Monday, January 16th, 2023 Edition

President Muhammadu Buhari releasing pigeons, flanked by Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN, President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kayode Ariwoola; FCT Minister Mal Mohammed Musa Bello, Service Chiefs and other government officials during the Wreath Laying ceremony to mark the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the National Arcade, yesterday in Abuja,

PHOTO; State House

How Obasanjo stole my mandate - Sen. Obi

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Chairman and Director-General of Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Council in Anambra State, Senator Ben Obi, has exposed how the former President Olusegun Obasanjo administration stole his mandate alongside others.

He also reiterated how he exposed Obasanjo’s third term project on his return to the Senate shortly after reclaiming his stolen mandate.

Obi, who represented Anambra Central in the fifth Senate, spoke in Abuja at the 70th birthday of a legal luminary and philanthropist, Amobi Nzelu.

Meanwhile, the celebrant, Barrister Amobi Nzelu Esq, who marked his 70th birthday expressed the need to rejig the legal profession in order to redeem its battered image.

On the secret of his longevity, he attributed it to service to God and mankind.

Other prominent politicians and dignitaries at the celebration included the Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Kalu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF), Boss Mustapha, senator Pius Anyim and Chief ChukwumaMachukwu Ume, SAN.

The Anambra State born politician who recalled his unpleasant political relationship with the former president, narrated how after winning

•as Bar Amaobi Nzelu marks 70th birthday

both the primary of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), and general election unopposed, his mandate was hijacked by Obasanjo and given to one Ikechukwu Anya, who was not even a contestant for the Senate seat at the primary but a governorship aspirant.

“That was how I spent two years in courts. But before going to court, I told President Obasanjo that his actions were not fair – that I won both my primary and general elections unopposed. I told him I was going to fight the injustice and he said I should go ahead.

“In my own case, there were 33 rulings in three years and I won all of them. Nine judgments were also delivered unanimously in my favour.

“So when I came into the Senate, together with my team of lawyers including Chief Chris Uche SAN and Amobi Nzelu, (the celebrant), I announced that the Eagle has landed.

“That was when I exposed the third term project, because I was in the system and so I knew about it. That is when we started the battle against it and thank God, we successfully battled the project and killed it.

“Even people in the office of the President(Obasanjo) were jumping and jubilating that the project was killed, because, it would have destroyed our

democracy.”

He revealed that it was Amobi Nzelu who prepared the legal briefs that rescued the mandate that was stolen by the President Obasanjo led administration.

“It was when Amobi had prepared the briefs that I went to Chief Chimeze Ikpeazor (SAN), (of blessed memory) and the late Clement Akpamgbo (SAN).

“ Amobi played a major role and did a wonderful job as the man who prepared the briefs that we used to win that battle from day one, “ he revealed.

Meanwhile, Senator has enjoined Nigerians to work together to rebuild the country inrespective of political party affiliations.

On his part, the celebrant, Amobi Nzelu has expressed the need to rejig the legal profession in order to redeem its battered image.

“Lawyers today are not thorough as they are after what they can get and not delivery in court. They don’t want to understudy the seniors and know how to cross the Ts and the Is.

“In the next six months, I will be 43 years as a lawyer. I was called since 1980 and we were only 392 that were called to the bar. Today, they chunked them in 2000 to 3000.

“The legal profession is the hope of an ordinary man. But its not so now. It is cash and carry. And I say it with amount of seriousness that what is happening today in the judiciary calls for concern.

“Various conflicting judgments from courts of coordinate jurisdiction. One says A in Anambra and another say B in Abuja on the same subject matter. I thank the National Judicial Council, NJC for trying to instill discipline in the profession,” he said.

Group trains academic staff of Kadpoly on prevention of SGBV

From:

Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Empowering Women for Excellence Initiative (EWEI) an (NGO), has sensitised members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, on the prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

EWEI’s Programme Officer, Gender, Mr Mendie Jeremiah, at the opening session of the seminar in Kaduna, said that the orientation was under the “We for Them (WFT)” project.

Jeremiah, who is also the Secondary Focal Person, WFT, explained that the project was being implemented in partnership with Africa Women’s Development Fund.

He said the project was specifically aimed at decreasing the frequency of SGBV, with

particular focus on sexual harassment and abuse in public spaces.

He said EWEI would be working with allies from ASUP, a male-dominated union of Kaduna Polytechnic to implement the project in the next two years.

He added that a total of 50 academic staff members was selected from five colleges of the institution to participate in the implementation of the project.

He identified the schools as College of Engineering, College of Science and Technology, College of Environmental Studies, College of Administrative Studies and Social Sciences, and College of Business and Management Studies.

“It is important to state that this project recognises the power, influence, and

intellectual nature of the union as a strategic ally to reform.

“This will ensure the implementation of existing legal instruments that address sexual harassment in this institution.

“Together, we will speak out against this social problem that has prevented members of our communities from developing and using their full potential, especially women and girls,” he said.

He described sexual harassment as an “unwelcome, unwanted sexual advances, and other verbal or physical contacts of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or offensive environment”.

He described sexual harassment as a physically and emotionally dangerous form of violence against women given its propensity to cause them distress.

“For example, it is harassment when women ask for sexual favours in return for grades, jobs, promotions, or salary raise in places of work.

“WFT is similarly being implemented with members of the Kaduna chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and together, we expect to reach more than 4,500 primary and secondary beneficiaries,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Courage Galah, EWEI’s Senior Programme Officer, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning, said that the approach would include raising awareness about GBV toll-free helplines and support systems for survivors.

He said other approaches included advocacy, training, community mobilisation, and service delivery.

Senator Ben Obi

Niger APC support groups to mobilize for party’s candidates

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

All Progressives Congress (APC) groups from the twenty-five Local Government Areas of Niger State have vowed to mobilize votes for their presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and the State governorship candidate, Umar Muhammad Bago in the forthcoming general elections.

At a meeting by Presidential Campaign Council Support Groups to strategize for Tinubu and Umar Bago ahead of 2023 elections held in Minna, the groups reiterated their determination to bring Tinubu and Bago to power for continuity.

The Acting Coordinator, Alhaji Umar Shuaibu explained that meeting of all APC Support Groups was aimed at coordinating them into one umbrella to ensure victory for all the APC candidates in Niger state.

According to him, the youths in the state will ensure that they give their all to the party’s presidential candidate as well as the Governorship candidate to ensure victory.

Niger Gov. imposes curfew in Lambata community over violence

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has imposed curfew in Lambata, Gurara Local Government Area of the State sequel to violent clashes that led to the killing of the

Village Head of Lambata, Mohammed Abdulsafur Musa.

A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane explained that in view of the unfortunate incident, the State Governor has directed that curfew be imposed in Lambata Town

from 6:00pm to 6:00am beginning from Sunday 15th January, 2023 till further notice.

Ahmed Matane disclosed that declaration of curfew in Lambata was to assist the security agencies to stabilize the situation in the area, save lives and property as well to

enable the restoration of law and order.

The State Government called on the residents of the area to cooperate with the security agents in the urgent task of restoring peace in Lambata, while urging security agencies to ensure the enforcement of the curfew.

By Albert Akota

As Nigeria marks the 2023 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day, the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu jaji Sambo has paid glowing tribute to the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

In a message by his special Assistant (Media) Dr Sam Idiagbonya made available to newsmen in Abuja yesterday, the Minister described the fallen soldiers as heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice inorder to protect the country’s sovereignty.

According to the Minister, the country remembers and honours them for their gallantry and bravery, adding that the ideals for which they laboured will be upheld.

“This day we salute the gallantry and bravery of our men and women who paid the ultimate price for the safety of our father land.

Today we remember them and honour them. The labour of our heroes past shall never be in”, the Minister said.

HYPADEC established to bring succour to communities around River Niger – MD

Alhaji Abubakar SadiqYelwa, Managing Director, Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC), says the commission is established to bring succour to communities residing around the River Niger.

He made the disclosure in an interview with Journalists on the sideline of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign rally at Warra, Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi on Sunday.

Sadiq-Yelwa said: “The essence of establishing HYPADEC is to bring succour to those people residing around River Niger who are affected by the construction of dams generating electricity to Nigeria.

“As a commission, we are doing our best but to me the projects we embarked upon is not enough considering the negative effects caused by the dam construction, so, this is just the beginning and we will continue with it by the grace of Almighty God.

*I am happy President Muhammadu Buhari has given us all the necessary backing and encouragement to carry out vital projects that will transform the lives of people living around these areas.”

Sadiq-Yelwa listed some of the constraints faced by the residents to include; scarcity of portable water and incessant floods that usually destroy houses and ravage farmlands, hence the need for drainage construction to mitigate the menace.

The MD assured that the commission would not relent until it achieves the mandate for which it was established.

“We are grateful that both the governor and the benefitting communities are appreciative of what we are doing to bring succour to them, actually this is an encouragement to us.

“We will continue to discharge our responsibilities untill the mandate for which the commission is established is achieved,” he said.

While advising the electorate in Kebbi to take advantage of extension of PVC collection by INEC, Sadiq-Yelwa noted with satisfaction that the rate of collection across the state was commendable, especially in Kebbi South Senatorial District.

“We will continue to appeal to our people to come out en-

mass to collect their PVCs, of course the level at which our people are coming out to collect their cards in Kebbi State is quite commendable, especially our zone, Kebbi South Senatorial District.

“We the people of this zone are among the most enlightened people who know the need to collect PVCs and its importance towards exercising our franchise.

“We have a responsibility to our constituents, we have a responsibility to ourself and we can only invoke that responsibility when we collect our PVCs.

”We will come out en-mass on election day to cast our votes for all APC candidates because they are the best candidates fielded for elections,” he said.

From right, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; PDP candidate for Atiba/Afijio/Oyo East and West Federal constituency, Hon Kamil Akinlabi; candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Chief Bisi Ilaka and House of Assembly candidate for Afijio State constituency, Prince Deji Oparinde during the campaign in Afijo Local Government.

PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.

Sambo pays tribute to Nigeria armed forces, salute gallantry effort

Zamfara: Matawalle hands over 450 housing estate to low income earners

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

Zamfara State Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle has handed over 450 2-bedroom houses to the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) with a view to cushion difficulties on accommodation amongst the teeming civil servants in the state.

Governor Matawalle during the handling over ceremony on Sunday at Daza area under Bungudu

local government area, expressed unreserved satisfaction with the quality of project, saying the construction of another 1000 units of housing estate will commence Tuesday next week.

He disclosed that, the completed 450 2-bedroom houses would be allocated to junior civil servants who started from grade level 01 to 07 as ‘Owner Occupier’ with 40 percent discount and the payments will be deducted out of

their salaries.

“600 3-bedroom houses out of the 1000 units which will be constructed soon, will be allocated to the senior civil servants while the remaining 400 will be allocated to those above grade level 07. This is to ensure that the alarming percentage of accommodation problems amongst the civil servants is washed down to the barest minimum”, Matawalle has assured.

He urged the leadership of the NLC to be just and fair on the process of allocation, adding that, “The process of allocation is expected to be based on merit to ensure the State Government’s policy on the provision of accommodation for civil servants is satisfied”.

The Chairman of the NLC Zamfara State chapter, Comrade Sani Halliru, thanked the state Governor for the kind gesture.

2023: Danjani vows to mobilize 20m votes for Atiku in North-west

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

The newly elected chairman of Atiku United Front Northwest geo-political zone ( AUFNW) Alhaji Umar Danjani Hadeja has promised to mobilize millions of votes for

Atiku Abubakar in the forthcoming general elections in North-west.

Danjani made the promise while delivering his speech shortly after his inauguration as new chairman of the organization.

He explained that, AUFNW was founded by the former governor of

Jigawa state Alhaji, Dr. Sule Lamido to campaign for Atiku, Santuraki, Northwest’s state governors among other PDP aspirants for victory during the general election.

According to him, north Western stated have over 21 million votes in which he promised to

deliver 99 percent of the votes to PDP and Atiku in particular.

“We will work hard in ensuring 99 percent of North West votes go to PDP for both Atiku Abubakar and other PDP governors in various states” , he said.

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, Umar Mohammed Bago has promised to complete the developmental projects started across the state by governor Abubakar Sani Bello.

He made this known during the flag off of Niger East Senatorial campaign while addressing the mammoth crowd that received him in the Kontagora.

Bago noted that the principle of his administration if elected would be based on maximizing the state resources through building on legacies of his predecessors.

Earlier in his remarks, the North-Central APC Zonal Vice Chairman, Mu’azu Bawa received 4, 780 decampees from various political parties.

He said 87 of the decampees were officials of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), adding that 261 were women 173 men from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Gwagwalada okada union forum gets new executives

By Usman Shuaibu

Alegal luminary, Barr Andrew Ofoji has sworn-in the newly elected officials of Gwagwalada Okada Union Forum in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Some of the newly elected officials are: Mallam Yushua Hassan Akula; Chairman, Mr

Speaking at the occasion, the Aguma

Gwagwalada, Alhaji Muhammadu Magaji who was represented by the District Head of Gwagwalada, Mallam Muhammad

Lakai, advised the okada riders to carry out their duties with the fear of God.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Abubakar Jibrin Giri, who was represented by his Protocol II at the occasion, said his administration would take the okada riders along in the affairs of things in the area.

In an interview, the Chairman

of Okada Union Forum in Gwagwalada, Mallam Yushau Hassan Akula, said he would provide purposeful leadership capable of satisfying the aspirations of okada riders in the area.

Akula, therefore, appealed to the administration of Gwagwalada Area Council to assist the union with a bus for the smooth running of the union.

No fewer than 550 poor and vulnerable women in Gombe local government were said to have benefited through the equity fund from the government inorder to enjoy Gombe state contributory healthcare services.

The executive secretary of Gombe state contributory healthcare management agency (GOHEALTH) Dr. Abubakar Musa who was represented by the Director planning research and statistics Tanimu Umar made this known in Gombe during the flagging off of the exercise at the weekend.

He said the flagging off of the programme in Gombe local government area council was aimed at enhancing women to benefit from GOHEALTH.

Dr. Musa also said the beneficiaries were drawn from the 11 wards of Gombe local government area which 50 women from each ward were picked to benefit.

He said the programme will not only end at Gombe local government area but will equally touched the lives of the poor and vulnerable women from the remaining 10 local government areas.

From David Hassan, Gombe

Owudah Hassan; Vice-Chairman, Mr Abubakar Muhammad; Secretary-General, Mr Sani A. Isah; Treasurer and the position of Assistant Secretary went to Mr Emmanuel Moses.

of

Niger APC guber candidate pledges to complete predecessor’s projects

Gombe govt flags off additional enrollment of 550 vulnerable women

L-R: NAHCON chairman Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan and chairman of Mutawwif, company of African Non Arabs known as Muassassah, Ahmad Sindy, sign pact on 2023 hajj services at Super Dome Centre, Jeddah, on the side line of the Hajj and Umrah Expo 2023.. Photo

; NAHCOn Media

Police kill 4 suspected kidnappers, recover rifles in Bauchi

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

Police and members of a vigilante group have killed four suspected armed kidnappers in a gun duel in Alkaleri local government area of Bauchi State.

The spokesperson of Bauchi State Police Command, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil who disclosed this in a statement yesterday in Bauchi added that six kidnapped victims were rescued in various operations carried out around Madam Forest in Duguri District.

He said the police recovered four AK47 rifles, one fabricated SMG rifle, one locally-made revolver pistol, one locallymade Beretta pistol, five empty magazines, twenty-two rounds of 7×62.51mm NATO ammunition, four rounds of 7×62.39mm ammunition and three Honda Bajaj motorcycles.

“Police operatives in conjunction with locals ambushed and neutralised two of the armed kidnappers, while the remaining suspects were subdued by the superior firepower from the operatives, forcing them to scamper in disarray into the nearest bushes with possible bullet wounds.

“Also, on 07/01/2023 at about 1430hrs following an intelligence report, a combined team of Police operatives in conjunction with local hunters hit kidnappers’ hideout near Mansur Forest.

“Consequently, two of the bandits were neutralised. A fabricated SMG rifle and three operational motorcycles (Honda Bajaj) were equally recovered during the operation.

“Five kidnapped victims who were believed to have been kidnapped from Cheledi village of Kirfi LGA of Bauchi State were rescued unhurt and reunited with their families.

“Similarly, on the 12th January 2023, Police operatives attached to Alkaleri Divisional Police headquarters

acted on an intelligence report that A 14-year-old girl from Maimadi ward-Alkaleri

LGA was kidnapped by some unknown armed men. A patrol team led by the divisional

police officer swung into action and engaged the hoodlums at their hideout. As a result, the

victim was rescued unhurt and reunited with her family,” he said.

Obasanjo lied on failed Third Term agenda, says Afegbua

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Former spokesperson to erstwhile Military President Ibrahim Babangida and one time Commissioner of Information in Edo State, Prince Kassim Afegbua has declared that former President Olusegun Obasanjo lied on his claim that he did not seek a third term in office.

Afegbua’s declaration came on the heels of recent statement by Obasanjo that if he had sought a third term (tenure elongation), he would have easily gotten it.

The former Edo Commissioner for Information, in a press statement on Sunday, entitled: “On Third Term, Former President Obasanjo Lied,” said, emphatically, that Obasanjo plotted the third term but that there was a counter

plot that defeated it.

Afegbua insisted that Obasanjo sought a third term, but it failed woefully, because it didn’t have the buy-in of those who worked for his election in 1999, the Governors, the media and other critical stakeholders.

The facts of history concerning the failed third term bid of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the former Commissioner maintained, are very lucid.

According to Afegbua, “Those who are chroniclers of history often deploy subjective and partial recording to suit their aim.

“They usually want history to be revised in the opposite direction to suit their egos, and to confuse the younger generation of Nigerians.

“The facts of history concerning

the failed third term bid of former President Olusegun Obasanjo are very lucid.

“Former president Obasanjo sought a third term, but it failed woefully, because it didn’t have the buy-in of those who worked for his election in 1999, the Governors, the media and other critical stakeholders.

“After I survived an assassination attempt in the early hours of 23 August 2006 by agents of Government, I had to seek refuge somewhere around Central Business District in Abuja.

“Five days before the attack, I was cautioned by top Government functionaries and a former President to watch my back, that the government of the day was restless over several articles and publications I wrote, exposing

their secret activities.

“Five days later, the assailants struck; but God was on my side. I heard the assailants shouting within my compound; saying “come out Mr. Writer”.

“I quickly called the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Lawrence Alobi, who immediately detailed his DPO in my area to swing into action.

“On hearing that I was calling The Police, the assailants shouted at the other end, and released a few bullets at my entrance door, saying that no Police man would dare approach my house at this time.

“Then I heard a staccato of gunshots. After 40 minutes of drama, I was still alive, had secured my family, and had inflicted some bodily harm on one of them.

Surrender now, Army warns Boko Haram, ISWAP ‘remnants’

terrorists troubling the Northeast to surrender.

The outgoing Theater Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.Gen.

Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning to the ‘remnants’ of Boko Haram and ISWAP

He was speaking at the 2022 Nigerian Army West Africa Social Activities in Maiduguri, on Saturday.

Gen. Musa reviewed the 2022 terror war, describing it as very successful, saying, “Through

the kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, 2022 witnessed unprecedented successes in the war against terror, considering the fact that over 83,000 terrorists surrendered to the military.”

He said: “I urge all terrorists who have not surrendered to

utilize the ongoing surrender window and do so without any delay,” warning, “Those who refuse to surrender will have themselves to blame.”

The occasion witnessed several cultural displays by various ethnic groups across the country.

Political parties sign peace accord in Kebbi

free elections in the February polls in the state.

Ahead of February elections, eleven (11) political parties in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State have signed peace accord and promised to ensure a rancour

INEC said 18 political parties have registered for the general elections in kebbi State, but only 11 of them including the APC, PDP, PRP and LP signed the peace accord

at the Shagalinku Hotel in Birnin Kebbi.

Speaking at the event, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Alhaji Ahmed Bello Mahmud said signing of the peace accord is important to ensure political parties follow the rules guiding the conduct of the 2023

elections.

He said there are 12 pillars which the political parties must commit themselves to and which must bind them together to ensure successful outcome of the elections in the state.

From: Shehu Abubakar, Maiduguri

From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

R; . President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN and President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamil, Service Chiefs and others Government officials during the Wreath Laying ceremony to mark the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the National Arcade yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: State House

Nasarawa scholarship board Secretary drums support for Sule

From Gambo Ahmed lafia

Executive secretary of the Nasarawa sate scaholarship board, Hajiya Sa’adatu Yahya has admonished youths in Nasarawa state to rally round Governor Sule to victory in the 2023 general elections

Hajiya Sa’adatu who gave the admonition to the youths while speaking in an interview with Peoples Daily in Lafia maintained that governor Sule has achieved remarkably in the area of education with emphasis on Scholarship disbursement.

She further stressed that the governor’s cardinal policy is to ensure that youths in the state acquire education in all skills.

Buhari congratulates Agba on South Korean Award

President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated Clem Agba, the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning on the conferment of the National Award of the Order of Diplomatic Service by the President of the Republic of South Korea.

The President’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Sunday in Abuja.

According to the president, the award is in recognition of the minister’s personal achievements and contributions to strengthening the ties between Nigeria and South Korea.

The president recognised the experienced administrative management skills, charisma and leadership of the minister in repositioning the budget and national planning ministry toward effectively delivering its mandate.

He commended the minister for his diligent commitment to national planning and early budget submission to the National Assembly.

Buhari also lauded him for strengthening the Department of Monitoring and Evaluation in the Ministry in order to effectively drive the National Monitoring and Evaluation process.

Matawalle: Tinubu’ll boost nation’s economy, turns Nigeria crime-free

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

The Chairman Northwest Campaign Committee for Tinubu/Shattima, Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle has assured that with Bola Ahmed Tinubu as next President, Nigeria will no longer be a haven for high profile criminals who have been terrorising peace.

Matawalle who gave the assurance in a press conference Friday at his personal residence in Maradun local government area, said, Nigeria will be cool and calm to the extent that legitimate businesses will return as designed in the blueprint introduced by the APC Presidential candidate, Ahmed Tinubu.

He claimed that only Tinubu and his runnin mate Kashim

Shattima will consolidate efforts by President Buhariled administration which had eventually dealt with security challenges that bedeviled the country especially as it discouraged the evil forces of Boko Haram in the northeast.

“Security as designed in the Tinubu’s blueprint, will be number one priority in order to pave ways for exploration of economic potentials across the

northwest especially in Zamfara where there is a blessing of high concentration of mineral resources even enough to recover the lost glory of Nigerian economy.

“In Zamfara State for example, there is mineral resources in abundance which need to be explored to make the nation’s economy more diversified so that more job opportunities will be achieved.

By Usman Shuaibu

The management of the University of Abuja has launched a Diploma programe in Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the institution.

Speaking at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, said his administration would support the programme in all ramifications.

Na’Allah who spoke

during the University of Abuja maiden national conference on Complementary and Alternative Medicine, saying the management of the University would deem it necessary to award a Degree programme in Complementary and Alternative medicine in the nearby future.

Also speaking, the Chancellor of the University, Alhaji Rilwan Suleiman Adamu who is the Emir of Bauchi State said the establishment of a Diploma

programe in Complementary and Alternative Medicine would revolutionize the health system in Nigeria.

The Emir who was represented at the occasion said: “This is one area that our scientists ought to have delved into long ago, the significant advancement made by China and India in the use of Complementary and Alternative medicine is an established phenomenon across the globe.

On his part, the Provost of

the College of Health Sciences University of Abuja, Prof. Mustapha Jamda, said the College of Health Sciences would partner with the Complementary and Alternative medicine in the University for the sake of academic excellence of the students.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Abuja, Dr Ben Amodu unveiled the substances of Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the occasion.

L-R: Chairman of the Occasion and Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika; Katsina State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari; and deputy governor Mannir Yakubu; during the APC Raises Appeal Funds to Build Permanent Secretariat in Katsina, yesterday.

AFRDC 2023: Nigerian Navy wins combat competition

The Nigerian Navy on Saturday in Abuja won the Paintball Combat Competition, defeating the Nigerian Army during sporting events organised to commemorate the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC).

The paintball is a simulated combat situation to develop strategy, skills and team work minus the danger of live munitions fire.

It helps a player to make strategic decisions within seconds to remain in the game.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, congratulated members of the armed forces particularly the veterans for the good work they had done to keep the nation united.

Irabor said the fallen and living heroes deserved to be celebrated for their sacrifice for the nation.

According to him, the nation has set aside Jan. 15 of every year to remember and honour serving and fallen heroes.

“For us in the armed forces, we also thought as a prelude to the wreath laying event, that there has to be series of events that will indeed lead to the climax.

“The paintballing festival is one of such innovations. Two days ago and yesterday, we had golf tournament packaged to honour our veterans and I am glad to say that they were there in their numbers.

“The event that we have witnessed tonight is to further honour them and to let them know that their services were never forgotten.

“I am glad that we have been able to put this together in partnership with the Forest Hunters who came up with the idea and suggested that we partner with them,” he said.

Irabor commended the forest hunters for the idea and pledged to continue to partner with the organisation to make paintball combat competition an annual event.

He said the armed forces would do further modification to the game to suit the Nigerian environment going forward.

The paintball competition was organised by the Defence Headquarters in partnership with the Forest Hunters powered by Bayo Omoboriowo.

NAN reports that the AFRDC is held on Jan. 15 every year in

Police kill bandit, arrest two others in Kaduna

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna state Police Command has said it killed a bandit and arrested two others on a kidnap mission in parts of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Muhammad Jalige in a statement said operatives attached to the Rigachikun Division on 14th January, 2023 at about 0100 hours received a distressed call that armed bandits have invaded the residence of one Umar Ibrahim at Amana Maimadachi village with the view to

carrying out nefarious activities.

While noting that some of the suspected bandits escaped with bullet sounds, the Command stated an AK47 rifle, a locally fabricated General Purpose Machine Gun with 10 rounds of live ammunition was recovered by its men during the raid on the suspected criminals.

According to Jalige, upon receipt of the distress report, the crack operatives alongside other local security stakeholders swiftly mobilized and moved to the location where they engaged the bandits and thwarted their attempt to kidnap

law abiding citizens.

“In the tactically executed operation, one of the armed bandits clad in military camouflage uniform was neutralized, while others escaped with various gunshot injuries. A serviceable AK47 rifle loaded with four (4) rounds of live ammunition was recovered from the neutralized bandit.

In a related development, operatives of the Command attached to Saminaka Division acted on credible information and launched a successful operation on the 13th January, 2023 at Warsa

Piti Area of Saminaka Lere LGA where they arrested two bandits, namely; (1) Dauda Yusuf ‘m’ 35 yrs, and (2) Sani Ibrahim ‘m’ 30 yrs.

“When a thorough search was conducted on them, a locally fabricated GPMG rifle with its six (6) rounds of live ammunition and a Dane gun were equally recovered.

“Upon preliminary investigation, the suspects confessed to the ownership of the weapons and are currently assisting the Police in an investigation at the end of which they will be charged to court.”

AFRDC: Buhari, Lawan, others honour fallen heroes in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday led Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, members of National Assembly, service chiefs and the diplomatic corps to honour the nation’s fallen and living heroes.

The event, which involved laying of wreath at the National Arcade in Abuja, was the climax of activities for the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC).

First to lay the wreath was the President, followed by Vice President, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode

Ariwoola.

The wreath was also laid by Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi and his Federal Capital Territory counterpart, Malam Mohammed Bello.

They were followed by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor; Chiefs of Army, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo.

Other dignitaries, who also performed the wreath-laying ceremony are members of the diplomatic corps, Nigerian Legion and the widows of late officers and soldiers represented by Mrs

Cynthia Uba.

There was also the firing of three volleys in honour of the fallen heroes which has its origin in the old custom of halting fighting in the war front to remove the dead from the battlefield.

President Buhari, thereafter, signed the anniversary register and released the ceremonial pigeons as a symbol of national peace and freedom.

The celebration started with series of activities including Jumma’at prayer on Jan. 6, at National Mosque and Interdenominational Christian service on Jan. 8.

This year’s celebration also featured sporting activities such

as golf tournament and paintball combat competition organised by the Defence Headquarters among other activities.

The AFRDC is celebrated globally to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices made by citizens for the cause of peace.

In Nigeria, January 15, is set aside annually to honour the fallen heroes who laid down their lives in service to humanity during the first and second world wars, Nigerian civil war, peace support and various internal security operations.

The event is also used to honour veterans still alive and as a medium for soliciting financial, moral and material support for the families of the fallen heroes.(NAN)

Group strategises to mobilise massive votes for Atiku

Agroup, ‘The United Nigeria Movement (UNM)’, has evolved strategies to mobilise massive votes across the country to ensure landslide victory for the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The National Chairman of the movement, Alhaji Abubakar El-Nafaty, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday in Abuja.

El-Nafaty said the former Vice President remained the best option for Nigeria, adding, ”he has the ability to bring people together, assemble the right team from across the

country and give everyone a sense of belonging.”

The chairman said already the group, in collaboration with other organisations was mobilising the electorate across Nigeria to vote for Atiku.

He said: “We are going to inaugurate our chapters in all the states of the federation and we are going to visit Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi and Gombe states this week.

” We are going to merge with the party’s structures in all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

” This will enable us to deepen our engagements with the grassroots. Already, we have structures on the ground, so we

will link up with those structures and hit the ground running.”’

El-Nafaty also said that the group would produce short video clips in English, Hausa, Fulfude, Kanuri, Yoruba and other languages and upload them on YouToube.

He said: ”This is to further educate the electorate on why Atiku is the ‘best presidential candidate for Nigeria.

” Before the end of this month, the scripts and video will be ready.

“Also , we will organize a seminar or hold an-eveningwith-Atiku where we can sit together,discuss about the country and questions will be thrown at him toward enhancing

his chances of winning the election.”

El-Nafaty said that the organisation decided to endorse Atiku after a critical examination and evaluation of all the three frontline presidential candidates.

He said: ”Based on the evaluation of the group, Atiku is the only presidential candidate who has the courage, qualities, capacity and capability to move the country to the desired level.

” Atiku has a degree of acceptability within the whole country. He is a patriot and a first class nationalist who believes in the indivisibility of Nigeria and unity,’’ he said.

(NAN)

L-R: APC National Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu;vice president Yemi Osinbajo;Nasarawa State governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule and chief of staff to the president, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, at the wedding fatiha between the son of Emir of Lafiya, Umar Sidi Bage and daughter of Shehu of Borno, Aisha Shehu Abubakar, in Maiduguri , yesterday.

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

The All Progressives Congress(APC)

Governorship Candidate in Kano State, Dr.Nasiru Yusuf Gawauna,has urged supporters of all the political parties in the state to play politics without bitterness ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

Gawuna made the call on Saturday in his closing remarks at a two-hour debate organised for five governorship candidates in the state by the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) at the Aliko Dangote Business School, Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

The other governorship

Guber poll: Let’s play politics without bitterness, rancour -Kano APC candidate, Gawuna

candidates who partook in the debate were, Mohammed Abacha of the PDP, Abba Kabir Yusuf of the NNPP, Sha’aban Sharada of the ADP and Salihu Tanko Yakasai of the PRP.

The Deputy Governor of the state said there was no need for any rancour or bitterness in the course of the ongoing campaigns and during the forthcoming polls,as God had already chosen the person who would be the next

Governor of Kano State.

He said what was needed now was peace and harmony which he said the five respective candidates had exhibited among themselves while waiting to be ushered in for the commencement of the BBCorganised programme.

He, therefore, advised the political parties’ faithful to emulate this gesture, reminding them that afterall, virtually all of them had once belonged to one

political party or the other.

The APC Flagbearer also stated that having heard from the candidates, it was now left for the people of the state to vote for their choice in the forthcoming polls.

Gawuna said for him,the forthcoming election was about the love for Kano State,fear of God and getting the chance to serve the people of the state,adding that if elected, he would serve them

diligently and with fear of God.

He added that whoever God had chosen,he would support him and give him sincere and honest advice for the development of Kano State.

The well-attended debate featured questions on issues such as healthcare,education, economy and commerce anchored by Ibrahim Isa of the BBC and answered by the five respective governorship candidates.

Group supports Kaduna Govt with primary school learning materials

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) programme, yesterday handed over more than 280,000 learning materials for primary one and primary two pupils in Kaduna State.

Mr Salim Sadiq, PLANE’s Senior Technical Advisor, said at the event at Kaduna State Universal Basic Board office that the gesture was to improve learning outcomes in primary schools.

Sadiq added that the support was under output 1 Component of the programme which focuses on foundational skills.

He said that materials were developed and reviewed by education stakeholders in the three intervening states of Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa.

“In line with the PLANE’s mandate to improve learning outcomes in primary schools, a total of 280,000 foundational skills materials were produced.

“The material would be distributed to the 728 primary schools in six intervention local government areas, namely Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Sanga, Jaba, Soba and Sabon Gari,” he said.

PLANE Team Lead in the state, Ms Diana Agabi, explained that the learning materials comprises primary one and primary two Hausa literacy and mathematics foundational books, teachers’ guide, literacy story anthology, and posters.

She said that the materials were being distributed simultaneously across the six local government areas for onward distribution to schools to ensure timely usage since academic activities had resumed.

“Every pupil in each of the benefiting schools is expected to have the learning materials while the teachers will have the teacher’s guide to deliver on the content of the materials.

“The teachers have already been trained on how to use the materials to impact positively on the learning

outcome of the pupils,” she said.

Receiving the learning materials, Dr Haliru Soba, thanked PLANE for the support, which he described as “very critical” to quality teaching and learning at the foundational level.

Soba pointed out that it was very unlikely to build anything meaningful on a defective foundation, stressing that the

major causes of learning poverty was inadequate foundational skills.

According to him, inadequate skills among the pupils at foundation level will create a situation where the children of up to 10 years will not be able to read and write.

“That is absolute learning poverty, but once we address the foundational skill issues, our

pupils would be able to read and write especially in their mother tongue.

“This will build a solid foundation that would enable the pupils to navigate through the entire basic education level with ease.”

He said that the government would deploy an effective monitoring system to ensure that

the materials were put to use, adding that the government would enforce stringent penalties for earring teachers.

He said that through different interventions, the government was able to reduce the gender parity index in primary schools, reduce the average distance from community to schools, and increase enrollment.

-R: Member, National Executives, Tinubu Faithful Group, TFG, Comrade Wale Adeboye; FCT Coordinator, TFG, Comrade Fred Idehai, National Coordinator, TFG, Hon. Olusola Orelaja and National Women Leader, Abiola Suleiman, during the inauguration ceremony of FCT TFG executive members , recently in Abuja.

I will restore Kaduna lost glory -ADP Guber candidate

The Kaduna State Gubernatorial candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) Sani Shaaban has promised to restore the State as the pride of the North.

He asserted this while interacting with Journalists in Kaduna yesterday.

Shaaban who is an in -Law to President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and at the national level.

According to him With the Muslim-Muslim ticket, the ruling party has only succeeded in putting fire on the residents heads. Saying, their brothers from the Southern Part no longer feel comfortable with them from the North.

He explained that, the Muslim-

Muslim ticket in Kaduna today is nothing but a disguise and when there is suspicion and lack of confidence the society cannot develop as expected.

Speaking further, he vowed that if given the mandate at the polls by Kaduna residents, he would restore the state’s lost glory.

“I want to bring back the glory of Kaduna. I am what I am today because of God.

“I would do the best I can to ensure Kaduna State becomes the envy of all. Kaduna is not a poor state. If there is any state that is strategically located on the planet, Kaduna is the one.

“Kaduna used to be number one in textile industry, but today the case is different. The tomatoes we have, the ginger, the pepper the grains we have, yet people are hungry,” he lamented.

“We don’t need to fall back on

national grants, Kaduna State is strategic and has all it takes to stand on its own,” he declared.

“If you talk of debts, today after Lagos, Kaduna State is the most indebted in Nigeria.

“I have the will and I believe God is always with the righteous. He will not forget Shaaban and I will turn around the fortunes of the state for good

“The way they say it is indebted, that it is only a fool that would want to take over from this present government, I can weather the storm,” he declared

“I see what they do and how they do it. There are lots of African countries today, they are what they are because of my contributions. I want to replicate same here.

“We are not coming on board for the glory of the siren. We want to give

back to the society the knowledge God has given us. Two years after Sani Shaaban in Kaduna, other states will start copying us, if possible I would be a governor of more than one state,” he said.

“I want to send some words of caution to my good friends in the media. You saw what transpired from 2015 to date nationally and in Kaduna. What roles did you play in the laws brought in. Or are you being paid? ” He queried.

“Some of us know some students in the Kaduna State University (KASU) who were thinking of graduating in their 400 level, but sent back to square one because of the school fees increase. I have met some of those students, riding Keke NAPEP. Please be part of this stream, check out the situation and have love in your hearts,” he charged.

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

2023 :

Fintiri asks electorate to vote out non performing politicians

From Umar Dankano,Yola

Governor Ahmadu Umaru

Fintiri of Adamawa state has challenged politicians with nothing to offer in addressing yearnings of the populace in their communities to give way for those with workable agenda.

Governor Fintiri gave the challenge at the closing ceremony of the Senator Binos Yaroe’s free medical outreach held at LCCN Referral Health Centre old-Demsa in Demsa local government area at the weekend.

He stressed that Senator Yaroe is one among many who has proved quality representation.

Kaduna govt to pay teachers’ arrears January

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government has said that the salary areas of some of the newly recruited teachers would be paid within this year’s January.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Halliru Musa Soba while reacting to the development said the delay was due to technical hitches associated with poor documentation at the point of the employment of the affected which is being rectified to ensure smooth payment of teachers’ salaries henceforth.

“We will pay their allowances this January. We have an issue with ranking when they were employed.”

FG to establish skills acquisition Institutes in Borno

From: Shehu Abubakar, Maiduguri

The Federal Government has planned to establish an Industrial Equipment and Machinery Development Institute and a Skills Acquisition Institute in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Professor Mohammed Sani Haruna, announced this at a courtesy call on Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri, Friday, January 13.

“Your Excellency (Governor Zulum), I have these glad tidings for you from Mr President,” Prof Haruna announced, saying, “The President has approved Borno for the establishment of the Industrial Equipment and Machinery Development Institute (IEMDI).”

He announced further: “The President has also approved the establishment of the Skills Development Institute,” saying, “These are as a result of your excellent performance.”

The NASENI boss explained that the development institute was aimed at researching, designing and manufacturing

tools, machines, processing, and equipment that will fast-track the establishment of cottage industries.

The institute, he added, would produce spare parts of all equipment that will ensure industrialization not only of Borno but the entire northeast.

On the Skill Acquisition Institute, Professor Haruna said more young persons without formal education would have avenues to acquire skills that can make them become selfreliant.

The NASENI executive vice chairman informed Governor Zulum that President Buhari has

approved skills- development training of 100 youths to be selected from all the 27 LGAs, on vulcanizing and modern plumbing.

He said after training, each trainee would receive starter pack that will contain modern kits.

Governor Zulum consequently allocated 30 hectares of land for the establishment of the two institutes.

“Government of Borno State will provide all the necessary support for the establishment of IEMDI and the Skill Acquisition Institute projects,” he assured.

Nasarawa commissioner drums support for Tinubu

She

From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

Nasarawa state commissioner for women affairs and social development Hajiya Aisha Ruffai Ibrahim has drummed

support for the APC presidential candidate Senator Ahmed Bola Tinibu and Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa to succeed in the forthcoming general elections.

Aisha who made the call

during Nasarawa North APC women campaign rally for the re election of Governor Sule held in Akwanga LGC at the weekend, said governor Sule deserves second term because of his tremendous achievements.

further emphasized on the need for women and other eligible voters who are yet to obtain their permanent voter card to try and get it as the collection exercise is on going nationwide.

R-L; . President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN and President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan and others

Government officials during the Wreath Laying ceremony to mark the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the National Arcade yesterday in Abuja. Photo: State House

Diamond Jubilee: ABU confers honorary doctorate degrees on former governor of Kano State, 3 others

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Ahmadu Bello University, ABU Zaria will confer honorary doctorate degrees on four distinguished Nigerians at its 42nd/Diamond Jubilee Convocation scheduled for Saturday, 28th January, 2023.

This was contained in a statement signed by Auwalu Umar, Director, Public Affairs Directorate, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and made available to newsmen. The awardees include the former military governor of old Kano State Col. Sani Bello (Rtd) and Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Ms. Amina J. Mohammed.

Others are former Bursar of Ahmadu Bello University Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Jibo and Katsina-based philanthropist Hajiya Fatima Lami Usman Kurfi

The decision by the institution to confer the honorary degrees on the illustrious Nigerians followed the recommendation of the Honorary Degrees Committee to the Senate of the University.

The Senate approved the Committee’s recommendation and made same to the Governing Council of the University, which it (Council) finally approved for the conferment of the honorary degrees.

Col. Sani Bello (Rtd), who as a military governor of old Kano State in 1977 established the two famous Science Secondary Schools in Dawakin Kudu and Dawakin Tofa, whose products have continued to make a positive impact nationally and globally, is to be conferred with a Doctor of Science Degree (D.Sc.).

Stakeholders urge next govt to ensure implementation, utilization of health funds

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Stakeholders in the health sector have called on the next government of the country to ensure adequate implementation and utilization of health funds.

The stakeholders made the call on Friday in Abuja at the Healthcare Transformation coalition (HTC) Symposium with the theme: ‘Repositioning The Healthcare Sector: Creating the Pathway to an Effective Health System’.

Specifically, Chairperson of the Health Sector Reform Coalition, Chika Offor, said

budgeting for health was beyond allocation.

She stressed that the next regime must ensure better implementation, utilisation of funds and evaluation to achieve a vibrant sector.

Offor said that funding is a very critical part of reforming the nation’s healthcare system.

“To improve the primary care system, there is a need to develop and implement systems that will enable the private sector to join the reform agenda”.

She said that any major challenge bedevilling the health system is the fact that there is a trust deficit and that should be

resolved to enhance the rapid reformation of the healthcare sector in the country.

Also speaking, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, (NPHCDA), Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr Bulama Garuba highlighted that health was created at home and the hospital did the repairs.

Garuba said that the agency had five principles of primary healthcare accessibility, public participation, health promotion, appropriate skills and technology and intersectoral cooperation adding that the goal of nursing practice was to

improve the health of clients.

On his part, the host, Dr Jide Idris, also the former Commissioner of Health in Lagos State, said that HTC canvassed for the APC flag bearer Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to harmonise sustainable change in the various aspects of the Nigerian healthcare system in the country.

“We’re at a point where the 21st-century style of leadership is aptly needed to drive sustainable and unconventional change in the Nigerian healthcare system in terms of policy making, implementation, and sustainability”.

IPOB: Group calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s release over worsening health condition

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Agroup of medical practitioners under the auspices of Biafra Medical Practitioners (BMP) has called for immediate release of detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, over his alleged worsening health condition.

The group made the call in a statement issued over the weekend in Abuja by Dr. Sam Agubosim, M.D. Anesthesiology and Pain Management, including eleven other doctors and health professionals.

According to the statement dated January 13, 2023, the medical practitioners averred that Kanu required immediate release for urgent medical assessment and treatment.

It will be recalled that Mazi Kanu was arrested by security officials in Kenya and renditioned to Abuja, Nigeria on June 27, 2021.

He was subsequently arraigned with a blindfold before Binta Nyako, a Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Kanu was discharged and

acquitted of charges bordering on treasonable felony as instituted against him at the court in response to years of campaign for the independent Republic of Biafra through IPOB.

The medical practitioners claimed a recent Medical Report released in Nigeria revealed that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has a pre-existing heart condition which, according to them, has exacerbated by his continuous imprisonment, “due to poor nutrition, psychological torture, social isolation and electrolyte imbalance.”

The statement titled “Re: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s Declining Health and Request for Humanitarian Intervention” reads:

“We, Biafra Medical Practitioners (BMP),would like to bring your attention to the urgent need for proper medical care to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is currently in solitary confinement under the custody of Nigerian Department of State Services (DSS).

“Mazi Kanu requires immediate release for independent medical treatment. He is a British citizen and as such should be sent to his country of citizenship for proper medical treatment. Mazi Kanu was kidnapped from Kenya and renditioned to Abuja, Nigeria on June 27, 2021, where he remains incarcerated, despite several Nigerian trial court rulings, including a Nigerian Appellate Court ruling in October 2022, acquitting and discharging him of all charges.

“A recent Medical Report released in Nigeria revealed that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has a preexisting heart condition. This condition is exacerbated by his continuous imprisonment, due to poor nutrition, psychological torture, social isolation and electrolyte imbalance.

“In light of Mazi Kanu’s kidnapping and rendition by the Nigerian government, he cannot receive proper medical care in Nigeria. In order for him to receive fair, humane and adequate medical care, he must be sent abroad. Since his detention at the DSS facility, it is

reported that he has been denied food and proper medication, which has led to worsening of his health. Evidently, there is an inherent bias in his treatment, which is in violation of his human rights.”

Osinbajo, Governors, Emirs at Shehu of Borno daughter’s wedding

From: Shehu Abubakar, Maiduguri

The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Saturday, January 14, led a Presidential delegation to the wedding ceremony of the daughter of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi which held in Maiduguri.

Other members of the delegation include Chief of Staff to the President Professor

Ibrahim Gambari, National Security Adviser Major General Babagana Monguno, Director General National I ntelligence Agency NIA Ahmed Abubakar, Chief Executive Officer NNPC limited Mele Kyari and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe.

The Maiduguri central mosques venue of the ceremony was fill to capacity with many dignitaries, politicians, traditional rulers and their cottires as well wishers from across the country.

The royal wedding which was between the son of Emir of Lafiya, Umar Sidi Bage, and daughter of Shehu of Borno, Aisha Shehu Abubakar, was also attended by 86 emirs and chiefs from different parts of the country.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum stood on behalf of family of the bride while his counterpart the Governor of Nasarawa Abdullahi Sule represented the family of the groom.

The marriage solemnisation was officiated by the Chief Imam of Borno Imam Laisu Ibrahim under the watchful eyes of the Shehu upon the payment of one million naira as bride price.

Prayers were later offered for peaceful 2023 elections and stability of Borno and the entire country.

The Vice President and other dignitaries were later hosted to a launch at the presidential lodge at the Government House.

Nnamdi Kanu

EDITORIAL Out 2022, in 2023

We often say a “happy New Year”. But this is more a wish than a fact. It also suggests that the previous year wasn’t a happy one. In a sense, therefore, 2022, for a majority of Nigerians, was a year to forget. No surprise, therefore, they literally rushed into, not “walked over” to, 2023.

The New Year is a week old today. The federal government declared a two day public holiday. But the fireworks that often light up the skies to welcome the new year were not seen. The streets were empty and few neighbours shared meals because there was no feasting. So the melancholy spirit of 2022 never really left us as entered the New Year.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in the twilight of his presidency, himself admitted in his New Year’s message that the old year was a difficult one. He said “Inflation around the world is at an all time high (and) 2022 brought a combined impact of ongoing wars (Russia-Ukraine, for example) and Covid-19 side effects.” Domestically, insecurity peaked in 2022 when gunmen attacked a passenger train

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

in March and took away over 200 passengers, demanding a hefty ransom for their release. A maximum security prison in the heart of Abuja was also attacked and several inmates were released, including high profile politicians.

However, though 2023 holds out no certainty of happiness and prosperity, it will not be without some excitements. After all, this is an election year. It is Buhari’s last year in office and he has promised to make the polls successful. He pledges “my personal commitment and executive promise to ensure that the 2023 elections, which are diligently conducted by INEC, are free and fair. The collective electoral will and the votes of Nigerians will be fulfilled, even in the twilight moments of my turn.”

“Indeed, whether or not 2023 will be “happy and prosperous” will depend on how transparent the polls are conducted and the quality of new leaders they produce. It means we hold the key to our happiness in our hands. Use it well and the door opens but lose it and we shut out our happiness and prosperity

Indeed, whether or not 2023 will be “happy and prosperous” will depend on how transparent the polls are conducted and the quality of new leaders they produce. It means we hold the key to our happiness in our hands. Use it well and the door opens but lose it and we shut out our happiness and prosperity.

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Lessons from Kwanzaa for reducing religious and ethnic conflict in Nigeria

By John Egbeazien Oshodi!

Particularly During This Tense Ethnic And Religious Presidential Campaign In 2023.

In all of Africa, religion and ethnicity have generally caused and diminished a sense of communal tolerance and coexistence, which continue to reawaken divisions, hatred, and even violence.

This dilemma is more prevalent in the most populous nation in Africa, Nigeria, which is dominated by entrenched, intense religious and ethnic tensions.

No wonder the successful planting of democratic structures that express unity, institutional healthiness, instability, national security, and an expressed positive future remain distant.

Before we get into the tradition of “Kwanzaa,” an annual festival celebrating unity and social values observed primarily by Blacks in the United States from December 26 to January 1, it is worth knowing that Nigeria is recognized for its numerous native and adopted festivals. So far, none has reasonably served to unite Nigerians across ethnic and religious persuasions.

Let’s look at Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa derives its name from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, which translates as “first fruits” or “harvest.” Kwanzaa underlines African heritage in African American culture in the United States of America.

The celebration is observed and runs for seven days, from December 26 to January 1, and focuses on one principle each day: unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Celebrations often include the lighting of candles, singing and dancing, storytelling, poetry reading, and African drumming. Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration. Where it is celebrated, the room is often decorated in the black, red, and green colors of Kwanzaa. The table setting includes a candle holder for seven candles (one black, three red, and three green), a placemat made of straw, a crop item (vegetable), ears of corn to match the number of children in the family, a communal cup, and gifts.

Dr. Maulana Karenga, born Ronald McKinley Everett in Parsonsburg, Maryland, and a professor of Africana Studies at California State University, California, founded the African American and African-oriented observance Kwanzaa in 1966 as a celebration of family, community, culture, and unity.

Dr. Karenga created seven guiding principles. During the week of Kwanzaa, we explore each principle. The seven principles represent seven values of African culture that help build and reinforce community, especially among African Americans or American Blacks.

Kwanzaa has seven core principles, or Nguzo Saba:

Umoja: “Unity” means to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Kujichagulia: self-determination: to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

Ujima: Collective Work and Responsibility—To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems and solve them together.

Ujamaa: Cooperative Economics: To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Nia: “Purpose: To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.”

Kuumba: “Creativity”: To always do as much as we can, in the way we can, in order

to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Imani: “Faith is to believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.”

Kwanzaa should be understood by both continental and resident Africans as not being an African American or Black Christmas. A lot of people, especially whites, assume that Kwanzaa was intended to replace Christmas. No, Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday. It is celebrated by people of many faiths as well as those who do not embrace any religion. Its purpose is to promote unity among black people as well as an understanding of our cultural roots.

Kwanzaa may be new in terms of time out like the historic roots of Hanukkah observed by Jews, Christmas by Christians, and Ramadan observed by Muslims, but its cultural tenets are old regarding paying homage to our ancestors, forging hope and faith, and rekindling unity and pride.

A proverb often quoted during Kwanzaa reads: “I am because we are; because we are, I am.” Harambee! (Let’s pull together!)

Unlike the above religious traditions and holidays, for people of African origin, Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday; it’s a cultural one. It is about people from all different religious backgrounds, including African spiritual traditions, celebrating the holiday. which makes it more appropriate for Nigerians of all faiths as it cuts across religious and tribal lines and serves as a time for families and communities to come together to not only reflect on past struggles and difficulties but to celebrate and practice cultural unity.

The features of Kwanzaa remind this writer of his own background among the Esan people in what is now Edo State, Nigeria regarding Esan cultural events and festivals. There is what is called the New Yam Festival, among many other festivals.

Some ethnic groups in Nigeria celebrate the new yam festival, including the Esans. Every year from September to November, Esanland celebrates the new yam festival known as Huan.

It includes serving yam dishes, which come in the form of pounded yams paired with some sort of traditional soup, porridge or yams roasted yams.

Nigeria, with all its multiple divisions and intense relationships, should adopt the basic principles of African fruitage celebrations established in Kwanzaa.

These seven basic principles found in producing the harvest are vital to building unity and maintaining strong and wholesome communities.

In this way, Kwanzaa can be used to reflect on how we have applied the basic principles, to share and enjoy the fruits of our labor and struggle to combat colonialism and racism, and to recommit ourselves to the collective unity of a better life for our people.

It does not require travel to Israel or Saudi Arabia to celebrate the unity and development of any continental African community.

This call for the adoption of Kwanzaa appears timely at a time in Nigeria where many people say the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari has ruined the nation’s unity, causing ethnic and religious groups to clash over political, educational, and cultural differences, and I perceive Kwanzaa as one of those collective cultural apparatuses that could get some of these lingering differences resolved. Let’s try it out. In fact the celebration is going on now!

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist.

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Of organized Crime in Nigeria and its neighbouring countries

By Tope Shola Akinyetun

Nigeria is a country with a huge land area covering about 923,768 square kilometres with more than 36, 450 kilometres of land and maritime borders. Nigeria shares a boundary with Benin Republic, Chad and Niger as well as Chad and Cameroon to the West, North and East respectively. With this expanse of land comes the challenge of adequately securing Nigerian borders which are majorly porous and play host to the influx of criminals and encourage the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). The circulation of SALW has led to an increase in crime, criminal organizations and gangs, communal and sectarian clashes, ethnoreligious violence, identity crises and armed conflicts, leading to the destruction of the life and property of many. Meanwhile, the challenge of armed violence and proliferation of SALW are worsened by the inability of the security agents to tackle the menace of violence and proliferation of weapons as a result of inadequate training, poor remuneration, inadequate manpower and technical support.

The term transnational crime, which is often used interchangeably with cross-border crime or trans-border crime, is defined as any form of criminalized incident or act that has the potential of engendering peoples’ lives occupying any part in Africa. They are crimes that transcend national boundaries and which contravene fundamental norms guiding the international community. It is described as any crime that satisfies the following conditions:

Transnational organized crime is a global phenomenon to which no continent is immune. Since the end of the Cold war, crime has assumed different, albeit, organized dimensions in Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America and Africa. This is because liberalism and globalization have increased the economic interdependence of various states of the world thus granting criminal elements more opportunity to form syndicates and networks across these countries; often under the guise of promoting globalization. It is equally important to note that the level of success of crime in one country often becomes a motivation and enabler for such to be introduced to a neighbouring country. For instance, crimes such as cybercrime, smuggling and trafficking often require networks beyond an immediate country. As such, actors group themselves into syndicates and take advantage of globalization to move drugs, people and counterfeit products across state borders. In the same vein, crimes such as financial fraud, maritime piracy and arms trafficking often require a network of buyers and sellers from various parts of a region who possess different expertise required to move such products undetected.

Transnational Organized Crime is an umbrella term for an array of crimes such as child trafficking, prostitution, smuggling, the proliferation of small and light weapons (SALW), advanced fee Fraud (419), kidnapping and maritime piracy taking place in more than a state at a time. Trafficking, has for a long time, been a major challenge to border and human security in Nigeria. This was why the General Buhari regime introduced the death penalty for drug traffickers after the first arrest was made in 1983. The menace has continued

unabated while routes such as Senegal, Ghana and South Africa have become popular among Nigerian traffickers. Another attestation to the prevalence of trafficking is the establishment of the Nigerian Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat the pushing of illicit drugs across Africa using the Nigerian borders. Similar to trafficking is the challenge of smuggling which pervades the Nigerian borders.

Due to its porosity, the Nigerian borders, particularly the Seme border, have become a haven for the smuggling of goods including food items, cars and weapons. Although the border has been closed on several occasions, it remains a favourite location for smuggling activities due to its proximity to Benin Republic, Chad, Niger and other parts of Africa.

Attention must also be paid to the proliferation of SALW which has in no small measure fueled armed conflict in the country. SALW contributes to the incidence of armed conflict, banditry, terrorism, insurgency, militancy, organized crime and political instability in Africa. The author argues that the conflicts in Burundi, Darfur, Nigeria and Rwanda have been intensified by the flow of arms in these countries.

Several factors have given impetus to the growing trend of transnational organized crime in Nigeria and her neighbouring countries. These include arms proliferation, porous borders, corruption, poverty, globalization and inadequate security personnel. Meanwhile, the availability of SALW in the world has been documented by scholars. Available Data shows that a high number of these arms can be found in sub-Saharan Africa thus increasing the chances of armed robbery, cultism, cattle rustling, oil bunkering and terrorism in the region. It is believed that the flow of arms in Africa is responsible for the incessant conflicts that have engulfed the continent – among which are the civil war in Sudan, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria, as well as other violent conflicts in Mali, Guinea, Uganda, Congo, Libya, Rwanda and Somalia.

Another necessitating factor that has been repeatedly mentioned in the literature is the Nigerian porous borders. There is no gainsaying that a high level of negligence and the lack of political will of various governments have left the Nigerian borders largely unsecured and are constantly used by criminal elements to perpetrate various forms of crime alongside illegal migration. Popular borders such as the Seme border (Nigeria-Benin) Idiroko border (NigeriaBenin), Ilela (Nigeria-Niger), Jibia (Nigeria-Niger), Mfun (Nigeria-Cameroon), Bele Sahoda (Nigeria-Cameroon), Gamboru/Ngala (Nigeria-Niger) and the Coastal areas (Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, Equatorial Guinea and Central Africa) are being used to smuggle petroleum products, food items, arms and drugs in and out of Nigeria. There are 1,400 illegal routes into Nigeria – a figure which is 1,316 more than the approved border control posts. Meanwhile, the illegal activities in these borders have been sustained due to the widespread corruption and poverty that plagues Nigerian society.

The prevalence of corruption in Nigeria requires little emphasis. However, what is of major concern here is the challenge of corruption among border officials who are saddled with the responsibility of securing the borders and arresting perpetrators of transnational organized crime. It is not uncommon to hear of the connivance between

government officials, security agents and criminals that enables them to traffic illicit drugs, and smuggles goods and arms. Border-related corruption can also take the form of leaking intelligence and criminals, obstruction of investigation and facilitating the movement of illicit goods and migrants. Related to the challenge of corruption is the prevalence of poverty in Nigeria which makes people vulnerable to criminal activities.

Transnational organized crime is also caused by institutional factors such as the ECOWAS Protocol which is aimed at improving the business relationship between member countries through the free movement of persons and goods. The Protocol has however been exploited by criminals to traffic goods and drugs and encourage the growth of terrorism in the region. In addition to this is the limited presence of security and law enforcement officials to act as capable guardians against transnational organized crime. More so, there are no effective policies to checkmate incessant migration taking place under the guise of trade while in most cases the security personnel (Immigration, Customs and Army) stationed at the borders are not efficient. This has increased the chances of international terrorism. For emphasis, Nigeria’s porous borders around Cameroon and the Niger Republic have given way to the influx of undocumented migrants who become foot soldiers for the Boko Haram insurgency.

The effect of transnational organized crime is enormous and it majorly impacts the economy, human security and criminal activities. Due to transnational organized crime, the government has enacted various economic policies that negatively affect the neighbouring countries and their citizens. The funds meant for economic development have been laundered out of the country while the poor citizens have been subjected to poverty, unemployment, deprivation, and exclusion thus encouraging the upsurge in cybercrime, oil theft and maritime crime. Transnational organized crime also poses a great threat to life and property and threatens the degradation of human security and the erosion of national security. The menace has led to the loss of lives due to the incessant gun battles between security forces and criminals.

Arising from the discussion, it is recommended that the federal government of Nigeria should intensify actions to see that various agreements had with other neighbouring states are totally and strictly adhered to. Meanwhile, border security agents should be well-equipped, remunerated and staffed to be motivated to tackle the menace of trans-border crime in Nigeria. The security agents, as well as the judiciary, should intensify efforts to ensure adequate prosecution of trans-border criminals to serve as deterrence to others. More so, the government should tackle corruption in Nigeria because all the aforementioned challenges are directly or indirectly linked to corruption. for instance, leaders, security agents, host communities as well as members of the public are victims of corruption in several distinct ways. Finally, the government should formulate and implement policies aimed at alleviating mass suffering and poverty.

Tope Shola Akinyetun is a Public Policy Analyst.

The Permanent Voter’s Card and its derelict functionality

By Hussein Adegoke

You cannot be a patriotic NIGERIAN and be excited about the state of affairs here.

There are people who are desperately willing to strangulate the rest of us and hellbent on driving our collective wealth to nothingness. I hold the viewpoint that the derelict state of our economy is an artificial creation of some few. And what is it about PVC collection and its sale for a paltry sum? Are you suggesting those who gave them out never anticipated this? Is the INEC Chairman that myopic and incredulous? In a place of hunger…and rife illiteracy, how dare you make such item a cheap commodity available to all Jick and Harry without adequate structures in place to curb its unmerited use?

That piece of card, if sincerely done, should have done no one any good save the one electorate it was intended for.

So, the “PERMANENT VOTERS CARD”—as you declare with brazen stupidity—could just have been

picked, snatched, sold, bought, and the new custodians would benefit from it? Such valuable item put into use just once in every four years…? What a country? What a shame?!

I mean, is this too far from common logic? To “personalize” the card would never have been an idea from the scratch. This is the system forever in place at the ATM stands or in our banking systems. Does anyone pick up a debit card and gain access to your funds that cheaply? Why do we mature in size but never in sense in this part of the world, for crying out loud? You keep spending on systems that give you no value for what you give to it? Yearly, suffrages (or people of voting ages) keep absconding from polling booths because of their waned beliefs in electoral practices. You keep administering the same migraine reliefs to a Malaria that has survived since the 1960s.

We’re no teachers or apologists when it comes to voter’s apathy. But it seems to me that no elite with tangible duties and sensibilities go out to “speak” with no voice—on the election day. Or how would that card

that was not equitably distributed, capturing only a fraction of the voting populace and excluding wellmeaning citizens of the country living in the diaspora fairly represent your “credible choice”? The biggest project in the land is an election—coming up but just in every four years, yet we can barely stake it appropriately. What happens to having a VOTING STAND (much like an ATM) at every voting booth across the nation where every eligible person could “clock” or time in by facial recognition? And this, too, could be replicated in the diaspora. What big deal lies in that?

But going back to the first critical point made, there are ugly men within this space hellbent on not making it work! Every Mahmood Yakubu who submits his credentials for such lofty positions should also fear the day of reckoning (but well, it does them good to know and believe there is one)! No NIGERIAN races to political offices in the land without having a separate “booth” of accountability on the judgement day!

Hussein Adegoke is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Marital unfaithfulness as a yardstick for divorce

By Ifeanyichukwu Mmoh

As I observe the growing popularity of divorce in our society today, I feel compelled to share my thoughts on what qualifies as yardstick for divorce and what does not. This is because although divorce does not sound so good to the ears and is usually disapproved as uncultured; yet many people remain quite ignorant of the yardstick for divorce and, so have continued to do the things that provoke divorce in our society today.

To be candid, I am not unaware of the fact that there is probably going to be a few likes and many backlashes on what I’ll be sharing in this article. But my care is to draw people’s attention to the fact that the only way ugly trends are reversed in societies is when people become committed to doing the right things more than they made a hell of noise. If we hate divorce then we need to sit up! We need to be more emotionally intelligent; nothing more, nothing less.

Now, the finest definition of marriage that has crossed my mind lately is that marriage between a man and a woman is commitment. You may beg to differ but that’s fine with me. But if you really take the time to think, you’ll most certainly agree that marriage is indeed another word for commitment. It becomes easy for you to understand why Jesus had to prescribe unfaithfulness as yardstick for divorce in Mathew 5:32.

What Jesus is saying in that conversation is that marriage is commitment and that is why the only right reason for divorce or breakup is unfaithfulness and, you need to know that unfaithfulness is simply a lack of commitment. Although, several bible versions have kind of adulterated the original meaning of fornication in Mathew 5:32, however, one fact remains clear and that is that fornication or sexual immorality are the climax of unfaithfulness.

In other words, that there is a process that must happen before any spouse will get to the point of committing sexual immorality outside their marriage. This makes sense when we juxtaposed it with Jesus’ explanation of murder. He said that murder – for instance – begins from the moment you become angry or insult someone and not until the time you actually assaulted someone with the intention of killing them (Mathew 5: 21-22).

To better understand this you need to understand why the Prophet Samuel had to associate disobedience with the sin of witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23). So, you don’t need to be a witch that flies at night and sucks the blood of your victims before you’re judged as one, all you need to do is to be rebellious to God’s instruction to qualify. Do not be confused that I reference more of the Holy Bible because marriage is not science but an idea from God.

Now, why do we need to get this information? For me, it is solely to help us in understanding that (1) marriage is not for

those without character, (2) marriage is not for the emotionally unprepared, and (3) marriage is not for children and most definitely not fashion or competition. In a time when society has lost its bearing with decorum and when humanity has parted ways with sanity, articles like this helps us to decide on which side to perch and why.

Just because it appears that marriage is without a safety valve – that is, a Plan B or escape route – todays’ civilization has brought an unusual level of impunity into the institution of marriage that has led to the ruination of many promising personalities. That marriage is a serious business doesn’t sound like words to their ears. That marriage is the first test of a person’s integrity rings like the telephone bell to them.

And so they go about with their show of disloyalty since no law can call their bluff. But here’s the shocker. A marriage can be called off by a divorce suit if partners are found to be unfaithful or not committed to the vow and when that happens either of them is free to find happiness elsewhere. The question becomes what makes a divorce legitimate scripturally?

As explained earlier, Jesus’ mention of sexual immorality, unfaithfulness or fornication (in Mathew 5:32) as yardstick for divorce and therefore as legitimate grounds for divorce was only because sexual immorality is the climax or culmination of a couples unfaithfulness to a marital commitment. Unfaithfulness begins in the mind and from that moment when you think your wife or your husband doesn’t deserve your love or your respect.

That yardstick was also used to show that if you can be faithful and committed to your marital vows then perhaps God can trust you. Today, people go about dishonoring their marital vows and then claiming they loved God. How can you love God that you haven’t seen and hate your spouse that you see? Today, you see people show disgust for their spouses because of some weakness and you wondered whether they really understood what it means to be committed.

You hear of domestic abuse and you wonder whether these guys realized what it means to be married. Although, most men find themselves abusing their wives against their honest judgment and because of being driven to the brink in their bid to get loyalty from their wives but enforcing loyalty that way only makes them unfaithful to the commitment too because domestic abuse was not mentioned in the vow in the first instance.

What these husbands need to do is to simply file for a divorce as a last option if they have tried to reason with their spouses to no avail. They do not need to wait for sexual immorality to happen because it has already happened in the minds of their wives and that’s why getting their loyalty is difficult. You know that no organization struggles to enforce loyalty from their employees; they usually fired them. That’s exactly what Rudeboy of the P-Square did.

I have been around women long enough to discover that when a woman disrespects you it is sign that her heart and her love have shifted to someone else. If they still had need for the marriage, they’ll definitely want to work it out instead of showing disloyalty. What’s more; refusal to give their loyalty to their husbands is another way of saying that they would fornicate outside if the chance appeared. The same applied to disloyal husbands!

So, waiting till that chance appeared before a man or woman could file for divorce is simply wasting time. My advice therefore is, if you can’t see commitment to the marriage on their part, quietly sue for a divorce because committed people don’t go about wasting one another’s productive time playing hide and seek games. Only unfaithful people pretend to be with you when in fact they know that the relationship is over for them and don’t feel anything for you.

This advice is the reason why I drew your attention to the word commitment (in the first place) so that you may know whether you’re married or on a voyage to nowhere with your partner. And like I said in the beginning some people might pick a fight with this advice but the advice has come to become a best bet and one that I don’t hesitate to give since I became a mental health activist and an advocate of emotional intelligence.

If we must fight marital impunity – which is now very common these days – then we must call a spade a spade. Are you committed to your marriage and to your spouse or are you on a voyage to nowhere? Commitment is expressed by words and actions, that is, by communication. Commitment is the essence of a relationship. Most women are not aware that men are about the most sensitive creatures alive.

A man can know a woman’s level of commitment from the first time of meeting and if they know that you’re not the communicative type or that you’re the flashy type; they pretend to be the talkative and flashy and waste their time with you until they are done. But if they know that you understand commitment, they can’t fool with you because what men look for in a woman is commitment and what women look for is love. But can there be love without commitment?

Or have you heard of a victim of domestic abuse who is a committed wife or a loving husband who is disrespected by his wife? So, whether you are a man or a woman reading this right now, never assume that you are in a marriage when in fact you’re on a voyage because the trials of life – for instance – has a way of exposing motives and separating the truly committed from those on a voyage. Remember that without commitment, you’re only on a voyage that can end at any time.

Comrade Ifeanyichukwu Mmoh is a Mental Health Activist (MHA) and ED, SASPI – AFRICA. He writes from Abuja. 08062577718 (WhatsApp only).

The core of U.S.-African relations in multipolar world

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit held in Washington has placed African-American diaspora at the core for strengthening multifaceted relations with Africa. The White House and African leaders have also stressed the importance of Africa’s voices, advocated for incorporating professional Africans distinctively within the institutional structures to deal with various bilateral issues and for making further inroads into Africa.

Over the years, African leaders have been engaging with their diaspora, especially those excelling in sports, academia, business, science, technology, engineering and other significant fields that the continent needs to optimize its diverse potentials and to meet development priorities. These professionals primarily leverage into various sectors, act as bridges between the United States and Africa.

As explicitly reiterated at the mid-December African leaders’ gathering, the overarching message was to focus on “deepening and expanding the long-term U.S.-Africa partnership and advancing shared priorities, amplifying African voices to collaboratively meet this era’s defining challenges.”

Corporate Council on Africa is the leading U.S. business association focused on connecting business interests between the United States and Africa. The United States has helped close more than 800 two-way trade and investment deals across 47 African countries for a total estimated value of over $18 billion, and the American private sector has closed investment deals in the continent valued at $8.6 billion since 2021, the White House said.

The United States is not only the undisputed leader of the free world, but also home to the most dynamic African diaspora. The African diaspora ranks amongst the most educated immigrant group and is found excelling and making invaluable contributions in all sectors of life-business, medicine, healthcare, engineering,

transportation and more. The contribution of the African diaspora is not negligible, we see more of them appointed to senior government positions by President Biden like Wally Adeyemo, US Deputy Treasury Secretary, and Dr John Nkengasong Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Health Diplomacy.

Beyond engagement with Biden administration, African leaders express the vision, dynamism and humility to engage with their diaspora. They are excelling in sports, academia, business, science, technology, engineering and all those other sectors that the continent needs to beef up to optimize its potential and meet development priorities. In addition, it is in Africa’s high interest to embrace them.

With the opening of new trading doors, the creation of the single market offers more opportunities especially for the AfricanAmerican diaspora. The United States investors are already looking for participating in the African Continental Free Trade Area which was agreed to by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and African Union.

It is an opportune time for Black-owned enterprises, investors, and consumers – and create lasting economic partnerships with their counterparts in Africa. It has the necessary potential to boost growth, reduce poverty, and broaden economic inclusion across sub-Saharan Africa.

Since its inception more than two decades ago, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has offered Africans the opportunity to engage and establish business networks from Africa to the United States and vice versa. It has been one surest way working towards an integrated relations, and in uplifting relations unto a higher appreciable stage.

Speaking at a U.S. Export-Import Bank conference, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai told the gathering there that they needed more investment in addition to market access. The duty-free access for nearly 40 African countries has boosted development, fostered more equitable and sustainable growth in

Africa.

The AGOA offered promise as a “stepping stone to address regional and global challenges,” especially with Africa’s young and entrepreneurial population. The future is Africa, and engaging with this continent is the key to prosperity for all of us,” Tai said.

According to World Bank Statistics, remittance inflows to sub-Saharan Africa soared 14.1 percent to $49 billion in 2021 following an 8.1 percent decline in the previous year due coronavirus pandemic. Beyond remittances, Africa stands to benefit largely from the input of its diaspora considered as progressive in the United States.

Welcoming African entrepreneurs, Africa-American and African leaders for a reception, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States was guided by the principle of close overwhelming partnership with Africa.

“We can’t solve any of the really big challenges we face if we don’t work together. So it’s about what we can do with African nations and its people,” Blinken said. “We welcome all other members of the international community, including the United States, to join us in the global efforts to help Africa.”

In featuring prominently integrative aspects and cultural familiarity within the African diaspora, New York Mayor Eric Adams said that the success of African Americans showed the need for Africans to “walk differently.”

On disapora came Greg Meeks, the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The main strategy was rooted in one key word – partnership – and in recognition of shared priorities and working together. There were also many African and American youth leaders, students in the United States and Africa who are tuning in virtually – most spoke vividly on strengthening the bonds between African countries and the United States.

Kestér Kenn Klomegâh is a Public Policy Analyst.

Kaduna APC kickstarts campaign today

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The All Progressives Congress, APC Kaduna State Gubernatorial Campaign Council plans to commence campaigns on Monday from Giwa Local Government Area of the state.

This was contained in a statement signed by the secretary of the campaign council, Malam Yahaya Baba Pate.

The statement promised that APC will run a decent campaign devoid of mudslinging and name calling, adding that the campaign will be devoid of thuggery and other delinquent and deviant activities.

Pate said APC candidates will highlight what they have done and what they will do when they are voted into office: “Specifically, our gubernatorial candidate, Distinguished Senator Uba Sani will showcase his achievements as a member of the upper legislative chamber and his sterling record as a presidential aide and Political Adviser to Governor Nasir ElRufai,” he added.

The APC campaign will mark a departure from what obtains in other parties because it will comprise rallies, town hall meetings and various engagements including houseto-house and door-to-door to seek the support of Kaduna voters, the statement said.

According to him, the campaign council and other party members will campaign vigorously, in spite of the calibre of its candidates and programmes.

The statement pointed out that APC has been campaigning since INEC lifted the ban on campaigns, adding that next Monday’s outing will be another phase of the campaign.

According to him, the campaign council and other party members will campaign vigorously, in spite of the calibre of its candidates and programmes.

The statement pointed out that APC has been campaigning since INEC lifted the ban on campaigns, adding that next

Adamawa Radio workers protest alleged attempt to impose Acting General Manager

From Umar Dankano,Yola

Some aggrieved staff of the premier,government owned radio station in Adamawa state, Adamawa Broadcasting Cooperation,ABC, have staged a protest over the position of General Manager.

Chairman of the Rattawu,ABC Chapter,Comrade Abdulaziz Jauro Maisamari while addressing the press at

the weekend said their peaceful protest was informed by alleged attempt to imposed staff of junior cadre to head the station as GM following the retirement of the former GM last week.

Maisamari explained that the former GM,Aghaleni Ethan Dah handed over to the most senior Director in the station,in person, Abdulnaseer Ali as required by the state civil service rules but unfortunately two days later certain forces in

the Ministry of Information and strategy allegedly attempted to put another man.

Maisamari stated that Abdulnaseer Ali was promoted to rank of Director in the cooperation in 2007 while the alleged favoured but rejected Director of Programmes,Mr. Micheal Musa was promoted as Director in 2017, noting that Ali worked with four different GMs as a Director but Musa worked with only one GM since

his promotion as a Director.

He called on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to do the needful by ensuring the laid down guiding rules are followed strictly without fear or favour, lamenting that the move from the Ministry was nothing more than ethnicity and nepotism in the civil service.

“All we are saying is that,the right person should be given the opportunity to take the rightful position.”

IBBUL don calls for enforcement of Land Use Act, regulations

Professor

enforcement of land use act and regulations in order to ensure sustainable use and proper land management in Nigeria.

He made this known during the 18th inaugural lecture

on “Pedology and Nigerian Farmer: The Nexus”, held at the Institute campus, Lapai.

He applauded the idea of establishing Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS) by an Act of 2017

Professor Yakubu who is the current Provost, Niger State College of Education COE Minna, also recommended the need to increase Pedological research as well as soil information system.

Harmattan:

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Sickle Cell Patients Health Promotion Center (SCPHPC) Kaduna has distributed sweaters and

protective dresses to less Privileged Sicklers of the Centre to reduce the effects of Harmattan on them.

The founder of the Center Hajia Badiyya Magaji Inuwa

disclosed this during the distribution in Kaduna yesterday.

Hajia Badiyya said the Centre distributed sweaters, head gears, socks and other cold protective wears to the children to protect

them against extreme cold occasioned by the Harmattan.

She explained that Sickle Cell Patients because of their health challenges need to be protected from the harsh harmattan.

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

of soil science, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, Professor Muhammad Yakubu has called for the

Group distributes cardigans to less sickle cell patients in Kaduna

L-R: Executive Director / CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Dr. Ezra Yakusak, Director, Corporate Services Department NEPC, Mrs Uduak Etokowoh and the Director Export Development / Incentives NEPC, Mrs Getrude Ukoanam, during the Council Press Conference / the Presentation of NEPC year ended 2022 progress report on non oil Performance ,the highest yearly contribution in export history to the Nigerian Economy, held at the weekend in Abuja.

Photo,: Justin Imo-owo

Election: NNPP sacks ex North East zonal Secretary, Liman over alleged anti-party

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) at the weekend sacked its North East Zonal Secretary, Alh. Babayo Liman, over alleged anti-party activities, even as it lamented grievous activities of the former Zonal scribe, in

contrast with the party’s tenets.

A statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of NNPP, Agbo Major, said Babayo Liman, through his gross misconduct and indiscipline, can no longer continue to be a member of the party.

“Consequently, the National

Leadership of the Party wishes to inform the general public that Alh. Babayo Liman is no longer a member of the Party and its North East Zonal Secretary.

“We in the NNPP are concerned with bringing about a new Nigeria, and such behaviours exhibited by Alh. Babayo Liman do not represent our highly

cherished values.

“We hereby warn Babayo Liman to stop parading himself under whatever guise as a member of the NNPP. By this, the party also wishes to draw the attention of all Nigerians to stop dealing with Babayo on behalf of the party”, a statement issued by the party said.

2023 elections: 4,780 defected to APC from various political parties

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

No fewer than 4, 780 persons have decamped from various rival parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the build-up towards the general elections in Niger State.

The North-Central Zonal Vice Chairman of the party, Mu’azu Bawa made the disclosure at the flag-off of the Niger North senatorial zonal campaign at the Kontagora mini stadium, Kontagora area of the state.

According to him, among those who decamped were 87 officials of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and 261 women while 173 men were from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Bawa also disclosed that the ruling party was ready to create an enabling environment for the people to thrive in their various political endeavours.

Also, speaking, the governorship candidate of the APC, Umar Mohammed Bago

pledged to complete all the developmental projects initiated by the administration of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello across the state.

Bago assured the mammoth crowd that gathered to receive him of his commitment to fulfilling all of his campaign promises if elected.

He said: “The principle of my administration will be based on maximizing the state resources by building on the legacies of my predecessors.

in Niger

“We will specifically focus on addressing youth restiveness through empowerment and quality education to make them relevant in society.”

Politicians not worthy of your deaths in forthcoming elections - Fintiri tells youths

By Musa Baba Adamu

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has said no Nigerian should die in pursuit of anybody’s interest in the course of the coming general elections.

Fintiri who spoke on Sunday as he joined other dignitaries in

the state in laying wreaths at the Mahmud Ribadu Square, Yola, in honour of the nation’s fallen heroes, urged Nigerians to always pray and support the country.

Fintiri said: “We should continue to pray for our nation, we should support her to be in peace and support the widows of the fallen heroes who have died

and sacrificed their lives in order to keep the nation one and united.

“And for us to be together, this election will only serve the country when we are in peace. The life of any Nigerian should not be lost because of an election. You can only rule and enjoy the leadership when we are alive and together.”

He appealed to all those who will take part in the conduct of the elections, particularly officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to be mindful of their responsibility and carry out their duties in such a manner that will ensure peace and progress of the country.

2023: Vote character, not tribe – Peter Obi to Ondo people

By Christiana Ekpa

Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the electorate not to vote for tribe but look out for character and competence.

Obi said this on Saturday in Akure at the town hall meeting

to seek the support of the people of Ondo State in the February 25 election.

He explained that he and his running mate, Ahmed Datti were people with traceable backgrounds, saying if elected as president, Nigerians would be proud of their country and be secured.

Obi, who said he was stingy but not corrupt, added that was why he could serve the people of Anambra State as a governor.

“They said that I’m stingy, we want stingy people now so that we can keep the money. We want to make sure we use your money to transform the country.

“Don’t vote for tribe, if they say it is their turn, tell them it is your turn to take back the country. We are ready to save the country.

“This election is about character. You know our background, the school we went to, we don’t know their age,” he said.

Ekiti South: Olujimi, Eleka condemn Fayose’s support for APC, Adaramodu

By Musa Baba Adamu

The lawmaker representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Biodun Olujimi, and former Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Eleka, are up in arms against former Governor Ayo Fayose for allegedly giving support to opposition candidate, Hon. Yemi Adaramodu.

Adaramodu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the opponent of Olujimi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer in the February 25 Ekiti South Senatorial Election to be held alongside the Presidential election.

Olujimi said the alleged directive Fayose gave to his loyalists within the party to support Adaramodu, constituted an anti-party activity and should attract the attention of the national leadership of the PDP.

Eleka said a recent video in circulation

showing Fayose urging his supporters to reject Olujimi and vote for Adaramodu was against the statesmanship and exemplary leadership expected of a former governor.

Olujimi and Eleka, who spoke during a radio programme monitored by our correspondent at the weekend, promised to go ahead with the campaign to ensure that the PDP wins the Ekiti South senatorial election, other legislative seats and the presidential election in the state.

The duo also spoke against the background of the open campaign for the APC candidate, Adaramodu, by two former Ekiti State House of Assembly members who are staunch loyalists of Fayose, Hon. Dare Pelemo and Hon. Wale Onigiobi, based on the decision reached at a meeting called by Fayose to work against Olujimi’s candidature.

Eleka claimed that despite Fayose’s

opposition to Olujimi’s return to the Senate, the majority of PDP members and the electorate in Ekiti South senatorial district are rooting for the former Senate Minority Leader to return to the Red Chamber of the National Assembly for the third time.

The former Deputy Governor spoke in his capacity as the Director of the PDP Presidential Campaign Committee for Ekiti South.

The senator, who disclosed that she was preparing for a rally at the time she was called from the studio, maintained that PDP members openly campaigning for an APC candidate must leave the party because what they are doing offends the party constitution.

Eleka disclosed that there was no time Olujimi said she did not need the support of Fayose and his loyalists as alleged by Pelemo and Onigiobi, saying

the two former lawmakers were not at a meeting the former governor and some of the party members loyal to him held with PDP vice presidential candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa in Lagos.

Olujimi said: “You cannot be in the party and be declaring support for another person in another party. There is nothing stopping you from working for the person you believe in but when you are staying in the party and you are doing that, it is not only anti-party but is also against all tenets of democracy.

“These are indecent acts that border on anti-party and people like that should leave the party and that is the truth because they don’t believe in what the party holds. They are looking at a particular leadership within the PDP and they should be decorous enough to hold on to the tenets of what party affiliation dictates.”

POLITICS

By Musa Baba Adamu

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said no right-thinking person will vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) again, especially in Northwestern part of Nigeria in the forthcoming 2023 election.

Chairman of Atiku United Front Northwest geo-political zone (AUFNW), Umar Danjani Hadejia stated this on Saturday after the inauguration of new executives.

He said no right-thinking person would support the APC again in the Northwest of the country, looking at the difficult situation Nigerians are going through.

“Only two persons remain in the APC and would vote for it, those contesting and their close relatives”, he stated.

Zamfara PDP postpones campaign flag-off over chieftain’s death

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Zamfara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed the flagging off of its campaign following the death of one of its chieftains in the state.

According to the state party chairman, Hon. Mukhtar Lugga, the postponement was unavoidable, saying that preparations for the burial have been concluded as of the time of filing this report.

“We can not abandon the person that has contributed in no small way for the development of the party in the state,” he said.

Lugga urged the party supporters to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude, saying that another convenient time would be arranged for the flag off of the campaign.

According to him, the party still hopes to form the next government in the state, pointing out that it needs the electorate’s support to actualise the dream.

He, however, appealed to the party’s teeming supporters to remain law abiding so that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, would not find any fault against them.

2023: No right-thinking person will vote for APC again in North West – PDP

According to him, “the victory of the 2023 general election would be determined by the

Northwestern part of the country with over 23 million votes.

“Looking at some of the

opportunities the zone acquired during the PDP regime, President, vice president, four speakers, 45

ministers, and many more I am sure PDP will win the zone in the 2023 general election.”

Outcry trails Soludo’s alleged pulling down Peter Obi’s campaign posters in Anambra

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Condemnation yesterday trailed the removal of presidential campaign posters and billboards of Labour Party (LP) candidate, Peter Obi, in Awka, Anambra State, allegedly by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

The Labour Party had alleged

that the Government of Anambra State had pulled down Obi’s campaign billboards in strategic places in the state.

The party accused the state Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, of giving the order in that respect.

A Labour Party chieftain told journalists that Obi and Umeh’s giant billboard at the Unizik

Temporary Site Flyover along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway was pulled down at the weekend by the Anambra Signage and Advertising Agency (ANSAA).

He said, “The billboard at UNIZIK Temporary Site Junction along Enugu-Onitsha expressway was today (Saturday) removed on the orders of Soludo.”

However, the Managing Director of ANSAA, Mr Tony Ujubuonu, denied claims that the billboard was removed on the order of the state governor, Chukwuma Soludo.

He said, “Whatever was removed was due to a challenge we had with the agent that erected the board”.

Maikalangu appoints politician as MD Of AMAC Community radio

By Usman Shuaibu

The Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has appointed a politician, Mr. Ibrahim Yakubu Pam as the managing Director (MD) of AMAC Community radio located at Karshi.

This was contained a press statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the Chairman, Mr. Kingsley Madaki and made available to Peoples Daily correspondent in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Yakubu Pam is to take effect immediately as the instruction was given by the

Chairman.

The statement said the Chairman had enjoined the new Managing Director to live up to the expectation by harnessing the opportunities of the present administration of the Council to widen the scope of the proposed AMAC Commercial radio station in order to generate revenue for the station.

“Pam, before his appointment

was a Special Assistant on Media and ICT to the former national Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamaga Tukur and also a member of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State and currently Chairman of FCT Gymnastics Sports Association,” the statement explained

The statement added: “Pam was also the Executive Director, production system Designs, Ikeja

L-R: Director Chemical Technology, Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (FMSTI), Mr. Mej Bassey, Permanent Secretary FMSTI, Mrs Monilola Udoh, Minister of State, Science Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, Director, Science Technology and Innovation Promotion department FMSTI, Mr Umar Shuaib and the CEO Mirakon events, Expo event planner, Mr.Micheal Okokon, during the Minister’s media briefing and inspection of the venue of the 7th Edition of the Science, Technology and Innovation Expo 2023, theme: Actualizing Effective Diversification of Nigeria Economy through Science, Technology and innovation, held on Friday in Abuja.

Imo-owo

By Christiana Ekpa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), South East Zone, has called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to consult experts on the best way to holistically address the rising insecurity in Imo State before it degenerates further than what it is currently.

ADC stated this in a statement

by its National Vice Chairman South East, Chilos Godsent, in Owerri, the state capital which condemned the unprovoked and barbaric attack on the home of the spokesperson of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere.

The statement reads “African Democratic Congress (ADC) South East Zone, therefore, challenges the ruling All Progressive Congress-led

government of Imo State to rise up to its responsibility to properly address the increasing state of insecurity in Imo State and stop toying with the lives of people in the State.

"The Insecurity in Imo State has caused [a] heavy decline in business and economic activities in the state thereby making life very difficult for the residents of the State.

“We can not continue to watch

while people are being slaughtered like chickens on a daily basis in Imo and South East by extension.

“ADC calls on the leadership of the Nigerian Police Force to immediately rebuild all the Divisional Police Stations that were destroyed by the criminal activities of gunmen as that may help to boost the security of life and properties in the South East Region."

2023: Yoruba Leader tasks politicians on electioneering promises

By Usman Shuaibu

The Otunba of Yoruba community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Wasiu Tunwase, has charged Nigeria politicians who are seeking for political offices to fulfil their campaign promises when elected in 2023 general elections.

He also urged the elected politicians in 2023 to remain committed in providing gains of democracy for the people in the country.

Tunwase who gave the charge while speaking with Peoples Daily correspondent to mark the new year celebration in his residence in Zuba, further tasked Nigerians

to pray for peaceful election in 2023.

He then called on the youths to shun any act capable of causing rancor and acrimony in the country during the 2023 election, pointing out that nobody is above the law of the land.

He solicited the cooperation of the traditional rulers to counsel

their subjects for the smooth conduct of the 2023 general elections, while advising the parents on moral upbringing of their children in order to shun act of thuggery in the society.

Dr. Tunwase, however, appealed to Yoruba people to come out in 2023 election to vote for the candidates of their

choice and described the Yoruba people as peace-loving citizens everywhere they live.

Commenting on the security challenges confronting the country, Otunba asked Nigerians especially the youths to join hands with the security agents to fish out the bad eggs in our communities.

Photo: Justin

Seek external help over Imo insecurity before it degenerates- ADC tells Uzodinma

POLITICS

The Deputy National Coordinator, North Central Zone of the Nigerian Youths Movement for Peter Obi and Datti Ahmed (NYMPODA), Lengnen Toshak in this interview with Tobias Lengnan Dapam, said Peter Obi is the change that Nigeria needs, she also speaks on the kind of governance he will bring.

Excerpts:

How did you come about this group?

In my quest for a better Nigeria and my desire for a change, not the “change” we are currently experiencing. I found myself on the national platform for Nigerian Youths Movement for Peter Obi (NYMPO), which is now known as Nigerian Youths

Bakare rejects Tinubu over politics of entitlement

By Christiana Ekpa

The presiding Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (formerly Latter Rain Assembly), Pastor Tunde Bakare, yesterday in a veiled reference, condemned the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s politics of entitlement.

A state of the nation address issued by Bakare cautioned against instituting a government that will lack touch with the electorate, warning that such a government will have no empathy and connection with the poor masses.

Also lamenting the refusal of some presidential candidates to interact with Nigerians, Bakare also said good politicians do not ask others to answer questions directed at them.

Though he did not name Tinubu in his address, his description points at the APC candidate, who during his presentation at Chatham House, London, in 2022, delegated his aids to answer questions posed to him by interviewers.

While making reference to the slogan, ‘Emi lokan”, made popular by Tinubu, Bakare said “This ’emi lo kan’ politics that insists on one’s turn, even if circumstances do not align, is bad. Politics of entitlement also manifests as perennial candidacy, not with the intent to serve, but to gratify long personal ambitions. It could also manifest as insistence on a given political office as a reward for what one considers a lifetime of sacrifice to the nation. Politicians with a sense of entitlement evade political debates and do not consider it imperative to communicate with the electorate.”

“Entitlement politics will breed an imperial presidency that is distant from the people and has no sense of responsibility or accountability to the people. Such imperial governance will slide towards dictatorship and will be intolerant of dissent.

Why we are fronting for Peter ObiNorth Central Coordinator, Toshak

Movement for Peter Obi and Datti (NYMPOD). As the movement started gathering storms, young men of liked minds joined the train and the agitation for a productive Nigeria is expanding beyond our imagination. It started like a churros but a lot of stanzas have been added to the tune of the music.

Why Peter Obi?

Why Peter Obi? The question to me should rather be, why not Peter Obi? I fear for the great citizens of Nigeria, for the fact that we are getting so comfortable with ‘wahalla’ that we find it hard to see a good thing. If INTEGRITY, SELFLESSNESS,

TRANSPARENCY, GOOD GOVERNANCE, INTELLIGENCE, SACRIFICIAL, RESPONSIBLE AND DEPENDABLE is human, then I’ll say that human is PETER OBI.

How would you rate the responses so far?

Is like a tsunami, not a destructive tsunami but a productive one. Toddlers, teenagers, youth and old all ready to imprint their names in this great historical positive change that is about to take place.

Do you think he stands a chance considering structural problems in the states?

What is this structural problem you guys kept lamenting about? Ok agreed, political system structures which are defined by 3 variables; first, according to the principle by which it is ordered; second, by the specifications of the functions of formally differentiated units; and third, by the distribution of capabilities across those units. But why is it that some of these politicians and their blind followers are much more concerned about that definition of “structure “ of what is only required to show how the units of the systems are positioned and arranged than the tradition or culture, most importantly the

analysis of the character and personality of the political actors and the description of the making and execution of policy?

Should he emerge victorious, what do you think Nigerians should expect?

Nigerians should be ready to experience what they’ve never experienced before; capacity and efficiency in all public sectors, accountability and transparency. In fact, they should be ready to be on a roller coaster ride of an accelerated economic transition to catch-up with the globalised world. So help us God.

Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday in Abuja met with governorship and National Assembly candidates of the party ahead of the upcoming general election.

A statement from Tinubu Media Office signed by Tunde Rahman said yesterday.

According to the statement, Tinubu who said he had been eager to meet with the party’s candidates urged them to ensure they do not disappoint members of the party who elected them to fly the party’s tickets at the polls.

With the many unproductive years of the former Peoples Democratic Party’s government, he said Nigerians and indeed members of the APC are expecting a new lease of life from the candidates.

“I am pleased to meet with you today because in you I see our party’s hope and path to success. In you I see the hope of historic national progress as well.

“As so often in life, victory is not a cause for rest or celebration. It is a call to a greater challenge and harder toil. Thus, you all have won the primaries but now must

climb the higher mountain called the general elections,” he said.

Speaking further, he said: “We formed the APC, not just to be another political party. We formed it as a champion of the people to rescue democracy from the ravages of the PDP who boasted of ruling the nation for 60 years.

“We formed this party to rescue the people and their collective prosperity from the avarice and greed of an elite that will devour the nation’s God-given endowment if we allow such people back into power. As those flying our party’s flag, we carry a heavy burden on our shoulders.

“We have the mandate to deliver the party to victory so that we may protect Nigeria from those who would devour all of its fruits.

“The party has placed its trust in us. Democratic victory in the coming elections is a task we must accomplish.”

The presidential front runner urged the party’s candidates to go to the polls starting from the presidential and national assembly elections on February 25 to the governorship and state assembly elections on March 11 with a united front.

According to him, every one

must collectively work for the party’s victory in all elections to ensure that the party’s project of growth and development for the nation is assured.

On his part, he promised to continue to work for every one of them even as he also desires to become Nigeria’s president.

“But winning takes us working as a united force. We have to act like the broom, the symbol of our party. A stick cannot clean any dirt but coming together under the band as one, we can sweep aside all the bad and wrong things that impede our nation’s growth and development.

“As individuals we must strive to win our respective elections. But that is not enough. We have to work together to deliver everyone contesting in our party. The presidential election, for example, is not solely about Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is your project as well. Your election is equally my project.

“We need each other. Whatever position you are contesting, you need me as much as I need you. If I work for you, I am helping myself; if you mobilize for me, you are working for yourself at the same time. Our individual and collective fates are one.

“Let us win and rise together. This is as it should be.

“I therefore rededicate myself to the victory of you all just as I do for myself. As you can see, They call me weak but I am canvassing back and forth and, in every corner, and space of the nation. My opponents are not. I am outworking them because this election is a great mission for me, much more than my personal ambition.

“I too ask you all to re-dedicate yourself to the cause of the party and the future of the nation. I cannot be everywhere, no one can.

“Our strength lies in our number and our spread. Having you across the length spread of this country makes me comfortable. I am working round the clock for our collective victory. We all should not rest until the entire election is over and victory is ours,” he added.

The meeting, which attracted a large number of the candidates, was attended by the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, many governors of the party as well as members of the National Working Committee and Presidential Campaign Council.

Cross River State governor Prof Ben Ayade during the armed forces remembrance day , yesterday in Calabar

Tinubu meets APC guber, national assembly candidates, says ‘we must not fail party members who gave us tickets’

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecommunications provider, says it “strongly disputes” the $773 million back-tax bill, penalties and interest charges received by its subsidiary in Ghana.

The company, in a statement, disapproved of the bill by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), claiming it does not have a reliable revenue.

According to the company, it received the notice this week that “the bill is for the period between 2014 and 2018 and implies that MTN under-declared its revenue in the country by 30 percent.

“MTN Ghana believes that the taxes due have been paid during the period under assessment and has resolved to vigorously defend MTN Ghana’s position on the assessment,” the telco said.

“MTN Ghana strongly disputes the accuracy and basis of the assessment, including the methodology used in conducting the audit.”

The company added that the GRA used a third-party consultant as well as a new methodology.

In the statement, MTN Group also said the GRA had begun an audit of its Ghanaian business in 2019 to look into the “reliability and completeness” of the revenue it declared during the five-year period.

“The GRA hadn’t issued the unit with any guidelines or standards relating to its new audit methodology,” MTN Group said.

“MTN Group and MTN Ghana will continue to engage with the relevant authorities on this matter and MTN remains resolute that MTN Ghana is a tax compliant corporate citizen.”

Meanwhile, Ghana has been struggling to keep its economy buoyant amid global headwinds.

Last year, the Ghanaian government declared a default on loans and suspended all debt service payments under “certain categories of its external debt”.

This also followed a stafflevel agreement reached by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with Ghana on a $3 billion bailout package to tackle its economic difficulties.

One of the grounds on which Ghana got the facility from the IMF is a “comprehensive debt restructuring”.

Polaris Bank says it is yet to receive a garnishee order directing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to take action on its account over a judgment debt of N2.16 billion.

The financial institution made this known in a statement over the weekend.

A garnishee order is one of the options open to a judgment creditor to enforce a judgment that has been made in its favour.

A high court sitting in Akure,

the Ondo state capital, had granted the garnishee order.

The order was issued by Adegboyega Adebusoye, the presiding judge, following an application filed by Charles Titiloye, Ondo attorney-general and commissioner for justice.

Titiloye had filed the application over alleged failure and neglect of the bank to meet the condition of the stay of execution of an earlier judgment.

However, Polaris Bank clarified that the effect of the order is not to freeze its account

with CBN but to set aside the disputed judgment amount until the case has been heard.

The bank said a motion for stay of execution of the judgment is pending before the court of appeal.

“We are aware of the matter and our Solicitor has filed necessary processes to set aside the Garnishee order,” the statement reads.

“The matter is on appeal and an application for stay of execution is pending at the Court of Appeal.

“Thus, the garnishee order ought not to have been obtained by the reason of the pending appeal and motion for stay.

N2.1bn judgment debt: Processes filed to set aside garnishee order, says Polaris Bank MTN Group ‘strongly disputes’ $773m tax bill, penalties in Ghana

“The Bank is yet to be served the Garnishee Order as required by law relating to Garnishee proceedings.

“Above all, the effect of the order is not to freeze the Bank’s account with CBN as erroneously published by a section of the media but to set aside the contentious judgment sum until conclusion of hearing in the case.”

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) says Nigeria recorded non-oil export earnings of $4.82 billion in 2022.

Ezra Yakusak, executive director/chief executive officer (CEO), NEPC, said this while presenting the 2022 nonoil export performance to journalists in Abuja.

Yakusak said the figure represented a 39.91 percent increase compared to 2021 when non-oil exports totalled $3.45 billion.

He said the figure is based on data collated from various pre-shipment inspection agents appointed by the federal government under the Pre-shipment Inspection Act, 2004.

Yakusak said it was the best yearly result since the NEPC was established 47 years ago.

He said the latest results lend credence to the fact that various export intervention programmes initiated and implemented by the council and other sister organisations gradually yielded desirable results throughout the year under consideration.

“About 214 different products ranging from manufactured, semiprocessed, solid minerals to raw agricultural products were exported in 2022,” he said.

“Of these products exported, urea/fertiliser topped the list with 32.87 percent.

“The emergence of urea/ fertiliser as the highest exported product in 2022 can be attributed to the RussiaUkraine war which created an avenue for Nigeria’s urea/ fertiliser to thrive.

“It is worthy to note that our products were exported to 122 countries with Brazil recording the highest import

value of 12.27 percent.”

Yakusak provided a breakdown of non-oil performance, saying 1,172 exporters participated, with Indorama-Eleme Fertilizer and Chemical Limited leading with 23.25 percent.

“Thirty-one issuing banks participated with Zenith Bank PLC processing the highest NXP values, 19 exit points were used with Apapa Port recording the highest tonnage,” he said.

“The month of December recorded the highest export value of 10.37 percent.”

However, Yakusak noted that no African/Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) country was among the top ten importers of Nigerian products.

“We at the NEPC are working assiduously to change that trajectory, particularly in the wake of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA),” he said.

“The establishment of the Export Trade House Lome, the solo exhibition in Gambia, participation at the Lome International Trade Fair are deliberate initiatives aimed at boosting non-oil export within the ECOWAS sub-region.

“Put differently, there is the need to increase intraAfrican trade given the huge opportunities and benefits therein.”

Yakusak added that non-oil exports of Nigerian products are gradually diversifying from traditional agricultural exports to semi-processed/ manufactured goods.

“This is buttressed by the fact that out of the product group exported, agricultural products topped with 30.12 percent,” he said.

“Semi-processed/ manufactured products 36.61 percent and precious stones 17.06 per cent and others 13.21 percent.”

Abubakar Yunus Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President, Service Chiefs and others Government officials during the Wreath Laying ceremony to mark the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the National Arcade yesterday in Abuja. Photo: State House

Drilling of first oil well in Nasarawa to

commence

March 2023, says NNPC

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says official drilling operations for the first oil well in Nasarawa will commence in March 2023.

Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer (GCEO), NNPC Limited, disclosed thisduring a visit by a delegation of prominent Nasarawa indigenes, led by Abdullahi Sule, the state governor.

Kyari said available data confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons in Keana, a local government area in Nasarawa state.

The NNPC GCEO noted that the discovery is in continuation of hydrocarbon exploration activities in Nigeria’s inland basins.

He called for immediate action on the project as the global energy transition is leading to reduced investment in fossil fuels.

“This work must be done very fast because the whole world is walking away from fossil fuel due to energy transition, the earlier you go to market, the better for you,” Kyari said.

“Otherwise, 10 years from now, no one will agree to put money in the petroleum business except it comes from your cash flow.”

He further said community support and an enabling environment are key to successful operation in the region to avoid the Niger Delta experience.

Kyari added that once the Keana well proves successful, it has capacity to transform the potentials of the state tremendously.

The NNPC, in a document, had said it was prospecting for crude oil in more locations across the north, including Nasarawa, after discovering the commodity in Bauchi and Gombe states.

The national oil firm said it was taking coordinated steps for more frontier exploration in the region, as part of measures to shore up the country’s oil output and reserves.

Beyond the north, the Anambra basin was listed as another area where the NNPC is striving to find more oil.

Prospecting is the first stage in discovering oil and gas field, under which seismic surveys are carried out.

NGX to review 2022 market performance, seeks improved liquidity in sector

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) is set to host the 2022 review of the capital market performance in its bid to improve the depth of liquidity available in the sector.

The exchange said this in a statement , signed by Clifford Akpolo head, marketing and corporate communications.

Tagged, ‘2022 market recap and outlook’, the event is slated for January 23, 2023.

The exchange said the event

is held annually and designed to review market performance in the preceding year and present expert predictions for the Nigerian capital market and the broader economy, for the New Year.

“The event will bring together an audience of market practitioners, investors, analysts, government officials, regulators, media and other key stakeholders,” the group said.

“The NGX 2022 market recap and 2023 outlook event, which will be headlined by

Temi Popoola, chief executive officer, NGX; and supported by the NGX executive committee, will also feature a presentation on ‘global markets outlook for 2023 and opportunities in the Nigerian capital market’ from Simon Kitchen, managing director and head of strategy at EFG Hermes Research.

“The event will provide participants with insights into the global and domestic capital markets and help enhance the Nigerian capital market’s positioning to attract domestic and foreign inflows as the

exchange looks to further improve the depth of liquidity available in the market.

“NGX, the sustainable exchange championing Africa’s growth, is dedicated to providing valuable insights and information to its stakeholders as part of its commitment to enhancing financial literacy and inclusion, and stimulating the growth of the Nigerian capital market.”

The group said interested parties can register for the event at https://ngxgroup. com/ngx2023outlook/.

Tinubu: I’ll select technocrats in first 100 days in office, run private sector-driven economy

Bola Tinubu, standard bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says there’s nothing bad in the country having a budget deficit.

Tinubu said this at a presidential dialogue organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

President Muhammadu Buhari recently signed the N21.83 trillion 2023 appropriation bill into law, with a deficit of about N11.34 trillion.

The government intends to finance the deficit mainly by new borrowings which would compound Nigeria’s public debt stock already at N44 trillion.

But according to Tinubu, the country’s the budget deficit is “not necessarily bad”.

“I do not hold to the mainstream view that all forms of inflation are best tackled by interest rate hikes and shrinking the economy. Supply-induced inflation does not lend itself to this harsh medicine, just as one does not cure a headache by plucking out one’s eye, ” he said.

“I do not embrace the conventional wisdom that fiscal deficits by the national government are inherently bad. All governments, especially in this era of fiat currency, run secular budget deficits. This is an inherent part of modern governance. The most powerful and wealthiest governments run deficits, as do the poorest nations.

“A budget deficit is not necessarily bad. Look at the Japanese example with high government borrowing and low inflation. The real issue is whether deficit spending is productive or not. Unproductive deficit spending is a compound negative. Especially if backed by excessive borrowing of foreign currency. This is not classroom

economics but it is the lesson of the real economic history of nations.”

Tinubu, further speaking on his economic agenda for the country, reiterated his to plans remove subsidy immediately he gets into office.

He said the existence of subsidy has outlived its stay, adding that the funds will redirected “into public infrastructure”.

“We must remove the PMS subsidy immediately. It has outlived its shelf life as a public good. We will neither subsidise neighbouring countries’ fuel consumption nor allow a select few to reap windfall profits and hoard products.

“And the subsidy money will not be ‘saved’ because that means elimination from the economy. Instead, we will redirect the funds into public infrastructure, transportation, affordable housing, education and health, and strengthen the social safety net for the poorest of the poor, thus averting increased security challenges.

“Fiscal policy will be the main driver. Monetary policy is weaker and a less effective instrument. Bad monetary policy is, of course, destructive. But even good monetary policy cannot carry the load the fiscal arm can. Thus, we must steadily remove ourselves from the fiction of tying our budgets to dollar denominated oil revenues.

“This is effectively pegging our budget to a dollar standard. It is as outdated as the fuel subsidy itself. It is also restrictive and ties the economy to slow growth. Just as the common man must mentally sever the cord to the subsidy, the elite must sever the cord to this artificial fiscal restraint.”

Tinubu assured that if elected, the private sector would

be the prime driver of economic progress of Nigeria with his administration providing the enabling framework for the sector to drive.

He also said before economic recovery could be achieved, the nation must be secured.

“First, to achieve the economy we seek, we must resolve the pressing security issues. No nation can flourish with terrorists and kidnappers in their midst,” he said.

“My core belief is that the private sector must be the prime driver of economic progress. However, the government establishes the framework within which the private sector must operate. If that framework is sound, the private sector will flourish. If the framework is frail or incomplete, then the private sector will struggle.

“For our industries to thrive, they need inputs, many of which are agriculture based. The present administration has invested heavily in agriculture, providing loans and expanding the country’s total area of cultivated land for crops, livestock and fisheries. We will also promote vibrant commodity exchanges that will guarantee minimal pricing for produce.

“We will build on this, with a focus on using technology and expertise to accelerate growth in yields. We will deliver the critical infrastructure necessary to achieve the commodity transformations and agribusinesses to plug seamlessly into higher, more lucrative, entry points in regional and global value chains.

“Building on this foundation, we will accelerate the faithful implementation of the “infrastructure master plan” by adopting proven financing structures till we deliver an acceptable stock of hard

infrastructure through seaports and airports; and road, rail and water transportation linkages that can support our desired economic growth.

“Fixing the perennial problem of energy supply is a top priority. There is no version of the world where Nigeria’s ambitions for itself can be achieved without solving the problem of how to provide energy to homes and businesses across the country.

“What we need to do, going forward, is to improve the enabling environment, further decentralise transmission, and deliver cost reflective tariffs to attract more private investments in the sector.”

He added that his administration would, urgently address fiscal, monetary, and trade reforms to effectively increase domestic production by accelerating inclusive growth and job creation across Nigeria.

Tinubus said on his first 100 days, if elected, he would hit the ground running by selecting a team of technocrats that will help him run the country as he did when he was governor, adding that building a good team was important.

Bola Tinubu

BU$IN€SS

Tinubu to youths: We will encourage use of blockchain technology in crypto assets

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Bola Ahmed Tinubu said his administration will encourage the use of blockchain technology in finance and cryptocurrency assets if he is elected into office.

Blockchain technology is an advanced database mechanism that allows transparent information sharing within a network.

In 2021, the Central Bank of Nigeria

(CBN) directed all banks in Nigeria to close accounts of persons or entities involved in cryptocurrency transactions within their systems.

Explaining the decision, Godwin Emefiele, CBN governor, said it was in the best interest of citizens.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with youths in Abuja, Tinubu said his administration would implement policies that would enable them to take advantage of the opportunities in ICT.

“I promise a thriving digital economy where those interested in pursuing careers

of integrity in ICT will be able to do so,” he added.

“We will also ensure that Nigeria can take greater advantage of relatively recent innovations such as blockchain technology.

“I promise to invest in the infrastructure required to boost an already-successful entertainment industry. Working with private sector partners we will bridge the existing gaps to build modern media centers and upgrade existing entertainment venues and stadia across the country to world-class standards.

“My administration will reform

the education sector by focusing on quality, access, funding, management, effectiveness, and competitiveness.

“I promise, we will provide good and quality education in tune with 21st-century demands.”

Tinubu also said under his administration, youths would become leading catalysts to drive economic prosperity.

“You will be empowered for individual and collective success. There will be opportunities across the board, and they will be for you. Let us go together,” he said.

Oil price rises to $78 a barrel amid hopes of increased China demand

Abubakar Yunus Abuja

Oil prices rose on hopes that China, the world’s largest crude importer, would increase its demand.

Brent crude increased 0.15 percent to $78.81 a barrel at 10.00 GMT+1.

The US West Texas Intermediate crude futures also rose by 0.12 percent to $77.58 a barrel.

The peak was sustained at $86 a barrel as at January 30, 2022, before embarking on a downward trend to $77 on Wednesday.

The latest oil price rise has been linked to the restarting of economic activities in China and the support interventions announced by the authorities for the country’s real estate sector.

“China’s reopening optimism, especially further stimulus measures to boost the property sector, is the main bullish factor for the oil prices, which has improved the demand outlook in the near year,” Tina Teng, an analyst at CMC Markets, said.

“A softened U.S. dollar has also added upside momentum to the oil markets.”

On Thursday, China announced more state support measures, including establishing a dynamic adjustment mechanism on mortgage rates for firsttime home buyers, in a bid to boost its highly indebted property sector, which accounts for a quarter of the country’s economy.

In a move that could bolster oil demand, China said daily passenger flights scheduled during the upcoming Lunar New Year, starting Saturday, averages about 11,000 — 73 percent of the pre-COVID-19 level in 2019.

On Friday, transport officials said the total number of passenger trips via road, rail, water and air during the holiday season is expected to reach 2.1 billion this year, double the 1.05 billion during the same period last year.

Th Asian nation has also ended its stringent zero-COVID policy, leading to

a surge in COVID infections across the country.

Meanwhile, in the US, data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed on Thursday, that distillate inventories, which include diesel and heating oil, dropped more than expected in the week to December 30.

The inventories fell by 1.4 million barrels, compared with expectations of a 396,000-barrel drop.

The US gasoline stocks fell by 346,000 barrels last week, according to the EIA data, compared with analysts’ expectations for a 486,000-barrel drop.

Edward Moya, senior market analyst at Oando, said: “Oil is trying to rally but demand concerns are keeping the gains small.”

“The Saudis are slashing prices as the short-term crude demand outlook seems like it won’t quite get a major boost from a robust China reopening.”

On Friday, Saudi Arabia, world’s top

crude exporter, lowered prices for the flagship Arab light crude it sells to Asia, to its lowest since November 2021 amid global pressures hitting oil.

On the flip side, Nigeria started the fiscal year optimistic that it would wipe out some bottlenecks that restrained oil earnings in 2022 and bolster crude oil production in the year.

On Thursday, Timipre Sylva, minister of state for petroleum resources, had said there was significant improvement in crude oil production, due to the government’s intervention in eradicating crude oil theft.

In November, 2022, oil output rose from 1.01 million barrels per day (bpd) to 1.18 million. But it still below the 1.8bpd quota set by Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Sylva had said the federal government was targeting full production capacity of up to 3 million bpd of crude, with an oil price benchmark set at $75 per barrel in the country’s 2023 budget.

METRO

Poverty alleviation: AMAC women receive financial support in Nyanya

By Stanley Onyekwere

No fewer than 250 indigent women from different communities across Nyanya/Karu ward of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), have received cash donations, to help boost their businesses and support their families.

Presenting the gifts to beneficiaries in Abuja over the weekend, the Zonal Secretary, North Central, of the All Progressives Congress, Hon Yakubu Muhammed Adamu, said the global economic crisis calls for more intervention for women, as they are more likely to transfer the benefits to their families.

Adamu, who explained that the initiative is an annual project of his wife, which started

nine years ago, noted that it has so far supported over a thousand vulnerable women and widows in the Nyanya/Karu ward, empowering them with entrepreneurial capita and skills that can enable them become self reliant.

He lauded the qualities of the APC Senatorial candidate for FCT, Hon. Angulu Dobi, said the 2 time chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council and former Secretary of the FCT Transport Secretariat, is a seasoned and committed grassroot politician who will contribute to the success of the party in the forthcoming election.

Also, some political heavyweights from the APC who graced the event, urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the money to expand their

businesses while supporting their families.

In her remarks, the FCT Minister of State Dr Ramatu Aliyu, commended Hon. Adamu for the initiative to empower women whom she recognised as critical to political victory.

The minister, who was represented by her Special Assistant on Political Matters, Abubakar Adenike, used the opportunity to call on women to support the party in the forthcoming general elections.

Similarly, the Chairman of the FCT chapter of APC, Hon Abdulmalik Usman, commended the Zonal Secretary and his wife for the laudable project which he said is reflective of the humane ad Progressives nature of the APC.

He urged participants and

beneficiaries to ensure victory of the APC at the national assembly, pledging that the APC candidates will push for laws that will allow for more seats for the FCT in the national assembly.

“The opposition has been in the national assembly for years now, but how many laws have they sponsored asking for more seats for FCT residents or even mayoral seat for Abuja? They are just there for their own personal interest. With the APC at the Senate and House of Representatives, I assure you that we will get more slots at the national assembly and push for mayoral position for Abuja.”

Not left out, Senior Special Assistant to FCT Minister on Community Relations, Hon. Yamawo Tanko, who commended the Yakubu’s for the initiative,

said it inspire him and others to replicate same in their respective communities, thereby reducing poverty in the Territory.

He also used the occasion to other stakeholders to contribute towards reducing poverty, through touching the lives of the downtrodden around them.

On his part, the Senatorial candidate of the APC seeking to occupy the FCT lone-seat at the Nigerian Senate, in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, Hon. Angulu Dobi, described the gesture as a laudable intervention that would help improve the welfare of the people of FCT.

Dobi, however, stressed that it will not longer be business as usual where the opposition sits tight at the red chamber.

School Administrators, students tasked on early resumption practice

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Mandate Secretary, of the FCT Administration’s Education Secretariat, Malam Sani El-Katuzu, has admonished School Administrators to initiate measures and policies that will make all students , both Day and Boarding resume school on the first day of resumption, after holidays.

El-Katuzu specifically advised pupils and students that waste first week at home, to change their attitude, so as to not disrupt their learning process.

He gave the charge during inspection tour of schools in Kwali Area Council, to ascertain level of resumption compliance in Abuja, also encouraged students to shun every vices like bullying, drug abuse, stealing, Cultism, and take their studies seriously to become great in life.

The Secretary who rated the schools visited average in the turn out of pupils and students on the first week of resumption for the second term of the 2022/2023 academic session , however appealed to parents and guardians to always prepare their wards ahead of resumption to avoid delaying them.

He added that the FCT Administration is not unaware of the difficulties some parents go through, but insisted that they do their best to ensure that the students don’t miss out in test and first week lessons.

“Our observation in City Center is that students resume almost immediately. But unfortunately in Kwali,we have some little difference. The resumption is not too poor, but actually not too good. We expect a situation where students turnout will be more than 60%”

“We have spoken to the school Administrators to use their initiative to see that they introduce policies that will attract students to resume school immediately. However, we are also aware that because of the security situation, especially in Kwali and Abaji, sometimes, resumption is not as immediate as expected.

“But, that not withstanding, we will continue to talk to school Administrators to ensure that students resume on time” El-Katuzu explained.

On his part, the Principal Government Science Technical College Kwali, Mr. Oyawale Olusegun noted that most of the parents whose children were yet to resume, gave excuses that they have not being able to prepare their children back to school due the impart of the harsh economic realities.

He said:” nearly 50% are yet to resume;

the reason being that some parents are complaining that they are yet to prepare fully for the coming of their children. But we started lesson since on Monday, February 9”.

Not left out, the Principal of the Kwali Government Secondary School, Ogonye Yakubu Shadrach, who revealed that the school has a total number of 1200 students, said over 1100 have resumed and lessons commenced since Monday with first test written by students on every subject.

According to him: “ The Students population so far is within the range of 95% turnout.The total number of students is 1200.

“ We went round the classes and the classes are almost filled up. The first two days were used for opening test. After the test teaching commenced fully”.

Rano petroleum station at Gwagwalada on fire It started when the tanker carrying fuel was about to offload the PMS yesterday .

world news

“Year of Rabbit” celebration strengthens China, Nigeria ties

By Ochiaka Ugwu

There is no doubt that the celebration of Chinese Lunar New Year in Abuja has once again strengthened the People to People Contacts between the Nigeria people and its Chinese counterparts.

The event tagged the year of Rabbit which was observed Saturday at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja in a carnival like mood was particularly relevant for Chinese residents, who wish to maintain tradition and share their culture heritage with their Nigerian friends.

The gathering was one of the events hosted by the Chinese embassy to celebrate the Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 22 this year.

Speaking during the event, Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary of Information and Culture, Lydia Shehu Jafiya said that Nigeria and China share close affinities in cuisines, hospitality and in festivals.

She cited the New Yam Festival from the Eastern part of Nigeria as a typical example which he said led to rapid growth of deep fraternal cultural cord that was unequivocally incontestable.

Jafiya said she was proud of the outstanding cultural ties existing between our dear nations which has flourished nonstop for over three (3) decades with memorable

milestones in all spheres of human development and infrastructures for mutual benefits and economic prosperity.

“The Nigeria/China cultural cooperation has always been on the upward swing from inception, soaring with an enviable symbolic partnership for wider scope of cultural exchanges/activities which was recently demonstrated by the China’s donation of desktop computers to the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture.

“This, I witness within few days of my assumption into office as the Permanent Secretary and I assure you that the Ministry remains committed to sustain this excellent momentum” she said.

The celebration reached its climax with a dragon dance -- a traditional Chinese dance performed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. The long, sinuous dragon twisted and turned through a long red carpet, mesmerizing onlookers with its graceful movements. The dragon, made of colorful silk and paper, was carried by a group of Nigerian dancers who moved to the beat of drums and cymbals.

Also speaking, China Ambassador to Nigeria, CUI Jianchun, noted that people-topeople exchanges between the two countries had bridged cultural differences and fostered a sense of community and harmony among peoples.

California battles deadly storms with millions under flood watch

Around 25 million people in California are under a flood watch this weekend as the latest in a parade of deadly storms drenches the state.

Several waterways have flooded, at least 19 people have died and thousands have been told to evacuate their homes.

In Montecito, a town 84 miles (135km) north-west of Los Angeles, locals say the rain aggravates their trauma.

A mudslide here killed 23 people in 2018 and many are afraid it could happen again.

Rita Bourbon credits Italian stone masons with saving her life. The craftsmen built her home more than a century ago and she says it’s like a fortress.

She survived the storm five years ago, crying inside with her daughter and some friends as they listened to the sound of boulders and other houses ripped from their foundations crashing into her home.

The next day, the neighbourhood up the

coast from Los Angeles was wrecked and almost two dozen were dead, including her neighbour whom she found in her garden in the mud.

“It’s a sound I used to love,” she says of the creek burbling in her garden, which is now bursting with ripe citrus and persimmon trees, as a blue heron drinks from her muddy pool.

“Now I know what it can do. We all have a bit of PTSD.”

Montecito creek became a violent, raging flow again this past week, prompting fire officials to issue a “Leave Now!” warning to the entire community, which includes some of California’s most famous residents such as Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The evacuation order in Montecito has been lifted, but residents remain on edge. And with so much of the land already saturated, the risk of flooding and landslides is very real.

Abe Powell is the co-founder of the Santa

Barbara Bucket Brigade, formed in 2018 to mobilise volunteers to clean up after the deadly mudslide.

This week, Powell led volunteers around the community, filling sandbags and digging trenches. He took us on a perilous drive up a narrow mountain road where giant boulders and mud blocked access to some homes.

“We don’t want to hang around here,” he said, looking at the fresh boulders.

Film producer Steve McGlothen is one of the volunteers. He has lived in the area for half a century and in his cliff top home for 27 years.

Helping others, he said, takes his mind off the problems at his own property and the despair he feels as the rain keeps falling. Plastic sheets cover the hillside, which slid away for the first time this week - an attempt to stop this latest deluge from making the slide worse.

“We’re looking at earth that has never moved,” he said. “Close to 50 years - this has never moved. It’s never been a problem before.”

The Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, joined the volunteers filling sandbags in Santa Barbara. He says the area is a “hot spot” he’s concerned about in the coming days.

“We’ve experienced some 24 trillion gallons of water falling on this state in the last 16 days in the middle of a mega drought,” Governor Newsom told the BBC. He says California needs to reimagine the way it manages water, because the infrastructure here was built for a time which no longer exists.

Californians are used to extreme weather - wildfires, drought and the threat of earthquakes, with many awaiting the “Big One” that so many experts predict. But the “storm parade” pummelling California is new.

At least 19 people have died in these storms, which began in late December. A five-year-old boy is still missing after he was ripped from his mother’s arms in fast-moving flood water in central California, when they got trapped while driving to school.

Nepal mourns victims of worst air disaster in decades

Nepalis are observing a day of mourning for victims of the country’s worst air disaster for some three decades.

At least 68 people died when a flight from Kathmandu to the tourist town of Pokhara crashed on landing and caught fire on Sunday morning.

Mobile phone footage showed the Yeti Airlines flight rolling sharply as it approached the airport.

It is unclear what caused the crash, but Nepal has a tragic history of fatal airline accidents.

A search and rescue operation that involved hundreds of Nepalese soldiers was suspended overnight due to darkness but is due to resume on Monday morning.

Earlier, local TV reports showed rescuers scrambling around charred sections of the

aircraft which hit the ground in the gorge of the Seti River, just over a kilometre from the airport.

Most of the 72 passengers and crew died, but there were unconfirmed reports that several people had survived, although critically injured.

The prime minister of Nepal declared Monday a national day of mourning, and the government set up a panel to investigate the cause of the disaster.

Local resident Divya Dhakal told the BBC how she rushed to the crash site after seeing the aircraft plunge from the sky shortly after 11:00am local time (05:15 GMT).

“By the time I was there the crash site was already crowded. There was huge smoke coming from the flames of the plane. And then helicopters came over in no time,” she

said.

“The pilot tried his best to not hit civilisation or any home,” she added. “There was a small space right beside the Seti River and the flight hit the ground in that small space.”

Aviation accidents are not uncommon in Nepal, often due to its remote runways and sudden weather changes that can make for hazardous conditions.

This Himalayan nation, home to some of the most breath-taking mountains in the world, has some of the most difficult terrain to navigate.

A lack of investment in new aircraft and poor regulation have also been blamed in the past.

In May 2022 a Tara Air plane crashed in northern Nepal, killing 22 people. Four years

earlier 51 people were killed when a flight travelling from Bangladesh caught fire as it landed in Kathmandu.

The European Union has banned Nepalese airlines from its airspace over concerns about training and maintenance standards.

The Yeti Airlines flight from Kathmandu to the tourist town of Pokhara left the Nepalese capital just after 10:30 (04:45 GMT) for what should have been a short trip.

It had 68 passengers on board, including at least 15 foreign nationals, and four crew members.

Of the passengers, 53 were said to be Nepalese. There were five Indian, four Russians and two Koreans on the plane. There was also one passenger each from Ireland, Australia, Argentina and France among others. Source: BBC

Some Nigerians performing the traditional China Dragon Dance during the event

NEWS FROM AFRICA

Tunisia: Thousands rally against President Saied

Thousands of Tunisians have demonstrated against President Kais Saied as the country faces a deepening political and economic crisis.

A crowd gathered in the capital Tunis to demand the end of his government.

Tunisians who supported Mr Saied since he came to power in 2021 have grown increasingly frustrated with the state of the economy.

The protests come 12 years to the day since former dictator Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali was forced into exile.

Tunisia’s uprising is often held up as

the sole success of the Arab Spring revolts across the region - but it has not led to stability, either economically or politically.

With debts piling up, the country has struggled to import basic goods, including staples such as coffee, milk and sugar.

The government has so far unable to secure an international bailout leading one protester to tell the AFP news agency “the coup has brought us famine and poverty”.

In Tunis’ central Habib Bourguiba Avenue, a traditional site for demonstrations, Said Anouar Ali, 34,

said: “Tunisia is going through the most dangerous time in its history.

“Saied took control of all authority and struck at democracy. The economy is collapsing. We will not be silent,” he added.

The protests in the capital were organised by two different opposition groups with a heavy police presence outside the Interior Ministry to prevent scuffles.

Separately, protesters also marched against Mr Saied’s seizure of near total power.

In 2021, the president sacked the prime minister, suspended parliament and pushed through a constitution enshrining his one-man rule.

The new constitution replaced one drafted soon after the Arab Spring in 2011, which saw Tunisia overthrow late dictator Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali. It gave the head of state full executive control and supreme command of the army.

Mr Saied has justified his actions by saying he needed new powers to break a cycle of political paralysis and economic decay.

The Gambian man who took on a tyrant and made history

In our series of letters from African journalists, Sierra Leonean-Gambian writer Ade Daramy pays tribute to a man whose death nearly seven years ago arguably changed history in The Gambia.

Ebrima Solo Sandeng was not in the traditional mould of an African freedom fighter. He was not an Amílcar Cabral, liberator of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde, or a Thomas Sankara, the anti-imperialist revolutionary who led Burkina Faso - two men slain before their life’s work was done.

But as an opposition politician in The Gambia he stood up against tyranny when very few dared to do so. This week - nearly seven years after his murder - he was honoured at a state funeral.

Sandeng’s fight was against the small West African nation’s electoral laws - legislation designed to perpetuate oppression and unfairness, allowing thenPresident Yahya Jammeh to remain in office indefinitely, having initially come to power following a coup in 1994.

He was angered that the fee to contest as a presidential candidate had risen from 10,000 Gambian dalasi ($161; £132) to 500,000 dalasi ($8,050).

In addition, opposition candidates were only given two weeks to campaign and feature on the national broadcaster, while the president’s nationwide meet-the-people tours were given blanket coverage.

In April 2016, armed with nothing more sinister than a megaphone, the 57-year-old led a march demanding change.

But in full view of the public, and caught by mobile phone cameras, he and some other marchers were manhandled, arrested and bundled into a vehicle.

News soon emerged that they had been beaten, tortured and, in Sandeng’s case, it was feared he had been killed by members of the notorious National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

Two days after his arrest, when he had not been produced in court and with the rumours gathering pace, his family and members of his United Democratic Party took to the streets, demanding that they wanted him back “dead or alive”.

Disappearances and killings were not uncommon for those considered a thorn in the side of Mr Jammeh’s regime.

It could be argued that his death and the march that took place two days later were the pivotal events - they lit the spark that eventually led to Mr Jammeh losing the presidential election eight months later.

People had simply had enough.

After initially refusing to budge, Mr Jammeh finally went into exile after his defeat and the repressive measures used during his 22 years in power were exposed by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) set up by the new government.

Forensic evidence gathered Evidence given at the TRRC led to the

discovery of Sandeng’s body in Tanji, a small fishing village.

The corpse was exhumed in 2017 and, at the request of the attorney general, forensic experts were employed to analyse the remains.

They built a case against his killers, with evidence that the abrasions and traumas on the remains proved he had been tortured to death and had not died of “shock and respiratory failure”, as a fake death certificate that later emerged stated.

In July last year, the High Court convicted five members of the former NIA - and the doctor who provided the death certificate - for their role in his killing.

Sandeng’s widow and his six children never let his memory fade and were in court when they were convicted.

NIA chief Yankuba Badjie and four of his operatives were sentenced to between five and 10 years for various offences. The doctor was sentenced to 10 years for forgery.

For those wanting to bring international attention to Sandeng’s case, he was hailed as The Gambia’s Steve Biko, a reference to South Africa’s renowned anti-apartheid activist who died in detention in 1977.

But for most Gambians he is remembered as an ordinary man who showed extraordinary bravery.

His cousin said he had been warned that his march could be dangerous, but Sandeng had replied: “Please don’t advise me; I will fight to the end. This is a point of no return.”

Thousands of mourners

The turnout at his funeral this week attests to this courage. It was attended by his family and many other dignitaries, including senior cabinet ministers.

Though a couple of ironies were noted on the day he was laid to rest.

The funeral rites in the capital, Banjul, were conducted at a monument originally built to commemorate Mr Jammeh’s coup. Known as Arch 22 (the number being a

reference to the date of the coup, 22 July 1994), it has since been renamed Never Again Arch.

And for all the fine words and the eulogies, the electoral laws Sandeng fought to change and died for are still on the statute books.

The most fitting memorial to the man considered a hero in The Gambia would be to repeal them.

Source: BBC

A state funeral was held for Ebrima Solo Sandeng last Tuesday in the capital, Banjul

Alireza Akbari: Widespread outrage after British-Iranian executed

The execution of BritishIranian man Alireza Akbari, who had been sentenced to death, has been widely condemned.

The ex-deputy Iranian defence minister was arrested in 2019 and convicted of spying for the UK, which he denied.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said his execution was a “callous and cowardly act, carried out by a barbaric regime”.

France summoned Iran’s top diplomat in Paris, warning that Tehran’s repeated violations of international law could not go unanswered.

Meanwhile, the UK has imposed sanctions on Iran’s Prosecutor General, saying it would hold the regime to account “for its appalling human rights violations”.

“Sanctioning him today underlines our disgust at Alireza Akbari’s execution,” UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said.

In a further diplomatic move, the foreign secretary has temporarily withdrawn Britain’s ambassador to Iran, Simon Shercliff, “for further consultations”.

The Iranian judiciary’s official news outlet Mizan reported on Saturday that Mr Akbari, 61, had been hanged. It did not specify the date when the execution took place.

Iran posted a video of Mr

Akbari earlier this week showing what appeared to be forced confessions, and after the country’s intelligence ministry had described the British-Iranian as “one of the most important agents of the British intelligence service in Iran”.

However, BBC Persian broadcast an audio message on Wednesday from Mr Akbari in which he said he had been tortured and forced to confess on camera to crimes he did not commit.

Mr Akbari’s family had been asked to go to his prison for a “final visit” on Wednesday and his wife said he had been moved to solitary confinement.

His nephew, Ramin Forghani, has told the BBC of his shock at his uncle’s execution, describing it as the sign of a “desperate” regime.

He said his uncle was an Iranian patriot devoted to the country - a veteran of the IranIraq war, consultant to the Iranian government on nuclear talks with the West and also a former deputy defence minister.

Mr Akbari had moved to the UK with an investment visa and become a naturalised citizen, his family say.

But Mr Forghani said his uncle had returned to Tehran from the UK following a request from his former boss, Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran.

Speaking to the BBC from Luxembourg, Mr Forghani said: “He was devoted to the country, which is why he went back.

“He was involved with the system from its foundation, and would not contemplate causing harm either to the regime or the population.

“I can only speculate that there has been some power struggle at the very highest levels of the government and they have decided to create this plot against my uncle.”

Mr Forghani links the timing of his execution to the UK’s plans to designate Iran’s powerful IRGC - the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - as a terrorist organisation. “This cannot be unrelated,” he said.

Human rights group Amnesty International called on the UK to investigate claims Mr Akbari was tortured before his death. The group accused Iran of showing “pitifully little respect” for human life.

Dr Sanam Vakil, Iran expert at international affairs think-tank Chatham House, said Mr Akbari’s death would be used by the Iranian regime to suggest a “heavy outside hand” was stoking the antigovernment unrest - linking the protests with the accusation that Western nations were trying to “destabilise the Islamic republic”.

“Keeping the narrative of the

West being involved is a way to maintain unity among the political establishment,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

Ties between the UK and Iran have deteriorated in recent months since London imposed sanctions on Iran’s morality police and other top security figures, in response to the country’s violent crackdown on anti-government protesters.

Iran has arrested dozens of Iranians with dual nationality or foreign permanent residency in

recent years, mostly on spying and national security charges.

British-Iranian citizens Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori were released and allowed to leave Iran last year after the UK settled a longstanding debt owed to Tehran.

However, at least two other British-Iranians remain in detention, including Morad Tahbaz, who also holds US citizenship.

Over 80,000 Israelis protest against Supreme Court reform

More than 80,000 Israeli protesters have rallied in Tel Aviv against plans by the new rightwing coalition government to overhaul the judiciary.

The reforms would make it easier for parliament to overturn Supreme Court rulings, among other things.

Protesters described Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed changes as an attack on democratic rule.

It follows the instalment of the most religious and hardline government in Israeli history.

Rallies were also held outside the prime minister’s residence in Jerusalem and in the northern city of Haifa, local media reported.

One group of protesters clashed with police while attempting to block a major road, Ayalon highway, in Tel Aviv.

Critics say the reforms would cripple judicial independence, foster corruption, set back minority rights and deprive Israel’s court system of credibility.

Banners referred to the new coalition led by Mr Netanyahu as a government of shame.

Israeli security forces with left-wing protesters during the rallies in Tel Aviv

Among those opposed are Israel’s Supreme Court chief justice, Esther Hayat, and the country’s attorney-general.

The BBC’s Samantha Granville in Tel Aviv saw protesters draped in Israeli flags, carrying posters in Hebrew, and pictures of Mr Netanyahu with X’s over his mouth.

There was a group of young girls with red-painted hand prints over their mouths. They wanted to tell the government they won’t be quiet.

One woman, who asked not to use her name, said through her tears she was a secondgeneration Holocaust survivor.

“My parents immigrated from non-democratic regimes to live in a democracy,” she said. “They came from the totalitarian regime to live freely. So seeing that destroyed is heartbreaking.”

She and her friend said they expected Mr Netanyahu to try radical changes, but never thought they would come so fast.

These are the largest demonstrations since Mr Netanyahu’s new coalition government was sworn in, in December.

Opposition parties had called on Israelis to join the rallies to “save democracy” and in protest at the planned judicial overhaul.

Under the plans announced

by Justice Minister Yariv Levin earlier this month, a simple majority in the Knesset (parliament) would have the power to effectively annul Supreme Court rulings. This could enable the government of the day to pass legislation without fear of it being struck down.

Critics fear the new government could use this to scrap Mr Netanyahu’s ongoing

criminal trial, although the government has not said it would do that.

Mr Netanyahu is being tried on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust - something he strongly denies.

The reforms would also give politicians more influence over the appointment of judges, with most members of the selection committee coming from the ruling coalition.

If it passes into law, the plan could make it easier for the government to legislate in favour of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank without worrying about challenges in the Supreme Court.

Israel has previously highlighted the power of the court to rule against it, as a way of blunting international criticism of such moves.

Source: BBC

Israeli security forces with left-wing protesters during the rallies in Tel Aviv

Education FG approves over N4.7 Billion for 219 TETFund research grants

By Maryam Abeeb

The Federal Government has approved the sum of N4,736,782,352.21 for the award of 219 research grants to

2023: Zulum approves 8 days holiday for Borno students

By Maryam Abeeb

Borno State Commissioner for Education, Lawan Wakilbe, has confirmed that State Governor, Babagana Umar Zulum, has approved an 8-day addendum to the 2022/2023 schools’ academic calendar in the state.

Commissioner, Wakilbe, who disclosed this in Maiduguri, said the approval was to enable workers and eligible students to exercise their civic rights.

Wakilbe also said Governor Zulum approved the eight days holiday for the forthcoming general election in February to also enable the usage of schools as collation centres.

AljazirahNigeria learnt that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 25, while Governorship and State Assembly elections will hold on March 11, 2023.

successful participants under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF) programme for the 2021 grant cycle.

A statement by the Acting Director, Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi explained that this followed the report of the TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC) which recommended the funding of the 219 research proposals after a rigorous screening exercise which commenced with the receipt of 4,810 Concept Notes from prospective applicants in November 2021.

According to him, a breakdown of the approval indicates that the sum of N3,066,156,844.61 was approved for the Science, Engineering, Technology and

Innovation (SETI) thematic group, N806,381,998.00 for Humanities and Social Science (HSS) while Cross Cutting (CC) received N864,242,509.60, with individual grants ranging from N4.5 million to over N41 million.

He explained that some of the approved research works tailored towards enhancing national development include Molecular epidemiology of recurrent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria and pre-clinical evaluation of indigenous medicinal plants for its management; Effective High Throughput Phenotyping and Artificial Pollination for Improved Yield in Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) with Autonomous Drone and Investigating Nigerian medicinal plants as sources of lead compounds for development of chemotherapeutic

interventions for uterine fibroid and Production of Cartridge made from Hydrochar for the Treatment of Textile and Tannery Wastewater in Nigeria: ″Emerging Technology for Sustainable Water Purification using Biomass Waste; all under the Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) thematic group.

He added that projects under Cross Cutting thematic group include Design and Fabrication of Efficient Solar Energy Storage System for Electricity Generation to Rural Communities; Adaptation of Conventional Septic Tank to Biodigester for Sustainable Energy Generation and Viable Economy for Households Use in Nigeria and Development of Polymersoilcrete Blocks and Pozzolanic Cement Concrete for Integrated and Sustainable Mass Housing

in Nigeria, amongst others.

“Approved under Social Science are Development and evaluation of phytoestrogenic transdermal nanogel for the management of menopausal symptoms and associated diseases; Fabrication and Characterization of New Glass Series from Rice Husk and Bismuth-Tin Ores for Application in Radiation Shielding and Green Pathway for Barite Production towards Decarbonisation of Mining Sector in Nigeria, amongst others.

“The National Research Fund (NRF) Grant was introduced to encourage cutting-edge research which explore research areas relevant to societal needs of Nigeria such as power and energy, health, security, agriculture, employment and wealth creation etc, “ he said.

Gov. Bagudu releases N895m for payment of tuition to students of tertiary institutions

Maryam Abeeb

Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has approved N895 million for payment of 2021/2022 session registration fees for 27,039 indigenes studying within 36 tertiary institutions across the country.

The Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry for Higher Education, Alhaji Abdulmumin

Abdullahi, made this known while briefing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi .

“His Excellency Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has approved the sum of N895 million being payment of 2021/2022 session registration fees for 27,039 Kebbi state indigenes studying within 36 tertiary institutions across the country,” he said.

Abdullahi recalled that

the governor on July 2, 2022 also approved the sum of N907 million for payment of 2019/2020 session registration fees for the students.

“So also on September 22, 2022, the governor graciously approved the sum of $349,150 US dollars to cover second year tuition, accommodation, feeding and modest pocket money for 116 state sponsored students studying within three

notable universities in India.

“This is in addition to N4.605 million to cater for logistics and transportation of sponsored students transfered from Global University in India.

“Additionally, on November 17, 2022, the governor also granted an approval of N120.1 million to cover change of institution for Kebbi state sponsored MBBS training from

Sudan to Egypt,” he recalled.

Abdullahi enjoined all students to reciprocate the gesture by facing their studies with all seriousness so as to become useful members of the society and the country at large.

“We pray that Almighty Allah continue to guide, guard and protect the governor throughout his reign in office and all future endeavours,” the permanent secretary said.

Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai Laying Wreaths at Ahmadu Bello Stadium during the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance day celebration in Kaduna yesterday

Who can die? Canada wrestles with euthanasia for the mentally ill

As Canada prepares to expand its euthanasia law to include those with mental illness, some Canadians - including many of the country’s doctors - question whether the country’s assisted death programme has already moved too far, too fast.

Dr Madeline Li can recall the first patient she helped die, about one month after Canada first legalised euthanasia in 2016. “I remember just how surreal it was,” she said.

A psychiatrist at Toronto’s Princess Margaret Hospital, she recalled checking on her patient that day, asking if she had the right music and final meal, and if she was sure she wanted to go ahead. The patient, in her mid-60s and suffering from ovarian cancer, said she was.

Five minutes later, the woman was dead.

“It was like stepping off a cliff, that first one,” Dr Li said. “Then time passes and it normalises.”

She has since overseen hundreds of medically assisted dying cases.

Dr Li stressed repeatedly that a physician’s personal opinions should not influence how they assess a patient for assisted death. But she has significant concerns about the expansion of Canada’s euthanasia and assisted dying programme beyond the terminally ill. She is not alone.

Since 2016, Canada’s medical assistance in dying programme - known by its acronym ‘Maid’has been available for adults with terminal illness. In 2021, the law was changed to include those with serious and chronic physical conditions, even if that condition was non-life threatening.

This year, it is expected to change again to include some Canadians with mental illness.

That planned expansion has ignited controversy over the assisted death programme as a whole and raised concerns that it may be too easy for the vulnerable to die in Canada. Those fears have been stoked by a recent string of reports suggesting that for some, death has been used as a stopgap for a broken social safety net.

“Making death too ready a solution disadvantages the most vulnerable people, and actually lets society off the hook,” Dr Li said. “I don’t think death should be society’s solution for its own failures.”

Medically assisted death arrived in Canada through the courts. In 2015, the country’s Supreme Court ruled that banning assisted suicide deprived Canadians of their dignity and autonomy. It gave Parliament one year to draft legislation.

The 2016 law legalised assisted death for Canadians aged 18 and older with a serious and irreversible condition, whose death was “reasonably foreseeable”.

In that first year, a little over 1,000 people received an assisted

death, a number that has grown every year since. In 2021, the most recent figures available, there were 10,064 Maid cases, accounting for 3.3% of all deaths in Canada.

Opinion polls indicate Canadians broadly support access to at least some form of assisted suicide.

Death for the terminally ill can often be cruel and slow, physicians told the BBC, with the patient’s final days spent slipping in and out of a drugged consciousness. The existence of assisted dying in these cases, doctors said, became a salve.

“Almost every single time I deem a patient eligible [for Maid], that patient stops worrying about how they’re going to die and starts wondering how they’re going to live,” said Dr Stefanie Green, president of the Canadian Association of Maid Assessors and Providers.

“It is objectively therapeutic to give someone the option,”she said.

Canada’s expansion to Maid last year followed another court decision after two people from Montreal with degenerative diseases launched a legal challenge.

The ruling put Canada in the company of just a handful of countries, including Belgium and the Netherlands, that allow medically assisted dying for those without a terminal illness.

The change included people whose sole medical condition was mental illness, but with a caveat: psychiatric Maid applications would be delayed for two years, while the federal government set up appropriate safeguards.

The looming expansion has attracted intense scrutiny and, for some, cast doubt on the country’s assisted dying programme for the non-terminally ill.

Early critics of the programme include three United Nations human rights experts, who wrote to the federal government in 2021 warning that the expanded law could devalue the lives of disabled people by implying that a serious disability was worse than death.

A number of reports suggesting that some Canadians have opted for assisted death, at least in part because they could not afford adequate housing, have also prompted fears it could be used as a solution for societal challenges - that someone may seek out Maid because of poverty, lack of housing, or extreme loneliness.

“Leaving people to make this choice [to die] because the state is failing to fulfil their fundamental human rights is unacceptable,” said Marie-Claud Landry, chief commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission in a statement in May.

Others have pointed to what they describe as the programme’s flimsy safeguards.

“The Maid law is very Canadian. It was left so vague it could offend nobody,” Dr Li said.

The law, she said, “is not specific

enough to protect people.”

In 2019, 61-year-old Alan Nichols opted for an assisted death after he was admitted to a British Columbia hospital for suicide watch.

In the days before his death, he was agitated, confused, and refused

to wear the cochlear implant that

bringing your suicidal loved one to seek medical care for recovery when there are no oversight or stringent safeguards surrounding a procedure that kills people?”

Then last autumn, authorities launched an investigation after at least four veterans were prompted to consider Maid by a Veterans Affairs case worker, who now no longer works for the department. In one instance, veteran and paralympian Christine Gauthier said she was offered the option by the employee after she asked for a wheelchair ramp to be installed in her home.

The federal government says that the expanded law protects vulnerable Canadians while respecting patient autonomy. Applicants with grievous and incurable but nonlife threatening conditions must be assessed by two separate clinicians and undergo a 90-day waiting period.

And proponents of assisted dying insist the existing guardrails are strong enough.

“I see the safeguards in place, I see them working,” said Dr Green.

“I’m not naïve, I get it, lack of support in our community - disability support, income support, housing support - these things contribute to a person’s suffering,” she said. “But in and of itself, if that’s what is motivating people to apply, they will not be found eligible.”

Derryck Smith, a Vancouver psychiatrist and board member for Dying with Dignity, told the BBC that the standards ensure that only a small fraction of Canadians without terminal diagnoses would be eligible for Maid. “Look at the statistics,” he said.

In 2021, the average age of a Maid recipient was 76. Eighty percent had received palliative care and 65% had cancer.

But planned inclusion of mental health has prompted yet another set of concerns. Last month, facing mounting criticism, the Canadian government said it would seek to pause the inclusion of mental illness - scheduled for this March - to allow for additional study.

helped him hear, his sister-in-law Trish Nichols told a Senate committee last year. On his application for Maid, the stated reason was “hearing loss”.

“Alan did not have a valid diagnosis for Maid,” Mrs Nichols said. “Would you feel safe now,

“We want to be prudent, we want to move in a step-by-step way, so we don’t make mistakes,” federal Justice Minister David Lametti said.

Much of the controversy is focused on the “irremediability” of a mental illness - meaning if it’s incurable - and how that could be assessed. For a person to be eligible for Maid in Canada, their condition must be considered irremediable.

The Canadian Mental Health Association has warned it is “not possible” to determine whether any particular case of mental illness is incurable and strongly opposes the coming expansion. Some leading psychiatrists, like University of Toronto’s Karandeep Sonu Gaind, have said the odds of predicting curability are worse than a coin flip.

Source; BBC

The change included people whose sole medical condition was mental illness, but with a caveat: psychiatric Maid applications would be delayed for two years, while the federal government set up appropriate safeguards

“

Dr Madeline Li has helped hundreds of patients die. Now she has doubts about Canada’s assisted dying programme.

Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, where Dr Madeline Li works.

Dr Li has applauded Canada’s decision to pause the Maid expansion for mental health.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.NWAEZE MAXWELL ENYINNAYA 2.NWAEZE BRIGHT CHIGOZIE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE 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.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. MATTHEW FOLORUNSHO BRAIMOH – CHAIRMAN

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EMMANUEL ANAGA JOHN – SECRETARY 4. ESTHER FOLASHADE ABIODUN – TRUSTEE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. EQUIP, INSTRUCT, MOBILIZE, AND SEND PEOPLE INTO THEIR GOD-BREATHED CALLING AND KINGDOM ASSIGNMENTS. 2. SERVE AS A CHRISTIAN TRAINING CENTER FOR DISCIPLESHIP, ADVANCED KINGDOM LEARNING, BELIEVERS INSTRUCTION, PREPARATION, AND MOBILIZING MISSIONARIES TO THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD. 3. HELP PEOPLE DISCOVER AND DEVELOP GOD’S PURPOSES FOR THEM THROUGH LIFE-GIVING COMMUNITY THAT ENDEAVORS TO SHARE OUR LIVES, BUILD EACH OTHER UP, AND USE OUR PASSIONS TO HONOR AND SERVE GOD 4. RELEASE GOD’S INTENTIONS INTO INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS, EMPOWERING THEM TO MODEL THE GRACE OF GOD IN THEIR WORLD. 5. CREATE A SAFE PLACE AND DIVINE ATMOSPHERE WHERE PEOPLE CAN HAVE AUTHENTIC ENCOUNTERS WITH GOD AND HIS TANGIBLE PRESENCE.

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3• EZIKE GEORGLINE IFEOMA 4• ONYEARI REGINALD EKENE 5• OTUJIEME CHIKEZIE LEONARD

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MENAKAYA ELOKA

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO PROMOTE AWARENESS ABOUT KIDNEY PROBLEM.

TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE DIAGNOSED OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD) PSYCHOLOGICALLY, FINANCIALLY AND SOCIALLY. 3. DISTRIBUTION OF ERYTHROPOIETIN STIMULATING AGENTS TO PEOPLE LIVING WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE. 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.

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OBIOMA PROGRESSIVE UNION ABUJA BRANCH

whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date place stated in the said in the column. AND WHEREAS the person(s) whose name (s) and address(s) and relation(s) to the deceased are set out in the second column hereto has/have applied to the High Court of Justice, Nasarawa State for the grant of Letters of Administration of the Real and personal properties/estate of the said deceased. NOTICE: IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letter of Administration (without will) will be granted to such applicant/applicants unless a “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the

hereof.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF NASARAWA STATE OF NIGERIA IN THE PROBATE DIVISION SCHEDULE

NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES) OF APPLICANT(S)

NAME OF DECEASED PERSON

Oche Sylvester Audu Sunday late of Nyanya Died on the 22nd day of June, 2022 at Abuja

Iliyasu Aishatu Naali late of Keana, Died on the 26th day of August, 2019 at Keana

Dogara Aboki Ahmed late of Lafia, Died on the 24th day of April, 2022 at Lafia

Danladi Mabele late of Doma, Died on the 10th day of August, 2022 at Lafia

Christopher Ashama Odeh late of Doma, Died on the 26th day of June, 2022 at Doma

Ozayashi Abari late of Alagye, Died on the 3rd day of September, 2021 at Alagye.

Jibril Suleiman late of Lafia, Died on the 23rd day of April, 2021 at Gwagwalada

Okoh Echoga late of Doma, Died on the 14th day of November, 2021 at Lafia

Dangana Agbo late of Lafia, Died on the 28th day of March, 2022 at Lafia

Maimako Yusuf late of Lafia, Died on the 27th day of May, 2017 at Lafia

Ishalaku Godwin Amegwa late of Doma, Died on the 4th day of September, 2022 at Doma

Ayuba Ajuma late of Lafia, Died on the 30th day of July, 2022 at Lafia

Mohammed Ogoshi late of Keana, Died on the 11th day of December, 2022 at Keana

Anzaku Musa Otso late of Lafia, Died on the 4th day of October, 2022 at Lafia

Abdullahi Musa late of Lafia, Died on the 10th day of August, 2022 at Abuja

Agwada Onah Salisu late of Keffi, Died on the 29th day of September, 2022 at Keffi

Ramat Ibrahim late of Agyaragu, Died on the 8th day of November, 2021 at Agyaragu

Namadi Jibrin late of Kekura, Died on the 6th day of September, 2022 at Awe

Hassan Dinatu Ashelo late of Lafia, Died on the 14th day of September, 2022 at Lafia

Ababakar Yakubu Haruna late of Lafia, Died on the 4th day of June, 2021 at Lafia

Musa Adamu Ogapa late of Ogapa Died on the 4th day of June, 2022 at Ogapa

Ogelebe Danjuma late of Nasarawa, Died on the 18th day of May, 2022 at Nasarawa

Kigbu Abubakar late of Gudi, Died on the 26th day of October, 2020 at Akwanga

Yakubu Tanimu late of Keffi, Died on the 20th day of March, 2022 at Keffi

Oche Audu of Lagos State the lawful Son of the said deceased

Naali Iliyasu Yakubu of Keana the lawful Brother of the said deceased

Manga Manga Dogara of Keffi the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Mabele Godwin of Doma the lawful Son of the said deceased Victoria Y. Ido of Doma the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Abari Rebecca Jonathan of Alagye the lawful Widow of the said deceased

Jibril Dauda of Lafia the lawful Brother of the said deceased

Aboje Acheligwu Echoga & Okoh Echoga Inalegwu both of Doma the lawful Sons of the said deceased

Abdullahi Abubakar Adamu & Sani Sanusi both of Keana the lawful Sons of the said deceased.

Musa Mohammed of Lafia the lawful Son of the said deceased

Godwin Tanko Emmanuel & Godwin Patience both of Doma the lawful Son & Daughter of the said deceased Ari Liman Aminu of Lafia the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Bala Husseini of Keana the lawful Brother of the said deceased

Musa Maryam Anzaku of Lafia the lawful Daughter of the said deceased.

Muhammad Musa Abdulllahi, Musa Abdullahi & Muhammed Fatima Liman all of Gwagwalada the lawful Sons & Widow of the said deceased.

Salisu Sharif Agwada of Keffi, the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Ibrahim Friday Akpomoshi of Agyaragu the lawful Son of the said deceased

Idris Fufai Maikudi of Kekura the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Hassan Kyauta Ayalo of Lafia the lawful Widower of the said deceased.

Yakubu Hussaini of Lafia the lawful Son of the said deceased

Ogelebe Danlami of Ogapa the lawful Brother of the said deceased

Habiba Ogelebe Danjuma of Nasarawa the lawful Widow of the said deceased

Abubakar Ismail Tsaku & Habu Asabe Kigbu both of Gudi the lawful Son & Daughter of the said deceased Yakubu Sidi Ahmed & Adamu Adama Usman both of Keffi the lawful Son & Daugher of the said deceased respectively.

Abah Okwute James late of Lafia, Died on the 22nd day of April, 2022 at Lafia

Bamaiyi Mali Gambi late of Lafia Died on the 24th day of June, 2013 at Lafia

Agawu Mary Odun late of Lafia, Died on the 20th day of December, 2021 at Lafia

Mustapha Aliyu late of Shabu, Died on the 22nd day of June, 2022 at Lafia

Egga Alex late of Sabon Pegi, Shabu, Died on the 5th day of November, 2022 at Sagamu

Yakubu Deborah late of Lafia, Died on the 12th day of August, 2017 at Lafia N/18066 2LT Adam Hamzala Abdulrahman late of Maiduguri Died on the 3rd day of December, 2021 at Maiduguri

Achegbani Patrick Abama late of Agbashi, Died on the 22nd day of September, 2021 at Lafia

Christopher Angbashim Sabo late of Gudi, Died on the 1st day of October, 2021 at Nassarawa Eggon

Achegbani Patrick Abama late of Agbashi, Died on the 22nd day of September, 2021 at Lafia

James Maga Olaku late of Keffi- Wambai, Died on the 19th day of December, 2022 at Keffin-Wambai

Shekwolo Rebecca Elisha late of Nasarawa, Died on the 23rd day of August, 2021 at Lafia

Patu Yusuf late of Wamba, Died on the 22nd day of December, 2022 at Wamba Barnabas Danazumi late of Akwanga, Died on the 14th day of February, 2022 at Sanga

Adamu Yusuf late of Nunku, Died on the 29th day of March, 2022 at Nunku

Bala Ekom Joseph late of Sabon Kwara, Died on the 4th day of September, 2020 at Sabon Kwara

REPUBLICATION

Adamu Zakari Bala late of Lafia, Died on the 20th day of June, 2020 at Abuja

James Danladi Aruwa late of Akwanga, Died on the 1st day of April, 2022 at Akwanga

Ouwuse Job Danjuma late of Lafia, Died on the 20th day of October, 2021 at Jos

Alkasim Abdullahi Muhammad late of Lafia, Died on the 11th day of April, 2022 at Abuja

Ogande Ali Malo late of Alushi, Died on the 5th day of September, 2016 at Alushi

Sunday Peter Adams late of Nassarawa Eggon, Died on the 13th day of November, 2019 at Nassarawa Eggon

Abah Patricia Onyemowo of Lafia the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Bamaiyi Sarah Allu of Lafia the lawful Brother of the said deceased.

Odu Agbawu of Odege Odu the lawful Father of the said deceased.

Aliyu Abubakar Allahkayi of Shabu the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Alexander Akolo Egga of Shabu the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Magani B. Nzas of Andaha the lawful Widower of the said deceased

Abdulrahman Ruqayya Adam of Keffi the lawful Sister of the said deceased.

Patrick Emmanuel Oga & Patrick Joseph Achegbani both of Lafia the lawful Sons of the said deceased.

Christopher Angbashim of Gudi the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Patrick Emmanuel Oga & Patrick Joseph Achegbani both of Lafia the lawful Sons of the said deceased.

James Jeremiah Maga of Keffin-Wambai the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Shekwolo Theresa of Lafia the lawful Daughter of the said deceased.

Hamza Shittu Yusuf of Wamba the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Barnabas Christiana of Anzele the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Adamu Salisu Ali of Akwanga the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Joseph Lydia & Joseph Ovye Ekom both of Obi the lawful Widow & Son of the said deceased respectively.

REPUBLICATION

Aisha Bala Zakari & Zaynab Lamine both of Abuja the lawful Daughter & Widow of the said deceased respectively.

James Leah & James Hope Danladi both of Akwanga the lawful Widow & Daughter of the said deceased respectively.

Luku Justina & Dakup Happiness Obadiah both of Lafia the lawful Widow & Daughter of the said deceased respectively.

Alakasim Fatima Abbdullahi of Lafia the lawful Daughter of the said deceased.

Osumayi Jamila Akwe & Ali Mohammed both of Doma the lawful Widow & Son of the said deceased respectively.

Sunday Bulus Adams of Nassarawa Eggon the lawful Son of the said deceased.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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.AGABA SAMUEL BENSON 2.AGABA ELIZABETH

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO GO TO THE ENTIRE WORLD AND PREACH THE UNDILUTED GOSPEL OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TO EVERY CREATURE 2.TO TENDER,NUTURE,EQUIP DISCIPLE AND FEED THE NEW CONVERTS AND OLD BELIEVERS WITH THE WORD OF GOD 3.TO INSPIRE AND BUILD PEOPLE OF A CHRIST LIKE ATTITUDE.

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.

: SECRETARY.

grant is file in this Registry within Twenty- One (21) days from the date

(Esther M. Ejeh. Esq.) PROBATE REGISTRAR NASARAWA STATE OF NIGERIA, LAFIA

NAME OF DECEASED PERSON

NAME(S) AND

RAHAJI CLAN CHARITY FOUNDATION

KINGDOM GIANTS EMBASSY CHURCH

Gusau lauds Tonobok Okowa, Others for Emerging Victorious in CAA Region II Polls

By Albert Akota

The immediate past President of the Confederation of African Athletes CAA Region II, Engr.Ibrahim Shehu Gusau has congratulated the newly elected executives of the region for emerging victorious at the elective congress held at the Lam Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra,Ghana on Saturday.

Nigeria’s Chief Tonobok Okowa emerged as President of CAA Region II after defeating the President of Benin Republic Athletics Federation, Degon

Vierin in the second round 9-6 after the first round ended in a stalemate.

Engr.Gusau, the Chief Observer of the election in a statement issued on Sunday said the region won, as neither victors nor vanquish emerged.

“The CAA Region II being the biggest in the continent of Africa is one big and strong family with a sole purpose to develop Athletics.Saturday’s election was only a family debate to choose who will run the affairs of the region for the next four years.

I congratulate those elected, while

those who weren’t elected should know, and understand that we must all join hands with these executives to lift the region.

I therefore charge all elected officials to work hard and ensure unity among our members.The challenges are enormous,but they are surmountable.

Under my leadership, we were able to organise the region’s annual competition; this ought to continue for the sake of building on results achieved in the last four years,wherein meaningful progress was made in our various national federations.

I can attest that this has enabled us to achieve that strong bond in the region.

Again,I congratulate all our members because we all are winners.”His statement reads.

Others elected are; Doudou Joof as Vice President, Alio Oumarou emerged as Financial Director, Ousmane Camara emerged as Auditor, while Sawadogo Missirit returned as Technical Director.

Aminata Keita and Ouoally Sara were elected Council Members.

Region II comprises of all countries in West Africa.

Delta to host 7th National Youth Games

The Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development has awarded the Hosting Rights for the 7th National Youth Games to Delta State.

The choice of Delta State was reached at a meeting of Stakeholders for the Games, which held on the sidelines of the recently concluded 21st National Sports Festival.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, stated that the National Youth Games has since inception become a veritable ground for harvesting the huge talents that abound within the country.

According to him, “many of the discovered athletes have

been nurtured to elite level by the Ministry where several of them have been excelling at the international stage by posting podium performance for the country.”

Other objectives of the Game according to him, is to “promote National Unity; curb age cheating in Sports and Youth restiveness as well as establish a standard

programme for athletes’ succession”, amongst others.

Alhaji Ismaila assured that the Ministry is poised to ensuring that the gains and objectives of the Youth Games are sustained hence, the Ministry’s determination to seek for an alternative host venue for the National Youth Games.

The newly appointed

Host State, Delta, he added, has indicated its interest to host the Games at the Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State. The State has equally expressed its readiness to host the Games from February 8-18, 2023, as unanimously agreed by the stakeholders at a virtual meeting that took place on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

Nigerian Navy Polo Team 1 celebrating their triumph after winning the 2023 TY Danjuma Polo competition , yesterday in Port Harcourt : PHOTO DINFO

Date donates TEQBALL TO Ifeanyi Ubah sports house in Nnewi

Minister for Youth and Sports Sunday Dare has donated Teqball to the Ifeanyi Ubah Sports House in Nnewi

The Minister showed the kind gesture while commissioning the newly constructed Sports House in Nnewi.

The Multi Purpose Sports House was single handedly built by Senator Ifeanyi Ubah , a gesture the Minister said if emulated by every lawmaker in Nigeria will advance Sports Development in Nigeria.

“I am always very excited to see individuals who are very passionate about Grassroot Sports Development and this is what Senator Ifeanyi Ubah is all about”.

“This is what is called Grassroot development and this multi purpose sports house will not only benefit the people of Nnewi but Nigeria Sports ecosystem at large”

“This Multi Purpose Complex can serve many Sports and this is why I am donating Techball for the Sports House”.

The Minister said Teqball is one of the fast growing Sports in the world and the people of Nnewi will have the opportunity to Start growing the Sports.

Havertz’s scores Solitary goal as Chelsea beat Crystal Palace

Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game as Chelsea picked up a much-needed 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace to ease the pressure on Graham Potter.

A thumping header from Kai Havertz earned Chelsea a narrow

victory over Crystal Palace to ease the pressure on manager Graham Potter.

Havertz met Hakim Ziyech’s cross shortly after an hour as the Blues ended a run of three successive defeats in all competitionsThe Germany striker should have doubled Chelsea’s

advantage but could only flash a header wide from close range from Mason Mount’s cross.

Palace came close to equalising late on when Cheick Doucoure’s longrange volley was spectacularly tipped over by Kepa Arrizabalaga

Chelsea stay 10th despite the win, just their second in 10 Premier League games, but are now level on points with ninth-placed Liverpool. are 12th after a fifth defeat in six games in all competitions.

Bosso denies report he rejected bribe money from agent

By Albert Akota

Flying Eagles’ Head Coach, Isah Ladan Bosso has denied a report in a section of the media that he granted an interview in which he claimed to have rejected the sum of €100,000 offered by a football agent to have the latter’s player in the Nigeria U20 squad.

The report claimed that Bosso, who tinkered the Nigeria intermediate team to win the WAFU B U20 Championship in Niger Republic last year and will lead them to the Africa U20 Cup of Nations starting in Egypt next month, made a statement to the effect that he had refused the amount offered by a certain overseas-based football agent.

“Please permit me to clear the air on this news making the rounds about me rejecting an amount of money from a football agent. I never made such a claim to any journalist, talk less of in a formal interview.

There was no time I made such a statement to either a journalist or any other person for that matter. If anyone has proof of my making such a statement, the person should come out and tender it in public.

“At the moment, I am focused on ensuring the Flying Eagles prepare very well and we are able to pick the very best legs to represent Nigeria at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt. We surely can do without such distractions.”

Bosso also shed more light on the number of players invited to camp for the final phase of preparations ahead of the U20 tournament.

“I have also read somewhere that we have 65 players in the camp; this is outright falsehood. There’s no way we can have that bogus number in the camp.

We resumed with 35 players in the camp and that is the number we have for now. Working with my assistants, we will start to trim the squad once the overseas-based professionals start arriving in camp.”

The veteran trainer also called on stakeholders to rally round and support the Flying Eagles as the team embarks on the mission to conquer Africa for the eighth time.

“I am calling on all critical stakeholders including the media to rally round and support this team. We need no distractions at this point; all we need is the support of everyone in our quest to qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals in Indonesia.”

isah ladan Bossom

PEOPLES DAILY

2023 and the infodemics quagmire

Chelsea have completed the signing of Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk on a eight-and-a-half year contract.

The Blues, who beat London rivals Arsenal to the signature of Mudryk, announced the signing in a statement released on their website on Sunday.The statement read: “Mykhailo Mudryk has finalised his move from Shakhtar Donetsk to Chelsea after agreeing personal terms with the club.

“The Ukrainian international, who turned 22 earlier this month, has put pen to paper on an eightand-a-half year contract with the Blues to seal his move to Stamford Bridge.

“The threat he causes in the final third is underlined by his 18 goal involvements in as many games in all competitions this season, including three goals and two assists in the Champions League group stage.

“Mudryk joined the Shakhtar Donetsk academy in 2016 and, after a handful of senior appearances and loans to fellow Ukrainian Premier Liga sides Arsenal Kyiv and Desna Chernigiv, made his first-team breakthrough over the course of the 2021/22 season, with two goals and seven assists in 11 league games.”

Mudryk was spotted at Stamford for Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace before he was officially announced as a new signing for the Blues.

Barring any unforeseen circumstance, the 2023 general elections that will produce a new set of leaders to govern the country at the state and federal levels will hold in February. The presidential and National Assembly Election is specifically holding on Saturday February 25, barely 51 days from now. The electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has declared that there is no going back after it had received the last batch of the election materials last Wednesday, January 4, 2023, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, the use of which the Commission said is irreversible. The logistics arrangements and the security aspect of the election are reported to be set too, although occasional attacks on INEC facilities especially in the South Eastern part of the country still pose some threats. It was soothing news last week when Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma extracted the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari that technology will be deployed to arrest the security situation in the South East ahead of the poll. We hope that it works out. But one area of concern that worries me, and I suppose many others too, including media practitioners, is the preponderance of infodemics in our polity. It refers to the high rate of too much information from interested parties, the conventional and unconventional media, from media influencers and enthusiasts, including citizen journalists some of whom have little or no regard for factuality, correctness, accuracy, balance and other journalistic ethos.

An infodemic is also understood to be a rapid and far-reaching spread of both accurate and inaccurate information about something, and in the current context, of the forthcoming elections billed to hold in February. Infodemic is a portmanteau of “information” and “epidemic.” As facts, rumors, and fears mix and disperse, it becomes difficult to learn essential information about an issue. In 2020, alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, an infodemic of disinformation raised concerns for information quality in online environment. This effect was demonstrated in a study of news stories shared on Twitter. In the study, news stories rated as incorrect by fact-checking organizations were cited to have spread to far more people than factual articles did.

The huge dose of information bombarded the public, the good, the bad and the ugly, the factual and fictional which they are confronted with daily, have the potential to confuse the people in taking

Monday Column

By Hameed M. Bello, PhD

reasonable decisions on the basis of such discredited information. Of concern also is the desperation of state and non-state actors who continue to stir up political controversy on the verge of the election.

Already, we read about the latest highly partisan letter by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo which endorsed presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi. Obasanjo is constitutionally entitled to his opinion, just as every other person is too. And we have read about the varied reactions that trailed the former president’s letter, some scathing and others patronizing. As the election day draws nearer, we are going to see even more of volatile and scurrilous partisanship in media content orchestrated by political actors and influencers in the final push to gain an edge in the political contest. Many of these texts are constructed or reconstructed lies or propaganda. The voter must not be swayed by opportunistic content creators or content generators recruited to sabotage the integrity of the elections and the process of choosing credible leaders at all levels. To that extent, there is need for more vigilance and understanding of the many ways in which false information can be manipulated and imported into the media and public space and treated as if they were factual content.

Historically, media reports were upheld with trust on account of their truth worthiness, and communication evolved with a high level of trust until the advent of electronic mass media, and lately of the digital media. Media scholars believe that the most recent phase in the development of media and communication is characterized by a series of interconnected tendencies that make communication faster and over long distances, thanks to the digital era.

Since the 80s when technology started moving from analog to digital, the world of information sharing has consistently evolved, and according to a 2016 study by Excelacom Research Bureau, some 150 million emails were sent, three million Youtube videos viewed, 21 million Whatsapp messages transmitted, 700, 000 logged on to

Facebook. The truth value of many of these contents were however suspect. Some were truly true, others half truth and a large chunk of the content were untruth.

In the current age of information disorder (fake news), everyone who comes into contact with information now has the capacity of consuming and at the same time, producing the news. From your bedroom with a data enhanced cell phones, one becomes creator and distributor of content, either rightly or wrongly.

In the media space, it is now a tradition to send stories via mails, make texts, audio and video photograph etc with only one device. Media companies can now be operated at the comfort of our rooms (blogging), and we now break news as it happens thanks to the digital revolution. With digitization however comes plurality of media sources, including the multiplicity of multi media platforms. All these lead to ‘chaos’ where everything and anything goes, leading to more information disorder. One understanding of Information disorder is that it is the many ways our information environment is polluted. Often referred to as ‘Fake News’ but the complexity of this disorder goes beyond news only being fake. In an attempt to properly situate the subject, the Council of Europe in 2017 reportedly produced a report on what it calls information disorder. The authors refrained from using the term ‘Fake News’ for two reasons: One, they believe it is ‘woefully inadequate’ to describe a very complex issue. Secondly, it has been appropriated by politicians to slam any news organisation they find disagreeable, thus becoming a mechanism for repression.

Information disorder comes in different forms. It could take the form of disinformation, misinformation or malinformation. Disinformation is any information that is false and deliberately created to harm a person. This happens when the person sharing the information intentionally put out falsehood. Disinformation is usually fabricated or deliberately manipulated audio/visual content and it involves intentionally created conspiracy theories or rumours.

Misinformation is information that is false but not created with

the intention of causing harm. Most of the time, the person sharing the information intends to help, but with a false and unverified information. Misinformation is usually unintentional mistakes such as inaccurate photo captions, wrong dates and statistics, or translations, or when satire is taken too seriously.

Malinformation on the other hand is understood to be any information that is based on reality used to inflict harm on a person, organisation or country. It involves deliberate publication of private information for personal or corporate rather than public interest, such as revenge porn - Sexually explicit media of a person distributed online without the consent of the pictured individual, typically by a former partner or hacker, and often with the intent to humiliate the subject and damage his/her reputation. Malinformation could involve the deliberate change of context, date or time of genuine content.

The question to ask is why are false information spread? The advent of digital technology has allowed agenda setters to encroach the media system leaving them in a state of chaos. In this state, several motivations account for the spread of false information by agents, to divert attention, to cover up lapses, to promote political agenda and to amass popularity.

In a recently published article “Debunking Handbook”, writers believe that misinformation is sticky and it is best tackled in two ways; when it is preempted or when it is debunked. Preempting can be achieved by explaining misleading or manipulative argumentation strategies to the people, while debunking comes often and must be done properly. If you cannot preempt, you must debunk. For debunking to be effective, it is important to provide detailed refutations, a clear explanation of why the information is false or true.