they were interested in knowing the truth, the court records are there,” he said while stating that “I have been a victim of several malicious attacks. People are engaging in a campaign of calumny, maligning me.

“Let them come with any modicum of evidence where I did plea bargain, I was never part of any trial. Ego Ndi Enugu does not

exist.”

On the recent National Youths Service Corps, NYSC, certificate forgery allegation against him, Mbah restated that he completed his service after a three month break.

“I did my NYSC. I served and was honourably discharged. I have my discharged certificate. My place of primary assignment was Udeh & Co. I think the confusion was because I had a break. As an overseas graduate, when we were done with our Bar Part I, the next thing was for us to do Bar Part II, but we were just completing Bar Part 1 when the bar final students started”, he said.

2023 election: Gov Bello charges APC members to woo voters

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has charged all members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to close ranks and woo voters to ensure victory for the party in the general elections.

Bello gave the charge when

he inaugurated a 65-man campaign council of the Party for Niger North Senatorial District (Zone C) in Kontagora, headquarters of the zone, noting that voting the party back into power would help consolidate the successes so far recorded.

The governor said: “Close

ranks, get to the people at the grassroots and canvass for votes. Logistics will be made available to all local governments in the zone.

“I urge you to remain resolute about the victory of the party at the polls to consolidate on the successes recorded.”

Responding, the chairman

of the campaign council and Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kabiru Abbas, on behalf of other members, promised to work diligently and make concerted efforts for the success of the APC in the zone.

FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Musa Bello(secondright) flanked by APC National Assembly Candidates from FCT, at the APC Tinubu/ Shettima Presidential campaign rally for FCT held at the Eagle Square, Abuja at weekend

By Christiana Ekpa

Lagos was electrified over the weekend as the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi’s campaign train arrived at the nation’s commercial nerve center.

The excitement of the people was electrifying as the whole city was shut down by jubilant youths, women, and adults struggling to see and hear the Presidential Candidates front-runner in the election due in a fortnight.

The visits of the LP Candidate to some markets and the road works along strategic areas in the commercial city ensured that all parts of Lagos were engulfed in the Obi euphoria before finally assembling at the Tafawa Balewa Square to the warm embrace of another very massive crowd of Obidient supporters.

Attempts to frustrate the rally by some hoodlums failed, although Lagos Police Command confirmed four injured and many vehicles damaged by the gangsters allegedly engineered by political opponents.

All through Alaba International Market in the Ojo area, through Festac to Apapa, Ikeja through Maryland to Onipanu to Surulere

Again, former minister emerges Taraba LP guber candidate

By Christiana Ekpa

Aformer Minister of Labour and Productive, Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, emerged as the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), over the weekend, after winning the rerun of the party’s primary election in Taraba State.

The Federal High Court in Jalingo, the state capital, had on Saturday, 4th February 2023 ordered a fresh primary election conducted within 10 days.

The rerun, which was conducted at the weekend at the party’s state secretariat, was monitored by security operatives and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Announcing the results, the Returning Officer of the primary election, Herbert Alexander declared that 82 votes were cast for Joel Danlami Ikenya, while his opponent, Evangelist Philip Munlip, polled zero votes with one vote declared invalid.

Alexander also commended the delegates and party members in the state for the peaceful conduct of the primary exercise.

Chairperson of the Taraba State Labour Party, Esther Gulmu Johnson, expressed happiness that the primary election happened without any incident.

Some of the party’s faithful who bared their minds to journàlists expressed optimism at the party’s chance to wrest power from the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) at the coming election.

POLITICS

Obi electrifies Lagos, preaches violence-free electioneering

among others, there was endless dancing and singing of Obi slogan.

At all the strategic places, Obi addressed the crowd preaching non-violence electioneering and promising a new Nigeria where the people will sojourn in peace and concord.

The LP flag bearer who was overwhelmed by the show of love described the massive crowd and the enthusiasm as awesome.

He condemned any form of brutality and called on the youths to eschew violence, saying “As we go into the final stretch for the 2023 elections, I call on all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation or tendency, to eschew

violence. I condemn any form of violence or political thuggery; and especially the incessant attack on my Obidient supporters”

Obi also called on the security forces nationwide to protect those exercising their fundamental rights of free speech and assembly, warning that the people’s civil space must not shrink further than it is already.

At the rally, Obi told Lagosians that he and Datti are coming to revolutionize governance and create a new Nigeria where people will be secure to live harmoniously in peace.

The former Anambra state Governor told the visibly excited

and thrilled crowd that he and his Vice are more qualified than anybody in the race in so many ways; including competence, capacity, antecedents, and capabilities.

He added that both of them coming from the private sector, have paid their dues successfully and have no dented records as their past in all areas is verifiable.

He said that they will take Nigeria away from sharing to producing in line with their consumption-to-production policies, which are intended to provide jobs to millions of youths in their productive age and through that pull people out of poverty.

Speaking specifically about Lagos, Obi said that in revolutionizing governance, the hiccups at the seaports will be rectified and an enabling environment created for businesses.

The LP flag bearer reminded the mammoth crowd that the February 25 Presidential election is going to be different, “it is going to be based on competence, character, and competence of candidates not on tribe, religion, or my turn.

“It is the turn of Nigerians to take back their country and reposition it for a huge role in the comity of nations”, he said.

Some 300 Beneficiaries of Free Gift Items Promo during the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Special Day at the 44th Kaduna Trade Fair in Kaduna on Sunday 12/2/23

Zulum campaigns in Marte, receives PDP decampees

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Governor Babagana Umara

Zulum of Borno State at the weekend received thousands of decampees from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by the party’s candidate for the House of Assembly in Marte Constituency, Jidda Buji.

Buji joined APC alongside leaders and members of his PDP campaign structure and support groups.

The defection took place in Marte town of Northern Borno along the shores of Lake Chad.

Explaining their decision, Buji cited Governor Zulum’s purposeful and committed leadership as the reason for decamping to APC.

“We are happy to join the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. We came to support our Governor who has provided the desired leadership in piloting the affairs of our dear state,” Buji said.

He added: “It is our wish to be part of history, in rebuilding our communities and providing a better living conditions for our people. It is the will of every well-meaning person to contribute to the development of his state, it is therefore a wellthought decision to join APC.”

Presenting the defectors amidst a crowd of supporters, Borno State’s chairman of the APC, Ali Bukar Dalori, described them as politicians

with good intentions.

The chairman noted that the decampees were in the APC because they believe Governor Zulum has executed several projects in the last three and a half years, citing over 700 capital projects that cut across all parts of the state.

Governor Zulum in his address reiterated his commitment to

into APC

consolidate the successes of his first tenure.

Zulum promised to continue his ongoing resettlement of communities affected by the Boko Haram insurgency and to revive the new Marte irrigation activities.

The governor was accompanied to Marte by former governor, Maina Ma’aji Lawan, APC’s candidate for

Northern Borno Senatorial District, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, some members of the House of Representatives, as well as House of Representative candidate for Marte, Monguno and Nganzai Constituency, Engr Bukar Talba, Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, members of the state house of assembly and some party stakeholders.

Be role models in coming elections – Niger Govt to traditional rulers

By Musa Baba Adamu

Niger State Governor

Abubakar Sani Bello has tasked traditional rulers in the country not to engage in partisan politics but ensure peace in their domains and forestall violence before, during and after the forthcoming general elections in the country.

Bello stated this in Kotangora at the official coronation and presentation of staff of office to the seventh Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Alhaji Muhammadu Barau Muazu II.

He reminded royal fathers that as role models and custodians of cultural heritage, Nigerians are looking up to them towards achieving violent-free general elections in the country.

According to him: “We believe this is another opportunity for

traditional rulers to uphold the confidence of the people and consolidate on the gains of their forebears by ensuring the continued peace, stability and progress of our nation.

“Niger State government will continue to engage [the] traditional institution in governance, especially at the grassroots level to enhance rapid development of the state and Nigeria.”

The governor described Sarkin Sudan as a gentle, compassionate and humble man, full of perseverance and faith in the will of God, who will provide the needed leadership and propel development in the emirate.

He congratulated the people of Kontagora for having an emir that has emerged through a transparent process, noting,” this has further broadened the legitimacy and integrity of traditional institutions in Niger State.”

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alh. Sa’ad Abubakar, in his remarks, urged the new Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora to be just and fair to his subjects as well as operate an opendoor policy to give them a sense of belonging.

In his acceptance speech, the Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora thanked Gov Bello for his support towards the success of the event and promised to stand by his subjects.

The oath of office and allegiance was administered to the new Emir of Kontagora by the Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik.

Royal fathers in attendance include all the first-class emirs in Niger State led by the Chairman, Council of Chiefs, the Etsu Nupe, Dr Yahaya Abubakar and over 50 others from across the country.

Abubakar

Yunus Abuja

TAJBank Limited, Nigeria’s fast-growing noninterest banking services provider, on Thursday opened a new branch in Apapa, Lagos in furtherance of its current drive to provide seamless financial transactions and

Atiku pledges to create $10bn fund for southeast businesses, revive Abia dry port

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says if elected, his administration would set aside a $10 billion fund to promote business in the south-east.

The former vice-president spoke at the PDP campaign rally in Abia state on Saturday.

He said the rehabilitation fund is a promise he made to traders in the region in 2019.

“My vice president has announced that we are going to set aside $10 billion to make sure that we support businesses, particularly in this part of the country,” he said.

“I remember in 2019 when I came here, I addressed a group of businessmen from the southeast generally because Aba is the capital of the southeast as far as business is concerned.

“I remembered I addressed all Igbo businessmen and promised them that I am going to support them and set out a lot of money for the rehabilitation of businesses in Aba. So, it is still there.”

Atiku added that he would also ensure that the Abia dry port project becomes operational.

“It will only be my pleasure to make sure that the dry port functions and are operating,” he said.

On his part, Ifeanyi Okowa, PDP vice-presidential candidate, said the party would halt the “suffering” of the southeast and “restore the dignity of Igbo man”.

“We know that the southeast has suffered under the APC administration,” he said.

“This is not the country we used to know; we want to restore the dignity of Igbo man, we want a president that can unite Nigeria.”

TAJBank revs up nationwide operations drive, opens Apapa branch

advisory services for its growing customer-base.

It would be recalled that the bank secured its national banking license from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) about six months ago and the opening of the Apapa branch is part of the board and management’s initiatives to open new branches within the next few months across the geo-political zones in the country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, TAJBank’s Founder/ Managing Director, Mr. Hamid Joda, said Apapa was targeted for the commencement of the bank’s branch network expansion in the South West region because of the strategic position in the nation’s business operations and

the need to offer customers realtime, technology-powered world class services.

He said: “We are very excited to begin the deepening of our non-interest and customerfocused products and services in Apapa, Lagos as we commence the expansion of our services across the geo-political zones of the country.

“This is a mega branch based on the investments in technologies and solutions and the quality of human resource we are putting in place here and we intend to put in other branches we are opening very soon because we intend to offer what other banks are not offering in terms of value-addition to our customers.

“With this move, we want

to assure Nigerians and other residents and businesses in our country that TAJBank’s only interest is our customers and in line with our business philosophy, we shall continue to offer them products and services that surpass their expectations in the years ahead.”

In his remarks, the bank’s Executive Director, Mr. Sherif Idi, recalled that the sterling performance of the non-interest lender was recognized both in Nigeria and internationally given “the awards from Business Day and Leadership newspapers and other global rating agencies to TAJBank in recognition of our world-class operational standards and service quality.”

In his remarks during the

new branch opening event, the Managing Director/CEO of IAL Nigeria Limited who shares in the vision and business philosophy of TAJBank, Alhaji Ismail Adetola Lawal, commended the Board and management of the Non-interest Bank for opening the Apapa branch for the benefit of business owners and the Nigerian economy.

He said “My prayer for TAJBank limited is that the Almighty God will continue to build the Bank and make it the preferred choice for millions of Nigerians that are looking for interest free banking products and services. I want to assure them that TAJBank will not disappoint them but surpass their expectations.”

CBN: Naira redesign policy to reduce unbanked population, tackle insecurity

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says the naira redesign policy is to promote financial inclusion and aid security agencies’ efforts in tackling insecurity.

Speaking on Saturday at the 44th Kaduna international trade fair. Osita Nwasinobi, the spokesperson of the CBN, urged Nigerians to embrace alternative payment channels such as eNaira and internet banking.

Nwasinobi, represented by

Mohammed Abbah, director of capacity development, said Godwin Emefiele, the CBN governor, had always emphasised that the redesign of the naira notes was “not targeted at anyone or any group of persons”.

“The principal aim of the bank, with the currency redesign initiative, is to make our monetary policy decisions more efficacious,” he said.

“Nigerians will observe that there has been a downward trend in inflation and the exchange rates have been relatively stable.

“Furthermore, we aim to increase financial inclusion in the country by reducing the number of the unbanked population.

“Thirdly, our aim is to support the efforts of our security agencies in combating banditry and ransom-taking in Nigeria through this programme.

“The CBN is not unmindful of the challenges some citizens have had to face in the past few weeks in efforts to get money from their banks or other alternative channels.

“Indeed, there have been reports of occasional transaction

failures. However, we wish to assure you that the Nigerian payment system infrastructure is robust enough to handle the surging transaction volumes across all channels.”

He added that the benefits of the currency redesign are enormous and will benefit the economy in the long run.

Meanwhile, although the CBN deadline elapsed on February 10, the federal government said it would obey the supreme court order restraining the apex bank from banning the use of old naira notes till February 15.

L-R: The Executive Director TAJBank Limited, Mr. Sherif Idi; the bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Hamid Joda; Regional Manager, Mr. Michael Iteye; and the Managing Director/CEO IAL Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Ismail Adetola Lawal; all in happy mood during the opening of TAJBank’s Apapa branch in Lagos.

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The Securities and Exchange Commission has stated its readiness to partner with the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation in a bid to further deepen the commodities trading ecosystem.

Director General of the SEC, Mr. Lamido Yuguda stated this during a meeting with the Management of NAIC in Abuja,weekend.

Yuguda stated that the commission is committed to developing the commodities ecosystem as a potent way forward in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable foreign exchange earnings and economic development.

According to him, “In the past few months, this has been exacerbated by low oil production

Court restrains AMCON from selling IBEDC

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The federal high court in Lagos has restrained the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) from selling the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc.

AMCON had taken over the management of the IBEDC in January 2022 over insolvency and loan default.

The takeover followed the judgement of a federal high court on September 8, 2021, which granted an order in favour of AMCON as receiver/manager of Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing (IEDM) Limited, IBEDC’s core investor, over a default in the loan service agreement.

However, while ruling on an interlocutory injunction sought by IBEDC and 10 other defendants in the suit, Chukwujekwu Aneke, the presiding judge, stopped AMCON from “alienating, selling or disposing or transferring the IBEDC pending the final determination of the suit before it”.

The defendants in the matter are Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Company Limited, Tunde Ayeni, Olusola Ayandele, and personal legal representatives of the estate of Idahosa Okunbo. Others are Akere Ayanwola, Kayode Ojutiku, Folu Olusanya, Aliyu Ibrahim, Usman Mohammad, Abubakar Aminu and IBEDC.

The defendants had asked the court to determine whether the plaintiff was entitled to remain in possession of, manage and exercise all the powers of a receiver or manager on all the first defendant’s assets.

Dele Adesina, counsel to the applicants, had in November 2022 alleged that AMCON intends to dispose of IBEDC despite “the issue for determination or subject matter of settlement initiated by both parties”.

BU$IN€SS

SEC/NAIC to partner on commodities

and oil theft in the country. This has often resulted in foreign exchange shortages and balanceof-payment problems.

He said the Commission as part of its implementation of the 10-year Capital Market Master Plan, constituted a Technical Committee on commodities Trading Ecosystem whose mandate was to identify challenges of the existing framework and develop a Roadmap for a vibrant ecosystem.

“A committee comprising of various stakeholders including the SON was set up to drive the implementation of the report. One of the recommendations in the report identified the development of grading and standardisation system in line with international best practice. We are therefore willing to also work with NAIC to grow the commodities sector.”

Yuguda stated that the SEC and NAIC have a lot of things in

common as both organisations are government agencies working towards the growth of the commodities sector of the economy.

According to Yuguda, “The SEC has been doing a lot of things in the commodities sector and the role of NAIC in this sector cannot be over emphasised and based on that, we would like to explore areas of collaboration to see how far we can help grow that sector together.

The SEC DG said there are markets that need these commodities that are produced in Nigeria but lamented that the only impediment at the moment is lack of standards which he stated, is the reason why some of the commodities are not being accepted in the international market for now.

He assured that the SEC is working hard to ensure that agricultural produce meet international specifications for

export hence the need to also work with NAIC in a bid to be able to mitigate various risks in the ecosystem when they happen adding, “This sector is key to our country’s future. If we can harness it, it will greatly improve the economy of this country.

Also speaking, Executive Commissioner Operations of the SEC, Mr. Dayo Obisan said enormous opportunities abound in the entire agricultural value chain, that if well harnessed would lead to further development of the nation’s economy.

“There has been a couple of developments in the commodities side, the entire value chain is quite large. The farmers want someone to take up the crops, even local companies in Nigeria can do that. They need quality seeds as well as the funds to buy them. If the sector is not de risked, it will be difficult to attract investors.

There are a lot of things we can

do together and we are looking forward to this partnership with you” He added.

In her remarks, Managing Director of NAIC Mrs Folashade Joseph, stated that her organisation is willing and available to push forward any initiative that will add value to the population and the nation’s economy.

“It is a privilege to do this, as things begin to evolve, we try to push forward what will add value to the population. Our focus is on commodities. There are various evolving issues during the course of our business as insurers because we manage across the value chain”.

The NAIC MD added that in areas of storage and insurance issues, the collaboration will be of great benefit to all parties involved and assured that NAIC is ready to provide their expertise in anything that will add value to the commodities ecosystem.

President of Tanzania,Suluhu Samia (left); Nigerian President,Muhammadu Buhari and President, African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina during the Feed Africa Summit,recently in Dakar, Senegal.

Shell reports fresh oil spill in Ogoniland oil pollution

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has confirmed an oil spill incident in Ebubu, Eleme LGA of Rivers state.

SPDC is the Nigerian subsidiary of oil multinational Shell Plc.

Micheal Adande, a spokesperson for SPDC, in a statement on Saturday, said a government-led joint investigation team is working to identify the cause and impact of the incident.

“The Shell Petroleum

Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) confirms an incident within our right of way on the Ebubu and Oghale Manifold 12 pipeline in Rivers State,” the statement reads.

“A government-led joint investigation team is working to identify the cause and impact of the incident.”

Fineface Dumnamene, executive director, Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC), in a statement seen by TheCable, called on industry stakeholders to investigate the

incident.

He said the spill has been ongoing for the past three days and that the spill point was yet to be clamped.

Dumnamene quoted community sources as saying the spill is suspected to have been caused by equipment failure and is subject to joint investigation visit (JIV) confirmation.

He alleged that some residents were trying “to cover up the oil spill for Shell” in exchange for aggrandisement and gains.

“Advocacy Centre, a frontline

youths and environmental advocacy organisation in Nigeria that works with communities in the Niger Delta region to address environmental concerns, seek ecological and environmental justice as well as campaign against environmental pollution among others is in direct contact with members of the network in the community as well as some community leaders and would release more details about this new oil spill in Ebubu Community (Ogoniland) as soon as practicable,” the statement reads.

BU$IN€SS The MINT: We’ve made adequate arrangement to continuously produce new notes

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc (NSPM) says it has made adequate arrangements to ensure continuous production of the redesigned naira notes.

There have been concerns over the scarcity of naira notes, with protests held in parts of the country.

Reacting to the development,

the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had said the scarcity of naira notes is not due to a shortage of printing materials at the NSPM.

Ahmed Halilu, managing director/ chief executive officer (CEO) of the company, in a statement on Saturday, affirmed the position of the apex bank.

The NSPM also dismissed the claim that De-la-Rue of the United Kingdom will produce banknotes for the country, adding the UK

firm neither manufactures nor supplies paper substrate to the currency industry.

“The attention of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting (NSPM) Plc has been drawn to some publications allegedly credited to the Central Bank Governor about the capacity of NSPM to continue the production of redesigned banknotes owing to supply chain constraints,” the statement reads.

“While the CBN has debunked the false claim, we also find it expedient to add that contrary to the mischievous claim, Dela-Rue of United Kingdom does not produce nor supply paper substrate within the currency industry.

“We wish to further assure Nigerians that NSPM has made adequate arrangement to continuously produce redesigned Banknotes as well as other

denominations in line with the CBN indent for the year 2023.” Meanwhile, information on the website of the British company, headquartered in Basingstoke, England, indicates that the firm “acts as an integrated provider of finished banknotes and a provider of polymer substrate and security features to central banks, state printing works, state paper mills and other commercial entities”.

Expert: How consumer credit scheme can grow manufacturing sector, promote locally-made goods

Abubakar Yunus Abuja

Aderemi Abdul-Bojela, executive chairman of United Technologies Limited, says the development of a consumer credit scheme will drive growth in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and improve its contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by boosting patronage of locally-made goods.

Abdul-Bojela spoke to journalists over the weekend during a presentation of a proposed federal government consumer credit guarantee scheme (FGN-CCGS) — an innovative blueprint designed to support local manufacturers.

He said fiscal and monetary intervention worth trillions of naira have been provided by the government in the last 15 years to various sectors of the economy to stimulate manufacturing with concessionary rates.

But despite these government interventions and concessionary rates, the real sector growth has been anaemic, he

said, as it only addresses the supply side of manufacturing.

Bemoaning the state of the sector, Abdul-Bojela said loan repayment by beneficiaries of the interventions has been a challenge due to low inventory turnover.

“Expected economic benefit such as job creation, reduction in import dependencies, and GDP growth are not fully realised,” the industrialist said.

“The products are not competitive. The manufacturers are underproducing [leading to] competition from imported goods from countries that can produce at a large scale and drive down production cost.”

Abdul-Bojela said the adoption of the scheme would support the federal government’s major goals of stimulating economic growth and development, as well as diversification of the economy, and job creation.

He described the proposed scheme as the innovation the country needs to reposition its real sector and make Nigeria the largest

producer as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) commences.

He said the initiative would improve the lives of consumers by making credit available to them at a single-digit interest rate for their immediate needs.

“What we’re trying to achieve is to move Nigeria into the acquisition of madein-Nigeria. So, there has to be series of incentives. You earn a salary I cannot decide for you what to do with your salary. You have the prerogative to say I’m going to buy this or buy that,” he said.

“But for me to request you buy made-inNigeria, I must give you some incentives. Part of the incentives for this scheme is that the interest rates will be single-digits.

“Somebody like you who wants to buy an LG air conditioner, what are the incentives that will make you go and buy what is made in Nigeria? First of all, lower interest rates, and a tenure of not less than 12 months for you to be able to pay back. So, part of the guarantee also is that the government

should reduce the interest rate. They should not match it with the MPR. It should be below 10 percent.”

Speaking on other benefits of the proposed scheme, Abdul-Bojela said it would encourage manufacturers targeting the Nigerian and African markets to set up operations in the country to take advantage of the scheme.

He said the FGN-CCGS also aims at driving consumer credit penetration and encouraging the formalisation of the informal sector.

“It will push consumption towards the acquisition of products made in Nigeria and increase the tax base and revenue,” AbdulBojela added.

“Reduce the possible negative effect of AfCFTA regulation, while building a solid real sector base, for both internal consumption and export.”

He added that the scheme will focus on the textile industry, electronics, furniture and fittings, automobile, and service sector.

L-R: His Royal Majesty, Oba Victor Adele Bobade, Onire of Ire-Ekiti, HRM Oba Akinola Akinrera, Latiiri 1 Olubosin of Ifetedo Kingdom & Paramount Ruler, Ife South LGA, Osun State, AMB (Dr.) Adelana Olamilekan, MD/CEO Zenith Carex International Ltd and HRH (Dr.) AMB. Olusegun Aderemi, Alayero of Aramoko Kingdom at the investiture award of distinguished fellow (FCIPG) of Chartered Institute of Peace and Governance (CIPGS) Texas, USA, at the Weekend

FCT Minister lauds Al-Noor mosque for promoting Islamic culture

By Stanley Onyekwere

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, has commended the International Centre for Islamic Culture and Education (ICICE), custodian of AlNoor mosque, Abuja, for promoting Islamic culture and education in West Africa.

Bello made the commendation at the 10th Anniversary of ICICE and Al-Noor Mosque Dinner in honour of major donors of its ongoing expansion project to increase the capacity of the mosque from 1,000 to 12,000 worshippers, held on Saturday in Abuja.

The Minister, who was represented by Director, Department of Development Control of the FCTA, Mukhtar Galadima, said the centre had become a hub for scholars, researchers and students of Islamic studies, who come from far and wide to learn about the rich heritage and teachings of Islam.

He noted that in last decade, the centre has also successfully organised numerous conferences, workshops and seminars, aimed at promoting peace, tolerance and understanding among different religious communities.

His words: “Over the last 10 years the Centre has made tremendous strides in promoting Islamic culture and education, not just in Nigeria, but also in the wider West African region.

“Your contributions have made it possible for the centre to achieve its mission, provide meals and medical outreach for those in need and we remember very well your generous contributions during our fight against COVID-19.

“Your contributions without doubt have provided the centre with the resources it needs to continue

its important work, expand its programmes and to bring its services to even more people.”

The minister, also commended the centre’s flagship school, the Al-Noor Academy, which had become one of the best educational institutions in the FCT, renowned for positively moulding the character and intellect of young Nigerians who pass through its walls.

“Through its efforts I am also informed, the centre has become a platform for inter-faith dialogue, where people of different beliefs can come together to learn from each other and find common ground.

“This plays well with the principles on which the FCT is founded; which is unity, tolerance and the indivisibility of our country and we are proud to be associated with the laudable achievements of the ICICE in this regard.

“It is on this premise that I once again congratulate Prof. Ibrahim Sulaiman, the Chairman Board of Trustees of the ICICE, other members of the board as well as its management and staff for their

efforts in living up to the ideals of this institution”, he stressed.

Earlier, the Founder of the mosque and the centre, Alhaji Aminu Baba-Kusa, while reflecting on the mandate, vision and mission of the ICICE, said: “I’m intrigued by the laudable achievements recorded so far, which are in line with my vision and aspirations.”

Represented by his son, Alhaji Mahmud Baba-Kusa, he also expressed delight on reflecting where the centre was 10 years ago, “where we are now and where we’re going.

According to him: “I can see the centre touching the life of the community through the provision of quality education, authentic Islamic knowledge and the propagation of knowledge on Islamic Banking and Finance, and related Capital Market products.

“Today we are celebrating the contributions made by the donors for Al-Noor Masjid Expansion project. The trajectory is to increase the capacity from 1,000 to 12,000 worshippers.

“This is indeed a remarkable

milestone that should be supported and celebrated. It is a very joyful day for me and pray to Allah SWT for a successful completion of this project.”

Also speaking, Chairman, ICICE Advisory Committee and Group Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., Dr. Mele Kyari, enjoined all Muslims to endeavour to secure a house for themselves in paradise by contributing towards the completion of the ongoing Al-Noor masjid expansion project.

Kyari assured that the committee would intensify efforts and continue to reach out to the Muslims to donate and support the project.

On his part, the DirectorGeneral of the centre, Dr Kabir Usman, also commended the major donors who earlier contributed about N2.2 billion to the ongoing project which was on course.

“Initially, we booked, planned and asked for donation of about N3.15 billion and at a go we generated about N2.2 billion and now we are on course but we know the prices of building materials and

whatever has increased.

“So, we are targeting completing the project by the end of this year when we have to spend positively between N5 and N6 billion and that is the challenges that we have got and that is why we said people should contribute in cash and also in kind.

“Therefore, we need to celebrate that success and tell them what we have done with their money because transparency and accountability is a critical ingredient if we want to imbibe the culture of honesty and integrity, and that is what we have done today.”

The former Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr Shamsudeen Usman, who stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, assured donors that their money was being utilised properly.

He explained that the project was being implemented with the best international standard, adding that when the project s completed “we will do a detail technical report”.

Relief as gov’t develops herbal compositions for diabetes, blood pressure

By Stanley Onyekwere

There is a sigh of relief for persons battling with diabetes and blood pressure, following disclosure that the federal government is compiling the list of over 150 medicinal plants growing in Nigeria, in order to extract their active ingredient for herbal compositions.

The Director General of the Raw Material & Research Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Hussaini H. Ibrahim, made this known in a document on herbal compositions the Council has developed, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

In the document, the DG said the council, in collaboration with GreenLeaf Herbal Product developed Gasca D from natural plants to treat patients with diabetes mellitus.

The invention, he said, helps to control the blood sugar level, provides herbal health protection and serves as a supplement to manage the general health of people living with diabetes. He said the product has been duly registered with NAFDAC.

The DG also said the Council, in collaboration with Greenleaf Herbal Product, has developed Gasca N, a medicinal herbal composition for stress and blood pressure control.

The herbal compositions, he said, are developed from the fruit pulp of Hyphaenae thebaica (Duom palm) and powdered Gum Acacia, adding that the formulation has been registered by NAFDAC after necessary test.

‘’Extensive Research and Development have also led to the development of

Phytoherb 5-VIT which is a medicinal herbal composition for boosting immunity.

“ Phytoherb 5-VIT is developed from Tamarindus indica, Balanites aegyptiaca, Adansonia digitata, Ziziphus jujube, Hyphaenae thebaica extracts.

“The formulations are non-toxic and easy to digest. It has health protective and immune boosting potential. After necessary tests and procedures, NAFDAC has registered the product,’’ the DG said in the document.

The DG said the council also developed hytoherb phytobiotic which is a medicament for treating bacterial infection.

‘’Phytoherb phytobiotic is a stable herbal composition developed by Greenleaf Herbal Product in collaboration with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council.

“It is useful for the treatment of bacterial infections, and other conditions requiring therapeutic intervention and it has also been registered by NAFDAC,’’ he said.

He assured that if this momentum is sustained, it is expected that in no distant future, Nigeria will join the league herbal medicines producers and exporters across the globe, thereby creating avenues for foreign exchange earnings, job creation and poverty alleviation.

It would be recalled that in view of the increasing trend in herbal medicine intake, the World Health Organization, (WHO), evolved guidelines to support the member states in their efforts to formulate national policies on traditional medicine and to study their potential usefulness including evaluation, safety and efficacy.

From left; Deputy Chairman , The Compatriots ,Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed ,Chairman of the group and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, Chief Operating officer of the group,Prince Tom Iseghohi and a member,Amb Nkoyo Ntoyo during the Principal Officers of The Compatriots interactive session with Top Presidential candidates, at the Weekend in Abuja at Photo: Mahmud Isa

Chuck Schumer: Latest flying objects shot down were likely balloons

The US believes that unidentified objects shot down over North American airspace on Friday and Saturday were balloons, according to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Washington has been on high alert since its military destroyed a suspected Chinese spy balloon last weekend.

While he didn’t say specifically that the latest objects were Chinese, Mr Schumer told ABC on Sunday that Beijing was likely using a “crew of balloons” that had “probably been all over the world”.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that the latest object was shot down on Saturday over the Yukon in north-west Canada.

Both Canadian and US aircraft were scrambled to track down the object, which Mr Trudeau said “violated Canadian airspace” and was taken out by a US F-22 fighter jet.

Mr Trudeau confirmed on Saturday he gave the order and had spoken with US President Joe Biden.

“Canadian forces will now recover and analyse the wreckage of the object,” he wrote on Twitter.

Three objects have been shot down over North America in total in the last week.

The American military destroyed a Chinese balloon last weekend, and on Friday an object the size of a small car was shot down off Alaska.

China has denied the balloon - which first entered US airspace on 28 Januarywas used for spying purposes, saying it was a weather device gone astray.

The latest object was flying over central Yukon at about 40,000 ft (12,000m) and intercepted at about 15:41 local time on Saturday, defence minister Anita Anand told reporters.

She described it as “small” and “cylindrical”, but that recovery efforts are still being carried out to discover more details.

Ms Anand said it was taken out “about 100 miles” from the US border, adding it posed a “reasonable threat to civil aviation”.

She said it “appears to be smaller than the one shot down off the coast of South Carolina” last Saturday - meaning the giant Chinese suspected spy balloon that measured 200ft (60m) tall.

Posting earlier on Twitter, Prime Minister Trudeau thanked the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) which carries out air defence for the US and Canada and led the mission.

The White House said the object had been tracked and monitored “over the last 24 hours”.

“Out of an abundance of caution and at the recommendation of their militaries, President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau authorised it to be taken down,” it said.

“The leaders discussed the importance of recovering the object in order to determine more details on its purpose or origin.”

Giving more details on the mission to take down the object, the US Department of Defense confirmed two F-22 jets took off from a military base in Anchorage, Alaska and the object was shot down with an AIM 9X missile.

Pentagon Press Secretary Brig Gen Pat Ryder added that the FBI will be “working closely” with Canadian police.

Separately on Saturday, the US military also scrambled fighter jets over Montana as some airspace was closed - but it turned out to be a “radar anomaly” and nothing unusual was found.

In a short statement, the military said US troops, including from the Alaska National Guard, were still conducting search and recovery activities on sea ice for Friday’s object.

It said at the time that it had no further details about the object’s capabilities, purpose or origin but confirmed the FBI is helping with the recovery near the Alaskan town of Deadhorse.

“Arctic weather conditions, including wind chill, snow, and limited daylight, are a factor in this operation, and personnel will adjust recovery operations to maintain safety,” it added - and that the rescue operation will continue as weather permits.

Last weekend, defence officials told US media that debris from the Chinese balloon landed in 47ft (14m) of water - shallower

than they had expected - near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

China has denied the balloon - which first entered US airspace on 28 Januarywas used for spying purposes, saying it was a weather device gone astray.

The US, however, said the balloon is part of a fleet of surveillance balloons that have flown over five continents.

The balloon incident has strained USChina relations, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken cancelling a planned trip to Beijing.

Chinese officials on Friday accused the US of “political manipulation and hype”. In an interview on Thursday, President Biden defended his handling of the Chinese balloon, maintaining that it was not “a major breach”.

Turkey issues 113 arrest warrants connected to building construction

Officials in Turkey say 113 arrest warrants have been issued in connection with the construction of buildings that collapsed in Monday’s earthquake.

Turkish police have already taken at least 12 people into custody, including building contractors.

Meanwhile, unrest in southern Turkey has disrupted rescue efforts in some places.

The number of people confirmed to have died in Turkey and Syria has risen to more than 30,000.

More arrests are expected - but the action will be seen by many as an attempt to divert overall blame for the disaster.

For years, experts warned that many new buildings in Turkey were unsafe due to endemic corruption and government policies.

Those policies allowed so-called amnesties for contractors who swerved building regulations, in order to encourage a construction boom - including in earthquakeprone regions.

Thousands of buildings collapsed during the earthquake, raising questions about whether the natural disaster’s impact was made worse by human failings.

With elections looming, the president’s future is on the line after spending 20 years in power.

Mr Erdogan has admitted shortcomings in the response, but, during one visit to a disaster zone, he appeared to blame fate.

“Such things have always happened,” he said. “It’s part of destiny’s plan.”

On the sixth day after the quake hit, the situation is growing more desperate.

On Saturday, German rescuers and the Austrian army paused search operations because of clashes between unnamed groups in Hatay province. Security is expected to worsen as food supplies dwindle, one rescuer said.

“There is increasing aggression between factions in Turkey,” Austrian Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Kugelweis said. “The chances of saving a life bears no reasonable relation to the safety risk.”

The search for survivors resumed under the protection of the Turkish army.

Across southern Turkey and northern Syria, millions are homeless and temperatures continue to drop below freezing on a nightly basis.

The UN has warned that more than 800,000 people are without adequate meals, and its aid agency on the ground is warning the final death toll from the quake is likely to double.

In Syria, the death toll now stands at more than 3,500 - but new figures have not been published since Friday.

Hope of finding many more survivors is fading, despite some incredible rescues.

Among those rescued from the rubble on Saturday were a family of five in Turkey’s

Gaziantep province, and a seven-year-old girl in Hatay, who spent 132 hours under the rubble.

The quake was described as the “worst event in 100 years in this region” by the United Nations aid chief, who was in the Turkish province of Kahramanmaras on Saturday.

“I think it’s the worst natural disaster that I’ve ever seen and it’s also the most

extraordinary international response,” Martin Griffiths told the BBC’s Lyse Doucet in Turkey.

Mr Griffiths has called for regional politics to be put aside in the face of the disaster - and there are some signs that this is happening. The border crossing between Turkey and Armenia reopened on Saturday for the first time in 35 years to allow aid through.

Source: BBC

Canada said a US military aircraft F-22, seen here in an archive photograph, shot down the object

Aid agencies have warned that the death toll is likely to rise as rescue efforts continue

DR Congo soldiers get death sentence for cowardice against M23 rebels

Acourt in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced seven soldiers to death for cowardice in the face of the enemy and murder.

They were found to have fled advancing M23 rebels, retreating through the town of Sake where they caused the death of two people by recklessly discharging their arms.

Their lawyers plan to appeal.

Last November, three other soldiers were convicted of cowardice and sentenced to death.

In DR Congo death sentences are commuted to life imprisonment.

Fighting in the mineral-rich

North Kivu province has intensified, driving tens of thousands from their homes, despite a passionate appeal by Pope Francis to end conflicts when he visited the country last week.

“Hands off the Democratic Republic of the Congo! Hands off Africa! Stop choking Africa, it is not a mine to be stripped or a terrain to be plundered,” Pope Francis said at a Mass in the capital Kinshasa, estimated to have been attended by a million people.

DR Congo has been beset by conflicts since its independence in the 1960s. Some have been driven

by the fight to control its mineral wealth, others by ethnic rivalry.

There’s been public anger against the UN and the East African regional force for failing to stop M23 rebels from capturing large swathes of territory in North Kivu.

DR Congo, the US and UN experts accuse neighbouring Rwanda of backing the rebels - a claim it denies.

Rwanda has for many years criticised the Congolese authorities for failing to disarm Hutu rebels - some of whom were linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Namibia baby abandonment law: ‘I wanted someone to take better care of my son’

The discovery of the dead body of a newborn baby abandoned behind a school in the Namibian capital, Windhoek, last November shows that a change in the law was not enough to solve the problem.

In 2019, Namibia passed legislation saying that women who, out of desperation, took the drastic step of abandoning their child, would no longer be prosecuted.

Safe places where an infant could be left were established, but there is still not enough awareness of the legal changes.

Two years ago, Linda, which is not her real name, used one of these places to leave her child.

Linda cries when she talks about the baby she had to give up.

“It was not an easy decision, as a mother, to carry a baby for nine months and give it away. But I still did it because of the situation I was in,” Linda says in a low voice. She is talking about being unable to afford another child.

Linda shares a tiny house with her other children and her boyfriend in an informal settlement near the coastal town of Swakopmund.

She sometimes finds it difficult to afford a meal, and says her four children understand that if “mum has nothing today, we will not eat today”.

She adds: “But for the fifth born, if there is no meal, he would not understand anything. So I just thought: ‘I have to give this baby away, to someone who would take better care of him.’”

Linda is remorseful but believes she did the best for her baby at the time.

“I do miss him, I miss my baby because I breastfed him for three days, but I know he’s okay, he’s with the right people.”

‘Dearest mommy’

The reason she knows he is being looked after is that she left him in what is called a baby-saver box - a drawer built into a wall of a compound in Swakopmund

that has a mattress and a blanket inside. There is also a letter.

“Dearest mommy… please know that we do not judge you,” reads the reassuring note.

“We cannot begin to understand the circumstances that have brought you [here],” it adds.

The message is from the Ruach Elohim Foundation, which was set up in Swakopmund by Ronel Peters and her husband Dick to create a haven for babies.

“We received this little one, only yesterday,” Mrs Peters says, cradling a tiny boy.

“He’s four days old. Unfortunately we were very busy, we haven’t even named him yet.”

Ronel Peters wishes that more people knew about the safe places to leave a baby

The baby-saver box is her foundation’s initiative and there are similar projects elsewhere in the world.

The box, the first and only in Namibia, is one way that mothers can bring babies, usually newborns, and leave them anonymously in a safe place to be found and cared for.

It was already in existence before the law changed but Mrs Peters is hoping to set up more, elsewhere in the country.

Any time a baby is left in the box, Mrs Peters and her team of seven receive a notification on their phones and someone then goes to collect the infant.

The mother has 30 days to claim her baby back if she changes her mind.

“If the 30 days elapse and she doesn’t come back, then obviously we assume she is happy with the decision she made, and… this baby can be registered as an adoptive baby in Namibia,” Mrs Peters explains.

Inside the home, there is a board on the wall with photos of the babies and the dates they each came in. Nikolai, Miracle, Gabriel and Joshua are just a few that make up the display.

The baby-saver box is just one way that children arrive and, since it was established just over four years ago, 10 babies have been left there.

But despite the change in the law, babies continue to be abandoned in unsafe places.

According to police statistics, between 2018 and 2022 close to 140 babies were abandoned nationwide - far more than those left in safe places, and a high number given the country’s small population of just 2.5 million.

Mrs Peters wishes more people were aware of the babysaver box.

“Mothers must be educated that they are allowed to leave their babies, unharmed, at a safe place, and anonymously, if they wish to do so.

“Every time I hear of another baby that was dumped, I feel very guilty, it feels that it’s my fault, because I didn’t do enough awareness.”

‘I pray he will forgive me’ Poverty, such as in the case of Linda, is one reason why mothers feel they are not able

to look after a child. But other babies have been abandoned because their mothers felt they were too young, or they were the result of a rape, or that fathers have walked away from the family, says Donata Tshivoro, a leading social worker at the gender ministry.

The move to decriminalise baby abandonment in 2019 was made to encourage mothers to leave their babies in safe places, such as a hospital or police station - or in a baby-saver box.

The child must show no sign of abuse, neglect, or malnutrition. Once the baby is handed in, the child is given to a social worker.

Mercia Chingwaramusee, a social worker who works on this issue, acknowledges that despite the change in the law, there is a stigma and “the fear of people knowing that you went to drop your child there”.

Nevertheless, she adds that a mother making the decision to give up her child as she is unable to keep them is actually giving that baby “an opportunity to live”.

Burundi rescue sends team to earthquakehit Turkey B

urundi has deployed a “specialised” team of ten to Turkey to help in the rescue and recovery operations following last week's devastating earthquake.

“[They] will be deployed by Turkish authorities to areas where they need them most”, Burundi Foreign Affair Minister Albert Shingiro told the BBC's Great Lakes on Sunday.

More than 28,000 people have died in Turkey and in neighbouring Syria where the earthquake hit.

A Burundian citizen who was in the hardest-hit city of Gaziantep was evacuated to the capital Ankara, Mr Shingiro said.

Burundi did not deploy a team to Syria because “access to affected areas is difficult," but the minister added that "we sympathise with the suffering brotherly people of Syria." Source: BBC

Lawyers for the seven soldiers plan to appeal against the sentence

Israeli security forces with left-wing protesters during the rallies in Tel Aviv

N EWS FROM ASIA

Grieving a daughter’s Covid death in Wuhan - while being surveilled

“The pain lasts for a lifetime. Even healing a little is difficult.”

It’s been three years since Yang Min’s only child, Yuxi, died. The 24-year-old had been diagnosed with breast cancer and was admitted to hospital in mid-January 2020 in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the earliest coronavirus cases were detected.

Wuhan was the first place in China - and the world - to be locked down to stop the spread of Covid. The announcement came in the early hours of 23 January and it sent people, scared and uncertain, fleeing into the night.

That city-wide lockdown, lasting 76 days, would become integral to China’s zero-Covid playbook. The country has now scrapped the policy and recently announced that the current wave, driven by a hasty reopening, is drawing to a close.

But as much of China moves on, Ms Yang cannot.

She says she will not rest until she finds “justice” for her daughter. She believes Yuxi would not have died had the government warned the public at the beginning of the pandemic.

Ground zero

When Yuxi went to the hospital in 2020, Wuhan was gearing up for the Chinese New Year celebrationlarge family dinners, streets filled with shoppers, and the city covered in festive red, customary during the Spring Festival.

In an interview with a book author, Ms Yang said Yuxi’s illness didn’t dampen the family’s holiday

spirit because they were confident she would recover. What Ms Yang didn’t know was that a new virus was spreading in the city and through its hospitals.

Reports had emerged in December 2019 of a mysterious illness that was believed to be linked to the Huanan Seafood Market. But authorities assured people that there was “no definite evidence” of human-to-human transmission.

Then cases began to rise and by 19 January, when Yuxi developed a fever, Wuhan had recorded nearly 200 cases. On 23 January, when the government locked down the city of 11 million, doctors told Ms Yang that Yuxi would not survive if her fever did not subside.

Over the following days, Yuxi didn’t stop coughing. Her breathing became laboured and she vomited blood. Ms Yang, who spent day and night taking care of her, also caught the virus.

On 6 February Yuxi died alone, after spending five days in the ICU. Ms Yang, who had been battling the virus in an isolated ward, was not told until two weeks later.

Ms Yang detailed these events to Murong Xuecun, a well-known writer who recorded her account and others’ in Deadly Quiet City: Stories from Wuhan, Covid Ground Zero.

When Ms Yang speaks to the BBC, she says it is too painful to recount - but she talks more about her Yuxi and what life has been like since she died.

“My daughter didn’t have any

exceptional quality, but she was my daughter, so I miss her. That’s what mothers do,” she says, crying.

“She was the same as other children. Sometimes she was naughty, sometimes she didn’t listen to me, sometimes we argued.”

While Ms Yang did not know about the virus at the time, doctors and medical workers in Wuhan suspected something was amiss.

Mr Chen, whose name has been changed to protect his identity, was working at a community health centre when the outbreak began.

He had been in the job for more than a decade and had heard about a new virus from colleagues - well before Dr Li Wenliang, the 34-yearold whistle-blower who died of the disease, was reprimanded by authorities for “spreading rumours”.

Mr Chen said they knew it was a coronavirus, but not much beyond that. “We were all in fear because we had no idea,” he says. “Now I think about it, it was inconceivable. Nobody could have thought that it would turn out like this.”

Although the Wuhan lockdown was spun as a success by Beijing, the death toll from the early weeks - before lockdown - remains unknown.

Louise, a tech worker in her late 20s who stayed in Wuhan with her partner through the lockdown, says it was frightening initially, before the cases began to fall: “There were videos showing the bodies on the ground in the hospitals and our food was almost gone... We

were afraid that we were being abandoned.”

It wasn’t until early April - on tomb sweeping day, when Chinese mourn the dead by placing white paper in a circle - that she realised how badly the city had been hit by the virus.

There were circles of white everywhere and chrysanthemums, the preferred choice of flower for mourners, were sold out.

“No-one I know had died of the virus, but I was shocked by the scene,” Louise says.

Déjà vu

Ms Yang was one of those mourners three years ago. She

says some of her fear and pain was relived this year when China was gripped by a wave of infections as it reopened. This time Ms Yang’s mother-in-law, who is in her 80s, was infected.

“I was worried she could die at any moment,” she says. “I did everything I didn’t do three years ago, everything I had regretted not doing, everything I didn’t know then but know now. I was afraid I would put her in harm’s way if I was careless with anything... I checked her blood oxygen level every hour.”

Ms Yang caught Covid again, but she says she wasn’t afraid for herself.

Russian soldier death rate highest since first week of war - Ukraine

Russian soldiers are dying in greater numbers in Ukraine this month than at any time since the first week of the invasion, according to Ukrainian data.

The Ukrainian data shows 824 Russian soldiers dying per day in February.

The figures were highlighted by the UK’s Ministry of Defence. The figures cannot be verified - but the UK says the trends are “likely accurate”.

The increase comes as Ukrainian officials say that Russia has launched a “big offensive”.

However, the secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine (NSDC), Oleksiy Danilov, also said Russia is experiencing “big problems” with the campaign.

“Our troops are repulsing [the offensive] very strongly,” Mr Danilov said. “The offensive they planned is already taking place, gradually, but it’s not the offensive they imagined.”

Last week, Ukraine’s outgoing defence minister, Oleksiy Reznikov, said they were anticipating a new Russian offensive around 24 Februarythe anniversary of the full-scale invasion.

Some of the fiercest fighting has been around Bakhmut in the east of the country.

On Sunday, the head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary force said the

group had seized a settlement near the devastated city.

Yevgeny Prigozhin said on Telegram: “Today, the settlement of Krasna Hora was taken by assault detachments of the Wagner PMC.”

Mr Prigozhin also gave his group credit for the offensive on Bakhmut, downplaying the Russian army’s role: “Within a radius of 50 km, plus or minus, there are only Wagner PMC fighters,” he wrote.

The statement hints at longstanding tensions between the Russian military and Wagner.

When the town of Soledar was taken in January, Mr Prigozhin claimed his fighters were in full control there boasted that only his troops took part - a claim the Russian defence ministry questioned.

Bakhmut’s strategic importance has been questioned, but the prolonged fighting has turned it into a symbolic prize.

According to the Ukrainian data, highlighted by the UK, 824 Russian losses a day is more than four times the rate reported in June and July, when around 172 Russian soldiers died each day.

The Ukrainian military claims 137,780 Russian military deaths since the full-scale invasion began.

The UK’s MoD pointed out the recent increase could be due to “a range of factors, including lack of

trained personnel, coordination, and resources across the front”.

Ukraine “also continues to suffer a high attrition rate”, the UK said.

Russian forces have made little progress in Ukraine since their retreat from the major southern city of Kherson last November.

Last month they captured the town of Soledar north of Bakhmut

after an intense battle. Capturing Bakhmut could enable Russian forces to press on towards the bigger cities of Kramatorsk and Slovyansk.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to Western countries to hurry sending heavy weaponry to Ukraine to help Ukraine repel Russia’s expected offensive.

The US agreed last week to send long-range missiles that would enable Ukraine to double its attack range.

But President Zelensky wants the West to send fighter jetssaying during a visit to the UK Parliament this week that he was “thanking you all in advance for powerful English planes”.

Source: BBC

A woman - not Yang Min - looks at tombs in Wuhan, China

A Ukrainian soldier walks in Bakhmut this week. Of the 50,000 people who lived in the city before the war, only 2,000 remain

By Maryam Abeeb

President Muhammadu Buhari has tasked universities in Nigeria to reassess themselves in the light of national and global expectations. This was made known during the 7th Convocation Ceremony of

Education President Buhari challenges Nigerian Universities on global expectations

FG expresses commitment to action on foundational learning

By Maryam Abeeb

The Federal Government of Nigeria has agreed to commitment to Action on Foundational Learning.

On behalf of the government, the Federal Ministry of Education made the endorsement as part of the World bank summit on FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Minsiter of State for Education, Rt Hon Goodluck Nanah Opiah who is attending the event in the West African country, in a statement stated that the commitment to action is to ensure Foundational Learning serve as key process to Transform education.

According to the Minister, “this endorsement is underscored by Nigeria’s commitment to continue to ensure that foundational learning is central to enhancing social mobility and tackling intergenerational poverty and marginalization.

“Nigeria has expanded and will continue to expand the use of technology and innovation to provide out-of- the-box solutions as the central pillar of educational transformation goal”

The statement from the minister further states that “as we ensure that every child can read by the age 10 and galvanise public-private partnership to scale up foundational learning to hard-to reach areas, we would strengthen pro-poor/pro-family business promises for creating conducive learning environments in homes”

The statement adds that “the working level point of contact would be the Director, Basic Education, Dr (Mrs) Folake Olatunji-David, who can be reached at folatunjidavid@ gmail.com.

It would be recalled that Rt Hon Opiah jetted into Sierra Leone early this week to be part of the on-going program where Ministers of Education from various parts of Africa are participants.

the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, (FUOYE ) Ekiti State.

A statement by SA Media and Public Affairs to Hon Minister of State for Education, Kelechi Mejuobi explained that the president was represented at the occasion by the Minister of State for Education, Rt Hon Goodluck Nanah Opiah.

The president enthused that since independence in 1960, Nigeria has been trying to make the big leap from being classified as developing to join the elite group of the developed countries of the world, academic establishments generally and Federal University, Oye Ekiti in particular are expected to take the lead in proffering workable solutions to these challenges.

The Head of State, who is the Visitor to the institution, used the opportunity to disclose that his administration has done its best within the limits of available resources to better the position of the country in the comity of nations.

He went further to request that all hands be on deck to save Nigeria from the myriads of socioeconomic and political challenges that beset it.

Mr President through the Minister of State for Education gave further insight into his administration’s efforts in funding the education sector by stating that it is an impossibility to channel all the available funds in the country to the education sector, but the sector has been adequately funded.

“it is a matter of public knowledge that my administration, since its inception in 2015, has been incrementally increasing funding to the sector in its yearly budgets. The university system has remained one of the largest beneficiaries of the budgetary allocations to the sector. Notably, through increased funding of the Tertiary Education Trust Funds (TETFUND), my administration

has regularly financed human capital and infrastructural development across Nigerian universities. I enjoin succeeding administrations to build on this legacy.At this juncture, let me persuade university unions, especially ASUU, to understand the fact that all sectors in the country need more financing and that the government is working assiduously to perform its obligations with the resources available to it.

“A collapsed economy will not be in anybody’s interests as it would also translate into systemic collapse where nothing works. Permit me to also point out that funding in the foreign universities that ASUU and other unions want to use as comparisons is not solely a function of the government. In most climes, governments at best give subventions while the universities largely rely on grants and public-private initiatives to

fund their operations.

“I submit that these unions should partner with the government to arrive at a funding blueprint for the university system in the country that will take cognizance of local peculiarities and modern realities based on global best practices. It is also imperative to point out that the rot in the university system arising from gross indiscipline and corruption contribute in no small measure to the inability of our universities to become high fliers.

“Revelations in the media and more recently from the outcome of university disciplinary procedures about sexual harassments, sex for grades, extortions, cultism, plagiarism and other forms of intellectual fraud and corruption in our universities are disheartening to say the least. I challenge ASUU and sister unions to clean their houses in line with the zero-tolerance stance of the government against corruption

in the country. If these unions can dissipate half of the energies they devote to confronting the government on issues of funding to checking the excesses of their members, our university system will be better”

“While congratulating the graduands and asking them to employ the academic and moral discipline instilled into them to overcome all challenges, the President asked them to be good ambassadors of the institution. “Beyond this ambassadorial duty, I challenge you to become problem solvers and not problem adders.

“The essence of a university education is not just about self development but also to equip you to be able to contribute your quota to national development. Shun the easy but criminal way to wealth. Remember that short-cuts will always cut you short. As you move to the next phase of life, I wish you the best” he added.

2023 UTME: JAMB registers 1.1m candidates, warns against extortion of candidates

Maryam Abeeb

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disclosed that over 1.16 million tertiary institutions admission seekers have so far registered to sit for the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The Registrar of JAMB, Professor Ishaq Oloyede stated this during a monitoring tour of some CBT centres in Abuja. Oloyede, during the tour visited CBT centre located at Total Child International School, Dutse, JAMB Abuja zonal office,

Life Camp, Global Distance Learning Institute and Sascon International College, Abuja respectively.

He also said that the Board would not extend deadline for the 2023 Unified UTME registration, while warning centers against extortion of candidates.

It would be recalled that the sale of the 2023 UTME commenced on Saturday, 14th January, 2023, and is set to close on Tuesday, 14th February, 2023

The JAMB Registrar said, “Registration is going on well except some of these schools.

“UTME is not a school based

examination, it’s individual candidates and you can see what that school, Stella maris is doing, collecting N30,000 from candidates in the name of JAMB and then end up missing up the telephone number of the candidates

“So once the keep the telephone number of candidates it is unlikely that the candidates when we are contacting them if we want to make a change in their timetable, you send text to them and it will not get to them after they have graduated from the school and want to do change of course they don’t have access to it.

“And that is a way of extorting the parents and we will take adequate steps to make sure that we stop that. One of the reasons is that we will tell evey CBT center to stop doing bulk purchase of pin and bulk registration so if s center sales more than one pin to a source or collect money for more than one pin from a source then we will sanction such center.”

He urged candidates to report cases of extortion, saying that there is a code for candidates to reach the board when they come across any case of extortion, while promising there will be a reward for such act.

R-L: National President,. Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Titus Amba, National Publicity Secretary NUT, Comrade Yusuf Tom, the Jigawa State Secretary NUT, Comrade Surajo Yaro and the Union Public Relations Officer, Comrade Owoidoho Ikpe Obong, during the NUT Annual Solemn Assembly, held recently in Abuja. Photo; Justin Imo-owo

South Africa’s power cuts hit vineyards: No power, no pinot

By Vumani Mkhize BBC News, Western Cape

South Africans are struggling with crippling power cuts on a daily basis, which are imposing huge costs on business. As the country’s grape harvest gets under way, there are fears about the impact on the wine industry.

The rumble of tractors, the churning of the wine press and occasional bouts of laughter from the farm workers provide the soundtrack to the busiest time of the year for the Groote Post vineyard.

Everyone is active as the picking and processing of the grapes begin at this winery in the picturesque town of Darling, less than 80km (50 miles) from Cape Town, in the west of the country.

Bunches of dark pinot noir grapes lie in wooden pallets stacked next to the wine press. A fork-lift truck tips a pallet into the press, releasing a sweet odour into the air. I taste a grape, which is smaller than the supermarket varieties, and much sweeter and full of robust flavour.

“In 16 months from now these grapes will be in your glass and you’ll be sipping on some lovely bubbly,” Peter Pentz, Groote Post communications manager says.

And while that may be true, the winemaker will be having a harder time getting it on to tables in South Africa.

The difficulty for every firm in the industry is that this crucial time of year coincides with the worst rolling power blackouts the country has ever experienced.

Not a day has gone by in 2023 without the electricity from the state-run power company Eskom going down. The interrupted power supply is having a big effect on those hoping to make wine.

“As soon as the power cuts, it means that [without a generator] none of the operation can continue within the cellar,” Mr Pentz tells the BBC.

“No labelling can continue, no bottling and [no] cooling. Especially in the harvesting season it’s vital for us to get the fermentation process started.”

This vineyard, like many

others in the region, has been forced to invest in a back-up generator, but the exorbitant price of diesel is driving up costs and making it hard for small and medium-sized wineries to survive.

Groote Post is spending around 50,000 rand ($2,800; £2,400) per month on diesel for its generator and the farm still has to spend more on fuel for its tractors.

This is representative of the extra costs facing an industry which has big ambitions to grow.

South Africa is the eighth largest wine producer in the world, generating about $3bn in revenue every year.

Around half of the wine made in the country is exported to overseas markets, with UK drinkers being the largest consumers of South African wine.

Many wineries are exploring opportunities in Asia - exports to China, for example, have doubled in recent years.

But the constant power cuts are slashing growth forecasts.

The impact is being felt across all sectors of the economy. According to global accounting firm PwC, the South African economy could have increased by around 7% - instead of less than 2%last year were it not for “load shedding”, as the power cuts are known locally.

“This is challenging for us, in fact this is a crisis for us,” says Christo Conradie, manager of wine business at Vinpro, which represents nearly 2,600 wine producers and sellers.

“Power is important for our producers because we need to irrigate, specifically at this time of the season we are looking at the ripening of the berries.

“That’s why we need to have it [power] and now we are sitting with Eskom that can’t supply at an optimal level,” Mr Conradie adds.

Though South Africa’s power crisis is not new, the problems seem to be getting worse.

The country has a fleet of old and inefficient coal-fired power stations that are constantly breaking down. There are two new power stations, but they are not up and running yet and are massively over-budget.

Eskom is expected to

Everyone is active as the picking and processing of the grapes begin at this winery in the picturesque town of Darling, less than 80km (50 miles) from Cape Town, in the west of the country. Bunches of dark pinot noir grapes lie in wooden pallets stacked next to the wine press. A fork-lift truck tips a pallet into the press, releasing a sweet odour into the air.

impose load shedding on a continuous basis for the next two years while it works on a plan to extricate the country from the crisis.

The wine industry is not being passive in its criticism of load shedding. Representatives are talking with the government and have put proposals on the table.

Mr Conradie says they have drawn up a timetable of when the winemakers need power most - usually in the early hours of the morning and just after lunch - and have asked for the blackouts to be scheduled around them.

The industry is also seeking rebates for diesel fuel and for the government to remove red tape so there can be more investment in solar and other alternative sources of power.

Load shedding during the harvest season will exacerbate the situation for battered winemakers which have been lurching from one crisis to another.

The wine industry was just starting to make a comeback following a tough period during the Covid-19 pandemic. Alcohol sales were banned in South Africa during the height of the health emergency and domestic wine sales dropped by 20%.

This year’s crop is set to be smaller than that of 2022 due to unfavourable weather conditions earlier in the season.

To try and alleviate some of the pressures, the department of agriculture last month set up a task team to monitor the impact of load shedding.

“Technical work to measure financial costs is under way and will help to underline the strategy,” says department

But when that strategy emerges is hard to know.

Nevertheless, back at the Groote Post vineyard, work continues despite the challenges.

There is a resilience and defiant optimism. Mr Pentz is proud of the wines they produce and the way that they

can touch different parts of the globe.

Holding up a fat bunch of grapes he says: “It’s amazing to think that we start off from this, and we end up with someone, somewhere in the world, sipping on some grapes coming from South Africa.”

Source: BBC

spokesperson Reggie Ngcobo.

Peter Pentz is happy the vineyard’s harvest is coming in but is worried about the future

The pressing and fermentation process rely on a regular power supply

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1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO ALL NATION.

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

CONCERNED EXCELLENT MINDS 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. ASONNA VINCENT CHINAENYE - CHAIRMAN

2. OSONDU EZE KINGSLEY - SECRETARY

3. EBERE ENYINNAYA ALOZIE

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO MAINTAINAND ENSURE EXCELLENT SERVICE DELIVERY 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

IDOMA WOMEN IN DIASPORA-WOMEN

FOR CHILDREN 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.KOJA WINNIFRED ONYEMA- CHAIRMAN,

2. HASSAN-MAIDOKI MARIA OKA,

3. MESHACK-HART KALADA BELEMA,

4. OBANDE EUNICE FATIMAH -SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO PROVIDE SUPPORT THROUGH TUITION ASSISTANCE TO GIRLS IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS WITH THE AIM OF EMPOWERING THEM IN THESE FIELDS WHILE BREAKING THE GENDER SENSITIVE BARRIER TO HELP THEM EXCEL.

2. THE ASSOCIATION BELIEVES IN AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO IMPACT THE LIVES OF THESE CHILDREN THROUGH HEALTHAND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES.

3. TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THESE POPULATION AND CRAVE YOUR INDULGENCE AND INCLUSION IN THIS PROJECT.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

BAREMINDS HEALTH FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT (CAMA 2020).

TRUSTEES:

1. IBRAHIM ADAMU SALISU - CHAIRMAN

2. BALA DANIEL MAGAJI - SECRETARY

3. OBELE OLUCHUKWU IHEAKANDU

4. AKUFAI JONAH

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

1. TO USE EVIDENCE BASED PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACHES TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF VULNERABLE GROUPS.

2. TO AMPLIFY THE VOICES OF VULNERABLE GROUPS AND FACILITATE THEIR PARTICIPATION IN DECISION MAKING FORUMS.

3. TO AMPLIFYAND PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF VULNERABLE PERSONS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198 MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: CHAIRMAN

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2023

SLA honour Etukudoh for outstanding sports development in Abuja

By Albert Akota

Akwa Ibom State chapter of Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON)’s pillar of sports, Obong Sunday Nkereuwem Etukudoh, has been honoured as the legendary sports achiever.

The award was conferred on him by the Sports Legendary Award (SLA) at the colourful award ceremony in Abuja at the K-Class Hotel Abuja in recognition of his selfless and understanding contribution to the development of sports in the country.

Presenting the award, the president

of the Sports Legendary Award, Solomon Omonokhua said the Sports Legendary Award (SLA) Sports Award was designed to celebrate selfless individuals who go out of their ways to promote sports development and uplift people.

“Mr Etukudoh was carefully selected for this award for his immense contributions to the growth and development of football in Akwa Ibom State and the country in general.

“We use the Sports Legendary Award to encourage sports promoters at the national, state and local level. There are

many of them but today we are here to celebrate Mr Etukudoh and say thank you for what has done for the youth in Akwa Ibom,”

Mr Etukudoh, who received the award in recognition of his selfless service and continuous investment in human capital development through football over the decades, expressed excitement for such honour done to him and pledged to continue his exceptional service to God and humanity.

“I quite appreciate God for what He has done today, it is not by accident. An

award by this body is very important to me and I really appreciate it.

“I may not have given credence that today I’ll be called out and be honored because I didn’t plan for it.

Most times when you choose to do something, you do it out of conviction and not to expect accolades or anything. But Jesus Christ said that when he healed so many people, only one came to say thank you and it is on that premise that I am grateful and thankful to God that the little things I did were being taken note of and appreciated,” Etukudoh

Harry Kane’s goal against Manchester City was his 17th in the Premier League this season - and 200th of his career on the Premier League stage

FIFA celebrates Morocco’s successful hosting of Club World Cup

The President of FIFA Gianni Infantino, says Morocco has mobilized all the necessary means and resources to ensure the successful hosting of the ongoing Club World Cup.

Speaking to Moroccan media upon landing at Tangier’s airport, Infantino said: “After the success of the World Cup in Qatar, this Club World Cup takes on a very unique and particular significance in the world.”

He noted that the North African country has made substantial efforts to guarantee the quality of the tournament, a reflection of the “trust” FIFA has given Morocco to organize the sporting event.

“If we did not have full trust [in Morocco], we would not be here today to organize the Club World Cup,” he emphasized.

Infantino said that he is looking forward to visiting Morocco again in the future, highlighting the country’s love and passion for football.

“It is a beautiful country … it is a country of football,” emphasized Infantino, celebrating the “huge success” of the Moroccan national football team

during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Morocco’s Atlas Lions achieved the unexpected at the global tournament, as they defied all odds and became the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup’s semi-finals.

Infantino noted that this edition of the Club World Cup, the third organized in Morocco, has brought together some of the world’s biggest football clubs, as well as sparked immense enthusiasm and passion among football fans.

The tournament is taking place between February 1 and 11 in the Moroccan cities of Tangier and Rabat, with the participation of seven clubs.

FIFA’s president is set to attend the remaining Club World Cup matches, including today’s semi-final game featuring Egypt’s Al Ahly and Spain’s Real Madrid.

In addition, he will attend the last day of the tournament on February 11, which will feature the third-place match between Brazil’s Flamengo and the losing team of today’s game, and the final featuring Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and the winner of today’s match.

2024 Olympics: Paris mayor calls for Russian athletes to be banned from Games

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo changed her stance on Russian competitors at the 2024 Olympics on Tuesday saying they should be banned “while the war continues” in Ukraine, her office said.

Last month Hidalgo said she believed Russians could take part “under a neutral flag” to avoid “depriving athletes of competition”.

On Tuesday she told French media her earlier position was “indecent” because a neutral flag, “does not really exist” although she said there should be a place for “dissident Russians who want to parade under the refugee flag”. Her office said this was a “clarification” of her position.

They would, she said, be athletes who do not “support Vladimir Putin in his aggression”.

The Refugee Olympic Team competed for the first time in the Rio Games in 2016, where it was made up of 10 athletes originally from Syria, Ethiopia,

South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Hidalgo did not address the issue of the participation of Belarusian athletes.

While French President Emmanuel Macron and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) did not immediately respond to Hidalgo’s remarks, the French ministry of sports and the Olympics told AFP the question of a “possible participation” under a neutral flag in Paris is being “discussed” by the IOC but “has not been the subject of any decision”.

The ministry reaffirmed French “support” for “maintaining all economic, political, diplomatic, sports and cultural sanctions” against Russia.

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022, Russians and Belarusians have been banned from most world sporting events.

WHEREAS the person whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date place stated in the said in the column.

AND WHEREAS the person(s) whose name (s) and address(s) and relation(s) to the deceased are set out in the second column hereto has/have applied to the High Court of Justice, Nasarawa State for the grant of Letters of Administration of the Real and personal properties/estate of the said deceased.

NOTICE: IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letter of Administration (without will) will be granted to such applicant/applicants unless a “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant is file in this Registry within Twenty- One (21) days from the date hereof.

NAME OF DECEASED PERSON

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF NASARAWA STATE OF NIGERIA IN THE PROBATE DIVISION SCHEDULE

Dogara Yahaya Musa late of Nasarawa, Died on the 5th day of July, 2022 at Nasarawa

Halima Yahaya Usman late of Nasarawa, Died on the 27th day of May, 2022 at Nasarawa

Warai Justina Ezekiel Auta late of Lafia, Died on the 17th day of July, 2022 at Lafia

Warai Nabuth Ezekiel Auta late of Lafia, Died on the 9th day of May, 2005 at Lafia

Ernestina Esther Ogbuodi late of Lafia, Died on the 28th day of October, 2022 at Lafia

Haruna Maiwada late of Garaku, Died on the 11th day of July, 2022 at Garaku.

Sidi Vincent late of Lafia, Died on the 18th day of September, 2022 at Lafia

Eche Desmond Ihopo late of Akwanga, Died on the 25th day of December, 2022 at Kadarko

Okuba Ameha Mary late of Karu, Died on the 12th day of June, 2022 at Jos

Ogila Florence late of Lafia, Died on the 19th day of April, 2022 at Lafia

Victoria Nongove late of Awe, Died on the 3rd day of November, 2020 at Awe

Usman Mohammed Agahu late of Akwanga, Died on the 30th day of September, 2021 at Jos

Michael Mohammed late of Nasarawa, Died on the 24th day of July, 2019 at Garaku

Abdullahi Adamu late of Doma, Died on the 3rd day of November, 2022 at Kaduna

Adamu Otokpa Ismaila late of Gitata, Died on the 30th day of July, 2020 at Keffi

Osein Oduh late of Agaza, Died on the 24th day of February, 2017 at Agaza

Solomon Akala Auway late of Lafia, Died on the 1st day of April, 2018 at Lafia

Lawrence Nicholas late of Duduguru, Died on the 6th day of November, 2022 at Jos

NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES) OF APPLICANT(S)

Isah Yahaya of Nasarawa the lawful Son of the said

deceased

Isah Yahaya of Nasarawa the lawful Son of the said

deceased

Auta Warai Ezekiel of Lafia the lawful Widower of the said deceased.

Auta Warai Ezekiel of Lafia the lawful Father of the said deceased

Ernest Sunday Ogbu-odi of Lafia the lawful Widower of the said deceased.

Maiwada Fatima of Garaku the lawful Widow of the said deceased

Vincent Christopher of Lafia the lawful Son of the said deceased

Adeji Adoka Desmond & Adaji Adams Desmond both of Akwanga the lawful Sons of the said deceased

Abama Amos Joshua of Karu the lawful Widower of the said deceased.

John Johnson of Lafia the lawful Son of the said deceased

Ugber Iorfa of Tunga the lawful Son of the said deceased

Usman Safiya Agahu & Usman Fatima both of Akwanga the lawful Widows of the said deceased.

Michael Lucky Danjuma & Michael Mohammed Rosemary both of Nasarawa the lawful Son & Daughter of the said deceased respectively.

Bala Doma Safiya of Doma the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Otokpa Mathew Unogwu of Gitata the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Samuel Kande Ngopol of Lafia, the lawful Daughter of the said deceased.

Solomon Mercy of Lafia the lawful Widow of the said deceased

Luka Ezekiel of Duduguru the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Ameh Bartholomew late of Lafia, Died on the 31st day of December, 2022 at Benue

Agbo Cecilia late of Doma, Died on the 21st day of July, 2022 at Lafia

Gambo Akose Yakubu late of Odobu Died on the 6th day of July, 2022 at Obi

Ahmed Olotu late of Lafia, Died on the 1st day of June, 2022 at Lafia

Dauda Elang Adeck late of Gitata, Died on the 23rd day of February, 2020 at Pauda

Allu Monday late of Panda, Died on the 12th day of December, 2020 at Keffi

Aya Esther Anjugu late of Lafia, Died on the 7th day of January, 2022 at Lafia

Yusuf Abdullahi late of Lafia Died on the 1st day of January, 2023 at Lafia

Koto Adamu Barde late of Akwanga, Died on the 10th day of November, 2022 at Akwanga

Allananan Yohana Yohana late of Keffin - Wambai, Died on the 15th day of March, 2020 at Yola

Gyang Emmanuel late of Lafia, Died on the 4th day of February, 2020 at Jos

Belo Tanimu Nkone late of Akwanga, Died on the 3rd day of June, 2019 at Jos

REPUBLICATION

Mr. Fatunase Gabriel Abiodun late of Lafia, Died on the 7th day of August, 2015 at Owo

Samuel Haruna late of Zherugba, Died on the 9th day of May, 2016 at Okogbega

Yusuf Patu Shittu late of Wamba, Died on the 22nd day of December, 2022 at Wamba

Robert Arome late of Akwanga, Died on the 5th day of July, 2013 at Akwanga

Hassan T. Haruna late of Lafia, Died on the 23rd day of August, 2008 at Lafia

(Esther M. Ejeh. Esq.) PROBATE REGISTRAR NASARAWA STATE OF NIGERIA, LAFIA

Ameh Sunday of Lafia the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Boniface Ngwuta of Doma the lawful Widower of the said deceased

Salamatu Gambo Akose of Odobu the lawful Widow of the said deceased

Ahmed Rilwanu, Olotu Maryam Ahmed & Ahmed Hadizatu both of Lafia the lawful Son, Daughter & Widow of the said deceased respectively.

Dauda Joshua & Dauda A. John both of Gitata the lawful Sons of the said deceased

Allu John Attah & Faith Monday both of Laminga the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Aya Ovye of Abuja the lawful Brother of the said deceased.

Halima Yusuf of Lafia the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Paulina K. Barde of Akwanga the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Yohanna Ovey of Keffin - Wambai the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Anji Esther Shekwobagu of Lafia the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Chuga Justina of Akwanga the lawful Widow of the said deceased

REPUBLICATION

Fatunase Samuel Segun & Samuel Juliana both of Lafia the lawful Son & Widow of the said deceased respectively.

Haruna Nasir Agidi of Doma the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Hamza Shittu Yusuf of Wamba the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Robert Ege & Rober Ibrahim Abubakar both of Akwanga the lawful Widow & Son of the said deceased respectively.

Haruna Huraira Mustapha of Keffi the lawful Daugther of the said deceased.

PEOPLES DAILY

Re: Wike’s sarcastic challenge to Rivers gods

Felix open to permanent Chelsea transfer in summer

The following is the feedback from the Monday column published on this page on January 23, 2023, with the title, “Wike’s sarcastic challenge to Rivers gods”:

Monday Column

Portugal international Joao Felix has suggested he is open to a permanent move to Chelsea this summer.

Felix has made only one appearance for Chelsea thus far after being sent off on his debut against Fulham last month.

While January saw a number of big-name attackers arrive in form of Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke, wholesale changes are expected at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, perhaps opening up a permanent space in the squ According to Standard Sport the 23-year-old loanee would cost around £70-£80m this summer were Chelsea to try and keep the forward longterm, despite reports in Spain suggesting parent club Atletico Madrid would likely demand a staggering £124mFelix’s relationship with Atletico boss Diego Simeone is believed to remain strained and Chelsea’s hand could be strengthened by their increasingly close relationship with super-agent Jorge Mendes.

Atletico, meanwhile, are also thought to be keen to move Felix’s £250,000-per-week wages off their books.

Of a more potentially more permanent arrangement, Felix told Diario AS: “I feel very good at Chelsea, I like the club. There’s no option to buy in the contract, so if they want to keep me they’ll have to find an agreement with Atletico.

In time to come, Wike’s comment on the gods would be a major reference passage in the study of African Traditional Religion (ATR). In text books and literary works, the African gods have been venerated for their clairvoyant prowess and power as guardians of the land from spiritual and moral debauchery. The justice system of these gods is almost instantaneous and morbid in reach and devastation And this accounts for why many people prefer to swear by the Abrahamic texts of Bible and Qur’an but not by the oath potions of the gods, such as the Tiv Swem. All that have vanished on our landscape. The gods are less central in the contemporary thought and imagination of Africans. Infact, if the gods were what they were in times past, Wike wouldn’t have dared to take on them. This is the problematic aspect of the issue. In my view, it is not a sarcastic challenge, but that Wike has posed a serious academic/intellectual challenge to scholars of African studies and worshippers of ATR. The declining agency of the gods in African contemporary social engineering and development process must be rethought.

Attah Pine (PhD), Makurdi, Benue State

The GODS ARE NOT TO BLAME OH, but the people, including westernized traditional rulers who have abandoned the true worship of the native gods for the imported gods.

Dr Bisi Olawunmi, Ede Osun State.

Thank you Dr. Hameed for your highly educative and timely write-up under the heading “Wike’s sarcastic challenge to Rivers gods.” Although the writeup drew its impetus on wike’s advice to the traditional rulers to refocus their demands to the gods and traditional divinities to channel their powers for positive and developmental issues rather than on the current tendency to use them against opponents and negative issues. The write-up went much beyond this and examined the nature and influences of the traditional, animist religions

By Hameed M. Bello, PhD

hamdbelo@yahoo.co.uk

and religious practices among many communities around the world. The advice by the writer at the end of the write-up that our leaders and particularly our politicians need to avoid using these traditional institutions and practices for negative purposes is timely and worth heeding to. Our leaders and politicians should use them for positive purposes and particularly on the need to promote peaceful coexistence in our communities.

Dr. Saidu Abubakar is the Action People’s Party’s Governorship Candidate inKebbi State.

(drsaiduabubakarillo@ gmail.com)

Feedback on the Monday Column published on February 8, 2023 with the headline, “Cashless economy with tears”:

Nigeria has proven to be a country of stiff necked people. We desire change but we’re not ready to make the required sacrifices. We love how organised the western world is but we’re not ready to discipline ourselves to attain that same level of development.

What is wrong with the Naira Redesign Policy and the three months notice for people to deposit their old notes in their bank accounts?

Even when the Central Bank granted a seventeen days grace,

the stubborn political elite who never wanted the policy for reasons best known to them could not be appeased. What exactly do they want? They want to retain the mountainous stacks of Naira notes in their personal vaults. It is the sight of those monies that makes them feel that they are Big Men. They don’t value the money being in the banks and them having access to it electronically. They are so used to cash that they can’t do without it especially when many of them rely on vote buying as the only means of buying their way back to power. Let the poor masses refuse to be used as cannon fodder. There is no sense in storming the banks and queuing every morning to get cash when we are aware that the apex bank has rolled out the cashless policy. We need to get used to being without cash in our hands or in our pockets. QED!

Onwuka Nzeshi, a senior journalist sent in this feedback from Abuja.

As far as I am concerned, the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele and his team did not analyse the New Naira policy before they threw it on the Nigerian public. From the comments of critical stakeholders, I am convinced that there is a hidden agenda in this Naira policy. Otherwise what was Emefiele waiting for all these while by not introducing the policy until when the general

elections are before us. Does he want to the elections to be compromised? Or he does not want the elections to be free and fair. Even the electoral umpire, INEC is complaining bitterly and had to run to the CBN governor who gave a not too reliable assurance to make the needed Naira available for the smooth conduct of the poll, especially for logistics purposes. Also, we read the other day how the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Ali Ndume raised the fear on how the Naira policy was affecting the military operations, including the troops fighting the terrorists in the North East. They were unable to access their money for feeding and other logistics, Ndume was reported to have said. I fear that this policy has been hurriedly introduced without consulting the National Assembly, even though CBN claimed it had the backing of the President. People believe that the CBN succeeded in misleading the President who never envisaged the magnitude of the spill over effects on the poorest of the poor in the society who do not have bank accounts, let alone have the ATM card and online banking facility. This policy will surely underdevelop the economy and create more hardship. It may not be expedient to withdraw the new Naira notes since they are already in circulation. What is best now, if we cannot withdraw the policy, is to allow the old and the new Naira notes to remain as legal tender, and to print enough new notes to be accessible to the rural areas. The situation whereby bank officials connive with politicians and the highly placed to hoard the New money and prevent it from circulation defeats the policy to print new money in the first place.

Alh Shuaibu Naibawa, Kano.

Governor Wike