Wednesday, May 17, 2023 Edition

President Muhammadu Buhari returns to Abuja from The United Kingdom on Tuesday.

PHOTO: State House

Man,34 in police net for allegedly robbing, stoning friend to death in Adamawa

From Umar Dankano,Yola

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a 34 year old,Inuwa Yunana for alleged robbery and killing of his close friend.

Disclosing the development in a press statement in Yola Tuesday, image maker of the command,SP Suleiman Njuroje said the suspect was apprehended on 15/5/2023 for stoning to death his close friend one Augustine Otti and

robbed him of the sum of one hundred thousand naira (100,000).

“The suspect, Inuwa Yunana, a resident of Gyawana, Lamurde Local Government Area subdued the deceased, Augustine Otti by hiting him with a strong object on the head and threw him into a gutter.

“In addition to that, he stoned the deceased until he was sure he had died before taking away from him the sum of N100,000 cash.

“The suspect brutally killed the deceased on the 18/4/2023 at about

8:00pm while accompanying him to go and complete payment of rice he bought at Mbemum village.

“The suspect was apprehended following the recovery of material evidences at the scene of the crime which is linked to him.

“Interestingly, the suspect voluntarily made a confessional statement, adding that the was only interested in taking possession of the deceased money.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Afolabi Babatola while

expressing disappointment over the unfortunate incident, commended Operatives of the Command for detecting, arresting and making it impossible for the suspect to escape justice.

Njuroje admonished parents and guardians to be watchful and wary of the type of company their wards are relating with at all times.

He equally called on the citizens to always report people of suspicious character around their neighbourhoods to the police.

L-R: Former President Jonathan and wife, Patience was in Ebonyi state at the invitation of the state government to commission some projects Monday. Here he commissions the Dr Goodluck Jonathan Bridge in Edda, Afikpo South local government supported by Governor Umahi, wife of the Governor, Chief Mrs Rachel Umahi and Dame Patience Jonathan, yesterday

DIA trains defence advisers/attachés on financial management system

The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) on Monday, began a week-long training on financial management for Deputy Defence Advisers/Finance Attachés in a bid to enhance operations and prudent management of resources.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is “Contemporary Issues in Public Sector Accounting in Nigeria”.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Maj.-Gen. Samuel Adebayo, said the conference was organised to brainstorm on extant financial regulations.

Adebayo said it would also expose the officers to the Federal Government public defence policies that were essential for the efficient running of accounting processes without infringing on the defence security system.

He said the training was in line with defense intelligence agency’s training directives for 2023, saying the conference was designed to keep the attachés abreast of contemporary issues regarding financial management in Nigeria.

According to him, the training aspect of the conference is geared towards sharpening their professional skills and expertise in the rendition of accounts and

financial administration without compromising security.

“It is pertinent to state that this conference is geared towards promoting the defense attachés system, which is a veritable tool for DIA activities in support of ongoing engagements of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“It is based on the foregoing that the agency maintains 25 defense sections in 24 countries with concurrent accreditation to many others to represent the Nigerian Armed Forces in the conduct of military diplomacy, monitor and identify issues of military intelligence and security interests relevant to Nigeria.

“I am aware of the challenges being faced by some of your missions due to stringent or unfavorable laws wherein you have to travel across borders to operate your accounts.

“In other instances, banking services are often denied due to poor understanding of the working of our missions.

“Let me use this opportunity to assure you that these challenges are being considered at all levels and all efforts are ongoing to collaborate with the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria to find sustainable solutions to these

problems,” he said.

Adebayo urged the resource persons to provide insights on probable solutions to those challenges for the agency to achieve the set target of eliciting optimal performance from the attachés.

He said the conference was an opportunity for the participants to develop themselves by way of improving their performance, pledging to ensure defence advisers would henceforth be given specific trainings on how to manage finances before posting.

This, according to him, is to put them up to speed on the current financial management systems in the country and to enable them remember the set rules that manages the finances of Nigeria.

Earlier, the Director of Finance and Accounts, DIA, Commodore Samuel Ngatuwa, said the occasion provided an opportunity for the agency’s finance officers deployed abroad to come home and refresh on the DIA’s mandate for which purpose the missions were established.

Ngatuwa said the conference would also provide avenue for the officers to be abreast of current practices in public finance in Nigeria in addition to interacting with the Directorate of Finance for better appreciation of modalities of

funding their various missions.

According to him, it is believed that this will enhance their understanding of the realities of our operating environment in Nigeria.

“The field of public sector finance plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency, accountability and effective financial management in government organisations.

“Based on the critical roles you play as finance attachés, it is pertinent that you stay at the fore front in this vital area.

“It is noteworthy that the conference includes a training session aimed at enhancing the performance of the finance attaches in the discharge of their responsibilities and to ensure they continue to conform with guidelines enshrined by the Federal Government of Nigeria in carrying out their duties.

“During the training segment, a review of observations recorded during the last accounts inspection of the defence missions conducted by the directorate of finance would also be reviewed,” he said.

Ngatuwa said the conference would also provide a platform for brainstorming, exchanging knowledge, sharing experiences and fostering collaboration among esteemed professionals. (NAN)

FG urges incoming Governors to prioritize security in their States

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Federal Government has harped on the need for the incoming administration, at sub-national level, to prioritize security in their states.

It expressed worry that several states are spending a considerable share of their budgets on security.

Similarly, the government has declared that the task of defining a clear path to real development and prosperity for the people should now be the priority of the incoming administration, now that elections are over.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha stated these on Tuesday in a keynote address he presented at the ongoing induction of returning and newly elected state governors at the Bouquet hall, State House, Abuja.

Mustapha warned that the trend of excessive spending on security is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, if nothing is done to reverse it.

According to the SGF, “Nigeria that is resurgent economically must

also be a Nigeria that is more at peace with itself and more secure.

“Today, more than ever, several states are spending a considerable share of their budgets on security, displacing the resources that are needed for development,” he said.

He noted with dissatisfaction that the amount of investable territory available in Nigeria, is decreasing, and blamed it on the country’s high incidence of violent conflict.

His words, “It is imperative therefore that we acknowledge the close ties that exist between security, economic development, investment, and growth.

“This recognition in my view will help to shape our priorities as we take the driver’s seat in a few days from today,” Mustapha added.

The SGF tasked the incoming administration to strive hard to meet the yearnings of Nigerians and define a clear path to real development and prosperity for all.

His words, “Elections are

over and the task of meeting the yearnings of Nigerians and defining a clear path to real development and prosperity for all, beckons. A call we must respond to.

“As we seat here today, Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of poverty, healthcare, education, limited infrastructure, and a recovering economy.

“A lot has been done by succeeding administrations both at the Federal and Sub-National Level, but a lot more effort is required, given that no single administration can address the myriad of developmental challenges that faces our nation”, he stressed.

The SGF however charged the incoming and re-elected Governors to invest on youth and FinTech development, advising that they should move away from the so-called ‘youth empowerment programme.

In his reasoning, “The youths do not need handouts, They need investments that will propel them to

wealth creators.

“A young, productive, youthful population, with access to education, skills, social protection, affordable housing, and medical care, will power Nigeria’s economy, now and well into the future.

“More decisive actions are needed to turn this demographic asset into an economic dividend”, he said.

Mustapha further enjoined the incoming Governors to invest in FinTech sector if they are to match up with current and future trend.

He noted that FinTech will rapidly change the future of e-commerce, trade, health, and finance, stating that international firms like Google and others are willing to bring their resources given the potential returns.

The SGF described the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the organisers of the event as “a voice of reason in managing critical issues of

governance between the states and the Federal Government.”

He advised the incoming governors to encourage their Secretary to State Government (SSG) to join the Forum for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Secretary to State Governments (SSGs), pointing put that the platform provides the opportunity for effective interaction, between the federal and states, on issues of mutual benefits.

According to him, “It is also an avenue for peer review and adaptation of best practices in the areas of policies, programmes and agenda articulation and implementation for effective delivery of services to citizens.

“As a body, we have made resolutions during many of our meetings which has helped to shape the policy coordination functions in various states.

“Key areas of focus in recent times have been around performance management and delivery as well as transition management amongst others,” Mustapha noted.

FG records great achievements in judicial reforms, AGF tells AGs

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Ministry of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, said the Federal Government has recorded a tremendous achievements in the Justice sector.

According to Malami, the modest gain recorded was worth relishing, adding that it has expounded the legal jurisprudence.

Speaking at the day two conference of the body of Attorneys General, held in Abuja, Malami who praised the AGs from the 36 states of the Federation added: “With dedicated public servants and some of the best legal minds present here in this room. I can say with all sense of responsibility, that we have strived within humanly possible limits to discharged meritoriously the onus and duties of the position of leadership which providence bestowed on us as Attorneys-General.

“We have been able to guide

our principals and shape public governance towards advancing the course of justice, rule of law and deepening our democratic practices. Over the years,

He further noted that over time salient issues which includes payment of pension for judicial officers, sharing of Stamp Duties collections, Value Added Tax, NFIU Guidelines, regulation of the mining and gaming industry and other issues relating to policing and security have been addressed and will continue to get government attention.

Other areas of mutual evaluation and collaboration mentioned are combating and prosecution of terrorism and other violent crimes.

Making a remarks, the President Nigerian Bar Association(NBA), Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, described the legal body as the bedrock of nation’s existence, charging stakeholders to continue to extend their dexterity and sagacity for a

better Judiciary sector. In a short speech, Chairman, Legal Counsel, Mr. Emeka Ngige,

SAN observed that the future of legal education has become a topical issue, saying all stakeholder

including NBA must come together, raise the standard and salvage the situation.

Traditional rulers, council chairmen urged to sensitize communities ahead flooding

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Hydro Power Producing Area Development Commission HYPPADEC, has called on the traditional leaders and local government Chairmen in the affected flooding Communities to begun the sensitization of the grassroot ahead of pending 2023 flooding in the country.

The Managing Director of HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa made the appeal at

the 2023 Stakeholders Meeting on Flood Mitigation and other Related Issues in Niger state, saying that the plan is not to mitigate but to prevent catastrophe from occurring.

Sadiq Yelwa added that sensitization of the people on environmental matters was crucial in mitigating the impact of flooring hence the results of the program last year which has reduced the rate of flood casualty as recorded previously.

He called for attitudinal change of the people of the flood affected communities of insisting on remaining in their original homes despite the negative threats hence to take advantage of the river to boost their socio economic development.

The Secretary to the State Government SSG, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environmental, said the flooding has caused a lot of negative

impact on communities, lives and properties in the state, hence the partnership to mitigate the impact of flooding.

Niger State ALGON chairman, Suleiman Yerima applauded the commission’s numerous stride thus far while calling for more interventions in sectors to include health, education, security and agriculture among others.

In his remarks, Mokwa local government chairman, Abdullahi Jibrin Muregi lamented over

decades of destruction of lives and property by flood especially during 2012 and 2022 in no fewer than 17 local government areas in Niger state.

Muregi who commended the HYPPADEC and federal government for its establishment however lamented over the impact of flooring on the affected community people, called for a genuine partnership to mitigate the impact of flooring on the citizens.

•Says huge security budget unacceptable •Harps on development, prosperity of the people

Members elect from Southern Region during the minority parties meeting on the Speakership of the 10th House of Assembly, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to restore the livelihood of poor, vulnerable Nigerians and maintain food security in the country.

The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, gave the assurance at the maiden Ministerial Town-Hall meeting on the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) held in Sokoto, on Monday.

Represented by Mr Aso Vakporaye, the Chairman, Federal Cares Technical Committee of NGCARES, Agba also reiterated the commitment of the government to facilitate the recovery of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

He assured that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration would continue to deliver development to Nigerians

FG restates commitment to restore livelihood of poor, vulnerable

even if it has only a few weeks to hand over to a new administration.

The minister explained that NG-CARES programme was one of the policy options explored by the Buhari administration to achieve the objectives of restoring the livelihood of the poor and vulnerable.

According to him, in about a year of full implementation, NGCARES has impacted over two million direct beneficiaries.

“This is based on the report of the first round of assessment of the NG-CARES programme

implementation conducted by an Independent Verification Agent.”

The minister said that one of President Buhari’s strategies was to intermittently meet with, and engage stakeholders, as part of government’s accountability to the citizens.

“The purpose basically is to hear, first-hand, views of our people on government policies and programme and to feel the pulse of the nation.

“This interaction is even more imperative, given the fact that NGCARES programme draws some of

its beneficiaries from the National Social Register.

“It is important to find out from you how effective this approach is as we seek the consolidation of the National Social Register as a major source of credible data for social protection intervention in the country.”

Earlier, the Chairman, Federal Cares Technical Committee of NG-CARES, Mr Aso Vakporaye, commended the governors of Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states for releasing funds to support the implementation of NG-CARES.

Represented by Alhaji Mustapha Alkali, member, Federal Cares Technical Committee, Vakporaye, also appreciated the funding support of the World Bank and the task team that has tenaciously Supported the initiative.

“We are proud to say that the programme has recorded tangible results and has positively affected so many poor and vulnerable Nigerians affected by the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Educational Foundation promote technovation among Girl Child

By Maryam Abeeb

An educational foundation known as Odyssey Education Foundation has put in efforts to promote technovation among girl child by organizing pitch event in technology and entrepreneurship for schools.

The Founder of Odyssey Educational Foundation and Chapter Ambassador of “Technovation Girls” Abuja-FCT, Stella Uzochukwu-Denis , during her opening remark at the event in Abuja, disclosed that the foundation is created to increase the number of females studying and applying for STEM jobs among young people in Nigeria.

She explained that it is also aimed to accelerate the technological and industrialization of low- and middleincome African nations, as well as to close the gender gap,

“We’re here today to honor the bright young girls who created mobile apps to address some of the most pressing problems in our society, like encouraging girl child education, offering mentorship, putting an end to human trafficking, ending early marriages, and providing basic necessities to the underprivileged in Abuja, Nigeria.

According to her, the Technovation challenge is an excellent initiative that encourages young women to use technology to make the world a better place.

She added that over the years, girls have created smartphone apps to address a range of societal challenges, such as educational gaps, hunger and poverty, gender inequality, corruption, environmental disasters, and more.

She stated that for this season, teams from 92 schools in FCTAbuja, Nasarawa, Kano, and Bayelsa states, as well as independent teams, submitted their mobile apps.

The Minister of Women Affairs , Dame Pauline Tallen during her keynote address at the event in Abuja, said that encouraging girls in Nigeria to Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education is very important for promoting gender quality .

Tallen who was represented by the Chief welfare officer, Ministry

of Women of Affairs, Iweanya Priscilla added that it can also help in expanding job opportunities, fostering innovation and empowering young women to reach their full potential.

According to her, studies have shown that there is gender gap in STEM both in Nigeria and globally. She added that encouraging girls to pursue STEM education and careers can make them become role models for future generations and breakdown stereotypes and barriers .

She stated that in cloud computing just 12% of professionals are women, in engineering is just 26%as captured by Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report 2020.

“ Federal Ministry of Women affairs in an effort to improve on the information in the place of girls and women occupy inScience and Technology has embark on awareness creation campaign to promote Girl-Child education especially in STEM.

“Nigeria must prepare her girls

to tap into ICT opportunity by allowing them learn component of ICT development and Computer Science for a successful career in the ICT sector and advanced digital skills,” she said.

In an interview with to one of the participants, Olorunfemi Faith said that the program has made her more informed about technology and innovation.

“I joined the program, I became more informed about technology and about innovation gave me the

ability to identify problems that actually rampages I never actually goes on check revisions, it is the best means to bridge the gap which is mostly dominated by men, making them to demean the efforts and the capabilities of women.

“As a woman and as a tech entrepreneur. I would advise that you join Technovation it will give you more enterprising skills and eviction skills and teach you how to be a problem solver in future and presently,” she stressed.

Boys Brigade helmsman solicits partnership on infrastructure development

The newly elected National President of Boys Brigade Nigeria, Prof. Samson Duna, has called for partnership to train the boy-child for future leadership responsibilities.

Duna who made the call at his investiture on sunday in Abuja, said that the brigade was designed to discipline the boy-child and train him in the fear of God.

He said that the brigade had existed in Nigeria for 120 years and all its efforts were geared

towards installing in the boy-child, responsible leadership and fatherly skills.

“As an organisation, we have a lot of challenges, we need to have basic facilities needed in training, we do not have a standard headquarters.

“We are constructing nine twobedroom residential flats and we want all well meaning Nigerians to partner with us, join hands with us to complete the project.

“We intend to rent each of

them at N800,000 for a year and use the funds generated to address the needs of boys in the country,” he said.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Sen. Adeleke Mamora, expresses worry at the rate of moral decadence among young people especially the LGBT+ community.

According to him, medically when a baby is born, the gender is determined but there is a movement that wants the child to become of age and to decide to be a

male or female.

Making reference to the Bible, the minister said that “we are the salt of the earth and the metaphor of salt is significant as it is the greatest preservative”.

“As Christians we are called to protect societal values and we must protect it; the force of morality is greater than the force of law as demonstrated in the story of the Good Samaritan.

“That is what we are called upon to do,” he said,” he said.NAN

R-L: National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, (APC) Sen. Abdullahi Adamu; APC National Secretary, Sen. Iyiola Omisore; Senate President aspirant, Senator Godswill Apkabio deputy Senate President aspirant, Senator Barau Jubrin and Senator Ali Nnume during a meeting between the aspirants and the APC National Working Committee, (NWC) at the Party’s National Secretariat, yesterday in Abuja.

PHOTO: Mahmud Isa

Police, DSS, Army raid insurgents’/terrorists hideouts in Kaduna, Kano, recover weapons

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Department of State Services (DSS) has said that the Service and troops of the Nigerian Army and Police Force, in the early hours of 15th May, 2023, simultaneously raided hideouts of insurgents/ terrorists in parts of Kaduna and Kano States.

DSS in a statement issued on Tuesday by Peter Afunanya, its Public Relations Officer,

said during the raid in Kaduna State, the terrorists deployed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) against the fighting forces. “One of the terrorists who wore suicide jacket blew himself up. While three (3) suspects were arrested, items recovered upon a search on the group’s accommodation, after Police EOD had diffused other IEDs, were: two (2) suicide jackets, one (1) AK-47 rifle, a pistol and one (1) laptop.

“In Kano State, two (2)

suspects were arrested while recovered items include: a pistol, eleven (11) mobile phones, two (2) hand grenades, one (1) fully charged AK-47 magazine, two empty AK-47 magazines, one (1) Peugeot 307 car and an ID card belonging to a suspect that escaped.

“Intelligence had earlier revealed that high profile terrorist targets were regrouping in the North West to carry out dastardly acts in the area. Notably, the

steady Military operations in the North East have necessitated the insurgents’ escape to the North West and Central zones where they are establishing active cells. The Service commends the Nigerian Military and Police for their resilience and support which led to the success of the operation. The sustained interagency synergy is, without doubt, a game changer in the counter-threat actions.

“Also, the Service wishes

to state and very clearly, that it will continue to collaborate with sister agencies to rid the nation of criminal elements particularly at this transition period and even beyond. This is more so that certain persons are desperate to undermine the process. But the Service will resist this and ensure a seamless event. It will always cooperate with stakeholders to achieve a peaceful environment critical to the pursuit of legitimate businesses by law abiding citizens and residents.”

EFCC officer dies after scuffle with colleagues over suspect’s items

The EFCC has confirmed the death of its operative, Inspector Abel Dickson, after a scuffle with his colleagues over the custody of items belonging to a suspect in detention.

Spokesman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the death during a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

Uwujaren said that the deceased and two other colleagues, Assistant Superintendent Apata Odunayo and Inspector Ogbuji Tochukwu, were attached to the Sokoto State Command of the commission.

The spokesman said the two suspects had been arrested and handed over to the police for proper investigation and

prosecution.

Uwujaren said the incident happened on May 5, 2023, while the victim died on May 7 at Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto, where he was receiving treatment.

”There was nothing like shootout among the officers, it was just a scuffle among the three officers who disagreed over discrepancies in the items deposited in the suspects’ locker and the items include medication and some cash,” he said.

He said that the incident was the first of its kind and the commission would ensure that the erring officers were brought to justice.

“They had disagreed over procedures for the custody of items belonging to a suspect

in detention, leading to a fight, a conduct which the commission frowns at.

“The two officers with whom he had a disagreement have been suspended by the commission and handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

“The latest information, is that a twocount holding charge bordering on criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide has been filed against them at a Chief Magistrate Court, Gwiwa in Sokoto.”

According to him, both offences are punishable under Sections 60 and 191 of the Sokoto State Penal Code Law, 2019.

“Without prejudice to the Police investigation, they will in addition, face further disciplinary measures in line with

the Commission’s staff regulation,” he said.

Uwujaren said the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, was saddened by the incident, and had extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

“He has, in addition, assured that the commission will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those implicated in the death of the officer are brought to justice.

“He equally warned staff of the commission to ensure that their conduct at all times is moderated by the established code of behaviour as no act of indiscipline would be tolerated.

“Meanwhile, the remains of the late officer were interred on Saturday May 13 in Jos, Plateau,” he said. (NAN)

L-R: Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Ibrahim Mohammed Saulawa, Administrator, National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola and Grand Kadi of Niger State, Justice Abubakar Musa Kakira, during the opening ceremony of the Induction Course for Newly Appointed Judicial Officers of the Supreme Courts of Records, Appointed judges of the Federal and State high Courts and Kadis of the Sharia Courts, at the NJI headquarters, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Plateau PPP agency calls for upgrade of Jos airport to Int’l cargo

The Plateau State Infrastructure Promotion and Regulatory Agency has called for upgrading of the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, to an International Cargo and Agro-allied Airport.

The Director-General of the agency, Felix Rwang-Dung, made the call when he visited the Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Michael Ohiani in Abuja on Monday.

Rwang -Dung said the purpose of the visit was to intimate Ohiani of the progress recorded so far in the Plateau State Public Private Partnership (PPP) Agency.

He said the visit was an opportunity to work with the ICRC and take advantage of resources that could be provided to establish an effective PPP agency covering various sectors.

“The support of the ICRC will be required to advance the upgrade of Jos airport so that it can become attractive for private investment participation.

“We are confident that with your distinguished leadership and the ICRC team’s guidance and support, we can establish a model sub-National PPP agency.

”This will attract private sector investments for developmental growth in Plateau.

“We believe that the following areas of support from the ICRC will be vital for ensuring that we get the optimum results for the state PPP project,” he said.

Rwang-Dung listed areas of support to include technical assistance, capacity building, stakeholders mapping and introduction to investment communities.

On technical assistance, RwangDung said the ICRC could help the agency to establish and develop its regulatory policy, contract and risk templates, and frameworks.

He appealed to the commission to sponsor capacity building programmes for members of the team and key civil servants on site.

“These programmes will help enhance the knowledge and skills of our staff members and key government Ministries, Departments and Agencies,” he said.

Rwang-Dung solicited the guidance of ICRC to provide support on stakeholder engagement strategies, which he said was a critical element towards ensuring the success of any future PPP projects.NAN

NPC, UNICEF to register over 1m unregistered children in Jigawa

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

The National Population Commission (NPC) with support from United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), has concluded arrangement to provide child birth registration to over one million unregistered children in Jigawa state.

The state Director National Population Commission (NPC)

Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmad Iro announced the move while speaking at a two- day meeting

with stakeholders for state kickoff operational plans for birth registration.

He explained that, the exercise will hold in each political zone, 287 wards across 27 local government with duration of 30 days for the exercise.

According to him, the exercise targeted over 518,000 children with age between 0-5 years old to have their child birth certificate within 30 days.

“ In Jigawa state as of now, we recorded only 23.6 percent

of 0-5 years old children that have birth registration, while the remaining over 70 percent are unregistered children most of them from hard-to- reach communities” , Ahmad Iro said.

The director then, appeal for more support from Jigawa state government, stakeholders and entire people in the state for successful 2023 birth registration exercise.

While making her remarks, UNICEF child protection specialist, Fatima Adamu said, UNICEF will support National

Population Commission to provide birth certificate to 0-5 children in 22 states, starting with eight state.

She said, UNICEF is working with government to protect children across the states including their right to have national identity as enshrined in Goal 16.9 of SDGs.

According to her, UNICEF will continue working with NPC to ensure that one million unregistered children are registered in this year of 2023 in Jigawa.

Speakership: Zoning is not a covenant that cannot be amended - Hon. Gadgi

By Christiana Ekpa

One of the leading aspirants in the race for speakership of the 10th House of Representatives, Hon. Yusuf

Adamu Gadgi, on Tuesday disclosed that Zoning agreement is not a covenant that cannot be amended, stressing that all material facts have suggested that the Presidentelect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu may not be privy to the recently released zoning arrangement for leadership of the coming National Assembly.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) through its

National Working Committee (NWC) had penned down names of candidates for presiding officers of the 10thassembly of Nigeria’s apex parliament, specifically naming Hon. Abass Tajudeen, and Hon. Benjamin Kalu as Speaker and the Deputy for the House of Representatives in that respective order.

However, Gagdi, a member of the group of seven aspirants for the speakership (G-7) protesting the controversial arrangement of the APC, during a chat with journalists, Tuesday in Abuja said himself and the others were in protest “asking for justice, equity and fairness”.

He said Tinubu by his political

antecedents and pedigree, will not fall for the arrangements being peddled around, and assured that the protesting group will be willing to meet with the President-elect at as soon as the opportunity presents itself. “I don’t believe that the Presidentelect is aware, and I don’t believe this is his idea”, he submitted. He also faulted the manner in which the purported zoning arrangement came to the knowledge of other aspirants through media reports, a development he tagged “an insult to some of us (the aspirants)”, warning that the G-7 should not be taken for granted as it is an alliance seeking for justice,

and will stop at nothing until a reversal is made.

According to him, the North Central geopolitical zone cannot be totally pushed out of the power equation in allocating the six constitutionally backed positions in the national political scene to the advantage of another zone.

“We (the G-7) have not started anything yet, and people are already running to meet governors...The G-7 has come to stay. Zoning is not a covenant that cannot be amended”, he said as he faulted the decision of the APC to narrow down its decision to individuals, without consulting the others who were nterested in the race.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. (Sen.) Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora (3rd right) receiving Membership form from the President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Al-Mujtaba Abubakar (left) Director, Environmental Science and Technology Department, Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Peter Ekweozoh (2nd right) and Director, Chemical Technology Department, Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. MEJ BASSEY (right) at the roundtable workshop on the Conduct of Feasibility Studies for Nationwide Adoption of Methanol Fuel Technology and Diffusion recently in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

By Christiana Ekpa

The controversy trailing the race for the speakership of the 10th House of Representatives has split the minority caucus ahead of inauguration early June.

The division became visible Monday night when a faction known as minority parties forum adopted Tajudeen Abass (Kaduna) and Benjamin Kalu (Abia), the All Progressive Congress (APC) endorsed candidates for the speaker and deputy.

This came few hours after the minority caucus code named ‘greater majority’ going by its number of 182 said it met with all the speakership aspirants who were found worthy but details would be announced later after

Adamawa govt. approves appointment of 8 new Permanent Secretaries

From Umar Dankano,Yola

Following their success in a promotional examination conducted by ASCON,Adamawa state government has approved the appointments 8 new permanent secretaries.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri announced the development in Yola on Monday, stressing that his government organized the exams to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in governance.

Fintiri said 48 candidatses sat for the examination but only 8 made it, noting that,any candidate from any local government area that has not passed will not be qualified as the government cannot lower the standard of the examination.

Those appointed to fill the existing vacancies are Muktar Aminu Tukur from Yola South, Geandi Joefrey Rifkatu; Yola North, Musa Abbas Kiri; Shelleng, Bagumi Alfred Henry; Numan, Mohammed Hamman; Mubi South, Daniel Silvester Jailani; Jada, Amos Pribu Enoc; Guyuk and Dr Celym Laori; Demsa while no candidate passed the exam from Ganye.

Speaking, state Head of Civil Service, Dr Edgar Amos Sunday thanked the civil servants for accepting the exams as a credible selection process.

House speakership race tears minority caucus

proper briefing.

But the minority parties forum at the meeting attended by 68 members settled for Abass and Kalu sequel to a motion moved by Tijani Abdulkadir (NNPP-Kano) and seconded by Agbodike Pascal (APGA-Anambra).

Reading a communique’, leader of the forum, Iduma Igariwey (PDP-Ebonyi) affirmed the adoption of the APC backed lawmakers for speaker and deputy speaker.

“We, the members of the under listed political parties elected into the 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives, having reviewed the number and composition of the 10th Assembly and having considered the need for the minority parties to play an effective, crucial, and credible

role in the composition of the leadership and running of the 10th Assembly hereby resolve as follows:

“That we will be united and focused on the primary responsibility of the minority parties in the 10th Assembly, which is to provide a vibrant and credible Opposition in Parliament for the entrenchment of good governance in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“That we will severally and jointly work for the passage of laws and motions, which will promote the prosperity and wellbeing of Nigerians and advance the civil liberties and benefits entrenched in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“That in furtherance of our resolve to play a leading role in

the formation of the leadership of the 10th Assembly and as a result of our diligent interactions with all aspirants for the position of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, we hereby resolve to support the duo of Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu respectively as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“That we have found in the two persons of Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu, a leadership that will allow for fairness, equity as well as provide equal platform for all political parties represented in Parliament to have a say in the running of the legislature and expression of alternate views on issues of public interest.

“That in the next few days we will be meeting in a larger caucus

of the minority parties to discuss and formalise the adoption of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker designates of the 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives.”

On the other hand, Afam Ogene, the co-spokesperson of ‘greater majority’ also at a meeting in Abuja said a committee set up by the caucus met with APC speakership aspirants and all of them seemed to be qualified for position.

He promised that the details of the meeting with the aspirants will not be divulged yet until other members are briefed.

“We did met with those aspiring for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives, but because we have not briefed our members, I will not go into details of our interface.

“But I can assure you everyone that put him or herself running for the position appears to be qualified,” Ogene said.

Plastic Pollution: Researchers call for collaboration, enforcement of regulations

Researchers in Circular Plastic Economy have called for collaborations among stakeholders, incentives and enforcement of regulations to solve the challenge of plastic pollution.

They made the call at the opening of the second Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop on Circular Plastic Economic Innovation Hub in Ibadan

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is being funded by British Council in partnership with Pan African University, Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI)

Other collaborators are De Montfort University, Leicester; Co-Creation Hub; Northumbria University, Newcastle and Staffordshire University, UK.

In his remarks, the Principal Investigator of the Project, Prof. Muyiwa Oyinlola of the De Montfort University, Leicester, said the project was to build the capacity of Africans to develop local solutions to solve problems of plastic pollution as against importing solutions from elsewhere.

“We want Africans to build the capacity of Africans to solve Africa’s challenges and one of the ways to do that is through our universities.

“This is one of the activities that we are doing, which is bringing stakeholders together for us to have solutions that can result in systemic changes and so we need to collaborate across different boundaries, across sectors and people,” Oyinlola said.

He stressed the need for more government involvement in terms of policies and regulations through incentives to consumers and innovators to solve the problem of plastic waste.

In her keynote speech, the Co-Principal Investigator from Prof. Titilayo Akinlabi, Northumbria University, Newcastle, said the project in the first phase had been able to establish innovation hubs in four universities in Nigeria.

She said the hubs situated in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and the University of Lagos had different objectives aimed at solving the plastic pollution problem.

“We want to get these hubs well established, grounded and fully sponsored for them to deliver on their goals as they have special areas they are looking at, from crushing of the PET bottles to

melting and extruding materials to finetuning it into filaments to fit into the 3D printer.

“UNN is looking into how to use electrical waste materials to build a 3D printer. So far, all of them are still at the

preliminary stages.

“We are reviewing the work that has been done and we are looking at being fully established with getting support from academia, students and early career researchers,” Akinlabi said.NAN

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

HADEJIA JAMA’ARE RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PMB 3168, MAIDUGURI ROAD HOTORO, KANO

ADDENDUM FOR THE INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL BIDDING FOR VARIOUS PROJECTS IN 2023 APPROPRIATION

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Please refer to the earlier invitation to tender which was published in the Federal Tenders Journal of 1st May, 2023 page 4 and Two National Dailies of Peoples daily of 1st May, 2023 and Blue Print of 3rd June, 2023, inviting tenders for Technical and Financial bidding for various projects in 2023 appropriation.

1.2 The public should note that the following projects are no longer available for the bidding in 2023 appropriation because they are erroneously placed being an on-going projects

A1 – 11 CONSTRUCTION OF WATERFRONT INFRASTRUCTURE AT BAGWAI TO ENHANCE WATER TRANSPORTATION

A1 – 14 PROVISION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHT IN MATSAI, ABDALLAWA, GIRKA AND OTHER COMMUNITIES

A1 – 27 COMPLETION OF BASIRKA EARTH DAM AND SUPPLY OF FERTILIZER IN GWARAM FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, JIGAWA STATE

A1 – 28 CONSTRUCTION OF CONCRETE DRAINAGE TO CONTROL GULLY EROSION AND FLOOD AT TSANGAYAR RUFA'I VILLAGE OF DOGUWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KANO STATE

A1 – 29 CONSTRUCTION OF BULKADIR-SHUWAKI BRIDGE WITH ROAD SANDFILLING AND DRAINAGE TO KWARIN GOSHI IN TUDUNWADA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KANO STATE

The Authority regrets any inconveniences this might have coursed.

SIGNED: Managing Director

•as factional minority parties forum backs Abass •‘greater majority’ announces choice later

By Albert Akota

The Senate has expressed concerns over the constant increases in air fares by airline operators, saying the development has the potential of affecting growth in the aviation sector.

The position was made by

10th Speakership: Rep member-elect commends APC over zoning

House of Representatives

Member-elect (APCNasarawa), Rep.

Jeremiah Umaru has lauded the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the zoning of the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and that of the Deputy Speaker.

He made this known while fielding questions from newsmen on the sideline of the induction of the second batch of Members-elect of the National Assembly in Abuja on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu have been unveiled as APC consensus candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives .

Umaru who is to represent Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/ Wamba Federal Constituency, said that he was in support of the zoning arrangement of principal officers of the 10th National Assembly.

The incoming lawmaker who belongs a group of “Young Legislators of 40 Years Bellow” said that: “We are group of 42 young legislators.

“We are for zoning; I’m an APC person and I believe in zoning. I’m for Rep. Tajudeen Abbas,” he said

Umaru also said that he would give priority to security-related motions and bills when the 10th House of Representatives would be inaugurated in June.

“We are going to come up with motions so that there will be presence of military formations in all the flash points especially the recent crisis in Karu.

“I am going to raise bills and motions to check the kidnappings around Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba,” he said.

He also said that he had gained knowledge on powers of the legislature and the structure of the National Assembly from the induction programme.

“Members were adequately tutored on their expectations while carrying out their legislative duties,” Umaru said. (NAN)

Senate frowns at unnecessary hike in Airfares

the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Sen. Biodun Olujimi, at the opening of the 2nd edition of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) national conference in Abuja on Monday.

The conference themed: ‘Sustainability of the Aviation Industry in Nigeria”, afforded the agency a platform to discuss partnership opportunities towards improved revenue generation.

Speaking in her capacity as chairman of the committee that oversights FAAN, the lawmaker warned that the industry may suffer if the increment is not addressed.

While noting that there may be valid reasons for the increase in airfares, the Ekitiborn politician underscored the importance of striking a balance, to enable more people to travel by air.

Olujimi said: “This is an opportunity for airline operators to be able to address the astronomical increase because the industry will suffer if there is this astronomical increase in airfares.

“Yes, there are reasons why the airfares go up, but there is also a need for us to have a balance for many people to embrace the aviation industry and that is key to the development of the sector.”

Speaking on the demolition of structures at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, the parliamentarian said: “Another is the constant demolitions and destructions around the airport and this is because people are encroaching on the facilities of the airport.

“Government should be up and doing to make sure that encroachment is constantly looked at and stopped before it gets out of hand. A situation where government seats until everything is destroyed before coming into the picture is not correct.”

“I want to suggest that it is

Malami inaugurates committee on

Justice Minister Abubakar Malami on Monday, inaugurated the Legal Practitioner’s Remuneration Committee to look into the remuneration of lawyers in the country.

Malami, while inaugurating the reconstituted committee in Abuja said, finding a reasonable remuneration for legal services in Nigeria has been an issue of great controversy for legal practitioners.

”It has and is still eliciting heated intellectual and nonintellectual debates by various countervailing interests.

“Over the years, finding a reasonable remuneration for legal services has been an issue of great controversy for legal professionals. It has, and is still eliciting heated intellectual and non-intellectual debates by various countervailing interests.

“Some have argued that a lawyer’s fees cannot, and should not be pigeonholed to a scale of charges due to the unique nature of the legal profession: while others who canvass for its continued existence say it has created order and certainty in

legal

the expected remuneration for legal services’’.

He said the Legal Practitioners Act established the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Committee to amongst other things, regulate and standardise the remuneration of legal practitioners in Nigeria.

“By virtue of Section 15 of the Legal Practitioners Act, the committee is made up of Attorneys-General of the Federation and the States, NBA President and three other members of NBA.

“It is pursuant to the above statutory provisions, that the committee enacted the Legal Practitioners Remuneration for Legal Documentation and Other Land Matters Order in 1991.

“This Order created three classes of scales that can be used in charging, depending on the nature of legal services rendered’’.

The AGF noted that in view of the current national and economic realities, it was clear that the scale of charges hitherto established were long overdue for review.

time for the NLC and the workers to start settling their issues right behind closed doors and to ensure that when issues are resolved, they are resolved properly”.

Earlier, the Managing Director of FAAN, Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu, explained that the conference was aimed at furthering partnership and sustainability, as part of efforts to mitigate challenges hampering the aviation sector.

According to Yadudu, the event would serve as a forum to highlight available investment opportunities in the industry, to attract prospective investors, who are desirous of making great returns on their investments.

L-R: Kaduna State People Democratic Party Chairman, Hassan Hyet, State Secretary, Ibrahim Wuzono, and the Party Treasurer, Kasimu Lawal, during the Press briefing over Alledge Suspention of Senator Ahmed Makarfi held at Party Sectariat, yesterday in Kaduna.

practitioner’s remuneration

“A situation where legal practitioners are paid pittance for the legal services they render must be thoroughly looked into and necessary steps taken to not only safeguard the livelihood of lawyers, but ensure that legal practitioners are treated with the dignity and prestige they deserve.

“The committee therefore has the responsibility to critically review the scale of charges, taking into consideration prevailing challenges and experiences by legal practitioners as well as the nation’s current economic realities.

“In carrying out its functions, I want to admonish the committee to be fair and to discharge its statutory responsibilities without fear or favour.

“Particular consideration should be given to the new wigs and young lawyers, as a way to encourage their dedication and commitment to justice delivery’’.

He said that the ministry of justice is poised to continue to fulfil its overarching mandate of

improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.

“This is done by providing the necessary support to the NBA and ensuring that our dear association is well positioned to address the legal needs of legal practitioners and Nigerians as a whole’’.

The Chairman, body of the Attorney Generals of the Federation (AGF) Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, said the inauguration would be described as a building process for legal practitioners for the regulation of charges in the profession.

Onigbanjo, who is also the Attorney General of Lagos State commended the Malami for reinitiating the process, saying it was a good step in the right direction.

Also speaking, the NBA Yakubu Maikyau, SAN said the move is apt as it is an aspect of the law that has remained dormant.

“We know that there are challenges but with this programme, we would be able to strengthen our relationships’’. (NAN)

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Convinced by the military’s fight against insurgents in the state, Borno Women Peace Restoration Group (BWPRG) has said the State will begin to experience total peace very soon.

The women commended the military’s exploits in the state.

They applauded the clearance operations in Sambisa Forest, saying it is a step in the right direction.

On the recent rescue of some of the kidnapped Chibok girls, the women commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the feat, saying others will be

Borno will experience peace soon — Women group

rescued soon.

BWPRG in a press statement on Monday commended Troops for uncovering ISWAP underground armory in Sambisa Forest.

Meanwhile, during the Sambisa Forest operations, troops recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition.

Announcing the latest rescue of the Chibok girl, Ms. Saratu Dauda on 6th May 2023, Theatre Commander, North-East Joint Operation, Hadin Kai, Major General Ibrahim Ali, said a total of 183 Chibok school girls have so far been rescued from captivity with 93 schoolgirls remaining. The group’s press statement

signed by its Secretary, Mrs Amina Mele commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of Gen. LEO Irabor for putting heavy fire on the insurgents.

“We are happy over the fatherly disposition of the present Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. LEO Irabor towards the

plight of families that have been in stress since the abduction of their daughters in 2014”

“We not only hope that ongoing military operations in our state and the entire NorthEast will restore total peace, but bring back our daughters in the hand of the terrorists,” the women added.

LP chieftain tasks incoming administration on fair distribution of political offices

Achieftain of Labour Party (LP), Mr Chinedu

Onyeizu, has called on the incoming Federal administration to demonstrate fairness, equity and allinclusiveness to all geopolitical zones by ensuring that political offices are evenly distributed.

Onyeizu, who was LP Senatorial Candidate for Abia South in the 2023 general election, made the call while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

Onyeizu, who decried what he described as marginalisation of the South East, said such was responsible for the underdevelopment of the area.

He urged the incoming administration to be fair to the region and treat it as one the three major ethic groups in the country.

“The southeast geopolitical zone has been grossly marginalised since 2015 as major political offices were shared without recourse to the South East.

“From what we can see and feel, the same scenario is about playing out now. Major offices in the National Assembly have been zoned and micro-zoned.

“The highest that has been zoned to the southeast is the second-fiddle position in the lower chamber of the National Assembly. Is this befitting of a geopolitical zone that is also one

of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria?” Onyeizu asked.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy,

(centre) Chairman in Council,

Niger Gov. applauds Buhari for Zungeru Dam Power project completion

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for the completion of the 700MW Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project in Niger State.

Governor Bello made the commendation when he joined the Minister of Power, Eng. Abubakar Aliyu and the Chairman, Senate Committee

on Power, Senator Gabriel Suswam on a fact-finding visit to the facility.

He added that the Hydroelectric Dam being the fourth in the state would benefit the surrounding communities and ensure access to more electricity to the people of the state and beyond.

Minister of Power Eng. Aliyu also hailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for sustaining and completing the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project which he said its type was

last constructed in 1960.

He said the work has been completed and all necessary measures are being put in place at the National Council of Privatization to tidy up the concession deal with Mainstream Energy, the preferred bidder.

The Zungeru Power Dam which has a height of 95m and is located on River Kaduna is the first dam to be constructed using Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) technology, four of the turbine have

been completed each with 175 MGW with four water spillways.

The 330KV Switchyard at Mararaba has been completed and the 132kv Tegina Substation ongoing will soon be completed. Places visited included, the reservoir, control room, 330 KV switch yard that connects power generated from Jebba, shiroro and now Zungeru to the National Grid, and Mararaba Switch yard among others.

Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami

Computer Registration Council of Nigeria (CRCN), Mr Kole Jagun (middle), the representation of the Minister of Education, Stakeholders and other participants, during the 2023 Information Technology Professionals Assembly Organise by Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN). ,held yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

He said that even distribution of political offices among the geopolitical zones would accelerate the development of the South East. (NAN)

IBBU, Lapai graduates 6,154 for 2019/20, 2021/22 session

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai in Niger state has graduated 6,154 students including 37 of them with first class degree for the 2019/20, 2021/22 Session

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abu Kasim Adamu made this known during a pre press conference 4th combined convocation held in Minna.

According to the VC, a total of 954 graduates would be presented with second class upper certificates, while 3, 283 would get second class lower division respectively.

Professor Adamu disclosed that 17 students were withdrawn due to their inability to meet up with the required academic knowledge, adding that 7 students were also expelled for other misconducts.

He added that a total of 1,538 will be graduating with a 3rd class degree and 17 others with a Pass degrees, said that 5,719 of the students will be from the undergraduate while 435 students are from the Post Graduate Diploma (PGD), Masters degrees Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

The VC said the PhD has 2 graduands, Master of Arts 19, Master of Sciences 92, Master of Education 68, Professional Masters 204 and Postgraduate 50.

He hinted that the University, to confer Doctorate Degrees on four eminent Nigerians at the forthcoming 4th Combined Convocation Ceremony slated for Saturday, 20th May, 2023.

The awardees include; Simon Bako Lalong, Governor of Plateau State: Honorary Doctorate Degree of Administration, Colonel Sani Bello, Chairman, Mainstream Energy Solutions: Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humane Letters and Malam Ibrahim Aliyu, Chairman, Aliyu Trust Foundation: Honorary Doctorate Degree of Entrepreneurship Development.

Developing Curriculum: NSCC vows to make older persons care center more attractive

By Albert Akota

The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has put mecharies in place to developing curriculum to standardize good care for older persons in the country and make it more attractive.

The Director General of the Centre, Dr. Emem Omokaro who disclosed this yesterday at an expert meeting on validation of draft national benchmark for training older person care givers in Abuja, said the centre is working with the National

Board For Technical Education to develop the curriculum.

She said the center will working with NBTE to classify the care and skills to ensure caregivers are well recognized in the country

Dr Omokaro said with the standardization of care providers in the country, Health insurance companies can work with NSCC to see the products that are available and see which one they can align with, for community care.

According to her, “We hope that agencies begin to employ

caregivers and they begin to provide care to communities and homes, we will work out who pays the caregivers and the need to build a system, framework and the competence that is globally recognized as well as certification, “ She noted.

The NSCC boss further said that the center has produced a draft of the standard curriculum for training caregivers as well as guidelines classifying care settings including the aim to produce a global standard ocuments that will emphasize skills and competencies for

caring for older persons.

She added that the center will focus on best practices, and also putting in place mechanism for accessing the trainers and training centers.

Speaking earlie, Chief Social Welfare Officer Focal Person, Joseph Dzungwe, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Nasir Sani-Gwarzo said with the ageing population growing faster, there is need for training professional care givers.

L-R: District Rotaract Representative, Rtn. Olaleye Gbolahan (PHF), Sir Kingsley Okoro, Rotary International President’s Representative and Past District Governor (PDG), Rtn. Ijeoma Pearl Okoro and District Governor of Rotary, District 9125, Rotn. Goddy Nnadi, during the opening session of the 14th District Conference in Abuja on Friday.

FG inaugurates ‘NigComHealth’ to improve health sector

The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy on Monday inaugurated “NigComHealth’ platform to transform the healthcare sector in the country.

The Minister, Prof. Isa Pantami, unveiled the Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited virtual health platform (NigComHealth) in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports NigComHealth is a telehealth service which provides a platform for Nigerians to book appointments, receive medical advice or recommendation and consult with physicians and other healthcare practitioners from their homes, offices schools and localities.

Represented by his Chief of staff, Prof. Sahalu Junaid,Pantami said the platform would promote a more efficient and effective healthcare system that could be accessible to all Nigerians.

” This will also improve the capacity of our healthcare professionals to deliver quality services, by leveraging

technology to reach out to patients in the remote areas with less cost and physical stress.

“NigComHealth is a significant milestone in our efforts to improve the quality of life of all Nigerians.

” This platform will enable us to harness the benefits of technology and access a broader range of doctors and medical experts to deliver quality healthcare services, thereby ensuring that every Nigerian can access the care they need, when they need it,” Pantami said.

He said that NigComHealth would bridge the gap in healthcare access and promoting health equity across the country.

The minister also said access to the services would not only reduce the burden of physical hospital visits but also enhance the overall quality of healthcare services for citizens.

He said that the launch of NigComHealth aligns with the Federal Government’s vision to promote digital transformation and boost economic activities in Nigeria.

Pantami commended the

private sector partners who had collaborated with the government to make NigComHealth a reality.

” I also urge all Nigerians to embrace this service and take advantage of the opportunities it presents to achieve our goal of promoting health equity throughout the country.

” Let us work together to promote a healthier Nigeria through digital transformation,” Pantami said.

The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, James Christoff, said the NigComHealth would be a changer in improving health outcomes, especially in underserved and remote areas.

“The technology has been developed with the vision and strategic objective of having over 80 Federal and state owned government hospitals coexist on the platform.

” And the platform is also meant to provide digital health services to 1.7 million public sector workers and their families in Nigeria,” he said.

Christoff commended both the Federal Ministry of

Communication and Digital Economy and Federal Ministry for health of health, for their vision, and an unparalleled commitment to the promotion, technology and health innovation in Nigeria.

He said the collaboration was an exciting example of the endless possibilities that derive from strong and growing bilateral relations, particularly in trade between Ghana and Nigeria.

Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT Limited, Tukur Lawal, expressed his commitment to continuously bring out innovations geared towards adding value to the lives of the citizens while leveraging on technology.

” The platform will be available even for those who do not have smartphones. And as we roll it out we will give more details on how people can register, how they can subscribe.

” It will be present in all the 774 local governments in Nigeria and it’s going to cost less and reduce medical trip abroad for medical check up,”he said. (NAN)

PHOTO: ROTARY D9125

Anambra LG polls: Reminder to Soludo

By Chekwube Nzomiwu

Aperson as educated as Soludo needs no education on the benefits of grassroots democracy. In its true meaning, democracy is synonymous with grassroots democracy. The word democracy comes from the Greek words “demos”, meaning people and “kratos” meaning power. Where else are the people found if not at the grassroots?

The last time I commented on Anambra State in October last year, I passionately appealed to the governor, Professor Charles Soludo, to consider conducting local government elections in the state, latest by the second quarter of this year. I made this plea on the assumption that he would take advantage of the euphoria of the February/March general elections to break the jinx of the prolonged non-conduct of local government elections in the State.

One month to the end of the timeline I suggested to the governor there is no sign that Anambra State will witness local government election in the near future. Instead of elected council chairmen and councilors, as the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (as amended) stipulates, handpicked officials continue to “illegally” run the 21 local government areas in the state under the bogus title of “Transitional Council”. Section 7 of the Constitution guarantees the system of local government by democratically elected officials.

The last local government election in Anambra State was conducted in November 2014, at the twilight of the administration of Governor Peter Obi. Obi conducted the election, following intense pressure mounted on him and other erring governors by the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF. While Obi conducted only one local government election during his eight-year reign as governor of Anambra State, his successor, Willie Obiano “shamelessly” did not hold any election in the eight years he governed Anambra State.

The coming of Soludo in March 2022 rekindled the hope of holding council polls in Anambra State. Many people thought that being an intellectual with vast public service experience, including five years of service as the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, he should know better than his predecessors the importance of grassroots governance. This is turning out not to be the case. Fifteen months after Soludo’s assumption of office, the jinx of non-conduct of council polls in Anambra

remains unbroken.

So far, his administration has not deemed it fit to reconstitute the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, the body saddled with the responsibility of conducting local government elections in Anambra State. Unless something is done very quickly, Anambra State will soon break the record of Borno State as the only state in Nigeria that did not conduct local government elections in 10 years.

The Boko Haram insurgency deprived Borno State of the opportunity of holding council election from 2007 to 2020 (a period of 13 years). While it is true that Soludo met the menace of “unknown gunmen” in Anambra State on his assumption of office and has not shied away from confronting them, it is not enough excuse to continue prolonging the conduct of local government election in Anambra State. Neighbouring states like Enugu and Ebonyi, facing the same security challenge, have elected local government chairmen and councillors. Enugu held local government election in February 2022, one month before Soludo came into office, while Ebonyi held its own five months after, precisely in August 2022.

The outgoing governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu conducted local government election twice in his eight-year tenure and wanted to hold another one ten days before leaving office, but the Abia State High Court in Arochukwu stopped the exercise. If governors who are not professors conducted local government election, a governor who is a professor should do better. Northern states like Katsina, Kebbi and Niger, facing banditry menace, held local government elections last year.

In spite of the menace of killer herdsmen, Benue State held council elections last year. Adamawa held. Edo and Ondo fixed theirs for September and December this year. Oyo fixed its own for April 2024. Kwara State Governor, Abdurahman Abdurasak recently inaugurated the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission, KWSIEC. In Anambra, Soludo keeps on offering assurances when confronted on radio programmes, without taking concrete steps to match his words with action.

In one of his radio outings widely reported by print and online media, he said that certain things ought to be worked out and modalities put in place before the conduct of local government election, as doing so will imply the autonomy of the local governments in the state.

According to him, some structures also need to be put

The paradigm shift of open AI

By Caleb Onah

…as AI progresses rapidly, the decisions made by major tech companies – Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and Amazon will significantly influence the future of open-source AI. Striking a balance between innovation, collaboration, and the pursuit of competitive advantage presents a critical challenge in shaping the trajectory of the AI landscape.

Open-source AI embodies the principles of transparency, accessibility, and collaboration, which have propelled its rapid growth and adoption. Unlike proprietary AI systems, open-source AI projects provide access to their source code, allowing developers to study, modify, and distribute the software freely. This openness promotes innovation, accelerates AI research, and empowers developers to build upon existing solutions, ultimately leading to groundbreaking advancements in AI technologies.

The landscape of open-source AI is undergoing significant changes as tech giants like Google, Meta, and Microsoft reevaluate their commitment to open development. A leaked memo from Luke Sernau, a senior engineer at Google, highlights concerns that the open-source free-for-all may jeopardize the dominance of Big Tech in AI.

While open-source AI models have fueled innovation, their sustainability relies on companies with substantial resources. Models such as LLaMA from Meta AI and BERT from Google have become foundations for many open-source projects. However, the attitude towards open development is shifting, with OpenAI already reversing its open policy due to fears of increased competition.

This shift could result in the next generation of AI breakthroughs being controlled by the wealthiest AI

labs, posing a risk to the open-source AI community. In recent years, open-source AI has experienced significant growth, with major players like Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and Amazon contributing to its advancement. These companies have shared their AI technologies, including Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s TensorFlow, and Microsoft’s Computation Network Tool Kit; Open-source AI enables thorough examination, troubleshooting, and bug-fixing, crucial for AI systems that learn, adapt, and make decisions. Moreover, it fosters innovation by allowing successful entrepreneurs to seamlessly integrate their creations into larger parent companies. Organizations like EleutherAI have also thrived by leveraging OpenAI’s openness to reverse-engineer GPT-3 and develop their own models.

The availability of open-source AI models has facilitated global access, development, and experimentation, driving creativity and innovation. Nevertheless, the open-source AI boom faces challenges. Building large language models from scratch is expensive and complex, limited to a few organizations capable of undertaking the pretraining process. Furthermore, as AI becomes a critical competitive advantage, companies with extensive research capabilities might reassess their commitment to open development.

OpenAI’s recent policy reversal due to competition concerns exemplifies this shift. As AI models become more competitive and valuable, tech giants like Google and Meta may opt to limit open development. While open-source AI has undoubtedly propelled progress in the field, its future hangs in the balance. If tech giants withdraw their support, the opensource AI community may struggle to sustain growth

in place, both with respect to administration, execution of government policies and programmes as well as payment of local government staff (both retired and active), among other things that need to planned, defined or worked out before conducting local government election. Ironically, Prof. did not tell us how long it is going to take to put these modalities in place.

I really do not know how local government administration in Anambra State became rocket science. Anambra State is one of the states with the highest potentials of operating a functional local government system if the councils are disentangled from the apron strings of the state government. The constitutional functions of the councils include collection of rates, building and management of markets, construction and maintenance of rural roads, naming of streets, numbering of houses, registration of births, deaths and marriages, and administration and funding of basic education and primary healthcare.

I can say without any fear of contradiction that Anambra is the state with the largest concentration of markets in the SouthEast. The Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, from Onitsha market alone sustained the government of the Old Anambra State, comprising today’s Anambra, Enugu and parts of Ebonyi State. Nnewi boasts of the biggest motor parts market, while markets are scattered in Awka, Ogbunike, Nkpor, Obosi, Nnobi and Ekwulobia.

A person as educated as Soludo needs no education on the benefits of grassroots democracy. In its true meaning, democracy is synonymous with grassroots democracy. The word democracy comes from the Greek words “demos”, meaning people and “kratos” meaning power. Where else are the people found if not at the grassroots?

The local government is the tier of government closest to the people. Majority of the people at the grassroots in Anambra, especially those in the rural communities may not have the opportunity of seeing Governor Soludo all through his eight-year tenure. That is if he gets a second term. On the other hand, they could easily see their elected councilors and even chairmen and hold them accountable.

•Nzomiwu, a social commentator, wrote from Awka, Anambra State.

and innovation. However, there are still advocates for open-source AI.

For instance, Hugging Face recently introduced HuggingChat as the first open-source alternative to ChatGPT. Additionally, LunaSec, a company utilizing OpenAI’s products, aims to transition to open-source alternatives in the future. These efforts demonstrate a persistent belief in the advantages of open-source AI and the importance of maintaining a diverse ecosystem for AI development.

As the landscape of open-source AI continues to flourish, driven by the collaborative shifting efforts of a vibrant community in the past. The availability of powerful frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, and Apache MXNet has democratized access to AI technologies, fostering innovation and enabling individuals and organizations like Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and Amazon to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve. As opensource AI projects evolve, they play a vital role in shaping the future of AI by addressing ethical concerns, expanding into emerging domains, and enhancing transparency and accountability. By embracing open-source AI, we can collectively unlock the immense potential of artificial intelligence for the benefit of society.

Furthermore, as AI progresses rapidly, the decisions made by major tech companies – Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and Amazon will significantly influence the future of open-source AI. Striking a balance between innovation, collaboration, and the pursuit of competitive advantage presents a critical challenge in shaping the trajectory of the AI landscape.

Caleb Onah is a Public Policy Analyst.

Unemotionally asking: Is it lawful to slap a police officer?

By Isaac Asabor

However, it is also expedient to urge the police and the power that be to temper justice with mercy in handling his case. To me, availing justice to him in the case would mean reparation for the plethora of injustices done to his father when he was alive.

If there is any cautionary statement that was issued to Nigerians that they should never molest a Police Officer besides the extant legal provision in the same respect as enshrined in Section 356 of the criminal code act, which says that attacking a police officer is a serious offense and that such actions can be regarded as a felony, it is unarguably the one issued by the Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, to Nigerians in September 2022 where he sternly warned that no one has the right to respond if a policeman in uniform slaps anyone.

Adejobi has said that if a policeman should slap a ‘civilian’, the person has no right to retaliate. AdejobI, who took to his Twitter account, advised any such victim to file a complaint with the law enforcement agency.

It is expedient to clarify that his cautionary statement came in reaction to a viral video of a man dragging a rifle with a policeman during a heated argument and that he further stated that if a person should assault police personnel in uniform, it would be seen as ‘an act of disrespect to Nigeria.’

He said, “Even if a policeman in uniform slaps a civilian, the civilian has no right to retaliate. More so, if he’s in uniform, it’s an act of disrespect to Nigeria to beat an officer in uniform. The disrespect is not to the policeman but to our nation and it’s a crime as enshrined in our criminal laws.

“So, it’s not a case of what the policeman did that led to it, but the reaction of the civilians who actually assaulted the police. If police assault a civilian, you report and actions will be taken to rebuke him, not to take the law into your hands.”

Disappointingly, the foregoing warning as issued by the Police, and which was widely condemned by Nigerians, particularly by the Netizens that majorly comprised of the millennial and GenZ generations, was allegedly contravened by Nigerian musician Seun Kuti, son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, who has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer, according to authorities.

It will be recalled in this context that the Lagos state police on Monday, May 15, 2023, said that an Order had been made on

Saturday for the arrest of the Grammy-nominated saxophonist and singer after a viral video showed him on a road, shouting and apparently pushing and hitting a policeman.

Expectedly, Seun’s action has drawn the ire of the Police Authority and some Nigerians, with the police issuing a statement wherein CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, states that “The InspectorGeneral of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR has ordered the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command to arrest Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti, who was captured on video assaulting a police officer in uniform.

The IGP has equally ordered a speedy and full investigation into the remote and immediate cause(s) of the assault and prosecution of the suspect accordingly.

IGP Usman Alkali Baba assures Nigerians that acts of contempt/disdain for symbols of authority will not be tolerated while offenders of such hideous crimes will be surely brought to the book.

Dispassionately looking at the issue, Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ0 asked, “Is It lawful to hit a Police Officer?

As analyzed by the platform which is an independent, notfor-profit organization that combats injustice, holds power to account, and speaks for the voiceless says, “The short answer is No. Assaulting a police officer is a severe offense in Nigeria, known as a felony. By definition, a felony is traditionally considered a crime of high seriousness and is punishable in Nigeria without proof of previous conviction, with death, or with imprisonment for three years or more. Slapping a police officer is an assault and, thus, a felony.

According to Section 356 of the Criminal Code, a felony is a serious assault. The section goes thus:

“Any person who (1) Assaults another with intent to commit a felony or with intent to resist or prevent the lawful arrest or detention of himself or of any other person; or

(2) “Assaults, resists or wilfully obstructs a police officer while acting in the execution of his duty, or any person acting in aid of a police officer while so acting; or

(3) “Unlawfully assaults, resists or obstructs any person engaged in the lawful execution of any process against any property or in making lawful distress while so engaged; or

(4) “Assaults, resists or obstructs any person engaged in such lawful execution of process or in making lawful distress with

intent to rescue any property lawfully taken under such process or distress; or

(5) “Assaults any person on account of any act done by him in the execution of any duty imposed on him by law; or

(6) “Assaults any person in pursuance of any unlawful conspiracy respecting any manufacture, trade, business, or occupation, or respecting any person or persons concerned or employed in any manufacture, trade, business, or occupation, or the wages of any such person or person, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for three years”.

At this juncture, it is expedient to say that in as much as this piece cannot be said to be prejudicial, it was inspired by the need for other Nigerians, particularly the youths to learn from Seun’s mistake.

Ordinarily, one would not have bothered to express this view on this platform when there are other pressing issues that are of national relevance. However, Seun being a popular musician and the son of one of Nigeria’s greatest musicians who exited the earth years back, the possibility of his mistake being accepted to be the norm by some vulnerable and feverish youths cannot be ruled out, and that could be very disastrous as the police, despite its essentialities can seemingly be rubbished and disregarded to the detriment of the nation’s already poor security architecture. Take or leave it, it is no more news that the officer’s powers and duties are conferred by statute and that the fundamental duties of a police officer include serving the community, safeguarding lives and property, protecting the innocent, keeping the peace and ensuring the rights of all to liberty, equality, and justice. Given the foregoing, members of the Nigerian Police would be demoralized if their efforts is not acknowledged and applauded by the generality of the public. In as much as the Public perception of the Police says so, we should always appreciate their efforts as that will no doubt boost their collective morale as public servants. After all, which segment of the country’s economy has its workers or operatives doing well to be appreciated?

However, it is also expedient to urge the police and the power that be to temper justice with mercy in handling his case. To me, availing justice to him in the case would mean reparation for the plethora of injustices done to his father when he was alive.

Isaac Asabor is a Public Policy Analyst.

Tinubu must solve that power problem

By Prince Charles Dickson

The Federal Government in February 2023 announced the preferred bidder for the concession of the 700 megawatts Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant for a fee of $70,000,251 per year for a period of 30 years

Quickly last week, my office premises and environs did not have electricity and some few steps from my office is the Jos Electricity Distribution Company. The company is one I did rate a 4 out 0f 10 which by any standards is fair enough. So, they were powering the office with a generator, yes you heard me generator.

And I have seen this scenario, once or twice but it just occurred to me that we simply are not well as a people. However, truth be told worse things have happened.

A few years ago, the Bureau for Public Enterprise BPE sold NITEL, the nation’s elephant telecom company, to a building in Switzerland, it was a building housing a church, all the dance and drama. We soon let go. Just a reminder it was called PENTASCOPE. Years later, the father of a white cloth wearing former Honourable bought the NITEL house…The NITEL story remains a tale by moonlight, plenty of lies, half-truths, misinformation, propaganda, a potpourri of sorts.

How about the Steel Rolling Mill in Jos, Plateau, it was ‘racketered’ in that sweet sounding word privatization. Some journeymen bought all the assets, renamed it Zuma, today the only functional thing is the housing estate. The factory and machines have long been vandalized.

There was that drama of Daily Times, publishers of that ole time newspaper. Before I go far, a former Managing Director of the once pride of publishing told me “Charlie, Daily Times is like a big elephant, everybody comes and cuts his/her own and goes away.”

You need to appreciate that statement in context, at a time in point Daily Times had properties virtually everywhere Nigeria had a presence in the world. All that changed, what is left of the elephant was sold to some clowns and the rest is history…the elephant eventually slumped.

Let me spare us the story according to Nigerian Airways, the Nigerian Shipping Lines, or our textile industry in Kaduna state! Anyway, my admonition is on our power sector, the Buhari administration is leaving a sector comatose after promises that power supply would get better, and indeed on some odd occasions

I and many Nigerians have enjoyed more than 8hours of electricity. But don’t forget, it was not the norm, it was an exception. The President, his aides, and ministers made pledges but delivered very little in this respect.

I will put it in context, almost 200% increase in tariffs in 8 years, with more than 100 nations still paying cheaper for electricity, and depending on who’s statistics you are looking at, we have spent over N7 trillion on our power sector since 1999, with the bulk of that finding itself in private pockets.

We don’t have enough electricity but under the WAPP initiative to promote and develop power generation and transmission infrastructures as well as to coordinate power exchange among the ECOWAS member states. Nigeria currently supplies electricity to the Republic of Benin, Togo, and Niger.

The economic loss due to grid collapse is almost 3% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

I recall the drama of Enron, a failed American company that was reckless in its use of derivatives and special purpose entities. Mr. Tinubu, the incoming President started the IPP project in Nigeria with Enron then in Lagos. It is noteworthy that he was the first to challenge the monopoly of NEPA. He conceptualised the bulk purchase agreement. Obasanjo stopped the implementation. We wait to see what lies in wait and fate…

Put in perspective, with 12 Turbines, the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station is a 3,050 MW hydroelectric power project under development in Nigeria. When completed, it will be the largest power-generating installation in the country, and one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in Africa. It is still 6 years away from expected completion date of 2030 and costing US$5.8 billion

For those that did not know the Mambilla hydroelectric project was originally conceived in 1972, it could advance only after 35 years when China’s Gezhouba Group awarded a contract to develop the project with 2,600MW installed capacity in 2007, all still na voicemail.

At 50 years old, Kainji hydroelectric dam is the oldest functioning power plant in Nigeria. Kainji is one of 3 major dams in Niger state. The others are the Jebba dam (1985) and the Shiroro dam (1990). A fourth dam is currently under construction at Zungeru.

The Federal Government in February 2023 announced the

preferred bidder for the concession of the 700 megawatts Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant for a fee of $70,000,251 per year for a period of 30 years

We have blamed witches for power outages. We have since forgotten the Minister who resigned and the controversies surrounding all that power scams.

And then the many Chinese loans taken, yet we are on the same track, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria has been sold and the drama continues. But if you know Nigerians and Nigeria, it is only a repeat episode, nothing new.

Most of the owners simply bought PHCN properties for peanuts. Owners that have no required expertise, distribution companies aptly called DISCOs that see the venture as new ‘oil wells’ dancing around our collective psyche.

Looking at the best efforts of the government or the DISCOs, I simply recall those days when we read, the novel by Adaora Ulasi, many things we don’t understand. What captivated me then, was not just in the story but that title.

Yet, from PHCN, to NEPA, onetime ECN, for those old enough to remember. Now Distribution Companies, the power sector and these Discos are just a repeat episode of things we never may understand.

Like why we can’t get 22hours electricity in a nation with so many resources both human and financial. Like how do we expect to get the desired megawatts with generating and transmission points that are run like Lugard lamps.

Only last year a handful of men put the whole nation in darkness in the name of a power strike. No one cared about the loss of those hours that the nation was left in the dark. We still suffer high current—electric gadgets bear the brunt, no one is held liable, and then low current—you can barely see, so there is electricity but it cannot power a bulb.

The Transmission company people are doing loads of hard work but truly it amounts to nothing when there are many questions and no answers, I agree that we are a difficult people, it is probably only in Nigeria that PHCN owes NNPC for fuel supplied, and NNPC has not paid for electricity supplied and state houses owe utility bills, while citizens that have not paid bills in years have power as long as there is power to spare.

Prince Charles Dickson PhD is the Team Lead, The Tattaaunawa Roundtable Initiative (TRICentre)

Mayaki cautions journalist against fake news

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Country Director, Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Nigeria, Prince John Mayaki, has cautioned journalists against fake news.

Mayaki gave the advice during a media workshop organized by Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Nigeria, yesterday in Abuja .

He said there is a need for journalists to always do fact checking before publishing any story.

“With the advent of technology people seat down in their various corners and form stories. We saw what happened in EndSars and many other crisis in Nigeria.

Fake news has so much disadvantage and we must caution ourselves against that”.

He called on journalists and other citizens to always spread the right news.

While urging journalists to balance their stories, and be patriotic and objective in their reportage and discard fake news, he said

“Nigeria should have grown beyond fake news. We can also regulate some media houses by having laws”.

He said the cyber law should be enforced in Nigeria, to curb the menace of fake news.

Similarly, The minister of Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, said,the freedom of the press in any democracy is important.

He said members of press of are the watchdogs of society and should shun fake news.

“The watchdog has a role as the fourth estate of realm, they have the power to critically checkmate excesses of governments to ensure accountability ”.

Agba represented by the Statistican General of National Bureau of Statistics( NBS), Semu Adeniran stated that:”Think of how Nigerian press will be objective, and there should also be fairness in all editorial matters.

It is good for the press to keep government in check. Journalists like anyone must be responsible in ensuring that there is peace , harmony and stability in country.

Recruitment: Board urges NSCDC, NIS applicants to visit portal

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has called on candidates who applied for recruitment into the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Nigeria Immigration Service

(NIS) to visit the Board’s portal at cdcfib.career to check if they were successful and proceed to print their invitation letter.

The Board in a statement issued yesterday by its Secretary, Ja’rafaru Ahmed, said a Computer-Based Test (CBT) has been scheduled to hold on Thursday 18th May,

2023 across all States and applicants are mandated to be at their respective designated centres on or before 6:30am for accreditation.

“Applicants would be required to come along with originals and photocopies of either of the following means of identification to the venue of the

CBT:

a. National Identification Slip (NIN Slip)

b. International Passport

c. Voter’s Card

d. Drivers’ License

“Applicants are also to ensure that they follow strictly the information contained in their invitation letters.”

NGO urges govt to prioritise walking, cycling, public transport

GreenLight Initiative, an NGO with support from the Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety, has called on governments to take action to promote sustainable transportation across the country.

The Executive Director of the NGO, Simon Obi, made the call in a statement to commemorate Global UN Road Safety Week on Monday in Abuja The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 7th United Nations Global Road Safety Week is scheduled to take place from Monday to May 21.

This year’s theme is on sustainable transport, and specifically the need for governments to facilitate a shift to walking, cycling and using public

transport.

Obi said that investing in infrastructure such as dedicated cycling and walking lanes with promoting the use of public transport through improved services and subsidies should be embraced.

He added that encouraging walking and cycling through education and awareness campaigns would go a long way to ensure safety of lives and property.

“By doing so, we can improve road safety, protect our environment, and create a more sustainable future for all, ” he said.

Obi said the Safety Week was a biennial global road safety campaign celebrated to raise

awareness about the importance of road safety and to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by road crashes. He said “according to the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic injuries are the leading causes of death among young people aged between 5 and 29 years.

“In addition to the tragic loss of life, traffic collision results in significant economic losses, costing countries billions of dollars each year.

“However, by adopting sustainable transport solutions such as walking, cycling, and public transport, we can reduce the number of crashes and promote a more sustainable future.

“The benefits of sustainable transport are clear.

“Walking and cycling does not only promote physical activity and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, but they also reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, leading to improved public health and a cleaner environment.

“Additionally, investing in public transport can improve access to essential services and promote economic growth, ” he said.

NAN reports that registered as Greenlight Development Centre, Greenlight Initiative is a nonprofit organisation working to promote road safety, good health, environment, safe and sustainable mobility in Africa.(NAN )

R-L: National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, (APC) Sen. Abdullahi Adamu; APC National Secretary, Sen. Iyiola Omisore and Senate President aspirant, Senator Godswill Apkabio during a meeting between the aspirants and the APC National Working Committee, (NWC) at the Party’s National Secretariat, yesterday in Abuja PHOTO: Mahmud Isa

Senate okays N876b NDDC 2023 budget, as 12 board members’ aides get N451m

By Musa Baba Adamu

The N876 billion 2023 budget for the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has been passed by the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday after a thorough debate that tends to bring out the impact of the commission on the people of Niger Delta region in past years.

Out of the humongous amount passed, aides to 12 board members of the commission are to get the sum of N451 million

as their entitlement for the year, while N576 million was earmarked for running of office of the chairman of the commission, Lauretta Onochie.

The breakdown for the office of the chairman showed that the personnel cost will gulp the sum of N156 million, overhead -N312 million and Internal capital –N108 million.

For the Managing Director’s office, N546.597 million was earmarked for personnel cost, N747.500 million for overhead

cost, N163.504million for Internal Capital.

Others are Executive Director Finance and Administration Office, personnel cost N133.337million, Overhead cost N457.465 million and N163.504 million for Internal capital.

The Corporate Affairs Department of the Commission, also got N1.061 billion from the votes, out of which N431.076 million is for personnel cost, N845.566 million for overhead and N63.081 million for Internal

Audit.

In the overall budget of the commission, personnel expenditure gulp N34.2 billion, overhead expenditure will gulp N17 billion, internal Capital expenditure will gulp N3.7 billion, Development projects will gulp N490 billion and Federal government intervention in the Niger Delta – N330 billion.

The revenue sources to finance the budget are Revenue brought forward – N5 billion, Federal government contribution – N119

Senate Presidency: Avoid lateness on election day - Adamu warns APC senators

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC/, Senator Abdullahi Adamu has warned Senators who are seeking principal positions in the Senate not to be late to the floor to avoid the scenario of 2015.

Adamu gave this admonition at the party’s national secretariat on Tuesday when over 40 Senators, led by Senator Godswill Akpabio, continued their consultation on the consensus arrangement of the Senate Presidency.

He advised the Senators to ensure and maintain a rancourfree election adding that though they choose Godswill Akpabio, there was no way there won’t be an election as proclaimed

by the Clerk of the National Assembly.

He said “I want us to have a rancor-free election because if everybody says yes, it is Akpabio, x or y, the rules in the House is that there must be an election. Those of you who are senators know this. We will not void that procedure on the day of the proclamation by the President.

“The Clerk of the National Assembly will conduct the election. I do hope and pray that we will carry the day. But I want to warn you. Do not be late. Hope I am communicating. Don’t be late. If you are late here, don’t be late there. Once beaten twice shy. You are advised.

“So I am happy that this consultation is going on. And I

am happy that it has been very fruitful. We wait for the 13th of June, 2023, and see what happens. I do hope that we will have a rancor-free election on the floor”, he said.

He added “Being democrats, we are doing what leadership is compelling us to do. We carry as much of those who are going to decide who will become the Senate President, Deputy or officers or the speaker in the House of Representatives. We will give them the opportunity till the nerves are calm. There is sufficient calm in consultation.

“And from what you just said, there is evidence, ample one that with the time given, there is more consultation. And we are seeing the outcome of this consultation. We will not relent in this effort.”

billion, Federal government contribution (unpaid areas ) –N430 Billion , Oil companies contributions – N297 billion, Ecological funds – N20 billion and other Internally Realized income – N500 million.

Report for consideration and approval for the budget, was presented by Senator Bulus Amos in his capacity as Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs.

In his remarks after passage of the budget, President of the Senate Ahmed Lawan said the exercise was very expedient in order not to let the people of the region suffer from further delays.

Sixteen out of the 37-member committee signed the report, considered and approved by the Senate.

N/Assembly: Group urges Tinubu

to remains neutral, democrat

By Abubakar Yunusa

South East Unity Movement has charged President elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to take the path honour by remaining neutral and democrats in the affairs of the National assembly leadership tussle.

Senator Abdullahi Adamu

YYF, NEPF commend Buhari for nomination Ba’ale as NEDC board chair

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The North East Progressive Forum (NEPF) and the Yobe Youth Forum (YYF) have commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni over the nomination of Barrister Bashir Bukar Ba’ale as the Chairman Board of North East Development Commission (NEDC).

NEPF, in a statement by its leader, Comrade Muhammed Hassan, explained that the nomination of Ba’ale is a landmark achievement in the history of the commission as they expressed hope of a total turnaround in the

North East.

NEPF emphasized the need for urgent confirmation of Barrister Ba’ale by the Senate as the Chairman, Governing Board of the North East Development Commission.

“While wishing him the best in the new assignment, the group expressed belief that Barrister Ba’ale would justify the confidence reposed in him by President Buhari towards achieving total transformation of the North East Development Commission and new strategies and policies that will bring new hope for the people of the North East.”

They also said that the appointment of Barrister Ba’ale

would bring a new lease of life to the North East, considering the devastating effects of insecurity in the North East.

Similarly, the YYF commended the Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni and All Progressive Congress Party (APC) for their support towards the nomination.

In a statement by the President of the YYP, Alhaji Muhammed Usman, it said Governor of Yobe State and the Chieftains of All Progressive Congress Party (APC) had made a right choice by nominating Ba’ale to the North East Development Commission, noting that his doggedness and innovation will change the narratives in the entire

North East.

The forum therefore appealed to the senate to accede to the request of President Muhammadu Buhari by confirming the nomination of the board members of the North East Development Commission.

The YYP called on stakeholders in the north east to give maximum cooperation to the Board members to collectively realize the dreams and visions of developing the north east states.

The forum, also called on Nigerians to give support to the incoming administration under the leadership of Bola Ahmmed Tinibu to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

The group also cautioned Tinubu not to be dragged into counterproductive, selfserving conflicts over the NASS leadership.

Chairman of the South East Unity Movement,Godwish Kuruma Obi made the call in a statement shared with Journalists in Abuja, yesterday.

“We urge politicians to tread with caution and play by the rules with fairness to all sections of the country devoid of dangerous preconditions and sinister motives.

“We call on political party structures particularly the party in power to allow the three organs of government to exercise their constitutionally demarcated roles unhindered,”he said .

He also cautioned that the National Working Committee of the APC is against continuous meddling with the leadership affairs with the constitutionally and democratically independent and autonomous legislative arm of government.

By Christiana Ekpa

Members-elect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday assured Nigerians that the lingering crisis trailing the election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly would be resolved amicably.

The lawmakers who spoke during a media chat at the sideline of the ongoing Induction of returning and newly elected lawmakers organised by National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), expressed support for the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu’s ambition.

Speaking exclusively with Parliamentary Correspondents,

APC diaspora

C’ttee bemoans ‘strange youths’ planning Tinubu inauguration

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Committee on Diaspora Chairmen has advised President-elect Bola Tinubu to beware of sycophants.

The party chieftains expressed reservations about some developments ahead of Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29.

Bola Babarinde, Secretary of the APC body led by Prof. Adesegun Labinjo, issued a statement on Monday in Lagos.

The diaspora committee demands that the reward system under Tinubu’s government be sacrosanct.

Babarinde said those around the President-elect must also be wary of praise singers and “strange bedfellows”.

The chieftain complained of how youths are being assembled “to handle some aspects on the national level to celebrate the inauguration”.

“This is very insulting to those that lay their lives for the success of our principal,” the statement reads.

Babarinde said some persons getting roles displayed “hatred” to Tinubu during electioneering but are now “lobbying to be part of the success”.

“The incoming administration should be careful about enemies of progress now within the corridor of power.”

Babarinde advised Tinubu and his team to identify those that genuinely worked for APC’s victory at the polls and reward them accordingly.

10th Speakership: PDP members elect confident lingering crisis will be resolved

former Speaker, Gombe House of Assembly, Hon. Garba Inuwa described Hon. Betara as the most qualified Aspirant after wide consultation with other Aspirants who have so far expressed interest in the Speakership race.

“The focus of the Greater Majority is to have a very focussed and purposeful leadership for the 10th Assembly that will bring all members together for a good working relationship.

“That should be based on track record, experience and commitment. Most of us in the 10th Assembly believe that Aliyu Betara has what quality to give to Nigerians what we want in the 10th House of Representatives.

“Nigeria is already in a serious problem and to come out of this problem starts and ends with having a good leadership.

Also speaking with Parliamentary Correspondents, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, member representing Ideato North and South Federal

Constituency of Imo state who kicked against the APC National Working Committee’s plot to impose its preferred Aspirants on the House,

He said: “I believe that the independence of the parliament is an important foundation for any progress that will be recorded. At the same time, stability and harmonious coexistence is also very important if we must achieve what we promised our people out there.

“Right now, there seems to be so much confusion. But in the days ahead, after consulting party leaders, one can speak clearly on these divisions and this contest viz-a-vis the need for an independent parliament, the need for stability and the need for harmonious co-existence.”

On his part, Hon. Cyril Hart (PDP, Rivers) observed that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) stipulates the “procedure that we should adopt as members to elect our presiding officers. I share the sentiment that the Majority Party

should produce the leadership of the House even though I am of the PDP.

“Whatever you are seeing now will calm down and at the end, Nigeria will get the best out of it. So, there is no cause for alarm because it is all politics.

“Contest is free and anyone

is free to contest, but my simple opinion is that the majority party, the APC with the highest number of Members-elect should produce the leadership. It’s an APC affair and I believe that they should be allowed to produce the leadership of the 10th Assembly,” he noted.

Senate presidency: Discipline ex-Gov Yari before he destroys APC – Obono-Obla

By Musa Baba Adamu

Former special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on prosecution, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla has called on the national ruling party, All Progressives Congress, APC, to muster courage and discipline a former Governor of Zamfara State,

Abdulaziz Yari over his divisive statement.

In a statement, the former presidential aide said Yari’s utterances had become incendiary, disrespectful and capable of splitting the party into factions.

He quoted the ex-governor as threatening that the APC would cease to exist if the North does not

get the Senate Presidency.

According to Obono-Obla, Yari had now become a pain in the neck of the ruling party due to his alleged intransigence and uncompromising attitude.

Obono-Obla described such daring statement as arrogant, recalling that it was such utterances and attitude that cost the party

a colossal loss in Zamfara State during the 2019 general election.

“It is utterly inconceivable and insensitive that a supposed national leader like Yari could make such unreasonable statement.

“I shudder at such unreasonableness which Yari is exhibiting,” he said.

120 heads of state interested in attending Tinubu’s inauguration – Adamu Garba

By Musa Baba Adamu

Adamu Garba, a former presidential aspirant on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has said over 120 heads of state have

expressed interest in attending the inauguration of Nigeria’s presidentelect, Bola Tinubu, on May 29, 2023.

He stated this while speaking on Arise TV on Monday.

He said that despite stiff opposition, the May 29th

inauguration will go ahead.

Garba said: “Already, 120 heads of state indicated an interest in attending the inauguration of the incoming President-Elect and Vice President-Elect, Asiwaju

Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim

Shettima, on May 29, 2023; thus, there is nothing whatsoever that can stop the inauguration by the Grace of God.”

The APC chieftain described those filing suits to stop Tinubu’s inauguration as jokers.

10th Reps: Speakership hopeful, Betara optimistic party will revisit zoning

By Christiana Ekpa

The front runner for the position of the speaker of the 10th House of Representatives Muktar Betara

Aliyu has called on Nigerians to be patient with the leadership of his party, the governing All Progressives Congress with expectations that the party will revisit micro zoning decision paving way for the right thing to be done in the long run.

Betara made this known in company of some members Elect on Monday urging his colleagues to carry on with

induction lectures and bring in their wealth of experience to bear for a better 10th House of Representatives.

The Borno lawmaker Betara popularly known as the head boy of the House who is coming back to the House for the fifth term is hopeful that as the incoming speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, he will ensure inclusiveness in the green chamber.

He said “I am happy the induction will offer my colleagues the opportunity to get all the necessary experience and knowledge to bring on

board so together we can all pilot the affairs of the House”

“So i appeal to everyone to be calm with the Party because i am hopeful that the right thing will be done, and the issue of micro zoning addressed”.

Betara while assuring the Nigerian people that a fair playing ground will be availed to all contestants asked Nigerians to continue to hope and pray for the incoming administration bearing in mind of the onerous task of rebuilding the nation and positioning same positively in the committee of Nations.

Rep. Muktar Betara Aliyu

( OON), noted that all hands must be on deck to build a 10th parliament that will be the envy of many even as the handover ceremony draws near, ushering a new administration in line with his core agenda in promoting bills and motions aimed at poverty alleviation, standard health care system, education, addressing insecurity and access to basic social amenities

Rep. Muktar Betara Aliyu (OON), assured Nigerians of his commitment in nation building while soliciting for prayers from Nigerians in the task ahead.

Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu

POLITICS

Yobe Assembly receives 17 nominees as LG caretaker chairmen

By Christiana Ekpa

Yobe State House of Assembly on Tuesday received a list of nominees from the executive seeking confirmation as chairmen and members of the Local Government Caretaker Management Committee to run the affairs of the 17 local governments for the period of six months.

This followed the expiration of the six months tenure in office of the caretaker chairmen of the 17 local governments in the state.

The leader of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Bukar Mustapha, read the letter which was presented to the House by the executive arm of government.

He said “Following the expiration of chairmen and

members of the Caretaker Management Committee for the 17 local government councils in the state, there is a need to appoint caretaker management committees for the 17 local governments so as not to create a vacuum in the Local Government Administration.”

The names on the lists are Alhaji Ibrahim Babagana (Bade), Lawan Bukar (Bursari), Bukar Adamu (Damaturu),

Hajiya Halima Kyari Joda (Fika), Baba Goni Mustapha (Fune), Musa Mohammed (Geidam), Dala Mala (Gujba), Daiyabu Ilu (Gulani), Umar Abba (Jakusko) and Lawan Alhaji Gana (Karasuwa). Others are Bukar A Bukar (Machina), Alhaji Salisu Yerima (Nangere), Alhaji Modu Kachalla (Nguru), Salisu Muktari (Potiskum), Mohammed Lamido Musa (Tarmuwa), Zannah Zakariya

(Yunusari) and Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim (Yusufari).

After long deliberation on the subject matter by members of the assembly, the Speaker of the House who presided over the sitting adjourned the sitting to Wednesday, May 17, 2023. Note that Governor Mai Mala Buni has approved November 25, 2023, as the date for the conduct of local government council elections in the state.

Why APC zoning template is unfair to North — Yari

Zamfara West Senatorelect and Senate President aspirant, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, has said that the zoning formula of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) on the 10th Senate leadership positions was in conflict with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) because it is in breach of the federal character principle as enshrined in the constitution.

Yari said the religion balancing rationale behind the APC zoning arrangement was unknown to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as the nation’s law book only provides for federal character in sharing of offices for balancing and not religion as a factor.

Recall that the ruling party had last week annointed Senator Godswill Akpabio (South-South) and Senator Barau Jibril (North-West) as Senate President and Deputy for the incoming 10th Senate, respectively.

But, the former Zamfara state governor and one-time member of the House of Representatives, who spoke on Tuesday while featuring as a guest on Arise News Channel’s breakfast programme, ‘The Morning Show’, noted that the APC zoning formula for election of presiding officers for the 10th Senate was unconstitutional and unfair to Northern Nigeria as all the heads of the three arms of government will be Southerners.

“I am particularly talking about the APC, if they decide to zone (Senate leadership positions), we ask them a question, on what do you based the zoning? Have you taken the federal character into cognizance, where the President, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Assembly chairman, the three arms of government, are in one place?

“The present Chief Justice of Nigeria is from Oyo State; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President-elect is from Lagos State, and Akpabio is from Akwa Ibom State at the same time. While the next Chief Justice of the Federation (Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun) is also going to be from the South-West.

“So, have you ever seen, let’s say since 1960, whether this kind of thing has happened during the Shagari era, coming to Obasanjo, Yar’Adua and Jonathan? It only happened during Buhari’s time slightly before CJN Onnoghen took over the Judiciary for some time.

“Now it happens that (with APC zoning arrangement), all the three arms of government are in the Southern part of the country. How could that be fair to Northern Nigeria?” Yari queried.

Zamfara West Senator-elect and Senate President aspirant, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, has said that the zoning formula of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) on the 10th Senate leadership positions was in conflict with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) because it is in breach of the

federal character principle as enshrined in the constitution.

Yari said the religion balancing rationale behind the APC zoning arrangement was unknown to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as the nation’s law book only provides for federal character in sharing of offices for balancing and not religion as a factor.

Recall that the ruling party had last week annointed Senator Godswill Akpabio (South-South) and Senator Barau Jibril (North-West) as Senate President and Deputy for the incoming 10th Senate, respectively.

But, the former Zamfara State governor and one-time member of the House of Representatives, who spoke on Tuesday while featuring as a guest on Arise News Channel’s breakfast programme, ‘The Morning Show’, noted that the APC zoning formula for election of presiding officers for the 10th Senate was unconstitutional and unfair to Northern Nigeria as all the heads of the three arms of government will be Southerners.

“I am particularly talking about the APC, if they decide

Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari

to zone (Senate leadership positions), we ask them a question, on what do you based the zoning? Have you taken the federal character into cognizance, where the President, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Assembly chairman, the three arms of government, are in one place?

“The present Chief Justice of Nigeria is from Oyo State; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President-elect is from Lagos State, and Akpabio is from Akwa Ibom State at the same time. While the next Chief Justice of the Federation (Justice Kudirat

Kekere-Ekun) is also going to be from the South-West.

“So, have you ever seen, let’s say since 1960, whether this kind of thing has happened during the Shagari era, coming to Obasanjo, Yar’Adua and Jonathan? It only happened during Buhari’s time slightly before CJN Onnoghen took over the Judiciary for some time.

“Now it happens that (with APC zoning arrangement), all the three arms of government are in the Southern part of the country. How could that be fair to Northern Nigeria?” Yari queried.

Buhari receives National Security Council membership Bill, independent candidacy

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Presiding officers of the Senate and House of Representatives are set to be members of the National Security Council (NSC) as the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday directed the clerk of the National Assembly to transmit bills passed to the presidency for assent.

The bills also include independent candidacy contesting elections without

necessarily belonging to a political party.

The inclusions were captured in the passage of (Fifth) Alteration Bill Nos. 46 (Membership of the National Security Council to include Presiding Officers of the National Assembly) and 58 (Independent Candidacy), 2023.

The sponsor of the motion, Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy Senate President and Chairman, Senate Committee on Constitution

Amendment said Gombe State House of Assembly has given its nod for the bill to meet its constitutional requirement.

Omo-Agege revealed that the Gombe State House of Assembly that earlier declined to adopt the amended constitution has eventually forwarded a passed resolution to the committee, leaving Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Plateau, and Taraba Houses of Assembly as of Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

The presiding officers are the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Deputy Speaker. Recall that on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, the clerk of the National Assembly was directed to transmit Constitution Alteration Bill No. 20 (Uniform Retirement Age for Judicial Officers) after it met the requirement of Section 9(2) of the Constitution to Buhari for his assent.

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

Justice A.R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Court 5, Abuja has set July 13, 2023 for the cross examination of the last defence witness Segun Arowolo on allegations against Midland Capital Market Limited and its managing Director Mr. Sam Kwandi bordering on operating as fund managers without registration by the Securities and Exchange Commission among others.

Midland Capital and Bandi are being accused of obtaining the sum of N40m from one Mr Patrick Aibhalemen under false pretence that they are fund managers and going to invest the money on his behalf under a ‘Guaranteed Investment Product’.

They however, did not invest the money, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section

40m Fraud: Judge sets July 13 for close of defence

8 of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act. In the five count charge brought against the company and its promoters by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, they are alleged to have on July 2008 within the jurisdiction of the honourable court with intent to defraud conspired with one Laurence Ogbebor presently at large to obtain the sum of N40,000,000 from one Patrick Aibhalemen Harrison Ataman under false pretence that they were Fund Managers and that they were going to invest the

said sum under ‘A Guaranteed Investment Product’ which they did not and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.

“Midland Capital Market Ltd and Sam Kwendo Bandi together with one Lawrence Ogbebor presently at large, all of No. 10 Zambezi Crescent, Maitama, Abuja on or about July 2008 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the court are accused to have obtained the sum of N40m from one Patrick Aibhalemen Harrison Ataman under false pretence that

they are into Business as Fund Managers that they were going to invest the said sum under ‘A Guaranteed Investment Product’ which they did not and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) of Advanced Fee and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act” the Charge stated. When the case came up for close of defence, the last defence witness told the court that the said funds were invested but profit was affected by the global financial crises at the time. The judge thereafter adjourned the matter to July 13 2023 for cross

examination of the witness.

The Federal High Court in Abuja had previously ruled that Midland and its Managing Director, Mr Sam Bandi, had a case to answer on allegations of falsely obtaining N40m from a client.

“Prosecution called three witnesses and tendered seven exhibits. After the close of the case by the prosecution, the company and Bandi raised a ‘No Case’ submission and the court ruled in favour of the prosecution and ordered that both the company and Bandi should enter their defence because they have a case to answer.”

CBN targets 100% financial inclusion, unveils e-learning platform, SabiMONI

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has unveiled an e-learning platform, SabiMONI, to promote financial literacy and deepen financial inclusion.

Speaking at the launch on Monday, Godwin Emefiele, governor of CBN, said the platform is a fully digital national e-learning platform that provides a knowledge base for financial literacy.

According to Emefiele, SabiMONI is aimed at providing individuals with the opportunity to be trained and to become Certified Financial Literacy Trainers (CFLT) through selfservice.

“The platform is aimed at supporting our efforts toward ramping up the number of experts that can be used to drive financial education in the country and perhaps beyond,” the apex governor said.

“One of the key drivers of financial inclusion today is no doubt financial literacy.

“It is a prerequisite for greater financial inclusion, which would lead to the stability of the financial system and ultimately, economic growth and development.”

Emefiele said the absence of or low levels of financial literacy constituted an impediment to financial inclusion.

He explained that the pace of financial inclusion is directly related to the level of financial literacy and financial capability.

To address the financial

inclusion gaps, the CBN governor said the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) 2022, identified increasing adoption and usage of financial services in priority demographics.

He such demographics comprises the most vulnerable segments such as women, youth, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and rural dwellers.

“Especially, the northern part of the country as well as expansion of digital financial services and platforms amongst its strategic priority areas,”

Emefiele added.

“To enable us to achieve these, we must take deliberate steps to upscale financial capability through financial education programmes.

“The shortage of skilled and experienced persons to drive financial education remains a major hindrance.

“Interestingly, the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2022 places high priority on financial and digital learning.

“This will serve as a strategy that would enable the creation of a conducive environment for serving or ensuring the inclusion of the most excluded groups.”

On her part, Rashida

Monguno, director of consumer protection, CBN, said financial literacy remained a key driver of financial inclusion globally.

According to Monguno, literacy encompasses knowledge and skills that enable individuals to effectively manage financial resources and enhance their economic wellbeing.

“It also includes trust, confidence, and participation in the formal financial system,” she added.

“Financially literate consumers are always able to make better financial decisions. This is a catalyst for greater financial inclusion and stability

of the financial system.”

Monguno said SabiMONI was conceived as an avenue for driving financial education amongst the target segment of the Nigerian population to facilitate financial education programmes for end beneficiaries.

“It will also support efforts at enhancing financial inclusion through digitalisation,” she said.

“With the launch of the SabiMONI platform, we now have a knowledge base where individuals can learn about financial literacy at their own pace from their comfort zones and with ease.”

Report: 37% of Nigerian businesses cut jobs or reduced working hours due to cash scarcity

From Abubakar Yunusa,Abuja

About 36.96 percent of Nigerian businesses had to lay off staff or reduce working hours to weather the cash shortage caused by the naira redesign policy, according to a new report by SB Morgen (SBM) Intelligence.

In its report titled ‘Strapped: Impact of The Cash Scarcity on Individuals And Businesses’, the research organisation examined individuals and businesses across five of the country’s six geopolitical zones excluding the north-east, to see if there was any lasting damage from the naira redesign policy.

The organisation said the data in the report is only up-to-date as of April 6, 2023.

SBM Intelligence said its findings showed that

transportation and feeding became more difficult due to the cash squeeze, as transportation workers had to use point of sale (PoS) machines to ease payment for their passengers.

The research organisation said ranging from egg producers stuck with their produce to rice traders who had to bring down their prices to make sales, most of the business owners interviewed were negatively affected by the cash shortage.

SBM Intelligence said the percentage of those who said their enterprise was significantly impacted totalled 76.09 percent, 17.39 percent said their businesses were somewhat affected while 6.52 percent said their ventures were not affected at all.

“Out of the 46 businesses interviewed, 36.96% had to lay off

staff or reduce working hours to weather the cash shortage. About 41.30% did not have to make such adjustments,’ the report reads.

“However, when you remove those who said those issues did not apply to them, nearly half had to make staff cuts or reduce work hours. About 47.22% had to make staff or work-time changes, while 52.78% were resilient enough to stand the cash shortage without reducing staff strength or opening periods.”

SBM Intelligence said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should have pushed for a reduction in transaction failures and beefed up financial infrastructural integrity whilst taking the lead in engaging with regulators and private sector stakeholders to ramp up broadband penetration rather than force-feed Nigerians

with a policy.

Speaking on the apex bank’s cashless policy, the firm advised that its targets should be paired with internet penetration and incentives should be private sector-led rather than forced through regulatory mandates.

“When transactions can be seamlessly done in rural and periurban areas, and mobile money operators can conveniently access enough cash to meet demand, rural residents will more readily take up digital channels,” the report further reads.

“Whether the consuming public continues to grow and maintain their bank deposits at levels seen pre-scarcity will represent the ultimate indication of how much institutional credibility the CBN retains.”

FEC approves N3.04bn for installation of taxi lighting systems in Lagos, Abuja airports

By Abubakar Yunus, Abuja

The federal executive council (FEC) has approved N3.04 billion for the procurement and installation of a taxi lighting system and photometric pattern for the airports in Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Abuja.

Briefing journalists after the FEC meeting on Monday, Hadi Sirika, minister of aviation minister, said the council also approved funds for the provision of equipment in airports all over the country.

The minister also noted that “as part of our roadmap, the

Aviation Leasing Company has been established and approved by council”.

“So, entrepreneurs and civil aviation will have access to lease equipment at affordable rates within our country, Nigeria, and this is part of a roadmap. The roadmap is gradually coming to 100 percent completion. I am glad to see the full business case has been approved by the FEC,” he said.

“A second memo was also for the award of contract for the procurement, and installation of taxi lighting system, and photometric pattern for Port

Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja, and some other equipment all over the country.

“In this contract, the total sum for the photometric and taxi lighting system for both airports mentioned is total contract sum of N3,047,127,022.72, with seven and half percent VAT and 12 months completion period. The contractor is Messrs KSR3 Global Nigeria Limited. So, those are the two memoranda.”

Meanwhile, Sirika reiterated the resolve of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to ensure that Nigeria Air, the proposed

national airline, flies before the May 29, 2023, when a new government would be installed.

“Yes, we are on course and by the grace of God, before President Buhari leaves office, it will fly. We are on course and before May 29, it will fly,” he said.

Also speaking to journalists, Demola Adegiroye, minister of state for transportation, said the council approved the sum of N1.3 billion for the procurement of furniture for the newly acquired headquarters of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Security Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos.

NSIA, Climate Change Council sign MoU on emissions regulations in Nigeria

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) to ensure the development of a climate change framework and provide guidelines for regulating emissions in Nigeria.

Speaking on Monday during the signing ceremony, Aminu Umar-Sadiq, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of NSIA, said the agreement was made due to the urgency to address climate risks.

Umar-Sadiq said the collaboration would go a long way in ensuring the development and implementation of strategies to support climate change actions and energy transition.

He added that through the partnership, the implementation of a carbon emissions trading mechanism in the country, management of a national carbon registry as well as a climate change fund will be facilitated.

PTAD: How we’ve

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) says it has addressed the challenges of pensioners across the country.

Speaking at a forum with pensioners and stakeholders in the north-west zone on Monday, Chioma Ejikeme, PTAD executive secretary, said since the establishment of the directorate 10 years ago, it has consistently worked hard to achieve positive and sustainable changes in the direct benefits scheme (DBS) pension management.

She said prior to the establishment of the PTAD, the DBS was fraught with allegations of fraud, corruption and inefficiencies, adding that the establishment of the directorate changed the narrative.

been able to address challenges of pensioners

“PTAD’s determination to change the narrative as far as pension administration under the defined benefits scheme (DBS) in Nigeria is concerned is irrevocable. The processes and controls that have been put in place by PTAD have contributed immensely to the change being witnessed today in the management of the Defined Benefit Pension scheme,” Ejikeme said.

“The hard work of PTAD over the years is now paying off despite the enormous challenges it inherited on inception. Our journey from field verifications, mobile verifications, to putting together a solid database of pensioners, benefit computation, ensuring the regular payment of monthly pensions and paying long overdue pension arrears to pensioners, has been a progressive one filled

with creativity, dedication, commitment, persistence and resulting in milestone achievements.

“It is not yet a perfect situation, albeit PTAD is committed to continuing to make giant strides in the defined benefit scheme administration.

“Through the unwavering support of President Muhammadu Buhari, PTAD has completely liquidated the inherited unfunded liabilities of all the defunct/privatised agencies handed over to PTAD in 2017, with the exception of NITEL/MTEL with a balance of 36 months, which we are fully committed to liquidating.

She said in 2021, the directorate launched the “I AM Alive” confirmation solution in order to identify pensioners who are alive.

Ejikeme said the pilot phase

was successfully completed when the application was tested on 50,000 randomly-selected pensioners from the four operational departments and the six geo-political zones.

She further said following the success of the pilot phase, the directorate, on April 14, 2023, fully rolled out the solution for the use of pensioners.

Ejikeme explained that to ensure effective delivery and prevent a heavy flow of traffic on the website, “we have staggered the availability of the confirmation solution according to departments”.

She added that the commitment of PTAD to the welfare of pensioners remains sacrosanct and shall continue meeting and engaging with the various pension unions to ensure quality service delivery.

“A core pillar of our environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy is to actively build strategic partnerships with relevant organisations to support climate change actions and Nigeria’s energy transition ambitions of achieving net zero emissions by 2060,” Umar-Sadiq said.

“The agreement with our partner, NCCC is one of the strategic steps we are taking to meet our social impact goals and sustainability commitments.”

Meanwhile, the NSIA CEO also announced the launch of the agency’s maiden edition of its impact report (IR).

According to Umar-Sadiq, the report outlines the progress made towards the attainment of the authority’s developmental and socio-economic impact as of 2021.

“NSIA’s maiden impact report highlights the authority’s development agenda and impact over several years of operations as well as the authority’s efforts to safeguard the environment and address relevant climaterelated risks and opportunities in line with best practices,” he said.

L-R, Pastor Grace Akpoyibo, Pastor Rose Eshiett, Pastor Mary Akem-Vingir, Wife of the General Overseer Redeemed Christian Church of God Pastor Mrs Folu Adeboye, Little Msendoo Abari and Pastor Siju Iluyomade during a Day out of Jesus House Parish RCCG Abuja with Pastor Mrs Folu Adeboye in Abuja yesterday

Gov’t accelerating infrastructure delivery in Abuja amid paucity of funds - FCDA ES

By Stanley Onyekwere

Despite prevailing financial challenge, significant progress has been made in the efforts to deliver critical infrastructure in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), according to the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engineer Shehu Hadi Ahmad.

Ahmad, attributed such milestone achievement to the decision of the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello’s led FCT Administration to focus more on completing ongoing or abandoned infrastructural projects, which has l bolstered efforts at developing the nation’s capital city, thereby changing the goslow trend in the city.

While making this assertion yesterday, at a press conference on activities of the FCDA to ensure infrastructure delivery, the ES opined that paucity of funds for infrastructure development was not just a problem of the FCT alone, but rather a national issue, as the continued depleting Federal allocation has continued to affect infrastructure development in the Territory.

He said: “Infrastructure development is not a bane of Abuja alone, but a national problem. As it is, funding for infrastructure in Nigeria currently runs into trillions of naira and Abuja, as we all know gets funding for infrastructure projects from national budget which is not enough.

“That is why the FCT Administration is the engaging private sector through the land for infrastructure swap like we have in Gwagwa District and we are looking at other Districts like Buru Shareti where we have received interest”.

He explained that through the goodwill of the FCT Minister, several efforts have started to changed the trend in the delivery of infrastructure to help realise the dreams of the funding fathers of the city, adding that with more political will, a lot can still be done towards the inclusive and rapid development of the city.

According to him, almost about 18 projects proposals are before the Federal Executive Council (FEC), out of which 9 are being processed as approvals

have been given for award of contracts, which are going to be delivered in the phase of sequence, in line with the policy of executing infrastructure of most impact on the city.

He disclosed that on Monday, it got FEC’s approval for the revised estimated total cost of the contract for the construction and equipping of 220-Bed Gwarimpa District Hospital (Phase I) at Plot 79 Sector Centre E, Gwarimpa District, Abuja, awarded to Messrs Mabelt Construction Company

Limited at the total cost of N5,652,680,046.09.

He also added that approval for the revised estimated contract for the construction of three Solid Waste Transfer Stations at Mpape, Apo and Kubwa in the FCT, awarded at the total cost of N6,230,103,458.37 to Messrs Goodness International Resources Limited, Similarly, he disclosed approval for the Award of contract for the provision of Electric Power and Water supply to ApoTafyi Federal Integrated Staff Housing site, awarded to Messrs

Olivec Ventures Limited, at the total cost of N3,578,679,582.19.

Furthermore, he said:

“Approval for the award of contract for the construction of Access Road and Car Park for Abuja Light Rail at Stadium and Kukwaba Stations, awarded to Messrs Datum Construction Engineering Limited N4,600,479,947.25 at the cost

“Approval for the award of contract for the construction of Access Road and Car Park for Abuja Light Rail at Stadium and Kukwaba Stations, awarded to Messrs Datum Construction

Engineering Limited, at the total cost of N4,600,479,947.25.

“Approval for the Award of contract for the construction of 15km Road from A2 Junction(Abuja-Lokoja Road) to Pai in Kwali Area Council, FCT, awarded to Messrs COAN (West Africa) Limited, at the cost of N11,584,613,858,.61.

“Approval for the award of contract for the construction of Nanda-Pandagi-DangaraAgyena Road, FCT Abuja, awarded to Messrs COAN (West Africa)Limited, at the cost of N9,133,302,039.00”.

ARDS begins quarterly training of women in tomato paste processing

By Stanley Onyekwere

In a bid to mitigate wastes during harvest seasons, the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS) of the FCT Administration has commenced training of women in tomato processing and preservation.

ARDS Mandate Secretary, Mallam Abubakar Ibrahim during the training yesterday, in Abuja, said the initiative would help to control tomatoes waste

during harvest and post seasons.

Ibrahim, who was represented by Haruna Umar, the Acting Director planning, Research and Statistics of the secretariat, said three hundred women will be trained in each quarter across the six area councils.

He revealed that total of 300 women drawn from Nyanya, Karu, Jikwoyi, Kurudu and Karshi among others were trained in tomato paste processing and preservation in the first quarter, adding that

there has been tremendous gains arising from the exercise since its inception, after he assumed office as last year.

The training, he said will equip the women with cost effective techniques borrowed from Japan to facilitate the attainment of food and nutrition security.

He noted that the training which is a train the trainer structured programme will ensure that each of the participants is able to share

her knowledge with at least ten residents in her neighbourhood.

While demonstrating the process of tomato processing and preservation to the women, the lead trainer, Oladoja Margaret noted that the main target of the training is to teach the women how to prevent economic waste.

According to her, it will enable them buy tomato in large quantities while it is cheap, process and store it against tomato off-season when it will become extremely expensive.

The Mandate Secretary, FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Hajia Hadiza Mohammed Kabir, delivering a speech on the topic “Balancing Ethics and Patriotism: The Obligations of Journalists to their Country”, at a media workshop organized by the Coalition For Good Governance And Economic Justice in Africa, held yesterday in Abuja.

French Resistance man breaks silence over German prisoners executed in 1944

Excavation work is to start soon to find the bodies of up to 40 German soldiers who were executed by the French Resistance in June 1944.

It follows the testimony of an exResistance fighter who recently broke eight decades of silence to reveal how the Germans were shot in a wood near Meymac in central France.

Edmond Réveil, 98, is the last surviving member from the local branch of the FTP (Francs et Tireurs Partisans) Resistance group, and personally witnessed the mass execution at a place called Le Vert.

In a recorded deposition, Réveil described how his detachment of 30 fighters was escorting German prisoners through countryside east of Tulle when the order came to kill them.

The commander of the detachment, whose code name was Hannibal, “cried like a kid when he got the order. But there was discipline in the Resistance,” remembered Réveil.

“He asked for volunteers to carry out the order. Every fighter had someone to kill. But there were some of us - and I was one of them - who said we wouldn’t take part.

“It was a terribly hot day. We made them dig their own graves. They were killed and we poured quicklime on them. I remember it smelled of blood. We never spoke of it again.”

Réveil, whose codename in the war was Papillon (Butterfly), kept the secret for 75 years, even from his family.

Then unexpectedly in 2019 he rose at the end of a local meeting of the National Veterans’ Association and announced he had something to say.

Meymac’s mayor Philippe Brugere

told the BBC that it was like a weight had been lifted from Réveil’s mind.

“Over the years he had plenty of opportunities to tell the story, and he never did. But he was the last witness. It was a burden to him. He knew that if he didn’t speak out, no-one would ever know.”

Before local authorities could take further action, however, Covid struck. It was only a few weeks ago that the case was re-opened, and the story broke in the local newspaper La Montagne on Tuesday.

French and German historians have confirmed the outline of the events as described by Réveil.

Shortly after D-Day on June 6 1944, Resistance fighters staged a kind of uprising in Tulle, capital of the Corrèze department, during which between 50 and 60 German soldiers were taken prisoner. But on June 9 the Germans retaliated with the public hanging of 99 hostages.

Not far from there on June 10, the SS Das Reich Division massacred 643 people in the village of Oradour-sur-Glane, which has remained an empty monument ever since.

Réveil had taken part in the Tulle uprising, and then joined the escort party which headed east. “None of the Resistance groups wanted anything to do with (the prisoners). We didn’t know what to do with them,” he recalled.

At one point some of the prisonersthose who came from countries like Poland or Czechoslovakia - were separated from the rest. And it was around 50 of them who arrived at Meymac on June 12.

“If a prisoner wanted to take a pee,

he needed to be guarded by two of us. We hadn’t planned anything for food. We were under the orders of an Allied command centre at Saint-Fréjoux, and they were the ones who gave the orders to kill them,” he said.

Among the prisoners was one French woman who had collaborated with the Gestapo. None of the Resistance fighters wanted to shoot her, so they drew lots and she was killed.

In the coming weeks officials from the German War Graves Commission (VDK) are expected in Meymac. Their first task is to use ground-penetrating radar to establish the exact site of the graves.

Local historians said that in 1967 11 German bodies were exhumed from Le Vert but the excavations stopped, and no

records were kept of the exact place of the dig. Given the still raw sensitivities just 23 years on - the operation was cloaked in secrecy.

However a local man who was a young boy in 1967 remembers seeing the excavations, and he has given a rough indication of where the graves of the remaining 40 or so soldiers may be.

Reveil, who became a railway-worker in later life, is “somewhat overwhelmed by the media attention”, said Brugère.

“He is a wonderfully kind old man. He was against violence and in the Resistance he never fired a shot.

“All he wants now is for the dead soldiers to be remembered, and their families to be told where they lie. And perhaps for a small memorial to be put

Brigitte Macron’s great-nephew beaten in apparently politically motivated assault

Eight people have been arrested after France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron’s great-nephew was attacked on Monday following a TV address by the French president.

Jean-Baptiste Trogneux was beaten up by anti-government protesters in the northern city of Amiens.

He was hit on the head, arms and legs and is awaiting the result of a scan.

He was attacked outside the family chocolate shop, which has repeatedly been targeted by protesters.

Local police say they have arrested eight people after the attack.

The attackers fled the scene after neighbours intervened to stop the assault.

Speaking on Tuesday, Ms Macron told the AFP news agency she was in total solidarity with her family and condemned the “cowardice, stupidity and violence” of the attack.

“I have repeatedly denounced this violence, which can only lead to the worst,” she said.

Jean-Baptise Trogneux’s father, JeanAlexandre Trogneux, told French media the attackers “crossed the line” and insulted “the president, his wife and our family”.

“I’m flabbergasted,” he added.

The president of the Republicans party, Eric Ciotti, has condemned the attack and called for the attackers to be punished.

“Yes to democratic debate, no to violence and terror,” he wrote in a tweet.

The family of Brigitte Macron has run the Jean Trogneux chocolate shop in Amiens for six generations. It specialises in the Amiens macaron, a sugary almondbased treat.

The Trogneux family business - which has shops across northern France - has repeatedly been targeted by protesters since Mr Macron has been in office amid rumours that the first family has a financial interest in the company - which the family has denied.

Jean-Alexandre Trogneux told the Courrier Picard newspaper he did not understand why his family business was targeted.

“Emmanuel Macron has got nothing to do with our business”, he said. “I don’t understand all these people who continue to hassle us. Some of them even call for boycotts of our shops and products,” he told the paper.

Mr Macron has faced some of the biggest demonstrations in a generation

over his reform to the pension system, which is set to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 later this year.

Source: BBC

The unrest has seen one of the

president’s favourite restaurants in Paris set alight as well as attacks on offices of local and national politicians.

The French First Lady condemned the “cowardice, stupidity and violence” of the attack

N ews F rom A F ric A

Malawi hippo in deadly attack on packed river boat

Aone-year-old boy has died and 23 people are missing after a hippo hit their boat, capsizing it in Malawi’s biggest river, police say.

Rescue teams are searching for survivors, but hopes of finding anyone alive are fading as the accident occurred on Monday.

The boat was packed with villagers who were crossing the Shire River to work in their fields, as they normally do.

For reasons that are still unclear, a hippo attacked their boat this time.

A total of 14 people managed to swim to safety or were rescued by other villagers who dived into the river to help.

But they failed to rescue the only child in the boat.

His body was recovered by the police maritime unit when it arrived to carry out rescue and search operations.

The accident occurred in the remote Nsanje district in southern Malawi, near the border with Mozambique.

“Officers have been on the scene since yesterday [Monday] when the accident was reported, searching for missing persons,” police spokeswoman for Nsanje district, Agnes Zalakoma, told the BBC.

Local MP Gladys Ganda has repeatedly called for a bridge to be built so that people do not have to risk their lives crossing the river in boats and canoes, but her appeal has so far fallen on deaf ears.

The Shire River is home to many hippos and crocodiles, and boats and canoes are often overcrowded or poorly maintained.

Vessels have capsized before, leading to villagers drowning. But it is rare to hear of a hippo charging at a boat in that part of Malawi.

Such attacks have taken place elsewhere in Malawi, including on fishermen.

Hippos tend to be territorial - and female hippos are known to be extremely aggressive, fiercely defending their young from any perceived threat.

Hippos,

They are the second largest land animal after elephants, and are estimated to kill about 500 people a year in Africa.

Male hippos weigh between 1,600kg (more than 250 stone) and 3,200kg, and females between 650kg and 2,350kg.

Women’s football ‘best opportunity’ for Tanzania to play on global stage

Women’s football represents the “best opportunity” for Tanzania to achieve success on the global stage, according to the man who led the country to its first ever World Cup.

Tanzania’s Under-17 girls team made history by qualifying for the tournament in India, being eliminated 3-0 at the quarterfinal stage by Colombia.

Despite that defeat, head coach Bakari Shime believes the match was a seminal moment for the women’s game, and that the Twiga Stars, as Tanzania’s senior women are known, should perhaps now receive greater backing than the men.

“Women’s football presents the best opportunity for us to play at the highest level which is why our priorities should shift to them,” Shime told BBC Sport Africa.

“We have a strategic plan to ensure that in years to come all our national teams, from the junior to senior levels, can play in all major African and world competitions.

“This is a turning point. I believe that once you achieve some level of success, you always want more.”

That success included a 2-1 victory over France in the group stage of the World Cup as well as a draw against Canada.

But the challenges on home soil are great, with the game in Tanzania suffering not only from a lack of investment but also from negative perceptions when it comes to women lacing up their boots.

President Samia Suluhu is among those to have been condemned for her remarks on female footballers, which reflected these long-held beliefs.

The under-17s have given the country a ray of hope - but can Tanzania now capitalise and become big hitters in the women’s game?

A league of their own

“Things have changed,” said Edna Lema, who won the Council of Southern Africa Football Association (Cosafa) Women’s U17 Championship in 2020.

“Women’s football is now a job and players can support their families, something that never happened in yesteryears,” she told BBC Sport Africa.

Lema worked in Tanzania’s fast-rising domestic league, the Women’s Premier League, as the former head coach of Yanga Princess.

For the first time since the league’s inception in 2016, it landed a three-year sponsorship deal in 2018 courtesy of the Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) which has led to increasing interest.

It is now a top destination for players in the region with several Kenyan players joining top clubs including Jentrix Shikangwa and Topister Situma who signed for Simba Queens.

Tanzania’s path to the World Cup quarter-finals included a group meeting with Canada which ended 1-1

“A few teams like Simba Queens, Yanga Princess, Fountain Gate Princess and Tiger Queens have the financial power to sign foreign players and pay them well. This has made the league more competitive,” added Damian Masyenene, a Tanzanian sports journalist.

Last year, Simba Queens became the first club to represent the central African region in the Champions League, something that allowed them to test themselves against more established sides such as Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies from South Africa and Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens.

“Women’s football doesn’t have any financial backing,” said Masyenene.

“Most of the teams are established based on owners’ interests and love of the game, but they lack the funds to operate and take care of players’ needs and wants. Consequently, most teams collapse.”

Like Shime, Masyenene believes fans now want more attention paid to the women’s game because it provides an opportunity for the country to shine at a global level.

“The Serengeti Girls’ (Tanzania’s U17s) achievement has created different views and opinions from football fans who are now urging the government and TFF (Tanzania Football Federation) to invest in women’s football.

“They see it as the only option to qualify for the World Cup, Afcon (Africa Cup of Nations) and other big tournaments because men’s football is lagging behind.”

The Catalyst

Along with the U17s winning the Cosafa Championship in 2020, Tanzania also lifted the senior title in 2021.

Nevertheless, the World Cup triumph in

India is viewed by many as the breakthrough that should catapult the country on to greater success.

The TFF has in recent times urged investors to support women’s teams, but more is expected from national administrators to ensure the promise shown does not go to waste.

“The Government and TFF should set plans to build on the achievements,” Masyenene told BBC Sport Africa.

“Talent grooming, attracting more sponsors, selling our players to foreign leagues are schemes that will make girls feel comfortable to participate.”

Shime believes his U17 girls have already played a role in shifting perceptions.

“People’s attitude has changed because we’ve shown that if we organise ourselves we are capable of playing at the highest level.

“Female footballers have been greatly inspired as they believe they can dream of playing on the world stage.”

SharedAfrica pushing Russia-Ukraine peace plan - Ramaphosa

Six African leaders are to travel to Russia and Ukraine in a bid to find an end to the conflict, South Africa’s president has announced.

Cyril Ramaphosa said he had held separate phone calls over the weekend with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts.

Both Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky had agreed to the plan, he said.

“Principal to our discussions are efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the devastating conflict in the Ukraine, its cost in human lives and impact on the African continent,” Mr Ramaphosa said.

“I presented the initiative on behalf of African heads of state from Zambia, Senegal, Congo, Uganda, Egypt and South Africa.”

It is not clear whether he was referring to Congo-Brazzaville or the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The two leaders agreed to receive the mission and the African heads of state, in both Moscow and Kyiv,” the South Africa leader said, adding that the UN chief had been briefed and welcomed the African initiative.

Mr Ramphosa’s comments, made in Cape Town during a visit by Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, come as senior South African military officers are visiting Russia.

The South African leader has reiterated that South Africa will not take sides over the war in Ukraine.

This follows the diplomatic row that erupted last week when the US ambassador to South Africa accused the country of secretly providing arms and ammunition to Russia.

Source; BBC

seen here along the Shire River, are territorial and tend to be fiercely protective

of their young

Tanzania’s qualification for the Under-17 Women’s World Cup was the first appearance by the nation at a global football event. The Serengeti Girls reached the quarter-finals

Ukraine war: Kyiv hit by ‘exceptionally dense’ missile barrage

The Ukrainian capital Kyiv has been targeted by further Russian air attacks, described by one official as “exceptional in density”.

Ukraine said all 18 missiles were shot down and footage showed air defences destroying targets over the city.

But Russia said its attackwhich used drones and missileshad hit all its targets.

Moscow has stepped up its air campaign in recent weeks, ahead of an expected Ukrainian offensive.

The air raid alert sounded at around 02:30 local time (23:30 GMT Monday) and was lifted two hours later in the eighth attack to hit the capital this month.

An unusually high number of loud explosions was heard in the city centre, as authorities told residents in online messages that air defence had been activated.

The head of Ukraine’s armed forces, Valerii Zaluzhny, said Russia attacked Kyiv from the north, south and east and that 18 air, sea and land-based missiles had been used.

Serhiy Popko, head of the Ukrainian capital’s military administration, described the barrage as being the “maximum number of attack missiles in the shortest period of time”.

“According to preliminary information, the vast majority of enemy targets in the airspace of Kyiv were detected and

destroyed,” he added.

Gen Zaluzhny said that included nine Kalibr cruise missiles, which were launched from ships in the Black Sea, and three land-based missiles.

He added that Kyiv also destroyed six Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, which travel on a ballistic trajectory and are capable of reaching speeds of more than 11,000kmh (7,000mph).

Russia has claimed in the past that these could not be taken out by any of the world’s air defence systems.

Ukraine said it had shot down a Kinzhal for the first time last week during an earlier attack on Kyiv.

If these claims are true, Moscow will be feeling frustrated that the finest weapons from its missile fleet is now able to be intercepted. This is in large part due to the arrival of modern Western defence systems, including Patriots.

Russia claimed that it destroyed a Patriot system during Tuesday’s attack on Kyiv. Ukraine declined to comment. The BBC cannot independently verify the claims made by either country.

Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, has been targeted by Russia eight times so far this month

Residents on Tuesday were warned to keep away from windows as debris from intercepted missiles fell from the

sky.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said rocket debris had fallen in central districts, including on the city’s zoo. No animals or workers were injured.

The Solomyansky district, which includes the international airport, is reported to have been the hardest hit.

Mr Popko said that a fire that broke out in a non-residential area in the district has since been put out.

Kyiv resident Kseniia told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that she and her husband were asleep when they heard a “series

of very loud explosions” above their building. She compared the intensity of the attack to a Star Wars film or an action video game.

She also said that thanks to the support of its international allies, Ukraine is now capable of tracking down and destroying high calibre missiles.

“It’s such a relief to know Kyiv is under such a strong defence right now”.

Another resident, Yevhen Petrov, said Tuesday’s attack was the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 that his house had shaken from the force of an assault.

Russia’s resumption of strikes on Kyiv earlier this month came after a lull of over 50 days. The Ukrainian authorities believe Moscow’s strategy is to exhaust the air defence systems, which have been extremely successful in intercepting most of the missiles and drones fired.

In the past few days, President Volodymyr Zelensky has been on a European tour, in which he has been promised several billion dollars’ worth of military equipment by Western allies, including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and President Emmanuel Macron of France.

Global executions in 2022 at highest rate for five years - Amnesty

The number of executions recorded globally in 2022 was the highest in five years, as several Middle Eastern states ramped up their use of the death penalty, Amnesty International says. A total of 883 people are known to have been put to death across 20 countries, marking a rise of 53% compared to 2021, according to the group’s annual review.

Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt alone carried out 90% of those executions.

The figures exclude China, which is thought to execute thousands each year.

Data on the death penalty is classified in China, which Amnesty said impaired its ability to make an accurate assessment about the numbers put to death in the country.

The group was also able to confirm that executions were carried out in North Korea, Vietnam, Syria and Afghanistan, but there was insufficient information to provide credible minimum figures.

According to Amnesty’s report, Iran and Saudi Arabia were mainly

responsible for the sharp increase in known executions worldwide last year.

It says Iran put 576 people to death - up from 314 in 2021. Of last year’s total, 279 people were convicted of murder, 255 of drugrelated offences, 21 of rape, and 18 of the national security charge of “enmity against God”.

The final category included two men who were detained in connection with the antigovernment protests that erupted in the Islamic Republic in September. They faced what a UN expert called “arbitrary, summary and sham trials marred by torture allegations”.

In Saudi Arabia, executions tripled from 65 in 2021 to 196 in 2022 - the highest number that Amnesty has recorded in the country in 30 years.

Eighty-five people were put to death after being convicted of terrorism offences and 57 for drug offences, according to the report. There drug-related executions marked the end of a moratorium reportedly in place since 2020.

On a single day in March 2022, authorities carried out the mass execution of 81 people. At

least 41 were members of Shia Muslim minority, including two convicted of crimes related to their participation in anti-government protests.

Amnesty has previously accused the Saudi justice system of meting out death sentences following trials that are grossly unfair, including basing verdicts on “confessions” extracted under torture or other ill-treatment.

In Egypt, 24 people were put to death last year. However,

that represented a 71% decrease compared to 2021, when 83 were executed.

Amnesty also reported executions in Iraq (11), Kuwait (7), the Palestinian Territories (5), Yemen (4) and Syria (unknown).

Agnès Callamard, the group’s secretary general, accused Middle Eastern states of violating international law and demonstrating “a callous disregard for human life”.

“It’s time for governments

and the UN to up the pressure on those responsible for these blatant human rights violations and ensure international safeguards are put in place,” she said. Elsewhere in the world, 18 people were executed in the US, up from 11 in 2022, and 11 were put to death in Singapore, where executions for drug offences resumed after a two-year hiatus during the Covid pandemic.

Source: BBC

Video of the explosions has been circulating on social media

People protested outside Iran’s UN mission in New York after the execution of two protesters in December

Property

Service charge key in mgt of multi tenanted property -ESV. Patrick Okeke

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

An Estate Surveyor & Valuer ESV. Patrick Kene Okeke, said Service Charge is key in the management of multitalented property.

ESV. Okeke made the disclosure in Abuja, yesterday while speaking to newsmen.

He said multi tenanted property have facilities that are used in common by all tenants.

“Facilities such as elevators, security lighting, security alarm, elevators among others. The Service Charge are imposed on all the tenants for smooth running of the property and for the common good of all”.

He said the Estate Surveyor and Valuer, will normally

propose annual budget, estimate to cover the expenses which will be apportioned to tenants to pay accordingly.

“The Service Charge is paid collectively by the tenants according to the space they are occupying”.

He will equally manage the funds for the day to day running of the property.

“ The Estate Surveyor & Valuer will provide an annual report to show how the money collected are expended, each tenant must have the statement of account. This is very important to enable each tenant to know whether he has a refund or will add to the common pool of funds”, Okeke stated.

He explained that “It is

important to add that nonpayment of service charge by some tenants has wide implication in the maintenance of the property.

“When the security men and cleaners for instance are not paid at the end of the month, your guess is as good as mine with what will happen to the property”.

He said that Estate Surveyors and Valuers are the only professionals who are competent to handle this aspect of property management.

“He is the one who secured the tenants and such are familiar with them and conversant with the day to day running of the property maintenance and can deal with artisans as the case maybe”, he stated.

NIOB urges government to reduce high cost of houses

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has urged government to reduce the present high cost of affordable houses.

The institute said in order for government to achieve their goal for affordable house, there is a need to use local construction materials and technologies of housing construction.

“This will help in bringing down the cost to the affordability bracket”.

President of NIOB, Prof. Yohanna Izam, made the disclosure on Thursday at a two-day Mandatory Continuous Professional Development Workshop for its members in Abuja.

The theme of the workshop is “Innovation and technology in housing development”and

sub theme: ‘Understanding the Nigeria housing challenge, technology driven mass housing provision and innovations to address housing affordability’.

“ As we all know by the United Nation recommendation, you don’t use more than 30% of ones income on housing”, he said.

Izam noted that there is need to bring down the cost of houses to that range, if not, we cannot achieve housing for all in Nigeria.

“Another option is to increase the wages to a living wage and improve on the wage structure. When this is achieved, low income earners can afford the houses”.

Speaking on the institute plan for the coming administration, he said the institute is also charging the incoming government to make construction of affordable houses

for citizens a priority.

The president said that there was an urgent need for mass housing provision in the country.

According to him, the provision of mass housing units will not only address the housing deficit but will also solve a social welfare problem.

“We have look at the deficit in housing which some people have put the figures at 20 million. So the incoming administration should consider it as a priority to begin to develop mass houses for Nigerians.

“It will solve a social welfare problem and it will also reflect the economy that will create jobs for our teaming populace,” he said.

While speaking on the paper he presented at the workshop about Dry Construction he said that it was about addressing the issue of speed in construction.

According to him, it helps to minimise the amount of onsite activities that involves industrialised building system that use more of refabricated components assembled within a short time on the construction site.

“The time for construction is reduced and on the long time factory production of considerable number of components improve the quality of the components and also reduce the cost of production.

“That is what other countries are using to address tfhe issue of mass housing provision.

“We are talking about large numbers, if we can do 700,000 units in Nigeria for the next 10-20 years then we will now stabilise in the housing sector then Nigerians can have affordable housing,”he said.

Similarly, 2nd Vice President of NIOB, Bimbo Kolade decried the lack of accurate data on housing

deficit in the country.

He said that shelter was critical and innovation and technology must be deployed to address housing delivery in Nigeria from the foundation stage to the last level of delivery.

Kolade said as builders one of the objectives of the workshop was to set an agenda for the incoming administration on the need for mass housing.

Prof. Ismaila Adamu of Yobe State University Damaturu who presented a paper on provision of affordable housing using Lean Technology said the Technology would help reduce cost.

“It is a technique for project construction management, where

you cut down cost through eliminating waste and eliminate any activity in the production process that does not add value to the building.

“Since we are looking for innovative ways for affordable housing units it is a technique that manages planning with control, so that when you plan you also control.

“When you talk of affordable housing you can look at it from different perspectives, affordable houses to who?

“Everyone has the type of house he wants, because you see sometimes government builds houses and give to people but they sell it and go and construct the type

that they like.

Adamu said effort must be put into providing houses for the low income groups that are really affordable and cost effective.

One of the participants of the workshop, Olaniran Aderobigbe, a fellow of NIOB and Managing Director of Projubi Nigeria Plc said the workshop was key because it keeps builders abreast of the latest innovation the industry globally.

Aderibigbe said most of the lectures were futuristic and would give participants a mindset to process and apply the techniques when they eventually come across them adding that the workshop was worthwhile.

An Estate Surveyor Valuer ESV. Patrick Ken Okeke

Myanmar Rohingya: What future for the refugee baby lucky to survive?

Anwar Sadiq was just hours old when a BBC team first met him in a refugee camp in Bangladesh in September 2017.

A thin cotton cloth was all his mother Mohsena had to cover him, as she cradled her tiny baby under a flimsy makeshift tent, on an empty patch of land.

Five years on, the life of the little boy who entered the world in the most precarious of circumstances remains fragile.

He’s one of half a million children growing up here amid hunger, disease and trauma with little prospect of things getting better - in the camp there is no formal education and few chances of getting a job.

Anwar was born into a life of chaos and danger. His young parents were part of a mass exodus of Rohingya people, who fled their villages in Myanmar in fear, carrying nothing.

“I used to think I would bring him up in a beautiful and peaceful world,” Mohsena told us at the time, “but I am in a refugee camp and this is not a beautiful place at all.”

Now close to a million people live here, surrounded by barbed wire fences and cut off from the outside world.

They fled Myanmar forces who are accused of systematically murdering, raping and torturing the minority Rohingya population - last year the US government said they had committed genocide.

With the very same military now running their homeland, since a coup in 2021, Rohingya refugees have very little chance of going back.

We tracked Anwar down in the vast maze of congested and narrow lanes, which make up what has become the world’s largest refugee camp, near the seaside town of Cox’s Bazar.

We couldn’t believe we were able to find the family, amongst the endless rows of identical bamboo shelters.

In 2017 they were living in the open with no fixed address. Even now they still don’t own a mobile phone.

Today, Anwar has grown into a wide-eyed, shy little boy. He clings tightly to his mother much of the time - resting his head on her lap, he tugs at her pink headscarf.

He also has two younger sisters, two-year-old Sadeqa, and Almar Rufa, who is nearly one.

While the family no longer have to stay under canvas, where they live today is barely better.

They share a modest one-room shelter which has no windows to

bring the light in. There are no fans to cool from the sticky heat, and very little ventilation.

Anwar and his sisters don’t even have a bed to sleep in - a mat donated by the United Nations provides scant relief from the hard concrete floor.

Their few possessions - metal pots and pans, and some clothes strung up on a washing linehave all been given to them by aid agencies.

“Back in Myanmar we had a big strong house made of wooden planks, we owned land, and we farmed it to make a living,” Mohsena says.

She was just 15 and heavily pregnant when she escaped Myanmar’s military in September 2017, with her husband, Nurul Haq.

Her uncle was shot and killed while he was out fishing and Mohsena feared that if they didn’t leave soon, her family would be next.

Mohsena walked barefoot for days, her ankles swollen.

Just as she was crossing the river to neighbouring Bangladesh, her contractions started.

The rickety wooden boat she was in capsized and Mohsena thought she and her unborn baby would drown - her husband saved them.

Tired and drenched, the couple kept going until they made it to a hospital close to the border, where Anwar was born.

It’s amazing he survived. But a few months ago, Mohsena ended up back at the same facility near the camps, worried again that she’d lose Anwar.

He’d come down with fever, his heart was racing and he wouldn’t stop coughing. Doctors said he had pneumonia.

Barely a week goes by without Anwar or his siblings falling sick.

Living conditions for the children in the camp are squalid and unsanitary - they play next to piles of rubbish, inhaling the pungent fumes emanating from the thick black streams of open sewage.

According to the UNHCR, 30,000 babies are born here every year - but this is no place for a child. More than half of children under five here are anaemic, and four in 10 suffer from stunted growth.

“Children are living in unhygienic and congested spaces which leads to different diseases which are contagious and infectious,” explains Dr Tanvir Ahmed from the charity Doctors Without Borders.

Despite their efforts, Dr Ahmed says Rohinyga children are trapped

Living conditions for the children in the camp are squalid and unsanitary - they play next to piles of rubbish, inhaling the pungent fumes emanating from the thick black streams of open sewage.

in a cycle of illness, where they fall sick, get treated, before returning to the same unhygienic conditions in the camp, and becoming ill again. A lack of access to nutritious, healthy food is also a big factor.

“Sometimes we can eat, sometimes we can’t,” Mohsena says, with a look of deep sadness on her face.

Rohingya refugees rely almost entirely on aid agencies for food, receiving a fixed monthly food voucher which they can exchange at a UN distribution centre, to buy staples like rice, chicken, vegetables and lentils.

Last month the food aid refugees rely on was cut from $12 (£9.60) a

month, to $10. In June it will be reduced yet again, to just $8. The UN-run World Food Programme (WFP) says it was forced to make the cuts due to a drop in international funding - the war in Ukraine has stretched aid budgets and funds from major donor countries like the US. Source; BBC

Anwar and his family live in a one-room bamboo shelter with no windows, beds or ventilation

Children breathe in fumes from the polluted black sewage streaming through the camp

ETERNAL LOVE OF CHRIST SOUL WINNING MINISTRY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAME MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART F OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2020.

NAMES OF TRUSTEES:

1. OSANYINTUYI TOLULOPE ABIODUN (CHAIRMAN)

2. OLUWATUYI AYODEJI ERIIFE (SECRETARY)

3. OSANYINTUYI ABIODUN FASIKU (MEMBER)

4. AINA TUNJI JIDE (MEMBER)

5. AINA MERCY MOJIRAYO (MEMBER)

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION :

1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.

2. TO BRING THE WORLD TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST.

3. TO TEACH BELIEVERS TO ABIDE IN CHRIST.

4. TO WIN SOULS FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND ESTABLISH THEM, BY THE PREACHING OF THE LIBERATION MESSAGE OF CHRIST.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: VICTOR IKEM AGUGOESI ESQ. 08035757908.

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NOBLE MEN ASSOCIATION KOGI STATE

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) MBAMARKAA FELIX NYIEVLUMUN

(2) AGYOH DAVID OFEGA

(3) ABAH SOLOMON

(4) CHIA DOMINIC IORTYER

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO PROVIDE FORUM FOR THE MEETING AND DISCUSSING MATTERS AFFECTING THE INTEREST AND PROGRESS OF TIV. 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.

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EASE NEURO CARE FOUNDATION TRUST

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. AGBEYI, OLUSOLAFUNMI EFEOGHENE

2. AGBEYI, ERHIMOHWO OBUKOHWO

3. OKUNUGA, TEJUMOLA MOTUNRAYO

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. PROVIDE CONSULTATION SUPPORT FOR FAMILY CARERS / PARENTS WITH CHILDREN AND RELATIVES WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION NEED AND DISABILITY.

2. PROVIDE ADVOCACY SUPPPORT FOR FAMILY CARERS, CHILDREN AND ADULTS RELATIVES LIVING WITH NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

FT. LEUT. PROSPER OHAI IDONIJE FOUNDATION CAC/IT/NO.165567.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REMOVAL OF TRUSTEES (CHANGE OF TRUSTEES) UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. AIGBOKHAI IDONIJE - RETAINED

2. MOJISOLA IDONIJE - RETAINED

3.ADETOLA GBADAMOSI - RETAINED

4. OMOLEGHO IDONIJE - RETAINED

5.ILESO IDONIJE - REMOVED

6. AITESEME IDONIJE. - RETAINED

7. EBIMAUWA OKOLO - RETAINED

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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JOINT HANDS DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

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THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1.NZEWI GABRIEL NOSIKE

2.NZEWI CHIDERA LYNDA

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO PROMOTE GOOD GOVERNANCE THROUGH PARTICIPATION, REPRESENTATION, FAIR CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS, RESPONSIVENESS, EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS. OPENNESS AND TRANSPARENCY, RULE OF LAW, ETHICAL CONDUCT, COMPETENCE AND CAPACITY, INNOVATION AND OPENNESS TO CHANGE, SUSTAINABILITY AND LONG-TERM ORIENTATION, SOUND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL COHESION AND LASTLY ACCOUNTABILITY TO ADVOCATE FOR THE POOR IN LARGER DEVELOPMENT PROCESS AND GIVE VOICE TO THE VOICELESS IN FORMULATING POLICIES THAT AFFECT THE WIDOW, ORPHAN AND LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY AMONG OTHER OBJECTIVES. TO PROMOTE UNITY, PEACE AND LOVE AMONG THE LESS PRIVILEGED AND MEMBERS FOR THE SURVIVAL OF THE NIGERIA NATION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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APOSTOLIC LIFE WITNESSES OF CHRIST CHURCH

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. USUNGISE GREGORY BASSEY – CHAIRMAN

2. OKON OTU BASSEY – SECRETARY

3. EKPA HENRY JAMES

4. ASUQUO NAKANDA EFFIONG

5. BASSEY FREEWILL GREGORY

6. EDET EFFIOM OTU

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO PREACH THE TRUE GOSPEL TO THE WORLD, MATURE SOULS FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD WHILE GIVING THEM THE SUPPORT THE NEED TO THRIVE HERE ON EARTH.

2. PREACHING THE GOSPEL TO WORLD

3. TO INSPIRING CHRISTIAN PURITY AMONG BELIEVERS

4. DEMONSTRATING THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH HEALING AND DELIVERANCE.

5. PRAYING, TEACHING AND PRESERVATION OF SAINTS.

6. PREPARING SOULS FOR HEAVEN.

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.

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EFAB CLASSIQUE ESTATE OWNERS ASSOCIATION

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THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. MR. EMEJE SUNDAY AKO - CHAIRMAN

2. MR. JIBRIN UMAR GAMBO

3. MR. FARINWATA ABUBAKAR GAMBO

4. BARR. FUANTER FESTUS VELNOE - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO MAKE EFAB CLASSIQUE ESTATE A DECENT, SERENE, TRANQUIL AND ORDERLY ENVIRONMENT WITH ADEQUATE SECURITY EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL, AMENITIES FOR SOCIAL PURSUITS, AND GENERALLY TO FOSTER A SPIRIT OF GOOD NEIGHBORLINESS AND FELLOWSHIP AMONGST THE PROPERTY OWNERS AND RESIDENTS.

2. TO PROMOTE LOVE, PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION AND THEIR FAMILIES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NDIAGU UMUEZEOKA DEVELOPMENT UNION(NUDU) EBONYI

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR APPOINTMENTS OF TRUSTEES AND SECRETARY UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE :

1.AMAECHI NWIGWE--RETAINED

2.KELECHI SOLOMON IGWE--RETAINED

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE :

1.NWANKWO ALEKE JOSEPH--APPOINTED

2.OPOKE LIVINUS UMOKE--APPOINTED

3.OSONDU SUNDAY EZEH--APPOINTED

4.ITUMO JOHN IKEMSINACHI--APPOINTED

5.NWOKPORO IKECHUKWU--APPOINTED

6.CHRIS RICHARD CHUKWUDI--APPOINTED

7.NWEKE IKECHUKWU SAMUEL--APPOINTED

8.NWORIE CHUKWUDI JOHN--APPOINTED

THE NEWLY APPOINTED SECRETARY IS

1.OPOKE LIVINUS UMOKE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GBAGYI PROGRESSIVE YOUTH FORUM OF KOGI STATE

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) BAWA MOSES (CHAIRMAN)

(2) ZAKI GODWIN (SECRETARY)

(3) DAGBA GODWIN TNADA

(4) PADA OHINOYI

(5) ISAH SOLOMON TANKO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

(1) PROMOTE CULTURE AND FACILITATE SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GBAGYI YOUTH MOSTLY THROUGH EDUCATION

(2) TO CELEBRATE, UNDERSTAND AND PROTECT THE UNIQUE VALUE OF THE GBAGYI CULTURE PARTICULARLY AMONG THE YOUTH

(3) TO PRESERVE GBAGYI CULTURE HERITAGE WITH A VIEW OF KEEPING THEIR INTEGRITY

AS A PEOPLE

(4) TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING OF UNIQUE CULTURE AND ETHNIC HERITAGE OF THE GBAGYI PEOPLE

(5) TO PROMOTE UNITY, PEACE AND HARMONY AMONG GBAGYI YOUTH IN NIGERIA AND DIASPORA IRRESPECTIVE OF RELIGION AFFILIATION, GENDER AND BACKGROUND

(6) TO FACILITATE THE ACQUISITION OF THE ATTITUDES, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE TO FUNCTION IN VARIOUS CULTURES.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT COUNSELLORS FOR CHRISTIAN CHURCHES IN AFRICA CAC/IT/8371.

PUBLIC NOTICE

JESUS CARE OUTREACH HEALING MINISTRY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1) CHUKWUMA BLESSED UJU (CHAIRMAN).

2) CHUKWUMA IFEANYI JEREMIAH (SECRETARY).

3) OKOLO STANLEY MENEWEH

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1) TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST NATIONWIDE.

2) TO PRINT, PUBLISH AND DISTRIBUTE RELIGIOUS LITERATURE.

3) TO PROCLAIM THE LIBERATION POWER OF GOD WITH MIRACLES, SIGNS AND WONDERS THROUGH THE HOLY GHOST.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ABLE HANDS INITIATIVE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND EMPOWERMENT OF GRASSROOTS SKILLS

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.IDIO UDEME - CHAIRMAN

2.OKERE GLORY ODINAKACHI - SECRETARY

3.ITSEDE VICTOR OSHOMAH

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO EMPOWER THE YOUTHS AND ENCOURAGE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT.

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.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

THIS IS TO INFORM OGBUNGEBE CHARLES

WHOSE LAST KNOWN ADDRESS IS GOVERNMENT

HOUSE AKWA, ANAMBRA STATE, WHOM WE HAD LAND TRANSACTION WITH OVER PLOT 366 IN CADASTRAL ZONE B11 OF KAURA DISTRICT FCT ABUJA SOMETIME IN 2006, THAT WE ARE NEEDING HIS VALID MEANS OF IDENTIFICATION SO AS TO REGISTER OUR INTEREST THERE AT LANDS DEPARTMENT, ABUJA GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS.

THANK YOU.

SIGNED: SUSIE AGHEDO.

AUGUSTINE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS AUGUSTINE SIMON. A. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS AUGUSTINE SIMON ALOBO ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ANGELMATT WIDOW & ORPHAN CARE FOUNDATION CAC/IT/NO. 193507.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN,VICE CHAIRMAN AND SECRETARY UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. OKORIE CHINENYE CHIZOBA

2. OKORIE MATTHEW UCHECHUKWU

THE CURRENT CHAIRMAN IS :

1.OKORIE MATTHEW UCHECHUKWU

THE NEW CHAIRMAN IS :

1.OKORIE CHINENYE CHIZOBA

THE CURRENT VICE CHAIRMAN IS :

1.OKORIE CHINENYE CHIZOBA

THE NEW VICE CHAIRMAN IS :

1.OKORIE MATTHEW UCHECHUKWU

THE CURRENT SECRETARY :

1.OKORIE CHINENYE CHIZOBA

THE NEW SECRETARY:

1.ONUNKWO FIDELIA IFESINACHI.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF RECERTIFICATION AND RE ISSUANCE OF (C-OF-O)ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO. 91, FILE NO. MISC 53029 CADASTRAL ZONE B08, JAHI DISTRICT, ABUJA, BEARING MADUWA NIGERIA LIMITED.

ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE MISPLACED DOCUMENTS PROVE ABORTIVE. PLEASE THE AGIS AND FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ADMINISTRATION (FCTA) SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

OLUWASEYI

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS OLUWASEYI IYANU ALABI NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS OLUWASEYI IYANU ELETTA ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE NOTE.

PRESENT

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS WISDOM,TOKKIDA WAKDIK NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS PRESENT NAME TOKKIDA WAKDIK. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

VELNOE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS SIMON VINCENT MBAI. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS VELNOE VINCENT SIMON ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

FATIMA

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS FATIMA ISMA’IL ABDULLAH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS FATIMA ISMA’IL MOHAMMED. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MRS. MARYANN

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS. MARYANN NWANYIBEKEE AGUWAMBA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. MARYANN NWANYIBEKEE UCHENNA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

PUBLIC NOTICE

SPACE FOR SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE

AUCTION SALES

PUBLIC AUCTION: IN ORDER TO DECONGEST AZARE AND NINGI DIVISIONS OF FOUND, RECOVERED, ABANDONED, UNCLAIMED AND PROPERTIES WHICH HAVE OVERSTAYED IN POLICE CUSTODY AND ARE DUE FOR PUBLIC AUCTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 31, CAP 2 VOL. 13 POLICE ACT AND REGULATIONS LRN, 2014, APPROVAL WAS OBTAINED FOR THE DISPOSAL BY THE WAY OF PUBLIC AUCTION THE UNDER LISTED PROPERTIES TO INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AS FOLLOWS:

S/N DESCRIPTION OF ITEMS REG NO.

ONE (1) GENERATOR BLACK IN COLOUR, AZARE DIVISION NIL FIVE (5) SCARP WHEEL BARROW AZARE DIVISION NIL BOXER MOTORCYCLE RED IN COLOUR, AZARE DIVISION WF53166/WEF99621

SIX (6) BICYCLES, AZARE DIVISION NIL

ONE (1) PEAR OF NIGERIAN ARMY UNIFORM NIL JINCHENG ROBBER MOTORCYCLE WHITE IN COLOUR, AZARE DIVISION 91015235

OPEL ZAFIRA DARK IN COLOUR, NINGI DIVISION

AZ756GWA

TOYOTA COROLLA ASH IN COLOUR, NINGI DIVISION NIL

JINCHENG MOTORCYCLE BLUE IN COLOUR, NINGI DIVISION

430195

LIFAN MOTORCYCLE RED IN COLOUR, NINGI DIVISION

GCIE50FM9PB61067823

BOXER MOTORCYCLE RED IN COLOUR, NINGI DIVISION

ND2A18A26DW/49653

BOXER MOTORCYCLE RED IN COLOUR, NINGI DIVISION NDA18A26DWJ/22831

DATE AND TIME FOR THE AUCTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: -

DATE: MONDAY 29/05/2023

TIME: 10:00AM

VENUE: THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE, AZARE AND NINGI DIVISIONS, BAUCHI STATE.

INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO NOTE, PLEASE. SP AHMED MOHAMMED WAKIL, ANIPR POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND.

PUBLIC NOTICE

AUCTION SALES

PUBLIC AUCTION: IN ORDER TO DECONGEST AREA COMMAND METRO OF FOUND, RECOVERED, ABANDONED, UNCLAIMED AND PROPERTIES WHICH HAVE OVERSTAYED IN POLICE CUSTODY AND ARE DUE FOR PUBLIC AUCTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION

31, CAP 2 VOL. 13 POLICE ACT AND REGULATIONS LRN, 2014, APPROVAL WAS OBTAINED FOR THE DISPOSAL BY THE WAY OF PUBLIC AUCTION THE UNDER LISTED PROPERTIES TO INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AS FOLLOWS:

S/N DESCRIPTION OF ITEMS REG NO.

1 SCRAP JINCHENG AX100 MOTORCYCLE AGLH0150

2 SCRAP JINCHENG AX100 MOTORCYCLE LWKASULKLX

3 KYMCO LADIES MOTORCYCLE B80010C3305511

4 JINCHENG AX100 MOTORCYCLE BLUE IN COLOR CPAGLH09SA62932

5 JINCHENG AX100 MOTORCYCLE BLUE IN COLOUR LJCPAGLH08883

6 SCRAP JINCHENG LADIES MOTORCYCLE RJB1024903

7 SCRAP KYMCO LADIES MOTORCYCLE LC2B80010A3304705

8 SCRAP ZASHE LADIES MOTORCYCLE RED COLOUR NIL

9 JINCHENG AX100 MOTORCYCLE BLUE COLOR CPAGLH055D12501

10 SUZUKI JINCHENG MOTORCYCLE AX100 LJCPAGLH06SB09928

11 BAJAJ BOXER MOTORCYCLE RED COLOUR MD2A18AZ9FWH67619

12 SCRAP JINCHENG AX100 MOTORCYCLE BLUE COLOUR LJCPAGLH08SD11601

13 BULCANIZER GENERATOR RED & WHITE COLOUR NIL

14 ONE SCRAP EMPTY BODY OF TRICYCLE (KEKE NAPEP) REG. NO. DKD 732 QA

DATE AND TIME FOR THE AUCTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: -

DATE: THURSDAY 24/05/2023

TIME: 10:00AM

VENUE: THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE, AREA COMMAND METRO, YANDOKA ROAD BAUCHI.

INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO NOTE, PLEASE.

SP AHMED MOHAMMED WAKIL, ANIPR POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND.

Sports

WEDNESDAY MAY 17, 2023

Olympic Qualifier: Nigeria wins 3 gold, 3 silver medals at Africa Weightlifting Championship

By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria on Monday began her quest for 2024 Olympic Games qualification in grand style as Lawal Rufiatu and Olarinoye Adenike Adijat won 3 gold and 3 silver medals respectively at the ongoing 2023 Senior Africa Weightlifting Championship in Tunisia

The championship also serves as the 2024 Olympics qualifier.

Competing in the 59kg women category, Rafiatu won three gold medals in Snatch, Clean and Jerk and Total while Adijat claimed all the three silver medals in the same category.

in a release signed by the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, NWF Media Officer, Amaechi Agbo, it noted that Rufiatu, 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal winner in the category, lifted 95kilos in snatch, 122kilos in Clean & Jerk and 217kilos in total to win all the three gold medals in the category

Olarinoye, 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal winner in 55kg, claimed all the three silver medals with a lift of 93kilos in snatch,118kilos in Clean & Jerk and 211kilos in total as she continued her impressive s performances in the new category

Olarinoye moved from 55kg in late 2022 to 59kg. In her first competition in the new category at the 2022 National Sports Festival, NSF, she won three silver medals.

Two Tunisians and a Moroccan shared the three bronze medals

Nigeria will continue her quest for more medals in Tunis on Tuesday, May 16, as two lifters will be on stage as well. Joy Eze, (71kg women) and Edidiong Umofia (73kh men)

will compete. Nigeria’s 5th athlete, Akano Desmond (89kg men) will round off Nigeria’s participation in the championship on Wednesday,

May 17.

Nigeria weightlifters will participate in six Championship qualifiers as they seek to return Nigeria to global weightlifting map in the

2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

The 2023 Africa Weightlifting Championship which commenced on May 11 will end on Friday May 19th.

Manchester United refused to pay £4M for Erling Haaland - Solskjaer reveals

By Amaechi Agbo

Former Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that his former employers rebuffed his advice to sign current Premier League top scorer, Erling Haaland 6 years ago.

Solskjaer hit out at the club for failing to take his advice and sign the striker, now flying at City Solskjaer was Haaland’s coach

at Norwegian side Molde and recommended the young striker to United at the time, but no move materlialised and Haaland is now breaking records across town at Manchester City.

Speaking at An Evening with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, reported by The Athletic, the Norwegian revealed that United had missed out on signing Haaland for just £4m.

“I got in contact with United

because we had this talented striker who they should have had.

“But they didn’t listen, unfortunately. Four million, I asked for. But they never signed him. Four million! Don’t ask [where he is now]. He’s too good!”

He said

Solskjaer also called on the Glazer family to push through a takeover, saying the facilities have been allowed to decay and claiming that United ‘need to

catch up with the other teams’.

“It needs to be done,” he said. “Old Trafford is neglected. The training ground has been neglected. We need to catch up with the other teams.”

Manchester City signed Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth £51m in June.

He went on to score a record 35 Premier League and 12 UEFA Champions League goals as Manchester City keep hope of

their back-to-back League title. Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho as Manchester United’s Manager on 19 December 2018 on till end of the season.

On 28 March 2019, having won 14 of his 19 matches in charge, Solskjær signed a threeyear contract to take over as Manchester United manager on a permanent basis but was sacked in November

Olarinoy Adijat and Lawal Rufiatu on the Podium in Tunisia Monday for their medal presentation

Gusau hails Team Nigeria’s Performance at U18/20 Africa Athletics Championship

The immediate past Vice-President of the Confederation of African Athletics CAA, Engr. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau has hailed the performance of team Nigeria at the just concluded CAA’s Under 18/20 Championship held in Ndola, Zambia.

Team Nigeria won 17 Gold, 10 Silver and 9 Bronze medals to finish in second place on the medal table behind South Africa at the quadrennial championship.

In his congratulatory message on Friday, the highly revered Athletics Administrator says the performance of the team is a testament to the fact that talents are abound in Nigeria; while stressing on the need for talent discovery, training and exposure to global platforms, which according to him, will in turn result to future podium finish.

“I want to extend my heart felt congratulations to these young Nigerians who made the country proud at the just concluded African U18/20 Athletics Championship in Zambia.

The records achieved is a testament to the fact that talents are abound in Nigeria; and these talents require training and exposure to global platforms in order to achieve podium finish in the near future.

I am impressed by the performance and feat achieved by Samuel Ogazi, obliterating the 46.26secs record of Lythe Pillay, the South African in 400m with his 46.01secs.That is the Nigerian spirit!

Others are appreciated, especially Faith Okwose, Fejiro Djoma and Justine Jimoh for flying the country’s flag high in Zambia.”Engr.Gusau said.

Recall,that Nigeria finished top at the medals table in the last edition held at the Stade Felix Hoouphouet-Biogny, Abidjan, Ivory Coast in 2019, producing stars like Favour Ofili, Grace Nwokocha, Rosemary Chukwuma and

P R T

Man Utd sale: Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim makes improved offer to buy club

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has made an improved offer to buy Manchester United.

The Qatari banker and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group are the two main parties looking to buy the Old Trafford club.

Both groups submitted third bids at the end of April.

Sheikh Jassim submitted a fresh bid on Tuesday morning amid further talks involving the Raine Group, who are handling the process.

The bid is for 100% of the club, will clear United’s debt and includes a separate fund directed solely at the club and local community.

Figures in March showed United owed £969.6m through a combination of gross debt, bank borrowings and outstanding transfer fees with associated payments.

The Glazer family announced in November they were considering selling Manchester United as they “explore strategic alternatives”.

Latest Manchester United news, analysis and fan views Get Man Utd news notifications Listen to the latest The Devils’ Advocate podcast

Although there has been no response from the Glazer family since the last bid deadline on 28 April, there has been increasing confidence in the Ineos camp that

their efforts to buy United would be successful.

It is understood one of Ratcliffe’s suggestions has been to lower the amount of United he wanted to buy from an initial 69% for all the Glazer stake to just over 50%, which would allow cochairmen Joel and Avram Glazer to retain some involvement.

Avram Glazer followed up his appearance at the Carabao Cup final in February by watching United’s women’s team lose in the FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday.

Glazer subsequently visited a London hotel owned by Sheikh Jassim’s father, sparking more rumours about the sales process,

although BBC Sport has been told there were no talks held involving the Raine Group. There has been no indication when the Glazer family will make a decision over the future direction of United.

They bought the club for £790m in 2005 and have established a valuation of between £5bn and £6bn for it.

It had been felt an announcement could come this week given the transfer window opens in less than a month, which would give manager Erik ten Hag some clarity over his summer budget.

However, there is no guarantee this will happen.

Manager and player behaviour towards referees ‘not good enough’, says Howard Webb

The behaviour of managers and players towards match officials this season “has not been good enough”, says referees’ chief Howard Webb.

A number of Premier League managers including Jurgen Klopp, Marco Silva and Roberto di Zerbi have served touchline bans after being sent off.

Webb says a “stronger” approach is needed to try and address the issue.

“We need everybody in the game supporting a movement towards a more respectful environment,” he

said.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the chief refereeing officer of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited added: “It’s clear it has not been good enough. Everybody acknowledges we need to be stronger in dealing with behaviours not at the acceptable level.

“I think for a long time referees have taken a conciliatory approach, I did it as well. I didn’t want to overreact and ruin the game in the moment.

“But that’s not fared well in the bigger picture and we need to

collectively look at ways we can change the trend - and it does need changing. We all accept that.”

The issue of manager and player behaviour towards officials has been brought into focus this season after a number of highprofile incidents.

Liverpool boss Klopp was given a one-match ban after he was sent off against Manchester City in October for berating the referee’s assistant. The German is also waiting for the result of a Football Association charge for comments he made about referee Paul Tierney

after a game against Tottenham last month.

Fulham manager Silva has served two separate touchline bans, including for an incident during the Cottagers’ FA Cup defeat at Manchester United in March that also saw striker Aleksandar Mitrovic banned for eight games for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh.

Brighton boss Di Zerbi has been sent off twice - including for a melee that also saw then interim Tottenham manager Cristian Stellini dismissed - and served one touchline ban.

PEOPLES DAILY

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY MAY 17, 2023

Can Obi ever become Nigeria’s President?

Golden Eaglets wins U-17 AFCON Fair Play Award despite elimination

Some months ago in Ogun state, the president-elect took the entire political space of Nigeria by surprise with his “it is my turn” outburst in his dialect. The media immediately went agog. The social media rush that characterised the 2023 election began almost immediately thereafter; the attack on Asiwaju Bola Tinubu took its root on the supposed desperate act of the man, and all other propaganda built on that particular remarks. How could a man insist it is his turn, they query. Is it his family leadership stool? And all sorts of other questions were raised culminating in attacks on his candidacy and his political party.

At that time, their messiah, Peter Obi insists he is not desperate to be the president of Nigeria, and if it is God’s will, he would become the president. He was praised as the humble one who only wants God to use him to serve Nigeria. Fast forward to now, the language appears to have changed; the same Obi publicly declared in a tone and mannerism much stronger than the “it is my turn.” Our dear Obi is now saying “I must be president of Nigeria!”

Winners Chapel, was roundly praised by the same mob that are on the prowl looking for the slightest opportunity to descend on anyone for no reason other than not agreeing with the lies they tell.

We are Africans and in a nation where respect for elders is sacrosanct; but the Obi’s Obidient mob is daily committing the sacrilege of debasing our elders and leaders without restraint and control. In a sane society where we all enjoy the political right to support candidates of our choice, the Obidient mob would not have classified support for specific candidates, especially the presidentelect, as a punishable transgression.

ever vote favourably for the man? Of course no; not now and definitely not anytime in the future, Obi can never be president of this country going by these premises.

candidate in its consistency with the norm.

Despite crashing out at the quarter-final stage, Nigeria's Golden Eaglets have been awarded the Fair Play Team in the group stage at the ongoing U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON in Algeria.

The Eaglets lost 2-1 to Burkina Faso in the last 8 match on Thursday thereby failing to qualify for the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the AFCON semi-final.

However on Saturday, the Confederation of Africa Football, CAF named the Nduka Ugbade tutored lads as the best behaved team at the group stage of the tournament

Nigeria defeated Zambia by alone goal in their first matche, lost to Morocco by similar score and rallied to beat South Africa 3-2 in their last Group B match.

It could also be recalled that Gold Eaglets defender, Yahaya Lawali was named among the CAF Best XI of the U-17 AFCON group Stage.

The 2023 tournament will continue on Sunday, May 14 after observing a two-day hiatus.

The semi-final will take centre stage as tournament's favorite, Senegal takes on Burkina Faso while Morocco and Mali will also squareup.

All the four semi-finalists have qualified to represent Africa at the 2023 FIFA World Cup which holds later in the year.

The most amazing thing about it all is that I listened to an Abuja-based radio station discussion about the Obi statement, and it is surprising that the Obidients readily called in to assert and pontificate that there is nothing wrong with Peter Obi wanting to be president and saying what he said - that he must be! After all, it is his right as a citizen of the country. While I agree it is his right like all other free citizens of Nigeria, I then wonder why all the attacks on Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “It is my turn” outburst all till the election eve? It is acceptable for Peter Obi to declare he must become Nigeria president, but forbidden that the president-elect to say it is his turn as the hypocrites in our democracy would want us to accept.

That is the face of the Peter Obi campaign strategy and the Obidient mob that represents his identity in the February 25th Presidential election. Anything and everything that does not agree with Peter Obi’s aspiration is wrong and must be attacked. We have gone through a toxic period created by the Labour Party campaign strategy to win elections; a lethal mammoth of a mob crowd created to force everyone into forceful obedience and support for the Peter Obi candidacy. Currently, and even days to the inauguration and swearing-in of the president-elect and his vice, rather than Nigerians having the opportunity to set agendas for the incoming government, the street rhetoric has remained concentrated on the Obidient mob’s disagreement - or is it denial - with the loss of their principal and all emerging atrocities.

Everything Peter Obi does is reasonable, defendable and acceptable. For instance, a clearly divisive call to Bishop Oyedepo of

Imagine some Nigerians coming to the conclusion that the likes of the Sultan of Sokoto, Ooni of Ife, Prof. Wole Soyinka and the revered head of the Redeemed Church, Pastor Adeboye can be insulted, addressed with unprintable names, making offensive skits, images and songs, including derogatory remarks; all because they share personal opinions that are not in tandem with the Obidients’ wish.

They have so much debased our traditional stools; and the same people who would profess to fight for religion, including hating Tinubu for what they claim to be his ignoring Christianity, would spare no time to dehumanise one of the foremost leaders of Christianity in the country.

The question for today is how all these affect their principal, Peter Gregory Obi’s chances of becoming the president he has vowed to become one day? Peter Obi made all the mistakes that took away all possible chances of him ever becoming the president of Nigeria now, or at any time in the near future.

To start with, while all others carefully explore religious, regional, cum tribal sentiments to woo voters during the last election, Peter Obi and his Obidient mob came all out to dispense religious and regional war as the core campaign strategy. Without mincing words, Peter Obi told us ‘it is a religious war;’ and the church was frantically appealing to take back their country from the other religion. The leaked audio of Peter Obi with Bishop Oyedepo without any doubt expresses the intent of Obi and his mob. The question is would the other religion ever trust and vote for the religiously sentimental Obi? Would the densely populated Muslim population that happens to be a critical determiner of election results in the country

The regional card Peter Obi played is more destructive than it aided his campaign outings. The best he got from the very destructive approach is the unbelievable number he got in the presidential election, but unfortunately, which could not help him win an election in this country. Over 70 percent of the Labour Party presidential candidate’s votes in the election came from the South-east, but non-existence in the Northeast and the North-west and almost in all the states of the Southwest outside Lagos. The coordinated organisation of the Igbo voters from PVC registration, collection to the election-day mobilisation was second to none in the history of Nigerian politicking. Peter Obi’s candidacy was obviously an Igbo project. The fact that the Biafra agitation was abruptly stopped to offer support to Peter Obi’s campaign, and all IPOB activities temporarily put on hold to allow the South-east to fully support his candidacy speak volumes of where he stands. The regular weekly lockdown in most cities of the Southeast which has since resumed again after the election was halted close to the election for the same purpose.

Peter Obi had planned to ride on the full support of one region, his, to win a national election.

A serious politician who understands what it is to contest for the president of a complex and pluralistic nation as Nigeria would have tactically rein in his people in the South-east to take a clever departure from their consistent monotonous voting pattern that has relegated them to a one party region status. Since 1999, twenty-four years and six electoral cycles; the Southeast has without departure given all their votes to a single party without accruing much significant benefits to the region. In 2015 and again in 2019, the region gave approximately 5 percent of all its votes to the ruling APC, leading to the circulating rumours that the region would get nothing because the government would ignore them. While no other among the remaining three regions outside the Southeast gave above sixty percent of its votes to any one single party, the entire five states of the Southeast gave 98 percent of all its votes to only the Labour Party

And automatically, in recompense, as it seems to be, the Labour Party and candidate from the South-east got almost no votes in the North West and the Northeast, and paltry votes in other states of the Southwest outside Lagos state. This is in the same election that the people of the Northeast where the PDP candidate comes from voted massively for the candidate of APC; and the people of the Southwest, of the APC candidate voted massively also for the PDP candidate and even went ahead in Lagos state to give their votes to the Labour Party candidate.

It is apparent now, that no other region considered the Southeast relevant in the permutations to winning the presidential election; even during the days of PDP, they literally took the region for granted after winning election because it is dispensable. Peter Gregory Obi coming from that region and not political savvy enough to understand the need to alter the narrative, shot himself in the leg; and no matter how popular he appears to become on the shoulder of the Obidient mob, would never get the support of the regions that matter. His choice of a vicepresidential candidate was also a poor one; more like a liability because he could not deliver his region or make any significant impact electorally.

And finally, may be, if Obi became humble after the inauguration of the coming new administration, let go of the fake popularity he is riding on and spend the next eight years to build both a platform and performance antecedents that are sellable across religious and regional boundaries, mend the divides he created and build productive bridges with other regions and religions, he could become more acceptable, particularly in other regions and could contest and have better chances at sitting on the very exalted seat he so craves, though I doubt his capacity to do that.

GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!

DAN GAYE

DAN GAYE

Reps: Wase, Doguwa reject APC choice of Tajudeen, backs Betara for 10th Speaker —News APC