Monday, April 24, 2023 Edition

Children having fun at the Magic Land Amusement Park, during the Eid el-Fitr Sallah celebration, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

NEMA working to evacuate stranded Nigerians in Sudan - Official

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said it is relentlessly working to ensure that stranded Nigerians are evacuated in Sudan.

This was contained in a statement signed and issued by Head, Press Unit NEMA, Manzo Ezekiel at the weekend.

The statement disclosed that NEMA had set up a committee which was already working on all possible options to ensure the safe return of Nigerians from the conflict-ridden Sudan, especially students in its various Universities.

It read: “It has become necessary to inform the public that NEMA is in constant communication with all relevant

partners including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and security agencies.

“While seeking for an appropriate window of opportunity to evacuate all stranded Nigerians back home in a safe and dignified manner.

“The current emergency situation in Sudan is very complex with fighting between waring factions going on and all airports and land boarders closed”.

NEMA said the committee comprised of professional emergency responders, search and rescue experts, adding that these committee members would constantly evaluate the situation and recommend the safest approach for the evacuation.

It also assured Nigerians that the Agency was working assiduously with all its partners, and was constantly compiling updated information on the situation.

“The attention of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is drawn to the widespread public concern on the situation in Sudan especially in regards to the ongoing conflict and the safety as well as wellbeing of stranded Nigerian citizens including hundreds of students in various universities of the country.

“It has become necessary to inform the public that NEMA is in constant communication with all relevant partners including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan, the Nigerians in Diaspora

Commission and security agencies while seeking for an appropriate window of opportunity to evacuate all stranded Nigerians back home in a safe and dignified manner.

“The current emergency situation in Sudan is very complex with fighting between waring factions going on and all airports and land boarders closed. NEMA is working assiduously with all its partners and is constantly compiling updated information on the situation.

“The Director General NEMA Mustapha Habib Ahmed has assured that NEMA is very much concerned and on top of the situation and is working on all possible options of bringing the stranded Nigerians back home to their loved ones in safe and dignified manner”, the statement stated.

Why South Africa remains open for tourism, by Consul-General

Dr Bobby Moroe, South African Consul-General in Lagos, has explained why Nigerians should always heed to the call to choose South Africa as their preferred tourist destination.

Moroe made the call during the South Africa Week, held in Lagos, to celebrate the country’s 29th anniversary of democratic rule as well as bilateral and diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

According to the ConsulGeneral, South Africa is a suitable country to visit for business, conferencing, tourism, education and leisure.

“Today, we are celebrating the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, we are also celebrating 29 years of democracy in South Africa.

“We have chosen to celebrate

in Nigeria to appreciate the role Nigeria has played in struggle for South Africans’ liberation.

“South Africa will never forget the role Nigeria has played in its liberation agenda, so this is how we show our appreciation.

“Today is the begining of a new journey in the renewal of our friendship with Nigerians. So, we urge Nigerians to visit South Africa for conferencing, studies, business and to find love.

“South Africa is open for tourism,” he said.

Also,Thekiso Rakolojane, Regional Head, South Africa Tourism (SAT), said the ‘Rainbow Nation’ was well endowed with choice destinations for tourists as he explained the available attractions.

“We at South Africa Tourism are excited to be part of the

celebration of South Africa week. We have been here since 2015 and we appreciate the relationship so far.

“We seize this opportunity to welcome tourists to South Africa to explore the abundance of beaches, wildlife and all,” he said.

Some of the South Africans and Nigerians at the programme, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) spoke on their attractions for cultures of other countries.

Musa Nzuza, a South African, who is into industrial catering, said ” I cherish Nigerian food and their respectful nature; the greetings are second to none; I always feel like a queen when they greet. Infact, Nigeria is my second home.”

Also, Herman Franken,

who works with South Africa International Breweries, said having worked in Zambia, Namibia and Ghana, he could boldly say Nigerians were more friendly and approachable. Similarly, Lynette Mitchell, Financial Manager with SON International, described Nigerians as welcoming, hospitable and best people in Africa.

A Nigerian Model, Mr Kenneth Joseph, said ” South Africans are also loving individuals who are so passionate about their culture. This, I cherish in them.

“Nigerians must also learn to take pride in their culture and improve on exhibiting it.”

NAN reports that delegates at the event were entertained with scintillating Zulu dance performance. NAN

L-R: (Muslim Faithfuls) Anas Abdulrazaq, Mallam Nasiru Imam, Alhaji Baba-Rauf Abdulrazaq, Chief Imam Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Mosque Kuzape, Imam Fuad Adeyemi and Mallam Isiaka Abdulrazaq., after the Eid prayers , during the Eid- El- Fitri celebration at the weekend in Asokoro Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Tinubu’s ally to Buhari: Why Nigerians may not forgive you

From Mustapha Adamu,

Kano

In what seems as a subtle response to President Muhammadu Buhari’s plea for forgiveness, Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda, a strong campaigner of the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that majority of Nigerians will not forgive him.

Recall that Buhari while

receiving guests who paid him Sallah homage, at the villa, asked Nigerians for forgiveness over his administration’s policies in the last eight years, saying: “Those that think that I have hurt them so much, please pardon me.”

However, speaking to journalists in Kano on Saturday Kwamanda insisted that Nigerians, majority of them would not forgive the outgoing president.

According to the outspoken estranged Buhari campaigner, the president had failed woefully in fulfilling his campaign promises.

Kwamanda alleged that Buhari had only served his family and cronies within the eight years of his administration, instead of serving Nigerians and those that worked tirelessly for his elections.

He pointed out that Buhari, within his two tenures, had introduced anti-masses policies

that further worsen the condition of the common citizens.

He cited fuel scarcity, insecurity and cashless policy as major undoing of the president.

“Buhari’s government was full of nepotism. Buhari did not do anything to those that worked for his election since 2015.

“We suffered a lot for his success but we ended of getting nothing. Buhari had surrounded himself with his family and

friends who did not work for his success.

“I am not afraid of anybody to say this. Only Buhari’s family and cronies that enjoyed his government.

“He introduced policies that out Nigerians into hardship. Fuel scarcity, insecurity cashless policies etc had subjected Nigerians into untold hardship”, Kwamanda stated.

Emir of Katsina set to turban Saddiq Kaita as Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tuta

By Stanley Onyekwere

Engineer Saddiq Musa

Kaita is set to receive the traditional title of Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tuta from His Royal Highness the Emir of Katsina Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, on Saturday, 29th April.

Musa Kaita is the grand son of late Sarkin Fada Damale

Kaita, who as a public servant, the new Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tutan Katsina has achieved a lot in his chosen career and it is hoped he will bring a lot of impact on humanity in one way or the other.

He is currently into integrated farming generating a lot of employment to many people in the society.

Available information disclosed that the new Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tuta, which is the first of its kind in Katsina, holds Bachelors Degree in Electrical engineering (B.eng) from Bayero University (BUK) Kano and Masters degree in Public Administration from the Nigerian Depence Academy (NDA) Kaduna.

Saddiq is a fellow member of the Chartered institute of project management of Nigeria, Member Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE),Member Council for Regulation of Engineering (MCOREN) and a project management professional (PMP)Certification (PMI-USA).

It was gathered that a polo

match will be organised in his honour at the Katsina polo ground on Friday, after which turbaning ceremony will take place at the Katsina Emir’s Palace. Also, a traditional durbar ceremony is also expected to follow shortly after the turbaning ceremony.

L-R: Director Planning, Development and Implementation Department, AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Mr Zaccheauss Akerejola Maxwell, Guest Speaker and Lecturer Agric Technology Department, Auchi Polytechnic, Dr. Olotu Yahaya and the Lecturer Agric Technology Department, Auchi Polytechnic, Dr. Bada Olukayode at the AUDANEPAD Nigeria Climate Smart Agriculture Workshop organized for rural farmers held recently in Edo. Photo NEPAD

Kaduna: How we nabbed 7 suspected kidnappers, recovered arms - Police

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

In what seems as a renewed vigour to ensuring the safety of lives and property in Kaduna State, in the wake of the recent marching order handed down by the acting Commissioner of Police, DCP Mamman B. Giwa to Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to go on the offensive, personnel of the Command have nabbed som3 suspected kidnappers.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mohammed Jalige, made available to journalists in Kaduna on Friday.

It read: “At about 1320hrs, a patrol team attached to Saminaka Area Command in conjunction with hunters group in Lere LGA apprehended one Yusuf Idi ‘M’ aged 25 yrs along with six (6) others at Mariri village in Lere LGA.

“Upon Interrogation, the suspects confessed to have carried out a series of kidnappings, culpable homicide and armed robberies in the said area”. According to the statement, when an immediate search was conducted on the suspects, an AK 47 Rifle with 14 rounds of 7.62 X 39mm live ammunition, one locally fabricated long range double-barrel gun used to expending 12-guage live cartridges and one locally made pistol that

uses. 9mm live ammunition were recovered.

“Preliminary investigation is ongoing and efforts being intensified to recover more arms and ammunition.

“Meanwhile, the general area is presently calm and peaceful, while rigorous patrols and surveillance continues”.

He noted that DCP Mamman B. Giwa while commending the Officers and men for the arrest and recoveries, warned that

any person with the thought of committing any form of crime should have a rethink or risk being neutralized or arrested by the well motivated operatives of the Command. Also, he 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 was made to all nooks and crannies of the state.

FG suspends NSSEC boss over alleged financial misappropriation

By Maryam Abeeb

The Executive Secretary of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission, Professor Benjamin Abakpa, has been suspended over alleged financial misappropriation.

In a letter of suspension signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Andrew David Adejo, Professor Abakpa, was asked to proceed

on immediate suspension to allow the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) carry out full investigation into the allegations levelled against him.

Appointed in April 2021, Mr Abakpa is the pioneer executive secretary of the Commission.

Mr Abakpa, who was reportedly suspended was asked to hand over to the most senior

director in the Federal Ministry of Education (FME).

The matter was said to have been referred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further investigations.

The National Secondary Education Commission (NSEC) Law was enacted in 2004 (LFN, 2004 Cap 73). However, after the merger of junior secondary school to basic education, the bill was

amended to become the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC).

Part of NSSEC’s mandate is the regulation of Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria, managing the National Senior Secondary Education Funds, and advising the Federal Government on the management of senior secondary education.

Mr Abakpa holds a Bachelor’s and Masters of Education (B.Ed

and M.Ed) in Mathematics from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and a Doctorate degree (PhD) in Mathematics from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He became a professor of Mathematics Education in 2018.

He was born on 3rd November 1957 and hails from Orokam Local Government Area of Benue State.

L-R: Sharifa, Aisha ,Maryam and Muhammad Children with other worshippers at the Eid praying ground during the Eid - el- Fitri celebration at the Al- Habibiyyah mosque on Friday in Kuzape district Asokoro Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo.

NNPCL Board Chair: Group urges FG to obey court orders

ANon Governmental Organisation (NGO), Justice Now Coalition, has called on the Federal Government to obey the court judgement on the case of wrongful removal of Sen. Ifeanyi Araraume as nonexecutive Chairman of the board of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

In a statement by its National Coordinator, Tony Erha, the group said compliance with the court order would impress on Nigerians the culture of rule of law.

Erha added that it would also save the federal government from engaging in unending legal tussles, which may give wrong

signals to foreign investors in the oil and gas sector.

“The Federal Government should take the window of opportunity provided by the Federal High Court judgment to the issue once and for all.

“Afterall, Senator Godwin Ifeanyi Araraume was a director in the board of NNPCL before he was simultaneously appointed as the non-executive chairman, thus enjoying the privilege of having his name in the company’s records with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

“Araraume remains a part of the NNPCL family in the face of the law. All issues settled in his

favour in the judgment can be quietly revisited and resolved in ways that there will be no losers at the end of the day.”

He said that the court judgements has opened a window of foreclosing the long legal battle that would emanate from several appeals as well as reduce public attention.

“Araraume is a committed member of the ruling All Progressives Congress. We also understand that he was an appointee of President Muhammadu Buhari, as a federal commissioner at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), where he represented the

Southeast zone from 2016-2018, a position he held after he passed rigorous security checks by the Police and the Department of State Services.

“That being the case, we believe that this issue can be resolved inhouse in the interest of his party, government and the nation, so that the NNPCL can be surefooted forthwith in its operations and dealings with the IOCs, whose confidence the new national energy company must enjoy, more than ever before, to thrive.”

He said that the legal option taken by Araraume was a good precedence that would solidify the judicial system and give confidence

to judicial pronouncements in the country.

Erha added that all parties involved should not see it as a personal clash as was being insinuated in some quarters.

“Besides, some groups had also erroneously claimed that by reinstating Araraume, the Court had usurped the powers of President Muhammadu Buhari to hire and fire.

”A claim that is clearly not in tandem with the due process of removing a member of the Board of the NNPCL as circumscribed by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and other extant laws.” NAN

The Executive Director of What Next Africa, Mr Temitope Ogunlusi (right), while presenting 50 new laptop computers to the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed at the National Directorate Headquarters, recently in Abuja,

TBUGLEX-USA, Prowess varsities set to honour Nigeriams in Lagos

Atthe summit for good governance billed for the University of Lagos this week,four eminent Nigerian professionals will be appointed as professorial chairs of the Prowess University Delaware USA.

They include the Executive Chairman of Gombe State Internal Revenue Service,Dr Abubakar Inuwa Tata who will be appointed as professorial chair in Financial Management and International Economy; the North East Zonal Head of First City Monumental Bank Dr Baba Bala Ma’aji, will be conferred with professorial chair in Finance and Business Management of Prowess University.

Also the Lead consultant and CEO of Pecksgrey Group, Dr Remi Olukoya, is expected to be decorated as a professorial chair in Engineering Management while a Barrister and Solicitor, Managing partner of Alex Scott and Partners,Dr Barr. Alecander Utieyin Scott will bag a professorial chair in Alternative Dispute Resolution come next week at the University of Lagos.

The special convocation ceremony of the Triune Biblical University Global Extension New York, USA will also hold at the University of Lagos, Nigeria with graduands in different disciplines. Among those to be graduated with PhD are Akpong Julius Abanshebe and Mbata Fyneray Chukwuemeka

who will bag doctorate degrees in Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability; Akaakar Florence Olubunmi will also be graduated with doctorate degree in International Energy and Natural Resources Law, while Adesanya Mercy Olufunmilayo is expected to graduate with doctorate degree in Clinical Linguistics and Psychology among others.

According to a press statement credited to Professor Adeleke D Durojaiye, the President of the Triune Biblical University Global Extension New York USA, few selected Nigerians will be decorated with honorary doctorate degrees”, These among others include Prince Segun Ochuko Obayendo, Group Managing Director and CEO of Temple Group who is also the current National President of Chartered Institute of Transport Administration, will be honored with honorary doctorate in Safety and Security management;Ilansami

Andrew will bag honorary doctorate in political Science; Iorlumun Engr. Benjamin Akaakar is a nominee for honorary doctorate degree in Engineering Management while Barrister Joseph Daramola wins honorary award in Divinity.

Other prominent Nigerians with track record in leadership and professionalism will be honoured at the occasion.These include the managing director/CEO of Anthomi Properties Nig Ltd, Mrs

Utomi Anthonia Ada who is a nominee for doctorate in Business Administration;the managing director of Gafford Group, Mr Gbedebo Olamerun will be honored with doctorate degree in Real Estate Development of Prowess university. Mr Emmanuel Odemaypwa, managing director and CEO of Deluxe Residence Limited is expected to bag honorary doctorate in Real Estate Development; Mrs Rita Adachukwu James, CEO of Mercipoint Resources Limited ;and the CEO of Stand-Out Properties Limited, Sir Bldr Blessing O.Obomovo.

Also included in the list of honorary doctorate degree awards are Alhaji Aminu Adamu Tarfa, CEO of Al-bradin Nigeria Limited;the Director- General of Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Omojola, will bag honorary doctorate degree in Occupational Health and Safety Management;Director,Human Resources Management of Nigerian Shippers Council,Mrs Adaku Okam; the Group Chief Executive Officer of Brook Heritage Holdings, Femi Adebayo Olukotun;and the Group Managing Director/CEO of FMN PLC, Mr Paul Gbededo.

Also listed for honorary recognition are the CEO of Jimsol Heritage Property Ltd,Mr Ishola Abiodun Jimoh;National President of Nigerian Society of Engineers,Engr Tasiu Saad Gidari

Gudi; and Mr Gbenga Sokefun, Managing Director/CEO of Nig. Rope PLC, among others.

The Managing Director/CEO of Dynamic Mayor Edge Nig Ltd, Olumayowa Olufemi Olurishe and the president/Chairman of Council of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Oluwole O. Adeosun will bag honorary degree in Business Administration while the managing director/CEO of PRESCO PLC, Felix Onwuvhekwa Nwabuko will be honored with honorary degree in Strategic Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Governance Strategy of Triune Biblical University Global Extension New York, USA.

According to a press credited to Professor Prince Eze C. Nwauba, African Representative of Prowess University, Delaware USA and Professor Adeleke D. Durojaiye, President of Triune Biblical University Global Extension, New York USA: “selections for the conferment of honorary doctorate degree awards is strictly based on individual’s track record in leadership and professionalism in quality service delivery;it is also based on recommendations from their constituents on the impacts made on their local communities across the country “, the statement added.

Major General(Amb) Godwin George Umo, OON, immediate past Nigerian ambassador to the Vatican

will be honored with honorary doctorate degree in International Law and Diplomacy and will also serve as special guest at the ceremony including Amb. Dr. Mrs Susan Aderonke Folarin, former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain.

The managing director and CEO of Budget Homes Properties limited, Ohio Flourish Ebozafe;Mr Olanrewaju Idowu of Lekki Free Zone Development;Amb. Mrs Funke Kehinde, Founder/CEO of Brilliant Concepts;and the Group Executive Director of Chi Limited, Mr Jerome O. Shogbon are all in the roll of honor. Mr Chimezie Henry Ebulofor, CEO of Henry Montego Homes and Ahmad Nabil Saleh, CEO of M. Saleh and Co. Limited;Managing director/ CEO of Tasty Times Nig Ltd, Isaac Olugbenga Kole and Nancy Isime,a renowned personality in creative and entertainment industry in Nigeria including Temitope Odusola Mark-Odigie of TVC are also expected to be decorated with honorary doctorate degree awards next week.

The theme of this year’s edition is titled:Enhancing Accelerated Capacity Building Through Entrepreneurship in Governancepathway to sustainable growth and development in Nigeria to delivered by Professor Basil C. Nwankwo of Kogi State University, Anyiangba.

Photo: NYSC

Expert identifies communication, survival skills for rape prevention

AMental Health Expert, Dr Maji Peterx, has identified communication, instilling self-esteem and survival skills on children to prevent any form of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

Peterx, who is also the Country Director, Equal Access International, made this known on the sideline of a three-day training under Palladium’s Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project, sponsored by USAID in Abuja.

According to him, SGBV and Child Early Forced Marriage (CEFM) are an endemic ravaging the nation, hence the need to

sensitise the public on its negative impacts in the psyche and societal structure.

He advised parents, guardians and other stakeholders to create a platform for fruitful conversation, watch out for any traces of abuses and instill street survival skills in children to prevent them falling violence.

“We should build our children’s self esteem. We should win the confidence of our children. We should create a platform for sincere communication with our children, so that they can tell us what their problem is.

“We should stop judging them and we should not create our own standard for our children to live

up to because we live in different worlds.

“And most importantly, we should be able to teach our children street sense life skills and survival skills,’’ he said.

According to him, children or other survivors of SGBV find it difficult to confide in another person because of stigmatisation, blame attitude and shutting them down, when they try to communicate on their plights.

“Like when a child refuses to go to school or a drop in their academic performance, or preference for isolation. Parents should try to find out reasons and not term that person lazy or unserious.

“When we do that, we are exposing the child and he realises that he can’t speak to us with his personnel issues.

“And there are times when a child is being victimised or raped, or a child is being abused or molested and the questions we asked shows as if we are trying to blame them for causing it.

“These tend to shut down the victims, and shutting them off from making conversations about what is affecting them, thereby making them more vulnerable to such abuses,’’ he said.

On reducing rape and other SGBV, Maji said shaming the perpetrator by making them walk around their communities,

where people identified and fingers pointed at them, as well as including them in the Sexual Offender Register would curb the trend.

The Mental health expert also called on the government and critical stakeholders to implement policies and programmes that would protect the rights of children, women and People with Disabilities (PWDs),

He said that policies like the child Rights Act, Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, Disability law, among others, if fully implemented would reduce all forms of violence against vulnerable persons. NAN

NIMASA, FEMA donate educational items to schools

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have donated learning materials to Primary Schools in the Territory, to improve the teaching and learning experience.

It was gathered that among the learning materials donated include Computers, UPS, printers, books, and some other stationaries.

A statement from Head, FEMA’s Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, explained that the donation, which is part of the corporate social responsibility of NIMASA, also emphasized the need to educate children in their early years, using ideal learning and instructional materials, which have been identified as key to raising intellectually sound adults.

It added that the Director, Special Duties, External Relations and Technical Cooperation, NIMASA, Isichei Osamgbi stated this during a symbolic donation of the learning materials to Model Primary School Kubwa 3, Bwari Area Council, Abuja.

Osamgbi said that it was important for his team at NIMASA to support the efforts made by teachers in Primary Schools by providing materials to make teaching easy and learning even easier for the pupils.

He said that NIMASA collaborates with the government ‘by contributing our quota by identifying people who have these needs like the Internally Displaced People’s Camp among others’.

Osamgbi added that more schools across the Territory identified by FEMA, who need the support will receive the educational materials.

Also speaking, the Director, Department of Relief and Rehabilitation, FEMA, Engr. Mohammed Abdulrahman

revealed that NIMASA provided the items but FEMA identified the Schools that have peculiar needs of the materials provided will receive them.

Abdulrahman also assured that all schools that have been identified would receive their packages; adding that FEMA

is open to collaborating with good-spirited individuals as well as organizations who wish to reach out to the less privileged in communities across the FCT.

The Head Teacher, Model Primary School Kubwa 3, Ladi Matthew, expressed gratitude to NIMASA and FEMA for choosing

to supply the materials to the School, noting that the children will be impacted greatly.

Similarly, the Head Teacher LEA Primary School Galadima, Gwarinpa, Agaja Agnes, who also received the materials said that the visit was timely, as the pupils needed the materials to aid their

learning, promising that the supplies will be maximized and supervised.

Not left out, a primary six Pupil of Model primary school Kubwa 3, Oloruntobi Aaron, expressed excitement, saying, that they can now print the necessary things for their use within the school.

L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN and President of the Senate Dr Ahmed Lawan during the Sallah Homage to mark the 2023 EID El-Fitr held at the State House yesterday IN ABUJA. PHOTO; State House

Nobody can travel on pilgrimage without NCPC clearance, says Pam

By Albert Akota

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam has declared that nobody travels on pilgrimage without clearance from the Commission.

The NCPC boss made this

disclosure in Lagos during a recent p strategic meeting with the executives and members of the Christian Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CTPAN).

He explained that the NCPC enabling Act of 2007 empowers it to superintend and coordinates all Christian pilgrimage activities to the Holy Sites around the world.

He affirmed that the Commission works closely with the various state Christian pilgrims welfare Boards in the mobilization of intending Pilgrims.

The NCPC helmsman averred that screening of intending Pilgrims is critical not because of abscondment, but to also ensure

and certify the medical fitness of every intending Pilgrim.

He decried the situation whereby some desperate intending Pilgrims go through the Association so that they could use such platform to abscond while on pilgrimage.

To this effect, he affirmed that the Commission’s policy on

abscondment is stringent, and it will would stop at nothing to punish erring culprit, irrespective of status in the society.

Earlier, the President of the Christian Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CTPAN), Rev Dr. Israel Kristilere thanked the Executive Secretary for convening the meeting.

NASS MGT ready for induction of Senators, Reps members in June

By Christiana Ekpa

The National Assembly Management on Thursday

evening disclosed that it’s fully prepared for the induction of the Members- Elect of the 10th Assembly ahead of the inauguration in June, 2023.

The NASS Secretary of Research & Information, and Chairman, Sub-Committee on Media and Publicity, Ali Barde Umoru, disclosed this in a statement he made available to NASS reporters in Abuja.

He said the Induction/ Inauguration exercise is to expose Members-Elect to the functions of the National Assembly, its

Practices and Procedures as well as the services available to them.

According to him:,”Following the conclusion of the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and the formal release of the authentic list of Senators and Honourable Members-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Management of the National Assembly, in conjunction with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic studies (NILDS) is now fully prepared for the induction of the Members- Elect of the 10th Assembly ahead of the inauguration in June 2023.

“The Induction programme, which will be held in two batches, is scheduled to commence from

the 7th to 13th of May 2023 with Batch A, while Batch ‘’B’’ will hold from May 14th to May 20th , 2023.

As part of the efforts to ensure a very successful Induction/ Inauguration exercise, the Management led by the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Alh.Sani Magaji Tambawal has constituted a Central Planning Committee (CPC) made up of all the Secretaries in the National Assembly Service. Membership was also drawn from the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) and the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

“The CPC, which is at the helm of the planning and

implementation of the induction programme as well as the formal inauguration of the 10th Assembly, has the Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly (DCNA), Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana as Chairman. The CPC is divided into eleven (11) specialized sub-committees to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, monitoring and coordination.

“The Sub-committees include Programme Planning, Finance, Protocol and Ceremonials, Records and Documentation, Media and Publicity, Transport and Logistics, as well as Venue and Accommodation.

“Security and Accreditation, Health and Medical Services, Civil Society Organisations/

Development Partners and the Rapporteurs Team.

“The Sub-committees, which report at weekly intervals to the CPC have since swung into action, holding strategy sessions and perfecting plans for a successful induction exercise. In fact, the Sub-committees are presently crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s and rearing to go.

“It would be recalled that during the Inauguration of the CPC, the CNA Alhaji Tambawal who promised to deliver seamless Induction and Inauguration programmes, charged the members to put in their best and work as a united team towards the achievement of the desired objectives”.

Chief Imam of Jiwa, Alhaji Isa Jubrin Yaro (left) leading other Muslim faithfuls in prayers during the Eid-el-fitr Sallah celebration to mark the end of Ramadan fast at the Jiwa prayer ground, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Insurgency: Foundation calls for release of remaining Chibok girls, Leah Sharibu

Kalthum Foundation for Peace ( KFP), a charity organisation, has appealed to armed groups to release the remaining Chibok girls, Leah Sharibu and others that are still in their custody in the spirit of the Holy month of Ramadan.

The Chairperson of KFP, Amb. Ummu Kalthum Rabiu, made the appeal in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Rabiu also called upon the families of the victims whose wards are now in their 14th year of captivity to keep hope alive and surrender to the will of Allah.

She also called upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to live up to its responsibility of ensuring security of lives and property, especially for innocent school girls.

“We are all witnesses to how governments and opposition armed groups in countries like Chad, Yemen, Niger and Ethiopia have used dialogue and mediation to negotiate for peace and the cessation of hostilities.

“It is against this backdrop that we are pleading with Boko Haram militants, ISWAP, and the federal government of Nigeria to come to the negotiation table and dialogue for peace.

“We call upon the 19 state governments in Northern Nigeria to provide adequate security for schools across their states,” she said.

KFP is a registered charity organisation based in Maiduguri that is in the forefront of using non-kinetic efforts to bring an end to the Boko Haram insurgency. (NAN)

INEC declares Idris as winner of Kebbi guber poll

From Ahmadu Baba Idris Birnin Kebbi

The Independent National Electoral Commission in Kebbi State has declared Nasir Idris of the All Progressives Congress as the winner of the governorship polls held in the state.

Announcing the result of the

supplementary election held last Saturday, the Returning Officer, Professor Saidu Yusuf, said Nasiru Idris scored 409,225 votes against his closest rival, General Aminu Bands, of the PDP who has 360,940 votes.

The victory instantly sent airs of celebrations across the length and breadth of the state while the

supporters of the PDP were left in utter disbelief at how they lost the elections.

In his acceptance speech, Governor-elect Idris promised to run an all-inclusive government promising to build on the existing achievements of Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

He further said, “Let me use this

opportunity to thank our teeming supporters who turned out en masse to vote APC into the office to continue enjoying the dividends of democracy. “To those who we contested with from other parties, you should know we have no other state than Kebbi. You should therefore join hands with us to move the state forward,” he said.

Trawler operators attribute vessel depletion to illegal fishing

The Nigerian Trawlers Owners Association (NITOA) has said that the menace of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing had led to the depletion of fishing trawlers in the country .

Mrs Benedette Okonkwo, President of the association, said this at the Zoe Maritime Resources Ltd., Maritime Business Roundtable Breakfast Meeting (MBRBM), on fishing and fisheries in Lagos.

Okonkwo said that members of the association had a combined fleet of over 250 vessels and over 20 fishing companies.

This, she said, had drastically

reduced to 150 vessels with about five presently struggling to survive.

She added that illegal fishing activities in the country was threatening Nigeria’s blue economy prospects.

Okonkwo called on the government to introduce initiatives that would boost the fishing industry.

“NITOA has been involved in industrial fishing activities in Nigeria since 1986 when some notable Nigerians initiated the idea of having a unified body to represent its members on issues of mutual interest.

“There is the need to establish Fisheries Terminal here in Lagos where about 95 per cent of the industrial fishing operators are based.

“Also, government should do well to resucitate the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) Scheme, to make it more robust, workable and transparent,” she said.

She said that trawler owners were overburdened by overzealous government agencies overseeing sea fishing.

This, she said, was affecting the growth of the industry that should be a veritable source of local

fish supply and foreign exchange earnings for the country.

“There is the need for the government to sit down with NITOA to chart a common course so as to harmonise the processes and procedures to attract more local and foreign direct investments.

“ Other areas that government must look into include; high cost of statutory registration and renewals of trawlers particulars from the regulatory agencies; occasional pirate attacks at high sea leading to loss of lives and property and damage of vessels and machines,” she said.(NAN)

Remains of former army spokesman buried in Abuja

The remains of the former Director of Army Public Relations, retired Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, was on Friday laid to rest at the Guards Brigade Cemetery, Lungi Barracks, Abuja.

Chukwu, who passed on in Abuja after a brief illness on Jan. 5 was appointed army’s spokesperson in February 2018.

The burial rites of late Chukwu commenced at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Mambilla Barracks before the interment.

While giving charge at the church, the Deputy Director, Chaplaincy (Roman Catholic), Rev. Fr Martins Bako, a Colonel, admonished the living to be mindful of the last day by making their ways right with God.

Reading from the book of second Samuel 13:18-23, Job 1:1; 2:9-10, he urged all to recognise that human beings were just caretakers of their lives, while God who gave it could take it at any time.

According to him, every death

reminds us that we are mortals and we are going to depart someday appointed by God.

Reading the burial oration, the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Brig.-Gen. MA Ameh, described the late Chukwu as a professional who served the army and the nation meritoriously.

He said the late retired officer served the army in different capacity, and contributed greatly to the development of the service especially the Directorate of Army Public Relations.

A former army spokesman and late Chukwu’s course mate, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, described late Chukwu as a perfect gentleman and jolly good fellow.

Usman said the demise of Chukwu was a big loss to him personally, adding that he was the closest person to Chukwu after his immediate family.

He prayed for the repose of the deceased`s soul to find eternal rest and pray to God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss. (NAN)

President Muhammadu Buhari (right) and MD of NIWA, Dr George Moghalu

Osinbajo, CAN, others shower encomiums on ECWA President @60

TheVice President Yemi Osinbajo and other eminent Nigerians have showered encomium on Rev Dr Stephen Baba-Panya the President Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA)

They described him as a man with unique and uncommon qualities which he had used to better the society.

They spoke during the 60th anniversary thanksgiving service of the ECWA President who is also the Vice President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration also marked his 30th marriage anniversary and 26years in Ministry.

Osinbajo described the celebrator as a true servant of God

,nation builder and a friend to the down trodden.

Osinbajo who was represented by the Villa Chaplain Rev Seyi Malomo, said the ECWA President’s promotion in life was worthy to emulate.

“It is with special honour I facilitate you and your family and the church on these unique celebrations.

” For your humble nature and lover of Christ, your elevations in life has not caused you to build higher walls but longer dinning tables, and it is worth emulating,” he said.

The vice president prayed God to grant him long life and favour in all the great works he has been doing through the church for humanity and Nigeria.

Also, Mr Joseph Daramola, the Secretary General of CAN,

who represented the association described him as a man of goodwill.

” He is calm, cool calculated, a gentle man,he is not a pushover in religious affairs.

“His love for welfare of people and humanity cannot be underestimated,

He has carefully carved his good name in serving God and Humanity; in the religious affairs of the country and world wide,” his traits i will ask us Nigerians to emulate”.

Rev William Okoye ,Founder and General Overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission, Abuja Nigeria thanked Rev Panya -Baba for his show of kindness ,unity and love in the Christiandom, describing him as a man of peace.

He commended him for keeping to Gods words as God will

keep to his words too.

Okoye encouraged him never to give up, in spite of challenges in winning more souls to Christ.

Also in his speech,the Esu Karu, in Nasarawa State, Pharm Luka Panya Baba also thanked God for giving him a such a wonderful brother . He commended the ECWA President for enhancing religious activities in the family and community.

”He is a younger brother, religious leader and friend, he is a visionary, prayerful, dependable leader,I pray God keeps him in his vine yard “.

A U.S.- based clergy Rev Timothy Cowin, prayed the Grace of God never to departed from him as he remained in Christ too.

Cowin described the president as a child of Grace,he encouraged

him not to look back in serving God but be focused.

On his part, the celebrator, Rev Panya-Baba, said all he could say was thank the Lord, as only His Grace had kept him.

He said serving and knowing God, recognising Him as your dependable source, donations to charity, care for the downtrodden and the less privileges where his happiest activities in life.

Earlier in a sermon, Rev Silas Yako, who spoke on the topic ” the secret of thanksgiving “urged Christians never to neglect thanking God for every thing He has one.

According to him thanksgiving means forgetting not and appreciating what God has done. He said God in turn multiplies each time any thanksgiving is done.NAN

UK group reels out efforts at improving learning in Kaduna

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

ThePartnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) programme has reeled out the achievements recorded in its efforts to improve learning outcomes in primary schools in the last six months in Kaduna State.

PLANE is a seven-year United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)supported programme, designed to deliver an inclusive and effective education system that improve learning outcomes in pre-primary and primary schools.

The Programme is being implemented across 694 schools in Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Soba, Jaba, Sanga and Sabon Gari Local Government Areas of the state.

The State Team Lead, Ms Diana Agabi, said in Kaduna on Thursday, during a technical review meeting with stakeholders on the journey so far, that the programme was already yielding the desired results.

Abagi explained that the objective of the meeting was to discuss PLANE activities,

achievements, challenges and share lessons learned in the implementation of the programme.

She added that the meeting was also organised to map out plans for approved planned activities, agree on approaches to improve implementation and how the state can sustain the interventions.

She said that programme was supporting Kaduna State to achieve its education policies, and strategies through four broad outputs.

She said output one focuses on evidence-based teaching, learning approaches and learning materials, while output two was to improve planning, personnel management, and public financial management practices to deliver foundational skills.

She added that output three was to improve management and performance of non-state sectors in delivering foundational skills, while output four was for effective generation, communication and use of evidence-based citizen engagement and service delivery.

Malam Rabiu Sambo, Outreach Officer, PLANE, said that under

output one, PLANE has developed and distributed 262,581 primary one and two books, and 16,131 teacher’s guide to 694 primary schools.

Sambo added that more than 2,400 head teachers and teachers were trained on inclusive foundational skills, while 168 personnel were trained in mobile data collection for Early Grade Reading and Mathematics Assessment (ERGMA).

“The programme also strengthened the capacity of 153 quality assurance and school support officers on mobile data collection for coaching and mentoring.

“PLANE also established 75 community learning hubs, training 75 facilitators on how to conduct community sensitization and learning promotion and 15 learning hubs ambassadors were identified to promote community learning,” he said.

On output two, Mr Mubarak Siraj, State Reform Facilitator, PLANE, listed one of the achievements as the training of monitoring and evaluation officers

on procurement and budget processes.

Siraj equally said that the programme also improved the capacity of 23 officials from the education ministry, departments, and agencies on the development of education sector Annual Operational Plan.

“PLANE also conducted a baseline analysis of Kaduna State teacher recruitment, replacement and deployment policy and disseminated findings to stakeholders.

He added that on output three, the programme supported the conduct of a socio-demographic survey of non-state schools and the findings were disseminated to stakeholders.

He equally said that PLANE also supported the generation of report cards based on the graded assessment conducted in 50 nonstate schools.

“The programme also supported the development of a draft policy to sanitise the operations of private schools as well as a guideline for gender equality and social inclusion safeguarding.

“Also, PLANE has identified 10 banks that would be linked with private school owners to access funding in the form of loans,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Musa Adeyemi, Research and Learning Manager, PLANE, said that the programme also supported the effective coordination of monitoring and evaluation systems among education agencies.

Adeyemi added that PLANE also reported 12 educational research on basic education conducted in the state policy makers and academics and trained 101 assessors on the protocol and administration of EGRMA.

The Commissioner of Education, Hajiya Halima Lawal, commended PLANE for the laudable support to improve learning outcomes in the state.

Lawal, who was represented by the Director, Education Planning and Physical Development, Malam Salisu Lawal, disclosed that the state government would sustain the intervention following the visible achievement recorded so far.

Delegation of Kogi State Government led by Executive Officer, Kogi State Investment Promotion and Public Private Partnership Agency, Abdulkareem Siyaka and Members of the CCECC team led by Its Deputy Managing Director Guo Wenjun (middle) in a group photograph.

Gov. Ademola Adeleke

of Osun has approved a comprehensive climate change agenda to address emerging concerns about climate change and its impact on the state.

The approval is contained in a statement by Malam Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson to the governor, on Saturday in Osogbo.

According to the statement, the climate agenda is part of the state government’s efforts to mark the World Earth Day.

The statement noted that the new agenda included the making of a climate change and adaptation policy for state.

It also included the creation of the state climate advisory board, the establishment of climate tracking research unit at the state University and the development of annual state energy report.

The statement added that the hosting of a post COP 27 conference for sub-national entities in Nigeria is also part of the agenda.

The 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Paris Agreement (COP 27), was held from Nov. 6 to Nov. 20, 2022 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

A decision was made at the conference to establish and operationalise a loss and damage fund.

The statement quoted Adeleke as saying that the approval of the climate programme was in fulfillment of his election promises to address the threatening environmental crises facing Osun and the world at large.

“I take note of global climate crises and I believe we cannot leave the issue to the Federal Government alone.

“States must take active part in the movement to save the planet from imminent extinction. Our climate agenda is all inclusive,” he said.

According to the statement, Adeleke, on the Earth Day, directed the announcement of the climate agenda to reconfirm his administration’s resolve to make Osun the most climate friendly state in Nigeria.

“Our administration will invest in making Osun a truly green economy by mainstreaming climate matters in health, education, infrastructure,finance, mining, technology as well as gender and youth matters.

“Our state will become truly resilient and emerge as a strong partner in the climate adaptability movement,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Earth Day is being celebrated yearly on April 22, to protect the planet from things like pollution and deforestation.

NAN

From Ahmadu Idris, Birnin Kebbi

The Kebbi State Governorelect Dr. Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu has appealed to all traditional rulers in the state to eschew all forms political differences and support his incoming administration, in order to move the state forward.

In a statement signed by the SA media to the Governor elect Ahmed Idris and made available to newsmen yesterday while

addressing the District Head of Aliero, District head of Danwarai and others who paid him Sallah homage at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

The governor-elect said the plea became imperative in view of the critical role of traditional institutions in facilitating smootg governance.

While assuring that his administration was ready to welcome everyone who wish good for the state, Idris promised to operate an open door policy to

give all a sense of belonging.

Kebbi gov-elect pleads for Monarchs’ support to move forward Earth Day: Adeleke okays climate agenda for Osun

“It was not a hidden fact, not all traditional rulers supported my election, however, that is not my concern. My aim is who has love for my state, who can support me to make Kebbi State a small London.

“I want to use this medium to thank you and your subjects for the visit, I do everything within the ambit of the law to ensure more commitment toward supporting the traditional rulers in the state,” he said.

He then appealed to them to support his administration to take Kebbi State to greater heights of development.

In his remarks, the District head of Sabiyal in Aliero, Alhaji Umar Dodo said they were in Government House for a Sallah homage as well as solidarity visit to the governor-elect.

“We are here to rejoice with you on your victory at polls, we supported you and we are going to support your administration to succeed,” he assured.

Rivers unveils committee on 2023 census

The Chairman, Ahoada West Local Government Council in Rivers,Mr Hope Ikiriko, has inaugurated a 13-member Publicity Committee ahead of the 2023 Population and Housing census in Nigeria.

Ikiriko made this known in a statement he issued on Saturday in Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the inauguration was done on April 18 at the LGA secretariat in Akinima.

Ikiriko, who commended the National Population Commission (NPC) for its efforts on the forthcoming census, promised to set up security and logistics committees to make the exercise successful.

He also stated that apart from

the inauguration of members of the committee, council had sensitised the people to give the commission the necessary support for the exercise.

Ikiriko assured that the committee would continue to give NPC maximum cooperation during the exercise slated for May 3 and May 7 in the area.

The statement added that Mrs Glory Nwineh, the State Director of NPC in Rivers, had in her response, said publicity for the exercise would achieve a successful headcount across the nation.

Nwineh noted hat the target of the 2023 census was to produce accurate, reliable, and acceptable data as the commission would employ the use of technology.

She commended the Council chairman for his supportive role, especially in areas of accommodation and welfare.

Also, Mr Young Ayotamuno, the State Coordinator of National Orientation Agency (NOA), restated the commitment of the commission to get it right with the best technology deployed for the 2023 Census.

Similarly, Mr Elijah Harry, the Secretary of the Committee, on behalf of its members, assured that the committee would adhere to the terms of reference of the Commission.

Harry, who is also the Comptroller of National Population Commission, Ahoada West, said that the committee would especially adhere to public

enlightenment and education.

Furthermore, Moore Ubou, the representative of the Traditional Rulers Council, pledged the support and mobilisation of the traditional rulers, chiefs and their subjects ahead of the 2023 Census

Mr Ukame Ajie commended the Council Chairman for his support and further x-rayed other factors that would enhance a hitch-free exercise.

The committee members included Mr Hope Ikiriko, Mr Madu Madueke, Mr ThankGod Agininu, Mr Moore Ubuo and Mr Newman Egbuleka.

Others are Mrs Alice Abel, Mr Ifeanyi Madu, Mr Egbo Brown, Mr Chisa Ordu, Mr Igonike Boniface and Mr Ibe Omimi. NAN

L-R,. Director General National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director Special Duties, Office of Director General, Mr Gerald Adewole and the President Society of Nigerian Artists , Mr Muhammed Sulaiman during the Press Briefing on the official Re- opening of the NCAC Cultural Village , held yesterday in Abuja . Photo: Justin Imo-owo

History: A prerequisite to societal survival and development

By Divramredje Lawrence Efeturi

Acommon misconception is usually demonstrated towards the study of HISTORY as a discipline by contemporaneous compatriots throughout the stream of academic studies, irrespective of the levels they are in the various institutions. Going by the remarks elicited from the sample study carried out among some target learners, they feel themselves beyond every reasonable doubt less alien in the business and science fields. The question commonly asked is: “of what relevant is History in this contemporary world?”

Without stating an argument we can draw a consensus inference that History is the branch of knowledge that deals with the past events of man, country, continent or the world so that the present could be corrected for a transparent tomorrow. Just imagine what the everyday life would be like in a society where no one knew any history, that a society has no knowledge of itself! No wonder that Professor Levi-Strauss asserted that”... those who ignore history condemn themselves to not knowing the present because historical development alone permits us to weigh, and to value in their perspective relations with the element of the present”. A society without history is like a man without memory and self-knowledge and that would be a society in drift, just as Cicero put it that: ‘not to know what took place before you were born is to remain forever a child’.

Concrete evidences have proven that even scholars and professionals uphold the view that History is the making of myth and story-telling as a result of their irrational attempts in handling the subject. It has been deciphered that myth is a sacred information of fundamental realities meant to explain the true history of the origins of things and why they happen the way they do. Myths are set down rules for human behaviours, and are such regarded as been bequeathed by the gods themselves, most of whom lived earthly lives as culture founders, hence they lay a divine sanction on their improper use. Let us note that History is rational and scientific in character.This is because it gives answers to questions like: ( what happened? how did it happened? etc ) as science asks alike. This, of course, dissociate historical character as theological writings.

The apostles who echo the creed in a drowning crescendo that history rekindles possible conflicts between families, communities and nations do so because of the consequences that might befall them when their past deeds are unveiled. They also do so because they have been jinxed in irrationality and this is antithetical to what history accommodates. Rationality would always make one, thus, to believe that the study of history impacts a sense of solidarity, share the general justification which is attached to all intellectual on

socio-political advancement as well as provide valuable mental training and of the mind. It gives the ability to cite an evidence and find out the truth from a conflicting statement. It is only this understanding that could diminish incidence of likely conflicts to the barest minimum.

History trains one to weigh evidence in dealing with the common affairs of life. Every responsible father of a family and every adult member of a community needs the willingness and ability to compare an evidence, detects prejudice and falsehood and then draw a correct conclusion. Likely conflicts become unaborted when the led and their leaders lack historical ideology. Consider the 5th May 1789 French Revolution as a sample study. When the Third Estate, which comprised the masses of different professionals, demanded to meet with the First and the Second Estates for a deliberation on how to remedy the socio-political disharmony of France, Louis XIV who was the then monarch was deceived by the bourgeoisie to turn down the demands of the Third Estate. The Third Estate revolted and when the bourgeoisie saw the orthodoxy of the aggression, they stooped to join the queue at the expense of the King. Yet, their demands were met! The detriment incurred by the Monarch was as a result of his lack of historical knowledge of the society that would have enabled him avert the disgrace. We should note that History teaches about the society itself, what it is, how it grows, the way it works, what it has achieved, who are its friends and enemies, what are its standards of conduct and religious beliefs, the behaviour expected of its citizens and so on.

Nigeria’s national and State assemblies are a pack of some politicians who skate on the thin ice of the sea of violence. More than 50% are subterranean scraps; round legs in square holes that have left the comfort of our society only to spew conflicts at the very bottom they have relinquished. These are people who have abandoned the cultural heritage of the nation, and as a result they pursue and sponsor selfish bills that still make us to experience a perilous and economic quagmire. States governors would delay workers’ stipend until a strike action is embarked upon by the workers, yet their demands will be met having done enough havoc to the economy. Do we have to opt for a revolt of any sort before attempting solutions for a speculated impediments? Or we have to learn from the mistakes of our predecessors so as to amend the present? We should enliven our imaginations, brains and thoughts with historic retrospects. We should realise that history is self-revelatory. It familiarizes us with varieties in social forms and cures us from a dreaded morbid. History lays the foundation of a tolerant outlook and enlarged sympathies. Sympathy here means understanding people’s behaviour and appreciating both good and the bad in them instead of judging them from a narrow point of view. It is the

subject that can promote sympathies and genuine tolerance because it is the only one subject directly and entirely concerned with the behaviour of human beings.

One of the commonest complains some students make is that they feel very inferior whenever their science counterparts designate the technological advancement of the world to themselves. It is pity that those who pride themselves over this are not being reasonable. They should realise that if they were not historians and other liberal professionals life would have been too unorganised, unenjoyable and meaningless. Every students cannot be a scientist and not all students can be good in the arts as well. Each field deserves its praise. Remember that no matter the discipline you find yourself, you must at a start study its history because it cuts across all parts of every discipline. The one studying Mathematics or Accounting will in part be studying the history of Mathematics or Accounting. The study of History is to modernize and improve on the substandard achievements of the past. History, therefore, becomes a terminal or meeting point in which other fields anchor.

It is important we refresh our memory that History gives continuity to societal development. The principle of continuity and the higher principle of development lead to the practical consequences, that is, one of the vital importance for citizens to have a true knowledge of the past and to see it in daylight in order that their influence on the present and future may be exerted in the right directions. The fundamental justification for historical study is that History is necessary. It meets a basic need of man living in a society.

Closely knitted is the fact the history is functional in the sense of meeting the need, which the society has to know and understand its relationship with the past and other society cultures. The bottom line is that possibility of extracting from the past, lessons for the present and future, becomes a means of helping humanity of its problems.

Therefore the full blown foundation, human solidarity, glory and awareness that a society would seek, cannot be realised without a recourse to the study of history as the prerequisite and live-wire to progress. The eurocentric and stereotyped ideas that we do not have history, that is, the past by the colonial masters, must be repudiated and sabotaged. We must develop the spirit of patriotism and the recognition for our country. We can do this if we throw our weights behind the day’s government to right the wrongs now for a better headway; for a better tomorrow Nigeria. If you want to know the past, then, you had better develop a positive attitude towards the study of History. Remember that “ the taste of the pudding lies in the eating”.

Divramredje Lawrence Efeturi is a commentator on national issues

Reducing smoking prevalence through prevention

By Olufisayo Adeoti

The Royal College of Nursing in the UK is currently running a campaign tagged, “Prevention is better than cure.” Prevention is a principle in modern primary healthcare systems and a major factor in the increasing global popularity of wellness programmes. In healthcare, where the concept is most popular, the logic is quite straightforward: go upstream to tackle the causes of ill-health rather than waiting downstream to cure the resulting illnesses. As global health concerns mount over the health impact of smoking, all scientifically verified measures that can drive down the prevalence of smoking should be encouraged and pursued. In recent months, different civil society organisations have increased the call for implementation of graphic health warnings alongside text on cigarette packs. The clamour must be applauded for considering the potential harm of tobacco smoke exposure to smokers and non-smokers who are in proximity to them.

Tobacco Harm Reduction is a pragmatic approach to reducing the harm from combustible tobacco based on the scientific and empirical evidence that the risk of harm to smokers is from the toxic effluents that result when tobacco is burned, which the smokers in turn inhale, and not from the nicotine that they crave. Therefore, by providing alternative products that deliver nicotine or the sensation of smoking but without the combustion of tobacco, THR prevents nicotine consumers from exposure to harmful tobacco smoke, which they would otherwise get from combustible tobacco.

As a public health strategy, THR advices and encourages smokers to switch from combustible tobacco to these alternative products, which are known as reduced risk products. RRPs include e-cigarettes; heated tobacco

products, which heat tobacco without burning them; nicotine pouches; nicotine gums and others.

Whereas, proponents of THR recognise that abstinence remains the best way to prevent tobacco harm, experience has shown over time that abstinence is not always feasible. For those users who are either unable or unwilling to quit, RRPs are targeted at smokers who choose to continue to enjoy nicotine, while appreciating the harm from tobacco smoke. Prevention of smoking at any stage remains a more effective health and wellness strategy than stopping, hence more proactive initiatives that translate to earlier interventions tend to yield better outcomes. This is perhaps among the reasons that countries, which were early adopters of graphic health warnings on cigarette packs, have not only accepted the empirical evidence of the effectiveness of THR but are also implementing science-backed regulations that provide guidance on the use of reduced risk products.

In an evidence brief published by the World Health Organisation in 2014, WHO reported that citizens of such countries like Canada and the UK indicated that pictorial health warnings on cigarette packs provided more motivation to quit than text only warnings. However, in more recent times, the government of Canada through Health Canada has issued science-backed statements such as “completely replacing cigarette smoking with vaping will reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals” and “vaping products and e-cigarettes deliver nicotine in a less harmful way than smoking cigarettes” among several messages to adult smokers to move them away from combustible tobacco products.

With graphic health warnings mostly limited to cigarette packs, smokers tend to encounter them following a decision to not only smoke but also to proceed to purchasing cigarettes. At that point, a decision has already been made

to smoke and the graphic images at the point of sale or on cigarette packs might be less effective as a deterrent. On the other hand, THR messages continuously and steadily enjoin smokers to turn away from combustible cigarettes and switch to alternative products that prevent exposure to toxic tobacco smoke. This messaging does not depend on a smoker’s contact with cigarette packs. Beyond providing earlier warnings, THR also provides less risky alternatives on the understanding that smokers really crave nicotine, which is not toxic, and not the toxic smoke from tobacco combustion.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence of the UK has published a guidance on THR (or alternative tobacco products) and its efficacy in driving down smoking rates. The guidance recognises that quitting smoking is always the best option for smokers, but it supports the use of licensed nicotine-containing products to help smokers, who are currently unable to quit, to switch to a less harmful option. A study by William G Shadel, Steven C Martino, Claude M Setodji, Michael Dunbarin, et al., to assess the efficacy of graphic health warnings in deterring tobacco smokers was published by Oxford Academic in June 2019. The result showed that graphic health warning labels reduced the chances of cigarette purchases for smokers with lower nicotine dependence but had no effect on smokers with higher dependence.

This study is a pointer for many African countries that have implemented graphic health warnings only, to further adopt THR as a scientifically established strategy with empirical evidence of success in reducing smoking rates and preventing death and illness.

Olufisayo Adeoti writes from Lagos via adefis86@ gmail.com

Nigeria; A place not worth studying

By Habibu Temako

Quite disheartening to see that we haven’t trained properly on how to speak/write well due to acute shortage of teachers, low-funding, lack of learning facilities, conducive environment, poor guidance and many more. Basically, this has become a chronic condition that left us with no option except to poorly communicate and relate how well we could understand ourselves even though with terrible grammatical errors.

There are, of course, many African countries with poor educational systems today but the problem with Nigeria’s educational system is the worst of all others. From kindergarten, primary to secondary schools and through tertiary institutions, there’s literally no impression or any littlest sign that Nigeria education is way better to be proud of than other African countries. Take the instance of our expression, especially to some of us who attended primary/secondary schools in our local communities we hardly speak consummately well. Quite disheartening to see that we haven’t trained properly on how to speak/write well due to acute shortage of teachers, low-funding, lack of learning facilities, conducive environment, poor guidance and many more. Basically, this has become a chronic condition that left us with no option except to poorly communicate and relate how well we could understand ourselves even though with terrible grammatical errors.

Furthermore, Nigeria, a country with high pride as a giant of African whose name is praised ahead of other African countries in home and abroad, has still remained backward in all aspects of developments. It’s because Nigeria has undervalued education and does not regard it as the only forward to have steady progress or “a key to success”. Sadly enough, being Nigerian student today is the greatest mischance ever that robbed our opportunities to explore valuable knowledge and, the ensuing state

of distress about it is that the standard level of education in most tertiary institutions has declined to the core. That’s why most university students can not articulate a good final year project because we all lack the basic idea of the subject-topics we aren’t taught properly. This is, indeed, Nigeria education a place not worth studying.

Considering all this, to say that Nigeria will be great in the future is a delusion of grandeur for the future of the said leaders of tomorrow is in grave jeopardy. But yet our leaders keep telling their famous lies that we (the students and the prospective youth) are the leaders of tomorrow. They failed to ask themselves how the future would be when they’re maltreating the prospective youth and oppressing them with illiteracy. Or perhaps they’re not aware of their oppression when they

say POLITICS (i.e to be governed) is not for the YOUNG. At least we know that education is currently undervalued in almost every nation but the case of Nigeria education is quite appalling— facing multitudes of problems that need to be revamped. Imagine a country that is academically backward is on strike for the solid three months and nothing has yet to be done.

Oh we’re indeed the leaders of tomorrow lazily sitting at home doing nothing while the real leaders of today are embezzling public funds. We are indeed the leaders of tomorrow having bachelor degree certificates with no job while the grandfathers of the country are opting for a greater position instead of retiring. We are indeed leaders of tomorrow, vibrant and intelligent enough to rule but we lost space in politics because we’re too young to rule while unhealthy and poor beautiful brains are leading us all the way. This is what Nigeria means when they make us sing the famous song “students/youth are the leaders of tomorrow. What a pity!!!

To round off this write-up, it’s noteworthy that it’s necessary to the government and its agencies at all levels to ensure that Nigeria education is improved in order to make the future seem great. And as they often say, “the future developments of any nation are tied in its youth” the government must make a right investment in education by nurturing a standard system of education that’ll be very competitive with our counterpart countries. Enough so, infrastructures in public schools and high funding is required from the governments and that’s a responsibility we should constantly remind our government. This way, Nigeria as a whole needs to take a strategic and redemptive step to revamp the already ruined education and save the future of the country.

Habibu Temako is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Between the US and Nigeria’s elections

By Binzak Azeez

The US has continued to reform her electoral system ranging from the Electoral Count Act (ECA) of 1887, recently amended as the Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act, 2022, the Voting Rights Act (VRA), 1965, the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), 2002, amongst other electoral legislative reforms. The United Kingdom (UK) which introduced democracy into Nigeria was not left out in this electoral fraud.

The primus inter pares (first among equals) status of the United States of America (USA) among the comity of nations which pride themselves as the proponents and bastions of modern constitutional democracy was not achieved on a silver platter. The US indeed underwent some turbulent flows in their democratic transformations. It is a forward-looking thought to continually juxtapose Nigeria’s democratic practices with the USA.

In assessing, the US long and epic journey from crude democratic practices to the current cherished and developed democratic system must be considered. As the modernday democracy was fundamentally embedded in periodic elections, the trajectory of the electioneering process in the US at the early stage of her political independence was marred with electoral irregularities, ballot snatching, voters’ suppression, widespread mayhem and vote buying.

The most controversial electoral fraud in the US political history was the 1876 presidential election between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden. The election was pervaded with the campaign of calumny, disenfranchisement of political opponents through intimidation at both candidates’ strongholds and the alteration of electoral results. The election almost tore the nation apart as both presidential candidates lay claim to victory. Besides the prevalence of electoral fraud, there was no clear-cut legal

and institutional framework to determine the winner.

Despite the political conundrum, the US overcame the internal menace without any foreign intervention. The Electoral Commission Act, 1877, was specifically enacted to resolve the 1876 electoral crisis. The Act, provided a 15-member Electoral Commission to arbitrate the disputed result. The pronouncement of the Electoral Commission alongside some political negotiations eventually ended the electoral impasse as Birchard Hayes was declared the actual winner of the US 1876 presidential election.

The US has continued to reform her electoral system ranging from the Electoral Count Act (ECA) of 1887, recently amended as the Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act, 2022, the Voting Rights Act (VRA), 1965, the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), 2002, amongst other electoral legislative reforms. The United Kingdom (UK) which introduced democracy into Nigeria was not left out in this electoral fraud. The attempt to curb the menace prompted the enactment of the 1872 Ballot Act and the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Prevention Act,1883.

In the present day, the electoral fraud in the US has been reduced to the barest minimum. It took the nation many decades of electoral reforms before they achieved the current illustrious electoral status. Though, Nigeria still lags behind in comparison to the US electoral standard, the pace of electoral development in Nigeria is more rapid. More than a hundred year after the US had gained her political independence, the likes of Isaiah Rynders, John Kelly, amongst other notorious rogues violently engaged in ballot snatching, voters’ intimidation and disruption of opposition political meetings. Many elections also recorded cases where the registered voters’ names were found on tombstones.

Having shed light to the electoral antecedents of the US, it is pertinent for Nigeria to emulate the US by resolving her electoral obstacles internally and democratically.

Every nation which emotional outbursts of her people had prompted to embrace a direct foreign intervention into their polity has lived to regret their actions. Uninterrupted democratic system has just lasted for 24 years in Nigeria since the country attained political independence in 1960. Between 1999 and 2023, Nigeria has undergone numerous impactful electoral reforms. The continuous overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral institution and laws could only guarantee her the typical US electoral standard.

The radical departure from the era of manual electoral processes to the digital system coupled with the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2022, have set Nigeria’s path to achieving electoral accuracy, transparency and credibility. The digital processes which range from the Electronic Voter Register (EVC), the Smart Card Reader (SCR), the Automated Fingerprint Identification System ( AFIS), the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), and now the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the IReV portal, are all giant strides to achieve and sustain electoral integrity.

Nigeria’s electoral system has evolved though it is not free of infractions. Gone are the days which it was almost impossible to unseat a sitting president, states’ governors, national and states’ lawmakers and their adopted candidates. The political reality and electoral signal from the just concluded elections have shown otherwise. It would be unfair to describe the entire 2023 general elections as sham. Any candidate who has sufficient evidence to disprove the electoral results should seek redress in court rather than resorting to extral-judicial measures. The judiciary remains a democratic institution to right the wrongs.

Binzak Azeez writes from Newworth LLP (Legal Practitioners), Onikan, Lagos

“

We are indeed the leaders of tomorrow having bachelor degree certificates with no job while the grandfathers of the country are opting for a greater position instead of retiring.

Mother Earth Day: Institute advocates more awareness campaign

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The African Institute of Waste Management and Environmental Studies, (AIWMES,) has urged individuals and communities to protect the planet Earth and its ecosystem from the effects of climate change and other environmental threats to ensure a sustainable future for all.

Registrar General of the Institute, Mr Ahmed Lateef Tayo, stated this in a press statement to commemorate International

Mother Earth Day, 2023, in Kaduna yesterday.

Tayo explained that every 22nd of April is set aside to raise awareness of the rapidly rising levels of pollution and other effects of Climate Change that could contribute to damaging the environment and threatening the planet’s survival.

Mr Lateef Tayo, stressed that there is a need to protect the environment defenders, noting that activities lined up to mark the day included tree-planting, recycling drives, cleanup

campaigns and environmental education programs.

He noted that by participating in Earth Day activities, people can positively impact the environment and contribute towards a more sustainable future for all the Earth’s inhabitants.

“It is a day of political action and civic participation that People march, sign petitions, meet elected officials, plant trees, and clean up their towns and roads; corporations and governments use it to make pledges announce sustainability measures.

“Planting trees, recycling, disposing wastes properly, and reducing the use of plastics that have a significant effect on the environment, and by these simple actions, we could save many lives and the environment.

“Land and environmental defenders face growing threats around the world; an increasing number of them have been attacked or gone missing for trying to protect the abundant natural resources within their communities”, he said.

Sen. Suswam urges incoming govt. to prioritise tackling power deficit, insecurity

Former Benue State Governor, Sen. Gabriel Suswam has urged the incoming administration to make tackling power deficit and insecurity in the country a priority.

Suswam made the call in a recent interview with newsmen in Abuja.

Suswam, who spoke while responding to questions on agenda setting for the incoming administration, said there was an urgent need to pay attention to the economy and make concerted efforts to grow the GDP of the nation.

He said: “Elections has come and gone and you have court cases that are on-going, but we want the incoming administration to concentrate on issues that have affected Nigerians.

“Issues of insecurity, electricity, issues of power, any government that concentrates on power will change the economy of this country, will enhance the GDP of the country,” he said.

According the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, electricity affects all sectors of this economy,

“I believe that there is a whole lot for the incoming administration to do, security, power but once you fix power, industries will be revamped, employment will come back.”

According to him, addressing issues of power alone, will be seen to have addressed 60 per cent of the issues in the country.

He also believes that the incoming president should target how best to resolve insecurity, saying that insecurity issues had prevented people from coming to invest in the country.

Sallah: Cleric seeks improved Nigeria, advises President-elect

The Chief Imam of Sideeqat Ahmad Megida Central Mosque Ikorodu, Nurudeen Abdul-Kadiri, has urged the President -elect to uphold justice and protect lives and property in his incoming administration.

Abdul-Kadiri made the plea at the Eid-el Fitr prayer held in Ikorodu, Lagos State on Friday.

The cleric stated that Allah said in the Holy Quran that he would not change the condition of any nation except the people were just and renounce all their evil ways.

“If all of us can stop our evil ways, Allah will fix Nigeria for us.

“My advice to the incoming government is that they uphold justice, protect lives and property, and unite the people.

“President-elect should ask

Nigerians to go back to the basics because if we get it right at the level of the family, the society will be better for all.

“The incoming administration should make education and food affordable and available for the masses,” he advised.

He urged Nigerians to always remember leaders in prayers and support them to succeed.

Abdul-Kadiri pleaded with Nigerian Muslims to continue with the good deeds they exhibited during the Ramadan period.

The cleric urged Muslims to allow God’s consciousness to be the driving force of all their actions

According to him, the primary purpose of Ramadan is to inculcate piety, pointing out that with this, the society would be balanced and

peaceful.

Prof. Ibrahim Oreagba of Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, University of Lagos, congratulated all Muslims on the Eid-el-Fitr celebration after 29 days fasting during Ramadan.

Oreagba prayed to Almighty Allah to continue to bless Nigerians individually and collectively.

He said that there was urgent need for leaders that would transform the economy for the good of all Nigerians.

“We need a leader that really has the masses in mind to help and care for them.

“That is the kind of the leader that we need presently and we believe the President-elect Sen. Bola Tinubu will do that for our people.

“The situation is not good

enough but we have faith in Allah that will make it better for us through the leader that we have elected,” Oreagba said.

Another preacher, Hajia Zainab Moshood, urged the Lagos State Government to improve on the traffic situation in the state.

She said this was necessary to reduce time of getting to work which she said was affecting productivity.

Alhaji Abdul-Fatai Salami, who also spoke, commended Muslims in Ikorodu community for the large turnout to observe the Eid-el-Fitr prayers.

Salami urged Nigerian leaders to have empathy on the less privileged people in the society stressing that everyone would give account of his or her deeds.NAN.

He expressed concerns that the nation might experience food insecurity if issues of insecurity were not addressed.

This, he said, was a major challenge to farmers, especially in the rural communities.

Suswam, who also congratulated the Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Orji Kalu on the occasion of his 63 birthday anniversary, described him as a consummate politician.

“He is a true Nigerian that has build bridges across Nigeria.

“At 63, he has achieved beyond his age, he has done well, has continued to strive in areas, where most of his contemporaries have not been able to, he has also had a bit of controversy and has pulled through.

“And so I believe that he is one Nigeria that should be respected and given his honour,” he said. NAN

L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Senate Dr Ahmed Lawan, Senator Philip Aduda and FCT Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello during the Sallah Homage to mark the 2023 EID El-Fitr held at the State House yesterday IN ABUJA. PHOTO; State House

APC dissolves Gov Lalong led Presidential Campaign Council

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

All Progressive Congress (APC) yesterday dissolved the Presidential Campaign Council (APC PCC) after it was set up in September last year to ensure the victory of the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Director General of the council, Governor Simon Bako Lalong and the Secretary, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke announced the dissolution of the council in a jointly signed statement in Abuja.

The statement noted that the chairman of the Presidential Campaign Council, President Muhammadu Buhari; the President-elect, Bola Tinubu and other leaders, thanked all council members, leaders and supporters for working assiduously for the resounding victory of the presidentelect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

It reads in part: “Since the campaign council began in September 2022, we have witnessed an unprecedented, relentless, and engaging mobilisation of our members nationwide and in the diaspora towards securing the majority popular votes for the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential ticket.

“The journey has been a worthy one with our hard-won victory. The credit goes to all our members particularly, the leaders and members of the various campaign directorates.

“We would like to express our deepest appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), for his unwavering support and leadership throughout the campaign. We could not have achieved this level of success without his singlemindedness, commitment, and forthrightness.

“However, we have concluded that it is in the best interest of the campaign and its stakeholders for us to dissolve our council with immediate effect. This has become necessary to retune us towards the May 29, 2023, inauguration of the President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“The process of transitioning into a new era of a Renewed Hope is underway and all our energies and activities must reflect the principles underlying this process.”

Commending all the council members, the council DirectorGeneral and Secretary said, “We hope that you will all continue to stay involved in Nigeria’s political process and to advocate for issues that you believe in.

“Our democracy is stronger when we all participate in the political process with patriotism. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for your support, dedication, and hard work.”

Rivers: Why I supported relocation of election tribunal to Abuja – Sen. Abe

By Musa Baba Adamu

Governorship candidate of

the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, has said he supported the relocation of the Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal from Port Harcourt to Abuja, because it was in the best interest of the people of the state.

This is as Abe alleged that members of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers were forced to adopt the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party

(PDP), Siminalaye Fubara, as the candidate of the state.

Abe, who spoke on a live television programme, said it would have been difficult for opposition political parties and their candidates to appear before the tribunal if it had sat in the State Capital.

He said: “I think that anybody who has been watching developments in Rivers State will see that there was really no way the tribunal could sit in Port Harcourt.

“Even the opportunity for members of the opposition

parties to access INEC Office in Port Harcourt and be able to get materials or information from INEC to enable them present their petitions before the tribunal was physically and violently resisted.

“People were beaten up; nobody could go near the INEC Office. The place was kept under siege and the police allowed this to go for days. Nothing was done to bring it under control.

“So, clearly, the option of the tribunal actually sitting in Port Harcourt to do any meaningful work; anybody who has been watching events in the State knows

that it was not even an option.

“There is no way anybody could have been able to go before the tribunal in Port Harcourt and be able to make a case. Even the tribunal is also made up of human beings, who also fear for their lives.

“The volatile political atmosphere in the State affected everybody and affected everything. I think that at the end of the day, the tribunal had no option than to relocate to Abuja, where we believe that everybody will get a better opportunity to be able to present their cases.”

Tinubu’s Transition C’ttee: Atiku’s Igbo sympathy crocodile tears – Okechukwu

By Christiana Ekpa

Achieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu has described former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s attack on Presidentelect, Bola Tinubu’s transition committee as a demonstration of crocodile tears, medicine after death and political hypocrisy.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the recent election had decried the absence of any Igbo person on the membership list of Tinubu’s transition committee.

But, reacting to the observation, Okechukwu said Atiku’s attempt to play the advocate for Igbo interest amounted to shedding of Crocodile tears, recalling how the former Vice President brazenly breached the zoning arrangement in PDP and the zoning convention of president from north to south and vice versa.

Maintaining that Atiku’s attempts to stand in for Ndigbo is a clear example of medicine after

death, Okechukwu noted that Atiku’s betrayal of Ndigbo during the PDP Presidential primary election was the deepest and unkindest cut.

Okechukwu stated: “I make bold to state that the former Vice President had long lost the moral high ground to parade himself or even pontificate as a friend of Ndigbo. It’s sheer hypocrisy and cannot wipe out the injury inflicted on Igbo members of PDP by our dear brother-in-law.

“One remembers with nostalgia the deep attachment of Ndigbo to PDP, even when His Excellency, Alex Ekwueme, the party’s pioneer chairman was shoved aside at the Jos convention in 1999. They repeated same, which was even more painful, when President Buhari nominated Rt. Hon. Chuba Okadigbo as his running mate in 2003 presidential election and Rt.Hon. Edwin Ume-Ezeoke as his running mate in 2007 presidential election.

“Even though I subscribe to inclusive politics, His Excellency,

Atiku Abubukar had all it takes to have supported Peter Obi for the 2023 PDP’s presidential ticket during the party’s primary election.

“But, here was a man who pulled out from PDP in 2014, defected to APC in protest against former President Goodluck Jonathan’s breach of South to North rotation convention of presidency, claiming that Governor Nyesom Wike’s ambition compelled him to recontest the PDP presidential primary. That is a no brainer.”

On why he is peeved by Atiku’s objective observation on the transition committee list, Okechukwu, who is also the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), said nobody should fight any proxy war on behalf of Ndigbo, stressing that “Ndigbo are like the fabled Beetle, and nobody can kill the Beetle.”

“We are the fabled Beetle, we are Zikists and patriots per excellence more than any other tribe. Atiku was in his statement shedding mere Crocodile tears. I stand to be contradicted; we invest

wherever we live and we reside in all the nooks and crannies of our dear country. Our stance remains, let the Eagle perch as well as the Dove.

“And, truly our concern is that no geopolitical zone is either developing or modernising at the required rate as our global peers are going,” Okechukwu submitted. He added: “Methinks that Atiku who publicly proclaimed naka sai naka and Namu! Namu! (Your own is your own to his northern brothers) is romancing Ndigbo for a possible run-off, in the assumption eventuality of cancellation of the poll.

“As a believer in politics of inclusion as the ligament bonding our dear nation, one will advise Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu not resort to Tiwa! Tiwa! (My own is my own).”

Tinubu had recently forwarded a 13-man list, in addition to the earlier lists to the outgoing Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha with exclusion of the Southeast.

L-R’: Action Democratic Party (ADP) Governorship Candidate for Kogi State, Chief Julius Elukpo, National Chairman ADP, Engr Yabagi Yusuf Sani and the party National Organising Secretary, Dr. Alex Maiyanga, during the presentation of certificate of return to Chief Elukpo as the party Gubernatorial candidate for Kogi State, held recently in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

POLITICS

10th Assembly: Ex legislators back Hon. Betara’s Speakership aspiration

By Christiana Ekpa

Coalition of former members of the House of Representatives from the six geo-political zones of the country have endorsed Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu, member representing Biu/Bayo/ Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, as the most suitable to occupy the position of Speaker of the 10th Assembly.

Members of the Coalition are drawn from the 6th, 7th, 8th as well as outgoing 9th Assembly across party lines.

The resolution was passed by the various respective former lawmakers after rigorous analysis

of all the aspirants who have expressed interest in the position of the Speaker.

Some of the lawmakers who signed the communiqué are: Hon. Emeka Anohu,(Ihiala Federal Constituency of Anambra State) and Hon Dr Golu Timothy( Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau) both of the 8th Assembly.

Others include: Hon. Mohammed Almakura,(Lafia/ Obi Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State in the 6th Assembly and Hon Nado Karibo(Ogbia Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State) in the 7th Assembly; Hon. Bashir Babale(Minjibir/ Unogogo Federal Constituency of Kano State); and Hon. Segun

Withdraw your petition, align with Tinubu

for new NigeriaNnamani tells Peter Obi

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Former Governor of Enugu state, Chimaroke Nnamani has asked the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi to withdraw his petition against the President elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and join him in the task of making a new nation.

In a statement he issued yesterday, Senator Nnamani urged Obi and his supporters to align with the ebullience and conviviality welcoming Tinubu’s victory to the office of the President of the greatest black nation on earth.

He said that Obi knows he has neither spread nor national appeal to win the presidential election, pointing out that what Obi is doing with the petition is “bad belle, petulance and demarketing.

According to him, “His Petition is dead on arrival. He does not have the spread or national appeal. His appeal to non electoral matters is to demarket the President elect and

besmirch his reputation”.

Nnamani reiterated “he does not have near spread and national appeal. His petition is ego driven, joke carried too far. His attempt to highlight non electoral issues is trying to embarrass the President elect”.

To this end, he counseled that “Obi needs to come down from his high horse to allow sedate minds to negotiate on behalf of the Igbo and South East for safe landing to include our stake in the national palavar and share of the accruals of the commonwealth”.

According to Nnamani “we must join the main stream and participate in the making of a new Nigeria. We are not going any where. We de kampe and ready to bargain for our own share. It is a common knowledge that others are doing the same.

“Igbo has to confront reality now or be consigned to the backwoods of history. Time to align is now”.

Odebumi,( Surulere/Ogo Oluwa Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the 9th Assembly.

At the meeting, the lawmakers who expressed delight over the candidature of Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu observed that Nigeria needs someone with the ability, capacity, competence and quality leadership to unify the country,hence the resolve to rally support for Betara who doubles as the incumbent Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations.

The communiqué reads: “While wishing our Muslim brothers and sisters a happy Eidel-fitr celebrations, the coalition of former members of the National Assembly from the six geo political zones of the country,

have come together to throw our weight behind the man of the moment, Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu (OON), to steer the affairs of the House of Representatives as the 10th Speaker of the noble Green Chambers, commencing from June, 2023.

“This decision was arrived at by the various past members, after very rigorous analysis of the best man suited for the job at this crucial moment in the Nigerian polity.

“We unanimously agreed that the country needs someone with the ability and capacity to unify the country, the competence and skills to drive an effective and productive Legislature, a bridge builder between the other arms of

Government and above all, a man with serene humility, character and fear of God in discharging the duties associated with the office. That person is no other than Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu (OON).

“The former members from the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th Assembly, unanimously resolved to mobilise support and reach out to the new members elect from their zones, with detailed facts of Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu’s solid and intimidating antecedents with regards to his Legislative prowess over the years thus, singling him out as the suitable person over other contestants,” the communiqué stated.

Obi felicitates Muslim community in Onitsha

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Muslim Community in Anambra State has eulogized the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, for what they described as his unwavering support to the Community from his days as the Governor of Anambra State till now.

A statement issued by ObiDatti media, said they described Obi as a true and detribalized Nigerian, who does not segregate against tribe, religion, or ethnicity.

Speaking at the Central Mosque, Onitsha, where Obi went to celebrate the Eid el Fitr with them yesterday, the Secretary of the Muslim Community in Anambra, Barr Mahmoud Imam registered their displeasure with

what he described as unnecessary lies and propaganda against the person of Peter Obi.

He said they were not happy with the religious and ethnic coloration being given to Obi and his quest for New Nigeria. He described Obi as a man who has continued to give them support through the many challenges they have been through, as a people, in the State.

“We follow the news, and we are not pleased with the many negative stories people tell about Obi’s relationship with the North. We here are not only close to Obi, but we have remained the consistent beneficiaries of his benevolence. So we can say, authoritatively, that the stories making the rounds online, that Peter Obi does not care for Northerners, are false.

“When our mosque was burnt down, he quickly rebuilt it for us and made it even better. During the crisis that erupted in the State in 2006, Obi ensured that no Hausa man was hurt. He gave us maximum security in the barracks. Throughout his 8 years as a Governor, he would invite us to the government house every year during the Sallah celebration, eat and celebrate with us. This time around, he decided to visit and celebrate with us in the mosque.

“Many of our people here, not less than 150 were sponsored by Peter Obi to Mecca for pilgrimage, over the years. We equally watched his movements during the campaign, how he toured the Northern part of Nigeria and visited places no one expected. We are happy with our

relationship with him and with the North. He is a true Nigerian,” Imam said.

In his speech, Obi appreciated the Muslim Community for their welcome. He explained that his visit to the Community was to celebrate the Eid el Fitr with them as he has always done. He also promised to continue to support the Muslims in the State and any part of the country, in any way he could.

Reiterating the need for Nigerians to love and appreciate one another, Obi stated that every Nigerian should be free to live and thrive in any part of the country without intimidation or harassment.

“I am a Nigerian who believes in Nigeria. My ADC when I was Governor, Idris, is a Northerner from Kano State, and he is a good

man. I have never discriminated against anyone based on religion or tribe, and I will never do that. I want the whole nation to hold me accountable for this. I will never discriminate against anybody. I will continue to support you, especially in areas of education, health, and your worship. Please disregard anyone who tells you that I do not like the Northerners. I love every Nigerian,” Obi said. Obi presented 30 cartons of noodles, 30 cartons of Malt, bags of rice, and a cash gift of N500,000 to the Muslim Community.

In his words of appreciation, the Chief Imam of Central Mosque, Onitsha, Alhaji Abdulrahman Hamza Imam, appreciated Obi for his benevolence and prayed to Allah to continue to protect, bless and guide him always.

President Buhari observes Eid el-fitr prayers at the Mambilla barracks prayer ground in Abuja. Photo: State House

Minority members-elect move to produce 10th Assembly Speaker

By Christiana Ekpa

Buoyed by it’s numerical superiority in the soon to be inaugurated 10th House of Representatives, the emergent minority caucus has resolved to gun for the Speakership position.

This is following the outcome of last Saturday’s supplementary elections which saw the membership of the Minority caucus swollen to 182, one vote more than the statutory benchmark (181 votes) required to elect a Speaker — with prospects of gaining more members.

Already, there are permutations to promote a Speakership candidate from the South-South geo-political zone, and a Deputy Speaker from the North West.

Rising from an emergency meeting of the Minority caucus leadership held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja last night, the caucus which now refers to itself as “Greater Majority,” and made up of seven political parties, stated emphatically that it was primed to contest the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 10th National Assembly.

Speaking with journalists

on the position of the Caucus, a Member-Elect from Anambra, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, stated that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria imbues every elected member with the statutory right to gun for any leadership position, subject to the standing orders of the House.

Hon. Ogene: “Besides the issue of ranking, every member is entitled to run for the office of Speaker, regardless of political party affiliation.

“The All Progressives Congress, APC, or indeed, any political party for that matter, reserves the right to regale itself with talks about microzoning leadership positions in the National Assembly. But the overriding question remains, are such fanciful engagements binding on the generality of Members-Elect? The answer today, tomorrow — and until our current constitution is altered to reflect that desire — is a big No.

“Issues surrounding this all-important question is easily resolved, in the case of the House of Representatives, by Section 50(1)(b), to wit:” There shall be a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker

of the House of Representatives, who shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves.

“While zoning is permitted, as an intra-party solution to the sharing of political offices, seeking to enforce such on the generality of members would be tantamount to affronting Section 50 of the Nigerian constitution.

“Besides, political parties must not always use the National Assembly as guinea pigs for their zoning fancies. Why didn’t these governors summon the same courage, which they currently seek to flaunt, during the presidential primaries, by micro-zoning the presidency to a particular zone?

If it was okay to say that the presidential ticket should go to the South, then I think they ought to follow through with that same template, and propose, for instance, that the Speakership should go to the North.

Buoyed by it’s numerical superiority in the soon to be inaugurated 10th House of Representatives, the emergent minority caucus has resolved to gun for the Speakership position.

This is following the outcome of last Saturday’s supplementary

elections which saw the membership of the Minority caucus swollen to 182, one vote more than the statutory benchmark (181 votes) required to elect a Speaker — with prospects of gaining more members.

Already, there are permutations to promote a Speakership candidate from the South-South geo-political zone, and a Deputy Speaker from the North West.

Rising from an emergency meeting of the Minority caucus leadership held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja last night, the caucus which now refers to itself as “Greater Majority,” and made up of seven political parties, stated emphatically that it was primed to contest the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 10th National Assembly.

Speaking with journalists on the position of the Caucus, a Member-Elect from Anambra, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, stated that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria imbues every elected member with the statutory right to gun for any leadership position, subject to the standing orders of the House.

Binani vs Fintri: INEC raises alarm over whereabouts of suspended REC, Ari

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday, revealed that it is unaware of the whereabouts of its suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Yunusa Hudu Ari.

Last Saturday, Ari caused a major controversy when he declared Aisha Binani of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the Adamawa supplementary governorship election.

Ari had declared Binani the winner of the supplementary

Eid elfitri: APGA chairman, Oye asks muslims to deploy lessons for progress

By Musa Baba Adamu

The national chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Ike Oye, has felicitated Muslims on the celebrations of Eid-el-Fitri.

In a Sallah message signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Barrister Tex Okechukwu, the APGA leader, expressed joy at the successful completion of Ramadan.

spokesman, Festus Okoye, said Ari had not picked up his call since the infamous action.

Speaking during a television programme, Okoye said: “We don’t know where he is because, after this particular incident, the Commission wrote to him and also called him on the phone.

“He never returned any of the calls; he never answered any of the calls.

He urged Muslims to adhere to the lessons learned during the long period of fasting and deploy them in the development of our nation.

He observed that Nigerians had experienced inexplicable suffering, especially in recent times, but urged restraint and tolerance as “we pray God to give us the uncommon strength and courage to continue to trudge along”.

Fintri Binani

election while INEC was yet to conclude the collation of results.

But, INEC countered Ari’s declaration and announced

Ahmadu Fintri winner of the election after counting of results. However, INEC’s

“We asked him to report to the Commission on Sunday, we didn’t see him, we asked him to report on Monday, we didn’t see him. So up till this moment, he has not reported and we don’t know his whereabouts.”

AA presidential election petition: Yoruba chieftain calls for out-of-court settlement

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Achieftain of the Yoruba Elders’ Union (YEU), Joshua Foluso Oguntuase, has cited the petition of the Action Alliance (AA) in the Court of Appeal (Presidential Election Petition Tribunal) as one that can have adverse effects on Nigeria’s democracy.

He urged all parties involved to settle out of court for better

understanding and peaceful coexistence.

In a statement he issued in Kaduna on Friday, Oguntuase explained that the petition is series-wound of court cases involving the Action Alliance (AA) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in particular and the court, saying that the court has ruled, judged and ordered INEC severally and consistently to do certain needfuls

hence, the cause for the petition.

He stressed that if the court is again to rule over its earlier several judgments, it could be very challenging to the court and Nigeria’s democracy, lamenting that it would not be prejudicial or subjudice for a volunteer to come into the matter at any stage for out of court settlement.

Oguntuase opined that one of the primary objectives of the YEU is to defend the interest of the

Yoruba race as their leaders, saying the current National Chairman of Action Alliance (AA) is Chief (Dr.) Adekunle Rufai Omo-Aje, as recognized by the court, and the current President-elect of Nigeria, as announced by INEC, is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He explained, “Therefore, an average Yoruba leader should seek a proposition of Dispute Resolution Approach (DRA) between Omo-Aje and Tinubu.”

The APGA boss called on political leaders to show some empathy with the suffering masses of our dear country by making the needed sacrifices for the peace, development, and security of Nigeria.

“As we celebrate, we must remember the poor and needy and extend some love to them,” Oye advised.

He called on APGA members across the country to remain steadfast in their support for the party while assuring them that the forthcoming Congresses and National Convention would be well organised to produce the desired results.

He thanked God for keeping Nigeria united and urged all Nigerians to pray fervently for sustainable peace, security, and growth of our dear fatherland.

Nigeria kicks against ‘substandard specifications’ for African markets by Chinese firms

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Nigerian government has raised some trade concerns with the government of the Republic of China over allegations bordering on importation of ‘substandard products’ to Africa and Nigeria in particular, as against what is reportedly exported to developed nations.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Evelyn Ngige, raised this concern at the China (Changsha)-Nigeria Investment, Economic and Trade Promotion Conference, which was held recently in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.

The Permanent Secretary, represented by the ministry’s Director of Trade, Suleiman Audu, noted that the conference was in preparation for the next China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), which she noted has been scheduled to hold in Changsha, Hunan, China in the coming months.

Raising concerns about

China’s trade relationship with Africa and visa tenure, the Nigerian government official accused China of producing substandard products for Africa and issuing short visa tenures to Nigerians, factors stakeholders believe need to be urgently addressed to avoid hindering both countries’ trade relationships.

The official expressed displeasure with the Asian giant over what he described as the different ‘malpractices’ in the different trade policies that could “obstruct bilateral” trade.

The permanent secretary stated that in certain circumstances, preferences are given to developed countries on the basis of the specifications.

She said from experience, “products that go into the developed market are different from those that come to Africa, including Nigeria”, noting that “trade is a trade and should not have that type of territorial differentiation.”

“Whatever we consume affects our health and to that extent, we must maintain the normal standard regardless of the

countries of export,” the official said.

The permanent secretary also noted that on the basis of the strategic relationships between Nigeria and China, “we can look at more favourable types of trade and also favourable treatment in terms of areas of legitimate trade concerns”.

Launching export trading house Meanwhile, towards fostering stronger ties and business relationships with China, the Nigerian government through the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) said it has launched the Export Trading House in China.

The permanent secretary, Mrs Ngige, who confirmed this, also emphasised that the upcoming China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) is crucial for Africa and Asia to strengthen collaborations and deepen economic relationships, noting that “economic and trade alliances are strategic for longterm prosperity”.

She said: “The choice of China was deliberate, as China is one of

the world’s top strategic trading partners. Through the Export Trading House, the volume of export and the feasibility of seeing Nigeria’s products and market share with countries will be enhanced”.

The permanent secretary noted that in order to eliminate logistic challenges faced by exporters, NEPC, “in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, has launched a Domestic Warehouse Initiative, which is a one-stop facility or terminal, for storage of products, packaging and branding in preparation for ultimate transportation to ports”.

Also speaking at the event, Kang Zhenlin, Deputy Mayor of Changsha Municipal People’s Government and Chairman of Changsha Federation of Industry and Commerce, said Nigeria is one of Hunan Province’s top three African trading partners.

He said in 2022, the trade volume between Hunan and Nigeria was $1.086 billion, an increase of 66.12 per cent year on year.

Mr Zhenlin noted that the China-Africa Economic and

Trade Expo is “important to strengthen economic and trade cooperation between China and African countries, and an important platform for China and Africa to deepen cooperation in a comprehensive manner”.

Meanwhile, the ministry said currently, the Export Trading House has been launched in Egypt, Kenya and Togo.

In an interview with journalists’ on the sideline of the event, the Chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum, Kano Chapter, Faruk Umar, noted that China needs to improve its ease of doing business with Nigerians, especially in the area of visa issuance.

He said: “In order to enhance the trade relationship, visa tenure is very important. Many countries are increasing the number of years of visas they give to Nigerians. Once you have to apply for a visa every year, it discourages you from travelling to that country.”

Mr Umar appealed “to the Chinese government to give 10 years or a minimum of five years visas to Nigerians” to deepen their trade relationship.

NBS set to release unemployment data in May Nigeria positioned to become superpower in energy transition – NUPRC

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The National Bureau of Statistics says it will publish the new unemployment and employment figures for the country before the end of May 2023.

The bureau said this in its “Nigeria Labour Force Framework Re-design 2023″ report released on its website.

The NBS said it has significantly enhanced the methodology it uses to collect labour market data through the Nigeria labour force survey (NLFS).

The statistics office added that it collaborated with the World Bank to bring the NLFS methodology in line with best international practices.

This, it said, includes the adoption of the 19th ICLS “Resolution concerning statistics of work, employment and labour underutilization”.

It seems to also “Provide measures of labour underutilization, beyond unemployment and recognize and provide a framework for the measurement of all work, paid and unpaid.”

The report noted that the status of the NLFS data collection for 2022/2023 is ongoing beginning from last year October.

“Q4 report will cover data collected between 19th October 2022 and 22nd January 2023. The report for the reference quarter is almost concluded and will be published before the end of May 2023,” the NBS said.

According to the NBS, working with the World Bank has significantly improved the methodology and design for the conduct of the NLFS in Nigeria.

“The new methodology would tell an unbiased story of the Nigerian Labour Market Statistics as it should be told.

“The use of 1-hour criterion for employment would ensure unemployment is regarded as total lack of employment and more attention towards assessment of the quality of employment,” it said.

The NBS had in March 2021 reported that Nigeria’s unemployment rate rose to 33.3 per cent, translating to some 23.2 million people, the highest in at least 13 years and the second-highest rate in the world.

The figure jumped from 27.1 per cent recorded in the second quarter of 2020 amidst Nigeria’s lingering economic crisis made worse by the coronavirus pandemic. The unemployment rate in the country has more than quadrupled since 2016 when the economy slipped into a recession.

In April 2021, Nigeria’s Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, claimed that the World Bank questioned the methodology employed by the NBS to generate its employment statistics.

He added that he had on several occasions queried the employment statistics released by the NBS.

“We have a virtual meeting of the national economic advisory council with the World Bank to look at Nigeria’s modalities for employment statistics data collection.

“There has been a little confusion there as to the accuracy of data generated by the NBS. So, we want to align everything tomorrow (Thursday). The World Bank says the NBS methodology doesn’t conform to the global standard, especially the ILO format of arriving at such (an) employment Index.” Mr Ngige said.

But the NBS dismissed Mr Ngige’s claim, adding that the World Bank never questioned its methodology.

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

Nigeria

is suitably positioned to become a superpower in the unfolding energy transition regime given its over 200 million population and abundant energy sources, the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has said.

The NUPRC Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Komolafe said as a country, Nigeria boasts of 37.064 billion barrels of oil with a daily production of over 1.5 million barrels of oil which makes it rightfully positioned to achieve the right energy mix for sustainability of energy supply.

In terms of reserves, he said Nigeria ranks 2nd in Africa, 8th in OPEC and 11th in the World. On the other hand, the nation ranks 1st in Africa, 6th in OPEC and 15th in the World in terms of crude oil production.

He explained that the GDP per capita for Nigeria stands at $1,998 which ranks her at 12th position amongst the OPEC member states and 22nd in Africa.

Mr Komolafe said crude oil contributes over 85 per cent to Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, with GDP contribution of about 6.33 per cent. On the other hand, Algeria’s contribution is 10.2 per cent, Angola’s is 30 per cent and Libya’s is at over 50 per cent.

He noted that Nigeria is a nation where needs meet with opportunity.

“Nigeria is blessed with potentials for blue energy, solar, wind, biomass as well as other sources of renewable energy to leverage for the right energy mix in the energy transition regime.

“Unfortunately, in the years preceding the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (2021), investments in the Nigerian oil and gas industry declined due to regulatory uncertainty in addition to de-funding of fossil fuel development occasioned by energy transition and COVID-19.

“Most of the International Oil Companies (IOCs) deprioritized Nigeria in their portfolios leading to the redirection of CAPEX to other countries and the attendant dwindling investment in Nigeria’s upstream sector,” he said.

For instance, he said, Nigeria’s total annual upstream capital expenditure decreased by 74 per cent from $27 billion in the year 2014 to less than $6 billion in 2022.

“More so, increasing competition from regional peers has led to a decrease in the proportion of the overall upstream investment attracted by Nigeria.

“This under-investment is also reflected in the country’s rig count,” he added.

On average, he explained that Nigeria had 17 active oil rigs in 2019 representing one of the highest counts on the African continent as of then.

According to him, Nigeria’s average rig count declined to 11 in 2020, 7 in 2021, and 10 in 2022, but recently grew to 24 in April 2023, a positive signal of new investments trickling into the country.

Dangote adbanner 728x90_2 (1)

He said this is also a reflection of investors’ acceptance of the effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by the regulator.

In contrast, he said other OPEC members countries such as Iran, Iraq, Algeria, Libya, and Angola had 117, 62, 31, 12 and 9 active rigs respectively as of February 2023 as against Nigeria’s rig count which stood at 13.

“However, following two years of high energy prices, the global oil and gas industry is experiencing a boom that could be directed to capital investment in the upstream.

“The projected outlook over the next few years is positive, and as an industry, we need to leverage on this opportunity by doing all that is necessary to attract more investments and revive the Nigerian upstream sector,” he said.

The official emphasised the need for oil and gas producers in Africa to embrace

the reality of green transition and take a strategic position to leverage the opportunities presented by the unfolding era has indeed become more pressing.

“Energy transition plans have also been derailed by the unprecedented global energy crisis provoked by the Russia-Ukraine war as reiterated by the G7 Ministers of Climate, Energy and the Environment.

“It is therefore incumbent on us as industry stakeholders to embrace climate action initiatives targeted at emissions reduction while ensuring that opportunities arising from the increasing demand for credit in the Voluntary Carbon Markets do not elude us,” he added.

In response to the dynamics of the energy transition and the global footprint, he said the NUPRC has embarked on the development of a regulatory framework for carbon-pricing systems to make businesses pay for their emissions and incentivize emission reductions through carbon credits.

“The Commission has risen to the occasion by establishing a new Department, “Energy Transition & Carbon Monetization”, saddled with the regulation of the oil and gas carbon market and we will soon revert to the industry on proposed actions and measures in this regard.

“It is pertinent to state that Nigeria is already charting a new course in the Upstream Petroleum Sector and is poised to secure a blossoming energy future through effective implementation of the PIA that potently provides legal, governance, fiscal and regulatory frameworks for regulating industry operations.”

He added that the NUPRC in line with its mandate is developing forwardthinking technical and commercially viable regulations as regulatory instruments to promote transparency, efficiency, and innovation for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources.

NBS: Nigeria’s internet subscribers increased to 154m in Q4 2022 — up by 9.7%

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Nigeria’s internet users increased to 154.8 million in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2022.

NBS, in its latest telecoms data report released on Friday, said the total number of active internet subscribers in Q4 2022, stood at 154,847,901 — up from 141,971,560 reported in Q4 2021.

The bureau said the upward movement marked a 9.07 percent growth in internet subscribers for the sector in the period reviewed.

“On a quarter-on-quarter basis, this grew by 1.35 percent,” NBS added.

The report also said the total number of active voice subscribers in Q4 2022, rose to “222,571,568 from the 195,463,898 reported in Q4 2021”.

This, according to the agency, indicates a growth rate of 13.87 percent.

But on a quarter-on-quarter basis, voice subscribers grew by 4.89 percent, NBS said.

“On state profile analysis, Lagos state had the highest number of active voice subscribers in Q4 2022 with 26,460,867, followed by Ogun with 12,994,352; and Kano with 12,373,201. On the other hand, Bayelsa recorded the least with 1,571,692, followed by Ebonyi and Ekiti with 1,920,996 and 2,001,846, respectively,” the bureau said.

“In addition, Lagos had the highest number of active internet subscribers in Q4 2022 with 18,702,394, followed by Ogun with 9,206,614; and Kano with 8,470,131. On the other hand, Bayelsa recorded the least with 1,101,002, followed by Ebonyi and Ekiti with 1,264,825 and 1,474,970, respectively.”

NBS, however, noted that MTN Nigeria had the highest share of subscriptions in Q4 2022.

The report shows that MTN Nigeria recorded 65 million internet subscribers in the quarter examined; followed Globacom (43 million), Airtel, (41 million), and 9mobile (4.4 million).

On active voice subscriptions, MTN also led with 89 million subscribers.

While 9mobile had about 12 million active voice subscribers, Globacom and Airtel both recorded 60 million voice users.

Peoples Daily had reported that the total number of internet subscribers declined by 7.99 percent to 141.9 million in 2021.

The dip has been linked to restrictions on sales of SIM cards which stifled the telecoms sector in 2021 — coupled with the ongoing national identification number (NIN) and SIM integration exercise.

Access Holdings posts record N1.4 trillion annual revenue but profit drops

By Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

Nigeria’s biggest lender Access Holdings posted its biggest revenue on record in 2022 after a sharp boost from interest on loans.

But after-tax profit still slowed even when turnover increased by as much as 42.8 per cent or N416 billion, according to its audited financials released on Thursday.

The financial services group saw interest earned from giving credit to borrowers surge by almost half to N770 billion but the bigger slice of that was devoured by interest expense, the cash it paid customers in exchange for

keeping their deposits.

As regulation demands Access Holdings made all allowance of N197.6 billion in its revenue pool to cover loans, whose chances of being repaid are uncertain, and also depreciation of its financial assets, weakening earnings.

The figure was 138 per cent higher than a year ago, a pointer to deteriorating credit quality.

Earlier in April, the group’s commercial banking unit Access Bank received $300 million to drive expansion in Africa, where the lender has completed a raft of merger deals in the past two years.

In the preceding month,

it commenced the business combination process that will unite its Zambian subsidiary, Access Bank Zambia Limited and African Banking Corporation Zambia Limited into a single entity.

Net fee and income for the review period advanced 23.2 per cent to N145.7 billion, helped by a spike in credit-related fees and commissions.

Further straining profit, operating expenses galloped from N232.2 billion to N341.7 billion, the major pain points including IT and e-business expenses, administrative costs as well as premises & equipment costs.

Profit before tax contracted by 5 per cent, while profit for the year dipped to N152.2 billion from N160.2 billion.

Access Holdings announced in another document a final dividend per share of N1.30, taking its total for the year to N1.50.

That compares to the N1 per share paid for 2021, meaning the planned cash reward for last year surpasses the preceding year’s by 50 per cent.

Access Holdings’ shares appreciated by 10 per cent at market close in Lagos, where the stock is quoted at N9.9 per unit, following the news of planned dividend payment.

Dangote cement empowers 60 farmers in agric programme – Official

By Abubakar Yunusa,Abuja

As part of efforts to boost food production in the rainy season, Dangote Cement announced that no fewer than 60 farmers have participated in its empowerment programme at the Ibese host communities.

In a statement on Thursday, the company noted that the empowerment programme will help strengthen their capacity for modern agriculture practices to boost crop production.

The company management explained that the maiden edition of the empowerment programme was specifically targeted at maize cropping.

Azad Nawabuddin, the Ibese Plant Director, said the programme involved farmers drawn from all the 17 host communities of the cement company and that it was part of the community development

agreement signed by both parties recently.

He added that the company would always be ready to help the people especially farmers in any way possible to boost food production.

Mr Nawabuddin told the farmers that the cement company in collaboration with some expert consultants mapped out practical training on capacity development on good agriculture practices for soil fertility and to maximize maize cropping.

He said the company would not stop at the level of training but would also support the farmers with farm clearing, distribution of farm inputs such as seeds, herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers, agricultural extension as well as the required route to the market.

Giving the modalities for the elected farmers, Mr Nawabuddin explained that

to ensure maximum impact, only farmers whose farm size was not more than one hectare at the commencement of the programme and who have been in active farming in the last three years were considered for the project, organized in partnership with an indigenous Agric-support services firm – Midstream Agro.

“Ibese Plant host communities are endowed with vast and arable land as well as good climatic conditions necessary for sustainable agricultural ventures hence, the Company’s support to the farmers for improved output with greater efficiency,” he said.

He assured that Dangote Cement will continue to offer support to the farmers for the socio-economic transformation of the communities, as spelt out in the CDA, which he promised will be followed to the letter.

Speaking during the closeout meeting of the empowerment

initiative, the Lead Consultant, Midstream Agro, Olumide Oladipupo, thanked the company for investing in the development of farmers in its host communities while advocating for more novel initiatives such as the one championed by Dangote Cement.

“The need for other corporate organisations to join the conscious efforts to drive more people into agriculture across the host communities cannot be over-emphasized as it is one of the most effective ways to reduce unemployment and overdependence on such companies for survival,” Mr Oladipupo said.

Abisekan Idoola of Abule Oke community, one of the farmers, noted that apart from the direct benefit from the programme, it afforded them the platform to cross-fertilise ideas and share best practices, which has helped to greatly improve the performances of their various farms.

L-R, Head International Development The City Uk Anna Rogers, Second Secretary Prosperity, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) The City Uk Mr Mamadou Diallo, Director General Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Mr Lamido Yuguda and Head Financial Sector FCDO Nigeria Mr Bola Karimu during a Meeting between the SEC and FCDO The City Uk in Abuja at the weekend

Capital Market Well Positioned to Aid Realization of Budget 2023

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Securities and Exchange Commission has expressed the firm belief that the Nigerian Capital Market, being an organized and specialized financial market that drives capital mobilization through domestic savings and foreign capital inflows, is well positioned for the realization of the objectives of the 2023 Budget of Fiscal consolidation and Transition.

This was stated by Director General of the SEC Mr. Lamido Yuguda stated this in an interview Abuja weekend.

Yuguda disclosed that the Nigerian equities market ended the year on a positive note as the NGX All-Share Index (ASI) which started at 42,716.40 points, ended the year 2022 at 51,251.06 points, indicating a 19.98% growth. While

the FMDQ, despite the headwinds in the economy, recorded a total market turnover of ₦199.88 trillion by year-end, which was an increase of half percentage point compared to ₦198.93 trillion in 2021.

While stating that the Year 2022 was a turbulent one that brought with it increased inflationary pressure and consequent increase in interest rates for the global economy, he however expressed optimism that inflationary pressures would be managed in the not too distant future.

He stated that the global stock market posted its biggest annual drop since the 2008 financial crisis, with the MSCI World Index of stocks losing about a fifth of its value during 2022, the worst performance in 14 years;

“Last year, the Nigerian economy faced several challenges,

including worsening inflation, rising unemployment, huge fiscal deficit, insecurity, and floods. Additionally, oil theft and volatility in oil prices led to difficulties in foreign exchange management.

In an attempt to tame inflation, the CBN raised the monetary policy rate four (4) times during the year, increasing the cost of financing for businesses and dampening corporate activity and performance;

“Despite these challenges, the Nigerian economy grew by 3.52% (year-on-year) in real terms, driven mainly by the services sector, which recorded a growth of 5.69% and contributed 56.27% to the aggregate GDP;

The SEC Boss disclosed that for the safety and security of the capital market, and to address the deficiencies in the Nigeria’s Mutual Evaluation Report (MER), the Commission has issued

new AML/CFT regulations and guidelines, which mandate CMOs to comply with stringent reporting obligations, such as, application of RBS by reporting entities, screening of clients against United Nation’s Sanction List before on boarding, and continuous monitoring of clients among others.

He therefore vowed that the SEC will apply zero tolerance to money laundering, terrorism and proliferation financing violations.

“We must all ensure that we continue with the implementation of the revised Capital Market Master Plan (CMMP), alongside the implementation of other initiatives. Over the years, we have relied on the support of CAMMIC, Technical Committees and Working Groups in the implementation of the Master Plan.

“In line with the RCMMP,

we will review and align the structure and scope of work of the various technical committees and working groups to ensure seamless implementation of the plan and continue to rely on the stakeholders”.

The SEC Boss assured that in protecting investors and creating an enabling environment for fit-andproper capital market operators to thrive, the Commission will prioritize its planned increase of on-site inspections and improved collaboration with Trade Groups and other relevant stakeholders; He commended the capital market community, for their unwavering commitment, which has played a crucial role in the Commission’s efforts to build a robust capital market adding that, their contributions and support have been instrumental to driving progress in the capital market and the country.

AMAC Chairman urges practise of Ramadan lessons

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu has urged the residents, especially Muslim faithful to practice the lessons of the just concluded month of Ramadan.

Maikalangu, who gave the charge while receiving Muslim faithful on Sallah homage at his residence, also emphasized the need to continue to pray for the unity, peace, security and economic prosperity of the country.

He noted that as the Muslim Ummah joined the rest of the Muslim world in celebration of Eid-El- Fitr, signaling the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the period, which they in keeping with the Islamic injunctions, engaged not only in fasting and prayers, but also in various acts of charity and caring for one another.

According to him: “It was heartwarming to note that residents seized the opportunity provided by the Holy Month to show compassion and care for each other, especially the less privileged, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.

“ I urge us not to limit these acts of charity, love and tolerance to only the holy month but should inculcate this culture into our everyday lives.

“The end of Ramadan should also not signal an end to our prayers. I therefore, enjoin us all to continue to offer supplications to the Almighty for our dear country Nigeria and her leaders for divine wisdom and guidance, especially as they fight our security challenges and political activities in the country.”

The AMAC Chairman, in a statement from his Senior Special Assistant Media and Public Affairs, Kingsley Madaki, also commended the FCT administration and leadership of the security agencies for all the hard work to ensure that citizens living in the nation’s capital Abuja are safe.

Maikalangu thanked the entire residents of AMAC for their support to FCT Minister Muhammad Bello’s led administration that has demonstrated its capacity in road construction and other critical infrastructures as well as support to the AMAC administration.

Sallah: FCT Minister harps on upholding peace, unity, love

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Minister, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam

Muhammad Musa Bello has admonished Abuja residents to always uphold peace, unity, love for one another and the progress and growth of the nation’s capital and country at large.

Bello particularly noted that residents should always be guided by such principles on which were FCT was created.

He also stressed the need for all to abide by all extant rules and regulations guiding living in the city at this time especially as they pertain to traffic and sanitation.

“As residents of the FCT, we are obliged to always uphold these principles and continue to work hard for the unity and progress of our dear country.

“Permit me to also use this opportunity to remind residents that the elections are over and the time for healing and coming together as a common people with a common destiny is now upon us.

“Let us eschew all utterances and actions that tend to divide us and instead, promote those that unite us and advance the peace, stability and economic and social growth of our country. We should remember that we, as residents

of the FCT, are stronger together in spite of our differences”, the Minister said, in his Eid-el-Fitr message.

He continued: “We should therefore join hands together with each other and the in-coming Administration to continue to build the FCT, in accordance with the dreams of the founding fathers.

“We should realize that attaining our collective dreams for the FCT cannot be achieved without the collaboration and cooperation of all.

“The FCT Administration will continue to work hard to fulfill its mandate of developing for our

country a Capital Territory which will remain the pride of every Nigerian, within and outside our country”.

He adds: “Let us pray also that the lessons learnt during Ramadan will inspire us to continue to live our lives with kindness and compassion towards one another which are virtues that residents of the FCT have exhibited time and again in the past.

“I urge us all to be security conscious and imbibe the mantra of saying something when we see something and also cooperate with law enforcement officers at all times”.

Council partners NTA on boosting grassroots development

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has declared commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Management of NTA Channel 5 in Abuja, towards information dissemination and grassroots development in the Council.

He said this, was in furtherance of his determination to fulfil his campaign promises of providing democratic dividends to residents of the council.

He spoke while leading AMAC

management on a recent courtesy visit to the NTA Channel 5 office in Abuja.

Maikalangu said he is proud of NTA Channel 5 for meeting the yearning of the people at the grassroots, especially by giving them a voice.

He explained that his presence at the station is to identify and align with the NTA Channel 5 to meet its goals and objectives.

The AMAC chairman also promised to sustain the council’s existing relationship with NTA Channel 5 Abuja.

“Over the years, NTA Channel 5 has shown that it is people-

oriented in its programmes and has been providing the best of news coverage to millions of viewers. Any nation that wishes to develop in the 21st century does not joke with the media.

“There is no democracy without the media to offer checks and balances, especially as watchdog of society.

“NTA Channel 5 has been a reliable source of information for years and has been doing its best for grassroots development. It has been the voice of the voiceless and a worthy partner in progress.

“ This is why we decided to partner with the management to

continue delivering dividends of democracy to AMAC people. Like I always say, the betterment of AMAC is uppermost on my mind and I will continue making use of every opportunity to make sure that my people get the best of what we can offer,” he reaffirmed.

While responding, the Assistant Director News, Kayode Adeniyi, who was represented the General Manager, appreciated the visit of AMAC executives.

He assured the AMAC Chairman of the station’s readiness to continue communicating the administration’s programmes and projects to the public.

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello (middle) joining other Muslim faithful at the Abuja Eid ground for prayers at Eid-el-Fitr on Friday

Toronto airport gold heist: Police says C$20m of valuables stolen

Canadian officials say more than C$20m ($15m, £12m) of gold and valuables were stolen on Monday 17 April.

An aircraft container carrying the goods arrived at the airport in the evening and was transported to a cargo holding facility.

Police believe that is where the heist took place.

The theft could mark one of the bigger heists in Canadian history, a list that includes the 2011 and 2012 Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist when 3,000 tonnes of syrup valued at $18.7m were stolen from a storage facility in Quebec.

Peel Regional Police inspector Stephen Duivesteyn said their team is investigating “all avenues” and described Monday’s incident as isolated and rare.

At a press conference on Thursday at the airport, Mr Duivesteyn said the missing aircraft container was about 5 sq ft (.46 sq m) in size, and “contained other items of monetary value” in addition to the gold.

Officials have refused to say what airline shipped the cargo, where the load had come from, or its intended destination.

“Our goal is to solve this theft,” Mr Duivesteyn said. “We want to solve it. I cannot provide exact details.”

But travellers are not in danger, he continued. “We do not consider this a public safety matter.”

The Toronto Sun reported earlier on Thursday that police thought organised crime groups were involved. Mr Duivesteyn said it was too early to tell.

“We’re three days in, so our investigators have their eyes open to all avenues,” he said. “We’re kind of keeping a broad outlook on it, so we’re looking on all angles on how this item was stolen.”

In a statement, the airport said that thieves did not gain access to the airport itself but “accessed the public side of a warehouse that is leased to a third party, outside of our primary security line”.

The BBC has contacted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for comment.

Ukraine war: Russian warplane accidentally bombs own city

ARussian Sukhoi-34 fighter-jet has accidentally bombed the Russian city of Belgorod, around 40km (25 miles) from the border with Ukraine.

The bomb left a 20m (60ft) crater and caused an explosion so large it blew a car on to the roof of a nearby shop.

Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said authorities had ordered the evacuation of a damaged nine-storey block of flats as a precaution.

Three people were injured and several buildings were damaged, he said.

Video posted on social media showed the impact of the blast, lifting a vehicle on to the roof of a supermarket as traffic streamed along Prospekt Vatutina, close to the centre of the city.

In a brief statement, the Russian defence ministry admitted that one of its Su-34 fighter bombers had “accidentally discharged aircraft ordnance” at 22:15 local time (19:15 GMT) on Thursday.

It was a bureaucratic way of saying that the jet had mistakenly fired a weapon. It didn’t specify which one.

The bomb landed at an intersection of two roads not far from the city centre and next to residential buildings.

Two women were taken to hospital for treatment, according to the governor. But with

a Russian bomber hitting a busy residential district the consequences could have been far worse.

“Thank God no one was killed,” he said on social media.

CCTV footage of the incident suggests that local residents did, indeed, have a lucky escape.

The video shows a series of cars passing a crossroads, before an object lands on the ground nearby.

There is no immediate explosion. The ordnance detonates approximately 18 seconds later, blowing up a section of the road, catching one of the cars as it passes and sending a parked car flying into the air before it lands on the supermarket roof.

Though embarrassing for the Russian military, the admission of “an accident” suggests that officials here do not believe the incident will negatively impact Russian public opinion of what the Kremlin still calls its “special military operation”.

In times of war and conflict, accidents happen, sometimes with devastating consequences. Last October a Sukhoi fighter jet - again, an Su-34 - crashed in the Russian city of Yeysk killing at least 13 people.

The military says it has launched an investigation into the incident. Quoting a former military pilot, pro-government news

site Moskovsky Komsomolets suggested “the conclusions [of the investigation] are unlikely to be made public, but lessons will be learned”.

By morning maintenance workers had begun the work of repairing the busy intersection in Belgorod. The mayor said much of the work would take place at the weekend and the road would be resurfaced on Monday.

The regional governor said Belgorod’s residents had endured a difficult night but would get through it.

Russian jets regularly fly over Belgorod, a city of 370,000, on their way to Ukraine.

It lies just north of Ukraine’s second city, Kharkiv, and has come under periodic Ukrainian attack since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine last year.

Shanghai Auto Show: Mini responds to Chinese ice cream racism uproar

UK-based carmaker Mini has responded to an internet uproar in China accusing it of racism at the Shanghai Auto Show.

A video from the event appeared to show Mini staff offering ice cream to foreigners while refusing to give it to Chinese visitors.

Mini China, which is owned by Germany’s BMW, said the workers were distributing the treats to company employees.

However, it also said that it was “deeply sorry for the negative mood the incident brought on everyone”.

In a statement posted on Chinese social media platform Weibo, Mini China said it had given out a total of 600 ice creams during show on 18 and

19 April.

“In addition to distributing 300 portions of ice cream per day, we also reserved a very small portion for our hardworking colleagues on-site,” Mini China said.

“The four to five foreigners you see in the video are colleagues who are wearing employee badges,” it added.

The company also said the incident resulted from lapses in management and training, and called for consideration towards staff in the video.

In an earlier statement, Mini China said the giveaway was “intended to give sweetness to friends big and small”.

BMW did not immediately respond to a BBC

request for further comment on Friday.

The topic “BMW Mini” quickly became one of the top searches on Weibo, with over 93 million views.

The comments were largely negative. “You should have specified that the initial purpose was to give ‘foreign’ big and small friends sweetness,” said a post that drew more than 165,000 likes.

The incident spurred one vlogger to give out ice cream in front of Mini’s auto show booth.

“I was just angry, and I only gave it to Chinese people,” he told Chinese media outlet Jimu News. However, other social media users called for calm. “Let’s treat this reasonable. No matter what type of explanation [Mini gives], there are always

going to be people who disagree,” said a post that drew several negative reactions.

“We shouldn’t excessively magnify a problem to become a question of principle or an ideological issue,” wrote Hu Xijin, the former editor-in-chief of state-owned newspaper Global Times.

“Let the staff learn their lessons and let their future events return to normal as much as possible. Let’s avoid other vendors getting nervous because of this,” he added.

Last week, French luxury label Dior was also accused of racism on Chinese social media over an advertisement showing an Asian model pulling up the corner of her eye.

Source: BBC

Police are investigating a massive gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport, a location often used to ship gold mined in the province of Ontario.

A photo shows the aftermath of the blast

Sudan fighting: Street battles dash hopes of Eid ceasefire

Residents of Sudan’s capital say parts of Khartoum feel like a ghost town, in stark contrast to the joyful mood usually seen during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

After a week of fighting between two factions of the country’s military leadership at least 400 people have been killed.

Witnesses say bombing, shelling and gunfire continue in Khartoum.

It means a three-day truce called by the UN, US and others has failed.

A Sudanese employee of the UN’s International Organization for Migration has been killed in crossfire in El Obeid, some 430km (270 miles) south-west of Khartoum, the agency says.

Witnesses tell the AFP news agency they are seeing intense street battles between the rival forces in Khartoum.

The army says it has deployed soldiers to “comb” the streets looking for members of the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

People in Khartoum and its twin city of Omdurman tell the BBC they are still feeling a mixture of shock and anger.

Two women crying at the entrance to a mosque explain they have lost several family members - including two children.

Eid is the Muslim festival marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan - and Sudanese people usually relish it as a time for visiting family

and eating together with their neighbours, while children play and enjoy sweets.

Prayer services would normally be packed on Eid, but on Friday many mosques in Khartoum and Omdurman are almost empty as people shelter at home.

Others meanwhile have fled the capital for their home regions.

But this is not an option for Mahasin Dahab and her family. She told the BBC’s Newsday programme she cares for a disabled relative who would find it “extremely uncomfortable” to

leave the city plus there was a risk that people elsewhere could be less accepting of him.

So she is staying put for the time being, despite running out of water and grieving the deaths of colleagues and neighbours.

At its heart, this is a power struggle between two powerful military men over the roadmap for returning the country to civilian rule.

As part of that plan the country’s current military government - made up of the army led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF led by

Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti”

Dagalo - were supposed to merge their forces.

But the RSF has resisted this change, and began to mobilise its troops which escalated into fullblown fighting between the two sides on Saturday.

Thousands of people have been injured in the past week but medical centres are overwhelmed and under-equipped to treat the influx of patients - as a result 70% of hospitals in conflict zones are out of service, according to the Sudan Doctors’ Trade Union.

Along with Khartoum, the

western region of Darfur, where the RSF first emerged, has also been badly affected by the fighting.

“The situation is catastrophic - the majority of the wounded are civilians who were hit by stray bullets, and many of them are children,” says a Médecins Sans Frontières worker at the only hospital still functioning in Fasher town, North Darfur state.

The UN has warned that up to 20,000 people - mostly women and children - have fled Sudan to seek safety in Chad, across the border from Darfur.

Diplomatic pressure is being stepped up to end the fighting - with numerous countries and international bodies calling for an immediate ceasefire and offering to mediate.

Two previous attempted ceasefires failed to take effect.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday appealed to the warring military leaders separately to join a ceasefire at least until Sunday - warning of the risk to civilians as well as humanitarian and diplomatic workers.

A Sudanese army statement said Gen Burhan had received calls from the Turkish, South Sudanese and Ethiopian leaders, as well as Mr Blinken and the Saudi and Qatari foreign ministers.

However, in his first national TV address since the fighting started, on Friday morning, Gen Burhan did not mention a ceasefire.

Sudan fighting: The unsung heroes keeping Khartoum residents alive

As two generals slug it out in Sudan with little thought to the devastation they are causing, there is a whole grassroots network of people tirelessly helping those caught in the crossfire.

“Anyone know a family in need of foodstuffs within the borders of Omdurman al-Thawrat?” tweets a dental student in the capital, Khartoum. The message goes on to give out a number, saying flour, rice and pasta are available.

Khartoum and its surrounds has a population of around 10 million people and for nearly a week they have had no water or electricity, most hunkering down inside - away from windows in case of incoming fire. Most of the city’s hospitals are closed and more than 300 civilians have been killed.

To get any supplies people must venture outside to find a shop that has some stock - and there are accounts of a dreadful stench now coming from the dead bodies that litter the streets.

WhatsApp groups, Facebook and Twitter are alive with offers of help for those who find themselves without food or medication or giving information about safe routes to leave the city. Most of them - and those messages with pleas for help - are accompanied by the hashtag #NoToWar.

“Currently, we have 750 food baskets available. One basket is enough for a family of six people,”

another Khartoum tweeter posts.

Others have been collating invaluable information, like a lengthy list sent out by @Jia_ Elhassan about where water can currently be found in different areas of the city.

This message accompanies an address and phone number listed as one of five places in Omdurman: “Anyone who needs water, our house is open for them 24 hours.”

Someone else puts out a tweet with a photo of insulin pens available, along with his phone number.

‘Terrified orphans at risk’

Much of this altruism is led by young volunteers operating at a local neighbourhood level by what are called “resistance committees”. There are thousands of them across the country.

They have been the backbone of a pro-democracy movement that rose up following the ousting of long-time leader Omar al-Bashir in 2019, calling for a return to full civilian rule.

Their task has mainly been to organise peaceful protests against the military junta. Last Sunday, the co-ordinating body of Khartoum’s resistance committees sent out a message to “revolutionaries in the neighbourhoods” asking them to prepare to help fellow residents.

In particular they were asked to form “medical rooms to deal with possible injuries”, to monitor

food supplies and “raise the slogan #NoToWar”.

“The only ones to lose from war are the people, so let us unite to overcome that,” the message said. Small charities like Hadhreen, which translates from Arabic as “We are present and ready to help”, have also been instrumental in trying to co-ordinate help for those in need.

When Nazim Sirag, who heads Hadhreen, heard about more than 300 terrified children at an orphanage in Khartoum in need of food, water and medicine. He tweeted: “We can’t provide milk for new-born babies, everyone is afraid.”

In response to our query via WhatsApp if any help had been found through his network, he says: “We are trying to reach them. Till now we failed. Everyone in Sudan is scared to go out,” adding that the orphanage was in one of the “hot areas”.

“Tomorrow we have [to] try early in the morning. Wish us luck.”

Mr Sirag has been instrumental since the 2021 coup in liaising with Sudanese doctors unions in the diaspora as he sought to get medical help abroad for some of those injured in pro-democracy protests.

These diaspora medics have long been key to propping up Sudan’s precarious health system over years of economic decline.

Mohamed Hamadto, a trauma surgeon and treasurer of the Sudan

Doctors Union in the UK, told the BBC his group has tended to focus on training initiatives, but since the outbreak of violence last Saturday they had been raising funds to send to the main Sudanese Doctors Union in Khartoum and collecting supplies they hope to fly in when the situation allows.

So far they have received about £9,000 ($11,000) from donationsand this money will help the central doctors union buy supplies privately for clinics being repurposed on the outskirts of Khartoum as most of the city’s 59 hospitals are now closed because of the fighting.

“These hospitals on the periphery need to be ready for increasing numbers of civilian victims,” Dr Hamadto says, with some reports suggesting up to 600 people have now died.

As do small neighbourhood health centres.

“I was just speaking to one of my colleagues and she’s trying to get her resistance committee to set up a local health centre so they can provide basic first aid to people who are injured because the area she lives in is bombarded heavily,” he says.

This is in al-Siteen Street, not far from the airport and army headquarters where the battles are raging.

The Sudanese Doctors Union will then be able to provide bandages, fluids, antibiotics and

other basics to her health centre for trauma injuries.

‘My cousin broke my heart’ Relatives abroad are also focusing their help on the doctors.

“Everything is closed. There’s zero point in sending money [to our family],” Ahmed Abdel-Elrazig, a third-year maths and economic undergraduate at the University of Toronto, told the BBC on Thursday.

“Right now it’s the holy month of Ramadan. I was on a call to one of my cousins and they broke my heart - they told me that even after they broke their fast they still were hungry because they were rationing food.”

He is part of the Canadian university’s Sudanese Students Union, set up last year with about 100 members. A few days ago the union put up a Sudan crisis crowdfunding page.

“We’re trying to do our best to hit our goal right now to raise $10,000… so all injured civilians do have the medical attention that they do require. We’re currently partnered with the Sudanese Doctors Union,” he says.

“This is the bare minimum that we can do - I still feel extremely helpless.”

Fellow student union member Fawzia Elhad, majoring in political science and psychology, agrees as she worries about her parents and siblings in Khartoum.

Source: BBC

There is a sombre mood as people mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan

FROM ASIA

Punjab: The Indian ‘American dream’ which ended in a scam in Bali

Like millions of others in India, Sukhjinder always dreamt of migrating to the US in search of a better life.

Now he shudders at the very idea.

“I have chills down my spine when I hear someone talk about going abroad. That one decision ruined everything for me,” said the 35-year-old, who goes by only one name.

A resident of Tarn Taran, a small town in Punjab, Mr Sukhjinder is among at least 150 young men and women in the northern Indian state who were duped by a gang which extorted huge sums of money in exchange for false promises of getting them settled in the US.

Police said the gang, which is entirely made up of Indians, would fly out its victims to new destinations such as Bali in Indonesia and hold them hostage for days to extract a ransom from their families.

They said they suspected the gang chose countries like Indonesia or Singapore as their base because of cheap flights and the “visa on arrival” facility available to Indian citizens in these countries. Besides Punjab, men in three other states - Haryana, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh - were also targeted, they added.

Last year, police said they had arrested “the gang leader” Sunny Kumar’s wife and his father and recovered 15m rupees ($1.82m; £1.47m) from their home in Punjab. So far, 11 people have been arrested in connection with the scam, they added.

But Kumar and other gang leaders are still absconding, believed to be hiding in Indonesia. Police say they are in touch with the Indian federal government to get their whereabouts. Those under arrest have not made any statements. The BBC has contacted the Indonesian police for comment and the story will be updated when they respond.

The gang, which has been active for over two years, mostly targeted young, but not very educated, people in Punjab.

“The members approached their victims with the promise of taking them to the US via Mexico,” Gursher Singh Sandhu, police commissioner of Mohali city, told the BBC.

“They would fly their clients out of the country and then force them to call their family and lie that they had reached safely, and ask their family to pay the gang’s fee,” he said.

Some members of the gang, based in Punjab, would then go and collect the money from the victims’ families. After that, the gang would either abandon the victims or put them on a return flight to India, Mr Sandhu added.

Mr Sukhjinder said he first got in touch with Sunny Kumar in October after a relative told him he could help him reach US.

Kumar told Mr Sukhjinder he would get him there if he paid 4.5m rupees. The plan was that Mr Sukhjinder would first travel to Bali, from where Kumar and his men would chart a route for him to get to Mexico and then to the US.

Mr Sukhjinder said he trusted the offer because Kumar sent him a ticket to Bali without him making any advance payment.

On October 29, he boarded a flight for Bali from Delhi. From here on, things took a sinister turn.

Mr Sukhjinder alleged he was held hostage at an unknown location for 23 days. “I was beaten so severely that I had no option but to agree to lie to my family.”

He said he was allowed to take a flight back to India after his family paid 4m rupees to the agents.

This is not the first time Indians have taken desperate steps to migrate to the US.

Thousands of Indians dream of moving to foreign countries, especially the US, in the hope of a

better life. Some even fall victim to human smugglers in their desire to reach their goal.

US government data shows that 19,883 Indians were arrested while entering the country illegally in 2020. The numbers went up to 30,662 in 2021 and to 63,927 in 2022.

Experts say while a lot of families try to cross over from Canada, many end up going to Mexico, where they get in touch with smugglers who push them to undertake treacherous journeys across the border. Many die along the way.

Last week, four-members of an Indian family were found dead in a river marsh near the US-Canada border. In January 2022, bodies of

another family of four were found frozen to death near the border. In 2019, the death of a six-year-old girl from Punjab, who had illegally entered US from Mexico with her mother, had caused widespread outrage in India.

Ranjit Singh Ghuman, an economist from Punjab, says the situation is particularly alarming because of the lack of jobs in the state. Data from India’s Economic Survey shows that the rate of unemployment stood at 7.2% in 2021 and 2022.

“The youth here are frustrated and desperately want a way out from their dismal lives. So they take such extreme decisions,” he said, adding that the government should increase investments to spur more

Atiq Ahmed: Former Indian MP and brother shot dead live on TV

Aformer Indian politician convicted of kidnapping has been shot dead live on TV along with his brother.

Atiq Ahmed, who was under police escort, was talking to reporters when a gun was pulled close to his head in Prayagraj, also known as Allahabad.

After the shots were fired on Saturday night, three men who had been posing as journalists quickly surrendered and were taken into custody.

Ahmed’s teenage son was shot dead by police days earlier.

Dozens of cases, including kidnapping, murder and extortion, were registered against Atiq Ahmed over the past two decades. A local court sentenced him and two others to life in jail in March this year in a kidnapping case.

Ahmed had previously claimed there was a threat to his own life from the police.

Video showed Ahmed and his brother, Ashraf, both in handcuffs, speaking to journalists on the way to a medical check-up at a hospital seconds before they were both shot.

In the footage, shared widely on social media and TV channels, Ahmed is asked whether he attended his son’s funeral.

His last words to camera are: “They did not take us, so we did not go.”

The three suspected assailants had arrived at the site on motorcycles, the police said. A policeman and a journalist were also injured at the scene.

Following Saturday night’s incident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a judicial probe into the killings and banned large gatherings in the districts of Uttar Pradesh state to ensure peace.

Experts have raised questions on how a man could be killed in front of the media and the police. BBC Hindi correspondent Anant Zanane reported from Prayagraj that the city was in a lockdownlike situation.

Who was Atiq Ahmed?

He had a long stint both in politics and with the criminal world. He was first accused in a murder case in 1979. In the next 10 years, he emerged as a person who had strong influence in the

western part of Allahabad city.

He won his first election as an independent candidate and became a state lawmaker in 1989. He went on to win the seat for two consecutive terms and his fourth win came as a lawmaker from the regional Samajwadi party (SP).

In 2004, he won a seat in the federal election as an SP candidate and became an MP. Meanwhile, cases continued to be filed against him in Allahabad and other parts of the state.

Ahmed contested a few more elections in the next decade but lost all of them. In 2019, India’s top court ordered that he should be moved to a jail in Gujarat state after it emerged that he planned attacks on a businessman from a prison in Uttar Pradesh where he was being held awaiting trial in another case.

He was brought back to Prayagraj in March from Gujarat to appear in a local court as it announced his sentencing in a kidnapping case.

Ahmed was also brought to the city to be questioned in other cases. His brother Ashraf, who was in a jail in Bareilly district,

was also brought to the city to be questioned.

They were both being questioned in the February murder of Umesh Pal, a key witness in the 2005 murder of Raju Pal, a lawmaker belonging to the regional Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

Raju Pal had defeated Ashraf in the 2004 assembly elections in Atiq Ahmed’s political stronghold.

Umesh Pal was killed in February this year when several people fired at him.

Atiq Ahmed’s teenage son Asad and few others were named as the main suspects in the Umesh Pal murder case. Asad and another man were killed by police earlier this week in what was described as a shootout.

‘Crime has reached its peak in UP’

Last month India’s Supreme Court declined to hear Ahmed’s petition in which he alleged there was a threat to his life from the police.

Uttar Pradesh is governed by the Hindu-nationalist BJP, and opposition parties criticised the killings as a security lapse.

“Crime has reached its peak in UP and the morale of the criminals is high,” Akhilesh Yadav, chief the opposition Samajwadi Party, tweeted in Hindi.

“When someone can be killed in firing openly amidst the security cordon of the police, then what about the safety of the general public. Due to this, an atmosphere of fear is being created among the public, it seems that some people are deliberately creating such an atmosphere,” he added.

More than 180 people facing various charges have been killed by police in the state in the past six years.

Rights activists accuse the police of carrying out extrajudicial killings, which the state’s government denies.

The police usually calls them “encounters” - many say these are really staged confrontations which almost invariably end with dead criminals and unscathed police.

Encounters carried out by police are - at least in part - a response to India’s grindingly slow and dysfunctional criminal justice system. Source: BBC

Sukhjinder is among hundreds of Indians who were duped by a gang of smugglers

FG suspends NSSEC boss over alleged financial misappropriation

By Maryam Abeeb

The Executive Secretary of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission, Professor Benjamin Abakpa, has been suspended over alleged financial misappropriation.

In a letter of suspension signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Andrew David Adejo, Professor Abakpa, was asked to proceed on immediate suspension to allow the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) carry out full investigation into the allegations levelled against him.

Appointed in April 2021, Mr Abakpa is the pioneer executive secretary of the Commission.

Mr Abakpa, who was reportedly suspended was asked to hand over to the most senior director in the Federal Ministry of Education (FME).

The matter was said to have been referred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further investigations.

The National Secondary Education Commission (NSEC) Law was enacted in 2004 (LFN, 2004 Cap 73). However, after the merger of junior secondary school to basic education, the bill was amended to become the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC).

Part of NSSEC’s mandate is the regulation of Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria, managing the National Senior Secondary Education Funds, and advising the Federal Government on the management of senior secondary education.

Mr Abakpa holds a Bachelor’s and Masters of Education (B.Ed and M.Ed) in Mathematics from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and a Doctorate degree (PhD) in Mathematics from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He became a professor of Mathematics Education in 2018.

He was born on 3rd November 1957 and hails from Orokam Local Government Area of Benue State.

Direct entry registration to continue after National census exercise - JAMB

By Maryam Abeeb

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board(JAMB) has announced that it is postponing the continuation of its Direct Entry registration, which was scheduled to close on Thursday, 20th April, 2023, but was extended by one week to continue on Saturday, 6th May, 2023, when the 2023 UTME and the national census exercise would

have ended.

In a statement, the Head , Public Affairs , Dr. Fabian Benjamin stated that this development is to accommodate the conduct of the Board’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination(UTME) billed to start on Tuesday, 25th April, 2023, and end on Wednesday, 3rd May, 2023, while the National Census is scheduled to start on Wednesday, 3rd May, 2023, and end on Friday, 5th May, 2023.

He said that candidates desiring to register for the DE exercise are, therefore, directed to ensure that they obtain their DE ePINs from designated vending outlets on or before 30th April, 2023, when ePIN vending would be closed.

According to him, candidate are then expected to proceed to the Board’s offices from Saturday, 6th April, 2023, to Saturday, 13th May, 2023, to complete their registration procedure.

“The Board assures all candidates desirous of DE registration that none would be denied the opportunity to register provided they comply with the Board’s directives and within the stipulated time frame.

“In the same vein, the Board solicits the understanding of candidates as it puts in place some innovative measures aimed at checking incidence of falsification of results, data and other infractions,” he noted.

TRCN registers over 2.3million teachers so far, says Registrar

By Maryam Abeeb

The

Registrar and Chief Executive,Teachers

Registration Council Of Nigeria (TRCN), Prof Josiah

Ajiboye , has disclosed the registration of over 2.3 million teachers, with training of 22,500 teachers across 16 states on digital literacy training and remote learning, remediation of over 7,000 quack teachers in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe respectively.

Ajiboye, who noted that teachers are key players in the education sector of any nation, saying the challenge with Nigeria education was largely attributed to poor teaching, where experienced professional teachers who are highly committed, dedicated and virile were difficult to find in schools.

He made this known at a one capacity building workshop organised for the Association of Education Correspondents in Nigeria, held in Abuja.

The Registrar who was

represented by the agency Director Planning Research and Statistics, Ugo-Ali Lawrence said, the Council in fulfilling its mandates which involves innovations in public policies to upscale the dignity, rewards and recognition of the teaching profession in Nigeria.

Also speaking,the president of colleges of education academic staff union (COEASU) Smart Olugbeko stressed that,the central of quality in education is teacher education adding that,the country cannot talk about quality in education when there is no quality in teacher education.

The Head of Regulation, Accreditation and Enforcement, at the Teachers Registration Council, TRCN, Hammed Okunola said Nigeria must prioritise teacher training and reward system if it hopes to improve the education sector.

Okunola insisted that well trained and committed teachers are now a luxury in Nigerian Institutions of learning.

He noted that brilliant individuals refuse to study education courses at universities, which is a prerequisite of training in the profession, because the sector is poorly remunerated, lamenting that there are now accidental teachers in the country, without dedication or love for the profession because they are forced into teaching as a result of unemployment.

Speaking on the theme, “Strengthening Teacher Education: Challenges and Opportunities in Basic Education Sub-sector in Nigeria.,” Okunola said until the dignity and rewards attached to the teaching profession in Nigeria is scaled up, quackery will continue to thrive.

He identified innovations in policies, professional certification, up-scaling the rewards and recognition levels of the teaching profession as some of the steps needed to be prioritised in sanitising the teaching profession.

Noting that no nation can rise above the quality of its teachers,

Okunola said standards are now being introduced into classrooms through the deployment of only certified teachers who have been tested and licensed by the regulatory body.

He said teachers are now mandated to go through Digital Literacy Training, DLT, regular Mandatory Continuous Professional Development (MCPD) and Professional Qualifying Examinations, PQE.

However, to ensure that quackery is eliminated from the teaching profession and the sector made attractive to young, brilliant individuals, the TRCN insists Nigeria must upscale its value for education.

Earlier in his remarks,the Chairman Education Corespondents Association of Nigeria (ECAN) Chuks Ukwuatu said there is no doubt that the success of an educational enterprise particularly in terms of quality delivery depends on a large extent on the regular supply of quality teachers .

L-R: Country Director, Royal Common wealth Society Nigeria, Mr. Blackson Olaseni Bayewumi, Second Counsellor, Rwanda High Commission in Nigeria, Mr. Vianncy Robagunya, India Deputy high Commissioner in Nigeria, Vsdl Surendra and the Minister of State for Education, Rt Hon. Goodluck Nanah Opiah, during the 2023 Common wealth day celebration, held recently in. Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Cocaine-smuggling submarine reveals Europe’s drug crisis

I’m about to climb into the first “narco-sub” known to have brought cocaine from South America to Europe.

It’s 20 metres (65 ft) long, built out of fibreglass and - remarkablyhomemade.

After clambering on top, I lift up the wonky manhole cover and descend into the hull where three men survived for 27 long days and nights, as they voyaged across the Atlantic Ocean just under the surface of the crashing waves.

It’s cramped, claustrophobic and incredibly primitive.

The sunlight tries to creep in from faint cracks in the walls. There is a steering wheel, a couple of basic dials and a rusted key still wedged in the ignition.

You can understand why one prospective skipper took one look at the vessel and concluded it was a death trap.

The heat and noise would have been intense as the engine in the back of the sub burned through the 20,000 litres of fuel stored onboard.

The crew of two Ecuadorean cousins and a former Spanish boxer set out from the Brazilian rainforest and first travelled along the Amazon river.

They had energy bars, cans of sardines and plastic bags they used for toilet facilities.

That was about all they had. Apart, of course, from three tonnes of cocaine worth more than $150m (£121m).

But this was not a lucrative, covert mission neatly accomplished.

The sub’s journey in late 2019 had been tracked by law enforcement agencies, including the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).

After scuttling their vessel near the coast of Galicia, having run into problems, the men were arrested and jailed.

This piece of history in the fight against international drug trafficking is now a trophy in the car park of the Spanish police academy in Ávila.

However, it’s not a rotting relic

of a bygone battle: it’s a symbol of a secretly growing phenomenon.

Just last month, another sub was discovered off the Spanish coast - again in the Galicia region.

“For more than 20 years traffickers have been using submarines to reach Africa and Europe, but these two are the first we’ve seized,” explains Antonio Martinez Duarte, Chief Commissioner of the Narco Brigade in the Spanish National Police.

“They are very hard to detect,” he admits.

In fact, it’s thought hundreds of homemade submarines have been launched towards Europe, which is the biggest cocaine market after the US, and one that’s growing rapidly after a Covid pandemic slump.

It’s even said that in the middle of the Atlantic, around the Canary Islands and the Azores, there lies a mass graveyard of cocaine submarines, deliberately sunk after their cargo had been successfully unloaded.

Each covert mission would have been a huge triumph for the teams of mechanics quietly constructing their vessels in the depths of the South American jungle, mostly in Guyana and Suriname.

Here though, in Spain today, as part of the global trafficking war, it’s the police trumpeting a big victory at their headquarters in Madrid.

“This is a very important operation,” says Chief Commissioner Duarte. “It’s the first time in Europe that we found as much as one and a half tonnes of base cocaine paste.”

In fact, officers say it was the biggest lab turning raw coca paste into cocaine that they’ve found on the continent. But it’s not just the size of the haul which is significant.

“This operation also confirms the links between Colombian and Mexican criminals that have joined Spanish gangs working in Spain,” Chief Commissioner Duarte says.

Clearly proud of their work, the police have transported the contents of the lab into a press conference room to show local journalists.

The stench of the raw coca paste - like that of vinegar - hangs in the air.

The drugs-making process has been replicated, with barrels of chemicals, a microwave, a hydraulic press and scales - reflecting the journey from paste to final product.

On a table at the far end of the room are dozens of brown parcels, each the size of a house brick, emblazoned with a Superman logo - the symbol chosen by the traffickers who no doubt felt a sense of invincibility.

An officer leans over and whispers that importers pay €2732,000 ($30-35,000; £24-28,000) for each parcel. They then at least double their money when they sell it on the streets.

The only limit on their profits is to what extent they dilute their drug with cutting agents, ranging from anaesthesia (which mimic physical sensations associated with cocaine, such as numbing of the mouth) to cheaper options like caffeine and glucose. But there are also other options, including de-worming medicine, normally used by vets.

This lab dismantled in the city of Pontevedra in the Galicia region

was capable of producing 200 kilos a day with a purity of 95%, according to the police.

Along with the submarines, the lab is a glimpse into a narco-world which is expanding rapidly.

The United Nations drug agency says cocaine production increased by a third between 2020 and 2021, which was a record high and the biggest year-to-year increase since 2016.

One place they’re witnessing first hand the surge in supply of the drug is at the port of Antwerp in Belgium.

In 2022 they seized a record 110 tonnes of cocaine - so much that they didn’t have enough incinerators to destroy it fast enough.

By some estimates, only 10% of the cocaine arriving at the port is intercepted with the rest going to the Netherlands for distribution to all corners of Europe, including the UK.

The head of customs at the port told me, with this tsunami of coke, they will never win the battle.

And this is a fight that has spilled over into murder on the streets of Antwerp. In January, an 11-year-old girl was killed in a gang shooting linked to the cocaine trade in the city.

Belgium’s Justice minister Vincent Van Quickenborne has

been living in and out of a safe house for the past year after police uncovered an alleged plot by Dutch criminals to kidnap him. A car containing firearms was discovered outside his house.

For one of Belgium’s top investigative judges, Michel Claise, the cocaine industry has spiralled out of control.

“It makes an absolute fortune for those we call narco-traffickers,” he says, when we meet near the enormous Palais de Justice in the capital, Brussels.

Mr Claise says with their wealth and influence the gangs are now dwarfing those seeking to deliver justice.

“With money laundering and corruption - which is now limitless in terms of the sums that can be offered to dockers, police officers and other people - how do you want us to have any control on criminal organisations?

“It’s over,” he concludes.

Belgium’s cocaine crisis is Europe’s cocaine crisis, and the UN is now warning rival international gangs are working together like never before.

It says after their success on this continent, they’ll soon be branching out into Asia and Africa in their pursuit of unlimited riches

Source: BBC

The homemade submarine now sits in a car park in central Spain

The bricks of cocaine were stamped with the Superman logo

Three men and $150m worth of cocaine crossed the Atlantic in the tiny submersible

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SPACE FOR SALE

APRIL 24, 2023

Heavyweight Joe Joyce says his ‘journey will continue’ after losing to Zhilei Zhang in London

Joe Joyce declared his “journey will continue” after his world-title ambitions were rocked by a shock first career defeat against Zhilei Zhang.

The British heavyweight, 37, suffered a sixth-round technical knockout at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday.

Referee Howard Foster stopped the fight as Joyce struggled with a swollen eye, having suffered repeatedly against the hard hitting of China’s Zhang.

“I’ve had my loss but I’ll be back,” Joyce told BBC Sport.

“The journey will continue.”

Joyce’s swollen eye, inspected twice by the ringside doctor, was hindering his sight by the time Foster called a halt.

But the Londoner said: “I can still see through it, I think it’s just bruised. It’s a formality to go to the hospital now to check it’s not fractured or anything.”

In addition to his undefeated record, Joyce’s defeat has also cost him his WBO interim belt and his status as mandatory challenger for unified world champion Oleksandr Usyk’s WBO title.

Joyce had made his ring entrance to

the theme from sci-fi film The Terminator, but said afterwards: “It looks like I’ve got a terminator eye now. It’s unfortunate but I’ll be back. I thought I was doing well in there.”

Heavy hitter stops the ‘Juggernaut’

Throughout fight week, there was much talk on when Joyce - who had held mandatory challenger status since July 2021 - would get his world-title shot.

Although it was not something Joyce was guilty of himself, many fans and pundits may have overlooked the threat of ‘Big Bang’ Zhang.

Joyce’s relentless approach, which often leaves his defences exposed, has earned him the nickname ‘Juggernaut’.

In previous fights, such as last September’s win over Joseph Parker, Joyce’s much talked about ‘granite chin’ enabled him to shrug off a heavy hit as if it were a gust of wind.

But in east London, Joyce faced arguably his biggest-hitting opponent to date. Zhang, who was 1st 9lb heavier at Friday’s weigh-in, is a considerably bigger puncher than Parker.

A southpaw heavyweight with strong amateur pedigree - winning silver at the 2008 Olympic Games - the 39-year-old’s only loss came on points to Filip Hrgovic in August, in a fight many observers felt he won.

“I couldn’t get away from his straight left. He kept on nailing me in the eye and it swelled up my eye,” Joyce said.

“That’s what happens when you take risks. Sometimes it doesn’t go your way which is it’s annoying. I thought I’d reach a victory here and it’s just disappointing I didn’t.

‘I might have a fight before the rematch’

Referee Howard Foster waves off the fight between Joe Joyce and Zhilei Zhang

Joyce was twice seen by the ringside doctor before the fight was called off in the sixth

Zhang has catapulted himself into world-title contention and is now the WBO’s number one challenger for Ukraine’s Usyk.

The sanctioning bodies have a rotation policy for mandatory defences, meaning Usyk must first defend against WBA

mandatory Daniel Dubois, with IBF number one Hrgovic second in line.

Joyce’s promoter George Warren confirmed there is a rematch clause with Zhang. Much will depend on the extent of the Putney fighter’s eye injury, but there is sufficient time for Joyce to avenge his loss and reclaim the number one WBO spot before the mandatory is called.

But Joyce is slightly cautious in committing to an immediate rematch.

“We’re going to discuss it,” he said. “I could have one in between. I’m just going to decide. I’m going to have some time off and reflect and watch the tape back and see where I went wrong.”

With a packed heavyweight division, there are other options for Joyce should a world-title shot not materialise.

Fellow Briton Dillian Whyte was in attendance and, before the fight, declared his interest in a domestic match-up.

Joyce has also previously said he would one day like to face two-time world champion and former amateur team-mate Anthony Joshua.

Joe Joyce says his ‘journey will continue’ after Zhilei Zhang loss

West Ham 2-2 Arsenal: Gunners showing signs of self-doubt as they throw away two-goal lead again

“We have to remember we are still top of the league with everything in our own hands.”

While some Arsenal fans will be despondent and some pundits will write off their hopes of becoming Premier League champions after twice throwing away two-goal leads in a week, Gunners captain Martin Odegaard is staying positive.

Everything looked rosy for Arsenal after only 10 minutes of their game on Sunday at London Stadium against a struggling West Ham side.

Gabriel Jesus had opened the scoring after only seven minutes, with Odegaard’s volley making it two as the Gunners looked set to restore their six-point advantage at the top of the Premier League.

But, just as they did seven days ago at Anfield against Liverpool, 2-0 to the Arsenal early on became 2-2 at full-time.

Said Benrahma’s penalty, after poor play from firstly Thomas Partey and then Gabriel, gave West Ham hope, Gunners forward Bukayo Saka fired his own spot-kick wide and Jarrod Bowen scored an equaliser soon after in a Premier League thriller.

Even Gunners manager Mikel Arteta admitted his side should have secured the three points.

“Very disappointing,” said the Spaniard. “The way we started was superb again, we were in total control, then we lost purpose.

“We gave them hope, conceded a terrible penalty, then credit to them. We got on the rollercoaster where everything is going, corners and throw-ins, and we never got away from that.

“The purpose we needed for the third and fourth goal, I didn’t see it.”

As Odegaard says, Arsenal are still clear at the top, by four points, but reigning champions Manchester City have a game in hand and, with Erling Haaland breaking goalscoring records, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking unstoppable as they chase down a potential fifth title in six seasons.

It is now 10 wins in a row for City in all competitions as they push to win the Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and the long-term target of the Champions League.

P R T

Ciro Immobile: Lazio forward in hospital after car accident involving tram

Italy striker Ciro Immobile is being treated for back and rib injuries in hospital after his car was involved in an accident with a tram in Rome.

Photographs show police at the scene of a collision between a tram and a car.

Immobile, 33, scored in Lazio’s 3-0 Serie A win at Spezia on Friday.

Lazio said he had a “sprain trauma of the spine” and a “compound fracture” of his right rib but that “conditions are currently good”.

A club statement read: “The player remains under observation at the department of emergency medicine directed by Professor Francesco Franceschi of the Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS in Rome.”

Lazio host Torino in their next game on Saturday.

Chelsea beat Villa to reach Women’s FA Cup final

Holders Chelsea booked their place in the Women’s FA Cup final with a narrow victory over Aston Villa and remain on course to win the trophy for the third year in a row.

Sam Kerr headed in the winner at the back post in the second half but there were chances for both sides throughout an evenlymatched encounter at Bescot Stadium.

First-time semi-finalists Villa almost took the lead when Rachel Daly’s effort was blocked by defender Magdalena Eriksson, before Chelsea’s Eve Perisset sliced a golden opportunity over the bar on the brink of half-time.

Carla Ward’s Villa side grew into the match but lacked quality in decisive moments which proved costly as they looked to cause an upset.

In contrast, Blues striker Kerr only needed one chance to make her mark, rising highest to meet Guro Reiten’s cross for her 24th goal in all competitions this season.

“You can’t [stop her]. I’ve never seen a centre forward move as much as her. It’s not just a single movement. It’s double movement,” said Chelsea manager Emma Hayes.

“Her energy levels - it’s like she’s a 12-year-old. It’s infectious. But I don’t know a striker in world football that can do what she does. She’s the best.”

Kerr’s decisive goal came after Villa’s Alisha Lehmann had

fired inches wide at the other end - and the Swiss winger had another chance later on but fizzed it across the face of the goal in the 77th minute.

Chelsea were forced to hold on in the latter stages as Villa pushed desperately for an equaliser, with full-back Sarah Mayling striking the post, but the Blues held their nerve to reach another final.

They will meet Manchester United at Wembley on 14 May after the Red Devils’ dramatic late victory over Brighton on Saturday.

Chelsea find a way to win…

again

This was not a vintage Chelsea performance but the Blues have been in this position several times before this season and usually found a way through.

They did so again on Sunday although Villa gave them a real test in the second half, creating a number of chances and building pressure in front of a crowd of more than 5,000.

“I think the game played exactly the way I thought it would,” said Hayes.

“Villa were tremendous and gave everything to the game.

That pitch is difficult to play on. I thought we looked quite leggy and Villa threw everything at us.”

On-loan Manchester United winger Kirsty Hanson was the hosts’ most dangerous outlet, causing havoc on the left and putting crosses into the box which team-mates Daly, Kenza Dali and Lehmann failed to capitalise on.

But Chelsea did enough to ensure their quest for a third successive FA Cup crown continues - and they remain in the hunt for three trophies this season.

PEOPLES DAILY

LATEST SPORTS LATEST Man United beat Brighton in the FA Cup semifinals

Whenthis carnival finally closes!

This column, earlier published on April 19, 2022 is hereby recontextualised and reproduced.

The topic of this text is neither a parody, a political satire nor an allegory, the type painted by Jack Mapanje, a Malawian poet and academic when he wrote his popular poem titled When This Carnival Finally Closes in 1983. Mapanje produced a poetic text that was received as a political satire of the government of his country at the time. His themes revolve around political betrayal, transience of power and political hypocrisy by associates of a ruling political leader simply represented as ‘brother’.

Monday Column

By Hameed M. Bello, PhD

hamdbelo@yahoo.co.uk

Manchester United will take on Brighton at Wembley for a place in the final of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.

United suffered a 3-0 defeat against Sevilla earlier in the week, which meant they crashed out of the Europa League. Erik ten Hag has demanded that his players bounce back against Brighton but the fixture won’t be straightforward.

Brighton have been in excellent form this season and they sit just outside the European places. The Seagulls also defeated United 2-1 at Old Trafford on the opening day of the campaign and Roberto De Zerbi has proved to be a stellar appointment.

Regarding the team news, Bruno Fernandes is available for selection again after missing the Sevilla match through suspension, but Harry Maguire is not in contention to feature due to serving a suspension himself in the FA Cup.

Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw have overcome fitness scares to start, with Shaw partnering Victor Lindelof in defence. Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

Mapanje’s first collection of poems, Of Chameleons and Gods, was published in the U. K. in 1981 and were soon withdrawn from bookshops, libraries and all institutions of learning in Malawi. Like many other writers during his time, he was imprisoned without trial or charge by the Malawian government in 1987. Many writers, linguists and human rights activists campaigned for his release, but he was not freed until 1991. Mapanje went into exile in Great Britain where he taught English and Linguistics at the University of Newcastle. That was the plight of pre-independent and post colonial African writers who used the medium of creative writing to expose the ills of society in order to correct them. They ended up being hunted down.

Unlike Mapanje, the topic of this text is a metaphor to characterize the litany of aspirants seeking to grab the ticket of their respective political parties (at the time) to run for president in 2023 elections billed (then) to hold February 25, 2023. We were daily confronted with the avalanche of presidential hopefuls, including those perceived as innovators and the others seen as laggards or even the mere jesters, each believing he was best suited for the job and painting himself in attractive kaleidoscope of colours to diminish the prospects of other contestants. This reduced the contest for the most revered seat in our country to some kind of carnival open to all comers. This should not be so because the quality of political leadership thrown up determines prosperity outcomes for the nation. Energy, experience, patriotism, intelligence, track record of performance, good education and

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wisdom are some of the qualities we should look out for in an aspiring president. We should not be blinded by presidential aspirants across parties who have sweet but empty rhetoric, or those who have money to throw around to confuse us in the choice of president at the party primaries and in the general election, out of the many who had indicated interest. We must take our destiny in our hands. The comforting angle however was that the carnival was to close at some point when party primaries would have separated the wheat from the chaff. And just like in a dramatic tragedy, we would know the real protagonists and the antagonists, including the mere jesters whose stock in trade is to entertain the audience for personal gains. Among them were some professional presidential aspirants who will always hijack the machineries of their political party and muzzle party leaders to clinch the ticket. They however always fail to deliver, but will adamantly remain in the scene, hoping to breakthrough someday. In the climax of the party primary context, like in a dénouement in literary composition, the tension over who flies the party’s flag usually gets resolved, thereby send packing the political jesters and habitual aspirants.

Back to the nitty-gritty. Before the arrival the election dates, lthough Nigeria officially had 18 political parties after deregistering 75 others for breaching regulations that govern their operations, the real contest for president, by experience and precedence of the last two elections, was between the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the leading opposing Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The question was who would emerge the presidential candidate of each of the two biggest parties in the country – APC and PDP. The juggernauts in APC were party chieftain Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Transportation Minister Chibuike

Amaechi, Ebonyi State governor Dave Umahi, Ekiti state Kayode

Fayemi and Senator Rochas

Okorocha. Others were Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Yahaya Bello was coming with the argument that apart from being the youngest of all the aspirants, the North Central where he hails from had never produced a democratically elected president since independence in 1960. That was against the background that the APC seemed to be disposed to zoning the presidency to the South.

There was a notorious angle that had failed to die down which was that former President Jonathan was being considered to run under the platform of APC but he was slow to commit himself ostensibly because he had not received the go ahead from President Buhari. This angle seemed to be more fiction than fact, although anything is possible in politics. The question was what would Jonathan have done differently if he had emerged president. Governor of Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele and Minister of Science and Tech, Ogbonnaya Onu were also mentioned as having an ambition.

In the PDP, a total of 17 presidential aspirants had obtained PDP presidential nomination and expression of interest forms. They included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, former Presidential Adviser, Hayatudeen Mohammed and former President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa. Also in the race were Ovation magazine publisher, Dele Momodu, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike; Akwa Ibom state Governor Udom Emmanuel and a lone female contender, Tariele Diana Oliver. Others included Mr Peter

Obi, Pius Anyim, Sam Ohuabunwa and Nwachukwu Anakwenze. Talks on consensus were still on at the time in the PDP, though aspirants were divided. Presidential aspirants from the North were in support while those from North were not. In the APC, governors were mobilising for consensus, but it was to encounter hurdles especially because it was not meant to favour Tinubu, a key figure in the contest. If the APC Governors had insisted on consensus, it might have forced Tinubu and his group to sabotage the party or pull out of the platform. The ultimate concern seemed to be why Tinubu and Osinbajo were contesting for the same position when one of them ought to have backed the other to avoid rancor, friction, or suspicion. It has not been disputed anywhere that it was Tinubu who nominated Osinbajo for Vice President position when the offer was extended to his group following the merger between the legacy parties to form the APC which produced Buhari as president in 2015. Tinubu as a party leader could have either stepped down to groom Osinbajo, or Osinbajo could have also stepped down in honour of his benefactor. Their relationship, it was widely feared, could be strained if both went into the contest with either losing out or winning. But that is politics. The goal, often, is to service self interest. There is no permanent friendship, especially when ego and interest are bruised. The Hausa word for politics is Siyasa, a term derived from the Arabic equivalent of Siyasiya which some accounts suggest that it means deceit, or pursuit of self interest. Now the contest is over and the rest is history.

Nigeria’s inflation hits 22.04% as food prices rise