Kebbi University gets FM station

From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

The Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero has established the Campus FM Station.

Addressing newsmen yesterday in his office, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ladan Aliero who spoke through the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Research and Renovations Professor

Sa’adu Umar Birnin Yauri said that the FM was established last year by the students of electric and electronic technology engineering department with effort to streamline their academic performance and intelligence.

He added that the newly established FM was tested for more than a month and suspended due to the licence by the Nigeria Broadcasting Cooperation (NBC).

NDDC Chairman assures Niger Delta people of transparency, fairness

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mrs. Lauretta Onochie, has assured that the new leadership at the Commission under her watch will work to impact positively on the lives of the people of the Niger Delta region by making transparency and fairness the order of the day

Speaking during the Anticorruption and Social Inclusive Reform Initiatives in Nigeria project mid-term review meeting organised by the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), yesterday, she said it is imperative to chart a new course for the NDDC, different from what obtained in the past.

She added that the new NDDC leadership is there to do things differently, saying they will work with new ideas to be able to achieve the objective of fast-tracking the development of the Niger Delta region.

Mrs. Lauretta Onochie stressed that NDDC was established specifically for the people of the Niger Delta region as an interventionist agency, meant to bring prosperity to the Niger Delta region.

"We are here to serve the people of the region and by extension serve Nigeria. We are here to reposition the NDDC.

"Our interest is to improve the lives of Niger Delta people. The monies meant for the development of the Niger Delta must be used for the region. ” She said

The NDDC boss assured Person with disabilities, women and youths robust relationship during her tenure.

In his remarks, the Executive Director of ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor said Enhancing Anti-corruption and Social Inclusive Reform Initiatives in Nigeria project is being implemented by ANEEJ and eight partners as part of the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project, saying that it is design to enhance local civil society's organizations’ ability to be positive and responsible change agents in the country.

Association expresses confidence in INEC to deliver on credible elections

Mr Mike Ejiofor, President, Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS), says the association is confident that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will deliver on credible elections, 2023.

Ejiofor said at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja, that in spite of series of attacks on INEC personnel and facilities, the commission would live up to expectations.

He called on the public to support INEC, while urging the commission to be open to comments from Nigerians that would help in achieving its set objectives.

The former director of Department of State Service (DSS) also urged INEC to do more to ensure that elections are won at the polls and not at the court, as a result of technicalities.

According to him, in time like this in a nation’s life, when her essence and collective patrimony is being threatened by some political gladiators, it is appropriate that patriotic Nigerians and groups speak out.

“This is with a view to assuaging frayed nerves and assisting our security agencies in bringing the situation under control, as a group of security professionals and major stakeholders in the Nigerian project.

“We will not sit down, fold our hands and watch some politicians and undemocratic groups in their activities destroy our common patrimony.

“Incidentally, today is Lovers’ Day, so let us continue to preach love for one another and our country Nigeria,’’ he said.

Ejiofor said that the executive members of AANISS had studies the recent political and security climate in the country with regards to the electioneering campaigns and the upcoming general elections.

According to him, the association condemns the unwholesome verbal and physical assaults by some political gladiators and their supports that have characterised the electioneering campaigns in recent times.

“After 23 years of unbroken democracy, it is disheartening that some politicians approach campaigns and elections in such uncivilised and unpatriotic manner.

“Security agencies as critical stakeholders should step up efforts by bringing such unpatriotic elements, whose activities have the tendencies to threaten the conduct of elections to book.

“We commend agencies that have put their lives and those of their families’ members on the line in defence of our collective wellbeing.

“We urge them to emplace more robust measures with a view to stemming this evil tide to avoid escalation,’’ he said.

Ejiofor warned urged Nigerians against vote selling, adding that there were consequences for our choices.

“As Nigerians, we can collect money and mortgage our future or vote our consciences for the good of our children and generations yet unborn,’’ he said.

The former director of DSS said that the association supported the naira redesign policy of the Federal Government.

He, therefore, urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to endeavour to make the new notes available to Nigerians to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.(NAN)

The President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), former Inspector General of Police, MD Abubakar has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria, security agencies, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to intensify efforts towards a credible and violence-free election in all parts of the country.

This is according to a statement yesterday by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (retd), AANI’s National Publicity Secretary.

The former IGP stated that AANI had noted with great concern that the prevailing economic difficulties in the country have been aggravated by additional tension occasioned by perennial fuel scarcity and cashless policy and must be addressed decisively ahead of the 2023 general elections.

He said the government must ensure that an enabling environment is created for Nigerians in all parts of the country to freely exercise their franchise, adding that reliable elections and a smooth handover of power would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and help it reach its full potential.

The AANI president said the association condemns all forms of electoral malpractice, including intimidation, votebuying and election violence. He urged all contestants for the various elective positions to eschew violence and money politics and uphold global best practices and focus on the issues of security, welfare, and economic