Thursday, April 20, 2023 Edition

Rescue officers carrying one of the dead victims in body bag.

The collapsed wall of UBA beside the construction site in Abuja yesterday.

One of the injured labourers being helped out of the site.

Two of the injured artisans rescued from the rubble at the site

NCAC reopens Arts & Crafts village in Abuja, unveils new facilities

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC), has revealed the reopening of activities in its Arts & Crafts Village in Abuja after five years of closure .

The Director General NCAC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe made the announcement yesterday in Abuja, at a press briefing.

Peoples Daily recalled that, the Art and crafts village was shut down by DG NCAC following a host of populated miscreants, illegal and criminal activities happening in that environment.

Runsewe disclosed that, the shutdown of of the 250 shop in

the village was also due to huge liabilities the council is indebted to Power Holding Corporation of Nigeria N8.9m; FCT water board, 13.6 and have paid 4m already and security.

He said the council was paying the debts so that the village would function again and become properly managed.

With the reopening of the new face of the village, the director general of NCAC, unveiled new proposed facilities for Nigerians to have best cultural market in Africa.

He said its a launch of a new marketing strategy which includes a toll gate, a night cultural market, a modern pharmacy which will

be offering free blood sugar and hypertension tests to Nigerians, and visitors that comes to the market,photoshop and business center.

Others includes restaurants/ recreation and tradition food center, ATM gallery,Public toilets, police post, information center among other arts and crafts activities.

He said this will create 300 jobs as the village is reopening.

“180 of these jobs are direct employment, and 120 indirect employment.

There will also be skills acquisition/empowerment programmes for Nigerians, and a

children’s excursion event”,.

According to him,the village space will have a unique selling point with a night cultural market 1st of it kind in Africa, Birthday shop and quarterly media interaction on the development at the center.

He emphasized that the new Arts and Crafts Village will be a product of a public private partnership (PPP).

Meanwhile, He noted that N300,000 will be paid annually per shop, with a N100,000 refundable/ rollover maintenance fee.

He said most importantly there are rules and regulations, terms and conditions for all occupants of the village shop .

Energy mix: Oil coy tasks FG on investments, biomass reduction

Mrs Nkechi Obi, the Group Managing Director of Techno Oil Ltd., an indigenous oil and gas company, has emphasised the need to have significant investments and infrastructure to achieve global energy mix and sustainable energy.

Obi made the call at the business leaders and regulatory dialogue, a session at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2023) in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the session has its theme as “Africa at the Heart of the Global Energy Mix: What’s Ahead in Nigeria.”

NAN also reports that biomass (charcoal), petroleum reserves, natural gas, peat, hydroelectricity, solar and wind are major energy resources in Nigeria and the country remains

a top producer of crude oil and natural gas in Africa.

Obi who received a lifetime oil and gas achievement award at the ongoing summit said at the session that gas would play a big role in the global energy mix and that Nigeria had enough of it to drive the industry.

She explained that there were about eight mitigants to achieving the global energy mix but that the provision of infrastructure, reduction in biomass and fossil fuel were key to achieving success, especially in the downstream sector.

According to the GMD, Nigeria needs an enabling environment to drive investments to position itself strategically in view of global trend to transit to cleaner energy.

She said the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) was a big relief in pursuit

of a cleaner energy but regretted that the Act was not being implemented effectively.

She urged the Federal Government to fast track the process of its implementation, especially the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority which had plans to drive the PIA implementation process.

Obi noted that the country had abundant gas reserves but that the challenges of affordability, accessibility and availability were still militating against the progress of the industry.

The Techno Oil GMD said the challenges in the oil and gas sector had led to the company making some investments and improving its infrastructure aimed at benefitting the entire gas value chain.

She said in the quest for cleaner energy and to tackle

challenges in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) adoption, it established a fully automated LPG ultra-modern gas cylinder manufacturing plant with state of the art laboratory and modern testing equipment.

“The terminal we have is about 10,000 metric tonnes capacity and the cylinder manufacturing plant enhances usage of quality cylinders.

“The goal is to help households and encourage domestic switch from heavy biomass use and deepen LPG use which is safer, cleaner, healthier and cheaper to use.

“Today techno cylinders are of standard and the best,” she said.

The summit which started on April 16 and would end on April 20, has its theme as “Global Perspectives for a Sustainable Energy Future.” (NAN)

L-R: Adamawa State Governor Elect, Alh. Ahmadu Fintiri receiving his certificate of return from INEC Commissioner, Dr. Baba Bila, at INEC Headquarters, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

3,298 inmates on death row in Nigeria – NCoS

No fewer than 3,298 inmates across the custodial centres in Nigeria are on death row, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has revealed.

Its Public Relations Officer, Mr Abubakar Umar, who disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, however said that the term ‘condemned criminal’ had been abrogated.

With the emergence of the NCoS Act 2019 which made the prisons correctional centres, the term ‘condemned criminal’ was abrogated as it is stigmatising, he explained.

He said that the service preferred to use a more friendly term of ‘Inmates on Death Row (IDR)’.

He pointed out that death sentences were not always carried out immediately they were imposed.

“There are often long periods of uncertainty for the convicted while their cases are being appealed at higher levels.

“Inmates awaiting execution live on what we call death row; some offenders have been executed more than 15 years after

their convictions.

“They were basically awaiting the hangman’s noose in our custodial centres after being found guilty of capital offences.

“We have quite a number of them; as at today, we have a total of 3,298 inmates on death row. They constitute about 4.5 per cent of the total of number inmates in our various custodial centres nationwide,” he disclosed.

Umar said that some IDRs had been in custody for many years, adding that some had been there since they were arrested up to when they were tried and sentenced.

According to him, many of them committed capital offences like culpable homicide, armed robbery, terrorism, among others.

“The good thing is that we engage all of them in activities that will reform and modify their behaviours.

“The goal is to make them better citizens of the nation.

“We also make them undergo personal development programmes like anger management, civic education as well as entrepreneurship.

“Some of them, who do well and show some glimpse of hard

Ramadan Timing Day 29

work, industry and discipline, are recommended for clemency to the relevant authorities,” he said.

The spokesman said that many IDRs had been executed in the past before the proliferation of the activities of human rights groups and organisations.

“Currently, there is somewhat a kind of moratorium on execution of offenders.

“Before the moratorium on execution of IDRs became widespread, executions of IDRs were being carried out as and at when due.

“But with the rising activities of human rights groups, many governments shy away from signing the death warrants of these offenders.

“Though it is still in practice, it is not common as it used to be. The last execution of IDRs was carried out in 2016 in Edo.

“We encourage state governors, who shy away from signing the death warrants, to commute them into other sanctions.

“This will ensure that the toga of death is removed from them. It will also help us to properly manage them smoothly,” he said. (NAN)

Al-Habibiyyah, Jews distribute food items to 500 women in Abuja

The Jewish Community and the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, on Tuesday in Abuja distributed food items to 500 Muslims and Christians women in the spirit of Easter and the month of Ramadan.

Speaking while coordinating the distribution of the food items, Mrs Habiba Ahmed, Director, Welfare and Endowment Foundation of Al-Habibiyyah, said the gesture was aimed at lessening the difficulties the poor and vulnerable suffer during the month of Ramadan.

” We give aid to the less privileged. We collaborate with charitable organisations who deem it fit and necessary to

partner with us.

“We accept donations and We distribute Zakat in the Islamic months of Sha’aban annually, and during Ramadan, we have what call the food bank. We share raw and cooked food daily.

“On Monday, we shared over 2,400 packs of food to the needy and the less privileged. Similarly, on Sunday, we shared fairly used clothes, gas cookers, plates, bags and shoes,” she said. She called on all Muslims, especially the wealthy to redouble efforts in assisting the poor and less privileged in society to reduce poverty in the country.

Also speaking , Rafat Salami, a volunteer with the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic society reaffirmed that the society over the years distributed food items to the less-privileged in the Federal Capital Territory.

” So those who want to give out charity always look for us.

“The Jewish community of Nigeria looked for us, and they brought about 200 packs of food items that we are currently distributing, “ she said.

On her part, one of the beneficiaries, Franca Amana, said “I received food items from them.

”May God bless those donors. We are thankful.” (NAN)

NYSC boss presents insurance cover cheque to family of late corps member

By Albert Akota

The Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General YD Ahmed has presented insurance cover cheque to the family of Corps Member Juliana Oreoluwa Aina who lost her life in a BRT Bus that was crushed by a train in Lagos, in March this year.

Speaking to the parents and siblings of the deceased at their home in Abuja, the Director

General extended the sympathy of the entire Management, Staff and Corps Members to the family.

“All of us in the NYSC family received with great shock the news of the sudden death of our dear sister. Please accept our deepest condolences. We have equally received volumes of condolence messages from far and near when the unfortunate incident occurred”, he said.

Earlier, the Scheme’s Director of Corps Welfare and Health Services, Mr Ayodele Omotade

Folorunsho, while stating the essence of the Director General’s visit to the family said that NYSC has a tradition of presenting cheques to next-of-kins of Corps Members who lost their lives in the course of National Service.

Responding on behalf of the bereaved family, father to the late Corps Member, Mr Oluwafemi John Aina thanked the Director General and his team for identifying with his family in their moment of grief.

(Source: Society for the Propagation of Islam Kaduna)

Only poor, needy deserves Zakat-Al-FitrIslamic cleric

An Abuja based Islamic cleric, Malam Yahya Al-Yolawi, has advised Muslims to give Zakat-al-Fitr only to the poor and needy in the society.

Al-Yolawi gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

NAN reports that Zakat-alFitr, or the zakat of breaking the fast of Ramadan, is a special obligatory alms paid by all Muslims at the end of the month of Ramadan regardless of age or gender.

The cleric said that Prophet Muhammad enjoined the payment of one Sa’a of dates or one Sa’a of barley as Zakat al-Fitr on every Muslim, young and old, male and female, free and slave.

He said that the purpose of Zakat al-Fitr was to purify the one who has fasted from any type of indecent act or speech he might have committed while fasting.

Al-Yolawi also said that Zakatal-Fitr helps the poor and the needy, adding that the material of the zakat can be either barley, wheat, rice, corn or similar items considered as basic foods for people residing in a particular place or society.

” Zakat al-Fitr has to be paid by the end of ramadan either one or two days before Eid or the day of Eid before the Eid prayer.

” However, If one pays zakat al-Fitr before the eid salat, it is considered an accepted zakat, if he pays it after the Salat, it is considered an ordinary charity.”

Al-Yolawi encouraged all Muslims to take their wives and children to the eid prayer area, saying that Prophet Muhammad used to take his wives and daughters to the Eids ground. (NAN)

Buhari urges due judicial process on Ararume, NNPCL matter

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu

Buhari has assured that due judicial process will be applied in the matter between NNPCL and Senator Ifeanyi Ararume.

In a statement yesterday, the

President noted that NNPCL had already taken the right step

by going on appeal.

The statement issued by the Special Adviser to on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said the Buhari administration respects the rule of law, affirming thaf nothing would be done outsidw the judicial process to resolve the matter.

It read: “President Muhammadu Buhari has taken

due notice of judgment by the Federal High Court, Abuja, restoring Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as the non-executive Chairman of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

“While the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation /Minister for Justice is yet to receive a formal copy of

the ruling, the President affirms that due judicial process will be followed, and NNPCL has already taken steps to go on appeal.

“The Administration respects the Rule of Law, and nothing will be done outside it to resolve the matter, the President says. He sues for calm from all sides involved.”

Sultan urges Muslims to look out for moon of Shawwal today

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims in the country to look out for the crescent of the moon of Shawwal immediately after sunset on Thursday, 29

Ramadan which is April 20, 2023.

The Sultan gave the directive in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Administration, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu.

The Sultan, who is the President-

General of the NSCIA, gave the directive following the advice of the National Moon-Sighting Committee (NMSC).

He noted that if the crescent is sighted by Muslims in accordance with the moon-sighting and verification standards, the Sultan will

declare Friday, April 21, 2023, as the first day of Shawwal and the day of ‘Idul Fitr.

The NSCIA Director said if the crescent is not sighted that day, then Saturday, April 22, 2023, automatically becomes the day of ‘Idul Fitr.

Leadway successfully contains hacking attempt to breach network – Management

Leadway Assurance Limited said it detected a potential threat to its network and promptly deployed mitigation measures to contain the cyber attack.

This is contained in a statement signed by Ms Femi Olayinka, the Strategy and Innovations Manager, Modion

Communications for Leadway, in Lagos.

The firm noted that its preliminary investigation into the criminal intrusion indicates that the attack was successfully contained.

“We have initiated our business continuity plan to ensure that proprietary information and

data are secured.

“We would like to notify you that our essential operations have been restored and we are working tirelessly to ensure minimal disruptions to our operations,” it said.

Olayinka stressed that protecting customers’ data remained a top priority of the

insurance company, as it has done in the last five decades.

‘`During this period, all our customers are encouraged to ignore any unsolicited correspondence from any channel different from our officially designated channels of communication.

“In the meantime, while our

team is adhering to all regulatory requirements, we will continue to provide updates to all our stakeholders’’, she said.

Leadway Assurance Plc is one of Nigeria’s foremost insurance service companies committed to bridging the financial protection gap and increasing insurance penetration in the country. (NAN)

AMAC Chairman inaugurates 6-man steering committee on LEA

By Usman Shuaibu

The Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the FCT, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikanlangu, on Tuesday inaugurated a 6-man steering committee to assess the programmes, progress, prospects and challenges facing the Local

Education Authority (LEA) in the Area. The members of the committee are Henry Gambo Sakoma; Chairman, Dr. Aminu Sheriff Ibrahim Secretary, Mr Joshua Tukura; member, Iyaji David; member, Franca Ada Akpan; member and Hon. Obiora Arinze, member.

While speaking at the inauguration, Maikalangu,

charged the members of the committee to do everything possible within their powers to bring LEA Primary Schools to enviable level.

He asked the committee to visit all Primary Schools in the Council with a view to review and evaluate their educational standard as well as ascertain the healthy situation of the facilities.

He called for standard curriculum in Primary Schools across the Area Council to enhance learning of the pupils.

He then urged the committee to investigate all illegal primary schools in the area, as well as checkmate the activities of LEA staff in terms of corrupt practices and tasked them to fish out ghost workers.

Maikalangu gave the committee 30 days to submit their report, as he instructed the committee to advise the Council on the instructional materials needed at the LEA Primary Schools.

In his response, the Chairman of the committee, Henry Gambo Sakoma, said he would discharge his duties effectively.

NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed (right) presenting the death benefit cheque to Mr Oluwafemi John Aina on behalf of late Corps Member Juliana Oreoluwa Aina who lost her life in BRT bus/train accident that occured in Lagos last month during DG’s visit to the bereaved family , yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NYSC

Switch Magazine debuts with tell-all interview with policy makers

By Stanley Onyekwere

Switch Media and Freelance

Publications, publishers of Switch Magazine, are coming out soon with a series of interviews featuring key policy makers, ministers, governorselect and entrepreneurs.

The cover page is adorned with the Director-General National Agency for The Great Green Wall, (NAGGW), Dr. Yusuf MainaBukar, who marked his first year as DG, having been appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

An expert in Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Development, he spoke on Nigeria’s energy transition as a climate change strategy.

He gave insights into challenges faced, measures taken to overcome them, blueprints to restore the ecosystem for the benefits of humanity.

The magazine is focussed on youths-friendly topics, digital economy, environment including climate change, biodiversity and remediation of polluted environment.

First of its kind in the country. the latest edition of the magazine is hitting the streets this month, and will come with interviews with high-profile government officials, among them are, the Honorable Minister of Environment, Mohammed H. Abdullahi, Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA), Mal Kashim Inuwa, Dauda Lawal, Governor Elect of Zamfara State, Aisha Hashim CEO of Shakara Nourish Bowl, winner of CEO’s Network Africa Awards under Food and Catering among accomplished young Nigerians.

In a press statement issued by the Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Danladi Muktar who traced the history of the magazine to the quest for the robust involvement of Nigerian youths in governance, he noted that this has translated to the motto of the magazine as apart from dwelling on government policies, it strives to give the youths of the country a voice and outlet to ventilate their views.

FEC okays hundred billion naira road contracts weeks to end of Buhari’s tenure

By Egena Sunday Ode

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has approved several road contracts worth hundreds of billions of naira.

The contract awards were approved following memos presented by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola on Wednesday in Abuja.

It comes barely weeks to the expiration of the tenure of the current administration.

The contract awards also included an augmentation cost for the Ogun Shagamu road project.

Giving an insight into the projects, Babatunde Fashola said, “The Ministry of Works presented four memoranda, all of which were approved. The first was for the augmentation of an existing contract in Ogun - Shagamu road.

“The contractor has run out of quantities and needs augmentation to finish the road. I

Think out of about 32 kilometers they completed over 20 kilometers which have been open to traffic. So council approved N6.972 billion augmentation for them to complete the road. That was one”.

Explaining further, he said a memo on behalf of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FEMA), a statutory Corporation under the supervision of the Ministry of Works and Housing, sailed through Council concerning the rehabilitation of five roads and the construction of one road.

He listed the roads to include Orogun -Owerugbo and associated roads in Delta state in favor of Mrs. UYK in the sum of N2.99 billion.

Others are the rehabilitation of Gege to Garage Road in Yobe in favor of Mother Cat N12.926 billion then the rehabilitation of Geshua to Potiskum Road in Yobe in favor of Thinker Point N2.986 billion.

“The rehabilitation and construction of Onitsha-Aguleri to Adani road in Anambra in favor of Commerce Steel and

Construction N2.499 billion and the rehabilitation of GeshuwaYusufani road in Yobe in favor of Saha Continental Civil Engineering Limited at the sum of N1.99 billion and the rehabilitation of Oba-NnewiOkigwe road section one, Oba UG 35 kilometers in favor of messes Ferotex Construction in the sum of N2.499 billion. That was the second memorandum that was approved,” he noted.

On the third memorandum FEC approved, Fashola said it was concerning the augmentation of the Potiskum to Damaturu section four part of the Kano-Maiduguri highway which is about 600 kilometers.

“Shuware to Azare and Azare to Potiskum will be open to traffic. This section Potiskum to Damaturu is also almost completed. There’s just an augmentation of N2.577 billion to cover the escalation of cost in materials and to provide for lane markings.

“So that the road can be fully finally handed over. That was the

third contract that was approved. The fourth and final one is the approval for the construction and rehabilitation of 11 Federal roads totaling 737.242 kilometers in the sum of N1.535 trillion, under phase two of the NNPC tax credit scheme.

“You will recall that in January this year, I presented a memo that the council approved for NNPC to invest N4.9 trillion in a row in that N1.9 trillion. There were then about 44 roads that had been awarded they were under contract,” the Works and Housing Minister stated.

When asked why such contract awards when the lifespan of the administration was almost coming to an end, he made attempts to justify it, saying, “If the question is posed to Nigerians whether these projects should be left undone and transferred to the incoming administration, majority of the citizens would prefer it comes now because of the implications of job creation and stimulating the economy”.

Police arrest 9 for cattle rustling in Benue

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

At least 9 persons have been arrested for cattle rustling in Benue State.

The State Police Commissioner Wale Abass disclosed this in a statement signed by Police Public Relations’ Officer SP Catherine Anene.

She said on 10th April, 2023, at about 1700hrs, men of Operation

Zenda JTF on patrol in Guma Local Government Area, intercepted and arrested one Terwase Nyion aka Orjen and three (3) others while others fled from the scene.

According to her,investigation revealed that the syndicate usually conspire with criminal herders to rustle cattle, sell and share the proceeds.

“They usually go back to the same victims (herders) to deceive

them that their cattle were rustled by farmers so as to create crises and have more opportunity to loot from innocent persons.

“Items recovered from them include: one (1) locally made pistol loaded with one round of 9mm live ammunition and four cows. Suspects confessed to be a vicious syndicate made up of herders & farmers.

“On 16th April,2023 at about

1700hrs, information was received that some hoodlums had attacked herders grazing in Tarka Local Government area and made away with some cattle. Police detectives in the area immediately stormed their hideout and arrested the following persons; Terdoo Tyo, Meryima Dziegh, Jimeshio Dziegh, Tahar Dziegh and Mercy Iyio who was already preparing cow meat in the kitchen.

“The Commissioner of Police Benue State Command, CP. Wale Abass condemned this mischievous act that instigate crises in the area. He called all stakeholders to collaborate with the police to ensure that peace is maintained.”

The CP also called on herders and farmers to report cases to the Police for proper handling rather than take laws into their hands.

L-R: Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ekiti State University (EKSU) Alumni Association, Dr Wale Jegede; Secretary to Ekiti State Government/ EKSU alumnus, Dr (Mrs) Habibat Adubiaro; Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji; Gloabl President EKSU Alumni Association, Engr. Dipo Bamisaye; and a national officer, Chief Kemini Doubra; during a visit by the leadership of EKSU Alumni Association to the Governor in Ado- Ekiti, yesterday.

2023 Census: AMAC boss gets NPC’s Adhoc Committee Chairman

By Usman Shuaibu

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) National Population Commission (NPC) has appointed the executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu as the head of AMAC Census Adhoc publicity committee alongside 12 members.

Presenting his address at the inauguration of the committee members in AMAC recently, the Federal Commissioner representing the FCT at National Population Commission, Hon. Joseph Shazin Kwali, said the commission’s journey was geared towards the successful conduct of the 2023 census in order to generate evidence based demographic data for development planning.

According to Kwali, the overarching vision of the 2023 census is to produce not only accurate, reliable and acceptable census data but also an inclusive and user-friendly data that will be used by all segments of the society for development planning and critical programme interventions.

Continuing, he said “as part of this commitment the FCT office will deploy full digital technology in the conduct of the census and it will leave no residents of FCT and the international stone unturned in ensuring that the results of the census is acceptable to all best standards. This aspiration has informed the methodology and quality of advocacy, publicity and public enlightenment cannot over emphasized”.

Shazin said the leadership of the commission would give the necessary support to the committee so as to carry out a very significant national assignment in AMAC.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, said being the Chairman of the committee he would solicit support for the 2023 population and Housing census in the area.

Maikalangu, therefore, advised the members of the committee to work hand-in-hand with him in order to achieve the desired purposes.

Eid-il-Fitr: FG declares Friday, Monday public holidays

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Federal Government has declared Friday 21st and Monday 24th of April 2023, as Public holidays to mark this year’s EIdil-Fitr Celebration.

A statement issued yesterday by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Shuiab Belgore noted that the Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

While congratulating all Muslims for the successful completion of Ramadan, Aregbesola called on them to “imbibe and practise the virtues of kindness, love, tolerance, peace, self-denial, sacrifice and good neighbourliness, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

“The self-restraint, selfdenial, sacrifice and deep spiritual consciousness that accompanied the fasting period should not end

but be maintained and improved upon, in order to be a better person and true worshipper”, the minister advised.

Aregbesola assured that President Muhammadu Buhari is fully committed to a peaceful transition of government following successful elections.

He added that the government’s commitment to the provision of security for the life and property of every citizen and foreigner in the country remained

firm.

“He urges Nigerians to be part of the nation’s security architecture by being vigilant and reporting suspicious individuals and activities to law enforcement agencies nearest to them, noting that security is everybody’s responsibility. He admonishes Nigerians also to report suspicious activities and persons to the N-Alert application”, the statement added.

By Usman Shuaibu

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijani Aliyu, has reinstated the Village Head of Dukpa Community in Gwagwalada Area Council, Yunusa Gomna following the lingering Chieftaincy tussle in the community.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Mandate Secretary of the Area Councils Services Secretariat (ACSS), Ibrahim Abubaikar Dantsoho and made available to Peoples Daily

Director Directorates of Community Support

All Progressive Congress Presidential Campaign Cancel, Dr Mai Agogo (2ndL) Secretary Directorates of Support group APC Presidential Campaign Cancel and Convener Patriots in Defense of Democracy, Comr Tosin Adeyanju; (3rdL.) Chairman IICONIC Asiwaju Women of Substance, HRH Amb Amina And others during the presentation of Sallah Packages at the Pre-Margiration Hangout by Lover and Admirer of Asiwaju Under the aegis of Patriots in Defense of Democracy yesterday

FCT Minister re-instates Village Head of Dukpa Community

Correspondent on Tuesday.

“The re-instatement was based on the report of the committee on Dukpa Chieftaincy dispute submitted by Hon. Adamu Mustapha Danze, the then Executive Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council on the 16th September, 2021 and the report of the facts finding committee on Dukpa Chieftaincy dispute headed by the mandate secretary, Ibrahim Abubakar Dantshoho which also made its recommendations”, the statement said.

Also, in a Peace Accord between the two ruling houses at Dukpa which was signed by the heads of all security operatives in Gwagwalada Area Council on the 18th of April, 2023 pointed out that each of the contending houses had accepted the reinstatement of the Village Head of Dukpa community.

The Peace Accord warned that anybody who causes breach of peace in the community would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

In an interview with newsmen,

the reinstated village Head of Dukpa, His Royal Highness

Yunusa Gomna, thanked the FCT Minister of state as well as the Executive Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Abubakar Jibrin Giri for his reinstatement.

He said his leadership would take the people of Dukpa community along in the scheme of things, calling for the support and co-operation of everybody in the community.

He also said as the Village Head of Dukpa he would continue

to listen to the complains of his people as well proffer solution to them.

The Dukpa Village Head, however, pointed out that he would deem it necessary to cooperate with other traditional rulers in Gwagwalada for the overall development of the Area Council.

On his part, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Gwagwalada Chairman on Chieftaincy matters, Mr. Abdullahi Magaji expressed with joy as Dukpa Monarch was given his title back.

Kaduna CP orders DPO to raid black spots, tame criminals

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The acting Commissioner of Police, DCP Mamman B. Giwa has given marching orders to all Divisional Police Officers in the state, to go on the offensive towards

ensuring a crime free state. This was contained in a statement by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Muhammad Jalige and made available to media in Kaduna.

The acting CP directed that

all identified black spots across the 23 local government areas be adequately kept under 24 hours surveillance, while any suspicious character spotted be apprehended and investigated.

The acting CP at a meeting

with DPOs and other senior police officers of the command on Monday, April 17, also warned that there will be zero tolerance for criminal activities across the state, before, during and after the upcoming Edil Fitr Sallah

celebration.

DCP Mamman B. Giwa used the medium to assure all law abiding citizens in the state to go about their lawful businesses, as a heavy deployment of Police personnel has been made.

Summit: Germany, Nigeria promote low-carbon hydrogen energy for growth

The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria and the GermanNigerian Hydrogen Office have geared up efforts on promoting low-carbon hydrogen for economic growth and industrialisation.

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Annett Gunther, said this at the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2023).in Abuja.

The two offices hosted a dialogue titled “Low-Carbon Hydrogen: A Key Piece for a Just Transition”.

The offices are financed by the Federal Foreign Office and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

According to Gunther, the process is clearly moving from oil to gas, and from gas to hydrogen and other green and renewable energy sources.

Gunther said the Nigerian International “Petroleum Summit” was re-branded as “Energy Summit”, thus reflecting a crucial change in its outlook and in the increased attention it gave to nontraditional sources of energy.

In his remarks, the Country Director, GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr Markus Wagner, said that, “the nascent lowcarbon hydrogen economy and its associated industries held the promise of economic growth and industrialisation.

He emphasised its added-value creation, decent job generation, infrastructure development, and an increased access to secure affordable low-carbon energy.

“Yet, these socioeconomic benefits can only be reaped if we focus on long-term development instead of immediate returns. If we focus on how to make the Energy Transition a Just Transition,” he

said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Amb. Gabriel Aduda, in his keynote address, said Nigeria was keen on exploring the possibilities that the nascent hydrogen economy could create for its energy sector.

Aduda emphasised how lowcarbon hydrogen fitted into the theme of 2023 edition of the NIES (Global Perspectives for a Sustainable Energy Future), which was motivated by the foreseen changes in the fossil fuel segment as the world pursued the energy transition agenda.

Also speaking, the DirectorGeneral of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr Salisu Dahiru, expressed gratitude on the existing cooperation between Germany and Nigeria.

He expressed anticipation for further cooperation in the implementation of Nigeria’s

Energy transition: NMDPRA committed to sustainable gas utilisation – official

TheNigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), says it is committed to ensuring the sustainable growth of natural gas exploitation and utilisation in Nigeria. Its Chief Executive, Mr Farouk Ahmed, said on Tuesday in Lagos that it became important that companies and homes key into gas utilisation as alternative fossil fuel. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ahmed gave the advice at a oneday stakeholders engagement on “Gas Utilisation in Nigeria”.

Ahmed, who was represented by Mr Ogbugo Ukoha, the Executive Director, Distribution, System, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure of NMDPRA, enjoined Nigerians to massively adopt the usage of gas as against diesel and petrol for their daily energy needs. He said that this would reduce the nation’s carbon footprint, tackle global warming as well as climate change. He added: “It will also help to reposition the economy for sustainable growth and accelerate job creation since gas is believed to be the future of the nation’s economy.”

Ahmed said that the essence of the engagement was to encourage large consumers of petroleum products to become aware of the comparative advantages between the different fuels, particularly gas, which he added had been designated as Nigeria’s transition fuel. He explained that to promote gas usage and investment, the Federal Government had various initiatives and policy frameworks which included National Gas Expansion Programme and the Decade of Gas Programme.

He observed that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)2021 had also enabled investments in the industry. Ahmed expressed gladness that the government effort was yielding significant results, but added that more collaborations were needed to improve domestic gas utilisation. The NMDPRA boss reiterated that Nigeria was blessed with abundant gas reserve, enough to last the nation for the next 90 years. According to him, effective gas utilisation will make the nation become richer and the environment safer because it is much cleaner than other petroleum derivatives.

He said another great benefit of gas utilisation was the tendency to reduce the cost of doing business by 40 per cent. Ahmed called on heavy consumers of energy to convert their diesel generators to gas

engines, saying that it was cost effective”.

He also advised consumers on the need to be properly licensed because of numerous benefits attached. These, he noted, include ensuring safety of facilities and regular supplies of the product from the authority. Delivering a keynote address, Mr Ogbugo Ukoha, the Executive Director, Distribution, System, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure of NMDPRA, said that many institutions were ‘heaviest consumers’ of diesel and been identified as operating outside the regulatory oversight, which is not in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Ukoha, who was represented by Mr Ayo Cardoso, Coordinator, South West of NMDPRA, said the engagement was an enlightenment on the need to urgently obtain the requisite petroleum storage. Ukoha said the exercise was to take advantage of the evolving opportunities in the gas value chain for sustainable business growth.

He said the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was designed to enable Nigeria to derive more value from its natural gas. According to him, Nigeria is embarking on different initiatives, projects and policies to enhance the performance of the oil and gas sector. He listed some of the gas initiatives Nigeria is currently embarking upon to include the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP). He said NGEP was designed to provide framework and policy support to extend gas supply and utilisation in power generation, gas-based industries and in emerging niche gas sectors. “Such sectors are gas in transportation, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for cooking and remote virtual gas supply using trucks to convey LNG and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to industries,”he said. He noted that natural gas was projected to be the leading fossil fuel and well-positioned as a sustainable fuel for an effective energy transition. NAN also reports that some of the participants called on the authorities to assist in making the process of licensing seamless for them. They called on the government to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder the process or reduce the cost of registration. Mr Oladipo Olatunbosun, National President, Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), said that unaffordability of LPG posed serous challenge to the common man. Olatunbosun urged the authority review the pricing of cooking gas to attract more utilisation and penetration.

Energy Transition Plan, especially on the topic of low-carbon hydrogen.

Dr Chinnan Dikwal, Executive Vice President, African Energy Council also made a presentation on the opportunities and challenges to make low-carbon hydrogen a reality for Nigeria.

Dikwal said that Nigeria was well positioned to produce lowcarbon hydrogen for domestic use and export into Europe and Asia.

He further gave recommendations to help develop a robust hydrogen value chain in Nigeria, such as creating a H2 accelerator programme for startups and projects, co-locating H2 production and consumption in hydrogen valleys.

He included launching a hydrogen-centric regulatory regime to instill confidence for both producers and consumers of hydrogen.

The presentation was followed by a panel discussion, which served as a platform for Nigerian voices from oil and gas, renewable energies, public sector, academia, and NGOs to speak about their visions of a Just Transition.

Ms Gina Lagunes, Head of the German Nigerian Hydrogen office, in a remark said Nigeria, as a traditional fossil fuel exporting country with existing oil and gas infrastructure and knowhow, could use this trend as a momentum to transition towards sustainable energy.

Lagunes further reiterated the Hydrogen Office’s commitment towards providing advisory for the creation of an enabling framework for low-carbon hydrogen, developing capacity in public and private sector, civil society, as well as offering support to private sector and specific projects. (NAN)

www.cbn.gov.ng

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA ON BEHALF OF DMO OFFERS NIGERIAN TREASURY BILLS TENDER NOTICE

Notice is hereby given by the Central Bank of Nigeria on behalf of DMO that the Federal Government of Nigeria Treasury Bills of 91, 182 and 364-day tenors amounting to ₦1,737,750,000; ₦10,116,400,000 and ₦119,606,141,000 respectively would be issued by Dutch auction on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

All Money Market Dealers should submit bids through the CBN S4 WEB INTERFACE between 8.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023.

Each bid must be in multiple of N1,000 subject to a minimum of ₦50,001,000. Authorized Money Market Dealers can submit multiple bids. A bid may be for authorized Money Market Dealers own account, non–Money Market Dealers or interested members of the public. The result of the auction would be announced on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. The Bank reserves the right to reject any bid.

Allotment letters would be issued for successful bids on Thursday, April 27, 2023, while payment for the successful bids should be made to your account with Central Bank of Nigeria not later than 11.00 a.m. on Thursday April 27, 2023.

The Bank reserves the right to vary the amount on offer in line with market realities prevailing as at the period of auction of the Nigerian Treasury Bills.

Curator urges Nigerians to cherish, patronise historical sites

The Enugu Curator of the National Museum of Unity, Mr Aloysius Duru, has urged Nigerians to cherish and patronise historical sites and monuments across the country.

Duru made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, on the significance of the World Day for Monuments and Sites.

NAN reports that the World Monuments and Sites Day is celebrated every April 18, to highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage, historical sites and monuments globally.

The day celebrates the unique and diverse cultural heritages across the world and encourages people to appreciate and safeguard it for future generations.

Duru said there was need for Nigerians to cherish and patronise the nation’s unique monuments and sites like buildings, caves and other tourist sites.

“As we celebrate World Monuments Day, I want people to bring out those unique monuments and sites in their places for the world to see.

“You could make economic gain from it as people come from different countries to see them and spend money on them,” he said.

The curator expressed concern that the only national monument in Enugu State, the Odo Okoro Palace in Ukehe, has been abandoned and neglected.

“The museum was declared national monument in 1965,” he said, adding that two other sites in the state are on the list waiting to be declared national monuments.

“They are the Colliery and Eastern House of Assembly and by the time we patronise these places, we are appreciating the efforts and ingenuity in building and maintaining them.

“We have different tourist sites in Enugu state such as Ezeagu Tourist Centre that could be developed and harnessed,” he added.

The curator, however, said that the Enugu State Government was not doing enough in preserving, protecting and revamping its numerous tourist sites and monuments.

“Some states celebrate one festival while others try to preserve their cultural heritages while here we allow them to die.

“They should embrace these things and develop them to generate revenue,” he said.(NAN)

NSCDC boss summons Adamawa state commandant

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Given the controversy surrounding the just concluded Adamawa State governorship rerun election where the Corps was alleged of complicity along with other security agencies, the Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has summoned the State Commandant, Muhammad Bello, to the Corps’ National Headquarters, Abuja.

The Corps helmsman directed the State Commandant to immediately

hand over affairs of the Command to his immediate subordinate to allow him time to provide the management of the Corps with an explanation on the role he played in the exercise.

NSCDC in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokes person Olusola Odumosu said Dr Audi emphasised that NSCDC is a nonpartisan, non-political organisation that will not tolerate the involvement of personnel or any of its formation in political controversies as widely alleged.

“I have summoned the State Commandant to National Headquarters to face the

management team and explain himself in clear terms.

“We are reknown for our integrity, neutrality and non partisanship in election matters, that is why we will not take the case of Adamawa lightly.

“I have ordered him to hand over the Command to his immediate deputy because his role in the rerun election is currently being investigated and if he is found culpable, then he will have himself to blame,” CG said.

Recall that the declaration of Aisha Binani Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the governorship

election in Adamawa by the Resident Wlectoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Commission (INEC), when the results from the remaining LGAs had not been announced sparked widespread anger which elicited the purported allegation against the Corps.

The CG assured that the situation will be accorded the much deserved action and anyone found to be involved in any form of compromise during governorship rerun election in the state will not be spared but would be dealt with to serve as a deterrent to others.

L-R: Chairman, Agrotek Value Chains Agent (Agrptekvca Ltd), MPaul N. Eluhaiwe, Director General, Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN), Mr. Andy Ekwelem and Director, Prime Waves Limited, Engr. Ilyasu Nazifi, during the press conference on strategies for deepening and strengthening the Nigeria Rice Subsector towards a more sustainable and impactful development, yesterday in Abuja.

Sickle Cell: Government tasked to sensitize citizens

in Kaduna yesterday.

country.

The Founder of Sickle Cell Patients Health Promotion Centerville (SCPHPC) Kaduna Hajiya Badiya Magaji Inuwa has called on the federal and state governments to rise to the challenge of ensuring proper sensitization about sickle cell disease among Nigerians. She asserted this while speaking to our Correspondent

According to her, Sickle cell anaemia is a terminal disease so should be accorded the same importance like Malaria and HIV/AIDS.

She expressed dismay that the government at all levels are not given the required attentions.

Hajiya Badiya stressed the need for government to make Nigerians go for their genotype tests before marriage, as a way of reducing the disease in the

She noted that those suffering from sickle cell disease needs to be shown love and care as a way of encouraging them to fight the disease.

Hajiya Badiya also called for support for parents and relatives of those living with sickle cell disease, stressing that majority of them pass through great challenges while taking care of their family suffering from the disease.

She explained that SCPHPC

has gone into collaboration with those living with sickle cell to create more awareness of what those living with the disease pass through and the need for all to come together to support and help them where necessary. She urged the National Assembly to have a legislative law that would give special attention to sickle cell patients and provide affordable treatment for them, saying many were facing stigmatization in society.

Group sensitises civil society, humanitarian workers on mental health

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

GoodDeeds, a global movement of people dedicated to doing good has sensitised civil society organisations and humanitarian workers on mental health and self-care while providing humanitarian services.

The Focal Person of the group in Kaduna State, Mrs Itama Okhuelegbe, said at the event in Kaduna, that the exercise was to also appreciate civil society and humanitarian workers for their selfless service to humanity.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Thinkers Children Foundation, as part of activities to mark the 2023 Good Deeds Day.

Okhuelegbe explained that the Good Deeds Day sought to promote people giving back to their community, thereby promoting harmonious relationships among

people.

She said that since 2007, Good Deeds Day had been uniting people from around the world with the aim of spurring them to help others and do good for their communities.

“The act of charity and good deeds towards people in need, or communities in despair, is never forgotten by their recipients.

“Today, we are celebrating civil society organisations, individuals and groups rendering humanitarian services first responders to people in need, putting smiles on people’s faces and keeping families together.

“We want to thank groups and individuals that have been rendered selfless help to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, marginalised, neglected, and exploited groups.

“We want more people to become ambassadors of doing good things to those in need in whatever way they can – feeding the hungry,

providing shelter to the homeless, and clothing the poor, among other good deeds,” she said.

While acknowledging the good deeds of humanitarian service providers, Okhuelegbe, however, stressed the need for humanitarian and development workers to also care for themselves to avoid mental breakdown.

On his part, Mr Peter Ebeh, Senior Psychologist with Neem Foundation, Kaduna Office, described mental health as emotional, psychological and social wellbeing of people.

According to him, mental health affects how people think, feel, and behave.

“It particularly determines how people handle stress, anxiety, depression, and insecurity; how they relate to others and the kind of choices they make”, he said.

He pointed out that with too much demand on the humanitarian

workers, they could encounter stress, which in the long run, would affect their mental health.

“People need to know that in the attempt to do good and extend a helping hand without taking care of themselves, they may end up in a dysfunctional mental state.

“There is, therefore, the need for people to balance their work with self-care, to be able to function normally and maintain stable mental health,” he said.

One of the participants, Mr Sunday Awulu, Secretary, Kaduna State Branch, Nigerian Red Cross, acknowledged the absence of a balance between humanitarian work in the field and the workers’ self-care.

Awulu identified psychological stress due to pressure to meet set targets as one of the major causes of mental breakdown among humanitarian workers.

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Adamawa Governorship Poll: Reps minority congratulates Governor Fintiri

By Christiana Ekpa

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has congratulated the Governor of Adamawa State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri on his widely celebrated victory at the just concluded Adamawa State Governorship election.

The Caucus also congratulates and salutes the people of Adamawa State for their resilience in standing with Governor Fintiri and resisting desperate anti-democratic forces that sought to manipulate the electoral process, suppress the Will of the people and impose an illegitimate government on the State.

The Leader of the Caucus, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu who disclosed in a statement he issued in Abuja said

“the re-election of Governor Fintiri

DELTA STATE POLYTECHNIC, OTEFE OGHARA INVITATION TO TENDER AND REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR YEAR 2022 TETFUND INTERVENTION PROJECTS

marks the triumph of the Will of the people of Adamawa State in the exercise of their democratic right to choose their preferred leader in an election.

“From the results of the main election and the supplementary poll, it was clear that Governor Fintiri remains the clear choice of the people. His ultimate victory further proves that no matter how much falsehood, tyranny and manipulations appear to thrive, the truth will always prevail at the end of the day.

“The Minority Caucus again congratulates Governor Fintiri and urges him to remain focused and continue in his excellent delivery of service, particularly his massive legacy infrastructural development projects and empowerment of citizens for which the people of Adamawa State overwhelmingly re-elected him as Governor,” he said.

NAN expands operation as ANSA signs partnership agreement

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) says it is expanding its operation in news exchange as the agency signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoS) with Italian news agency, Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA), in Abuja.

ANSA, the leading news agency in Italy, is a not-for-profit cooperative, founded in 1945 whose members and owners are 36 leading news organisations in the European country. Its mission is the distribution of fair and objective news reports.

The Managing-Director of NAN, Mr Buki Ponle, signed the agreement for NAN while the Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr Stefano De Leo, signed on behalf of ANSA at the NAN headquarters.

The signing of the agreement was witnessed virtually by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ANSA, Mr Stefano De Alessandri, and the Nigerian Ambassador to Italy, Mr Mfawa Abam.

Also, at the signing ceremony, De Alessandri said that ANSA is a private news agency 100 per cent private, adding that they specifically are a cooperative of 26 publishers of newspapers, magazines and the most important national and regional newspapers.

He added that ANSA has more than 500 employees, two third of them are journalists, also with correspondents in more than 50 countries around the world.

“We do not publish only in Italian language, our websites publishes news in English, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese and German.

“We are at the same time a traditional news agency providing news wire, photo and videos services on a bit to bit, we are trusted and respected in Italy.

“Currently, we have agreements with more than 70 international partners all across Europe, South America, Asia and Africa,” he said.

According to him, the objective of this agreement is the exchange of our respective news wires with the possibility to use up to 50 news items per day of the partner agency for editorial production.

“I am very please to be here today to sign this agreement with NAN, which is the first country by population in Africa and one of the most important in the continent.

“Starting from 2022 we are renewing our collaboration agreements with international news agencies and we also open new partnership,” he said.

The CEO added that the agreement would enable both agencies to exchange videos, saying this partnership will allow us to improve our coverage of event in Nigeria.

“Thus, improve our information offer for the large Nigerian community living in Italy with more than 120 thousand citizens in 2022, and is one of the largest foreign population we have in Italy.

“Also, it will allow our colleague and partner NAN to offer more news on Italy in Nigeria, hopefully bringing our countries even

closer and enlarging the cooperation between our two countries.

“Moreover, by way of this agreement we will be able to provide access to our news feed to our respective Embassies, meaning that we will give our news feed to the Nigerian Embassy in Rome and NAN will do the same with our embassy in Nigeria.

Responding, Ponle said that the agreement was a step in the right direction as it would unveil great possibilities of news exchange between both agencies.

The managing director described NAN as the country’s largest content provider and national purveyor of information, with 36 state offices and 26 district offices.

Ponle added that NAN has Nigeria as its focus and Africa as the centerpiece of its reportage.

“Today’s signing of news exchange agreement with ANSA marks another defining phase in our continued engagements with like minded institutions.

“It is my hope and belief that this landmark event will signal the beginning of a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship.

“To leverage on its octopoidal reach, NAN also has news exchange partnerships with leading international wire agencies such as Rueters of United Kingdom, Deutsch PresseAgentur of Germany, Xinhua of China and Sputnik of Russia.

“Other are Yonhap (South Korea), Asian News International (India), Anadolu (Turkey) and Bulgaria News Agency (Bulgaria).

“This is just a chip of the global experiences we are bringing into the partnership agreement with ANSA, aimed at fostering a new and positive order in global reportage,” he said.

Also speaking, Mbam said that the signing agreement demonstrates the importance of what Nigeria and Italy attached to their existing relations and commitment in strengthening it.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria welcome’s this development and the close collaboration which will enhance the quality of news delivery and lead to further initiatives that will add value to the development of both agencies in years to come.

“Therefore, I will like to assure the readiness of the Nigerian Embassy in Italy to provide all necessary support for the successful implementation of this agreement,” he said.

The Italian ambassador said that the agreement would strengthen the already existing relationship between Nigeria and Italy.

He added that the exchange of information and knowledge was key with Nigeria as the giant of Africa.

“Today is an important day because as the African saying goes thus, “that if you want to go far go alone.

“But if you want to go distance and far you have to go together, and having ANSA and NAN working together is the right step in the right direction,” he said. (NAN)

1. INTRODUCTION. The Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe Oghara pursuant to its mandate, and in compliance with the requirements of the Public Procurement Act 2007 and other extant government regulations wishes to invite interested, competent/qualified and experience Contractors/Supplier with relevant experiences and good track records who may wish to be pre-qualified for the procurement of Text books and office equipment under the YEAR 2022

TETFUND LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT INTERVENTION and ii ICT SUPPORT INTERVENTION as stated below;

2. SCOPE OF SUPPLY/SERVICE

CATEGORY A: SUPPLIES

Lot 1: Library intervention

1A: Various Assorted Textbooks 2022

1B: Office Equipment

CATEGORY B: SERVICES

Lot 2: ICT- E-Learning Applications & E-Learning

3. ELEGIBILTY REQUIREMENTS

Prospective bidders should submit the following documents:

a. Evidence of Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) including Form CAC1.1 or CAC2 and CAC7. Business Name with Form BN1 is also acceptable for Services;

b. Evidence of Company’s Income Tax Clearance Certificate (or Personal Income Tax Clearance Certificates of all the Partners in case of Business Name) for the last three (3) years valid till 31st December, 2023;

c. Evidence of Pension Clearance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2023 (this requirement is only applicable to bidders whose number of staff is 15 and above);

d. Evidence of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2023 (this requirement is only applicable to bidders whose number of staff is 5 and above or the bidder’s annual turnover is N50m and above);

e. Evidence of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Clearance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2023;

f. Evidence of Registration on the National Database of Federal Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers by submission of Interim Registration Report (IRR) expiring on 31st December, 2023 or valid Certificate issued by BPP.

g. Sworn Affidavit:

- disclosing whether or not any officer of the relevant committees of the Delta State Polytechnic, OtefeOghara or the Bureau of Public Procurement is a former or present Director, shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in the bidder and to confirm that all information presented in its bid are true and correct in all particulars;

- that no Director has been convicted in any Country for any criminal offence relating to fraud or financial impropriety or criminal misrepresentation or falsification of facts relating to any matter;

- that the Company is not in receivership, the subject of any form of insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings or the subject of any form of winding up petition or proceedings;

- that the company does not have existing loan or financial liability with a bank, other financial institution or third party that is classified as doubtful, nonperformance, bad or whose repayment portion has been outstanding for the last four (4) months;

h. Company’s Audited Accounts for the last three (3) years - 2020, 2021 & 2022;

i. Reference Letter from a reputable commercial bank in Nigeria, indicating willingness to provide credit facility for the execution of the project when needed;

j. Company’s Profile with the Curriculum Vitae of Key Staff to be deployed for the project, including copies of their Academic/Professional qualifications such as COREN, QSRBN, ARCON, CORBON etc.;

k. Verifiable documentary evidence of at least three (3) similar jobs executed in the last five (5) years including Letters of Awards, Valuation Certificates, Job Completion Certificates and Photographs of the projects;

l. Works: List of Plants/Equipment with proof of Ownership/Lease Agreement;

m. Lot 1A: Evidence of current membership of Publishers or Booksellers Association of Nigeria;

n. Lot 1B: Letter of Authorisation as representatives of the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs);

o. Lot 2: Evidence of Firm’s current registration/accreditation with Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA);

p. For Joint Venture/Partnership, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) should be provided indicating among others the Lead Partner (CAC, Tax Clearance Certificate, Pension Clearance Certificate, ITF Compliance Certificate, NSITF Clearance Certificate, IRR & Sworn Affidavit are compulsory for each JV partner);

q. All documents for submission must be transmitted with a Covering/Forwarding letter under the Company/ Firm’s Letter Head Paper bearing amongst others, the Registration Number (RC) as issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Contact Address, Telephone Number (preferably GSM No.), and e-mail address. The Letterhead Paper must bear the Names and Nationalities of the Directors of the Company at the bottom of the page, duly signed by the authorised officer of the firm.

4.0 COLLECTION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS (GOODS)

Interested firms are to collect the Standard Bidding Documents from the Procurement Unit, Office of the Registrar, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe Oghara upon payment of a non-refundable tender fee of N10,000.00 (Ten Thousand Naira) through Remita in any Commercial Bank of their choice. Evidence of such payment is to be presented at the cash office, Bursary Department for official receipt which is to be presented at the point of collection of the SBD(s) between 10:00am – 4pm, Mondays – Fridays, please.

5.0 SUBMISSION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS (GOODS)

Prospective bidders are to submit two (2) hard copies of the Technical and Financial Bids (original and photocopy) packaged separately in sealed envelopes and clearly marked “Tender”. Thereafter, put the two sealed envelopes and addressed to: The Rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe Oghara P.M.B 03, Otefe-Oghara, Delta State and clearly marked with the name of the project and lot number. Each of the envelopes must have the full address of the bidder at the reverse side of the envelope where the lot number and project were written. Furthermore, the sealed and properly addressed envelope shall be dropped in the designated Tender Box situated in the Office of the Registrar not later than 12:00pm on Wednesday, 3rd May, 2023. Kindly remember to sign the Bid Submission Register at the point of submission as the Polytechnic will not be liable for wrongly submitted Bids.

6.0 SUBMISSION OF EOI (SERVICES)

Interested Firms in Services are to submit the Expression of Interest (EOI) for each of the Lot desired, in three (3) hard copies each (one original & two copies). The EOI should be addressed as indicated above and submitted not later than 12:00pm on Wednesday, 3rd May, 2023.

7.0 OPENING OF EOI AND TECHNICAL BIDS

The EOI and technical bids shall be opened immediately after the deadline for submission at 12.00pm on Wednesday, 3rd May, 2023, at the Conference Hall Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara in the presence of the bidders or their representatives; while, the financial bids will be kept un-opened please. Bidders or their Company’s representative, CSOs, Private Professional Organisations and the general public are hereby invited to witness the EOI/Technical opening,

8.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

i. Bids must be in English language and signed by an official authorised by the bidder;

ii. Bids submitted after the deadline for submission would be returned un-opened;

iii. All cost will be borne by the bidders;

iv. The Technical Bids will be opened in the presence of Bidders or their representatives, CSOs in the areas of Anti-Corruption and Transparency and Private Professional bodies; and will be covered by video recording; invitation link will be sent to bidder who chooses to join the bid opening online;

v. Goods: Only pre-qualified bidders at technical evaluation will be invited at a later date for financial bids opening, while the financial bids of un-successful bidders will be returned un-opened;

vi. Services: Only shortlisted Consultants at EOI’s evaluation will be invited at a later date for collection of Request for Proposals;

vii. The Polytechnic reserves the right to verify the authenticity of any claims made on documents submitted and shall disqualify any company whose claims are found to be false in addition to other sanctions that may be deemed necessary

viii. The Polytechnic is not bound to pre-qualify/shortlist any bidder and reserves the right to annul the Procurement process at any time without incurring any liabilities in accordance with Section 28 of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

Signed: Efedi, Chukwuemeke Registrar Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

NIGER STATE RURAL ACCESS AND AGRICULTURAL MARKETING PROJECT DISCLOSURE:

BID NO: NG- RAAMP-330849-CW-RFB

PUBLICATION OF AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR SMALL WORKS

BACKLOG MAINTENANCE OF 124KM RURAL ROADS IN NIGER STATE

INFORMATION NOTICE

Publication date: 20th April, 2023

Country: Nigeria

Executing Agency: Niger State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Name of Project: NIGER STATE RURAL ACCESS AND AGRICULTURAL MARKETING PROJECT

Loan No. IDA 6519-NG

Name of Tender: Backlog Maintenance of 124km Rural Roads In Niger State

Procurement Mode: National Competitive Bidding

Domestic Preference (Yes or No): No

Regional Preference (Yes or No): No

Borrower’s Tender Number: NG- RAAMP-330849CW-RFB

Date of Receipt by the Bank of the draft Tender Document:

NA

Date of Approval by the Bank of the Tender Document:

NA

Tender Issuing date: 8th February, 2023

Closing date of the Tender: 21st March, 2023

Date of Tender Opening: 21st March, 2023

Date of receipt by the Bank of the Tender evaluation report: NA

Date of approval by the Bank of the Tender evaluation: NA

Lot 1

Name of Winning Bidder: Road And Bridge International Nigeria Ltd

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: KM 18 Tamburawa, Zaria Road, Kano

Contract Award Price: NGN2,047,685,057.00

Contract Start date: May, 2023

Contract Duration: 18 Months

Summary of scope of Contract Awarded:

Backlog Maintenance of: Backlog Maintenance of 47.43km Rural Roads in Niger State.

Total number of Bidders: 6

For each Bidder:

Name of Bidder: GERAWA GLOBAL ENGINEERING LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: KM 44/48, TOKARAWA INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, KANO.

Bid Price as Read out: NGN2,081,086,700.81

Evaluated Price: NGN2,081,086,700.81

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: Not the lowest evaluated bid.

Name of Bidder: ROCKSEED INTERNATIONAL COMPANY LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: Dangote Industries Free Zone, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.

Bid Price as Read out: NGN3,196,957,843.91

Evaluated Price: NGN3,196,957,843.91

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: Not the lowest evaluated bid.

Name of Bidder:: DE-PACIFIC INVESTMENT LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: W/M 2135 Herbert Macaulay Way, Wuse Zone5, Abuja.

Bid Price as Read out: NGN1,853,184,596.13

Evaluated Price: NGN2,373,183,215.52

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: Not the lowest evaluated bid.

Name of Bidder:: ELA ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION NIGERIA LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: Plot 260, Block D, Flat1, Adamu Ciroma Crescent, Off Ukiwe Street, Jabi, Abuja . Bid Price as Read out: NGN5,131,532,908.77

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: Letter of Bid not in conformity with the format and wordings as contained in section IV of the Bid forms. The Bidder did not also provide power of attorney

Name of Bidder:: TEAM WORK CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING SERVICES LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: Kagoro, Abuja

Bid Price as Read out: NGN2,311,999,963.331

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

i. Reason for Rejection: Letter of Bid submitted by the Bidder is not in conformity with the format and wordings as contained in section IV of the Bidding forms.

ii. The Bidder submitted scanned copy of Bid Security.

iii. Bidder did not also provide power of attorney

LOT2

Name of Winning Bidder: KHARPHY ENGINEERING

LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: Plot 976 Cadastral Zone, B6 Mabushi District, Abuja

Contract Award Price: NGN919,500,000.00

Contract Start date: May, 2023

Contract Duration: 18 Months

Summary of scope of Contract Awarded: Backlog Maintenance of 24km of Rural Roads in Niger State

Total number of Bidders :7

For each Bidder:

Name of Bidder: H&M NIGERIA LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: Plot 58, Zaria Road, Kano. Bid Price as Read out: 1,456,698,718.13

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: Bidder submitted scanned copy of bid security as against ITB 19.1 of the bidding Document

Name of Bidder: GERAWA GLOBAL ENGINEERING LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: KM 44/48, TOKARAWA INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, KANO

Bid Price as Read out: NGN1,021,746,701.06

Evaluated Price: NGN1,021,746,701.06

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: Not the lowest evaluated bid.

Name of Bidder: STONEGATE ENGINEERING AND QUARIES

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: No.17, Afe I.O Street (C Close),FHA Estate, Phase1, Kado, Abuja.

Bid Price as Read out: NGN2,785,639,686.90

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: Letter of Bid submitted by the Bidder is not in conformity with the format and wordings as contained in section IV of the Bidding forms

Name of Bidder: SWALEYS NIGERIA LTD.

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: Suit GF11, AGA Memorial Complex,16, Nwekere Street By Stanbic IBTC Bank, Area11, Garki, Abuja.

Bid Price as Read out: NGN813,116,057.25

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: -Incomplete Bid; Bidder Did Not Provide Rate Nor Amount For Some Items Stated In The BEME.

Name of Bidder: TOYIN INVESTMENT LTD.

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: Plot 459, Off Sani Abacha Road, Mararaba, Abuja

Bid Price as Read out: NGN827,805,384.00

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: - The bidder did not submit bid security as against the requirement of ITB19.1 of the bidding document

LOT3

Name of Winning Bidder: RAYCON &CO LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: 73, OGUNU ROAD, WARRI, DELTA STATE Contract Award Price: NGN596,739,727.74

Contract Start date: May, 2023

Contract Duration: 18 Months

Summary of scope of Contract Awarded: Backlog Maintenance of 9. 80km of Rural Roads in Niger State

Total number of Bidders : 4

For each Bidder:

Name of Bidder: ELA ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION NIGERIA LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: Plot 260, Adamu Ciroma Crescent, Jabi, Abuja.

Bid Price as Read out: NGN1,707,856,608.09

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: Letter of Bid submitted by the Bidder is not in conformity with the format and wordings as contained in section IV of the Bidding forms

Name of Bidder: GRACELAND GLOBAL LEGENDS LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: No.2 Ushongo Close, High Level , Makurdi, Benue State.

Bid Price as Read out: NGN461,564,111.09

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: - The bidder did not submit bid security as against the requirement of ITB19.1 of the bidding document

Name of Bidder: UPPER LEVEL LIMITED

Nationality: Nigeria

CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

NIGER STATE RURAL ACCESS AND AGRICULTURAL MARKETING PROJECT DISCLOSURE:

BID NO: NG- RAAMP-330849-CW-RFB

CONTINUES

Address: No. 9A Shagari Quarters, Barikin Saleh, Minna.

Bid Price as Read out: NGN585,593,576.61

Evaluated Price: NGN585,766,275.36

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: Bidder lacks the minimum qualification requirement of the bidding document

LOT4

Name of Winning Bidder: GERAWA GLOBAL

ENGINEERING LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: No. 44/48 Tokarawa Industrial Estate, Kano

Contract Award Price: NGN1,987,166,181.00

Contract Start date: May, 2023

Contract Duration: 18 Months

Summary of scope of Contract Awarded: Backlog

Maintenance of 42km Rural Roads in Niger State

Total number of Bidders : 9

For each Bidder:

Name of Bidder: PHILKO LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: 17-18 Sani Mashal Road, Kano.

Bid Price as Read out: NGN2,246,763,816.27

Evaluated Price: NGN2,258,915,957.62

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: Not the lowest evaluated bid

Name of Bidder: ROCKSEED INTEGRATED COMPANY

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: Dangote Industries Free Zone, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.

Bid Price as Read out: NGN3,431,954,272.69

Evaluated Price: NGN3,411,993,624.74

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: Not the lowest evaluated bid

Name of Bidder: H&M NIGERIA LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: Plot 58, Zaria Road, Kano.

Bid Price as Read out: NGN3,000,058,340.26

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: Bidder submitted scanned copy of bid security as against ITB 19.1 of the bidding

Document

Name of Bidder: STONEGATE ENGINEERING & QUARIES

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: No.17, Afe I.O Street (C Close),FHA Estate, Phase1, Kado, Abuja.

Bid Price as Read out: NGN5,585,271,042.75

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: Letter of Bid submitted by the Bidder is not in conformity with the format and wordings as contained in section IV of the Bidding forms

Name of Bidder: ROAD AND BRIDGE INTERNATIONAL NIGERIA LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: KM 18 Tamburawa, Zaria Road, Kano. Bid Price as Read out: NGN2,698,256,275.31

Evaluated Price: NGN2,792,281,150.31

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: Not the lowest evaluated bid

Name of Bidder: DE-PACIFIC INVESTMENT LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: W/M 2135 Herbert Macaulay Way, Wuse Zone5, Abuja.

Bid Price as Read out: NGN1,811,201,844.37

Evaluated Price: NGN2,118,031,429.36

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: Not the lowest evaluated bid

Name of Bidder: RASWAS NIGERIA INVESTMENT LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: Suit A21, Ibro Hotel Complex, Wuse, Abuja. Bid Price as Read out: NGN1,660,247,390.81

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: The bidder did not submit bid security as against the requirement of ITB19.1 of the bidding document

Name of Bidder: TUNDIS NIGERIA LTD

Nationality: Nigeria

Address: Suit14, God’s Own Plaza, Opp Kia Motors, Behind Assemblies of God Church, Area11, Garki, Abuja.

Bid Price as Read out: NGN2,353,265,914.73

Evaluated Price: NGN2,239,767,619.00

Bid Accepted/Rejected: Rejected

Reason for Rejection: Not the lowest evaluated bid

Any bidder who wishes to ascertain the grounds on which its bid was not selected, should request an explanation from the Project Coordinator, Niger State Rural Access And Agricultural Marketing Project, Gidan Aliyu Ndanusa, Bosso Road, Minna, Niger State within 10 days (Stand Still Period) of this publication. In any event, the Bank reserves the right to review any complaint of a bidder at any time following the award.

Forty years without Aminu Kano

By Amir Abdulazeez

It is unfortunate that many that lived with him did not inherit his modesty, honesty and simplicity. Many of the influential people who remember him today only do so hypocritically. They were never sincere about promoting his virtues.

I became familiar with politics before the age of ten. One of the contributing factors was having family members who contested for elective positions during the botched 3rd republic in the early 1990s. I was close to people contesting positions as low as councillorship and as high as president. Whenever they are having discussions, there was one name that comes up frequently and that name was Malam Aminu Kano. At that time, his death was not even 10 years old.

I knew close to nothing about this frequently discussed man then, but I grew up striving to understand more about him. One thing I noticed is that politicians from all affiliations adore him, pray for him and then treat him like a prophet. Whenever, he is mentioned, people get filled with nostalgia. There is virtually no politician in Kano and by extension the greater part of Northern Nigeria who doesn’t want to be associated with the Aminu Kano brand.

From the over thirty years since I first heard his story, I have been struggling to understand more about him. The deeper I go, the more I realize how special he was. From 2002, when I became much keen on observing and studying Nigerian politics, up to date, I have been very much convinced that majority of the set of people we call politicians today are mere jokers without any vision compared to the likes of Malam Aminu Kano. Only a very few of them have tried to replicate the kind of discipline and honesty he was known for. During their era, the likes of Aminu Kano were in politics for a reason which was never self-centred

Though known mainly as a politician, emancipator, reformer and activist, Malam was also a great author, orator, mentor and educationist. He is credited with establishing the modern

Islamiyyah system that we are operating today. He is also believed to be one of the shapers of mass education as being practiced today. He had touched society positively in many ways other than politics. That is why, we have diverse institutions named after him; roads, schools, hospitals, airports, etc.

At the peak of his powers, Malam was literally the owner of Kano politics, yet he was humble, kind and generous even to his opponents. His honesty was uncommon even for his era, it was reported that one day, the then Kano State Governor, Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi went to visit him with a gift of an electric generator. Malam enquired whether the governor had provided a generator for all the people of Kano State? That was how he rejected it and Rimi had to leave with it. When Malam died, he didn’t leave any wealth for his family. His only house is now a research center managed by Bayero University, Kano.

Today marks exactly 40 years since the demise of this rare human being. Although his ideology, ethics and teachings had remained significant over these years, the people have never stopped mourning him. Every year, his death looks fresh; Malam will be mourned forever. A champion of progressive politics and justice, a defender of the oppressed and down trodden, a true man of the people and a dedicated ad unique statesman. He is among the greatest Nigerians and role model to millions of citizens and leaders. He will remain a reference point for a very long time or may be forever. His history will be written and rewritten severally. His death marked the end of ideological politics in Northern Nigeria. Personally, I see him as the greatest Kano citizen of all time, at least in the modern era. He has already established a norm by living a life that any right-thinking person will aspire to lead. It is unfortunate that a society like Kano which enjoyed a solid political foundation laid by the likes of Aminu Kano is now governed by the kind of shameless and self-centred people we see today.

While some political leaders have worked hard and tirelessly to sustain the Aminu Kano legacy, many others have been anti-

A review of the Naira doom

By Abdu Abdullahi

When Emefiele and his supreme oga planned for the currency coup against old naira notes, it was not seemingly a painstaking operation to yield the desired results. It was a union of a two-man affair without even co-opting the finance minister and other relevant stakeholders for that matter.

It is preferably called the naira doom because the architects of the naira reform failed to hit the nail on its head. What transpired later was the total collapse of a gigantic project that was largely individualistic and not organic. Eventually, it had not been a desirable outing for the new naira as we were reverted to the old order.

When the prime movers came, they only saw, but unfortunately they could not move and conquer the mystery of the oldness to give us a beautiful outcome. Consequently, it will take time before the nation bounces back from the dark clouds that refused to rain the economic and political endowments we were enticed with. Incidently, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele and President Muhammadu Buhari have finally drawn the curtain of their show of tragedy which they named naira transformation.

The ugly face of the new naira redesigning will remain perpetual in our bad memories. It had been a period of bleeding and infliction of deep injuries on Nigerians. Tears, sorrows, pains, pyschological torturing of Nigerians were ubiquitous and Emefiele could not deny that only that he was not a victim. Instead of redesigning the naira towards an achievable vision, Nigerians were tormented to pass through the naira house of horrors in which case, the end did not justify the means. Our untold hardships were finally in vain. To our greatest disappointment, naira redesigning did not come with a human and compassionate face and lacked status of kindness and piety.

To supply the new notes, there were more inactions than real actions. There were adequate danger zones but inadequate safety spots. There were poor deployments of effective strategies and their accurate implementation to save Nigerians untold hardships and embarrassment. Poor Nigerians! They were on the brink of a precipice and the wind of overall disenchantment was blowing

across the country. The only solution to that overwhelming chaos was not pleading with Nigerians to be patient, but injecting abundant new notes into the economy. But the latter was never to be.

For Emefiele, the only way to appease our minds was that new naira notes would be available to ameliorate the people’s suffering. Ironically, the more he pledged abundant naira notes, the more they became scarce. But to the people’s dismay, naira was not only plentiful during the elections but were also presented to challenge Buhari’s incapacity to prevent vote buying. The logic was that Buhari and Emefiele built up their policy on their parochial wishes, while the overall wishes of Nigerians were disregarded in absolute terms. That is why many Nigerians in their reactions will express their preference of the Covid 19 lockdown to the naira turmoils.

When Emefiele and his supreme oga planned for the currency coup against old naira notes, it was not seemingly a painstaking operation to yield the desired results. It was a union of a two-man affair without even co-opting the finance minister and other relevant stakeholders for that matter. It was both marvelous and secrecy in theory but inept and bankrupt in practice and demonstration. It was a coup badly executed and rendered many great casualties. The poor management of the people’s fate by the duo of Buhari and Emefiele was done in a complete disregard to our collective sensitivity.

Just as the obnoxious policy has devastated and consumed many Nigerians, so also it has desecrated Emefiele’s image. The new naira lord has insulted his integrity by abusing our collective intelligence. His actions did not tally with the best interest of Nigerians who saw him as a messenger of doom while trying to make himself a hero only to the president. And owing to Emefiele’s feeling of superiority and disregarding the woeful plights of the masses, the ghost of the naira redesigning continued to hunt Nigerians who had no alternative to Emefiele’s governing inconveniences and discrepancies. His tragic

people, playing the politics of self-interest at the expense of the society. The bitter part is that even political crooks and criminals disguising themselves as leaders are claiming to be identifying with the teachings of Aminu Kano. Today, we have so many pretenders who claim to be disciples of the late sage and only people with historical knowledge can unearth their treachery. It is funny that some people even wear his kind of attire bragging to be like him, while in practice they are corrupt, morally bankrupt and don’t adhere to any of his teachings.

It is unfortunate that many that lived with him did not inherit his modesty, honesty and simplicity. Many of the influential people who remember him today only do so hypocritically. They were never sincere about promoting his virtues. People who claim to have him as their role models are stupendously rich beyond rationality while maintaining a questionable character. If he was alive, he will disown most of these pretenders.

Malam Aminu Kano was not rich, he didn’t hold many government positions, he didn’t force people into building a political empire, he wasn’t greedy; but yet, his name has been written in gold and nothing can erase it for the rest of history. The corrupt leaders of today will die to have his kind of name, but they can’t exercise any of his virtues. They are shamelessly hell bent on garnering wealth, wealth and more wealth as if there is no life after death.

All my life, I have aspired to become myself and carve a niche from my own view of life. I had understood very early in life that every human being is unique in his own right and there is no rigid template that everyone must follow to become great. I have been inspired by many great men though, yet I feel I still enjoy being myself. However, for every rule there is an exception; from what I’ve gathered about Malam Aminu Kano, he is that one person I can give up everything just to be exactly like him.

Twitter: @AmirAbdulazeez

compromise was to compel Buhari make a political smile and make Nigerians wear a sad economic look.

By the time Godwin Emefiele abruptly introduced the concept of naira redesigning, it came with two primary prophesies; installing a cashless society and curbing vote buying in the last election. He got the abundant blessings of President Muhammadu Buhari, who was championing for a new economic reform and credible elections in which money could not be a determining factor. But Alas, both were false prophesies and it became clear afterwards that the governor had converted himself into the prophet of naira doom.

Though a laudable concept, cashless policy was introduced at a time when most parts of the country were distorted by want of services for effective money transfer. It was a nightmare that the policy mischievously decreed cash withdrawal limits of meagre amounts as if account holders were beggars. It was also a great tragedy that despite the innovation of cash crunch to curtail vote buying, commercial politicians had a field day bargaining for votes on election days. This was another victory for corruption and the conquest of new naira philosophy.

Both Buhari and Emefiele showed us their inordinate desires to liberate Nigeria of some old and despicable naira notes. But they ended up writing the script of a national tragedy. Indeed, it was a national catastrophe as estimated 20 trillion naira was lost from the economy. Small economies collapsed in large number. While in some cases there were deaths directly attributed to naira scarcity.

It was a national disaster that after the untold hardships, the irreparable social, psychological and economic loss, the Messiahs of the naira had to resort to the old order. Old notes will remain legal tender until December, 2023. What is greatly amusing is that the new notes are gradually being phased out of circulation. The old notes that were hitherto despised and condemned to oblivion are now occupying the space of the economy. Is there anybody that will be pleased to hear this tale of doom?

Any administration that wants to kill old naira notes and raise new ones must learn the horrible lessons of the Emefiele’s ill-fated Emefieleism. Indeed, Emefiele has not landed safely. There are many questions that he cannot answer. However, his continues silence has already crucified him.

Abdu Abdullahi is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Just as the obnoxious policy has devastated and consumed many Nigerians, so also it has desecrated Emefiele’s image

Balancing the formal education with the informal education

By Agiri Taibat Blessing

Home training, hand works like hairdressing, fashion designing, carpentry and a host of others are all categorize under the informal education, however informal they seem, these people are substances that Nigeria needs. Can a developing country like Nigeria survive without the implementation of an informal education? It is a point of fact that Nigeria as a society places more emphasis on a fulfilled life through the formal education making the informal education less important in the development of the country. Education has been given a lot of definition but the most fascinating one is “education is an opportunity of a lifetime”. This exceptional definition of education shows that the importance of education can not be underrated and overemphasized in the development of a nation. However, many a person interpret the definition as an opportunity gotten from a formal education only.

The world is changing, and with it, the perspective of people on the true advantage of an informal education to the growth of the country, the society, the family and also the individual. An informal education is a type of education gotten outside the school setting making this type of education a bit difficult and interesting. Informal Education looks to create or deepens situation where people can learn, explore and enlarge experience, and

make changes. On the one hand, an individual should strive to be successful in both education. On the other hand, an individual who finds it difficult in acquiring one should move to the other.

A lot of young people today see the formal type of education as tiring and view it with obscurity, while some see it as a drive to success. However, many a young person would rather learn a hand work than sit in a classroom with the teacher’s ceaseless cane but their interest has been overshadowed by their future telling parents who want their kids to be ‘future Leaders”. Little wonder how some young persons never succeeded in acquiring Western education but are known as great individuals in their respective fields.

Home training, hand works like hairdressing,

fashion designing, carpentry and a host of others are all categorize under the informal education, however informal they seem, these people are substances that Nigeria needs. Has the government ever thought of the increase in unemployment rate, crime scenes and so on, these individuals can be reshaped through both formal and informal education.

Education is not limited to the classroom and the two types of education should be in equal proportion. Nigeria is a society that places much emphasis on formal education than the informal education, however, the formal education system of the country has made Nigerians have a rethink about the true meaning of a formal education. The country has become an abode of unemployed citizens and a host of criminal activities. How can the country survive?

The nation will survive if family, society and individuals give equal respect to both type of education and allow people choose whatever they feel it’s best for them.

Agiri Taibat Blessing is of the Department of English Education of Lagos State University.

Musa Wada, Abuja

Your Excellency, The just concluded party primary of our dear party in Kogi state ranked among the most shameful and intended to deliberately lead to the death of our party in the state. The All Progressives Congress as a political platform since it’s formation by our heroes has been known as a veritable vehicle in promoting good governance, good practices, and above all a democratic dispensation morally entrenched to give every segment of it’s membership a sense of belonging.

The recently held primary election if allowed to be ratified by the National working Committee (NWC), would have signaled to the whole world that you intended to stand aside doing nothing when a self seeking godfather in the state seemingly with the action of last Friday 14 April, decides to preside over the requiem of the party in Kogi state.

I will like to tell you the fact that the goodwill the party has earned for itself over the years among the electorate in the state is waning especially with the action of the governor, Yahaya Bello, to use the party in the state as a vehicle to satisfy only his whims and caprices and to cover his tracks.

We are actually awaiting the heralded Armageddon of the party by the silence of the party leadership in not wielding the big stick by calling the governor along with his cohorts in this destructive

journey to order. The truth is that our people waited for the primary election of the party held last Friday to use their votes to recruit capable leadership for the state thereby reclaiming their rights as the democractically acceptable recruiter of leaders at every point in time but were amazed that the shananigan on parade was allowed to take place.

I want to remind you, Mr chairman, that this avoidable scenario has played out in the party before in the state with the attendant consequences of the party completely losing the state to the opposition and if nothing is done immediately to remedy this unethical charade, the party stands no chance of retaining the state. Our love and loyalty to the party compelled us to write you this open

letter because to be forewarned is to be forewarned.

The conduct of the primary was not inconformity with the party’s own guidelines or any known democratic practices anywhere in the world.We want to salute the courage of the chairman of the primary committee and the chief returning officer, governor Maitawalle of Zamfara state who after being cajoled into brandishing a court order illegally gotten at the eleventh hour, made a u-turn after realizing the charade called primary election of the party in the state decided to opt out of announcing the results of the election which in the first place was never held.

We wish to advice the leadership of the party to immediately make the urgent move to completely nullify the exercise for the futility it is and conduct another inclusive primary election immediately. Any other decisions taking apart of outright cancellation will lead to the perception of the party membership that indeed the party leadership at the national level are part and parcel of this shenanigan with grave consequences to our chances at the polls. We are very impressed with your performances since you became the chairman of the party with your team at the national working committee of the party and hopeful you would do that which is right and urgently too.

Thanks.

Open letter to the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress on the outcome of the gubernatorial primary in Kogi state

I want to remind you, Mr chairman, that this avoidable scenario has played out in the party before in the state with the attendant consequences of the party completely losing the state to the opposition and if nothing is done immediately to remedy this unethical charade

“

The world is changing, and with it, the perspective of people on the true advantage of an informal education to the growth of the country, the society, the family and also the individual

Court absorbs ASCSN President BolaAudu, others of human trafficking charges

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

The President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Mr Innocent BolaAudu and three others have been discharged and acquitted of criminal allegation of human trafficking.

Justice Charles Agbaza of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, cleared Bola-Audu and three others on the ground that the prosecution failed to link the defendants with the offence.

National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP) had dragged four civil servants before the Court over their alleged involvement in human trafficking in 2021.

The workers were the Chief Accountant on Grade Level 14, Innocent Bola-Audu, and an Assistant Executive Officer on Grade Level 13, Cecilia Aneke.

The defendants pleaded not guilty after they were arraigned on July 7, 2021 and were subsequently granted bail.

The defendants through their counsels filed a motion for nocase submission. After parties argued their briefs of argument, the court adjourned the case for ruling.

Justice Agbaza, in his ruling on Tuesday after listening to submissions of counsels said the prosecution clearly failed to link the defendants with the offence.

The Judge held that, “The prosecution has not clearly been able to link the defendants with the charge brought against them. I find it difficult to come to terms with the prosecution on the charges and in his argument against the defendants.

“There is no evidence before this Court linking the defendants with the offence. The prosecution failed to establish a case of human trafficking against the defendants.

“The defendants are hereby discharged and acquitted.”

Speaking with journalists after his discharge by the Court, Bola-Audu said the case preferred against him and three others by NAPTIP was politically motivated to malign him but he was happy that he been vindicated.

He thanked members of ASCSN who stood by him while his travails lasted, promising not to let them down as he will continue to provide purposeful leadership for the Association.

NGO trains 100 children in Karting in Abuja

One hundred children have been trained and competed in a competed organised by Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN), a motorsport nongovernmental organization.

Participants were trained on the techniques and rules of kart racing both in theory and practical demonstration using e-karting devices and Go-Kart vehicles.

The first three days of the event took place on the premises of Abuja Enterprise Agency while the day four, which was the final and competition day took place at the Eagle Square Parking Lot, Abuja.

The four-day event under the

name Karting in School Phase 2 had about 100 participants which was supported by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile(FIA) through its FIA Sports Grant Programme hosted by ATCN in partnership with Abuja Enterprise Agency and Abuja Investment Company Limited.

About 100 children participated in the competition out of which the best 16 were selected, and then the best 8 out which the best 4 qualified for the final.

In the category of boys, the first price went the 17-year-old Bassey Akilahyel who emerged over all winner while Usman Suleiman

and Muhammad Suleiman came behind as first runner-up and second runner-up respectfully.

In the female category of the Karting in Schools, 11-year-old Ummusalma Abdullateef was the winner, while Sunday 9th April, 2023 saw 18 students participate in the eSport in eKarting Category, 12-year-old Abdullateef Junaid emerged overall winner, followed by Mubarak Muhammad and David Shaibu who came second and third, respectively.

The president of ATCN Mr Isaku Bamayi, in his closing remark charged the kart drivers to show “dedication and commitment because the

training and the outcome of the competition will definitely impart on your life, especially for those of you who want to obtain licence to participate in National and international competitions”, he said.

All the participants were given certificates while winners went home with trophies.

Some of the trainees and competitors expressed satisfaction and appreciation to ATCN for organizing the competition while assuring that they would go on to participate in international competition using the experience they have acquired in the course of the event.

Presco MD, Adeosun, Cynthia, Malvin Meadow Director, others win honourary awards

At the forthcoming Capacity building summit billed for University of Lagos next week, several icons transcending across different sectors will honored with honorary doctorate degree awards of Prowess university, Delaware, USA and Triune Biblical university Global Extension New York USA.

The President/Chairman of Council Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Oluwole O. ADEOSUN will be honoured with honorary doctorate in Business Administration of Prowess University;the Managing director/ CEO of PRESCO PLC, Felix Onwuchekwa Nwabuko will be honored with doctorate degree in Strategic Leadership, Entreprenurship and Governance Strategy of TBUGLEXUSA;Greg Cynthia,a security professional, consultant and chief Executive Officer of Signatures Ltd will bag honorary doctorate degree in Safety and Security Management of Triune Biblical university Global Extension New York USA and Chika Mgbamena, Director of MALVIN Meadow School will also bag honorary doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Management during the ceremony. Also slated for honour at the forthcoming Leadtimes Africa magazine’s summit on good Governance in Leadership is Amb. (General) Godwin George

Umo,OON, the immediate past Nigerian ambassador to the Holy See(Vatican) for his outstanding leadership and service to humanity both within and outside Nigeria. He is expected to bag doctorate degree award of the Prowess University,Delaware USA in International Law and Diplomacy during the ceremony.

The theme of this year’s edition is titled:Enhancing Accelerated Capacity Building Through Entrepreneurship in governance and the guest lecturer is Professor Basil C. Nwankwo of Kogi state University.

According to the press statement credited to Professor Buba S. Mshelia, Advisory Board chairman of Leadtimes Africa magazine, “two universities including Prowess university, Delaware USA and Triune BIBLICAL University Global Extension New-York USA would confer honorary awards on deserving Nigerians for their exceptional leadership qualities and professionalism in service; Triune BIBLICAL University Global Extension New-York USA will use the occasion to present certificates of honour to its successful graduands and the Prowess University will confer upon the appointment as professorial chairs on four eminent Nigerians including Dr Abubakar Inuwa Tata, Executive chairman of Gombe state Internal Revenue service;Dr Bala Baba Ma’aji,North

East Zonal Head of First City Monumental Bank;Dr Remi Olukoya, Lead Consultant/CEO of Pecksgrey Group and; Dr Alecander Utieyin-Scott, Managing Partner of Alex Scott and Partners.

Outstanding personalities nominated for honorary doctorate awards in this epic occasion incude the Group Executive director of BrookHeritage Holdings,Femi Adebayo Olukotun who is listed for honorary doctorate award in Business Administration; Managing Director/CEO of Dynamic Mayor Edge Nig Ltd, Olumayowa Olurishe, will bag honorary doctor in Business Administration; Sir Emmanuel Okere, CEO of Methods Consultants will bag honorary doctor in Human Development and Strategic Management as the CEO of Stand Out Properties, Sir Bldr Blessing Obomovo will be conferred upon with honorary doctorate in Real Estate Development.Also for honorary doctorate degree in Real Estate Development are CEO of Budget Homes Properties Ltd, Ohio Flourish Ebozafe and Mr Emmanuel Odemaypwa, CEO of Deluxe Residence Ltd, among others.

Other honorary doctorate awardees include the CEO of Lucky Bay Homes Nig Ltd, Ujomu Lucky Ikechukwu;Alhaji Ilu Auwal Ahmed, CEO of Ultimate Gas Ltd;the Vice president/CEO of Multi Chase

Energy Services,Wole Yusuf;the CEO of Life Card International Investment Company, Grace Ofure Ibhakhomu. Others that will honoured at the summit include Nancy Isime and Tope Mark Odigie who will all bag honorary doctorate degrees in Arts and Philosophy of Prowess University, Delaware, USA including the managing director and Chief Executive Officer of Anthomi Properties Nig Ltd billed for honor in Business Administration, among other prominent professionals.

In a statement by Professor Prince Eze Nwauba, African Representative of Prowess university, Delaware, USA/ Registrar/CEO of the Institute of Arts Management and Professional Studies, he stressed on the selection process:”the nomination process was strict and transparent and was anchored on the leadership qualities of the prospective nominees which is very key including the virtues of integrity, transparency and accountability;we also carried out research on the positive impacts made by the various nominees as well as recommendations made on them by their constituents”, the don stated.

Two first Ladies-Amb.(Dr) Mrs Gloria Diri of Bayelsa state and her Kwara state counterpart Amb. (Dr) Mrs Olufolake Abdulrazaq and other prominent Nigerians were honoured last year respectively.

Officials and instructors of Karting in School Phase 2 organised by Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria held at the Eagle Square, yesterday in Abuja.

Tinubu hails

Fintiri, others, demands police investigation of Adamawa’s controversy

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The President elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has congratulated the winners in the just concluded supplementary election across the country, even as he singled out Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa state and the Governor-elect in Kebbi state, Nasir Idris.

The President-elect, however, urged the police authorities to fully investigate all that transpired in Adamawa state governorship election.

In a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen Wednesday in Abuja, Tinubu asked all those who have been elected “to brace up to serve our people with diligence and dedication and to join hands with me as your President-elect in the pursuit of our agenda to renew the hopes of our people in a better, stronger, more secure, economically vibrant and prosperous Nigeria.”

The former Lagos state governor also called on those aggrieved to pursue legitimate means of addressing their grievances.

The statement reads: “I congratulate the winners of the Supplementary Governorship elections held in Kebbi and Adamawa States on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

“I also rejoice with those elected into the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly during the last round of elections in states where such took place. These victorious men and women have earned the trust of their people and I call on them to rededicate themselves to the service of their respective constituents.

“The supplementary polls have now brought the 2023 elections to a final, fitting conclusion. I observed, with satisfaction, the largely peaceful atmosphere that pervaded the supplementary election on Saturday. It was a further testimony that our citizens have accepted democratic norms and have unalloyed faith in the electoral process.

However, I note the matter of Adamawa Supplementary Governorship Election and I urge police authorities to fully investigate all that transpired in the election given the attendant controversy. In every democratic contest there has to be one winner. I call on those aggrieved to pursue legitimate means of addressing their grievances.”

2023 aftermath: Labour Party holds NEC, as Peter Obi calls for calm, steadfastness

By Christiana Ekpa Presidential candidate

of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has encouraged Nigerians not to be deterred, but to remain calm and steadfast in their journey of reclaiming their mandate of a new Nigeria.

Obi, in spirit-lifting words to Nigerians particularly the Obidients, noted that he will never give up on the journey until victory is achieved.

The LP standards bearer who spoke in Asaba, while addressing the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party, said that he never expected

the journey to New Nigeria to be an easy one, saying that the forces who had, over the years, lived off the old order, were bound to fight back, as is being experienced now.

Underscoring the determination of the group involved in this project to resist intimidation or harassment of any kind and from any quarter, Obi said, “If they come at us through land, air, and sea, we will respond to them through land, air, and sea, but we will remain law abiding and will never give up on the nation.

“We are on the right path, and we will remain committed to the course,” Obi said.

The former Anambra state Governor reiterated his commitment to a ‘Nigeria that will be beneficial to every Nigerian, as he maintained that the struggle to reclaim the mandate was not about him, as a person, but about millions of Nigerians who reposed their trust on him through their votes.

“The millions of Nigerians who voted for me did not just cast their votes, but they invested their hope in me. They deserve justice. So we must stay the course. And beyond regaining our mandate, I am committed to lifting people out of poverty. I remain committed to transforming Nigeria, starting

from the North to every part of the nation,”

He further revealed that there may be more mud slinging on him from those who are against the emergence of the New Nigeria, but noted that he would never be deterred by the obstacles along the way to victory.

“I have always lived my life in the most law-abiding manner possible. Sometimes, as humans, we make mistakes, but I will never knowingly break any law. I am, therefore, not afraid of the lies and propaganda against my person. They are part of the journey to a New Nigeria,” Obi concluded.

yesterday

Adamawa poll: CNPP lauds Justice Ekwo, for making judiciary last hope of Nigerians

By Musa Baba Adamu

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has hailed Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja for temporarily declining to hear an application by Senator Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru, seeking an order of the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from invalidating her declaration as winner of the governorship election in Adamawa State.

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Binani, had on Monday approached the court for leave to file an application for judicial review of the administrative decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) made on April 16, 2023 in respect of her declaration as

winner of the governorship election in Adamawa State which held on March 18 and the supplementary elections of April 15.

The CNPP, in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Willy Ezugwu, noted that the judiciary has by the court’s verdict saved the state from anarchy, saying that “it is now left for our Judges and Justices to rekindle the courage with which they delivered landmark judgments during the military dictatorship while delivering justice in all litigations on the 2023 general elections without fear or favour.”

According to the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the country, “the judiciary is said to be the last hope of the common man and as far as the Nigerian democracy is concerned today, only the judiciary ensure its sustenance in view of

poor conduct of the 2023 general elections.

“This has become imperative as INEC, the supposed Independent electoral umpire, has failed the country by performing below expectations of majority of Nigerian people in the way and manner it conducted the general elections.

“On their path, most security agencies portrayed themselves as instruments in the hands of politicians and this was equally evident in Adamawa State where the police provided cover for the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Barr. Yusuf Hudu Ari, who usurped the powers of the Returning Officer for the Adamawa State governorship election.

“There were many instances where the security agencies deployed to states on election duties failed to protect the electorates

and, as seen in some viral videos, allegedly provided cover for hoodlums who attacked and maimed innocent citizens whose sins were going out to exercise their franchise.

“The security agencies equally performed below President Muhammadu Buhari’s directives in post-2023 general elections in parts of the country.

“The courageous decision of Justice Inyang Ekwo on the experte order brought before the court foiled a civilian coup in Adamawa State.

“All Nigerians of good faith and lovers of democracy all over the world have their eyes fixed on the judiciary to restore hope in our people, especially the youths, and re-energise the confidence of the electorates who trusted INEC and went out to vote in the 2023 general elections”, the CNPP averred.

L-R Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Sen George Akume; Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare; Chairman Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs,Sen Abah Moro and Chairman Senate Committee on Special Duties,Sen Yusuf Yusuf during the National Stakeholders Conference on Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs,

in Abuja.

INEC issues Certificates of Return to Kebbi Gov-elect, deputy

By Christiana Ekpa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi, issued Certificates of Return to Dr Nasir Idris, Governor-elect of Kebbi State, and the Deputy, Sen. Umar Abubakar.

Prof. Sani Kalla, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, also issued certificates of return to 10 elected members of the State House of Assembly in the last Saturday supplementary elections.

The state has 24 State Constituencies and INEC on March 30 presented certificates of return to 14 winners of the March 18 House of Assembly poll in the state.

Four out of the 24 House of Assembly memberselect contested and won on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while 20 others won on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Idris, shortly after receiving the certificate, lauded the commission and security agencies for ensuring enabling environment for the electorate to exercise their civic responsibility.

He also thanked the electorate for ensuring a successful exercise and having confidence in them by giving them the mandate to steer the affairs of the state.

“Kebbi is endowed with natural resources, and we will do everything humanly possible to tap those resources for the benefit of the people in the state.

“We will continue with the good work the current administration is undertaking and will do new ones. We will create so many opportunities for the people, especially in the agricultural sector.

“On insecurity, we will do everything to bring security in the affected areas in the southern part of the state.

“We will fulfill all the promises we made to the people during the electioneering campaign in the state, God willing,” he said.

2023: My family conspired against me to vote Peter Obi - Gov Umahi

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State has said his family conspired against him to vote for the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 25 February presidential election in the state.

Umahi, a member of the ruling

All Progressives Congress (APC), stated this when he appeared as a guest on a television programme.

The governor said he did not give the LP and other political parties an opportunity to win any election in the state because of

what he had “put in place” in the state.

“I was very surprised (that) even in my family, there was a conspiracy against me. I did not know that they (my family) voted for Peter Obi, but in the other election, they voted for APC because of what we’ve done in the state,” he said.

Ebonyi State is considered one of the strongholds of Obi in the election because he (Obi) hails from the South-east region.

The LP candidate polled a total of 252, 738 votes to defeat Tinubu of the APC in Ebonyi State. The

APC candidate came second with 42, 402 votes in the state.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, enjoyed swelling support mainly in the South-east during the exercise.

Speaking further, Umahi expressed surprise that incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, and the APC candidate, Tinubu, now president-elect, lost the presidential election in their states.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, won the presidential election in Katsina State, where Buhari, a

member of the APC, hails from.

Similarly, Obi of the LP won in Lagos State, where Tinubu served as the governor between 1999 and 2007.

Umahi said that the losses came in the form of a protest against the PDP and the APC as a result of hardship and other challenges in the country.

“I saw the Labour Party vote as a protest against my party (APC) and the PDP.

“It was not a vote for Peter Obi. As such, there is seemingly hardship and challenges in Nigeria,” he said.

Fintiri’s guber victory exonerates INEC of alleged rigging in 2023 elections – Group

By Musa Baba Adamu

Acivil group, Nigerian Forum for Democracy, has said that the final declaration of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri as the winner of Saturday’s supplementary election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has shown that the commission has no skeleton in its cupboard over the conduct of polls in the country.

Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in the state, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, had on Sunday stoked controversy when he announced Senator Aisha Dahiru Ahmed, popularly called Binani, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the winner of the election, thus elicited protests from members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, present at the state collation centre in Yola, the state capital.

Yunusa-Ari was later asked by the INEC to stay away from its office in Adamawa while the

Administrative Secretary takes charge until further notice.

The group, in a statement jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Bala Garba James; National Secretary, Mr. James Adebayo Olu and the Public Relations Officer, Chief Edem Moses, and made available to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, said it was aware of how some politicians it described as anti-democratic elements tried to arm-twist the electoral process in the country.

“Of note is the development in Adamawa State governorship election which was marred with controversies, but which the electoral umpire insisted on doing the right thing no matter which ox is gored,” it stated.

The group maintained that INEC’s swift response to the illegal declaration of Adamawa State governorship election results was proof that the commission’s boss has no skeleton in his cupboard. It went further: “The INEC national chairman read a riot

act in his pre-election briefing to all the Resident Electoral Commissioners, REC after they went through orientation and handed with guidelines of how elections should be conducted across states. This shows the frantic effort of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s conduct of free and fair election, irrespective of pitfalls as a result of some unforeseen circumstances.”

The group was emphatic that INEC’s fair disposition led to the emergence of a sizeable number of opposition lawmakers, as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have 35 seats, Labour Party, LP 8, the New Nigeria Political Party, NNPP, the Social Democratic Party, SDP, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and the Young Progressives Congress, YPP, have one senators-elect each, awaiting inauguration in the first week of June.

“The opposition political parties also did well in the lower legislative chamber as well as State Houses of Assembly across

states.

“With the general elections concluded with runoffs on Saturday, the Forum expressed optimism that the proposed ‘Electoral Offences Commission’ would complement INEC’s effort, if passed into law,” it stated, calling on the Nigerian parliament to pass the bill into law in the interest of free and fair election in future.

It commended the INEC for conducting one of the best elections since the return of democracy to the country in 1999, believing that the electoral umpire organized this year’s general elections in such a way that they were generally peaceful and recorded less casualties compared with other previous ones.

The Forum, however, noted that the peaceful conduct of the elections was not without enormous challenges faced by the commission despite the amended Electoral Act, 2022, which was meant to aid the electoral processes.

L-R: Company Secretary, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) Olayemi Anyanechi; Executive Commissioner, NUPRC Kelechi Afeogbo and the Chief Executive of NUPRC Engineer Gbenga Komolafe during a meeting of the Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate Alleged theft of over 2.4Billion in revenue from illegal sales of 48 million barrel of crude oil, at the National Assembly Complex, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Jewish community hosts Ramadan breakfast for Muslims, Christian leaders in Abuja

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Jewish Community of Nigeria, on Monday hosted some notable leaders of the Muslim and Christian communities to an Iftar (Ramadan breakfast) in Abuja, as Muslims rounded off Ramadan. Muslims worldwide observe Iftar during Ramadan by breaking their fast after sunset.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Rabbi of Nigeria, Rabbi Israel Uzan, expressed delight over the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians despite their religious differences.

According to him, Nigerians live together and I have seen the mixing of different religions and different people living together and this is the reality of this country.

“For the last 10 years that I have been here, maybe am too naive or I have to change my glasses, I don’t see so much problem that we talked always in the newspaper. Yes, there are many problems but there are so many good aspects of Nigeria.

“In Nigeria as a country, they are always together because you cannot identify it as Christian, Muslim or Jews country. Nigeria is a beautifully mixed country, mixing families, politics, and businesses and tonight this is what we can see.”

Earlier, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, said “what unites us is so much more than anything that divides us and the differences that we have are so minor in comparison to the fact that we are Abraham’s children.

“We all come from Abraham, we all come from the same place and we all are going to end up in the same place ultimately, and this is something special.

“Today is that opportunity for us to say, never again, not only say never again but to demonstrate it under this roof. Christians, Muslims, Jews, celebrating what unites us; Celebrating the festivals, we have just finished Easter, we’ve just been in Passover and We’re about to finish Ramadan.”

Also, an Imam of the Abuja National Mosque, Dr Kabir Adam, reaffirmed the commitment of the Muslim community to peace building and peaceful coexistence in the country.

“Let us reaffirm our commitment to peace building, our commitment to peaceful coexistence, our commitment to always receive each other, live with each other and everybody is free to practice his own belief. Islam is very clear.

“Well, I think the last few days we celebrated the Passover. We had Good Friday, as well as Easter Monday. The three things used to happen only three times in 100 years, So this year is very historic.

“Qur’an said there is no compulsion in religion, so you can practice your religion, I can practice my religion, or we can talk to people, sell to them the ideas of our religion.

“And whoever is interested, is free to take it or leave it, but the most important thing is for us to always live in peace and understand each other,” Kabir said.

Similarly, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), FCT Chapter, Rev. Timothy Amakon, said religion should not be something that would divide human beings or something that would make human beings see one another as enemies.

Money Lenders Association lauds FG’s moves to protect borrowers

The Money Lenders Association has commended the Federal Government’s effort to protect borrowers from the illegal operations of unregistered and unlicensed digital loan companies.

Mr Gbemi Adelekan, President of the Association, gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

According to him, government’s move to regulate the lenders will help change public perceptions of short-term loan providers in Nigeria.

NAN reports that government, through the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), had, on April 14, published a list of approved digital lenders licensed

to operate in Nigeria.

The FCCPC publication titled: “Status of Registration of Fintech/ Digital Companies with FCCPC on the Limited Interim Regulatory/ Registration Framework and Guidelines for Digital Lending 2022”, showed that 129 companies received full approval.

The commission also gave conditional approval to 48 companies.

Adelekan, also the Managing Director of Trafalgar (Kwikpay Credit), one of the approved digital lenders, said the benefits of digital lenders’ regulation by government would make short-term lenders to be more responsible.

He noted that not all lenders engaged in unwholesome acts of deception, fraud, threats and disseminate personal information

of customers to families and friends when loans are not repaid as at when due.

“With the regulation by the government, most of these illegal operators should be eradicated online soon,” he said.

Adelekan said that asides protecting borrowers, the expected benefits of the regulation by the the government, through the FCCPC, include better access to loans, better finance management and greater transparency. He said that the level of intervention by the government in the digital loan industry would increase consumer confidence as people now know that any problem they encounter would be dealt with by the FCCPC.

“Borrowers are more likely to have better access to loans

and credit to support livelihood enhancement and economic development.

“Borrowers can have the peace of mind that their data will be used by the lender responsibly, and the terms and conditions of the loan should be explicitly shown before a loan is approved by the lender.

“Digital lenders now have to complete an affordability and credit check on all applicants which reduces the chance of those unable to repay their loan amount from getting themselves further into debt.

“It is evident that applying for your loan needs from a licensed credit provider like KwikPay Credit, can be a great way to secure some extra cash in a financial emergency,” he said.(NAN)

NIHOTOUR to host 3rd edition of gastronomy festival in June

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), said it will host the 3rd edition of the biggest Gastronomy Festival in Abuja .

This was contained in a statement signed and issued in Abuja, by Director Media and Public Relations, Ahmed Mohammed Sule.

According to the statement, the gastronomy festival is scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre on the 16th and 17th of June, 2023, tagged Culinary Arts: The Gate Way to Growing Tourism Destination.

The Gastronomy Festival is organized by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), is

targeted at the upskilling of Nigerian gastronomes on the essence of the preparation and presentation of traditional Nigerian cuisines to improve the expertise of practitioners in the tourism sector.

Speaking on the highlights of the Gastronomy Festival, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHOTOUR, Nura Kangiwa, said the event will feature amongst others, exhibition of indigenous gastronomy by exhibitors prominent among which are, NIHOTOUR, which as usual, showcase indigenous Nigerian cuisines from the sixgeopolitical zones of the country.

He said this year’s Gastronomy Festival is the third consecutive food and beverage exhibition and sampling event annually

organized by NIHOTOUR since 2021.

Leading local food franchises, international cuisines showcase by foreign missions, Jollof War by select west African chefs, and the investiture of NIHOTOUR Fellowships on individuals who have contributed to the development of the nation’s Tourism and Hospitality sector.

Likewise, a masterclass for members of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Travel Writers (ANJET) facilitated by the director general of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Runsewe, the managing director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Buki Ponle and ex-NTA director, Peter Igho.

Gastronomy Fair, is an

opportunity to address the dearth of culinary artistry in the country.

“The festival provides one of the best opportunities for hospitality and tourism stakeholders, students and enthusiasts to have handson learning and perspectives on how to sustain the tourism destinations using gastronomy festivals as promotional tools”.

The statement noted that since the festival started 2021 it has experience over 5,000 visitors including local industry stakeholders and the diplomatic community in Nigeria such as Ethiopia, China and Spain participate showcasing their countries food culture and processes of preparation from the farm to the table.

L-R: Member, Labour Party Coalition for True Democracy (LPCTD), Comarde Chukwudi Igwe, Spokesperson LPCTD, Hon. Ken Eluma Asogwa and the Acting National Publicity Secretary Labour Party, Comarde Obiora Ifoh, during the Coalition world press conference on some disturbing Development on Enugu and Adamawa Guber election calling on INEC to do the needful by doing the right thing in Enugu as what is done in Adamawa, held yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo.

NERC promises 4 million meters to electricity consumers

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, says it will soon provide four million prepaid meters to electricity consumers in the country.

Aisha Mahmud, NERC Commissioner in charge of Consumers Affairs, disclosed this at the Customers’ Complaints Resolution Meeting Organised in Jos.

Ms Mahmud, who described the shortage of meters in the country as one of the biggest problems currently facing the commission, hinted that the challenge would soon be a thing of the past. She said that modalities had been put in place to provide the

1 ship laden with petrol awaiting berth at Lagos port

From Abubakar Yunusa

Abuja

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Monday said that one ship had arrived the Lagos Port Complex and was waiting to berth with petrol.

The authority said that 19 other ships were expected at the port from April 17 to April 30.

It is expected to carrying general cargo, frozen fish, bulk urea, bulk salt, container, petrol, broken glass, bulk soya bean, bulk wheat and bulk gypsum.

The NPA also said that 16 others were alreading discharging general cargo, container, petrol, bulk wheat, bulk sugar, frozen fish, propane/butane and bulk urea.

meters through the National Mass Metering Programme, NMP, of the Federal Government.

”Actually, metering is one of the biggest challenges that we have been facing in the last couple of years in the commission.

”I don’t think this is funny given that so much investments have been made in the power sector.

”It is said that in Nigeria, electricity generation started in Lagos as far back as 1826 with 20 megawatts. 126 years down the line, we are still talking about basic things as metering, a phase we should have passed a long time ago.

”Aside many interventions in that regard, including the zero phase of the NMP where over one million meters were provided, the first phase of the initiative will

make available four million meters to customers,” she said.

Ms Mahmud, who said that all preparations had been concluded for the mass metering programme, explained that funding for the project would come through the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

”We shall make available these meters to customers through the distribution companies and this is to show that the regulator is not just sitting but making efforts to see that all Nigerians have access to metres.

”So, we shall do all it takes as regulators to ensure that the issue of metering becomes a thing of the past. I strongly believe that with the plans ahead, we will overcome this challenge soon,” she said.

Ms Mahmud also attributed

the increasing rate of electricity tariff to inflation, rising exchange rate, cost of gas, labour generation, and other economic realities in the country.

”Inflation has gone up to double digit, exchange rate, even the official rate is crazy, operators purchase most of their equipment abroad using the current exchange rate. The cost of labour keeps increasing, among other factors,” she explained.

On the meeting with customers, Ms Mahmud said the commission was in Jos to educate customers on their rights and listen to their complaints with a view to address them on the spot.

Also speaking, Abdu Mohammed, the managing director, Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, JED, said that the

concerns raised by the customers at the meeting would be addressed immediately.

”Quite a lot of issues, ranging from metering, billing, power quality, complaints about our staff, among others, were raised.

”I want to promise that all these issues will be addressed immediately and, in terms of metering, we are very much on track.

”Few days back, we purchase 12,000 meters and they are currently in our store. We are expecting 305,000 meters in the forthcoming NMP phase one and the over 100,000 from the World Bank Intervention.

”So, very soon, you will see traction in all pur franchise states and all our customers will be metered,” Mr Mohammed said.

Aviation workers’ strike results in gridlocks around Lagos airport

From Abubakar Yunusa

Abuja

Offices of various aviation agencies in Lagos were shut on Tuesday as aviation sector workers embark on a warning strike.

The offices shut were those of the Ministry of Aviation, the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.

Members of the unions laid

siege to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, resulting in gridlocks around the airport and its environs.

There was a heavy presence of security agents at strategic points in the area to prevent a breakdown of law and order as unionists chanted solidarity songs.

The Secretary-General, Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, Abdul Saidu, expressed disappointment that conditions of service in the sector had not been implemented after

eight years of signing.

He also frowned at the planned demolition of offices of aviation agencies by the Ministry of Aviation, noting that the idea was flawed.

“For over eight years, the conditions of service have not been implemented as the aviation agencies are functioning without governing boards and there are no checks and balances.

“The aviation ministry wants to destroy buildings in the sector for a road map that isn’t approved

by Lagos State and even the approved one in Abuja hasn’t been done; so what is the point,’’ he queried.

Mr Saidu said the unions would begin a full-scale strike if their demands were not addressed.

Peoples Daily reports that the unions are demanding the immediate release of the reviewed Condition of Service, implementation of the minimum wage consequential adjustments and payment of arrears for the

Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) since 2019.

The unions also demanded the halt of the planned demolition of aviation agencies buildings in Lagos by the Ministry of Aviation for an airport city project.

The unions issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Ministry of Aviation and specific aviation parastatal agencies on 7 February over non-implementation of the minimum wage consequential adjustments and arrears for NiMet.

L-R: Member, Labour Party Coalition for True Democracy (LPCTD), Comarde Chukwudi Igwe, Spokesperson LPCTD, Hon. Ken Eluma Asogwa and the Acting National Publicity Secretary Labour Party, Comarde Obiora Ifoh, during the Coalition world press conference on some disturbing Development on Enugu and Adamawa Guber election calling on INEC to do the needful by doing the right thing in Enugu as what is done in Adamawa, held yesterday in Abuja.

Transcorp’s quarterly profit falls by 63% amid galloping costs, forex loss

Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) saw its net profit for the first three months of the year slow by 63.1 per cent as costs rose at a quicker pace than revenue.

Details of the company’s financial report published on Monday showed that it incurred N2.4 billion in foreign exchange loss, about five times the figure for the same period of last year.

The development echoed the ordeal of many companies in corporate Nigeria, where a prolonged dollar scarcity is pushing import-dependent businesses to the brink.

Marginally growing by 3.2 per cent, revenue came to N32.4 billion compared to the N31.4 billion recorded in the first quarter of last year.

Transcorp, a conglomerate of ten companies in oil and gas, power as well as hotel and hospitality sectors, generates more than half of its revenue from electricity generation.

Cost of sales leapt by more than one-tenth to N18.2 billion as the spending on natural gas & fuel, as well as food and beverage, surged in a quarter when Nigeria’s cost of living crisis threw the inflation rate close to its peak in nearly eighteen years.

The corporation earned 40 per cent more in other income and considerably cut impairment loss on financial assets. However, operating profit still fell, taking a battering from a jump in administrative expenses from N5.2 billion to N5.9 billion.

Energy magnate Femi Otedola is said to have racked up shares to the equivalent of a 5.5 per cent stake in Transcorp, making him the second on its ownership pecking order behind UBA Nominees Limited, which holds 9.25 per cent.

But last Thursday, the company disclosed in a statement the corporation was yet to be notified of the deals, executed off-market, from the new substantial shareholder.

Profit before tax contracted by half to N2.9 billion, while profit for the period plunged to N1.9 billion from N5 billion.

Transcorp, which announced two years ago plans to broaden its energy mix by setting up Nigeria’s first nuclear plant, increased its investment in property, plant and equipment eight times over in the quarter under review.

Nigeria never defaulted in debt repayments to China – DMO

From ABUBAKAR Yunusa, Abuja

The Debt Management Office, DMO, has debunked a media report that Nigeria defaulted in loan repayments to China.

A statement by the DMO in Abuja on Wednesday advised the

public to ignore the report as it is false.

A recent news report quoted the DMO as saying that Nigeria failed to fully service its debt to China, which had accumulated to N110.31 billion in the last two years. “The attention of the DMO has been drawn to a publication

by some media houses claiming that Nigeria has defaulted in debt repayment to China for which it claimed the penalty stands at N4.31billion.

“A closer look at the media publication shows that the body of the publication is completely detached from the headline.

“It gives the impression that

the publishers of the report may have set out to mislead the public.

“The public is assured that Nigeria is fully committed to honouring its debt obligations and has not defaulted on any of its debt service obligations,’’ the DMO said.

It emphasised that the media report should be disregarded.

Bühler, Nigerian govt collaborate to boost rice production

Bühler, a Swiss multinational plant equipment manufacturer, announced Tuesday it is partnering with the Nigerian government in a project to boost rice production across the country.

The company in a statement recently said the project initiated in 2017 with the agreement for the acquisition of a rice mill at Imota, involves the government at both state and federal levels, in recognition of the importance of improving the independence and security of its food supply.

The company explained that the rice sector plays a significant role in Nigeria’s food security initiatives and the current drive to invest in rice mills across Nigeria, spearheaded by the government, is supported by solutions from Bühler Nigeria.

“The global Swiss family business has had a presence in Nigeria for more than 50 years and has established itself as the key technology provider in the Nigerian government’s efforts to enhance rice production and processing to meet international standards,” it said.

According to the statement,

in December 2013, the federal government inaugurated the National Rice Development Strategy-II (2020-2030) and the Competitive African Rice Initiative to ensure surplus rice production for export, food security and job creation.

It added that NRDS-II is a 10-year plan for the development of the rice sector to achieve the government’s goals of selfsufficiency in rice production, food and nutrition security, employment creation and production of surplus for export.

It further explained that the Nigerian government’s aim to boost food production sustainably and efficiently is supported by Bühler, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of processing machinery and plants.

“We are the ideal partner to assist the government with its food security initiatives by introducing the latest trends and technology to Nigeria in order to increase productivity and efficiency in the food sector,” Manuel Murrenhoff, managing director of Bühler Nigeria, was quoted as saying in the statement.

Iyore Amadasun, sales and channel business manager Bühler Nigeria, was also quoted as saying that “the partnership

with Bühler is illustrated by the fully automated Imota rice mill, inaugurated by Muhammadu Buhari, president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in January of this year, said to be the largest rice production facility in subSaharan Africa, and with an annual production of about 2.5 million 50 kg bags, it is set to revolutionise the rice industry in the country.

“At full production capacity, it will reduce the price of rice, increase local capacity and ultimately improve Nigeria’s trade balance.”

The statement added that Nigeria’s population, the sixth largest in the world, is set to surpass that of the US and be one of the top three countries by 2050.

This, it said, means the current population of 216 million is expected to reach 401 million by 2050 and peak at 732 million by 2100.

“Feeding this growing population sustainably and efficiently presents a challenge for the Nigerian government and Bühler is committed to supporting the nation’s goal of achieving food independence through the provision of reliable food processing technology,” it

said.

It noted that in August 2022, Bühler Nigeria hosted its first customer experience day with the theme of ‘Thriving through Collaboration’. Manuel Murrenhoff’s keynote address on the topic ‘Africa on the Rise Feeding the Continent of Possibilities’ identified Bühler Nigeria’s support for the country in its quest for food security, including the construction of a grain processing innovation centre in Kano.

“By supporting food producers in Nigeria with technical solutions and a full spectrum of services, we are helping Nigeria to gain food independence and improve food security,” Mr Murrenhoff said.

“Through investment in new technology, partnerships, innovation and education, Bühler Nigeria can create a more sustainable future for all. The strong resonance and positive feedback received is a clear sign that industry and government have accepted full responsibility,” the statement said.

Bühler said it is driven by the vision of creating innovations for a better world, balancing the needs of the economy, humanity, and nature.

From ABUBAKAR Yunusa Abuja

L-R: Member, Labour Party Coalition for True Democracy (LPCTD), Chijioke Ideh, and another Member LPCTD, Comarde Chukwudi Igwe, Spokesperson LPCTD, Hon. Ken Eluma Asogwa and the Acting National Publicity Secretary Labour Party, Comarde Obiora Ifoh, during the Coalition world press conference on some disturbing Development on Enugu and Adamawa Guber election calling on INEC to do the needful by doing the right thing in Enugu as what is done in Adamawa, held yesterday in Abuja.

Cash-less Policy: To Be or Not To Be

Mr. Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele, the Governor Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is no doubt the most misunderstood living Nigerian today, if his current travails as the helmsman of the nation’s apex bank are put under a klieg light.

For an impressive first term performance, President Muhammadu Buhari rewarded him with a second term. The past eight years have been strewn with socio-economic challenges, which no doubt the Governor had himself admitted. Evolving global and domestic challenges proved the mettle in Godwin Emefiele with the way he rose to the challenges spewing out programmes and policies that rescued the economy from recession in 2016. This was few months after President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office.

He launched the Anchor Borrowers’ Programmme (ABP), suspending initially forty-one items which he later increased to forty-three from the official forex window to give bite to the backward integration economic policy of the government. He launched this to encourage local production of the products rather than outsourcing and frittering away the nation’s scarce foreign exchange. With the policy Nigeria came out economically stronger.

But the global COVID-19 pandemic halted the trajectory. Instead of sulking, as confronted by the unfolding global socio-economic tragedy, and knowing also that the Nigerian economy was just crawling out of a recession, he speedily rallied the private sector to the rescuethe CACOVID. The move was indeed a succor. His initiative proved potent and immunized the economy from collapse.

Aside this initiative was the deployment of Targeted Credit Facility to assist households and businesses to mitigate the effect of the lockdown.

Now, and if we must recall, Emefiele assumed office with high expectation from Nigerians and critical stakeholders. At the time, international price of crude oil declined significantly to an abysmal $16/20 per barrel and the resultant capital flow reversals and acute shortage of foreign exchange.

Stoutly built for the challenges, he rolled up his sleeves, solicited and got the support of the Bankers’ Committee, a novel collaboration in the Nigeria’s financial system. He secured a yearly five percent commitment of their annual profit as pool fund to provide credit facility for the resuscitation, development, and growth of the real sector – the MSMEs, the health sector, Power, and Aviation, among others. Health sector got N100 billion, while the Real Sector got N1 trillion. In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed how weak and vulnerable the Nigerian economy was. The fiscal authority was caught napping, but for the swiftness and initiative-taking Central Bank of Nigeria, one can best imagine what

would have become of the economy if Godwin Emefiele had not risen to the occasion.

Afterwards, he started erecting legs for the economy to breathe well. He launched the Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR) policy and regulatory forbearance, 100- for- 100 Policy on Production and Productivity, RT 200 Programme to stimulate nonoil exports, the Creative Industry Financing Initiative (CIFI), Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilization Facility (NEMSF-2) for capital and operational expenditure of distribution companies (Discos) aimed at improving their liquidity status and aid recovery of legacy debt. He established Infrastructure Development Company (INFRACO) in conjunction the Federal Government to stimulate infrastructure development nationwide, to mention but few.

Recently, the Bank stepped up its cash-less policy initiative launched in

“

funds. Three State governors, later joined by twelve other colleagues, took the Federal Government to court alleging that the policy was inflicting unimaginable pains on Nigerians. The Naira redesign/swap programme by extension.

Would have (as was witnessed during the elections) reduced vote buying. The Bank was accused of playing politics with the policy, thus likely to hamper smooth electioneering process. Nevertheless, the CBN loudly restated its unassailable apolitical stance.

The strange meddlesomeness of the apex court in matters of monetary issues leaves one gaping, and still asking: where is the independence of the Central Bank of Nigeria? Its action foretells a repeat or forage in matters of CBN’s management of inflation or deployment monetary tools in future.

As enshrined in CBN Act. 2007 (as amended), Section 18 says the Bank shall - (a) arrange for the printing of currency notes and the minting of coins; (b) issue, re-issue and exchange currency notes and coins at the Bank’s offices and at such agencies as it may, from time to time … and Section 19: (1) The currency notes and coins issued by the Bank shall be - (a) in such denominations of the Naira or fractions thereof as shall be approved by the President on the recommendation of the Board; and (b) of such forms and designs and bear such devices as shall be approved by the President on the recommendation of the Board, it did not say the Supreme Court.

2012 by redesigning and reprinting three high-denominated banknotes –N200, N500 and N1,000. Governor Emefiele announced to the nation in October 2022 of his intention. Nigerians welcomed the news. More so that similar exercise was conducted about two decades ago

The benefits of a cash-less economy are numerous, thus remain the best option for Nigeria, rated as one of the best financial systems in the world. Mr. Emefiele had said that the policy will help to check insecurity, corruption and economic sabotage, banditry and kidnapping as well as rein-in inflation.

However, developments that followed the implementation seemed to have thrown spanners in the implementation agenda, temporarily putting it on hold till December 31, 2023. Politicians conjecturally felt that the policy, launched on the eve of the general elections was targeted at them to squeeze them of needed electioneering

The strange meddlesomeness of the apex court in matters of monetary issues leaves one gaping, and still asking: where is the independence of the Central Bank of Nigeria? Its action foretells a repeat or forage in matters of CBN’s management of inflation or deployment monetary tools in future

The adversaries may have temporarily halted the full implementation of the cash-less policy, but they cannot abort the programme. Nations are fast developing their financial systems technologically, and Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind. What becomes of the fate of the policy or its implementation after December 31, 2023, will either advance the strides recorded in our financial system landscape, or obliterate whatever we may have laboured for in the past 12 years and months of full implementation.

The legislators are also threatening to amend the CBN Act just because of observed little glitches experienced during the implementation, which is normal with every new thing. They should however tread with caution so as not to throw the baby away with the bathwater.

Would the Supreme Court by the time it realizes it has erred, and usurped powers outside its authority, causing disruption in the planned implementation of the Naira swap, apologize to Nigerians? And would the politicians who politized the policy for campaign purposes, and not love for the Nigerian masses, leave the CBN alone to do its job? Only time would tell.

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

Wall collapses, kills 2, injures 4 artisans in Wuse II

By Stanley Onyekwere

Two construction workers lost their lives, while four others escaped with injuries yesterday when a perimetre fence felled on them, at a building construction site on Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, in Wuse II, Abuja.

Confirming the incident, Director General of FCT Emergency Management Agency

(FEMA), Dr. Abbas Idriss revealed that the victims were removed from the rubbles of the collapsed wall located beside a United Bank for Africa (UBA) outlet in the area.

FEMA received a distress call between 10 to 11 am, that there was a building collapse beside UBA, and drafted its rescue team to the site, on getting there, it was discovered it was a wall that felled on the affected artisans,

working around the area.

He however, opined that the probable cause of the incident was that the affected artisans had encroached deep into another building, because it is not what they were building that fell.

“So far six people were removed from the rumbles, two were fatally injured while the remaining four are in the hospital receiving medical care.

“It is not the building under

construction that collapsed, because it is still at the foundation level, it is the wall (perimeter fence) that felled on them”, the FEMA boss stressed. Stressing the need for property developers to always obey the building codes and to consult as they excavate to safeguard lives and properties, the FEMA DG appealed to the relevant FCT Secretariat, Departments and Agencies

(SDAs) to apply sanctions where possible to serve as deterrent to others.

It was gathered that aside FEMA personnel, others from National Emergency Management Agency, FCT Police Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal and FCT Fire Service, and Department of Development Control were part of the rescue teams at the site.

NCAC reopens Abuja Arts, Crafts village 5-yrs after

By Stanley Onyekwere

The popular Abuja Arts and Crafts village, having over 250 shops has reopened for business, five years after it was shut down.

Announcing the reopening at a Press Conference in Abuja, on Tuesday, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Segun Runsewe, said the village will be given a face-lift and upgraded to an international tourist destination. Runsewe, noted that the Arts and Crafts village will create

more than 300 jobs and become a major source of foreign earner for the nation.

Explaining why the village was shut down five years ago, the Director General said the place had become a den of criminals where drug peddlers, nude club operators, kidnappers found as safe haven.

He added that their activities posed serious threat to guests visiting major public facility close to the village as well as FCT residents.

Meanwhile, the Council in its rules and regulations for the Arts

and Crafts village made available to newsmen, which amongst other things declared that only two persons with the tenant or its representative are allowed in each shop, added that sleeping at the Arts and Crafts village is strictly prohibited, while defaulters will be sanctioned by recovery of shop.

It added that the Arts and Crafts Village opens by 7am and closes by 6 pm, and failure to pay rent as at when due shall entitle the Council to recover such shop, whereas all visitors with cars are to pay gate fee of A100 and

occupants with car are to pay monthly gate pass of N500.

Also, the market is sectionalized based on different kinds of Arts & Crafts items. No occupant is allowed to sell goods other than the goods meant for the section where he/she occupies.

Equally, all excursions and tours by schools and other organisations to the Arts and Crafts Village must be authorized by the Director General of the Council.

“All forms of criminal activities, such as smoking

of hard drugs (Indian hemp, cocaine, etc.)

stealing, possession dangerous weapons, etc. are strictly prohibited at the Village. “Hawking is prohibited. 1If caught items will be seized take ful responsibility for the care and welfare of their Pupils/ Students.

“No vehicle is allowed to park over night at the Arts & Crafts Village without he prior approval of the facility Manager otherwise vehicles shall be impounded”, it stated.

AC Akinbinu David (rtd) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) receiving a gift, during a special retirement party, organised in his honour by his friends, yesterday, at the NSCDC Millennium Park, in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. Photo: Stanley Onyekwere

Teenagers charged with murder over shooting in Dadeville, Alabama

Two teenage boys have been charged with murder after the shooting at a 16th birthday party in Alabama that killed four and injured 32 over the weekend.

Ty Reik McCullough, 17, and Travis McCullough, 16, were arrested on Tuesday night, police said.

Authorities said the suspects are each being charged with four counts of reckless murder and that more charges are expected.

A prosecutor said the suspects would be charged as adults.

At a press conference on Wednesday, officials told reporters that these were the very beginning stages of the investigation into the shooting on Saturday in Dadeville and offered very few details. No information was given about a motive or the type of firearm used.

Police said that among the 32 people injured, four are still in the hospital and four remain in critical condition.

“We are going to make sure everyone of those victims has justice and not just the deceased,” Sergeant Jeremy Burkett of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) said.

The 19 July 2011 was the “most humble day” of Rupert Murdoch’s life.

Until now, at least.

On that day in 2011, the world’s most powerful media mogul was called before Parliament’s culture and media committee as the phone hacking scandal engulfed his UK newspaper operations.

The final straw had been the revelation that the News of the World had listened in to the voicemails of the murdered schoolgirl Millie Dowler.

The horror of it still resonates (and the story of phone hacking is far from over).

Back then, Murdoch’s damage limitation exercise was swift. He shut down the 168-yearold newspaper and apologised privately to the Dowler family.

The man who has had such a hold over Britain’s media since he arrived in London in the late 1960s to buy the News of the World was forced into that humiliating oneliner.

“This is the most humble day of my life,” he told MPs (with the theatre of the event heightened by his then wife Wendi Deng later launching herself at a protester who attacked her husband with a custard pie).

Now Murdoch has been forced into another humiliating climbdown, this time in relation to his US operations.

Yet again, it’s the Murdoch empire’s approach to truth that is in the spotlight.

Fox News argued it was fighting a court case against voting machine company Dominion in

The agency added: “These individuals have been charged after a complex and thorough investigation was conducted with assistance from a multitude of law enforcement agencies.”

Until Wednesday, police had offered few details since the

the interests of free speech, a US First Amendment right.

Instead, it appeared that the network relegated fact-based journalism for fiction in the wake of America’s 2020 presidential election.

trial

We already know, from Fox News emails and messages published in February as part of the legal case, that many Fox executives and presenters didn’t believe claims of voter fraud - but broadcast them anyway.

The network carried on giving a platform to people endorsing the views of Donald Trump and his supporters that the election had been stolen - in part, it seems, because it didn’t want to upset its viewers.

Suzanne Scott, the Fox News Media chief executive, told Murdoch just before rioters stormed the US Capitol in January 2021 that the channel needed to be careful about “pissing off the viewers”.

With 7,000 documents now in the public domain, there has already been a lot of damaging material to chew over. Huge questions remain over the impact Fox News and its broadcasts had over the divisions apparently tearing the US apart. Truth took a back seat and the impact is still being felt.

Perhaps, for Murdoch, the final straw was the prospect of facing another public humiliation, this time in court. Fox’s lawyers had failed to persuade the judge that he shouldn’t be called to the stand.

shooting on any suspects in the case.

District Attorney Mike Segrest acknowledged this fact, saying, “I know that there has been some frustration among our community and among media about a lack of information that has been

provided up to this point.”

The deceased victims have been identified as Marsiah Collins, 19; Phil Dowdell, 18; Corbin Holston, 23; and Shaunkivia Smith, 17.

Mr Dowdell died trying to save his sister Alexis, his family

has said. He was a star athlete on his high school’s American football team and had been due to graduate to go to Jacksonville State University on a sports scholarship.

One of his friends and school football teammate told the BBC: “Phil to me was an amazing friend. God’s got an angel.”

There were about 50 people at the party, which was held at a local dance studio.

Dadeville, a town of roughly 3,000 residents, is about 60 miles (100 km) northeast of the state capital of Montgomery.

Officials said the two suspects are from Tuskegee, Alabama which is about a 40 minute drive from Dadeville.

Sgt Burkett urged those who were at the party at the dance studio to contact authorities if they have not already done so.

“We need you to come forward for these families, for these victims,” he said.

The weekend attack took the US to a grim milestone of more than 160 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines such events as ones in which four or more people are shot.

more costly. Smartmatic wants more than Dominion - $2.7bn (£2.2bn) in defamation damages.

In the UK, the Murdoch empire has already paid out many millions in damages to people who accused it of phone hacking.

Prince Harry is part of a group of claimants trying to take Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers, which includes the Sun, to court over alleged phone hacking.

How damaging will all this be?

The $787.5m payout to Dominion is a huge amount. But Fox’s revenue in the last quarter of 2022, for example, was $4.6bn (£3.7bn) - and the share price has barely moved in light of the settlement.

Along with his son Lachlan, Fox Corporation’s executive chairman and CEO, Rupert Murdoch would have had to give evidence.

And it’s clear Dominion’s lawyers would not have settled for a one-liner from the media mogul.

“The most humble day of my life” simply wouldn’t have cut it. It would have been hugely embarrassing.

So Rupert Murdoch agreed a last-minute settlement, meaning Fox will pay Dominion $787.5m (£634m).

Although the case never reached trial and the Murdochs never took the stand, reputationally the damage surely equals that of the hacking scandal.

So where does this leave the man who has been integral to the fabric of the media landscape in the UK, the US and Australia for

so long?

Ruthlessness and risk-taking built the Murdoch empire, whether that was his victory over the print unions in the early days of his ownership of the Times and Sunday Times, or his determination to create the right-wing Fox News, credited with helping get Trump elected in 2016.

His critics will be crowing over the Dominion settlement.

On CNN, presenter Jake Tapper (who said it was difficult to report the outcome “with a straight face”) called it “one of the ugliest and most embarrassing moments in the history of journalism”.

And this isn’t the end of the matter. Another voting software company, Smartmatic, is also suing Fox over its broadcasts about voter fraud. It could be even

Perhaps there’s a lesson to learn from 2011. At the time, the horrific story of the News of the World’s exploitation of Millie Dowler’s murder felt to many like a watershed.

It cost the empire dearly in the short term - but, while the phone hacking fallout and financial outlay are ongoing, Murdoch’s influence has only spread since then.

He’s older now, at 92. He has also suffered a more personal embarrassment recently. Having announced a new engagement and his plans to spend the “second half of our lives together”, just a few weeks later the marriage plans were off.

But if we’ve learned one thing over the past half a century, it’s that you underestimate Rupert Murdoch at your peril.

Source: BBC

Mourners attend a vigil at the First Baptist Church of Dadeville following the mass shooting at the Mahogany Masterpiece dance studio on 16 April in Dadeville, Alabama.

Rupert Murdoch: Will he be damaged by the Fox News and Dominion case?

Former president Donald Trump, pictured at the NRA annual meeting last week, repeatedly claimed the 2020 election was stolen

Sudan conflict: ‘We’re expecting to get shot at any time,’ doctor says

ASudanese doctor has told the BBC that he and his colleagues are “expecting... to get shot [at] any time” while working in a Khartoum hospital.

The doctor, who we are not naming, has been volunteering to treat sick people, most of whom have been shot.

He said he felt “helpless” and that it was “difficult” to “see people in front of you... dying”.

Both staff and patients at the hospital have been hit by stray bullets, he said.

He will no longer return to that hospital because it is not safe, but instead will treat patients at a different medical facility.

The Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors (CCSD) says 39 out of 59 hospitals in the capital, Khartoum, and nearby states are “out of service”, highlighting the worsening humanitarian situation in the country.

“Among the hospitals that have stopped working, there are nine hospitals that were bombed, and 16 hospitals that were subjected to forced evacuation,” the CCSD said.

Fighting between the Sudanese army and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) group is now in its fifth day, amid a power struggle in the country.

The doctor confirmed to the BBC that patients and doctors in at least 16 hospitals had been forcibly evacuated from hospitals by the RSF, although the BBC is not able to independently verify this report.

Patients are stranded in some hospitals with no clean water or food, and it is difficult to evacuate them because of “lack of transportation, the lack of safe passages and the lack of gasoline”.

He also said that several corpses had been left in hospitals that cannot be accessed.

A second medic, Dr Ahmed Abbas who is a coordinator for the Sudan Doctors’ Union, told the BBC’s Newshour radio programme that the “situation is bad” and that very few Khartoum hospitals were functioning.

Those hospitals are struggling and “running short of oxygen” and life-saving drugs, while doctors have been working

“round the clock” and are exhausted to the “point of collapse”.

Dr Abbas also warned that “people are dying from lack of staff” and blood supplies, while others were dying because of a “long wait” to get to the operating rooms, adding that the heath service was “beyond collapse”.

Both Dr Abbas and the unnamed Khartoum doctor told the BBC that some hospitals had been used by the factions as a refuge for their fighters.

Dr Abbas said five major Khartoum hospitals had been almost totally destroyed by “crossfire fighting”.

On Wednesday the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) called for unimpeded access in Sudan and warned that the fighting was taking a “disastrous

toll”.

The body’s regional director for Africa, Patrick Youssef, said the enormity of the situation was still unfolding. He called for “quick access and safety for ambulances, medical personnel, and humanitarian actors to be able to evaluate what is happening”.

An ICRC statement added that law and order had broken down in parts of the western region of Darfur, and that its offices in Nyala had been looted and a vehicle stolen.

About 270 civilians have been killed since fighting broke out on Saturday, according to a statement from Western diplomats based in Khartoum.

Large numbers of Khartoum residents have been fleeing, whilst others are trapped

in their homes seeking shelter as a fresh wave of explosions erupted in the capital this morning.

Sudan: The basics

• Sudan is in north-east Africa and has a history of instability: The military toppled long-time leader Omar al-Bashir in 2019 after mass protests

• It then overthrew a power-sharing government in 2021, putting two men at the helm: The head of the army and his deputy, who is also the head of a paramilitary group called the RSF

• They disagree on how to restore civilian rule to Sudan: The RSF leader claims to represent marginalised groups against the country’s elites but his forces were accused of ethnic cleansing

Sudan conflict: Residents flee capital Khartoum as fighting continues

Thousands of civilians have fled Sudan’s capital and foreign nations are trying to evacuate their citizens, amid a fifth day of fierce fighting.

Witnesses reported people leaving Khartoum in cars and on foot on Wednesday morning, as gunfire and deafening explosions rocked the city.

Meanwhile, officials in Japan and Tanzania say they are considering missions to evacuate their citizens.

The exodus follows Tuesday’s collapsed ceasefire between the warring factions.

The Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had agreed a 24-hour humanitarian ceasefire on Tuesday, but the truce collapsed within minutes of its proposed 16:00 GMT launch.

A new ceasefire was put forward by the RSF for 18:00 local time (16:00 GMT) on Wednesday. The army said it would abide by the truce but there have been reports of gunfire since it was due to come into effect.

Civilians began to flee the capital early on Wednesday morning after fighting resumed and Khartoum was enveloped in thick black smoke following explosions near the army headquarters.

Witnesses in Khartoum reported heavily armed RSF fighters patrolling the city on pick-up trucks, while fighter jets loyal to the military conducted strikes on targets believed to be held by the paramilitary forces.

A shortage of fuel and a lack of public transport has seen many of those fleeing forced to do so on foot, with some seeking

to get passage to central and western Sudan - where their families live - on flatbed trucks.

One local fleeing the capital told the BBC that the RSF had set up checkpoints on roads around the city and some of its fighters had robbed him, stealing his phone and some money.

Robberies have also been reported in areas of the capital itself. On Tuesday, residents of the Khartoum 2 area told the BBC that the RSF militia had been going house-to-house in the neighbourhood demanding water and food.

As the fighting intensifies, a number of nations say they have started preparations to evacuate their citizens from the country.

Japan said its Self Defence Forces were considering how to evacuate some 60 Japanese citizens from Sudan, with a military plane placed on standby.

Tanzania’s Foreign Affairs Minister Stergomena Tax told parliament that his government was also evaluating whether it was possible to evacuate 210 of its citizens.

However, the US embassy in Khartoum said “the uncertain security situation” in the capital meant there were no plans for a “US government-coordinated evacuation”.

And the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies told the BBC that it was advising locals calling it for help to stay put and avoid putting themselves in the line of fire.

Whoever calls, we tell them the truth: ‘Look, right now it’s a challenge to get you out, and it’s better and safer to stay where you

are,’” Farid Abdulkadir, the organisation’s chief in Sudan, told the BBC’s Focus on Africa radio programme.

The death toll caused by the fighting is unclear, but the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors (CCSD) said on Tuesday that at least 174 civilians had been killed in the violence.

However, experts say the real figure could be far higher, with many wounded unable to reach hospitals which have reportedly been shelled.

The statement - issued through the US embassy in Khartoum - also condemned “attacks directed against civilians, diplomats, and humanitarian actors” and said “Sudan’s military leaders must engage in dialogue without delay”.

“We emphasise that comprehensive and lasting settlement of the differences between the SAF and the RSF is an urgent priority which can be achieved only by peaceful political dialogue,” the statement added.

Tanzeel Khan - an Indian national working in Khartoum - told the BBC that airstrikes in the city were putting civilian lives at risk.

“Since this morning, the airstrikes in this area have intensified and we do not know when they’re going to hit our building,” he said. “There are around 15 other people living in the same building who are facing similar difficulties.”

“Despite the 24-hour truce that started from 6pm yesterday, there’s heavy gunfight going on and it’s impossible to go out and look for supplies,” he added.

A Russian woman trapped in a Greek Orthodox church in Khartoum said that her situation was growing desperate, after her group ran out of power, food and water.

She told the BBC that “urban electricity [was] cut off from the very beginning of the fighting”, but that a generator powering the church had run out of fuel.

The Norwegian Refugee Council - a humanitarian group that helps people displaced by conflict - said “virtually all humanitarian work has been paralysed” in Sudan and that it was impossible to provide assistance on the ground amid such heavy fighting.

“You cannot operate when there is fighting all over the place, when it’s unsafe to drive on the roads, when the airport is closed,” the organisation’s head Jan Egeland told the BBC.

“I’m talking about humanitarian organisations who have seen their warehouses looted, their compounds invaded, their staff held at gunpoint. You know, colleagues have been sexually abused. It’s really, really very bad,” he added.

Elsewhere, the EU said on Wednesday that its ambassador to Sudan had resumed his duties after being assaulted by fighters in the capital on Monday.

A spokesperson for the European Commission said Ambassador O’Hara was attacked after unidentified “armed men wearing military fatigues” stormed his residence in Khartoum.

Source: BBC

Sick people are still being admitted to hospitals, despite the dangers of travelling on Khartoum’s streets

Iran protests: LGBTQ community rises up

“Are you a degenerate,” asked the security officer interrogating a young bisexual woman arrested during the recent antigovernment protests in Iran.

The interrogator had searched the woman’s phone and come across her intimate conversations with her girlfriend.

Warning: This article contains language that some readers may find offensive.

“What the hell are these chats? Are you a degenerate?” repeated the interrogator, his voice laced with disgust and using an offensive and derogatory Persian word which describes any form of same-sex attraction.

Now out of prison on bail, the woman, who is in her 20s, tells the BBC that she dodged the question by describing the conversation as “jokes that are common between girls”.

She says that the officer appeared to be focused on pressing charges related to the protests and therefore did not pursue the allegations of homosexuality.

Iranian law, which is based on Sharia, considers same-sex relations as crimes that carry a maximum penalty of death.

“But he kept pounding me with that question: ‘Are you a degenerate?’ He also mentioned my girlfriend’s name here and there, asking questions about her sexuality,” she says.

She had planned to make a rainbowcoloured LGBTQ Pride flag and take it to protests. “But I got arrested and a lot has happened since,” she says.

Pointing to the defiant spirit of the younger generations in Iran, she says that it came as no surprise that the LGBTQ community was “more visible during the recent protests”, especially since the movement “has roots in the struggle for human rights”.

In her opinion, this displays “unparalleled courage” of the younger generations and the gulf between them and the top echelons of the Islamic Republic, many of whom are now in their 80s.

“This generation does not bend before barbaric laws and norms. It is bent on

consistently remaining true to itself. It stands tall and demands recognition.”

The protests swept across the country following the death in custody in September of Mahsa Amini, a young ethnic Kurdish woman who was detained by morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab “improperly”.

The Islamic Republic has responded with deadly force.

According to the Human Rights Activists’ News Agency (HRANA), security forces have killed at least 530 protesters - including 71 children - since the protests began. Four men have been executed on protest-related charges following trials that the UN says were unfair and based on forced confessions. Dozens of others who have been convicted are at risk of execution.

‘Queer, Life, Freedom’

During the protest movement, young LGBTQ people have defied the regime’s bans on public shows of affection and same-sex intimacy by removing their hijab and kissing each other in public.

Others have taken to streets with placards in the colours of the Pride and trans flags,

reading “Woman, Life, Freedom” - the de facto slogan of the protest movement - as well as “Queer, Life, Freedom”.

Queer is an offensive word to some, but for others it is the preferred term to describe their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Photos have shown activists spraypainting pro-LGBTQ slogans on walls at universities and in parks, including: “Queer, Trans, Freedom”, “The LGBTQ community rises”, and “This is the voice of the LGBTQ community: liberation or setting the night on fire”.

Others have handed out flyers to people on the streets that are hand-painted in the colours of the Pride flag and read: “The Iranian LGBTQ family stands by you.”

Many Iranians on social media have warmly welcomed the increased visibility of the LGBTQ community. Yet the move has triggered a backlash from others.

In addition to the outright homophobic reactions, an old question has resurfaced: “Is it the ‘right time’ to speak of LGBTQ rights in Iran?”

Similar questions have reverberated

through Iran’s modern history whenever marginalised groups have demanded rights.

“Is this the right time for that?” was used by many political parties to gag feminists when thousands protested against the introduction of the mandatory hijab rules following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

‘We are countless’

Afsaneh Rigot, a researcher in technology, law and human rights at Harvard University, says: “Seen globally, queer people in Iran face some of the harshest penalties for their existence.”

“They are also criminalised in multiple ways, not only under oppressive laws generally criminalising freedom of expression on and offline, but also laws directly criminalising their identities,” she adds.

These include wearing clothes considered female if a person is assigned male at birth.

Other same-sex acts that are criminalised include same-sex “kissing or touching as a result of lust” and are punishable by flogging. These penalties also apply to children under the age of 18.

A trans non-binary activist in Iran in their early 20s, who say they are defying pressure from the “guardians of cis-heteronormativity”, describe the increased visibility of the LGBTQ community as the “rainbow wave”.

They also note that in response, top officials of the Islamic Republic are intensifying their homophobic rhetoric.

In a speech in Tehran on the anniversary of the revolution on 11 February, President Ebrahim Raisi accused the West of “exploiting women” under the pretext of human rights.

He said those countries were in no place to “set norms for the world, since they are pushing humanity towards the brink of extinction by promoting immoral behaviour like homosexuality”.

Despite all the headwinds, Iran’s LGBTQ community is determined to not be pushed back into the closet again.

Recently, dozens helped a gay beauty blogger make a video collage in which each of them repeated a single sentence: “We are countless.”

Egyptians complain over Netflix depiction of Cleopatra as black

ANetflix docudrama series that depicts Queen Cleopatra VII as a black African has sparked controversy in Egypt.

A lawyer has filed a complaint that accuses African Queens: Queen Cleopatra of violating media laws and aiming to “erase the Egyptian identity”.

A top archaeologist insisted Cleopatra was “light-skinned, not black”.

But the producer said “her heritage is highly debated” and the actress playing her told critics: “If you don’t like the casting, don’t watch the show.”

Adele James made the comment in a Twitter post that included screengrabs of abusive comments that included racist slurs.

Cleopatra was born in the Egyptian city of Alexandria in 69 BC and became the last queen of a Greek-speaking dynasty founded by Alexander the Great’s Macedonian general Ptolemy.

She succeeded her father Ptolemy XII in 51 BC and ruled until her death in 30 BC. Afterwards, Egypt fell under Roman domination.

The identity of Cleopatra’s mother is not known, and historians say it is possible that she, or any other female ancestor, was an indigenous Egyptian or from elsewhere in Africa.

Netflix’s companion website Tudum reported in February that the choice to cast Adele James, who is of mixed race, as Cleopatra in its new documentary series was “a nod to the centuries-long conversation about the ruler’s race”.

Jada Pinkett Smith, the American

actress who was executive producer and narrator, was meanwhile quoted as saying: “We don’t often get to see or hear stories about black queens, and that was really important for me, as well as for my daughter, and just for my community to be able to know those stories because there are tons of them!”

But when the trailer was released last

week many Egyptians condemned the depiction of Cleopatra.

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Zahi Hawass, a prominent Egyptologist and former antiquities minister, told the al-Masry al-Youm newspaper: “This is completely fake. Cleopatra was Greek, meaning that she was light-skinned, not black.”

Mr Hawass said the only rulers of Egypt known to have been black were the Kushite kings of the 25th Dynasty (747-656 BC).

“Netflix is trying to provoke confusion by spreading false and deceptive facts that the origin of the Egyptian civilisation is black,” he added and called on Egyptians to take a stand against the streaming giant.

On Sunday, lawyer Mahmoud alSemary filed a complaint with the public prosecutor demanding that he take “the necessary legal measures” and block access to Netflix’s services in Egypt.

He alleged that the series included visual material and content that violated Egypt’s media laws and accused Netflix of trying to “promote the Afrocentric thinking... which includes slogans and writings aimed at distorting and erasing the Egyptian identity”.

Three years ago, plans for a movie about Cleopatra starring the Israeli actress Gal Gadot triggered a heated debate on social media, with some people insisting that the role should instead go to an Arab or African actress.

Gadot subsequently defended the casting decision, saying: “We were looking for a Macedonian actress that could fit Cleopatra. She wasn’t there, and I was very passionate about Cleopatra.”

Source: BBC

A young LGBTQ person holds up a trans flag reading “#queer - life - freedom”

African Queens: Queen Cleopatra features British actress Adele James as the Egyptian ruler

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Thousands of children sharing beds due to overcrowding

More than two million children in England are living in overcrowded accommodation with little or no personal space, while some 300,000 share beds with family members, new analysis suggests. The BBC has spoken to two families struggling to cope because they do not have enough space.

On the third floor of a large block of flats, Deni Reid squeezes into a small corner to practise her keyboard.

Sitting about a foot away, her mother listens intently, proud not just of her daughter’s musical talents, but also of her ability to overcome adversity.

“She’s nearly 10 and she’s never had her own bedroom,” says Joanna Szablewska. “She’s always been sharing a bed with me.”

‘Like a prison cell’

The family pay £860 a month for what their local council deems to be a one-bedroom flat. In reality, it is a shower room, a tiny kitchen/sitting area and a room with a double bed “about the same size as a prison cell”, says Joanna.

They were told they would only be here for eight weeks but it has been 13 months.

“We deserve to have at least one single bed each and one wardrobe,” says the 36-year-old administrator. “She [Deni] would love to have a desk to do her homework, is that so much to ask for?”

In a letter to the council, pleading for a larger property, Deni wrote: “I’ve been homeless my whole life. I deserve my own room, space and bed.”

There is no room for a table, so Deni does her homework on the floor by the bed she shares with her mother

New National Housing Federation (NHF) analysis, published on Wednesday, suggests:

• more than 300,000 children in England have to share beds with other family members

• two million children live in cramped conditions, with little or no personal space

• ethnic minority households are three times more likely to be overcrowded than white households

• more than a quarter of parents living in overcrowded homes questioned by researchers said they regularly had

to sleep in a living room, bathroom, hallway or kitchen

Joanna and her daughter were forced to seek council help when private, rented accommodation became too expensive. Joanna had never been able to afford a two-bed property, but, with rents soaring, now struggles to afford a one-bed flat.

They are currently one of 56 homeless

families living in Brimstone House, in Stratford, east London. The tower block used to house single people in studio flats but is currently being used by Newham Council to provide temporary and emergency accommodation.

‘No space to play’

Joanna works from home, so her daughter has to spend whole days, especially during school holidays, sitting on the bed. “I can’t have family over. I can’t have a proper Easter, I can’t have Christmas. My daughter doesn’t have space to play. I barely have space to work. Living here is so depressing,” says Joanna.

Under pressure from a local housing action group, Focus E15, the mayor of Newham vowed last year to move all families out of the block by next month, but recently said the deadline would not be met. The council says there has been a 26% increase in homeless households needing help over the past year.

Several families have told the BBC about the cramped conditions they live in: the claustrophobic nature of the

rooms, the difficulties of keeping each property tidy and the stress of living in such close proximity to partners and children.

Amira, 21 months, has never had a bath; she has spent her entire life in a small room in the building, says her mother.

Nearby, three-year-old Ehvie loathes showers, constantly screaming. “Because there is no bath, I use a bucket filled with water and put some toys in thereit’s the closest I can come to replicating a bath,” says her mum, 28-year-old student, Caitlin Rosenbrand.

She too shares her bed with her daughter, but “sometimes I have to sleep on the floor because she can take up the whole bed. If I wake her to scooch her up a little bit, it can be quite difficult for her to go back to sleep, which makes everything more stressful.”

Households are considered overcrowded if more than two children under the age of 10, or two teenagers of different sexes, or two adults aged 16 or over - and not in a relationship, share a room.

“Every child deserves the right to have a home that is suitable for their needs and allows them to grow as individuals,” said NHF chief executive Kate Henderson.

“Growing up in overcrowded homes can have a devastating impact on a child’s self-esteem, wellbeing, and future life chances as well as affecting family relationships and making it harder for parents to nurture their child’s growth.”

The biggest cause of overcrowding, says the NHF, is a chronic shortage of social housing. Ministers say they are investing £11.5bn to deliver thousands of affordable homes, but campaigners say the change is too slow.

Just a 10-minute walk from Brimstone House sits a picture of England’s dysfunctional housing system. Plans to regenerate the Carpenters Estate were originally announced in 2003, residents were moved out of hundreds of council flats more than a decade ago.

Today, the three tower blocks that dominate the estate stand dilapidated and virtually empty, windows smashed and moss growing around them, with those regeneration plans having continually changed over the years.

The latest plans, say Newham council, will see more than 2,000 homes built, in phases, over the next two decades. The council also say they will acquire 500 homes over the next three years to tackle homelessness.

As well as being a keen pianist, Deni is on a scheme for talented singers run by the Royal Opera House. Her dreams are big but her mother’s ambitions are more pressing: “I want to end my homelessness circle,” says Joanna. “I need permanent, longterm accommodation for me and my daughter, to finally allow her to have a normal childhood.” Source: BBC

Joanna Szablewska, with Deni: “I want my daughter to have a normal childhood”

There is no room for a table, so Deni does her homework on the floor by the bed she shares with her mother

“ Households are considered overcrowded if more than two children under the age of 10, or two teenagers of different sexes, or two adults aged 16 or over - and not in a relationship, share a room.

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Federation Cup: Rivers Utd battle Enyimba in round of 64 heavyweight clash

By Amaechi Agbo

Rivers United vs Enyimba International as well as Akwa United Vs Wikki Tourists are some of the heavyweights clashes in the Federation Cup Round of 64 fixtures released on Wednesday.

Nigeria’s only remaining flag-bearers in African club competitions this year, Rivers United FC will be up against twotime CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC of Aba in what is indisputably the star match of Round of 64 of this year’s Federation Cup competition.

The ‘Pride of Rivers’ host Tanzania’s Young Africans in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup fixture in Uyo on Sunday, and will then have the clash with Enyimba FC as vintage preparatory match for the return leg in Dar es Salaam.

At the draw held inside the NFF Secretariat on Wednesday, Akwa United FC were drawn to play Wikki Tourists of Bauchi in another big game, just as multititle winners Rangers International of Enugu will take on Adamawa United FC.

Heartland FC of Owerri have been drawn to play Jedo FC of Sokoto while Kogi United square up to Mailantarki FC of FCT.

The women’s Round of 32 fixtures were also drawn on Wednesday, with Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt up against Golden Sun of Bayelsa State and Naija Ratels of FCT to play Adamawa Queens.

All Round of 64 matches in the men’s competition and Round of 32 matches in the women’s competition will hold on Wednesday, 26 April. The Round of 32 matches in the men’s competition have been scheduled for Wednesday, 3 May, with the Round of 16 on Wednesday, 10 May. Quarter final matches are to take place on Wednesday, 17 May.

The semi-finals of both competitions will come up on Wednesday, 24 May with the men’s and women’s grand finale on Saturday, 27 May.

ALL THE ROUND OF 64 FIXTURES (MEN)

Heartland FC (Imo) vs Jedo FC (Sokoto)

Bayelsa United (Bayelsa) Vs Essien Ayi FC (Cross River)

Ahudiya FC (Abia) Vs Jigawa Golden Stars (Jigawa)

ABS FC (Kwara) Vs Bendel Insurance FC (Edo)

Standard FC (Kaduna) Vs Ekiti United

(Ekiti)

FC Basira (Nasarawa) Vs Sunshine Stars (Ondo)

EFCC FC (FCT) Vs Katukan Tsafe FC (Zamfara)

Wikki Tourists (Bauchi) Vs Akwa United FC (Akwa Ibom)

Warri Wolves (Delta) Vs Beyond Limit FC (Ogun)

3SC (Oyo) Vs Adamimogo FC (Ondo)

Mighty Jets (Plateau) Vs Niger Tornadoes Feeders (Niger)

Malumfashi FC (Katsina) Vs Gombe United (Gombe)

Osun United (Osun) Vs Katsina United (Katsina)

Bendel Insurance Feeders (Edo) Vs Maikunkele FC (Niger)

Cynosure FC (Ebonyi) Vs Kano Pillars

Jnr (Kano)

Lobi Stars (Benue) Vs FC One Rocket (Akwa Ibom)

Jama United (Zamfara) Vs Plateau United (Plateau)

Rivers United (Rivers) Vs Enyimba FC (Abia)

Ingas FC (Enugu) Vs Novia FC (Adamawa)

El-Kanemi Warriors (Borno) Vs De

Cardinal FC (Rivers)

Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) Vs Kebbi United (Kebbi)

DMD FC (Borno) Vs ABJ FC (Bauchi)

Ikorodu City (Lagos) Vs Crusader FC (Bayelsa)

Gateway United (Ogun) Vs Kwara United (Kwara)

FC Ebedei (Ekiti) Vs Hope of Glory FC (Cross River)

Yobe Desert Stars (Yobe) Vs Igbajo FC (Osun)

Adamawa United (Adamawa) Vs Rangers Int’l (Enugu)

Ilaji FC (Oyo) Vs Kano Pillars (Kano)

Green Berets FC (Kaduna) Vs FR Ebunuja (Imo)

Ozalla FC (Anambra) Vs Doma United (Gombe)

Kogi United Feeders (Kogi) Vs Edel FC (Anambra)

Mailantarki FC (FCT) Vs kogi United (Kogi)

All The Round of 32 Fixtures (WOMEN)

Bayelsa Queens (Bayelsa) Vs Maureen Mmadu KFC (Anambra)

Akwa Angels (Akwa Ibom) Vs Dannaz Ladies (Lagos)

Owo Itan FC (Akwa Ibom) Vs Fortress FC (Edo)

Honey Badgers (Benue) Vs Kada FC (Kaduna)

Heartland Queens (Imo) Vs Confluence Queens (Kogi)

Lakeside FC (Ogun) Vs Kwara Ladies (Kwara)

Sunshine Queens (Ondo) Vs Edo Queens (Edo)

Maureen Mmadu KFC (Abia) Vs Green Foot (Enugu)

FC Robo (Lagos) Vs Immaculate Queens (Enugu)

First Mah FC (Imo) Vs Royal Queens (Delta)

Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa) Vs Gallant FC (Kaduna)

Naija Ratels (FCT) Vs Adamawa Queens (Adamawa)

Rivers Angels (Rivers) Vs Golden Sun FC (Bayelsa)

Osun Babes (Osun) Vs Awka Angels (Anambra)

Ekiti Queens (Ekiti) Vs Moje Queens (Kwara)

Paul E. FC (FCT) Vs Delta Queens (Delta)

NFF to constitute boards for NNL, NWFL, NLO

The Nigeria Football Federation has reiterated that the Interim Management Committee of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) headed by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye will be allowed to remain in office and conclude its mandate before any decision can be taken on a board for the NPFL.

“Let me once more commend the IMC

for the great job it is doing to reposition the elite division of our domestic League. We are enamoured by the way and manner the Board has gone about its mandate and everyone can see the transparency, probity and seriousness the members have attached to their tasks.

“The IMC will remain in office to complete their tenure as extended by the

NFF a couple of months ago. Afterwards, the NFF Executive Committee will meet to decide on the best way forward. However, new Boards of the Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Football League and the Nigeria Nationwide League One will be constituted within the next one month,” President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau said on Wednesday.

It can be recalled that on 21st October 2022, the IMC was inaugurated by the NFF President, with an initial mandate of three months, and a number of terms of reference aimed at engendering a new life generally for Nigeria’s elite division.

In January this year, the mandate was extended till the end of the current NPFL Season, which is 31st May 2023.

Photo: Enyimba and Rivers United players in action in a recent NPFL clash

S P R T

NFF charges Golden Eaglets to win U-17 AFCON

By Amaechi Agbo

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF has charged the nation’s U-17 male team, the Golden Eaglets to win the 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and also pick the ticket to FIFA World Cup, www. bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

The federation dropped the charge on Tuesday after its Executive Committee meeting in Abuja last night.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the federation noted that the team will have a final 10-day camping in a yet to be named North African country prior to the tournament which holds in Algeria in month

“After appraising the preparations that have been afforded the team precompetition, including a proposed 10-day final camping programme in North Africa, the Board minced no words in charging the U17 Boys’ National Team (Golden Eaglets) to deploy its best efforts in overcoming all before it to win the Africa U17 Cup of Nations taking place in Algeria between 29 April and 19 May, and in the process earning a ticket to the FIFA u17 World Cup finals taking place later this year,” part of the statement read.

Nigeria is paired in Group B along Morocco, South Africa and Zambia.

The Nduka Ugbade led teenagers will begin their campaign on April 30 against Zambia at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium, Constantine

They will take on Morocco three days later at the same stadium before they round off their preliminary campaign with a clash against South Africa on May 6 at the same venue

A total of 12 teams are participating in the tournament which starts from April 29 to May 19, 2023.

The last four semi-finalists will represent Africa at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup later in the year.

Cameroon are the defending champions, having won the 2019 edition as the 2021 edition was cancelled.

Brownhill Foundation constructs Volleyball, Handball courts in Delta State

Sports as a component of educational attainment was highlighted recently in Warri, Delta State following the construction and commissioning of a volleyball and handball courts donated to the Hussey College her alumnus.

It was glitz and glamour, excitement and camaraderie as the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, led a pack of eminent personalities to the official commissioning of ultramodern Volleyball and Handball courts donated to Hussey College, Warri by Brownhill Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation in Delta State.

The Foundation is the brainchild of an old student of the

school, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick, the immediate past two-tenure President of the Nigeria Football Federation and a serving member of the FIFA Council.

Heralding the arrival of the Olu of Warri at the ceremony were traditional dances, in an atmosphere of pomp and pageantry, with the aroma of royalty radiating at the proceedings of the day.

The commissioning ceremony was a gathering of the “who-is-who” in the academia, politics, business and government. The national anthem, that of the Itsekiri ethnic extraction and Hussey College, as rendered, brought back nostalgic feelings of our existence as a people bound with one destiny.

The National President of Hussey college Old Students Association, Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, in his speech, said he is challenged by this donation of sports infrastructure by Brownhill Foundation, with Amaju Melvin Pinnick as founder.

Elder Ogidi, who is also the National Vice Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP said further “Even when some of us have influenced projects to Hussey College, Warri in times past by virtue of the positions we have occupied in Government, none of us have done anything in our individual capacities as Amaju Pinnick is doing “.

The Olu of Warri, in his brief remarks, stunned the august

audience, by going down memory lane to reveal that his biological father, a late Olu of Warri was an alumnus of Hussey college, who wanted him to attend the college, but which was not to be, by a twist of fate.

While commending Mr Pinnick and his Brownhill Foundation Group for giving back to the society, the highly reverred monarch called on other alumni of the school to emulate the kind gesture.

The monarch believed that there are other old students of Hussey College out there, who might be wealthier than Pinnick, but in his words:”this young man has just decided to etch his name in gold and in the sands of time.”

UNIUYO Physical & Health Education students hold sports dance festival

The campus town of University of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, was agog with excitement, as third year students of the Department of Physical and Health Education, exhibited their dancing skills, as part of the practical aspect of third year course: “Traditional Dances and Sports in Nigeria.” The course is made up of two parts (theory and practical). Examinations are conducted both for theory and practical, though the practical aspect of the course, carries more mark.

The event which was held

on 11th April 2023 had over five hundred spectators in attendance from within and outside the university community. Among whom were Professor Etefia Ekanem (the Dean of students affairs), Professor Imaobong Akpan (the Dean of Faculty of Education), Professor Ini Jona (the Chairman Senate Business Committee).

The 47 third year students who were divided into nine groups thrilled the spectators to different traditional dances from different parts of Nigeria. These include:

Ekõmbi and Abang dance (Efik),

Atilogwu (Igbo), Abre dance (Annang and Ibibio), Bata dance (Yoruba), Mõninkem (Ejagham), Uta dance (Annang and Ibibio), Asian uboikpa dance (Ibibio), Swanghe dance (Tiv), Oghene dance (Igbo), Fulani milk maids dance Fulani).

The costumes of the students, dance steps and instruments reflected the dance of the community or ethnic group they fall into. The course lecturer. Dr Grace Ataha introduced the course and started the dance demonstration with a display of dance steps from different Nigerian tribes. This was

them followed by the students who had five minutes to display their dance skills with a view of wowing the judges, who were drawn from other Departments of the university.

Dr Grace Ataha stated at the end of this successful event that given the diversity of the sports and entertainment industries in Nigeria, students of this course would be equipped with the knowledge, skills and practical experience of the relevance of dance as part of sport exercise, choreography, events organizing, as well as the relevance of singing

and dancing in motivating athletes during sports events.

Dr Ataha who is a Netball Africa certified instructor. and a sport for change activist is of the view that dancing is an empowering tool that could help women to reduce their level of stress. Finally, Dr Ataha stated that she hopes that in future, some of her students would positively contribute their own quota to the repertoire of modern dance steps that have made the Afrobeat musical videos by Nigerian artists big hits in the international music scene.

Photo: The newly constructed Volleyball Court in Hussey College, Warri Delta State. A novelty match was played as part of the commissioning activities.

40 Nigeria coaches pass FIVB Level 1 Volleyball Coaching Course

Forty (40) Nigeria coaches passed their Federation of International Volleyball, FIVB Level 1 Coaching Course held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B in Abuja.

The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod charged the coaches to make judicious use of the knowledge acquired at the coaching course.

Nimrod said the current board of Nigeria Volleyball Federation believe in capacity building of various coaches across the country.

Nimrod revealed that before the end of 2023, the Technical Adviser of Nigeria Volleyball Federation will conduct a FIVB Level 2 Coaching Course.

The Secretary General of Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone 3 commended CAVB- African Volleyball Confederation and FIVB for ensuring the coaching course became a reality.

He said, “It gives me great joy to see 40 coaches become FIVB Level 1 coaches. Nigeria is

a country with over 200 million but we do not have FIVB Level 3 coaches and FIVB instructors. I want to assure you that before the end of 2023, we are going to have

a FIVB Level 2 Coaching Course in order to have better chances in Africa.

“I am appealing to all of you here to transfer the knowledge

acquired here to your various academies and club sides. The Nigeria Volleyball Federation will continue to support coaches technically for the promotion of

the game across the country. A total number of 45 coaches participated in the FIVB Level 1 Coaching Course that ran from 14th to 19th April, 2023

Champions League exit: Thiago Silva slams Chelsea’s owners transfer policy

- Drogba

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva says the club need to “stop and put a strategy in place” or risk another difficult campaign next season.

Despite lavish transfer spending under new owner Todd Boehly, Chelsea are 11th in the Premier League and will end this season without a trophy after defeat by Real Madrid in the Champions League.

“The manager can only pick 11 from 30-something. That’s tough,” said Silva.

“There is always going to be someone upset because not everyone can play.”

BBC reports that American investor Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital completed a £4.25bn takeover of Chelsea in May 2022.

They spent about £550m across the summer and winter transfer windows to amass a first-team squad of 30 players, but that has failed to translate into success on the pitch.

Chelsea have sacked managers Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter this season, while interim boss Frank Lampard has lost all four matches since taking over for a second spell

this month.

It means they are unlikely to qualify for Europe for only the second time in 25 seasons.

“It’s a difficult moment for the club, with a lot of indecision,” added 38-year-old Silva.

“We had to increase the size of the changing rooms because it didn’t fit the size of the team.

“A positive point is that there are amazing players within the squad, but on the other hand there is always players that are going to be unhappy.

“We need to stop and put a strategy in place, otherwise next season we could make the same mistakes.”

Chelsea have reportedly held talks with ex-Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann as part of their search for a new manager with former Spain boss Luis Enrique also in the frame.

“We keep pointing our fingers to the managers, but we need to look inside and see what we are doing wrong and try to change it,” Thiago said.

“When you’re pointing someone, you have three fingers pointing back to you.

“So firstly, we need to look to what we’ve been doing wrong

and play more as a teambecause we don’t need a hero, we need heroes.

“At the end of the season if we do what we’ve got to do, we’ll be able to at least finish it with

dignity.”

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba says he does not “recognise the club” compared with when he played at Stamford Bridge.

Drogba won 12 major honours between 2004 and 2012 under previous owner Roman Abramovich, whose generous backing turned the Blues into serial trophy winners following his takeover in 2003.

The 56-year-old was forced to sell the club last year after he was sanctioned by the UK government over alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

“It is not the same club any more,” Drogba, 45, told Canal+. “I don’t recognise my club. There is a new owner and a new vision.

“We try to compare with what was done under the Abramovich era, where there were many acquisitions of players, but the choices were very intelligent.

“Bringing in players like Petr Cech, Andriy Shevchenko, Hernan Crespo, Michael Essien, Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda, and I go on. It was to win titles and they are players who already have some experience. Here the strategy is different, they bet on young players.

“I think they certainly lack charismatic players and leaders. It needs players who take responsibility.”

...This is not the club I know

Hakimi’s ex wife breaks silence after failed move to get 50% wealth in divorce

Note to president-elect: Prescriptions for national unity

At a time of topsy-turvy comes change. And from chaos comes order.

President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man destiny has prepared for Nigeria at this time. But his task will not be easy. Governing Nigeria is an invitation to toil. The road will be fraught with thistles and thorns; gallops and bumps, but he must keep going.

Guest Columnist

By Fredrick Nwabufo

Estranged wife of Paris SaintGermain (PSG) defender’s Achraf Hakimi, Hiba Abouk has broken the silence over her divorce from the Moroccan footballer.

The pair were in the news for days after the former wife filed for divorce with intent to get Hakimi’s 50% wealth

Abouk claimed that she was calm despite the rape allegation leveled against Hakimi, stressing that she needs time to recover from the shock.

Recall that the PSG player was accused of rape in February which eventually led to the divorce despite the case being under investigation.

Abouk was shocked when she filed for fifty per cent of Hakimi’s property, only for her lawyer to discover that his wealth was in his mother’s name.

Abouk and Hakimi have two children, Amín, 3, and Naim, 1, together after the pair married in 2020, two years after meeting in 2018.

Speaking to ELLE on Wednesday, Abouk said, “I am fine. There are days when it is like this, and others in which you’ve to know how to take blows and make decisions, sometimes complicated, and get used to new situations.

“Who would’ve imagined that in addition to facing the usual pain that separation entails and accepting the grief that the failure of a family project to which I had given myself body and soul entails, I would’ve to face this ignominy? I needed time to digest this shock.

She further said “When you separate, you restructure your life, but it’s not anything special either: you’ve to take iron out of the matter.

“It’s true that, with two children, it is emotionally complicated, but I’m not the first and I will not be the last. The important thing is that I have the peace of mind of having tried and done everything I had to do.

“There are decisions that cannot be made overnight. For me, it’s a premise not to rush in moments of crisis.”

Nigeria has always been divided along provincial contours. Citizens huddle together in sectional silos, protecting and defending the enclave, against the collective. Nationhood has remained a will-o-the-wisp. Claims of marginalisation, and sectional appropriation and expropriation by different groups have been a permanent deafening wail of the banshee. There seems to be no national concord on any matter or sense of unity.

What could be the problem?

I believe the absence of a leadership with a rallying quality, and with sufficient purpose and deliberateness for national unity is partly responsible for this declension. No leadership has been seminally purposive about rallying Nigerians together as a bunch under a common grail.

There is also the place of followership in this quandary. Nigerians are themselves antipathetic on the community level, but on an individual plank, they are loving, kind, tolerant, and giving. Most Nigerians have friends from across groups and religions, and most are maritally knotted from across groups and religions as well.

The average Nigerian will render help to a stranger demobilised by a flat tyre on an eerie road; pay hospital bills and school fees of total strangers without the reckoning of their religion or ethnicity. The president-elect himself exemplifies this virtue.

On the individual level, there is humanity. Our humanity shines forth. So, there is optimism. The optimism that Nigerians are capable of uniting and working together as a whole -- but with the strength of purposive leadership.

The experience over successive leaderships is that as soon as power comes to the holder, the seven cardinal weaknesses of power -- complacency, obstinacy, indolence, impunity, illusion of invincibility, brute arrogance, nepotism, and ruthlessness -take them prisoner.

And with sycophants in the

court, the king’s ears become poisoned with sweet and vainglorious nothings.

No Nigerian leader has successfully and efficiently managed Nigeria’s diversity and engender cohesion. But President-elect Tinubu could be the first if he exhaustively applies himself to this goal. He has to be the first for the sake of Nigeria. Nigeria needs to heal from the pestilence of scorchedearth politics; it needs to heal from the vagaries of internal contradictions; it needs to heal from mistrust, distrust, recriminations, hate and prejudice.

I have a few suggestions on the possibilities of achieving national unity. It will not be easy. It will take patience, courage, strong will, and unflinching commitment.

1. Sensitivity to diversity

The president-elect will need to reprise his noted expansiveness -- and even much more now. Nigeria is a complex entity, and as such temperance and balance is fundamental. He will need to be seen as just, fair, and evenhanded. His sacrifices may even go unsung and unrequited, but he will need to stay on his vision. In fact, he could be saying the right words, and taking the right steps; yet some may still criticise him for whatever reason. It is the burden of leadership. He will need not relent.

So far, the president-elect is choosing his words carefully. He keeps emphasising national unity, and that he will be president for all Nigerians. This is the path to iconisation. It shows he is attuned to the intricate elements of Nigeria’s varied complexion. But he will need to sustain this disposition in actions and policies.

2. Deliberate policies targeted at inclusion

The president-elect’s manifesto is clearly inclined towards inclusion of women and the youth in leadership.

Most importantly, the manifesto addresses the specific industrial needs of each geo-political zone. The document says, for instance, in the south-east and the southsouth, a new hub and dry port will focus investment on labour intensive manufacturing; in the north-west and the north-east, new industrial hubs will focus on textiles; in the south-west, fine quality sand will be turned into high-quality glass items, and in the north-central, emphasis will be placed on solid mineral exploration and exploitation.

This brilliant idea will need studied execution, perhaps, within the next eight years, so that no group will feel left out.

Also, it is imperative that policies are humanised. Nothing sets off a chain of mass hysteria like policies perceived to be targeted at any group. So, it is important that diligent impact/ risk assessment is done before the implementation of any policy. Policies should also cognise Nigeria’s delicate ethno-religious emulsion, including demographic and cultural character. The doomed new naira policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the associated disaster and popular outrage is something to ponder on.

3. Empower the National Orientation Agency

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) was set up in 1993 by Decree 100 -- now the Act of Parliament No. 24 of 2004. The core responsibility of the agency is communicating government policies, promoting patriotism, and developing society. But the agency has been tad effective lately, even in the heat of national discordance and tension, perhaps, owing to the challenges of funding. NOA can be the resident town-crier and national opinion moulder with the requisite funding, repositioning, and supervision. It is important to stretch the potential of the agency to full capacity, but with commensurate support.

4. Create space for

dialogue

When there are no avenues for jaw-jawing, war-waring is imminent. There should be spaces for difficult conversations at any given time. Townhalls, not only for communicating government policies, but also for receiving feedback from citizens. Fora where government officials do not come to lecture, but just to listen to citizens discuss their challenges, pains, and fears. Also, inter-ethnic dialogue, like “handshake across the Niger”, should be encouraged and promoted. At the state level, there should be dialogue and feedback mechanism between host communities and residents. Citizens should be encouraged to talk out their differences and settle disputes without recourse to violence or protests.

5. Prioritise diligent communication

Sometimes, how a message is passed dictates the reaction. Nigeria is so delicate a place that oftentimes good intentions are misconstrued, and fine points lost in miscommunication. There have been cases where messages meant to quench a fire only ended up kindling the furnace. Diligent communication which takes into cognisance Nigeria’s ethno-religious, cultural, and demographic sensitivity should be a priority.

I admit that the path to building national cohesion and strengthening unity is a tortuous one that a few prescriptions may not smooth out. But it is more important that we get started, than not starting at all.

By Fredrick Nwabufo, Nwabufo aka Mr OneNigeria is a media executive.

DAN GAYE DANGAYE

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