Thursday, April 13, 2023 Edition

The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele (middle), flanked by the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), Dr. Patrick Njoroge (left) and the Deputy Governor (Economic Policy) at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Kingsley Obiora on the sidelines of the G24 Meetings during the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group holding on Tuesday in Washington D.C.

Photo: CBN

89 Killed in Benue community in 3 months -Group claims

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Over 89 persons have been killed in 31 communities in the last three months in Apa local government area of Benue State by unknown gunmen.

This disclosure was made by Chairman, Apa Development Association Barr. Eche Akpoko during a press briefing held at Correspondents’ chapel Secretariat yesterday in Makurdi.

This is just as several property

were destroyed, several houses burnt and thousands of persons have been displaced.

Akpoko decried that the deceased victims suffered carnage in the most dastard, gruesome and inhuman nanner.

He added that in spite of the barrage of attacks on the innocent and defenseless people,the Federal government has failed to give it the desired attention that will yield a long lasting solution to this lawlessness.

He also, decried that these trigger happy gunmen are never brought to book by the Federal government.

“We call on the Federal Government to deploy Law enforcement agents to the flash points to defend and protect the defenseless and innocent Apa indigenes.

“In the event of government failure to protect lives and property as its primary duty, the people may be compelled to activate their rights

of self defense which may lead to total breakdown of law and order.

“We further call on both the Federal and State governments to mobilize their relevant agencies such as National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA and Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA to provide relief materials to the improverished without any source of livelihood and have become refugees in their own land”, Akpoko said.

Kogi Guber race : LP Aspirant, Ahmadu-Afolabi

vows to curb political intolerance, hostility

By Stanley Onyekwere

Afemale aspirant for the Kogi State gubernatorial seat, under the Labour Party, Dr. Atule AhmaduAfolabi has declared her capacity to tackle political discrimination and other social vices, allegedly threatening security and democratic principles in the state.

Ahmadu-Afolabi spoke when she took the battle to Abuja, scouting for both Kogi indigenes and other supporters

The aspirant, who was at the

Party’s Presidential Campaign Office, venue for governorship Screening, in Abuja on Tuesday , noted that Kogi state has been characterized by so many political abnormalities, which only a determined and caring mother can change.

Bemoaning the rate of political intolerance and hostility to the women folk in the state, she vowed not to be deterred by any of the antics which male politicians were using to scare women away.

She explained that her decision, seeking to occupy the

Lord Lugard House in Lokoja as next Governor of the state, was predicated on the urgent needs to salvage the state from imminent collapse, due to maladministration.

She further stated that apart from denying civil servants their legitimate wages by the present administration, the state’s healthcare system, was in a deep mess.

“Going through the health institutions, some of them don’t have basic paracetamol. These are the things we are here to change.

“My main focus is to ensure that Kogi state is economically viable through selfless services.

“If you are driving round the state now, you could see hunger physically on the faces of the people. That is why I am here to change the narrative for good”, she stressed.

According to her, both human and natural resources which Kogi is endowed with, have not been properly harnessed and managed by successive governments in the state.

NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Yushau Dogara Ahmed presenting a souvenir to the Head, Centre for Study of Leadership and Complex Military Operations in Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, Dr Ben J. Audu, when the latter led other members of the centre on a courtesy visit to the NYSC Director General in his office in Maitama, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NYSC

Buhari makes case for futuristic, untainted global education on Islam

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday in Madinah, Saudi Arabia said the spread of true knowledge of the religion of Islam is the most important task now facing global Muslims while commending, at the same time, the Saudi government for deploying latest technological tools in presenting the core of Islam, its lofty purposes, and qualitative teachings.

Buhari spoke after an extensive tour of the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization in the city as part of his engagement in the Holy City, He said the Muslim community

needed a system that is futuristic, bringing knowledge and education in a new system that will make for a good understanding of the very features of the religion.

“It is necessary,” said the President, “to have a better understanding of the religion, away from its misconstrued teachings and perceptions as a way to achieving global peace, harmony and progress.”

He praised the Saudi authorities for their efforts to take the world to the established roots of Islamic civilization, adding however that a more concerted international effort is needed, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Graba Shehu.

According to the President, the Museum “seeks to preserve and present Islam in its true and pure image, and in its noble and elevated teachings, and that it is a message of mercy, love, justice, peace, and moderation, through cultural exhibitions and museums where the beauty of buildings and the majesty of meanings are combined.

“It also seeks to provide a comprehensive cultural overview of the Prophet, his noble manners, great morals, and flexible teachings, in a distinct scientific and researchbased approach, using the latest technologies, and the most advanced and creative presentation tools.”

Interim gov’t under any guise

resisted - Nigeria Diasporas

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Nigeria Diaspora Academics United Kingdom/Ireland and Campaign for Democracy (CD) United Kingdom/Ireland has warned that any attempt to foist an interim government under whatever guise to overthrow the current democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria will be met with stiff resistance.

President of the groups, Akeem Dan Farauta, stated this in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

The statement stated that such moves will have damming consequences, will be grievous and eventual incineration of the country.

will be

It added that the DSS recently flew the kite of an interim government to test if the idea would gain the support of Nigerians, such proposition is evil from the pit of hell it’s a fascist tendency to undermine our collective intelligence as a person

“This kind of thinking from whatsoever quarters is archaic, retrogressive, perversive, inimical and tantamount to taking the country backwards into a state of abysmal.

“This humdrum proposition stands condemned in its entirety and will be repelled by Nigerians both home and in diaspora with a high propensity of forces if attempted.

“Nigeria democracy is still

very much in its organic state and should be respected and allowed to evolve to maturity, the current democratic platform provided, though operated by armature politicians, both servings and retired military juntas still stand the best platform for the management of our diversity and political differences.

“Therefore, any politician with fascist tendencies should be repelled, Nigeria is not a jungle and would not be ruled by brute.

Nigerians have persevered and fought with their lives on the line to institutionalise democracy in Nigeria and we are still resolutely committed to this democracy and are ready to defend it once more with our lives”, the statement reads.

L-R: Former Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, AIG Hakeem Odumosu (Rtd); Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun; Board Member, LSTF, Dr Ayo Ogunsan; Author of the book, Mr Samson Oki; and Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Special Duties and Inter-Governmental relations, Mobolaji Ogunlende at the Book launch “ The Iconic Bola Ahmed Tinubu: An Inspiration to African Youths”,held, yesterday in Lagos.

Civilian JTF Deputy Commander tasks personnel on dedication

By Usman Shuaibu

The Deputy CommanderGeneral of Civilian Joint Taskforce (CJTF) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Mr. Suleiman Idris Gatawa, has tasked personnel of CJTF on dedication to duties at all times.

Gatawa, who gave the charge in an interview with Peoples Daily after commissioning its Sauka subsector office, opposite the Nigeria Immigration service/Civil Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

He advised the security personnel of the Taskforce to discharge their duties without fear or favour at anytime of the day, saying that his leadership would not hesitate to support the security officers in terms of their welfare.

He noted that as the Deputy Commander – general of Civilian JFT in the FCT Command, he would carry the subsector commanders, unit commanders as well as unit co-ordinators along in the affairs of things.

He also pointed out that his leadership would continue to recruit officers with integrity into the taskforce with the District Heads approval as well as the Divisional Police Officers’ remarks.

Gatawa, however, appealed to the government at all levels to financially empower the officers of Civilian JTF , in order to enable them to carry out the security operations effectively.

Kogi APC: Court nullifies congresses on 2024 guber candidate nomination

By Vivian Okejeme

Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court Abuja, has set aside the Ward and Local Government congresses purportedly conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, to nominate its governorship candidate for November governorship election.

The February 7, congresses was nullified on the grounds that they were not conducted in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, and the Constitution of the APC.

The court stopped the Independent National Electoral commission, (INEC), from recognizing or using the unlawful delegates list that emanated from

unlawful congresses for the party for the purpose of selecting its governorship flagbearer.

Justice James Omotosho ordered APC leadership to conduct fresh ones that would be in compliance section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022 and section 13 of the Party’s constitution.

In the judgment Justice Omotosho agreed with the plaintiffs, a group of aggrieved APC members led by Realwan Okpanachi, that the APC in Kogi state, failed to conduct Ward and Local Government congresses as stipulated by relevant provisions of the law.

The court also agreed with Chief Ogwu James Onoja, SAN and counsel to the plaintiffs, that the APC breached section 84 of

the Electoral Act and section 13 of its own constitution by concocting purported list of delegates and submitting same to INEC without the knowledge of registered members of the party in the state.

The Judge held that during the trial of the case the APC failed to disclose the venues and time where the purported Ward and Local Government congresses were held and also failed show the report of INEC officials that purportedly monitored the elections.

Similarly Justice Omotosho held that the APC failed to produce the result sheet to show the scores recorded by the participants in the purported Ward and Local Government congresses.

Besides, the Judge noted that

the major document put at the disposal of the court to justify the conduct of the purported February 7 congresses, did not contain a single name of any human being but signatures of imaginary participants at the purported congresses.

Also, with the absence of names on the documents the Judge held that the exhibit was worthless and that no probate value can be attached to it because it runs foul of section 133 of the Evidence Act.

It therefore, ordered APC to conduct special Ward and Local Government congresses in line with the provisions of the relevant laws, especially section 84 of the Electoral Act and section 13 of the APC’s Constitution.

Rural electrification: Sakada District head lauds AMAC Chairman

By Usman Shuaibu

The District Head of Sakada Community in Abuja Municipal Area council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Isyaku Sarki Musa, has commended the AMAC Chairman, Hon Christopher Zakka Maikalangu for providing a 500 KVA transformer in Gyadna Village. Musa, who gave the commendation in an interview with newsmen after the commissioning of the

transformer by the council’s chairman in the area..

He noted that the commissioning of the electricity project was the first of its kind in the community, as he said the past government of the council had abandoned the rural electrification project.

The royal father, however, appealed to the chairman to provide potable drinking water, healthcare facilities and other basic necessities of life for the people, also pleaded for the rehabilitation of roads in the community.

Earlier, while commissioning the project, the AMAC Chairman explained that the electricity project was part of the gains of democracy he promised the people in the area, pointing out that more projects would be carrying out in different communities across the Area Council.

He said efforts would be intensified to provide the needed basic social amenities for the residents of Gyadna community, especially potable drinking water, adding that his administration would deem

it necessary to put smiles on the faces of the people at the grassroots level.

Maikalangu called on the people of Gyadna village to safeguard the electricity project being commissioned in the area for the betterment of the community.

On his part, the Director in charge of works department in AMAC, Andrew Gaza, told the crowd that the Gyadna electricity project began by the immediate past government of the council.

L-R: Director, Market Access, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Uduak Etokowoh, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, Executive Director/CEO, NEPC Dr. Ezra Yakusak and Professor Olubi Sodipo during a courtesy visit by Dr. Yakusak on the ES of the NUC yesterday in Abuja.

Photo; Justin Imo-owo

75 Groups write INEC on credible guber supplementary election in Adamawa

Ahead of the forthcoming Saturday’s Adamawa governorship election, seventy five(75) support groups have written the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) requesting for a free, fair and credible election.

Disclosing this at a solidarity rally held in Yola yesterday, Special Adviser on Political Mobilisation, Hon. Abdulrahaman Bobboi, said the action became necessary due to the controversial circumstances

that surrounded the 18th March gubernatorial and state Assembly elections.

Bobboi announced that the groups as law abiding citizens decided to reduced their candid demands in writing to the umpire (INEC) soliciting for a more acceptable,reliable and factual outcome of the pending election.

He added that the margin difference between the PDP and APC parties which stands at 42,000 votes in both the governorship and state Assembly elections is a signal that Governor

Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri will be return to continue the good governance for the development of the state.

“Our party (PDP) is leading in all ramifications as we won two senatorial seats out three seats,seven seats of House of Representatives out of eight members,with fifteen state assembly members out of twenty five seats.

“The figures above indicates that PDP is in charge in the state. We assures Governor Fintiri that on Saturday we will remain at

INEC office until he is declares the winner”, Bobboi stated.

While receiving a copy of the letter on behalf of the Governor,Director General of the Fintiri’s governorship campaign office, Hon. Auwal Tukur thanked the groups for the show of solidarity to their candidate.

Tukur described the rally of the groups as democracy in action with a view to confirming to the world that PDP is control of the political soul of Adamawa state.

Tukur said the support is a right step taken to the right

direction explaining that the pending 78 units for the rerun election will be a walk over to Governor Fintiri and the PDP as a party.

“We will take the letter to INEC for the necessary action and it will tackle impunity and cheating in the pending democratic process”, Tukur maintained.

Furthermore, our correspondent gathered that the groups copied DSS, Police, Governor Fintiri and other critical stakeholders for notification purpose.

Eye Centre begins corneal refractive surgery in Kaduna

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Doctors at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, have successfully launching Corneal Refractive Surgery (CRS) services using the Laser Machine, the first of its kind in a Nigerian public hospital.

Speaking with newsmen yesterday during the routine one month follow up on all the five pioneer patients treated via corneal refractive surgery, one of the patients, Aisha Suleiman Abdullahi, a civil servant who had refractive error, and had used glasses for three years, said “I was scared initially when I was told because I didn’t believe our own Nigerian Doctors could handle such a service.

She adds : “I had heard of it being available in India and not Nigeria.

“My plan before the surgery was to travel to India for it, but, when I was informed of the service being available here.

“I decided to undergo the

surgery here at the National Eye Centre. That has saved me a lot of millions. Honestly, there is nothing like one seeing with one’s naked eyes.

“I encourage others to come to the Eye Centre because they have enough qualified doctors and they are great.”

Barakah Yusuf, a 21 yearold student in Zaria and another beneficiary of the surgery, revealed that “I had been using glasses for seven years but, after this Corneal Refractive Surgery in January 2023, I now do everything without glasses.

“I will always sell this Refractive Surgery idea to as many people as possible because it is worth doing.”

Other patients, Aisha Nuhu and Zuwaira Jafar, who spoke differently, confirmed that the Refractive Surgery may cost over 3 to 4million Naira or even more in India and Saudi Arabia but, they had it at the Centre free of charge. They commended the doctors at the National Eye Centre for their level of professionalism and

competence.

Speaking on the essence for the corneal refractive surgery services at National Eye Centre Kaduna, the Chief Medical Director, Doctor Mahmoud Babanini Alhassan, said, “we want to bridge the technology gap between Nigeria and Europe and reduce medical tourism. We promise to give evidence- based care to our patients”

On the level of training and retraining of the surgeons and support staff, Dr Alhassan maintained: that “I am very confident because my doctors are well trained.

“In fact, three of my surgeons that were on the team for the Corneal Refractive Surgery of the first five patients were trained abroad in big hospitals and establishments in India.

“We will continue to train and retrain the doctors and support supporting staff to adopt new technologies and skills for efficiency.”

Earlier, Dr. Peter Jiya, a

Consultant Ophthalmologist with the National Eye Centre, explained that corneal refractive surgery is not a new procedure, as over 9.5 million people in the United States of America and more than 40 million worldwide have had Corneal Refractive Surgery (CRS) in the last 25-30 years.

He explained that CRS is a laser procedure in which the cornea, the wind-screen and transparent part of the eye is reshaped (sculpted) so as to finally allow images of objects of regard to be focused clearly on the retina.

According to him, refractive errors are common clinical conditions where people are unable to see very well.

This, he said, is because of the eye’s inability to focus images on the retina.

He stated that the acceptable standard remedy for refractive errors after diagnosis and clinical investigation (Refraction), is the use of prescribed corrective lenses (glasses) which are given for better sight.

Dr Jiya also said “this surgery is the first of its kind in Nigerian Public hospitals. We at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna collaborated with a foreign Corneal Refractive Surgeon from Algeria on the service. “

He further stated that initially, several patients were screened but, five of them were found fit and were prepared for the procedure.”

Dr. Jiya, who is the head of the Anterior Segment and Cornea Department of the Centre, also said that the patients that had the laser surgery presented with different degrees of errors ranging from minus two to minus nine Diopters.

He added that “this morning, we had their four - week postoperative follow-up and all the operated patients are doing well; their post-operative un-aided visual acuity (measurement of seeing ability) is 6/6 (20/20) minimal.”

He also said that “the machine we have can laser 15, 20 or more patients per day.”

From Umar Dankano,Yola.

L-R: Speakership Aspirant, Hon. Miriam Onuoha; members house of Reps, Hon. Emeka Chinedu; Hon. Sa’ad Abdulkadir and Director General, APC States Ambassadors Forum, Amb. Dagogo Fubara, during the Official declaration by Hon. Miriam Onuoha to contest for the position of Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Malnutrition: Food, nutrition committee strengthens coordination

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Committee on Food and Nutrition (SCFN) says it has strengthened the coordination of nutrition interventions to address malnutrition among women, children and adolescents.

The Chairman of the committee, Malam Bashir Muhammad, gave the assurance in Kaduna on Wednesday at a two-day quarterly review meeting of the SCFN.

The review of the 4th quarter 2022 and 1st quarter of 2023 was organised by the Planning and Budget Commission (PBC), with support from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Muhammad, who is also

Census: NPC postpones training for enumerators, supervisors

The National Population Commission (NPC) has postponed indefinitely, the training for Enumerators and Supervisors earlier slated for April 13.

Dr Ipalibo Harry, Chairman Census Committee told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

Harry assured that the postponement would not affect the conduct of the Population and Housing Census scheduled to hold from May 3 to May 7.

He said that the commission was ready to conduct a credible census, adding that they had already concluded the training of Quality Data Managers and others.

The census committee chairman said a new date for the training of the enumerators and supervisors would be communicated as soon as possible. (NAN)

the Permanent Secretary, PBC, said the state government was impressed with the achievements of the committee in the fight against malnutrition in spite of challenges.

He thanked development partners for supporting the state to improve nutrition indices among women, children and adolescents.

According to him, strengthening coordination of nutrition activities will ensure continuity and sustainability of the committee’s activities.

He said “we are happy that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Sen. Uba Sani won the Kaduna State governorship election.

“This will ensure continuity

of Gov. Nasir El-Rufai-led administration’s reforms in the nutrition sector.

“With this development, we are certain that the committee will continue to carry out its roles and in the long run improve the nutrition indices.”

The Project Manager, World Bank-supported Accelerating Nutrition Result in Nigeria (ANRiN), Dr. Zainab MuhammadIdris, also commended the committee for changing the malnutrition narratives in the state.

Muhammad-Idris said consistent review meetings of the committee provided the platform to share ideas, experiences and achievements and develop strategies to move the nutrition

agenda. She reiterated ANRiN’s continued support of quality, costeffective nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and children under five years of age.

She said “we will continue to work with partners to win the war against malnutrition.”

Also, Mrs Sarah Kwasu, of Alive and Thrive Zonal Coordinator (Kaduna and Bauchi states), said the regular review meetings were critical to building on the progress recorded.

Kwasu urged members of the committee from the various nutrition-line Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) intensify efforts toward implementing planned

nutrition activities in line with the State Multisectoral Strategic Plan of Action on Nutrition (KDMSPAN).

Earlier, Ms Linda Yakubu, the Director, Development Aid Coordination, PBC, said that the major objective of the review meeting was to collate updates on nutrition interventions from implementing MDAs.

Yakubu added that the meeting was also to build the capacity of Nutrition Desk Officers in MDAs on optimal nutrition modelling and introduce participants to biofortification recipes.

“We will also deliberate and come up with key messages for proposed nutrition billboard as outlined in the KDMSPAN”, she said.

NAPTIP seeks media partnership to curb human trafficking

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has sought the partnership of journalists to curb human trafficking and expose perpetrators of the act.

Zonal Commander, Mr.Nduka Nwanwenne made the appeal at a recent two-day training on Countering Trafficking In Persons For Journalists, organised by Devatop Centre for African Development in Asaba.

Devatop is a non-profit

organisation with focus on combating human trafficking, gender-based violence, providing educational support to vulnerable children and empowering women and youths.

Nwanwenne urged journalists to join hands with their reportage to make sure that human trafficking was curbed.

“The media must display professionalism and have the moral duty to report the truth. They have a duty to publish facts that you know of, not speculation

or fake to suit your purpose,” he said.

Nwanwenne also called on the media to brainstorm on how best to curb the menace of trafficking in persons.

Mr Isaiah Bozimo, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State, said that the media had an important role to play in exposing activities of human traffickers.

Bozimo, represented by Mr Felix Ofou, Board Chairman of Delta Broadcasting Service, noted

that in the past, human trafficking reportage was a front page news.

“I cannot remember when I saw that either on newspaper or television.

“The media has been mum on the issues of traffickers. Human trafficking is an issue that needs the input of journalists, so the media must join the efforts to end the menace.

“For every hundred rescued, perhaps thousands has lost, we should put our heads together and be committed to the course,”

he said.

Mrs Ijeoma Nwanze of Delta State Taskforce against Human Trafficking called on journalists to come to the rescue of human trafficking victims through their reportage.

Nwanze appealed to journalists to use the training to bridge the gap between reporters and news sources.

She also called on journalists to join in the fight against irregular migration and trafficking. (NAN)

From left, North west Zonal Coordinator National Secretary, APC Support Group, Mazi Peter Okafor; Head of Media (ASG) Suleiman Abdulmalik and National Coordinator ASG, Otumba Dele Fulani briefing journalists after presenting a letter to the APC national Chairman for the consideration and adoption of Sout- East Senate president in the 10th Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Onuoha urges deliberate action on dwindling women presence in parliament

By Christiana Ekpa

The first female contestant for the Speakership position of the 10th House of Representatives, Hon Miriam Onuoha, has asked the Federal Government and her Party, All Progressive Congress (APC) to declare state of emergency over the dwindling number of women in parliament which she said call for a deliberate action.

The Imo State Politician, Hon. Onuoha, equally appealed to her Male contestants to step down for her in the spirit of equity and justices, stressing that over 55percent of valid votes casts during the 2023 elections from women.

Hon Miriam Onuoha who disclosed these while formerly declaring her intention to run for the 10th Assembly Speakership position on Wednesday, in Abuja said, a nationalist and a dynamic team player to stem the tide of the dwindling economy is muchneeded to provide dividends to Nigerians.

She said “The 10th Assembly promises to be a water shed of some sort for Nigeria’s fledgling a democracy.

A nationalist and a dynamic team player to stem the tide of our dwindling economy and the muchneeded dividends to Nigerians.

A service driven leader who understands citizen’s consideration and participation is what Nigeria truly needs”

According to her, “the emergency of the dwindling number of women in parliament calls for a deliberate action, an action that will bridge the gender gap, an action that is a call for the leadership of the National Assembly to embrace the stance for a woman of competence and experience.

“On the threshold of service, natural cohesion, effective and cutting edge legislative engagement with the executive, and the view to proffer microeconomic solutions to the nation’s economic health, as well as dealing with other social challenges. I confidently humbly seek the support of my fellow members elect and the prayer of the generality of my Nigerian people, for the office of the speaker in the 10th Assembly.

“My emergence will create opportunities for NASSstakeholders engagement to provide access for public participation in the law making.

“I honorably call for my fellow contestants to support me, a woman with competence, integrity, vision driven mission and a true display of diversity as well as inclusive leadership centered on equity.

No doubt our President-Elect His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a he-for-she who has always empowered women in all spheres of life, having picked a woman as his running mate as the governor of Lagos state and also supported his amiable wife to become a senator in the parliament in line with the goals of the UN’S 35% affirmative action for women.

“To this effect, my election as the speaker House of Representatives will therefore afford Nigeria the rare opportunity of killing the two ubiquitous birds of gender balancing and youth inclusiveness in its political/leadership landscape, with one stone. Truthfully, I Princess Miriam amply represents the twin engine essence of Nigeria’s youth and female status quo whom the circumstances of our political exigencies have made an endangered and vulnerable specie.

“Again the issues of regional balancing in the Nation’s leadership equation is also another veritable national challenge that my election to the speakership of the House of Representatives will address and resolve simultaneously in the interest of National Unity, Peace and inclusion.

“I am armed with a remarkable educational resume, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Estate

Management from the illustrious university of Lagos Akoka and a Masters in Environmental Planning & Protection, university of Abuja She equally has a rich professional exposure that straddles the Estate/facility Management, Environmental consultancy and logistics, the International Development and Civil Society Sector. Thus, having gained very extensive professional cum business experience in the course of my career, seamlessly I am a quintessential entrepreneur, boardroom strategist, vis-à-vis an avid player in the real estate, facility management, and management consultancy sectors of our economy.

“I also bring extensive and robust political experience to the table having held multiple political appointments before being consecutively elected as a member of the 9th and 10th Assemblies representing the good people of Isiala-Mbano, Onuimo and Okigwe Federal Constituency of Imo State, a position that amply offered her the opportunity to establish herself as a legislator per excellence with three Bills to her credit and stellar performances in major committees of the House of Representatives, including as pioneer chairman house committee on disability.

“Finally, I am in this race for the speakership of the 10th Assembly to bring fresh ideas and pragmatic solutions to the harrowing current challenges of national cohesion to proffer a new Legislative Agenda for addressing the current debilitating issues of our dwindling economy, mass poverty, promoting bills that supports massive industrialization of the economy to create more jobs, inclusivity and unity of the Nigerian State.

“I believe that Nigeria is at the threshold of history. I believe that the incoming Government has heard loud and clear, the current hues, cries and aspirations of the Nigerian youths and as such, I have no modicum of doubt that my speakership of the 10th Assembly, will very much, help the incoming Government to foster a government that empowers the people, includes the people (youths & women of every region) and works 100% for the people to deliver the promises that my fellow Nigerians have long yearned for through the instrumentality of the house of representatives.

“My mission is a vision to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, where legislative activities are enabled through technological funnels with ingenious trackers to deliver value for Nigeria”, she said.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Sen. Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora (middle) Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh (2nd left) Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mrs. Monilola Udoh (left) , Former Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Sen. Robert Boroffice (2nd right) and the Director, , Chemical Technology Department of the Federal Ministry /Senior Technical Assistant to the Minister, Mr. Mej Bassey ,during the unveiling and Commissioning Ceremony of the Broadcast Studio of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Television (NSTI tv), in Abuja.

Bird flu: China reports first fatal human case of bird flu, WHO says

China has notified the World Health Organisation (WHO), that a woman infected with the H3N8 bird flu died in March.

The case, which is only the third known human case ever and the first to result in death from the strain, the two previous cases were reported in China last April and May, the WHO said.

In the latest incident, a 56-year-old woman from southeastern Guangdong province died on March 16 after falling ill in February and being hospitalised for severe pneumonia.

“The patient had multiple underlying conditions. She had a history of exposure to live poultry before the onset of the disease, and a history of wild bird presence

around her home,’’ the UN health body said, citing information from China’s National Health Commission.

None of her close contacts have developed an infection or symptoms of illness.

The WHO said a poultry market near her residence could have been the source of her infection.

Samples collected from the market were positive for influenza A(H3) subtype.

In the two previous cases, one patient developed a critical illness and the older had mild symptoms. The WHO said direct or indirect exposure to infected poultry was the likely origin.

The WHO said the risk to humans remained low.

“The available epidemiological and virological information suggests that avian influenza A (H3N8) viruses does not have the capacity for sustained transmission among humans. Therefore, the current assessment is that the likelihood of human-to-human spread is low. (NAN)

Dismiss Atiku’s ‘meaningless’ petition, APC asks PEPC

By Vivian Okejeme

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s petition as meaningless as it asked the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) to dismiss it.

Atiku and his party, Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) are at the PEPC sitting in Court of Appeal Abuja, praying it to dismiss the petition filed by the PDP challenging the election of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the February 25, 2023 presidential poll.

In its notice of preliminary objection marked: CA/

PEPC/A/05/2023, APC is praying the tribunal to reject the petition.

According the party, the tribunal has no jurisdiction to adjudicate on the petitioners’ allegation predicated on ground (D) in paragraph 16 of the petition and the related paragraph 146 which lacks necessary facts or particulars as required by paragraph 4 (1)(d) of the rules of procedure for election petitions ( 1st Schedule to the electoral Act 2022.

”The petitioners’ paragraph 146 in support of ground four on non-qualification is vague, bare and meaningless as having the constitutional threshold is not

part of the requirement to contest any election,” the APC said.

The APC said allegations of non-compliance must be made distinctly and proved on polling unit basis.

The party also added that the petitioners did not provide the particulars of polling units where any irregularity or noncompliance took place.

”The petition as presently constituted, is devoid of necessary particulars to support allegations of corrupt practices, violence and non-compliance with provisions of the electoral act.

”Paragraph 35 of the petition is not relevant or cognizable and

84 is vague as no specific figure or polling units are pleaded as the margin of lead to be countered by the respondent,” the APC said.

The APC therefore prayed the tribunal to dismiss or strike out the petitioners ‘ petition for lack of merit.

Atiku and the PDP in the petition dated 21 March claimed that Mr Tinubu’s victory was as a result of alleged malpractices and other irregularities, upon which they are seeking the nullification of his victory.

Respondents in the petition marked: CA/PEPC/05/2023, are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),

Tinubu and the APC as 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.

The petition is based on four major grounds amongst which are that Mr Tinubu’s election is invalid by reason of noncompliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.

The petition also alleged that the election was invalid because of corrupt practices.

Thirdly, the petition stated that Mr Tinubu was not duly elected by majority of lawful votes cast at the Election.

It also stated that Tinubu was at the time of the election not qualified to contest the election.

Children having fun, during the 2023 Easter Monday celebration, at Hakuna Matata theme park, at the weekend in Lagos.

Presidential Poll: APC wants PEPC to dismiss Obi, LP’s petition against Tinubu

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The All Progressives Congress

(APC), has asked the Presidential Election Petition Court to dismiss the petition filed by the Labour Party (LP) and its presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, against the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as the president-elect in the February 25 presidential election.

The APC, had through it’s lead counsel, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN urged the tribunal sitting in Abuja to reject the petition.

In the objection, the party asked the tribunal to dismiss the petition with substantial cost on the grounds that it lacked merit and was frivolous.

This was made known in the preliminary objection filed against the petition of Labour Party the ruling party, who is the 4th respondent in the petition.

LP and its presidential candidate, Mr Obi, had sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Tinubu, Senator Kashim Shettima and APC as 1st to 4th respondents respectively.

They are praying the tribunal to nullifiy the victory of Tinubu and

Shettima in the presidential poll.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came second with 6,984,520 votes in the election. Mr Obi came third with 6,101,533 votes.

In the petition marked: CA/ PEPC/03/2023 filed by Mr Obi and LP’s lead counsel, Livy Ozoukwu, they contended that Mr Tinubu “was not duly elected by majority of the lawful votes cast at the time of the election”.

The petitioners claimed there was rigging in 11 states, adding that they would demonstrate this in the declaration of results based on the uploaded results.

Obi and LP said INEC violated its own regulations when it announced the result despite the fact that at the time of the announcement, the totality of the polling unit results had yet to be fully scanned, uploaded and transmitted electronically as required by the Electoral Act.

But in its response to the petition, the APC asked the court to dismiss the suit on the ground that Mr Obi, the 1st petitioner, lacked requisite “locus standi” to institute the petition because he was not a member of LP at least 30 days to the party’s presidential primary to be

validly sponsored by the party.

It said: “The 1st petitioner (Obi) was a member of PDP until May 24, 2022.

“1st petitioner was screened as a presidential aspirant of the PDP in Apni 2022.

“The 1st petitioner participated and was cleared to contest the presidential election while being a member of the PDP.

“1st petitioner purportedly resigned his membership of PDP on May 24, 2022 to purportedly join the 2nd petitioner (Labour Party) on May 27, 2022.

“2nd petitioner conducted its presidential primary on May 30, 2022 which purportedly produced 1st petitioner as its candidate, which time contravened Section 77(3) of the Electoral Act for him to contest the primary election as a member of the 2nd petitioner.”

The party argued that Obi was not a member of LP at the time of his alleged sponsorship.

The APC argued that “by the mandatory provisions of Section 77 (1) (2) and (3) of the Electoral Act 2022, a political party shall maintain a register and shall make such register available to INEC not later than 30 days before the date fixed

for the party primaries, congresses and convention.”

It stated further that all the PDP’s presidential candidates were screened on 29 April 29, an exercise Mr Obi participated in and cleared to contest while being a member of the party.

It argued that the petition was incompetent since Mr Obi’s name could not have been in LP’s register made available to INEC at the time he joined the party.

The APC equally argued that the petition was improperly constituted having failed to join Atiku Abubakar and PDP who were necessary parties to be affected by the reliefs sought.

“By Paragraph 17 of the petition, the petitioners, on their own, stated that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar came second in the presidential election with 6,984,520 votes as against the petitioners who came third with 6,101,533 votes;

“At Paragraph 102 (ii) of the petition, the petitioners urged the tribunal to determine that 1st petitioner scored the majority of lawful votes without joining Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the petition.

“For the tribunal to grant prayer (iii) of the petitioners, the tribunal must have set aside the scores and

election of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar must be heard before his votes can be discountenanced by the tribunal,” it said.

The party said the petition and the identified paragraphs were in breach of the mandatory provisions of Paragraph 4(1)(D) of the 1st Schedule to the Electoral Act, 2022.

According to APC, Paragraphs 60 — 77 of the petition are nonspecific, vague and/or nebulous and thereby incompetent contrary to Paragraph 4(1)(d) of the Ist Schedule to the Electoral Act, 2022.

It said that the allegations of non-compliance must be made distinctly and proved on a polling unit basis but none was specified or provided in any of the paragraphs of the petition.

“Paragraphs 59-60 of the petition disclose no identity or particulars of scores and polling units supplied in 18,088 units mentioned therein,” it added.

The party, therefore, argued that the tribunal lacked the requisite jurisdiction to entertain pre-election complaints embedded in the petition as presently constituted, among other arguments.

FCT natives, Foundation advocate synergy on education management

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory

original inhabitants and Helpline Foundation for The Needy have called for stakeholders’ collaboration to improve management of the education system.

Speaking separately yesterday, at a one -day town hall meeting at Kuje in Abuja on Wednesday, they said the combined efforts was vital as it would strengthen the level of education across the Six area councils of the territory.

The founder/president Helpline Foundation, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, said the education of Abuja natives must be given a priority to reshape the future of the women, girl child and youth.

Ahmadu, who was represented by the project manager, Onoja Arome said the Foundation is saddled with the responsibility of creating a platform where the natives especially the children will have a meaningful life.

According to her: “We are saddled with the responsibility of providing an enabling environment

Zulum mourns Nuhu Clark, Prof Gujbawu

Governor

where women, girl child and youth in the territory and beyond will enhance their livelihood, education and their whole well-being.

“In November, 2021 Helpline Foundation received support from Macarthur Foundation to revamp the cultural heritage of the natives people of FCT through women empowerment and children, it is the initiative that is still in progress.

“The event is to chart a course for a better future of Abuja original inhabitants which through economic and other reasons have been marginalized in their own territory”.

Ahmadu explained that the meeting would examine the necessary areas, and pressurize offices in-charge to take the education of the natives children as a priority.

One of the speakers and former director FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB), Dr Adamu Noma called for overhaul of the entire system to pave way for corrections.

He said the FCT Administration and Area Councils should put renovation and provision of infrastructure as top on its agenda to encourage access to education in

rural areas.

Malam Musa Mamman, the education secretary for Gwagwalada Area Council, advocated the setting up of elders education forum, constitution review and school monitoring committee to review the issues holding the FCT education system back.

“Strategic stakeholders must be involved, this means that the government should constituted elders education forum, school monitoring committee as well as review the constitution to capture key areas that need to be place”.

Babagana

Umara Zulum mourns with shock and extreme grief the separate deaths of the state assembly member-elect for Chibok, Honourable Nuhu Clark, and a Professor of Mass Communication, Mohammed Gujbawu.

Zulum is currently in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for the lesser hajj, from where he received news of the deaths.

The Governor’s spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau, said in a statement, that Professor Zulum had from his base in Makkah, made personal contacts with some loved ones of both deceased before extending condolences to families, friends and associates, particularly communities of Chibok, the University of Maiduguri, the Borno State University and the entire academic community.

While Nuhu Clark died as he was undergoing treatment at a hospital in India, Gujbawu died in Maiduguri after a protracted illness. They both died at different times on Tuesday (yesterday).

Both men were illustrious sons of Borno whose contributions were huge and for which government and the people of Borno State shall remain profoundly grateful, Zulum said.

“Honourable Nuhu Clark will be remembered for his huge contributions in leading the fight against poverty by the Zulum

administration, in which Clark served as Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation from 2019, before he resigned in 2022 to contest the state assembly election which he won as representative of Chibok state constituency. He will also be remembered for his impactful services as former chairman of Chibok, as former Special Adviser, as a former nurse who helped in saving lives at hospitals”, Zulum was quoted in the statement.

“Professor Gujbawu will be remembered as someone who hugely impacted knowledge on countless number of students through his scholarly lectures and supervision of research works at universities, for his authorship of books and academic articles and for being an academic administrator at departmental and other levels”, the governor also said.

Zulum added that “Professor Gujbawu will also be remembered for his contribution to the growth of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in which he had served as state publicity secretary beside his other media guidance and supportive services that helped successive administrations in the state”.

The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed men, and also prays that God gives their families and other loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable losses.

Resident doctors kick against 5 years compulsory service proposal

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has opposed the compulsory five-year service licensing of doctors proposed by the House of Representatives.

The group made its stand known in a communique it issued at the end of its emergency extended National Officers’ Committee (NOC) meeting.

This is contained in a communique jointly signed by the President, Dr Innocent Orji, Secretary-General, Dr Kelechi Chikezie and the Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Musa Umar, on Tuesday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the title of the amendment bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Ganiyu Johnson, reads, “A Bill for an

Act to Amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. M379, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“It is to mandate any Nigeriatrained Medical or Dental Practitioner to Practise in Nigeria for a Minimum of Five years before being granted a full licence by the Council in order to make Quality Health Services available to Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.2130).”

The bill was passed for second reading on April 6, 2023.

According to NARD, the bill is a definition of modern day slavery.

“The extended NOC admonishes the House of Representatives that the obnoxious bill as sponsored by

Rep. Ganiyu Johnson is a clear definition of modern-day slavery and not in keeping with anything civil and so should be thrown away at this point.

“The house however, agreed with him on the palpable dangers of the current menace of brain drain in the health sector and promises to work with the government to reverse the trend when the government is ready to come up with genuine solutions to the problem.

“The extended NOC reiterates that any attempt by the government or any of her agencies to enslave Nigerian medical doctors under any guise would be strongly and vehemently resisted by the association.”

The association also called

on the Federal Government to expedite action on the processing and payment of the reviewed Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for the year 2023 as these funds were meant to offset debts associated with update courses.

The funds are also meant for the examinations of both the National and West African Postgraduate Colleges, which have since kicked off for the year.

“The extended NOC urges the Federal Government to keep to agreements reached by the stakeholders constituted by the Federal Ministry of Health on the implementation of the 2023 MRTF and to expedite action on its payment immediately.

“Any attempts to do otherwise

would only throw the health sector into another series of undesired crises.”

They also called for immediate action by the Federal Government with regards to the upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) which has not been done for over ten years now, and to ensure implementation of same before May 29.

NARD, however, appreciated the Federal Government for the near completion of the payment of 2020 MRTF and the reviewed hazard allowance arrears.

It encouraged the Federal Government to ensure that the few persons yet to be paid were settled immediately. (NAN)

The whistle blowers network protesting against the House of Representatives legislative process on the illegal sales of 48 million barrels of crude oil by the NNPC, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Egbemode, Sani, Soniyi head 3 IPI Nigeria committees

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has inaugurated three standing committees to help drive the organisation’s objective of promoting journalism practice and media freedom in Nigeria.

In particular, a former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and immediate past Osun State Commissioner for Information, Funke Egbemode leads the Fund Raising Committee while Hajia Sani, the Director, Digital Media, Voice of Nigeria (VON) is the chairperson of the Programme Committee; and the Advocacy Committee is headed by IPI Nigeria’s Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi respectively.

Inaugurating the committees, Kadaria Ahmed, a member of the IPI Nigeria’s Board of Trustees (BOT), noted that the challenges ahead of the executive committee are enormous and that it is a right decision to constitute the committees to help drive the organisation’s objectives.

Ahmed, speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the IPI Nigeria Board of Trustees, Kabiru A. Yusuf, pledged the readiness of the BOT to support the executives at all times.

Earlier, the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, explained that the committees were constituted to enhance the work of the organisation, bring in more inclusiveness and more buyin of the work IPI Nigeria does.

According to a statement

issued by IPI Nigeria’s Secretary, Ahmed I. Shekarau, Mojeed appealed to members to pay their membership and annual dues to enable the organisation execute laudable programmes that members would benefit from.

It added that the committees’ chairpersons pledged their readiness to work for IPI Nigeria even as they solicit the support of all members.

Also, an Executive Board member of IPI Global, Raheem Adedoyin, said the inauguration of the committees is one of the best steps taken so far by IPI Nigeria.

He advised IPI Nigeria to continue to engage with the Nigerian authorities in its advocacy programmes, and to avoid unnecessary confrontation

as much as possible. He advised members to to save money, rather than wait for external funding, so as to enable them fund their trips abroad to attend some of the training sessions and congresses of the IPI, adding that they stand to benefit more from such sessions.

“The committees and their memberships are as follows: Fund Raising- Mrs. Funke Egbemode, Chairperson, Mr. Aliu Akoshile, CEO/Editor-inChief, NatureNews 247, Mr. Fred Ohwahwa, Senior Partner, Tokee Consult Limited, Mrs. Victoria Ibanga, Publisher, The Next Edition, Mr. Bashir Adigun, Special Adviser to Kwara State Governor on Political Communication; and Mrs. Rafatu Salami, Assistant Director, Digital

Media, Voice of Nigeria (VON)

“Programming -Hajia Sani, Chairperson, Dr. Elizabeth Ikem, former Provost, Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Mr. Ken Ugbechie, Publisher, Political Economist NG, Hajiya Zainab O. Suleiman, Chairman, Editorial Board, Blueprint; and Ahmed I. Shekarau, Group Executive Director, Media Trust Group.

“Advocacy- Mr. Toby Soniyi, Chairman, Mrs. Catherine Agbo, Deputy Editor, 24th Century Chronicle, Mr. Ukeh Onouha, Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief, The Sun, Mr. Danlami Nmodu, mni, Publisher, Newsdiaryonline; and Dr. Hameed M. Bello, Chief Operating Officer, Peoples Daily”, the statement added.

Insecurity: FG to install baggage scanners in railway stations

By Egena Sunday Ode

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Wednesday, approved a N495 million contract for the procurement and installation of scanners in some railway stations across the country.

This initiative is to minimise the risk of attacks on the country’s railway services.

Recall that the country had recorded fatal train attacks in Kaduna and Edo states in recent times.

Specifically, the baggage scanners will be installed at the railway stations including Kubwa, Idu, Jere, Rigassa, Kaduna and Kano.

Minister of State for Transportation, Ademola Adegoroye, who disclosed this to to newsmen after the week’s Council meeting, presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, also disclosed that the cost of the contract was put at N495 million.

He said the devices were necessary because of the need enhance security of lives and property in the nation’s railway facilities, saying “the scanners cost N495 million.

“The Federal Ministry of Transportation had two memos today, which I presented on behalf of the ministry and it had to do with one, the provision of scanners at all railway stations all over the country.

“You’ll all agree with me that in view of the process of security of lives and property, such equipment has to be installed at our railway stations. Since we’re starting railway revolution, we are trying to put in place a lot of things with the railways. We don’t want people to come and damage all that the government has been trying to put in place in that sector.

“So, today there was a memo before Council for the provision of baggage scanners at railway stations and I’m happy to inform you that the Council agreed with

us and has approved that contract for scanners to be installed at railway stations so that when people get there and have goods, then they can pass through the scanners and they can be sure that there’s nothing that can destroy, that can cause violence or inflict danger or bring lives and property at stake”, he said.

Adegoro further disclosed that the Council approved another memorandum for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), with respect to the provision towing services for the new Lekki Deep Seaport and the Dangote Jetty in Lagos.

According to the Minister, Council approves a ten-year concession to a marine services company to provide towing services at the two locations, in order to ease operations the ports.

“The second one had to do with the provision of towing services. You will recall that the Lekki Deep Seaport was commissioned by the President a couple of months back and so because one of the statutory

responsibilities of the NPA is the provision of marine services, being the regulatory agency in that sector and so because of the new Lekki Deep Support and the Dangote Jetty, the need has arisen for a company that can carry out towing services so that it will make a lot of things easier in the ports, like ship berthing will be easier, discharge of goods and will be a lot easier.

“So the Federal Executive Council also agreed with us and has given a 10 year concession to that company, Messrs Arcuff to carry out two-way services at Lekki Deep Seaport and Dangote Jetty”, the Minister said.

Also, the Council approved a new policy on Agricultural Extension Service, aimed at making the practice of agriculture in the country really technologydriven and aid the drive at food and nutrition security in the country.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar, who

disclosed this during the postFEC, also disclosed that the ministry had recruited more than 100,000 Extension Service Agents in 2022.

The Minister also disclosed, while responding to a question, that there is no food shortage in the country, assuring that the ministry would continue to support the small holder farmers, whom he said produce about 70% of the nation’s food production.

“We presented a memo today on Agricultural Extension Service in the country and the purpose is really to have a good working extension service policy. Of course, you know we do conduct researches and today the age of technology innovations, how do we get this research information to the farmers? It is done through extension service. We have Extension Service agents, which the ministry recruits from time to time. Last year, we recruited way over 100,000 Extension Service agents”, he said

Provost seeks special intervention fund for college

The provost of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos, Dr Chuks Onuoha, on Wednesday appealed to the Federal Government for a special intervention to enhance training in the institution.

Onuoha, who made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said the special intervention would enable the college to acquire a training vessel and other needs for the development of the sub-sector in the country.

The provost said acquiring a training vessel was beyond the budget of the college.

He lauded the government’s support, particularly on workshop and

infrastructure.

“The infrastructure development in the college has been taken to the next level; the complex was donated by the Japanese government through agreement with the Nigerian government to ensure its maintenance.

“Immediately we came on board, we saw the need to expand the infrastructure and the government has been supportive in terms of the necessary funding to enhance the infrastructure facilities, especially in terms of buildings, equipment and workshop.

“Just like Oliver Twist, we will keep on asking for more; we need a training vessel because we spend so much on training of cadets for ship handling and

maneuvering.

“So, if we can have our ship, it will reduce the stress we are having in that regard,” he said.

Onuoha further stated that beside the training vessel, “the institution is requesting for marine simulator both for the engine and the deck, full bridge mission and full engine mission.

“All these are very expensive and not something that the normal budget of an institution can carry.”

Onuoha explained that the college had been contributing immensely to the development of marine and fisheries technologies in the country.

He added that the college was able to develop indigenous technologies needed

to enhance fish production and marine activities.

“The college was established for the advancement of marine and fisheries technologies. Before its establishment, foreigners dominated the marine technology sub-sector, but the college alumni are now gradually replacing the foreigners,” he said.

According to him, the college offers special programmes such as innovation and research development in fisheries and marine to improve on what is currently obtainable in the nation.

“That will add value to the existing technology in terms of feeds for fish and engineering equipment for Marine activities,” he said. (NAN)

Role of Youth, journalists in ensuring smooth electioneering process

By Yusuf Abdulbasit Hozaifah

Youth engagement is very much needed and crucial for a democratic society. Youth appointment on the part of public councils helps young people to be relevant in the decision-making process and also allows them to widen their own experiences.

An election is a legal determination strategy by which a public chooses an individual to hold public office. According to Dye (2001), an election is a primary method for the recruitment of political administration in democratic nations; the key to participation in a democracy; and the way of giving permission to the government.

Sometimes, this approval makes little or no sense because the bourgeois is sure of taking the upper hand either by buying votes or by rigging through the physical snatching of ballot boxes. Thus, one can say that Iyayi (2004) is right in examining that ― democracy (and elections) can be a plus and also a big minus for the common man.

According to Iyayi, this was the case even in the Greek citystate with which the elegant idea of democracy is most nearly associated, (where) just free men could participate in the debates and hence impact the mode of authority of the city. Thus, slaves were not allowed to participate in the debates – as the Greek city was divided between the sovereignty and subjects and freemen and slaves”.

The emergence of contemporary political bourgeois has not changed anything, hence the struggles to redefine the purpose and the process of democracy and elections to date.

Elections tale at the heart of democracy. Proper participation in electoral procedures is therefore a crucial way to secure youth’s inclusion in and contribution to the democratic process. For decades, assuring youth turnout on election day has been a key priority for electoral management bodies (EMBs).

However, there is a need to carry out more elegant multidimensional approaches to engage with youth. The tasks of an EMB include specifying voter eligibility; collecting and verifying the nomination of electoral contestants (including political parties and candidates); conducting the substantial polling; and counting and tabulating the votes. In addition, EMBs may also engage in activities related to voter registration, civic and voter education, and dispute outcome. In this context, EMBs have either a formal or a casual mandate to promote youth participation (International IDEA 2014).

Formally, global responsibilities and commitments or national legislation may entrust EMBs with a duty to ensure equal opportunities for participation in electoral processes. Informally, such responsibilities might bestow on EMBs an implicit role in

removing prevailing barriers to effective youth participation. EMBs’ techniques and treaties may also outline key objectives, programmes and activities as well as stakeholder cooperations, or set out strategies for the promotion of youth participation.

Youth as voters EMBs have traditionally focused on programmes and activities enabling youth to vote in elections. However, civil and voter teaching programmes also increase young people’s responsibility to democratic significances and principles, their interest in political affairs and knowledge of opportunities to engage, and their knowledge of how elections work in practice. The use of language and images that solicit to the youth constituency has been central to this line of work. Civic and education programmes executed by EMBs can take several forms.

Youth engagement is very much needed and crucial for a emocratic society. Youth appointment on the part of public councils helps young people to be relevant in the decision-making process and also allows them to widen their own experiences.

What we need to know about the pertinence of youth participation; To investigate the relevancy of youth participation in politics and power in the society. To find out the challenge of youth participation in politics and authority. To identify the nature and importance of “the not too young to run law”.

The roles and responsibilities of journalists during election times are climacteric. During the electoral campaign, journalists help inform the public so that they can make accountable decisions on Election Day.

It is important that programming is enlightening, and that it seeks to inform the audience about different aspects of the election process. The code of conduct adopted in Togo reminds journalists that it is crucial for “the voter to be well informed to form their own opinion freely and make decisions with full knowledge of the facts” Journalists have a role to play in providing voters with information on the elections and on technical specifics such as how to register for the elections or how to vote on Election Day.

These aspects allow for a more informed population, and also encourage higher voting participation. To enable voters to choose a candidate who represents their interests and viewpoints, journalists should try to provide as much information as possible on the protocols and platforms of the different candidates.

A journalist can present divergent points of view by interviewing the candidates or analysing their speeches, if necessary with an expert encouraging him/her or a representative of Civil Society.

Interactive programme formats will allow listeners to ask specific questions on the candidates’ points. Presenting candidates’ proposed policies will also allow journalists and citizens to monitor the implementation of these promised

policies, once representatives are elected.

To encourage the smooth conduct of an election, the journalist also has to play a role as an election monitor to allow for better transparency in the voting process. On the Election Day, journalists can go to polling stations and watch the numerous steps of the process. In some cases, they will have to obtain accreditation from the Electoral Commission before being licensed to report on the polling station.

They will then be able to report to their listeners or to voters on the process and announce any infringements or violations in the rules that may have been committed. The journalist will have to ask the following questions: What time did the polling station open? Were viewers there at the opening? Did we verify that the ballot boxes were empty? What were the security conditions? Were people able to vote freely without pressure or threats? Were all the ballots included and accounted for?

Regarding the announcement of the results, a particular stage that is often a source of conflict between the different parties, the journalist must pay close attention to the activities of the actors in charge of counting the ballots, particularly the Electoral Commission, who is usually in charge of this stage. Journalists should respect the Electoral Commission’s regulations while monitoring these activities. In most situations, before the closing of the last polling station at the national level, no partial or definite result can be released to the public, as this honour is usually reserved for the Electoral Commission, who is responsible for overseeing the vote tally.

A journalist giving a credible coverage of the elections has to respect this rule, as it applies to all. In fact, rating early results before the end of the vote could influence individuals who have not yet voted. Moreover, an early announcement of unverified results can create unnecessary trouble among the supporters of different candidates. Once all the polling stations are closed and until the official proclamation of the results by the Electoral Commission, the journalists must indicate precisely the source of all the numbers relating to the vote which they release.

They also have to mention every time their one-sided and provisory/temporary character. In all cases, journalists must succumb with the press rules set up for the election period by the press regulation bodies of their country. However, the role of the journalist does not end with the casting of votes. When the election is totally over and the counting starts, journalists must ensure the monitoring of the strategies of the Electoral Commission, and the promptness of the processing and dissemination of the provisional results.

Africa in emerging multipolar world

By Chubado Adama

The second edition of the summit for democracy recently took place simultaneously across five nations of the world between March 29-31 this year.The United States, Costa Rica, the Netherlands , Korea , and the Zambia co-hosted the event at a time when democracy is said to be under threat in Africa with increasing poverty that is fuelling political instability on the continent. The summit provided an opportunity for political stakeholders to brainstorm on democracy and how it can work for all citizens.

Africa’s partnerships with external partners and global actors were reportedly said to have steadily improved in the last decades . However many analysts argued that the relationships are framed from a donor-recipient relationship which is unhealthy as they seek to objectify the continent as such.The summit urged African countries to rethink its framework on multilateralism

(the process of organizing relationships between groups or more states , serving to bind powerful nations, discourage unilateralism, and give small powers a voice and influence that they could not otherwise exercise) and come out with clear agenda for its partnership with global players that will capture the priorities of its citizens.

Indeed in recent years the development in Africa has attracted increasing interest in Europe and international organizations. But among large-scale projects and competition for natural resources, some western countries and the US often offer assistance while interfering in the internal affairs of African states .

This is primarily due to the attempts to gain monopoly control over natural resource deposits on the continent which in some cases lead to conflict. Contradictions also arise between partner countries, primarily the US, Germany, Britain and France against the background of their competition for spheres of influence and access to

natural resources in Africa.

It was observed at the summit that African countries need to strengthen the role of regional organizations such as African Union, AU , Economic Community of west African States , ECOWAS, and South African development community, SADC. At the same time, the European Union, EU, and countries, led by the US should not impose their way of life and values on those states that do not want it.

There is a growing consensus among African leaders that countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Russia are opposed to neo-colonial ideology and together they form the world’s majority. At the same it is believed that the current focus on multipolarity ( the geopolitical situation that arises when several power centers balance each other out) and cooperation with Russia can provide a healthy alternative for African states including Nigeria to raise their economies to a new level. This can happen when independent governments aim at strengthening the sovereignty of their countries and the wellbeing of their peoples.

Despite the efforts of EU member states, the US, Germany, France and Britain to provide aid to African countries, Russia, given the history of Africa’s cooperation with the old Soviet Union is reportedly very comprehensive in its approach to solving problems to achieve results without shortchanging her partners. For instance the goal of African governments is to ensure the good health of their citizens by fighting against various diseases.

However some experts point out that American organizations such as USAID is not using their funds effectively to prevent health problems on the continent. But mainly use them to further their political and economic goals without offering practical efforts to combat the health problems in Africa. In such a situation critical observers say Russia could act as a partner in the field of pharmaceutical for African countries given its significant scientific and technological achievements which have been

demonstrated in the fight against diseases such as the Ebola virus and covid-19.

It is in this light that policy makers on the continent believe that Nigeria leading others need to strengthen and deepen Russian-African cooperation in various fields on bilateral and multilateral basis, primarily within the frame work of African Union, AU, and the Russia-Africa partnership forum.

Russia reportedly intends to support the independence of states through assistance in the areas of security, including food and energy security , and military- technical cooperation . Observers affirmed that cooperation between African countries and Russia could also accelerate the development of mining and use of minerals which is an important source of income for African countries.

Annual reports of NGO’S in African countries have documented unfair business practices by the countries of the EU, the US and China , including disputes over wages and contracts. Equally disputes over transparency and limited efforts to ensure animal and the environmental protection are recorded mainly in the metallurgical industries.

By intensifying the economic cooperation between Africa countries, including Nigeria as an economic leader , with the BRICS ( Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa ) , SCO(Shanghai Cooperation Organization ) and EAEU(Eurasian Economic Union ) , could create opportunities for development and solving some socioeconomic problems on the continent.

With a population of about 1.5 billion people and almost a third of the world’s mineral resources, Africa is on the verge of becoming one of the leaders of the emerging multipolar world order defined by strong, independent and democratic multilateral institutions that would capture the priorities of their democracy.

Chubado Adama writes from Kaduna

Yusuf Abdulbasit Hozaifah is a Public Policy Analyst.

Scourge of conflicts and rights abuses continue affecting Sub-Saharan Africa

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

Overa year, the Russia-Ukraine crisis has complicated the unbearable economic conditions for majority of the 1.3 billion population in Africa. The impoverished population and marginalized groups continue suffering from rising prices of commodities, the future still looks uncertain as African leaders attempt to contain the growing negative sentiments and to find suitable solutions for stabilizing somehow the economy.

Amnesty International says in a report that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 generated a global energy and food crisis, which hit Africa hard, and sought to further disrupt weak multilateral and regional systems meant to protect human rights on the continent. It also laid bare the inconsistent responses to crises around the world.”

It further says that while Western states as well as some African states reacted forcefully to the Kremlin’s aggression in Ukraine, they were muted in response to grave violations being committed in African countries including Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Mali and Mozambique.

In the assessment report, the recovery efforts from the Covid-19 pandemic were hindered by conflicts, economic shocks arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and extreme weather conditions, exacerbated by climate change. Consequently, the rights of millions of people to food, health and an adequate standard of living were seriously undermined across the African continent.

The report also highlights the failure of global and regional institutions, including the UN Security Council and African Union, to respond adequately to crimes committed under international law in countries like China, Myanmar and Yemen, as well as on the African continent, including in Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and South Sudan.

“While the international community’s attention shifted to Ukraine, Africa continued to suffer from the scourge of conflict, which continued to cause suffering and mass displacements of people in countries such as Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Mali, Mozambique and South Sudan,” said Samira Daoud, Amnesty International’s Director for West and Central Africa.

According to Samira Daoud, “Africa was already facing a long, slow recovery from Covid-19 but the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine has resulted in a spike in global oil prices, which has driven the cost of commodities higher, making it difficult for ordinary people to afford food and basic necessities. Many people are barely surviving in fragile economies such as Zimbabwe, Liberia and South Sudan and this has compromised people’s socio-economic rights.”

It allegedly explained that shameless failure of leadership paves way for further abuses. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine triggered one of Europe’s worst humanitarian and human rights emergencies in recent history, exposing what has been a reality for many in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Mozambique, and the Sahel, and the terrible failure of leadership to resolve these conflicts.

Despite widespread conflict across West, Central, East and Southern Africa, limited progress was made towards ensuring victims’ rights to truth, justice, reparation and accountability for

grave violations and abuses of human rights that may amount to crimes under international law.

At least in 2022, the African Union celebrated the 20th anniversary of its founding and establishment. It was a year in which the continental body was expected to double down on its responses to crises and the fight against impunity; to rededicate itself to its ambitious goal of ‘silencing the guns’ and ridding the continent of the scourge of conflict by 2030. Instead, the African Union’s response to grave violations and abuses of human rights committed in conflicts across the region was either absent or timid at best.

It cited example in South Sudan, victims of crimes under international law continued to wait, for the seventh year in a row, for the African Union to decisively act and establish the Hybrid Court for South Sudan. 2022 marked seven years since a peace agreement mandated the African Union to establish the Hybrid Court for South Sudan and nine years since the country descended into conflict.

In the case of Ethiopia, the African Union successfully mediated the signing of a peace agreement in response to the two-year brutal conflict in the northern region. However, it remained eerily silent as the Ethiopian government continued to discredit and deny access to the African Commission on Human and People’’ Rights Commission of Inquiry on the Situation in the Tigray Region. At the same time, the peace agreement mediated by the African Union overlooked rampant impunity in the country and failed to offer a clear roadmap on how to ensure accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

While the African Union mediation efforts resulted in cessation of hostilities agreements in countries such as Ethiopia, many other conflicts continued largely unabated. Emboldened by a lack of attention or decisive action from the African Union and the United Nations, armed groups and government forces alike continued to target civilians in conflicts around the continent, leaving a trail of death and destruction.

In the French-speaking west Africa, Burkina Faso armed groups, the Islamic State in the Sahel (ISS) and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), targeted towns and cities, killing people in attacks and violating humanitarian law. In Djibo town, more than 300,000 residents were affected when GSIM destroyed water infrastructure. At least 80 people, mostly civilians, were killed when ISS fighters attacked Seytenga town in June 2022, reportedly going from house to house killing men.

In the French-speaking west African republic of Mali, members of the GSIM attacked three villages in Bankass Cercle, killing at least 130 people in May 2022. In Moura town, several dozen people were summarily executed by Malian soldiers and their allies in March. The same forces killed 50 civilians in Hombori in April 2022.

Similarly in central African recion, Cameroon has suffered from armed separatist groups in the Northwest and Southwest regions as these groups targeted people, healthcare facilities and schools. Armed groups in the Far North region similarly raided villages, killing and abducting dozens of civilians. In the Central African Republic, at least 100 civilians were killed by armed groups and government forces between February and March 2022.

Attacks on civilians also intensified in eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where armed groups killed more than 1,800 civilians. In Nord-Kivu, fighting between

Avoiding the Rwandan roulette

By Ike Willie-Nwobu

The UN remembers one of the bloodiest spots on humanity’s page in modern history as a way to ensure that it does not happen again. It is important for countries to always remember the cost of ethnic aggravation. African countries especially have to watch it.

On April 7,the United Nations observes the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

The lessons from the genocide remain that ethnicity and hate should never be allowed to dictate national discourse.

As tension boiled over after the declaration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s president-elect, and the subsequent battle for the Lagos State governorship, Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson to the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council(APC-PCC) said he was a Yoruba man before a Nigerian, in one of his tweets.

If it was something said in the heat of passion, people say much worse when they are angry, he was not alone in making such ethnically charged comments in recent times. But such seemingly innocuous and obvious statements can kindle the tinderbox that is Nigeria’s overrated diversity.

Even leaving the likes of Onanuga aside, a country of at least 500 different ethnic groups was always going to struggle. Experience has shown that in multiethnic resource-rich states like Nigeria, when key players in the politics of patronage get backed into a corner, they weaponize ethnicity, often turning their brothers into the butchers of other people. The lessons have a painful provenance.

Within 100 days in 1994,800,000 people were killed in

Rwanda when ethnic irredentists of the majority Hutu ethnic group proceeded on a slaughter fest against the minority Tutsis. The world watched for over three months as people who had lived as one in one of Africa’s most aesthetically pleasing countries became killer strangers overnight.

The UN remembers one of the bloodiest spots on humanity’s page in modern history as a way to ensure that it does not happen again. It is important for countries to always remember the cost of ethnic aggravation. African countries especially have to watch it.

As does Nigeria. Those who make decisions for Nigeria need to consciously favour inclusion and avoid the exclusion that breeds bitterness and violence.

The elections of February 25 and March 18 showed a country horribly divided along dangerous ethnic. Voters in key parts of the country and states were only able to see as far as the candidates that represented their ethnic groups, and no more.

Competence, character, and compassion were cast aside as ethnic rhetoricians and their theories became dominant. In the near future, when, not if, bad governance sets in, those whose choices were crafted only by their narrow consideration are predicted to complain the loudest.

As learnt from the Rwandan Genocide, ethnicism presents a clear and present danger to Nigeria with its multiple ethnic groups and religions, which often support ethnic militias in their campaigns of hate and violence. Even the terrorists terrorizing the North have been shown to subscribe to the Hausa versus Fulani division. In the Southeast, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement describes its mission in unabashedly ethnic terms.

the Congolese army and M23 rebels forced more than 200,000 people to flee their homes. Data collected by the UN showed that at least 250 internally displaced people were killed during the year as a result of deliberate attacks against their camps in the east, with 180 killed in Ituri alone.

In Mozambique, an armed group calling itself Al-Shabaab committed war crimes by beheading civilians, abducting women and girls, and looting and burning villages in the north of the country. On 21 May 2022, they attacked Chicomo, Nguida and Nova Zambezia villages in Macomia district and burned houses, ransacked crops, beheaded 10 people and abducted women and girls.

“Longstanding impunity for human rights violations from Burkina Faso to Central African Republic, Ethiopia to Sudan and Mozambique to Cameroon has added fuel to the fire of conflicts and human rights violations in Africa. Both state and non-state actors cannot continue to violate human rights and international humanitarian law with impunity. There must be consequences for human rights violations,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa.

“Parties to armed conflicts must protect civilians by ending deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, and indiscriminate attacks. They must also facilitate the safe and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for populations at risk,” stressed Tigere Chagutah in the report.

The report made reference to ruthless repression of dissent across the world. It clearly explained that authorities across the world deployed various tactics to silence peaceful dissent. In Africa, journalists, human rights defenders and political opposition also faced repression including in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Guinea, Mali, Mozambique, Senegal and Zimbabwe.

Crackdowns on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly intensified as authorities used national security or Covid-19 as a pretext to ban, suppress or violently disperse protests. In Guinea, judicial proceedings have been launched against activists for protesting against transitional authorities, which have imposed a total ban on demonstrations since May.

The deaths of scores of protesters were reported and attributed to excessive use of force by security forces in Chad, DRC, Guinea, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Sudan, among other countries.

In many countries, political opponents, activists, bloggers, journalists and human rights defenders were or remained arbitrarily detained in 2022 simply for exercising their freedom of expression. In Cameroon, more than 100 people from the Anglophone regions or supporters of the main opposition party are detained for expressing their opinion.

In Zimbabwe, senior opposition leader Job Sikhala remains in detention after he was arrested in June 2022, even though he has not been convicted of any crime. Media outlets were suspended or subjected to heavy fines, including in Mali, Togo and Senegal for disseminating or publishing information critical of the regimes. Further in the report indicated that technology was weaponized against many, to silence, prevent public assembly or disinform. In response to growing threats to the right to protest, Amnesty International launched a global campaign in 2022 to confront states’ intensifying efforts to erode the fundamental right to freedom of peaceful assembly.

By assault our dignity, equality and freedom.

Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

is

an Int’l Affiants Analyst.

Some unscrupulous Nigerian politicians have also made a political career out of stoking ethnic tension in Nigeria. When they go on the campaign trail they are content to remind people of their ethnicities, whip up hate and manipulate voters.

It takes very little time for ethnic tension to turn deadly as played out in Rwanda. In 100 days that seemed like an eternity, almost all the members of the Tutsi ethnic group were eliminated by militia from the Hutu ethnic group.

Despite their different ethnicities, those who killed others during the genocide did not become killers overnight. For months, they were peppered with ethnic rhetoric until the dam of ethnic-hate broke open within them, consuming what was left of their humanity.

Rwandan may have miraculously recovered from the genocide and impressively rebuilt the country, but the scars from a historic tragedy remain and continue to bite the psyche of a country that has become synonymous with ethnic hatred.

In recent times, Nigeria’s staggering diversity has become a rod with which to beat it. A lot of this has to do with the fact that the country has not been able to properly harness the dividends of its diversity. This has to change.

Nigeria cannot meet its aspirations to be a developed country if there is no unity of purpose between the different ethnic groups which make up the country.

Managing its multiple ethnicities better will be key if Nigeria is to snap out of the development fuss that currently plagues it. To do that successfully, Nigerian leaders across all divides must be able to preach unity and inspire equanimity despite the clear differences obvious in a multiethnic country.

Ike Willie-Nwobu, Coordinator/President International Federation on Ageing-Nigeria (IFAN)

NGO calls for collaboration to defeat sexual offences

ANon-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Mirabel Centre, has called on Nigerians to join hands to end sexual violence.

In a statement issued in Ikeja on Monday, the NGO urged Nigerians to support survivors by creating a safe and inclusive environment for them to speak out, so that the atrocious crime could be defeated.

It stated that one in every three women had experienced some sort of sexual assault or the other in their lifetime.

“Someone we know, love or work with could be a survivor.

“Rape or sexual assault affects the victims physically, emotionally, mentally and socially, it can be shattering, leaving survivors being scared, ashamed, and alone or plagued by nightmare, flashbacks, and other unpleasant memories.”

According to the statement, Mirabel Centre is Nigeria’s first Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), which provides support services for survivors of sexual assault.

“We provide direct free forensic medical care, legal and psycho-social support for men, women and children, who have either recently or in the past experienced rape or sexual assault.

“In nine years of operations, we have provided direct support for no less than 8,000 survivors, who have gone through the trauma of sexual assault.

“The youngest survivor was a three-month-old baby and the oldest, an 82-yearold woman.

“We look forward to providing help for more survivors,” the statement stated.

The centre appealed to people to stop blaming victims, but to support, encourage and make them realise they are not alone.

The NGO stated that a concerned citizen could report on behalf of a person being sexually abused, so they could rescue the person.

It said that anyone sexually abused should access help on time by going to its centre located inside Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja. (NAN)

Healthcare providers tasked on prompt actions for patients

By Stanley Onyekwere

In order to ensure inclusive healthcare delivery, healthcare service providers are enjoined to ensure prompt health actions for patients under the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS). The FCT Secretary Health

and Human Service Secretariat

Dr. Abubakar Tafida emphasised on the need to improve citizens confidence in the health insurance system.

Tafida gave the charge, while speaking at a 2day capacity building workshop on the goals of FHIS and Health reportage.

According to him, the

leadership is primarily a necessity to achieve the pillars of health care financing by taking into account strategies that will increase enrollment into the FCT health insurance scheme.

He further explained that the channels needed to take the message of health insurance to residents of Abuja should be prioritise so as to

meet the objectives of the Universal Health Coverage and reduce out of pocket expenditure, which has been a major constraint for those living in under-served communities of Abuja.

Tafida said the FCT Administration will continue to ensure resource management for improve living standards.

Gov. Lalong, Tallen honour late Air Force spokesman

Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau State, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, on Tuesday extolled the virtues of the late former spokesperson of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Wapkerem Maigida.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the late senior officer reportedly slumped and passed on in Abuja on April 2 at the age of 49.

Maigida was the immediate past Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF and Director of Civil Military Affair before his demise.

Gov. Lalong described late Megida as a humble, industrious and humane person who rose through the ranks to the rank if air commodore (equivalent of Brigadier General in the army) until his demise.

He said the death of Maigida was not only a loss to his family and Plateau Sate but also a loss to

Nigeria and the air force.

The governor, who is also a cousin of the late officer, promised to ensure that his activities and ambition are not abandoned.

“His ambition was to reach the peak because as every officer you want to get to peak of the profession, but unfortunately God could say no, this is where you stop.

“But in respect to the church, if you go to the church in my village, he was very active in raising the church. We raised the church and almost completed it and now what I can do is to help them because in his memory a lot of things will be done in the church.

“For the children, as usual, I lost one major, one that is very close to him, my younger brother, I thought that he was going to fill in the gap and he was already filling in the gap and we lost to him again.

“We will do our best to educate them and I thank God that one is

already taken by the Air Force.

“I will guide his career by God’s grace, and I will do my best to support them,” he said.

Also, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, described Maigida’s demise as a mystery and like “a bad dream”, saying that the will of God must be accepted.

Tallen said Maiguda was a gentleman to the core, God fearing and a man of few words.

“I am calling on everybody here, particularly the chief of Air Staff and all his military friends to remember the family he has left behind.

“I pray that the air force will stand by his family to support this young children to grow, particularly his last son who is already wishing to be a pilot too.

“I wiII thank you all for the solidarity, the support, the love and all the kind words poured on him. May the good Lord console

all of us,” she said.

The Director of Chaplaincy, Roman Catholic, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Philip Bako, admonished all to live their lives ready, adding that death could come at anytime chosen by God.

Bako, a Reverend Father, narrated how the late officer spent his last hours serving God, adding that he attended station of the cross twice.

“It was during Lent, he attended mass twice, and in each one he received Holy Communion and after that, he came for confession and the following day on Sunday, he celebrated his wife, and after that he died.

“This should be a lesson to us that our life is not our own. Our life belongs to who gave it to us and when he comes asking for it in submission and in obedience, we should just hand over and pray for the mercy of God,” he said. (NAN)

L-R: Speakership Aspirant, Hon. Miriam Onuoha; members house of Reps, Hon. Emeka Chinedu; Hon. Sa’ad Abdulkadir, during the Official declaration by Hon. Miriam Onuoha to contest for the position of Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Senator Nnamani mourns Mbadinuju, says he was a fine gentleman

By Musa Baba Adamu

Former Governor of Enugu state , Senator Chimaroke Nnamani has expressed sadness over the demise of former Anambra State Governor, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju.

The death of the former Anambra state Governor was announced by his family on Tuesday in Abuja. He passed on at the National Hospital, Abuja at the age of 78.

Mbadinuju served as Governor of Anambra state for one-term from 1999 to 2003.

According to Nnamani , Odera as he was fondly called was a good political leader who was passionate about the security and welfare of his People even at a very turbulent time in the state.

He said “Mbadinuju was a gentleman who was mindful of his primary responsibility of providing good governance to his people. We shall miss his humour, wise counsel and leadership.”

Senator Nnamani commiserate with the government and people of Anambra State pointing out Odera left a legacy of selfless service to his people.

He prayed that Almighty God grants him eternal rest just he prayed that the creator gives the immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Senator Chimaroke Nnamani MD, FACOG Chairman, Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa/NEPAD.

Bauchi APC Youth Progressive Movement group cautions Tinubu against sycophants

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Concerned

All Progressive Congress (APC) Youth Progressive Movement in Bauchi State has cautioned the President elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take caution over the activities of those they described as sycophants in the party, warning that they are out to undermine his government.

In a statement issued yesterday by the National Cordinator of the group, Abdullahi Dauda Little, and copied to the APC Deputy National Chairman (North), National Secretary and Vice Chairman, North East, the group reminded Tinubu that his greatest challenge in his journey to presidency was not from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or the Labour Party, but from within the APC.

A protest letter by the group said “Individuals in high office used

their offices to undermine our party using all kinds of methods. First they tried to stop you from contesting by claiming that there was a consensus candidate, when that failed they developed other strategies including deceiving President Muhammadu Buhari, into signing a policy which caused fuel scarcity and imposed a harsh economic policy under the guise of the cashless economy on Nigerians.

“Nigerians almost punished our party for this during the last election but most Nigerians saw through this plan that the policies were targeted at destroying our party’s chances of retaining power but thank God your doggedness together with the support of loyal party members and Nigerians you are president-elect for all Nigerians”.

To this end, the All Progressive Congress (APC) Youth Progressive

Movement drew Tinubu’s attention to anti-party activities of individuals he trusted to mobilize the party to victory.

“We hereby bring to your attention the activities of three leaders, including Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, a former Deputy Governor of our State, Hon Nura Manu Soro and the party Chairman.

“Each of these four men for reasons best known to them betrayed the party, your trust and the aspirations of our governorship candidate Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar.

“The people of Bauchi had looked forward to the return of the APC administration but these leaders through their actions and inactions dashed their hopes through various acts of sabotage.

“They refused to campaign for

the party either in secret or in the open, those who you entrusted with party logistics failed to deploy them for mobilization this led to a lot of handicap for our members”, the group said.

They also advised Tinubu to look closely at those who want to come close to his government to promote anti-people policies to destroy his administration’s plan for a better Nigeria.

While appealing to the President elect to shun those who will advise him to do things that will only benefit them and increase the suffering of Nigerians, they encouraged him to ensure that the party for which he is the undisputed leader, takes actions against all those involved in sabotaging the party during the last elections, to encourage loyal party members to remain loyal to the party at all times.

A cross section of participants at a training programme on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on tyres organised by Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria held at Arts and Culture Centre, recently in Abuja

Reserve Speakership position for female lawmakers - Aspirant tell APC, Tinubu

By Christiana Ekpa

The first female contestant for the Speakership position of the 10th House of Representatives, Hon Miriam Onuoha, has asked the Federal Government and her Party, All Progressive Congress (APC) to reserve the Speakership seat for women in parliament which she said it is inline with the goals of the UN’S 35% affirmative action for women.

The Imo State Politician, Hon. Onuoha, equally appealed to her Male contestants to step down for her in the spirit of equity and justices, stressing that over 55 percent of valid votes casts during the 2023 elections were from women.

Hon Miriam Onuoha, who

disclosed this while formally declaring her intention to run for the 10th Assembly Speakership position on Wednesday in Abuja said, a nationalist and a dynamic team player to stem the tide of the dwindling economy is muchneeded to provide dividends to Nigerians.

She said “The 10th Assembly promises to be a watershed of some sort for Nigeria’s fledgling democracy.

A nationalist and a dynamic team player to stem the tide of our dwindling economy and the much-needed dividends to Nigerians. A service driven leader who understands citizen’s consideration and participation is what Nigeria truly needs”.

According to her, “the emergency of the dwindling

number of women in parliament calls for a deliberate action, an action that will bridge the gender gap, an action that is a call for the leadership of the National Assembly to embrace the stance for a woman of competence and experience.

“On the threshold of service, natural cohesion, effective and cutting edge legislative engagement with the executive, and the view to proffer microeconomic solutions to the nation’s economic health, as well as dealing with other social challenges. I confidently humbly seek the support of my fellow members elect and the prayer of the generality of my Nigerian people, for the office of the speaker in the 10th Assembly.

“My emergence will create opportunities for NASS-

stakeholders engagement to provide access for public participation in the law making.

“I honorably call for my fellow contestants to support me, a woman with competence, integrity, vision driven mission and a true display of diversity as well as inclusive leadership centered on equity. No doubt our PresidentElect His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a he-for-she who has always empowered women in all spheres of life, having picked a woman as his running mate as the governor of Lagos state and also supported his amiable wife to become a senator in the parliament in line with the goals of the UN’S 35% affirmative action for women.

“To this effect, my election as the Speaker House of Representatives will therefore

afford Nigeria the rare opportunity of killing the two ubiquitous birds of gender balancing and youth inclusiveness in its political/ leadership landscape, with one stone. Truthfully, I Princess Miriam amply represents the twin engine essence of Nigeria’s youth and female status quo whom the circumstances of our political exigencies have made an endangered and vulnerable species.

“Again the issues of regional balancing in the Nation’s leadership equation is also another veritable national challenge that my election to the speakership of the House of Representatives will address and resolve simultaneously in the interest of National Unity, Peace and inclusion.”

Kano: Nine NNPP House of Assembly candidates drag APC, INEC to court

By Christiana Ekpa

Nine candidates that contested in the just concluded House of Assembly elections on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have challenged their arch-rival the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in court.

The NNPP candidates have filed their petitions before the Kano Governorship, National and state House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting at Miller road court complex.

The petitioners have also prayed the tribunal to grant their request for a motion ex parte.

The applicants have asked the court for a motion ex parte allowing them to inspect the materials used by INEC during the conduct of the state House of Assembly election, held on March 18 2023.

Their request also borders on seeking the permission of the court to proceed with the fulfilment of all necessary court processes in relation to pursuing their matter.

Furthermore, the NNPP stalwarts are in court to challenge issues they foresee to be in violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

The NNPP candidates who have ignited the court case against INEC and APC are Aminu Saidu Ungogo, Isiyiaku Ali Danja, Abdullahi Ali Wudil Manager, Kabiru Getso Haruna, Mahmud Tajo Gaya, Abdullahi Iliyasu, Musa Adamu Ahmad, Aminu Ibrahim Dambatta, Abdu Ibrahim Madaris.

Seek legal redress in Courts for perceived electoral malpractice, not interim govt -ANA

By Musa Baba Adamu

Arewa New Agenda (ANA) yesterday called on politicians to seek redress in court if they have any misgiving against the 2023 general election, rather than seeking to thwart the outcome of the electoral process through military coup or interim government.

The Convener of ANA, Senator Ahmad Abubakar MoAllahyidi, who said this while addressing journalists on Wednesday, therefore warned against the alleged plot to install an interim government in the country.

He said that the last Presidential election was peaceful and a candidate was declared winner, hence there is no need for the call to install an interim national government.

According to him, “ANA is concerned that at this critical

period the nation needs healing, more social cohesion, social reengineering and reconciliation to get back to normality, some elements are allegedly setting up roadblocks to unity and peaceful coexistence.

“We may recall that on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, the Directorate of State Security Service (DSS) issued a statement that it had identified “some key players” involved in an alleged plot for an interim government in Nigeria.

“According to the security agency, the alleged plotters plan to sponsor series of “violent” protests and obtain “frivolous court injunctions” to truncate the swearing in of new governments at federal and state levels.

“We may recall that Nigeria in 1993 was subjected to an interim national government that lasted for a couple of months of high tension and uncertainty. Thirty years on,

talks of interim government are raring their head again for no good reasons.

“For no good reasons because happenings and the situation of 1993 that led to the interim government then are completely different from the nation’s situation and happenings in 2023″, he said.

He further stated that the election in 1993 was declared inconclusive by the electoral body that conducted the election.

While the 2023 presidential election has produced a winner of the election and INEC the electoral body that conducted the election has declared and even issued a certificate of return to the declared winner, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Where then is the place for an interim government? The only option left for anyone aggrieved by the result of the election is to go to court – a remedy aggrieved parties

are already resorting to. Where then does interim government comes in?

“The 2023 presidential election was not characterized by violence and malpractices that would warrant calling for coup or interim government”, he added.

“Any flaw of the election is one capable of legal redress in our courts and this is where aggrieved parties should channel their grievances instead of raising national tensions with talks of coup and interim government.

“This is one election since 2011, in which there was least violence, killing and arson. The outcome of the election is largely a reflection of the popular will of Nigerian electorates”, MoAllahyidi said.

He said that ANA is constrained to say that some people are bad losers. He said for such people, wherever they lost, the election was rigged, but wherever they won, it was free and fair.

The National Chaplain Roman Catholic of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Rev. Fr. Victor Nyoroh (middle) with members of the Compassionate family presenting items to the inmates of the Dukpa Custodian farm center, during the Chaplaincy in collaboration with the Compassionate family Feeding the Prisoners visit to the Dukpa correctional service center as part of Easter celebration reach out, held yesterday in Gwagwala Abuja.

APC State Assembly Forum backs Northwest Senate President, Southeast Speaker

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

As aspirants intensify lobbying for leadership positions in the upcoming 10th Assembly, the APC State Assembly Forum (ASAF) has advised President Mohammadu Buhari, the president - elect, Bola Tinibu and the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) t to maintain equity justice and inclusiveness as the guide while zoning the offices in the heart interest of the party.

ASAF in a letter addressed to the national chairman of APC, senator Abdulahi Adamu, urged the party’s leadership to balance the lopsidedness in the senate leadership by zoning the presidency to the North West, arguing that the zone still remains one of the few zones that have not produced the senate president of the country since the return to democracy in 1999.

Hr added that the North West should also be appreciated and encouraged to strengthen its sure political base for the APC and continue booster votes from the zone as well as a parting shot to our outgoing amiable President Muhammadu Buhari in appreciation of his immense service to the party since inception.

The Forum in it’s letter which was signed by the Director General, Fubara Dagogo, also advocated that the Speaker of the House of Representatives be zoned to the South east, while the South South should retain the office of Deputy Senate President.

Dagogo also urged the APC leadership to consider to consider the South east for senate Majority Leader, while the North Central zone should be given the House majority Leader.

ASAF noted that the Forum comprises of all elected and serving state assembly members under the

platform of the All Progressives Congress in all the states of the Nigerian federation, adding that it provides a common platform for all APC Lawmakers at the state assembly level to pool resources together, share knowledge and experience in a peer review approach towards the promotion of the progressive ideology of APC, for the purpose of bringing visible good governance to every nook and cranny of our dear nation.

The letter read in parts, “this noble undertaken put in motion by some key party stakeholders across the country over five years ago has resulted in a quiet but robust effective rapprochement and solidarity among elected APC members of State Houses of Assembly with APC representation.

“This resultant bond was productively deployed in all 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria in the largely concluded 2023 general elections; the outcome of

which is already widely known.

“In a special consultative session in Abuja on Tuesday 11th April 2023; a session convened to among other things, to plan for the upcoming induction of the newly elected APC State Assembly members into the forum in a ceremony to be unveiled soon, we took leave to delve into the topical issue of the leadership of the 10th National Assembly under the majority party APC.

“We noted the feverish interest it has generated in the party and the polity. And our deep concern draws from past experiences especially witnessed in the choosing of the leadership of the 8th National Assembly in 2015.To this end, we resolved to communicate our considered position openly to the National Leadership of our great party through the National Leader of the party and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; President Muhammadu Buhari,

the President - elect; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman; Sen. Abdullahi Adamu as well as the teeming membership and stakeholders of the party at home and in the diaspora.

“In the light of the above considerations and after due consultations with the entire membership of the forum, we have hereby projected a zoning formula for further consideration and adoption as an official template for the party in this instance towards ensuring strict adherence to party cohesion, equity, fairness, justice and national unity.

“Having occupied the position of the Senate President severally in this fourth republic, a Speaker from the South East will provide a soothing balm to our distressed members from the zone and will serve to encourage them in their efforts to grow the party with renewed vigour in the zone for future victory at the polls.”

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Adeleke calls for unity as PDP holds guber primaries in Bayelsa

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) electoral committee for the gubernatorial primary in Bayelsa State, Gov. Ademola Adeleke, has called for the unity of purpose in the party after the conduct of the exercise.

Adeleke led other committee members to the Dr Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, where the exercise will hold on Wednesday.

He expressed optimism that the party stands undefeated in the state if united after the primary election that will produce the flag bearer, adding that the task of retaining power in the state will depend on their unity.

He said, “Our task today is the all-important delegate election of the party. We are here as a committee to ensure free and fair elections for the interest of the party.

“I call for unity. That is why we have to be more united even after the primaries; we must unite to ensure the victory of the PDP in the general election. We must work to ensure the governor retains his seat.

“We must abide by the constitution of the party as we go into the elections.”

According to the Senatorelect, Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Chief Benson Agadaga, the process is a new record in the history of the PDP family in the state where a sole candidate will emerge for party primaries in the state.

He maintained that it is unprecedented and will further cement the love and unity in the party as they prepare for the November 11 general elections in the state while attributing the progress and oneness in the party to the developmental strides of Gov. Duoye Diri’s leadership style.

Declare Kano governorship election inconclusive – APC tells tribunal

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the Kano Governorship Election Petition Tribunal to declare the March 18 election in the state inconclusive.

The party is challenging the declaration of Alhaji Abba KabirYusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) as the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Recall that Kabir-Yusuf of NNPP polled 1,019,602 votes to defeat his rival, the incumbent Deputy Governor of the state,

Dr Nasiru Gawuna, of APC, who scored 892,705 votes.

In a five-volume petition filed on April 9, the APC alleged that Kabir-Yusuf of NNPP was not qualified to contest the election on the grounds that his name was not on the list of members of NNPP sent to INEC.

The respondents in the petition are NNPP, Kabir-Yusuf and INEC.

The APC alleged that NNPP did not win the election with the majority of lawful votes, arguing that some of the votes cast were invalid and, if removed from the

scores, APC would have the highest number of votes cast.

APC alleged that the Kano Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) was wrong for declaring Kabir-Yusuf the winner, adding that the margin of lead was not higher than the votes cancelled.

The party prayed the tribunal to declare that NNPP had no candidate and Kabir-Yusuf ‘s name was not in the register of voters submitted to INEC at the time of the election.

The APC prayed the tribunal to declare its candidate, Dr Nasiru Gawuna, winner of the election.

The party similarly prayed the tribunal in the alternative to declare the election as inconclusive, alleging that the margin of lead was not more than the votes cancelled.

Meanwhile, the Kano APC Legal adviser, Malam Abdul Adamu-Fagge, told NAN that the court had granted an ex-parte motion to inspect the governorship election materials in all the 44 local governments of the state.

NAN reports that the APC gubernatorial candidate Gawuna was not joined in the petition. (NAN)

Wike drove Peter Obi from PDP – Dino Melaye

By Christiana Ekpa

The spokesperson of the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Council, Dino Melaye, has singled out Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike as the reason for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s defeat at the last presidential poll.

He said Wike was also responsible for the decamping of the Labour Party’s candidate,

Peter Obi, from the PDP to the party weeks before the primary election.

Melaye, a PDP governorship aspirant in Kogi State, stated this while speaking on a TV programme.

Recall that Wike has said he won’t support PDP in the forthcoming Kogi State governorship poll if the party fields Melaye as its candidate.

But the former Kogi West

Senator said Wike has never supported PDP, adding that he supported Governor Yahaya Bello’s candidate against the party’s candidate in the Kogi Central senatorial election, Natasha Akpoti, in the just concluded National Assembly elections.

He said, “It is Wike’s attitude and character that cost the PDP the presidency. Peter Obi left our party because of Wike. Because

Wike supported the Chris Uba side during the delegates’ Congress [in Anambra]. And that was why he [Obi] left the party.

“Wike said today ‘if the party picks Dino Melaye as their flag bearer, I will not support PDP in Kogi State’. He has never supported PDP. When Natasha [Akpoti] ran this time around, he was supporting Yahaya Bello’s candidate against Natasha in the just concluded 2023 elections.”

Comments by aggrieved politicians can instigating violence – CSOs warn

By Christiana Ekpa

The Citizen Development and Education (CDE) and Center for Peace and Environmental Justice have warned that uncomplimentary and unguarded statements from aggrieved politicians are capable of instigating violence in the country.

Addressing a press conference on behalf of the groups on Wednesday in Abuja, the Executive Director of CDE, Ibrahim Waiya, stressed that it was natural for people to have their expectations in a particular election but must not

allow their expectations take away the sense of maturity, reasoning and judgment over right or wrong, especially at a larger perspective where the lives of many innocent citizens may be at stake.

He expressed worry about the unfolding political happenings in the country, through the actions and inactions of some politicians.

The groups said the unhealthy developments if allowed to continue would surely affect the sustainability of Nigeria’s Democracy and peaceful coexistence.

The groups added that some enemies of the country have also

systematically taken cover under the pretext of the conduct of the just concluded elections to cause chaos and disharmony amongst the Nigerian citizens.

They condemned all utterances and unguarded statements promoted directly or through proxy by any politician or religious leader along ethnic, regional or religious sentiment capable of inciting violence in Nigeria.

It also unequivocally condemned all advocacies for the establishment of an interim government in Nigeria.

Waiya said it was against this background that the groups

resolved to rise to the occasion by countering scripted campaigns to destabilise the country, through the constructive engagement of Nigerians to rescue the country before it is ditched into a crisis that may consume everyone.

He stated: “Similarly, our increased concerns centres on the continuous promotion of incitement and uncomplimentary statements from the quarters of the aggrieved politicians and other enemies of our country who have also systematically taken cover under the pretext of the conduct of elections to cause chaos and disharmony amongst the Nigerian

citizen.

“We condemn all utterances and unguarded statements promoted directly or through proxy by any politician or religious leader along ethnic, regional or religious sentiment capable of inciting violence in Nigeria, especially at this critical period of our democratic transition.”

The groups urged all aggrieved politicians to stick to the legal process for redress as provided by the legal system, saying they should desist from threatening, intimidating and discrediting the same system they are seeking to serve.

L-R: Managing Director, Hybrid Feeds, Mr Leye Alayande, Director Animal Husbandry, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Winnie Lai Solarin, Director Fisheries / Aquaculture, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ime Umoh, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, Executive Director, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Dr. Tobi Oluwatola and the President, Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP), Prof. Francis Abeke, at the official opening of the 2nd National Animal Feed Summit 2023, theme: “Harnessing Alternative Feed Resource for sustainable Animal Feed Supply”, held yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

IMF, COP28 President-designate call for action on climate finance

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The International Monetary Fund, COP28 PresidentDesignate and UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance have called for measures needed to accelerate climate action and finance.

This is contained in a statement issued by the IMF Press Centre, a copy of which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.

The statement said Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, IMF, and Dr Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President-Designate, cochaired a roundtable discussion on Tuesday to discuss actions needed to urgently accelerate climate action and finance.

Mark Carney, UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance and co-Chair of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero also co-chaired the discussion hosted at the IMF.

It said participants at the roundtable included representatives from governments, international financial institutions, development banks, philanthropic organisations, and private financial institutions

committed to net zero.

According to the statement, climate change is one of the most critical macroeconomic and financial policy challenges that IMF members face in the coming decades.

It said capital was among the most important enablers of climate action, but not enough was getting to the people and places that need it most.

“As massive global investments to reduce emissions and boost resilience are required, we need a major shift to harness public and, especially, private financing.

“That includes substantially more concessional finance that can lower risk and drive private sector finance more efficiently to emerging and developing countries.

“It also requires that both public and private sectors finance all components of the energy transition.

It said this included both the scaling of clean energy and the managed phaseout of fossil fuels in an accelerated time frame.

The statement said to achieve the above objective, all countries need robust climate policies that

Global economy to fall by 2.8% in 2023, IMF forecasts

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The International Monetary Fund, IMF, says global growth will bottom out at 2.8 per cent in 2023 before rising modestly to 3.0 per cent in 2024.

This is according to the IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook, WEO, Update Report for April 2023:

“A Rocky Recovery”, released on Tuesday at the World Bank Group/ IMF 2023 Spring Meetings.

The report said the baseline forecast is for growth to fall from 3.4 per cent in 2022 to 2.8 per cent in 2023, before settling at 3.0 per cent in 2024.

It said advanced economies were expected to see pronounced growth slowdown, from 2.7 per cent in 2022 to 1.3 per cent in 2023.

“This year’s economic slowdown is concentrated in advanced economies, especially the euro area and the United Kingdom.

“Growth is expected to fall to 0.8 per cent and -0.3 per cent this year before rebounding to 1.4 and 1 per cent respectively.

“By contrast, despite a 0.5 percentage point downward revision, many emerging markets and developing economies are picking up, with year-end to year-end growth accelerating to 4.5 per cent in 2023 from 2.8 per cent in 2022.”

The report showed that economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to remain moderate at 3.6 per cent in 2023 before picking to 4.2 per cent in 2024.

It revealed that economic growth in Nigeria is projected at 3.2 per cent in 2023 and 3.0 in 2024.

The report said global inflation would fall, though more slowly than

initially anticipated, from 8.7 per cent last year to 7 per cent in 2023 and 4.9 per cent in 2024.

“Inflation is slowly falling, but economic growth remains historically low and financial risks have risen.”

It said the global economy’s gradual recovery from both the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine remained on track.

“China’s reopened economy is rebounding strongly. Supply chain disruptions are unwinding, while dislocations to energy and food markets caused by the war are receding.

“Simultaneously, the massive and synchronised tightening of monetary policy by most central banks should start to bear fruit, with inflation moving back towards targets.

The report said more than ever, policymakers needed a steady hand and clear communication.

“With financial instability contained, monetary policy should remain focused on bringing inflation down, but stand ready to quickly adjust to financial developments.

“Fiscal policy can also play an active role. By cooling off economic activity, tighter fiscal policy would support monetary policy, allowing real interest rates to return faster to a low natural level.

“Regulators and supervisors should also act now to ensure that remaining financial fragilities do not morph into a full-blown crisis by strengthening oversight and actively managing market strains.

“For emerging markets and developing economies, this also means ensuring proper access to the Global Financial Safety Net. This includes the IMF’s precautionary arrangement.”

accelerate the green transition, and stronger mechanisms to promote cooperation and risk-sharing among stakeholders.

“For example, improved policy, regulatory, technological and information frameworks and financial toolkits could support private capital mobilisation, and broaden the investor base, especially in emerging and developing economies.”

It said participants identified areas of work within their respective mandates to be accelerated on the road to COP28, including making the investment environment more conducive to climate finance.

The statement said other areas included identifying specific obstacles that impede private sector climate finance and using innovative financing instruments to scale up private investment in emerging and developing economies.

“Others are proposing reforms to help strengthen countries’ macroeconomic and balance of payments stability by reducing risks associated with climate change.”

It said the participants agreed to continue to collaborate between now and COP28 in Dubai and

beyond to define and implement specific measures toward shared goals.

“By working together, we can help scale up climate finance so the trillions of dollars that are needed become available as fast as possible.

“We must find pathways to accelerate the partnership between public and private finance to meet climate goals.”

The IMF Managing Director was quoted as saying, “The impacts of global warming are already destroying lives and livelihoods.

“So we need a step change in our financing approach to redirect trillions of dollars towards meeting the climate challenge.

“To get there, stronger cooperation and partnerships across the public and private sectors are vital, there is no time to waste,” Georgieva said.

Carney was quoted as saying, “To ensure that the impact of the net-zero revolution underway in private finance benefits all countries, we need a more efficient and effective multilateral financial architecture.

The COP28 president-designate was quoted as saying: “Capital

and finance are among the most important enablers of climate action and sustainable economic development.

“However, not enough is getting to the people and places that need it most. ”

He said for vulnerable communities, across the global south, climate finance was nowhere near available, affordable, or accessible enough.

“Only 20 per cent of cleantech investment is going to developing countries that make up over 70 per cent of the global population.”

“Behind every number, there are individual lives, people and communities who should have the right to fulfil their potential and contribute to sustainable global prosperity.”

He said the world needed to triple the amount of money by 2030 that is available for cleantech investment, adaptation finance, and a just energy transition in emerging and developing countries.

Al Jaber said there was a need to urgently consider fundamental reform to achieve both climate and development goals.

Firm donates two million cocoa seedlings to Ondo farmers

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

As the planting season begins in Ondo State, an agro-allied firm, Outspan Nigeria Limited, has donated a total of 2.2 million cocoa seedlings to farmers in the state.

The firm said the gesture was part of its efforts to improve agricultural sector of the state, adding that it had formed a partnership with the state government to assist the farmers in getting quality and quantity cocoa harvest.

The firm made the donation at the flag off of 2023 cropping season held at Imafon Community in Akure South Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking on the gesture, Head of Sustainability, Olam Food and Ingredients, Outspan Nigeria Limited, Miss Agatha Ewolor, said the gesture was part of the Cooperate Responsibility and Sustainability commitment of the organisation to always support farmers and the business environment.

She said, “We will continue to do this as long as we can. Last year, we were able to donate 2.2 million cocoa seedlings and we’ve been able to do the same thing this year, it is something we will always do.

“It is important that we partner

with Ondo State Government because, if we don’t partner with them, our farmers will not really feel our impact. The collaboration with the state government will show that we are there for our farmers”.

The state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, who declared the programme open, stated that the event was put in place to intimate farmers with detailed information on the commencement of year 2023 farming activities and to acquaint them with key government interventions in the agricultural sector.

Represented by his deputy, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa, Akeredolu revealed that the government was doing all within its powers to alleviate the challenges confronting farmers by creating a conducive and enabling environment to operate their farm businesses in the state.

“To a very large extent, farmers can now go about their activities in their respective farms with reduced fear of molestation or attack. This has been made possible through the establishment of the Amotekun Corps that is putting in their best to protect lives and property of our dear residents.

“Our intervention cuts across all areas in order to enhance productivity and ensure that farmers have good returnsfor

their sweat. Very soon, you will begin to witness the rehabilitation of rural roads to improve access to farming communities by some of these intervention agencies. This is to facilitate the transportation of farm produce to areas where they can easily be sold in order to guide against post-harvest losses”

Akeredolu also warned all encroachers and land grabbers against carrying out illegal activities on government land and forest reserves, saying “we shall not fold our arms and watch people plunder our forest resources and convert our commonwealth to personal use and gains”.

In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Olayato Aribo, explained that the occasion was an annual event where the farmers were being educated and exposed to the various opportunities available to them on improved varieties of crops, livestock, planting materials and good agricultural practices.

He added that the present administration in the state would leave no stone unturned to ensure that farmers in the state as well as their investments in the farm were well-protected.

BU$IN€SS

Firm donates two million cocoa seedlings to Ondo farmers

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

As the planting season begins in Ondo State, an agro-allied firm, Outspan Nigeria Limited, has donated a total of 2.2 million cocoa seedlings to farmers in the state.

The firm said the gesture was part of its efforts to improve agricultural sector of the state, adding that it had formed a partnership with the state government to assist the farmers in getting quality and quantity cocoa harvest.

The firm made the donation at the flag off of 2023 cropping season held at Imafon Community in Akure South Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking on the gesture, Head of Sustainability, Olam

Edo assembly summons Seplat Energy, host community leaders over land dispute

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The Edo house of assembly has summoned the management of Seplat Energy and leaders of Orogho community over a dispute regarding the land on which the company’s field is domiciled.

The house invited both parties during plenary on Monday.

Leaders of the community had earlier petitioned the house, asking that ‘Edo land’ be saved from being ceded to Delta through the activities of the firm.

Nosayaba Okunbor, the state house standing committee chairman on chieftaincy and community affairs, presented the report of the committee (on the petition) to the assembly for consideration.

Presenting the committee’s findings, Okunbor said the land on which the firm was operating belonged to Edo, according to documents obtained from the National Boundary Commission and Edo Geographic Information System (GIS).

He said the panel’s findings also revealed that the management of Seplat Energy paid royalty to Delta government rather than Edo government.

Contributing to the findings, Marcus Onobun, the house speaker, said no organisation would be allowed to “set the two sister-states against each other”.

He, therefore, directed Yahaya Omogbai, the clerk of the house, to communicate in writing to management of the firm and Orogho community to interface with the lawmakers on April 13, 2023.

Seplat Energy has a 45 percent working interest in oil mining leases (OMLs) 4, 38, and 41 which are located onshore in Edo (OML 4) and Delta (OMLs 38 and 41).

Food and Ingredients, Outspan Nigeria Limited, Miss Agatha Ewolor, said the gesture was part of the Cooperate Responsibility and Sustainability commitment of the organisation to always support farmers and the business environment.

She said, “We will continue to do this as long as we can. Last year, we were able to donate 2.2 million cocoa seedlings and we’ve been able to do the same thing this year, it is something we will always do.

“It is important that we partner with Ondo State Government because, if we don’t partner with them, our farmers will not really feel our impact. The collaboration with the state government will show that we are there for our farmers”.

The state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, who declared the programme open, stated that the event was put in place to intimate farmers with detailed information on the commencement of year 2023 farming activities and to acquaint them with key government interventions in the agricultural sector.

Represented by his deputy, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa, Akeredolu revealed that the government was doing all within its powers to alleviate the challenges confronting farmers by creating a conducive and enabling environment to operate their farm businesses in the state.

“To a very large extent, farmers can now go about their activities in their respective farms with reduced fear of

molestation or attack. This has been made possible through the establishment of the Amotekun Corps that is putting in their best to protect lives and property of our dear residents.

“Our intervention cuts across all areas in order to enhance productivity and ensure that farmers have good returnsfor their sweat. Very soon, you will begin to witness the rehabilitation of rural roads to improve access to farming communities by some of these intervention agencies. This is to facilitate the transportation of farm produce to areas where they can easily be sold in order to guide against post-harvest losses”

Akeredolu also warned all encroachers and land grabbers against carrying out illegal activities on government land

and forest reserves, saying “we shall not fold our arms and watch people plunder our forest resources and convert our commonwealth to personal use and gains”.

In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Olayato Aribo, explained that the occasion was an annual event where the farmers were being educated and exposed to the various opportunities available to them on improved varieties of crops, livestock, planting materials and good agricultural practices.

He added that the present administration in the state would leave no stone unturned to ensure that farmers in the state as well as their investments in the farm were well-protected.

DMO lists 4 FGN bonds valued N360 billion for subscription

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Debt Management Office (DMO) has listed four Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) bonds valued at N360 billion for subscription at N1,000 per unit.

The first offer is a February 2028 FGN Bond valued at N90 billion, at interest rate of 13.98 per cent per annum (10-year reopening).

IMF: Public, private sectors should collectively invest to address climate challenges

By Abubakar Yunusa,Abuja

TheInternational Monetary Fund (IMF) says the public and private sectors need to unite in their investment towards tackling climate change.

In a statement on Tuesday, Maria Candia Romano, the IMF press officer, said the body made this statement during a roundtable discussion cochaired by Kristalina Georgieva, IMF managing director, Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 president-designate, and Mark Carney, UN special envoy for climate action and finance.

The statement said that capital is the most important enabler of climate action, adding that there is a need for more private capital mobilization to broaden investor base, especially in developing economies.

“Climate change is one of the most critical macroeconomic and financial policy challenges that IMF members face in coming decades,” the statement reads.

“Capital is among the most important enablers of climate action, but not enough is getting to the people and places that need it most.

“As massive global investments to reduce emissions and boost resilience are required — we need a major shift to harness public and, especially, private financing.

“That includes substantially more concessional finance that can lower risk and drive private sector finance more efficiently to emerging and developing countries. It also requires

that both the public and private sectors finance all components of the energy transition, including both the scaling of clean energy and the managed phaseout of fossil fuels on an accelerated time frame.

“To achieve this objective, all countries need robust climate policies that accelerate the green transition and stronger mechanisms to promote cooperation and risk-sharing among stakeholders.

“For example, improved policy, regulatory, technological and information frameworks and financial toolkits could support private capital mobilization, and broaden the investor base, especially in emerging and developing economies.”

Georgieva was quoted as saying that the financing approach for climate challenges must be made to redirect monies to vulnerable communities.

“The impacts of global warming are already destroying lives and livelihoods, so we need a step change in our financing approach to redirect trillions of dollars towards meeting the climate challenge. To get there, stronger cooperation and partnerships across the public and private sector are vital – there is no time to waste,” she said.

Carney said: “To ensure that the impact of the net-zero revolution underway in private finance benefits all countries, we need a more efficient and effective multilateral financial architecture. I salute the leadership of Kristalina Georgieva, Managing

Director of the IMF, and Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, President-Designate of COP28, on this imperative, and look forward to partnering with them and other stakeholders to deliver progress this year.”

On his part, Al Jaber said the world needs to triple the money available for clean tech investment, adaptation finance, and a just energy transition by 2030 in emerging and developing countries.

He said that as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) prepares to host the UN climate conference (COP28), he would ensure to apply an actionoriented approach to enable the transformational progress the world needs.

“Capital and finance are among the most important enablers of climate action and sustainable economic development, but not enough is getting to the people and places that need it most,” he said.

“For vulnerable communities, across the global south, climate finance is nowhere near available, affordable, or accessible enough.

“Only 20 percent of clean tech investment is going to developing countries that make up over 70 percent of the global population, and the least developed countries receive less than 2 cents on every dollar spent.

“Behind every number, there are individual lives, people and communities who should have the right to fulfill their potential and contribute to sustainable global prosperity.”

The second offer is an April 2032 FGN Bond, valued at N90 billion, with an interest rate of 12.50 per cent per annum (10-year re-opening).

There is also the Jan 2042 FGN Bond valued at N90 billion, with an interest rate of 13.00 per cent per annum (20-yearre-opening).

The fourth offer is the March 2042 FGN Bond, also valued at N90 billion, at an interest rate of 12.98 per cent per annum.

Auction date is April 17, and settlement date is April 19.

“For re-openings of previously issued bonds, successful bidders will pay a price corresponding to the yield-to-maturity bid that clears the volume being auctioned plus any accrued interest on the instrument.

“Interest is payable semiannually, while bullet payment is made on maturity,” the DMO said.

It said that FGN Bonds were backed by the full faith and credit of Nigeria.

“They qualify as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustee Investment Act.

“They qualify as government securities within the meaning of Company Income Tax Act (CITA) and Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) for tax exemption for pension funds among other investors,” it said.

According to DMO, the bonds are listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange Limited and FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited.

“All FGN Bonds qualify as liquid asset for liquidity ratio calculation for banks,” it said.

L-R: The Olu of Olowo, Ifo, Ogun State, Ebeneza Soetan; MD/CEO, Nordica Fertility Centre, Abayomi Ajayi; Oldest Mother In Nordica, Folashade Akiode;Clinic Manager Nordica Fertility Centre, Tola Ajayi; CEO, Latola Enterprises, Agboola Olaitan, during the Nordica Fertility centre 20th anniversary celebration, yesterday in Lagos.

Latest Update On CBN’s Intervention

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in its last Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in March, 2023 reviewed the performance of the Bank’s various interventions aimed at stimulating production and productivity across the real sector.

CBN said, between January and February 2023, it disbursed the sum of N12.65 billion to three (3) agricultural projects under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), bringing the cumulative disbursement under the Programme to N1.09 trillion to over 4.6 million smallholder farmers cultivating or rearing 21 agricultural commodities on an approved 6.02 million hectares of farmland across the country.

The Bank also released the sum of N23.70 billion under the N1.0 trillion Real Sector Facility to eight (8) new real sector projects in agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Cumulative disbursements under the Real Sector Facility currently stands at N2.43 trillion, disbursed to 462 projects across the country, comprising 257 manufacturing, 95 agriculture, 97 services and 13 mining sector projects.

The Bank also released N3.01 billion under the Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility (NEMSF-2) for capital and operational expenditure of distribution companies (Discos) aimed at improving their liquidity status and aid their recovery of legacy debt. This brings the cumulative disbursement under the facility to N254.39 billion.

Anchor Borrowers Programme

The Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) has empowered about 4.57 million Smallholder Farmers (SHFs) at the end of February, 2023, who cultivated over 6.02 million hectares of 21 commodities across the country, according to the lastest report from the CBN.

The apex bank in line with its developmental functions as enshrined in Section 31 of the CBN Act 2007, established the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) to create economic linkages between SHFs and reputable companies (anchors) involved in the production and processing of key agricultural commodities.

The core of the Programme which was launched in 2015 was to provide single digit loans (in kind and cash) to smallholder farmers to boost agricultural production, create jobs, reduce food import bill towards conservation of foreign reserve.

The Programme evolved from consultations with stakeholders comprising Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, state governments, agro-processors, commodity associations, financial institutions and smallholder farmers to ramp up agricultural production, boost non-oil exports and diversify the revenue base of Nigeria.

The programme adopts a value chain approach that links Input to Production to Processing and to Market. The scheme was targeted at smallholder farmers in order to increase their access to quality agricultural inputs and, thereby, improve the quality of produce to meet international standards.

According to CBN, the Anchor was that corporate entity or Association that presents a request for the funding of a group of smallholder farmers cultivating between 1 to 5 hectares of land who have

been identified by him as the source of a certain quantity and quality of produce for their processing needs.

The ABP policy, as could be recalled, was ncessitated by the dwindling fortunes of the country from oil revenue, Nigeria’s monoproduct, and major source of revenue.

This initiative which supported local production of rice, maize, cotton and cassava, also financed 4.57 million smallholder farmers cultivating about 6.02 million hectares of farmland all over the country and created over 10 million direct and indirect jobs.

Available data shows that the the Anchor Borrowers Programme resulted in sharp decline in the nation’s major food import bill from $2.23billion in 2014 to US$0.59billion by the end of 2018, this is just as rice import bill dropped from $1 billion to $18.5 million annually.

In the last Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, the CBN while reviewing the performance of the Bank’s various interventions aimed at stimulating production and productivity across the real sector, says, between September and October 2022, under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), it disbursed N41.02 billion to several agricultural projects, bringing the cumulative disbursements under the Programme to N1,067.29 billion to over 4.6 million smallholder farmers cultivating or rearing 21 commodities across the country.

The Bank also released N300 million to finance large-scale agricultural projects under the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS), bringing the total disbursements under the Scheme to N745.31 billion for 680 projects in agroproduction and agro-processing.

The CBN governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele said, the ABP has increased rice milling plants from 6 to 50 in the last six years.

Emefiele added that the national output of rice production also increased from 5.4 million metric tons in 2015 to over 9 million metric tons in December 2021.

“We are delighted that these efforts

“

to priority sectors of the economy with sufficient employment capabilities, high growth potential, increase accretion to foreign reserves, expand the industrial base and consequently, diversify the economy.

The CBN was seriously committed to export-ready businesses, thereby encouraging businesses to embrace the bank’s concept of Produce, Add Value and Export (PAVE).

The PAVE concept aims to make Nigerians consume what they produce, add value to such products and export the surpluses.

have yielded fruits is not just increasing the availability of rice, but also in moderating prices, reducing imports and increasing job creation in the country. For example, Thailand alone exported 1.3 million metric tons of rice to Nigeria in 2014.

“The ABP was launched in 2015 to curtail these imports, and since then, we have seen incremental reductions in rice imports from Thailand. By 2016, rice imports from Thailand had fallen to only 58,000 metric tons. As of the end of 2021, they only exported 2,160 metric tons to Nigeria, thereby saving us foreign exchange and helping preserve jobs in Nigeria.

“Beyond increasing our national output from about 5.4 million metric tons in 2015 to over 9 million metric tons in 2021, we have also significantly improved the productivity per hectare of the smallholder farmer from about 2.4 metric tons per ha in 2015 to between about 5 metric tons in 2021”, he said.

Real Sector Facility

The Central Bank of Nigeria in a bid to unlock the potential of the real sector to engender output growth, value added productivity and job creation had established a Real Sector Support Facility (RSSF).

The Facility was used to support large enterprises for startups and expansion financing needs of N500 million up to a maximum of N10.0 billion. The real sector activities targeted by the Facility are manufacturing, agricultural value chain and selected service sub-sectors.

Cumulatively, the bank had disbursed under the Real Sector Facility, the sum of N2.43 trillion, to 462 projects across the country, comprising 257 manufacturing, 95 agriculture, 97 services and 13 mining sector projects.

The facility was established as part of efforts by the apex bank to stimulate output growth, enhance value addition and engender productivity in the economy, and is channelled towards increasing credit

The ABP was launched in 2015 to curtail these imports, and since then, we have seen incremental reductions in rice imports from Thailand. By 2016, rice imports from Thailand had fallen to only 58,000 metric tons. As of the end of 2021, they only exported 2,160 metric tons to Nigeria, thereby saving us foreign exchange and helping preserve jobs in Nigeria

The bank said, “It is an initiative similar to the export-led industrialisation policy of South-East Asia, which changed the economic fortunes of countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore. PAVE, which is designed to be the key for fast-tracking a bucket of substitutes to crude oil export, encourages backward integration for the local production of items in which we have a comparative advantage”.

Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility (NEMSF-2)

The CBN in the last MPC meeting said, it released N3.01 billion under the Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility (NEMSF-2) for capital and operational expenditure of distribution companies (Discos) aimed at improving their liquidity status and aid their recovery of legacy debt Recall, following the handover of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (“PHCN”) successor companies to private participants on November 1, 2013, the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (“NESI”) has been fraught with liquidity challenges arising from several factors including insufficient gas supply and higher baseline Aggregate Technical Commercial & Collection Losses (*ATC&C”) than what had been assumed under the current MYTO 2,

The CBN had pursuant to Section 31 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 (the CBN Act) indicated its desire to invest in the Refinancer to be set up to provide a facility(the CBN-Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilization Facility CBN NEMSF), aimed at settling outstanding payment obligations due to Market Participants, Service Providers and gas suppliers that accrued during the Interim Rules Pernod (IRP Debts) as well as the Legacy Gas Debts of the PHCN generation companies owed to gas suppliers and the Nigeria Gas Company Limited (NGC)which have been transferred to the Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company Limited (NELMCO) (the Legacy Gas Debt). The objective was to put the NESI on a route to economic viability and sustainability.

The Refinancer was set up by CBN and amongst other functions refinance the Facility by repaying the Lenders for payments made to Market Participants, Service Providers, NGC and gas suppliers for the settlement of the IRP Debts and the Legacy Gas Debts.

In order to secure the repayment of the Facility, NERC reset the Multi Year Tariff Order 2 (MYTO 2) by issuing the MYTO 2.1.

These Terms and Conditions are stipulated by the CBN for the participation of Banks as Mandate Banks, Collection Banks and Principal Collection Banks in the CBN-NEMSF.

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

Traffic route violations: FCTA impounds 251 tricycles

...We may explore crushing option- DRTS boss

By Stanley Onyekwere

No fewer than 251 tricycles popularly known as Keke NAPEP have been impounded for violation of planned route for their operations in Abuja, the nation’s capital city.

Making this disclosure yesterday, Director, FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Dr. AbdulLateef Bello, explained that the impoundment took place within the last one month of strict enforcement of planned route directive for the operations of tricycles in the Territory.

Bello, however warned that the government might be forced to equally be looking at crushing defaulting tricycles, the way the motorcycles are been treated, after obtaining forfeiture order.

He disclosed that it was observed that driving around the city particularly in the evening, the operators of Keke NAPEP were seen riding through Area 3 to Area 7 down to Area 10, and almost operating all over the Central Business District of the FCC, which according to him is not acceptable.

He said: “All Keke NAPEP must operate outside the city centre, as they are supposed to provide last mile for commuters by going behind their residences in the estates and suburbs.

“So, to us the exercise is for warning those who have refused to obey simple understanding of the route plan already agreed upon. So we are taking them in now, and we are going to make them to face the mobile court for award of penalties.

“It is going to be a last warning, because we are now thinking whether we should equally be looking at crushing them, the way we have been doing with the motorcycles after obtaining forfeiture order”.

He continues: “To those who are investing in the Keke NAPEP business in the city should please call their operators to order.

“Apart from violating the route plan, there are so many rickety vehicles that are not roadworthy, any vehicle should be made to undergo inspection at our various centres in the citywe have up to five of them.

“Vehicles were impounded for traffic violations, most especially route violation. We

had series of engagement with all the unions in the past, including the operators themselves on the need by abide by the route plan already agreed upon.

“The DRTS in the past one month has been very active in ensuring that some of these vehicles are removed from the road, and ensure we have a seamless traffic flow.

“Despite all the efforts the administration is making to ensure we have roadworthy vehicles on our roads, there are still some recalcitrant operators, who bring in very rickety vehicles that constitute an eyesore in the city.

“We been having series of pleas from different quarters that we should release, forgive and all that. So, the era of forgiveness, negotiation is over, what we are doing now is giving back in the language that I think they understand, which is enforcement, and we will not

relent”.

Furthermore, the DRTS boss warned those that are investing in motorcycles to have a rethink, because we don’t want them to operate within the city, as we will continue to do our job to ensure that we have not just a safer city, but a city devoid of pollution.

“So for the over 300 impounded motorcycles at the its Wuye office, will be crushed before the end of this week, after the forfeiture order have been granted to the Directorate”, he stressed.

On his part, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Transport Secretariat, Abdullahi Adamu Candido, reiterated that Abuja is a planned city, which must be respected and seen in that perspective.

He noted that the government is not insensitive to the peoples concerns, but unfortunately those who like flaunt rules and regulations are making it very

possible for the government to keep coming with this kind of policies, because of the need to sanitise the city.

Similarly, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the FCT Minister on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement, noted that what the DRTS under Dr. Abdul-Lateef Bello is carrying out is enjoying the blessing of the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, who had given the marching older, as noting halts the Minister like seeing rickety vehicles and contravention of route guidelines or directives, thereby painting Abuja in very bad light.

Attah, who revealed that some stakeholders that have become victims of the misbehaviours of the Keke NAPEP who riding against the traffic rules in FCT, are already putting pressure on the system that as Okada is currently witnessing crushing,

if they don’t stop, and confront to the law, they should also face crushing, said: “but such has not be taken as a directive or decision yet, so all will be going to the mobile court, and the Minister is keen at doing that until May 29, so this is not stopping”.

Reacting to the development, Apo Branch Chairman of Keke NAPEP operators, Jamilu Idris Abdullahi revealed that to help mitigate the route violations, they have formed a joint taskforce to ensure defaulters are stopped from doing so.

He however, appealed for the government to help free some areas that they are supposed to operate that are currently been dominated by commercial motorcycle operators, to enable them move and operate there.

He adds: “ The areas include Jabi-Dakibiu, Apo Resettlement, Apo Nepa, Kabusa Junction down to Lokogoma and Galadimawa”.

Some of the impounded tricycles for alleged violation of FCT Road traffic route directive, kept in the custody of the DRTS.

Joe Biden in Belfast to mark 25th anniversary of Good Friday Agreement

US President Joe Biden has landed in Belfast at the start of an historic fourday visit to Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Mr Biden was greeted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as he stepped off Air Force One at Belfast International Airport.

His visit marks the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement - a peace deal which helped end 30 years of violent conflict in Northern Ireland.

The White House hailed the “tremendous progress” since it was signed in 1998.

But Mr Biden’s trip is overshadowed by the fact that Northern Ireland’s power-sharing government is not functioning.

It collapsed last year when the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) - one of the biggest parties at Stormont - pulled out as part of a protest against post-Brexit trade rules for Northern Ireland.

Mr Biden arrived in Belfast city centre at about 22:20 BST after making the journey from the airport in his presidential motorcade.

A huge security operation has been in place for most of Tuesday, with many city centre streets closed ahead of the visit.

Ahead of his arrival, Mr Biden said he was looking forward to marking the anniversary in Belfast and “underscoring the US commitment to preserving peace and encouraging prosperity”.

His trip to Belfast will be

the first leg of a four-day stay in Ireland, during which he will also discuss his Irish roots and meet Irish relatives. His sister Valerie and his son Hunter are also accompanying the US president on the visit.

Mr Biden’s trip comes two weeks after MI5 said the terrorism threat level in Northern Ireland had increased due to a rise in activity by dissident republicans.

During an illegal parade by dissident republicans in Londonderry on Monday petrol bombs were thrown at a police

vehicle but the violence was confined to one area and ended a short time later.

On Tuesday, police found four suspected pipe bombs inside the grounds of the City Cemetery in Derry. They believe they were to be used in a planned attack on officers after Monday’s parade.

The president’s spokesman said Mr Biden was “more than comfortable making this trip” in spite of the terrorism threat.

Mr Biden was expected to stay overnight at a Belfast hotel ahead of the main event of his visit to

Theranos Founder Elizabeth Holmes to go to prison end of April

Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes was sentenced to over 11 years in prison last year

Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes will report to prison at the end of the month after losing a bid to remain free while she appeals against her convictions.

Holmes was sentenced to over 11 years in prison for defrauding investors in her blood testing start-up.

A federal judge on Monday said Holmes failed to prove her appeals process would lead to a reversal of her case.

She is scheduled to go to prison on 27 April.

Holmes had said she would raise “substantial questions” that could warrant a new trial. Her attorneys also argued she should remain free to care for her two young children, including one who was born this year.

But in the Monday ruling, US District Judge Edward Davila said Holmes had not proven her appeal would result in a new trial.

“Contrary to her suggestion

that accuracy and reliability were central issues to her convictions, Ms Holmes’s misrepresentations to Theranos investors involved more than just whether Theranos technology worked as promised,” he said.

Prosecutors, meanwhile, had argued Holmes was a flight risk because she had booked a oneway plane ticket to Mexico during her trial.

Homes’ attorneys said she and her partner Billy Evans were planning to attend a wedding and hoped she would be acquitted.

The ticket purchase was “illadvised”, Judge Davila wrote in his ruling, though he added it did not constitute an attempt to flee.

“Booking international travel plans for a criminal defendant in anticipation of a complete defence victory is a bold move, and the failure to promptly cancel those plans after a guilty verdict is a perilously careless oversight,” he said.

Holmes was once hailed as the “next Steve Jobs” and said to be the world’s youngest self-made

billionaire.

She launched Theranos after dropping out of Stanford University, but the start-up fell apart in 2018 after it was revealed its technology did not work. The blood-testing device was purported to be able to run a multitude of tests from just a few drops of blood.

The company’s infamous downfall was chronicled in a TV series, an HBO documentary and a podcast.

Holmes, who was found guilty of four counts of fraud last January, told the court at the time she felt “deep pain” for those misled by the scam.

She is expected to make one more bid to remain free during the appeals process - which could take at least a year - to a San Franciscobased court that she has asked to overturn her conviction.

The BBC has reached out to Holmes’ attorneys for comment.

Holmes’ former business partner, Sunny Balwani, was sentenced to nearly 13 years in prison for fraud last year.

Northern Ireland, a speech at the new Ulster University campus in Belfast on Wednesday.

In that speech he is expected to emphasise the willingness of the US to help to preserve what he sees as the peace and prosperity gained since the Good Friday Agreement.

The president is also expected to talk about how the US administration can support Northern Ireland’s economy.

Mr Biden is also set to meet the leaders of Stormont’s five main political parties at some

point during his brief time in the city.

There has been a huge police presence in the centre of Belfast since Monday afternoon and that will continue into Wednesday.

Michelle O’Neill, vicepresident of Sinn Féin, the largest party at Stormont, said President Biden’s visit would be a “special moment”.

“As we look back with pride at just how far we have all come, and all that has been achieved, we also look forward with hope, ambition, and opportunity for the next 25 years,” she added.

Former Irish ambassador to the US Daniel Mulhall said that while Mr Biden would have preferred to have spoken to politicians at a functioning Stormont assembly, his speech would be “very carefully crafted to get across the message that essentially America is here to help”.

Mr Sunak will not meet any of Northern Ireland’s political leaders while he is in Belfast to speak to the president, but a spokesperson said that did not mean he had given up on getting the DUP back into power-sharing.

Declan Harvey and Tara Mills explore the text of the Good Friday Agreement - the deal which heralded the end of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

They look at what the agreement actually said and hear from some of the people who helped get the deal across the line.

Ukraine war: Leak shows Western Special Forces on the ground

TheUK is among a number of countries with military special forces operating inside Ukraine, according to one of dozens of documents leaked online.

It confirms what has been the subject of quiet speculation for over a year.

The leaked files, some marked “top secret”, paint a detailed picture of the war in Ukraine, including sensitive details of Ukraine’s preparations for a spring counter-offensive.

The US government says it is investigating the source of the leak.

According to the document, dated 23 March, the UK has the largest contingent of special forces in Ukraine (50), followed by fellow Nato states Latvia (17), France (15), the US (14) and the Netherlands (1).

The document does not say where the forces are located or what they are doing.

The numbers of personnel may be small, and will doubtless fluctuate. But special forces are by their very nature highly effective. Their presence in Ukraine is likely to be seized upon by Moscow, which has in recent months argued that it is not just confronting Ukraine, but Nato as well.

In line with its standard policy on such matters, the UK’s Ministry of Defence has not commented, but

in a tweet on Tuesday said the leak of alleged classified information had demonstrated what it called a “serious level of inaccuracy”.

“Readers should be cautious about taking at face value allegations that have the potential to spread misinformation,” it said.

It did not elaborate or suggest which specific documents it was referring to. However, Pentagon officials are quoted as saying the documents are real.

One document, which detailed the number of casualties suffered in Ukraine on both sides, did appear to have been doctored.

UK special forces are made up of several elite military units with distinct areas of expertise, and are regarded to be among the most capable in the world.

The British government has a policy of not commenting on its special forces, in contrast to other countries including the US.

The UK has been vociferous in its support of Ukraine, and is the second largest donor after the US of military aid to Kyiv.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the Department of Justice had opened a criminal investigation and he was determined to find the source of the leak.

Source: BBC

US President Joe Biden is greeted by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Belfast International Airport on Tuesday night

Zhidu community Health Centre gets borehole, electricity

For some time, Zhidu community in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of Federal Capital Territory had been longing for the provision of some social amenities like potable water, restoration of electricity to its health centre, amongst others. As the community was trying to fashion out the way out, Abuja Unity Lions Club came in. Lions Club approached CGC Nigeria Limited a subsidiary of CGCOC GROUP for sponsorship of some projects at Zhidu during the investiture of Lion Munir Kunle Balogun as the President of the Cub for year 2022/2023.

The company obliged and funded provision of borehole with overhead tank, partial perimeter fencing, and restoration of electricity to Zhidu Primary Healthcare Centre which have been issues of concern for the community.

Speaking at the commissioning of the projects, the Managing Director of CGC Mr Ye Shuijin who was represented by Mr. Chee Yuan the Director of Administration and Human resources said the company is committed to its corporate social responsibility with the host community adding that CGC will continue to be a responsible corporate entity.

According to him, CGC in the past has facilitated water supply to Kwali, donated relief materials to victims of flood in Kogi State and also distributed palliative materials during the COVID- 19 pandemic

The Managing Director commended Abuja Unity Lions Club for their quick response in delivery of the projects stressing that it will be beneficial to members of Zhidu community.

While commissioning the project, the District Governor of district 404A2, Lion Asiwaju Jide Bello congratulated Zhidu community on the provision of the infrastructures.

‘’Although, thematic core projects of Lions International clubs include: vision, diabetics, environment, pediatric cancer and feed the hungry, but through the need assessment, provision of water, restoration Electricity and partial perimeter fencing are as importation

as our thematic project “ he said

The Chief of Zhidu, Philip Goni commended CGC Nigeria Limited and Abuja Unity Lions club for coming to the aid of his community.

He disclosed that the provision of 5,000 liters capacity borehole, restoration of light and partial perimeter fencing of the Primary Healthcare will be useful to the children, women and the entire community.

Netflix to expand in Africa after creating hit shows

Online streaming giant Netflix has said that it plans to expand operations in Africa, saying its $175m (£140m) on the continent since 2016 has already created some hit shows.

The announcement was made at an event in Johannesburg where Netflix launched a report on its impact in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya..

According to the report, the company has created 12,000 jobs on the continent and intends to build on this success beyond just three countries.

“We have undertaken this report to reflect on Netflix’s social and economic impact in the key countries,” Netflix’s subSaharan Africa policy director, Shola Sanni, said in its introduction.

“We are still in many ways at the inception stages of our investment journey,

so it’s doubly exciting to know that we are poised to deliver even greater impact if we maintain our current momentum - and if the right circumstances for investments in our sector continue to prevail.”

She pointed to African productions like Silverton Siege (South African), Aníkúlápó (Nigerian) and Disconnect: The Wedding Planner (Kenyan) as all having at one point made it into Netflix Global Top 10 lists.

However to keep telling African stories on a global stage, Netflix needed to have the support of “governments, civil society, private sector and industry” to allow the create industries to thrive, Ms Sanni said.

“Enabling policy frameworks, flexible regulatory mandates and ease of doing business are inextricably bound to the continued growth of the audio-visual sector and streaming services.”

CGC Nigeria Limited is a subsidiary of CGCOC GROUP, a well-known Chinese multinational corporation, focusing on overseas operations for decades now.

It first came into Nigeria in 1982, as part of a group of Chinese aid project to help drill boreholes for water supply. Subsequently, the then Ministry of Geology in China decided to establish CGC NIGERIA LIMITED based on the aid

projects. In 40 years of development, its business field has expanded from borehole drilling to construction of roads, bridges, housing construction, water supply, dams, irrigation, airports and international trade. Currently, CGC actively serves for the implementation of “the Belt and Road” Initiative, providing “one-stop” comprehensive solutions for the economic development of its host country.

Eritrean conjoined twins need urgent help - doctor

Adoctor caring for two-month-old conjoined twins in Eritrea has appealed for help to determine whether they can be separated.

Dr Zemichael Oqbe told BBC Tigrinya that the girls, born in the city of Keren, were joined at their heads and would need further MRI and CT scans, which cannot be done in Eritrea.

The chief of the neonatal section at Orotta National Referral Hospital in the capital, Asmara, said despite this the twins were in a good condition at present.

Any operation to separate them would only be considered when the girls were older - aged around two years old.

However, the hospital’s MRI imaging system was so “limited” that medics had

been unable to determine which area of the brain the twins shared, Dr Zemichael said.

A precise and sophisticated MIR system could tell if they had their own separate brains, he said.

Any operation would require a team of highly qualified surgeons and medical professionals. Eritrea’s health system is one of the poorest in the world so this would need to be done abroad.

The costs of travelling outside the country and paying for such medical treatment is incredibly high and it is reportedly impossible for the twins’ family, who are from a remote village.

Eritreans in the diaspora have raised money before to pay for the expensive medical treatment.

Businesses reopen after Ethiopian militia protests

Businesses have been reopening in towns and cities across Ethiopia’s Amhara region following six days of violent protests over plans to reorganise the armed forces.

At least five people have died in the demonstrations.

People took to the streets after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said he intended to integrate the country’s regional forces

into one national army in order to improve security and unity. Some in Amhara fear that without its own special forces the region would be more vulnerable to attacks.

Source: BBC

Left-Right: Mr. Liti Salau from Primary health care AMAC, Mr Chee Yuan, CGC Director of Administration and Human Resources, Abdulkareem Mustapha Rep. Of Director of primary health care AMAC and John Dirisu, Officer in charge Zhidu Primary health care during the event.

The troops from Amhara fought alongside the Ethiopian army in the recent war in the northern Tigray region.

Viewpoint: East Africa’s battle over culture and homosexuality

From banning schoolbooks in Tanzania to passing the harshest of laws in Uganda, to disputing a Supreme Court decision in Kenya, there seems to be a wave of antihomosexuality sentiments sweeping through the region.

While there is nothing unusual about the homophobic and apocalyptic tone that always accompanies the subject, it appears there is also a rise of genuine belief, especially among those who would generally pass as liberals or open minded, that the West is on a systematic mission to shove this “homosexuality agenda” down the throats of Africans.

Most of those holding this belief can hardly substantiate it with any facts or concrete examples.

Khalifa Said, a Dar es Salaam based journalist and editor for an online outlet The Chanzo, believes that “Tanzanians’ perception towards members of the LGBTQ+ community is very negative and it’s getting worse every day”.

There are many on social media who looked at the recent visit by US VicePresident Kamala Harris with particular suspicion.

There was even an unofficial survey on Twitter asking users to suggest how President Samia Suluhu Hassan should respond were she to be asked about her stance on homosexuality.

When journalists were not able to ask questions at the leaders’ joint press briefing, many suspected it was a trick to save President Samia from the infamous question: “What is your stance on homosexuality?”

Said says this rising homophobic sentiment is not random.

He believes it is sponsored by politicians and political parties who have not delivered on their promises to their voters.

“The biggest winners of all this hatred will be the politicians who have failed to improve the living standards of their people despite being in power for decades,” he says.

The hypocrisy and predictability of politicians, clergy and the rest of the self-appointed defenders of African traditions and culture is never short of amusement.

Politicians would swiftly name and shame individuals and NGOs they

accuse of supporting and spreading homosexuality in the country but would never dare to expose their peers who embezzle millions of dollars of public funds.

Last week, Tanzania’s Controller Auditor General released a damning report detailing the sickening loss of millions of dollars in public entities.

We are yet to hear from the top antihomosexual crusaders on how they plan to rescue the nation from this scourge of embezzlement.

On Zanzibar, there is an ongoing court case against a gentleman who is accused of being involved in homosexuality. A medical doctor is one of the witnesses after conducting a forced anal examination on the suspect, which rights groups have repeatedly called cruel, inhumane and without scientific basis.

This case comes only a few weeks after a humiliating private video featuring the gentleman was widely shared on social media.

‘Sign of African surrender’

The speed and enthusiasm with which law enforcers have handled this case is baffling, considering how many real public interest cases have been ignored in the past - like the forced disappearances of journalists and other government critics

Ugandan journalist Charles

Onyango-Obbo shares Said’s belief that the ongoing battle against homosexuals is not about defending African traditions and culture.

“There is currently no anti-gay hysteria in African countries with high economic growth rates or which are able to manage their debt,” he tweeted. “Anti-gay crusades are a sign of African surrender. It’s the waving of white flags. Those that have given up on solving their problems are scapegoating global gay forces for their failures.”

Many politicians have often used homosexuality narratives to deflect the public from real issues, launch their political comeback or cement their relevance. This is because an attack on homosexuality exploits cultural or religious beliefs and appeals to voters’ emotions.

Following the decision by the Kenyan Supreme Court that the government could not lawfully refuse to register a rights organisation, President William Ruto said in a speech that he can be trusted to protect the nation’s culture and traditions.

“You know me very well, I am a Godfearing man,” he said.

“Whatever happened at the court, even if we respect the court, our culture, values, Christianity and Islam cannot allow women to marry each other, or men to marry fellow men… That will not be possible in the nation of Kenya. Therefore, don’t worry.”

In a motherly appeal, a fortnight ago, President Samia told university students to be careful with foreign traditions. She argued that human rights are not universal.

“These human rights have their limits. Everywhere, there are customs and traditions. We should not be forced into things that are not our customs and traditions,” said the president, who is also fondly referred to as Mama Samia.

It is interesting that these politicians ignore the fact that it is actually the harsh anti-homosexuality laws - not homosexuality - that were imposed on us by the colonial government.

Indeed, the original antihomosexuality law was first introduced across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda by the British colonialists, after successfully using it in India about 150 years ago.

The provision punishes homosexuality, stipulated as “carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman, or animal” with imprisonment up to life.

One would have expected politicians to abhor this colonial legacy and seek to defend their constitution.

This constitution is not only above the oppressive colonial law but also guarantees their people’s equal rights and treatment. It is this document that they have sworn to defend, not some elusive cultural, traditional, or religious beliefs.

Source: BBC

In our series of letters from African journalists, Tanzanian writer Sammy Awami considers what is behind recent moves against homosexuality in East Africa.

Ugandan MP John Musira wore a gown with anti-homosexual slogans for the debate in parliament on a new anti-gay law

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Following the decision by the Kenyan Supreme Court that the government could not lawfully refuse to register a rights organisation

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THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1.SHEIKH MUHAMMAD ABDUL-AHAD IBRAHIM NIASSE-REMOVED

2.JA’AFARU MUHUAMMAD IBRAHIM-REMOVED

3.BIDA ALIYU DANLADI-RETAINED

4.SIAKA ADAAVA HASSAN-RETAINED

5.ALIYU ABUBAKAR ABBO-RETAINED

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE :

1.NIASS SHEIKH-ABDULAHAD IBRAHIM-APPOINTED

2.JA’AFARU MUHAMMED IBRAHIM-APPOINTED

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOOTBALL CLUB OWNERS GWAGWALADA ABUJA

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) IGBA FRANKSTEAD SAMSON

(2) SULE GEORGE BELLO

(3) BASSEY PATRICK UKOH -- CHAIRMAN

(4) UMAR ABUBAKAR ALIYU .

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO GIVE SUPPORT TO THE GROWTH OF FOOTBALL IN GWAGWALADA AND ITS ENVIRONS.

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 - LAMDA NANSAH RAMNAP.

PUBLIC NOTICE

UI PETROLEUM ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. ADEGBOYEGA SAMUEL AKINBAMIJO -CHAIRMAN

2. ADEREMI SAMUEL BANKOLE

3. AJILO VINCENT IMOLEOLAMITAN

4. SANUSI DOTUN JUBRIL

5. OSISANYA SAMUEL OLUSOLA

6. AKINTOYE NWAKAEGO REBECCA - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE AND ACT AS GOOD WILL AMBASSADORS OF UIPE WITHIN NIGERIA AND ABROAD. 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. : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

UGA BOYS SECONDARY SCHOOL OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

CLASS OF 2011

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.OGUEKWE VINCENT CHINECHEREM (CHAIRMAN)

2.ONYEACHONAM IZUCHUKWU VALETINE (SECRETARY)

3.UMESEGHA NZUBE HENRY

4.OKWUDRLI CHINONSO ALAETO

5.ALOKE OKWUCHUKWU HENRY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO PROMOTE NATIONAL UNITY AND INTEGRATION AMONG THE DIVERSE PEOPLE, CULTURE AND RELIGIONS IN NIGERIA IN LINE WITH THE FOUNDING IDEOLOGY OF UBSS TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEADERSHIP SKILLS AMONG STUDENTS AND ALUMNI OF UBSS IN PARTICULAR AND NIGERIANS IN GENERAL.

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

GUZAPE ISLAMIC CENTRE

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. IBRAHIM BASHIR YUSUF - CHAIRMAN

2. KULO KABIR USMAN

3. USMAN MUSA ALKALI

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO PROPAGATE THE RELIGION OF ISLAM.

2. TO GIVE CHARITY TO LESS PRIVILEGE PEOPLE. 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 : ABDULKADIR ABDULLAHI ADAMUSECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

BIANS FRIENDS ASSOCIATION

THIS

THE RETAINED TRUSTEES ARE :

1. MGBANUCHUKWU EMMANUEL NONSO 2. IFEANYI EDIKE

3. ANAYO UGWU

7. RAYMOND ABUGU THE REMOVED TRUSTEES ARE :

1. CHIBUEZE NNOSIRI 2. ASOGWA TOCHUKWU

3. MUGBO ARINZE THE NEWLY APPOINTED TRUSTEES ARE :

1. ROMANUS ODO

2. AMARACHUKWU DAVID MGBANUCHUKWU

3. CHUKWUNONSO OKEKEARU PATRICK

4. ISREAL OBIDIEGWU ONYEKACHUKWU 5. NNAMDI AMAEFUNA

6. EJIKE MATTHEW KENNETH 7. FRIDAY EDEH.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO PROMOTE FRIENDSHIP AND ASSISTANCE TO ONE ANOTHER

2. TO PROMOTE LOVE, UNITY AND PEACE AMONGST ITS MEMBERS.

3. TO DEFEND THE RIGHTS AND DIGNITY OF MEMBERS

4. TO PROMOTE THE WELL BEING OF ALL THE ASSOCIATION

5. TO ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST ALL MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION TO ATTAIN THEIR DESIRE AMBITION FORMING THE SUBJECT OF THE ASSOCIATION WITHIN THE AMBIT OF THE LAW ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

SALIH IBN UTHAYMEEN JUMAAT MOSQUE

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. AHMED YUSUF ONORUOIZA (CHAIRMAN)

2. SAEED IDRIS IBN (SECRETARY)

3. KASIM SALIHU

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION:

1. TO PROMOTE AND PREACH THE TEACHINGS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD IN LINE WITH THE PRINCIPLES IN THE QURAN.

2. TO PROMOTE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MOSQUE AS A PLACE OF WORSHIP, PRAYERS, QURAN RECITATION, AND LEARNING THE TENETS OF ISLAM.

3. TO PROMOTE THE ACCESSIBILITY TO THE MOSQUE BY ALL PERSONS OF SOUND ISLAMIC FAITH WITHOUT HINDRANCE OR DISCRIMINATION. 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 : GBADAMOSI CLEMENT ESQ.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CREATING HAPPINESS AND ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. ALIYU IBRAHIM BELLO

2. RAHMA ABDULMANNAN DANTATA

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO EMPOWER WIDOWS WITH ORPHANS UNDER THEIR CARE.

2. TO OFFER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO HELPLESS ORPHANS.

3. TO COVER HEALTH EXPENSES TO ORPHANS WHO CANNOT AFFORD HEALTHCARE.

4. TO OFFER PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO VULNERABLE ORPHANS.

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

SALIH IBN UTHAYMEEN JUMAAT MOSQUE

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. AHMED YUSUF ONORUOIZA (CHAIRMAN)

2. SAEED IDRIS IBN (SECRETARY)

3. KASIM SALIHU

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION:

1. TO PROMOTE AND PREACH THE TEACHINGS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD IN LINE WITH THE PRINCIPLES IN THE QURAN.

2. TO PROMOTE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MOSQUE AS A PLACE OF WORSHIP, PRAYERS, QURAN RECITATION, AND LEARNING THE TENETS OF ISLAM.

3. TO PROMOTE THE ACCESSIBILITY TO THE MOSQUE BY ALL PERSONS OF SOUND ISLAMIC FAITH WITHOUT HINDRANCE OR DISCRIMINATION.

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 : GBADAMOSI CLEMENT ESQ.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PAYAZA CARE FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. EBENEZER SEYI SAMUEL - CHAIRMAN

2. EKWONNA TOCHUKWU - SECRETARY

3. ODEYINDE OLUWANIFEMI ABIMBOLA

4. AKINYELE PHILIPS BLESSING

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO SUPPORT THE UPBRINGING OF ORPHANS AND UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN BY PROVIDING THEM HOUSEHOLD AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE

2. TO REACH OUT TO THE CHILDREN IN NEED IN ANY CAPACITY WE CAN. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : CHAIRMAN.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADANNA EMMANUEL FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1.OIKELOME EMMMANUEL OLUSEGUN

2.OIKELOME ANN EBIMALU

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO WORK WITH COMMUNITIES AND PARTNERS TO BUILD, PROVIDE RESOURCES AND TOOLS AND SKILLS, TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE WITHIN OUR LOCALITIES

2.TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE RESTORATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE COMMUNITIES AROUND US 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 : OIKELOMEANN EBIMALU

PUBLIC NOTICE

ILLAH UNIPORT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. UDEORAH SYLVESTER ALOR FAVORE - CHAIRMAN 2.CHEKWUBE UDUH - SECRETARY

3 EGWUATU EMMANUEL DUME

4. EMMA-EGBUMOKEI NGOZI STELLA.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO SEEK AND ADVANCE THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS AND ILLAH IN GENERAL IN SUCH AREA LIKE EDUCATION, SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES WITH A VIEW TO UPHOLDING THE DIGNITY OF MEMBERS AND THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL.

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

FOOTBALL CLUB OWNERS GWAGWALADA ABUJA

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) IGBA FRANKSTEAD SAMSON

(2) SULE GEORGE BELLO

(3) BASSEY PATRICK UKOH -- CHAIRMAN

(4) UMAR ABUBAKAR ALIYU .

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO GIVE SUPPORT TO THE GROWTH OF FOOTBALL IN GWAGWALADA AND ITS ENVIRONS.

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 - LAMDA NANSAH RAMNAP.

PUBLIC NOTICE

EMENIKE FRIENDS CLUB

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. EZE CHINEDU JUDE (CHAIRMAN)

2. UGWU JUDE NONSO (SECRETARY)

3. OJOBOR SAMSON NWOYE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION:

2. TO SERVE AS A FORUM WHERE MEMBERS CAN INTERACT, ARTICULATE AND FORMULATE IDEAS FOR THE PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF THEIR GENERAL WELFARE.

3. TO PROMOTE THE SPIRIT OF INDUSTRY AND HARD WORK WITH A VIEW TO STRENGTHENING AND PROMOTING THEIR INTEREST.

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 : MOHAMMED ATTAHIRU.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PASSION FOR SOULS GLORY AND REVIVAL MISSION

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.OKOJIE OJIEFO TIMOTHY - CHAIRMAN

2. OKOJIE AGATHA AKOAMEN - SECRETARY

3. OKOJIE TIM EROMON - MEMBER

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND TO PLANT CHURCHES ALL OVER THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD HELPING HUMANITY.

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 : AGBO BLESSING (MRS.)

PUBLIC NOTICE

AGAPE GOSPEL MISSION SAPELE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REMOVAL OF TRUSTEES, APPOINTMENTS OF NEW TRUSTEES, REMOVAL OF SECRETARY AND APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY (CHANGE OF TRUSTEES) UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE :

1.RUEBEN GOVINA

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE :

1. EDERI PATRICK KIOJA

2. ESECHIE GABRIEL OLORUNIBE

THE REMOVED TRUSTEES ARE :

1.GODFREY OBARE

2. CHRISTOPHER MARERE.

THE REMOVED SECRETARY/CHANGED SECRETARY :

1.MR GODFREY OBARE - REMOVED

THE APPOINTED SECRETARY IS :

1.EDERI PATRICK KIOJA

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRIST BEARERS MINISTRY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. IGWE EBUKA JOSHUA - [CHAIRMAN]

2. OSAZUWA ODION OSASERE - [SECRETARY]

3. SUNDAY PROMISE

4. OBAMHEN ODION VICTORY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE FOUNDATION : OUR OBJECTIVE IS TO PROPAGATE THE MESSAGE OF JESUS CHRIST AS INSPIRED BY GOD.

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

VOICE OF LOVE BELIEVERS CHURCH WORLDWIDE

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. NUHU PHILEMON BULLO - CHAIRMAN

2. SALE SAMBO STEPHEN - SECRETARY

3. FRANK ELECHI OGBONNIA _ MEMBER

4. ELAM REV. MIRACLE - MEMBER

5. ABASIRYA ADAMS BIRDLING

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE 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

YOUNG INNOVATORS AND TECHNICAL VOCATION 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. PAUL YARO KATO

2. JULIET ITAKPE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO PROMOTE THE INTEREST IN SCHOLARSHIP OF ARTS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE OF NIGERIA.

2. TO ASSIST YOUNG PEOPLE TO HARNESS THEIR CREATIVE POTENTIALS FOR SELF-RELIANCE.

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

UNION SECONDARY SCHOOL AWKUNANAW 2012 ALUMNI

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.OBIDINMA EMMANUEL CHIGOZIE

2.OBICHUKWU VICTOR CHIDIEBERE

3.OJEH NNAEMEKA CHRISTOPHER

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : TO SUPPORT AND INSPIRE MEMBERS THROUGH COLLABORATION, SHARING HELPFUL IDEA TOWARDS ECONOMIC PROSPERITY WHILE SUSTAINING OUR COLLECTIVE BONDS AND EXISTENCE AS ONE UNITED FAMILY.

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.

SABIU

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS SABIU DAUDA ALHASSAN NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SABIU DAUDA AMEER. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

SAVE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS AWE OLUWABUKOLA VICTORIA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SAVE OLUWABUKOLA VICTORIA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

OMOTAYO

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS OMOTAYO OLUWAKEMI AYO. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS OMOTAYO-AYODEJI OLUWAKEMI AYO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

AMIR

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS AMIR AKHMEDSHIN MOHAMMED NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AMIR AKHMEDSHIN MOHAMMED VORITY. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

MARYAM

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MARYAM MOHAMMED NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MARYAM MOHAMMED VORITY. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

OMOTAYO

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS OMOTAYO OLUWAKEMI AYO. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS OMOTAYO-AYODEJI OLUWAKEMI AYO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CORRECTION

OF

NAME

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT OGBAJI HANNAH UKAH OGBAJI HANNAH UKAYOHA AND OGBAJI HANNAH UKANYOHE IS ONE AND SAME PERSON HOWEVER I NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGBAJI HANNAH UKANYOHE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

ZUBAIR

I, FORMALLY KNOWN AS ZUBAI HABIBA WITH WRONG DATE OF BIRTH ON MY BVN AS 25/08/1990,AND NIN AS 01/08/1997. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ZUBAIR HABIBA WITH NEW DATE OF BIRTH AS 5/JANUARY/1992.ALL FORMAL DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, JOHN NYONG BEN AND JOHN BEN REFERS TO ONE AND THESAME PERSON THAT HENCEFORTH WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS JOHN BEN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

PUBLIC NOTICE CHRIST REAL PURPOSE MISSION

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. ONOSEME JOSEPH (CHAIRMAN)

2. OKORARA DIAMOND KINGSLEY (SECRETARY)

3. ONOSEME GRACE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. THE CHURCH IS TO MEET THE NEED OF GOD ON EARTH AND TO PREPARE THE PEOPLE FOR THE COMING OF JESUS CHRIST.

2. THE CHURCH IS TO TEACH THE PEOPLE THE WORD OF GOD AND TO WALK IN ALL HIS WAYS AND TO LOVE GOD, DEUT 10:12 TO WALK IN ALL HIS WAYS AND TO LOVE HIM.

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 : BARR. UCHE FRANKLIN ORAEKEYI 08035987541.

MFONISO

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MFONISO EKANEM UDOH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MFONISO SAM-UKOH ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

RUTH

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS RUTH TOSIN AMOWOYAGI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN ‘CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS RUTH TOSIN UGBOMA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC, BANKS AND CONCERNED AUTHORITIES SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

MRS. MARYAM

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS MARYAM BALA ABUBAKAR, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND CALLED MRS MARYAM BALA YAHAYA HUSSAINI. ALL FORMAL DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

PUBLIC NOTICE

JOLLY FITNESS CLUB

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) ILORI ABAYOMI BABATUNDE

2) EKPOMA SUNNY EROMOSELE

3) ODITA FREDRICK CHINEDU

4) NMEZI OBIWURU SYLVESTER

5) NWEKE DANIEL CHIBUOGWU

6) IKE TIMOTHY KEMJIKA

7) BAYAGBON EFE

8) OLUSANYA ADEYEMI

9) AKINGBULE AKINOLA OLURANTI

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1) ADULT RECREATION

2) SPORTING BASED ACTIVITIES

3) FOOTBALL FITNESS AND HEALTH.

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

EGBE WOMEN IN DIASPORA ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. OKEM ANTHONIA EGEM - CHAIRMAN

2. ADINYE PHILOMENA

3. AGBEH-OGEH JULIANA ALANG

4. MKPARU REGINA OKI

5. EGBEJI UDUAK BONNY - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEGED CHILDREN.

2. TO OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED CHILDREN IN EGBE-MBUBE COMMUNITY.

3. TO PROVIDE SKILL ACQUISITION TRAINING CENTRE IN EGBEMBUBE COMMUNITY.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SAM T. ANI, ESQ 08065475774.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE FOLLOWING ABANDONED AND UNCLAIMED PROPERTY ARE STILL IN POSSESSION OF SCID GUSAU, ZAMFARA STATE POLICE COMMAND FOR MORE THAN SIX MONTHS. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REQUESTED TO CHECK TO ENABLE THE OWNERS TO CLAIM IT. IF UNCLAIMED AFTER TWO WEEKS FROM THIS PUBLICATION, IT MAY BE DISPOSED BY PUBLIC AUCTION.

ITEMS CHASIS NO

1. BOXER. WE56218

2. HONDA. NO 117897 3. BOXER. WG08513

4. HONDA. WN100800

5. BOXER WG56351

6. BOXER WE79418

7. BOXER WE84920

8. BOXER KN69195

9. BOXER WJ01376

10. BOXER WK70550

11. RUBBER XM1195762

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SIGNED: PPRO

PUBLIC NOTICE

UFUOMAMENA SOCIAL CLUB, LAGOS.

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. OGBOBINE EDISON OWHOBEVU. - TRUSTEE/CHAIRMAN.

2. WANOGHO-ONUNKETE VICTOR EMESETITE. - TRUSTEE.

3. DENIRAN JOHN ERHINYO. - TRUSTEE/SECRETARY.

4. OTUAGAN LUCKY OGHENEKEVW. - TRUSTEE.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE AND COLLECTIVE INTEREST OF MEMBERS.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : EMMANUEL IHITE 08034623385.

PUBLIC NOTICE

DOVE GARDEN ESTATE RUKPAKULUSI HOME OWNERS & RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. OGICHEN EMMANUEL POWER - CHAIRMAN

2. PRAISE JOSEPH CHIDERAA - SECRETARY

3. DANIEL CHUKWUNWIKE NKEMAKONAM

4. EZEAKU EMEKA CYRIL

5. OMOREGIE PETER ERHUMWUNSE

6. EROMOBOR JAMES

7. OKEKE BENBELLA ONYEABOH

8. OKON ULO MBIAKUDI

9. CHIKEZIE DAVID MONDEL

10. ITODO SUNDAY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF ITS RESIDENTS 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

NDENJIBI OHAUKABI PROGRESSIVE UNION

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. NJOKU GODWIN IHEMENANDU; - CHAIRMAN

2. EJIMONYE CHIBUIKEM CHRISTIAN

3. UDIGWE EMEKA CHRIS;

4. ONU HOPE CHINWEIKE;

5. AMAEFULA IKECHUKWU CHINEDU

6. NWUJU KELECHI FELIX - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO FOSTER THE REEMERGENCE

COMMUNITY ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

FG okays N41.873bn for 3rd Mainland Bridge repairs, Enugu-Anambra road …

337 vehicles for Customs

By Egena Sunday Ode

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Wednesday, approved various contracts worth N41,872,860,761 for roads under the Ministries of Works and Housing and equipment for the Nigerian Customs Service.

For the Ministry of Works and Housing, a total of N23,328,063,585 was approved for the two memoranda presented, cutting across an augmentation for a road between Enugu and Anambra states, and repairs on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

Speaking to newsmen at the end of the Council meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa Abuja, Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fasola, explained that the work on the Third Mainland Bridge, which he said would cost N6.28 billion, will be dealing with surface failings that are now becoming obvious, which were not there when the last repairs were done on the bridge.

“The first was with regard to contract cost revision by way of augmentation for the old Enugu/Onitsha Road, from Okpi Junction, all the way to Udioji to Anambra border in Enugu state. The augmentation was in the sum of N17,050,000,000, which revised the contract to N48,996,488,925 Naira with an additional completion time of 42 months.

“The second contract was a fresh contract for the maintenance of the pavement of the Third Mainland Bridge and this was approved in the sum of N6,278,063,585.58 for a period of 24 months. This is in consonance with the Executive Order 11 signed by Mr. President for the continued maintenance of public infrastructure.

“Now, some of you might ask, I was asked before that, okay, we did some work on Third Mainland Bridge before, why were there potholes now on it? So, this contract is in response to the potholes that have become manifest on the entire pavement of the deck of the bridge, spanning 11 kilometers and the interchanges at Adeniji Adele, Adekunle, and Gbagada ramps that all link the bridge.

“This is for the resurfacing and all of that. Those who are familiar with the bridge will recall that all of these failings were not this manifest on the bridge at the time we were doing the work we were doing. The work that we did concentrated largely on the sub-structure of the bridge, the piles, the underwater piles, the pile caps, and also the replacement of the expansion joint and the bearings.

“These are maintenance works that are critical to the structural integrity of the bridge. What we’re dealing with now is different. It is the driving surface and the aesthetics, some

RABIAT ISLAMIC FOUNDATION

of the rails that have been stolen, some of the planes that are misaligned at ramps that lead you on and off the bridge. So, this is the work that is being done now. So, all the experience of avoiding potholes on the bridge, this award of contract will tackle that”, he explained.

Asked if there were plans for security fittings like cameras for the bridge, he explained that the current arrangement only allowed for patrols, but noted that for the Ministry of Works and Housing to take over the security of the bridge and other such federal facilities, there needs to be a realignment of operations of federal parastatals.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, disclosed that Council approved three memoranda, amounting to a total sum of N18,544,797,176 for works and purchase of operational vehicles for the Nigerian Customs Service.

According to him, the work, has to do with the restructuring of the auditorium of the Service’s headquarters, as well as the operational vehicles, 337 units in number, are aimed at easing work environment and to protect the personnel, motivate them and to allow them to do their job efficiently, especially across very difficult terrains.

“The first one had to do with the provision of additional seats in the auditorium at the

PUBLIC NOTICE

JUGA HEALTH HUMANITARIAN FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, (CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1.OFEREH-MUGBEH JENNIFER UYOYO - PRESIDENT

2.OFEREH-MUGBEH HARRISON OKIGHO

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

customs headquarters in order to increase the sitting capacity so that it can be used for large events, seminars and meetings.

“The makeup of these items are provision and installation of audiovisual system, conference hall, finishing, ground… , provision and installation of acoustic paneling and door for the auditorium, and then partitioning and doors. Inclusive of this is additional seats at the auditorium, at the total cost of N1,257,612,549.76. This is inclusive of 7.5% VAT.

“The other two memos had to do with provision of operational vehicles for customs. One was for 177 vehicles; these are Toyota Coaster, Toyota Hiace (mid-roof), Toyota Land Cruiser Buffalo, total of N9,378,829,942.75, for this set of 177 vehicles.

“For the other one where we had a set 160 vehicles. These are Toyota Hiluxes and also Toyota Land Cruiser Buffalo, that’s 160 vehicles at a total sum of N7,908,354,685.75 and against, its inclusive of 7.5% VAT”, he said.

Also speaking, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, disclosed that Council approved the Metallurgical Bill 2023, which he said is like the other half of the Nigerian Mineral and Mining Policy 2023, which was also approved by Council last week.

PUBLIC NOTICE

OGBERE CENTRAL MOSQUE

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. ADENIRAN HAMED ARISHEKOLA - CHAIRMAN

2. BISIRIYU GANIYU GBEMINIYI - SECRETARY

3. MURITALA JAMIU OLUWAFEMI

4. OLADIPUPO TAIWO HASSAN

5. BABATUNDE OLUSOLA SAKIRAT

ARE :

1. TO IMPROVE THE WELFARE OF MANKIND.

2. TO PROMOTE EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ISLAMIC PROGRESS.

3. TO PROMOTE, PROPAGATE AND SPREAD THE VALUES AND IDEAS OF ISLAM TOWARD ENSURING PEACE AND HARMONY IN NIGERIA AND THE WORLD.

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

OLD NDE QUATERS MOSQUE

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. HASSAN MOHAMMED DANJUMA -CHAIRMAN

2. MUHAMMED GIDADO MADAKI-SECRETARY

3. NAMADINA AUWALU JEGA-TRUSTEE

4. ABUBAKAR MOHAMMED MUSA-TRUSTEE

5. MOHAMMED YUSUF AGWAI-TRUSTEE

6. ABBAS ABDULLAHI SAIDU-TRUSTEE

7. KILA SAMINU ABDULRA’UF-TRUSTEE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO BUILD AND OPERATE MOSQUE FOR THE PURPOSE OF WORSHIP, TEACHING RELIGIOUS STUDIES DISSEMINATING KNOWLEDGE TO PREACH PEACE, LOVE AND GUIDE PEOPLE ON THE TRUTH TEACHING OF ISLAM.

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.

1.TO ASSIST THE AGED AND LESS PRIVILEGE IN THE SOCIETY BY ORGANIZING FREE MENTAL HEALTH FORUMS, WORKSHOPS, SEMINAR, CONFERENCES OR SYMPOSIA FOR SUSTENANCE AND MAINTENANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH.

2.TO PROVIDE FREE MENTAL HEALTHCARE AND FOR THE AGED, VULNERABLE AND LESS PRIVILEGE IN THE SOCIETY OR COMMUNITIES. 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 : AJIRI RACHAEL AGBUKE SECRETARY 08036570156.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IKEJA GOLF CLUB, CAC/IT/NO: 8840

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REMOVAL, APPOINTMENTS OF TRUSTEES AND APPLICATION OF CERTIFIED TRUE COPY (CTC) UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE :

1. AJAJA DR. MOSES - REMOVED

2. IBRAHEEM AWA ALH. PHD,FCA - REMOVED

3. OLOWO GBENGA GABRIEL - RETAINED

4. UBOSI CHUKWUDI STEPHEN - RETAINED

5. PHILLIPS KEHINDE - RETAINED

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE :

1. AWOSEYI AJIBOLA OLAYINKA

2. OTUNBA OLUSOLA ADEKANOLA

A) AIMS AND OBJECTIVE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVE REMAIN THE SAME

B) AND TO APPLY FOR CTC OF CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

6. YUNUSA OLUWAKEMI MUSHIRA

7. MAYOWA YUSUF SEGUN

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO PROMOTE THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE ISLAMIC FAITH AND ISLAMIC EDUCATION

2. TO PROMOTE ISLAMIC TEACHING ACCORDING TO THE QURAN. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : CHAIRMAN.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE LIFTING HANDS CHARITY ORGANIZATION

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. IFEJIASI GABRIEL CHUKWUKA (CHAIRMAN)

2. ENI EMMANUEL NMAGU (SECRETARY)

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO ENGAGE IN CHARITABLE DONATIONS TO THE NEEDY AND LESS PRIVILEGED

2.TO ENGAGE IN SKILL ACQUISITION PROGRAMS GEARED TOWARDS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND EMPOWERMENT.

3.TO ENGAGE IN GENERAL HUMANITARIAN SERVICES FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY.

4.TO CREATE AN AVENUE WHICH WILL FOSTER UNITY AND DEVELOPMENT AMONG ITS MEMBERS 5.TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF ITS MEMBERS HOME AND ABROAD. 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.

Netballers mark Int’l Day of Sports Development & Peace in Yenogoa with students

As part of events marking the international Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) on April 6, Netballers held a threeteam netball open challenge event at the premises of Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenogoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The event involved students from two secondary schools - Redeemers International School and Tare Pet Montessori School as well as the Sports Council All Stars Netball Team.

The guest of honour at the event was

the Bayelsa State Director of Sports, Sir Braveman Wodi.

The three netball teams were kitted by Lord’s Taverners, a UK based sports kits recycling NGO. The ambiance at the venue was balanced with peace, sports and music.

Since “PROJECT 2027” netball training event started in Nigeria in July 2022, this is the first time students with netball trained teachers/coaches are having an interschool event. Netball was re-introduced to Bayelsa State by CSED (Community Sport

and Educational Development) Initiative in January 2023.

At the end of the matches, Tare Pet Montessori School emerged the winner of the event which was coordinated by Catherine Sasuode and powered by CSED Initiative.

During a post-event discussion with Catherine Sasuode, a Trustee of CSED Initiative stated that they will do all they can to use netball to empower the girl child in Bayelsa State.

This they hope to do by providing the

teachers/netball coaches with access to safeguarding training, as well as access to other free online sports for change courses to broaden their knowledge and help them to nurture well rounded students and athletes.

CSED hope to build on their cordial relationship with the good people of Bayelsa state, by exploring the possibility of bringing badminton (“Shuttle Time”) training to Bayelsa state before the end of the third term of the ongoing school year.

Badminton Federation holds “Shuttle Time” training in Ogun State

Badminton Federation of Nigeria, BFN, held its “Shuttle Time” training held at Ilisan Community Town Hall, Ilisan-emo, Ogun State.

The two-day training held on 5th and 6th April.

The “Shuttle Time” training event is a catch them young training that is specially designed by World Badminton Federation (WBF) It is targeted at children and youths aged between 5 to 15 years old, with a view of introducing them to the game of badminton in a fun filled way.

The shuttle Time event is held in various locations in 150 countries. Apart from providing children their first access to play badminton, it aims at providing children and youths, the opportunities to lead a healthy and

active life, in and out of school.

During a brief chat with the President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, he stated that holding this event in a rural area is particularly important to the BFN, whose goal is to take the game of badminton to the grassroots in Nigeria.

As he stated that doing so is the only way the current BFN Board can ensure that out of reach Nigerians will be able to have access to learn the basics of the game of badminton. Thus, expanding the talent pool that will be available for the BFN to nurture into future badminton stars.

The Shuttle Time training event at Ilisan which was held in partnership with the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology

was powered by CSED (Community Sport and Educational Development) Initiative. CSED Initiative is currently the BFN grassroots partner. Students and P.E. Teachers from thirteen secondary schools in Ilisan, Abeokuta, Sagamu, Simawa, Iperu), Ikenne and Isanbi attended this event. Shuttle Time Nigeria Coordinator (Tajudeen Suleiman) trained the students and their Physical Education teachers in attendance; in the areas of fitness exercises and basic skills of the game of badminton, which the teachers are expected to later impact into other students in their schools.

The Shuttle Time event was specifically timed to hold by the BFN and the event organizers for 6th April 2023. A day that is set aside by the United Nations (UN) to celebrate

the “International Day of Sports for Development and Peace” (IDSDP).

The training event was attended by Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) members and members of the badminton family in Nigeria, like Obiageli Solaja (BFN Events and Organising sub-committee chairperson), Mrs Onikopo Adebayo (Vice- Chairman, Ogun State Badminton Association), Adewale Olasukani, (Badminton Head Coach, Ogun State), Mrs Asagba Grace, (former African Badminton Champion), amongst others.At the end of the training event, basic badminton equipment (rackets, shuttlecocks and nets were presented to the students and teachers of the thirteen secondary schools.

Photo: netball players during the competition mark International Day of Sports for Development and Peace I. Yenogoa

S P R T

U-17 AFCON: Golden Eaglets set for final training camp in Germany

By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria’s U17 boys under the tutelage of FIFA Cadet World Cup-winning captain Nduka Ugbade are gearing up for a final training camp in Germany ahead of the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations due in Algeria between 29 April – 19 May.

Last summer, the Golden Eaglets swept aside all before them to win the WAFU B U17 Championship in Cape Coast, Ghana which made them eligible for a spot at the continental finals.

In February, the Eaglets had an extended training camp in Abuja, where the technical crew seized the opportunity to evaluate more players, and then went on break. Since resuming camp in Abuja a fortnight ago, following the country’s general elections, the team has played nine friendly matches, winning eight and drawing one.

The five-time world champions have also scored 50 goals and conceded 11 goals. The latest friendly games were against Galadima FC on Easter Sunday, whom they defeated 3-1, and against V.P. Sports which they pounded 10-2 on Tuesday.

Ugbade, who captained Nigeria’s U16 team to FIFA World Cup victory in China in 1985, and was a key player for the U20 team that finished as runners-up at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Saudi Arabia four years later, insists that the technical crew is not resting on its oars as they get

set to pick the team that will go on the final training camp and onwards to Algeria.

“We continue to work hard as we look forward to the championship in Algeria. Our objective has not changed: we go hard for the World Cup ticket and then

we aim for the trophy. First target is a ticket to the World Cup finals, and then we take things from there.

“I have confidence in the squad we have been able to build, even as we are still utilizing every minute, every hour to tinker with what we

have and see how it can get better. We have a tough act to follow in that Nigeria has won the World Cup five times in this category, and nothing we do will be seen as special.

“However, we know that if we can win the Africa Cup, it will be a stepping stone to

joining the great squads that have won the World Cup for Nigeria,” said Ugbade who was also part of the Super Eagles’ squad that qualified Nigeria for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 1993, and won the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia in 1994.

UEFA Champions League: Mane fights Sane after Bayern’s humiliating defeat

By Amaechi Agbo

Former champions, Bayern

Munich suffered a 3-0 defeat at Etihad against Manchester City in their first leg UEFA Champions League quarterfinal isn’t leg on Tuesday

The defeat left many shocked but the worst moment came when attackers Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane were both involved in a fistcuff.

Sane and Mane were seen confronting each other as they trudged off the pitch at the Etihad Stadium and the row boiled over

when they went down the tunnel.

Mane was left disgruntled by the way in which Sane had addressed him during the argument and is believed to have punched the former City player in the face.

Daily Mail reports that Sane - who had been Bayern’s biggest threat on the night - was left with a bloodied lip before they were dragged away from each other.

Mane is said to have been picked up at Munich Airport in a private vehicle when the team arrived back on Wednesday, while Sane boarded the team coach.

The incident indicates the sizeable task on Thomas Tuchel’s hands if Bayern are to launch an improbable comeback in next week’s second leg at the Allianz Arena.

The reigning German champions were brutally punished by Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal.

Bayern fell behind to Rodri’s stunning first-half opener, before a mistake from Dayot Upamecano allowed Bernardo Silva to double City’s lead.

Haaland added a third for the

hosts to give Bayern a mountain to climb in the second leg at the Allianz Arena on April 19.

Mane had been brought on in the 69th minute of the defeat, with the forward having had a mixed first season since joining from Liverpool for £35million last summer.

The 31-year-old has scored 11 goals in his 32 appearances for the German giants. Reports emerged last month that former Man City star Sane is unhappy at Bayern, with the winger commuting between Munich, London and Manchester

because his wife ‘no longer wanted to live in Germany’.

The alleged altercation adds to problems faced by new Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel, with the German attempting to fix a fractured camp. Tuchel was appointed last month as the successor to the sacked Julian Nagelsmann.

The former Chelsea boss has won both his league matches to take Bayern back to the top of the Bundesliga, but suffered defeat to Freiburg in the German Cup and is now faced with the prospect of elimination from the Champions League.

Photo: U-17 Golden Eaglets pose for camera recently in the Abuja Camp.

NPFL: Sunshine Stars Slammed N1 Million Fine For Security Breaches

Sunshine Stars has been sanctioned by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) for breaches of Rule B13.52 and Rule B13.18 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Framework and Rules. The club is to pay a total fine of N1m with a warning of possible closure of the stadium to fans should there be a repeat of the breach.

In a Summary Jurisdiction notice sent to the Akure based club, the IMC said findings from a review of Match Officials report on the MatchDay 13 fixture against Rangers indicted the club for failure to provide adequate security and implement effective crowd control.

Sunshine Stars was also found in breach of Rule B.13:18 as some of their supporters threw objects unto the field of play, targeting players and match officials, which resulted in the disruption of the match.

The club was fine N500,000 each on the two counts and an order to implement more effective security measures as a reoccurrence may lead to a closure of the Akure Township

Stadium, in addition to any other appropriate sanction.

The fine must be paid within 14 days failing which additional

sanctions may be imposed in line with the dictates of the NPFL Framework and Rules. Sunshine Stars however

retains the right in accordance with Rule C26, to within 48 hours of the date of the notice, to either submit to the summary

jurisdiction and the sanctions or elect to be dealt with by a disciplinary panel.

Nigeria annihilates Liberia to earn first win at IHF Women Trophy Africa Zone 3

Nigeria’s U-18 girls began their IHF Trophy Women Africa Zone 3 phase in Ghana on Tuesday with an annihilating 61-16 victory over Liberia on day one of the championship.

Nigeria, who were to play Niger Republic in the very first match of the under 18 category earlier on Tuesday, became paired to play against after Liberia after Niger Republic pulled out of the competition and the organisers decided the path of round robin as against groupings.

And thus the Coach Shittu Agboola Adewunmi’s tutored side faced their opponent at the Tennis Arena of the Accra Sports Stadium and became business like as they did their Business brusquely, destroying Liberia with 61-16 victory.

Nigeria’s Babatunde Taiwo was voted MVP of the match for her superlative performance which was the focal point of the Nigeria’s victory.

Meanwhile, the U-23 men handball team have began camping in Abuja ahead of the IHF

Emerging Nations Championship. The International Handball Federation, IHF Emerging Nations Championship 2023, organised by the International Handball Federation (IHF) hold in Bulgaria from April 25th30th 2023 and Nigeria will be participating for the second time in the competition; the first being in 2019 in Georgia with Nigeria defeating Columbia to finish 7th in the championship. Nigeria will play in group D alongside the host Bulgaria and Azerbaijan.

To this end, Coach Solomon Yola has invited 18 professional handball players amongst which are Farouk Yusuf of Spanish Handball side, Grannolars and Obina Ani who plays in Russia.

All the players are in camp aside Yusuf, Ani and Kingsley Ifenna of plays for Beersheba of Israel who are expected to join the team in Bulgaria.

The IHF Emerging Nations Championship is a special IHF project that is aimed at supporting emerging nations since 2015.

The championship is

considered a qualifications process for the competition of the European Handball Federation and at the same time provide opportunities for countries from other continental confederations to take part.

Thus Countries that currently participate are those in the “Four-year plan” of the European Handball Federation and the best ranked countries from other continents that did not qualify for the World Men’s Handball Championship.

CAF declares support for Morocco ‘s 2030 World Cup Bid

The Confédération

Africaine de Football (“CAF”) Executive Committee unanimously agreed on behalf of African Football to support Morocco’s FIFA World Cup 2030 bid.

Morocco recently announced at the 73rd FIFA Congress in Kigali, that it is

bidding to host the FIFA World Cup 2030 in partnership with Spain and Portugal.

The President of CAF Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “The unanimous decision that was taken by the CAF Executive Committee to support Morocco’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2030 means that the

bid of Morocco is now the bid of the African Continent. We are now focusing on ensuring that Africa once more hosts the FIFA World Cup and are committed to working together with all Football National Associations and Confederations to make this happen.”

A decision was also taken

by CAF to open the bid for hosting the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 because of the requests by numerous CAF Member Associations and their Governments to host the AFCON competition.

CAF will announce the successful Nations that will host the Africa Cup of Nations

2025 and the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 at the same time before September this year.

The CAF Executive Committee was also updated on the substantial progress that is being made in relation to the inaugural African Super League that will kick off later this year.

Chief Ayo Adebanjo, feisty Afenifere leader at 95

Al Nassr sack manager Rudi Garcia over rift with Cristiano Ronaldo

AlNassr manager Rudi Garcia has reportedly been sacked by the Saudi Arabian club amid reports of a rift with Cristiano Ronaldo and a poor relationship with his squad.

There have been reports in the Saudi media that Ronaldo has been critical of Garcia’s tactics behind the scenes and feels the Frenchman is holding the team back from realizing their potential.

The former Roma, Marseille, and Lyon boss was hired by the Saudi Pro League outfit in June 2022 but is set to leave his position after less than a year.

Al Nassr are still only three points behind league leaders Al Ittihad but their last outing was a dire 0-0 draw with Al Feiha, which led to Garcia reportedly laying into his players in the dressing room, as per MARCA.

The straw that broke the camel’s back of the club’s patience and triggered his departure was a confrontation he had with his players.

Beyond the extra-sporting shenanigans, Garcia has also failed to live up to the expectations set out in his club’s ambitious project.

With seven games left to play, Al Nassr currently sit second in the standings, three points behind Al Ittihad, to whom they recently lost.

They were also knocked out of the Arabian Super Cup in the semi-finals against all odds.

Following their latest stumble, Garcia’s post-match press conference was canceled, and Marca claim a dressing room confrontation between the coach and his players was the final straw.

The former Ligue 1 winning Lille manager now looks set to be on his way after less than a year in charge, having also fallen below expectations in the Saudi cup with a semi-final exit.

The 0-0 draw against Al Feiha also saw Ronaldo looking increasingly frustrated with his team and opponents, and was captured telling rival winger Ali Al-Zaqaan: “You don’t want to play,” accusing him of time wasting.

Ronaldo was also seen storming down the tunnel at full-time, removing his captain’s armband without shaking hands with any of his fellow competitors.

According to the Saudi press, via AS, Ronaldo has grown increasingly frustrated with Garcia, and let the club know, and Al Nassr have sided with their superstar signing.

All roads led to the idyllic, rural village of Isanya-Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode , Ogun state on Monday, 10th April, 2023 as the leader of Afenifere, the pan Yoruba socio-cultural cum political group, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, marked his 95th birthday with a church service. Chief Adebanjo, who requested a special song – ‘ Ope lo ye o, Baba olore, iyin loye o, olorun oba … ( thanks, praises and gratitude are due to you, Lord ) when the celebrant’s dance was called, danced with so much vigour to the amazement and applause of family , friends and the Afenifere members at the event. In his appreciation of those who honoured him with their presence, he prayed that they too will live long and in good health and also be celebrated.

However, it was not a surprise that Chief Adebanjo turned his remarks into political exposition, and the podium a political pulpit on the state of the nation which he described as disappointing. Then , a rationalization : he explained that it was because Nigeria has not lived up to the great expectations of those of them who fought for independence that has compelled him to remain in political trenches at his advanced age. ‘’This fight is not for me. I am not looking for anything but we owe it a duty to succeeding generations of Nigerians to bequeath a united nation based on justice, equity, fairness and good governance’’, he told the congregation. He noted that Afenifere’s support for the presidential candidacy of Peter Obi of the Labour Party was based on this doctrine of equity and fairness, considering that of the three southern zones, the Southwest and the South-South have produced presidents – Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, respectively - on rotational understanding, leaving out the Southeast as the only zone yet to produce a president. The Southwest currently also has the vice president.

Chief Adebanjo had assumed the leadership of Afenifere in 2021, when the then incumbent, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, relinquished the office at age 95. He had indicated that he took the bow as a result of failing health, due to old age. Many had wondered why a 95 year old would be handing over to a 93 year old as at that time, with some contending that it amounted to entrenching gerontocracy at the apex of Afenifere leadership. This view was not lost on Chief Adebanjo who argued that leadership of the organization, since the death of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, its founding leader, had been based on long and loyal service to the organization.

Chief Awolowo had been succeeded by Chief Adekunle Ajasin, a former governor of old Ondo state, who was succeeded by Senator Abraham Adesanya, after whom the mantle of leadership fell on Pa Fasoranti. It is interesting to

Guest Columnist

By Dr. Bisi Olawunmi

note that the leadership of Afenifere has oscillated between Ogun and Ondo states and between two professions – Law and Teaching : Awolowo, Adesanya and Adebanjo, all lawyers , from Ogun state and Ajasin and Fasoranti, educationists and former school principals from Ondo state. They belong to the dedicated elite. Chief Adebanjo alluded to this when he pointed out that Afenifere leadership is neither for sale to the nouveau rich nor available for hijack by impatient, young upstarts, without pedigree. Some young Turks who joined the organization by the time Pa Fasoranti was assuming leadersip, who were apparently not ready to be on a leadership queue, broke ranks with the old guard to form of a breakaway group, named Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) led by Wale Oshun, a former commissioner in the Lagos state government. However, the Oshunled ARG, founded more on hype than serious planning, soon lost gravitas and fizzled out, leaving the Oldies still standing. Afenifere have also had to contend with diverse political tendencies in its ranks, another burden inherited by Chief Adebanjo. Resolving these internal dissents have been compounded and aggravated by the just concluded 2023 general elections, given the attendant virulent campaign against Afenifere’s choice of support for a presidential candidate outside the Yoruba orbit. The political opposition, mainly foot soldiers of president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have before, during and after the presidential election drawn the long knives in attacks against Chief Ayo Adebanjo. Afenifere’s point that its position was based on equity and fairness did not fly with the opposition who insists that Afenifere should have supported one of its own, the Yoruba candidate.

However, in spite of the attacks on his person by political opponents, the old political warrior and the last man standing among Awo’s disciples, remains his ebullient and combative self. The three core values of Afenifere to which he remains resolutely committed are restructuring of the governance of Nigeria to give more powers to constituent states and thereby accelerate the pace of development ; one indivisible Nigeria and the restoration of the ‘ Omoluabi ’

culture of respect and integrity among the Yoruba. According to him, Afenifere’s political dalliances have been predicated on support for candidates who espouse belief in restructuring. He has no apology that those candidates supported by Afenifere at various times lost the elections – Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, President Goodluck Jonathan at the time he lost re-election and Atiku Abubakar. Although the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) has declared Bola Tinubu as winner of the presidential election, Afenifere has stuck with Peter Obi of the Labour Party in his legal challenge of the election result, as a matter of principle.

Chief Adebanjo comes across as a combative and assertive personality. Those who have angst against him also say he is abrasive and domineering. Chief Segun Osoba, two time governor of Ogun state and former Afenifere chieftain, typifies those in this group. He believes that Chief Adebanjo exploits his elderly position to impose on younger ones. Chief Osoba once fumed : He is not old enough to be my father. By how many years is he older and wants to talk down on people ? They also charge him with rigidity of position. He is not easily persuaded. Maybe these critics are not entirely wrong on the chief’s assertiveness. Chief Adebanjo is obviously a ‘Take Charge’ leader. He also does not brook ignorance. For instance, he would not hesitate to cut short, in mid sentence, a speaker raising issues about an item slated further down in the agenda of a meeting. He believes accommodating such will disrupt orderly discussion of issues. Similarly, he can be intolerant of a speaker raising an issue that had been concluded in a previous meeting at which the speaker was absent. Such speaker can be shot down during his speech. In such situations, many defer to him, based on cultural dictates, but there are those who have held high political office, with consequent sense of self importance, who couldn’t be restrained by culture and are tempted to respond with anger. Different strokes. Whatever may be some people’s misgivings about his leaderdhip style, for Chief Ayo Adebanjo, to be in office is to be in authority and control !!!

Apart from being an organizing secretary of the Action Group in the

1960s and acting national chairman of Alliance for Democracy in 1999, Chief Adebanjo has not held any political office, which makes some opposed to his leadership style to wonder how he has been able to attain high political clout, till date. I believe the answer lies in the force of his personality, supreme confidence, his articulate, fearless defence of any position held and his abiding commitment to Awoism. Chief Ayo Adebanjo practices what can be described as paternalistic hegemony – a belief in giving deference to old age, embedded in Yoruba culture. But like a disciplinarian father , Chief Adebanjo projects as someone who won’t abandon a child, however recalcitrant, when the chips are down. He once said of Chief Osoba : I have no issue with Segun. About Bola Tinubu, his position is that political disagreement is not a do or die affair – Ti a ba nja, ki se pe ka ku. This paternalistic attitude must have informed his solidarity visit to Tinubu on his ( Tinubu’s ) return from medical treatment in the United Kingdom. It is a disposition that divergent political inclination should not engender enmity.

Chief Ayo Adebanjo has weathered buffeting political storms, hence his thanksgiving church service.

At 95, Chief Ayo Adebanjo is at his vivacious and ebullient best when discussing politics and leaving people in awe when he gives copious political historical antecedents. He acknowledges the grace of God in his life and tells whoever cares to listen that he has paid his dues and ready for his call up to the great beyond, any time.

Dr. Bisi Olawunmi, Senior Lecturer, Department of Mass Communication, Adeleke University, Ede, is former Washington Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria and Fellow, Nigerian Guild of Editors. Email : olawunmibisi@yahoo.com PHONE : 0803 364 7571 ( SMS ONLY )

DAN GAYE DANGAYE

89 Killed in Benue community in 3 months

We are tired, haba!