Wednesday, May 24, 2023 Edition

Find lasting solution to issues of power supply - Reps tell FG

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on Tuesday tasked Federal Government through the Ministry of Power and Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to find a lasting solution to the issue of power distribution and supply across the country, with a view to avoiding the total collapse of power across the country.

The House also mandated its Committee on Power to oversee the implementation of the resolutions of the House and report back to the House within one week.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on Matter of Urgent Public Importance titled: Urgent need for the House intervention and prevention of total collapse of power supply to the whole nation’, sponsored by Hon. Unyime Idem, who solicited for the House intervention.

Presenting the motion, Hon. Idem lamented the “frequency and incessant interruption of power supply across the nation in the past weeks, which has been on the increase, thus disrupting

•wants stiff sanction of erring Distribution Companies

businesses and lives of Nigerians who are equally burdened with several tariff increments.

“The House is aware that recently and in the news that the Federal Government through the Transmission Company of Nigeria and the Market Operator have begun disconnecting electricity distribution companies (Discos) that are not complying with the operation codes and guidelines.

“The House is cognizant that the Market Operator, a division of Transmission Company of Nigeria, has reportedly served some of Disco’s notices of disconnection from the national grid due to their inability and failure to comply with operation ethics.

“Unfortunately, it was gathered that virtually all the distribution companies in Nigeria are defaulting in one area or the other to the detriment of the consumers ranging from noncompliance to the market rules with respect to payment of their outstanding invoices, posting of adequate bank guarantees,

and forwarding of their active Power Purchase Agreements as the case may be to the MO/TCN for failure to make remittances of ancillary services bills.

“The House is also aware that millions of electricity consumers in Nigerian homes and communities may be plunged into darkness in the coming weeks as the Federal Government through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Market Operator (MO) have begun massive disconnection of debtor electricity distribution companies (Discos) from the national grid.

“Unfortunately, the news is already generating unpalatable outbursts as over 20,000 members of the Aba Landlords Protection and Development Association (ALPDA) and other Communities have threatened to mobilize and occupy streets if the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) fails to rescind their decision.

“The House notes that an extension of the grace period of 60 days given the defaulters DISCOs wherewith they are

expected to comply with the provisions of the Market Rules with respect to payment of their outstanding invoices, posting of adequate bank guarantees, and forwarding of their active Power Purchase Agreements to the MO/TCN is almost over.

“The House also note that in the general interest of millions of Nigerians, this House is hereby invited to urge the erring DISCOs to seize the dialogue opportunity to fix the crisis and ensure that they comply with the market procedures; provide security deposit when so required to serve as a guarantee of payment for all amounts due from their participants to the TCN, as well as settle, in a timely manner, any payment due.

“The House further note that the Federal Government through the TCN penalize the erring DISCOs for failure to remit payment by either freezing their bank accounts or reprimand rather than suffer the masses that have been diligently paying for their power supply,” he said.

kaduna election tribunal adjourn the case of Cikun/ kajuru house of representative petition between people democratic party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) till 2nd june 2023

Welfare necessary for staff motivation —Minister, NSCDC boss

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola and the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have identified welfare as a necessary ingredient for motivation.

They stated this on Tuesday at the commissioning of a newly reconstructed parade ground and staff quarters at the corps National Headquarters, Sauka and Mabushi.

Specifically, the minister said the CG stood out in his strategy of motivating staff.

He commended the CG for transforming the corps to a reasonable standard.

He said welfare packages have a way of encouraging the staff to perform their best.

“The staff quarters will help the officers to be comfortable and to focus on their duty.

“I would like to commend the CG for motivating his staff. This

also shows the commitment of the govt in ensuring welfare of officers and to encourage them in their duties.

Speaking on the project, the Commandant General of NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, said the project gives him great pleasure to welcome the minister to the commissioning of yet another set of landmark projects at the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

“The projects include the remodelled Parade Ground and Staff Quarters.

Honourable Minster, Distinguished Guests, without sounding immodest, part of my vision for the Corps is not only to improve on existing facilities, but to develop new ones that would add value in our quest for better performance.

“This informed our decision to reconstruct the old parade ground and build new staff residential quarters being commissioned today.

“It is worthy of note that the remodelled parade ground was in a state of disrepair unbefitting of the standard the Corps has carved for itself. To correct this, I undertook an inspection of the parade ground to get first-hand knowledge of the exact situation and what needed to be done to put it in good shape to enable it measure up to the desired standard befitting of the Corps we are envisioning.

“You will recall that the old parade ground was not as spacious as it is now while there was no provision for VIP Stand and the fact that the initial ground was a bit difficult for effective training, drills, parade etc. However, today the remodelled parade ground has been further expanded with a secured VIP Stand, a Standard Saluting Dais and a classy ground among other facilities befitting of a standard parade ground.

“You will agree with me that this parade ground is multipurpose but is specially developed to serve

the purpose of drills, parade and other training needs of the Corps as we continue to take additional measures aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Corps.

He said “the Staff Residential Quarters on the other hand is in furtherance of our staff welfare programme aimed at ensuring the provision of shelter towards ameliorating the housing needs of our personnel and capable of further boosting the morale of personnel in an effort to enhance productivity and better performance.

“Honourable Minister, Distinguished Guests, we are determined and remain resolute in our resolve to pursue our vision of developing policies, projects and programmes aimed at motivating our personnel for operational efficiency/better performance especially at this challenging moment where we need to do everything humanly possible to tackle the emerging security threat in the Country.”

Reps approve, transmit Independent Candidacy Bill to Buhari for Assent

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill seeking to provide for independent candidacy in presidential, governorship, national and state assembly, as well as local government elections.

The House equally asked the Clerk to the National Assembly to transmit the bill to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent in line with the provisions of the

•Give 5 State Houses of Assembly ultimatum to forward resolutions

Authentication Act. The proposed legislation was the constitution alteration bill No. 58.

They also asked states like Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Plateau, and Taraba State Houses of Assembly that are yet to forward their resolution on the Bills to do so in fulfilment of their constitutionally imposed legislative obligation to the constitution amendment

process.

The House resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Idris Wase; Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu; Hon. Babajimi Benson and 76 other lawmakers.

He said: “Recall that on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, the Clerk to the National Assembly was directed to transmit the Constitution, 1999 (Fifth

Alteration) Bill No. 47 that has met the requirement of Section 9(2) of the Constitution to the President for assent. Also recall that the Houses of Assembly of Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Plateau and Taraba States that were yet to forward their resolutions were urged to do so in compliance with constitutional obligation.

“Aware that the Gombe State House of Assembly has accordingly

forwarded its resolution. Convinced that with the approval of Gombe State House of Assembly, the Constitution, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill Nos. 46 (Membership of the National Security Council to include Presiding Officers of the National Assembly), 2023 and 58 (Independent Candidacy), 2023 have met the provisions of Section 9(2) of the Constitution, for passage”, he said.

Former Agric Minister urges govt to prioritize education

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

Former Minister of Agriculture, Professor Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah has urged the governments at all levels to give the required priority to educational sector to achieve development, promote social harmony and curb social vices especially among the youth.

He made this known while delivering the 4th combined convocation lecture, themed: ‘Building Bridge Between Community Elites, Education, Youth, University and Challenges for Development in the 21st Century’, at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State.

Prof Abdullah further revealed that neglecting the youth portends a great risk to the progress of the country and her image at the international community, hence the need for community renewal, empowerment of Nigerian youth and building of a solid interconnectivity between ruling elites and the ordinary citizens to make Nigeria.

Sheikh Abdullah who lectures in ABU Zaria challenged Nigerian Universities to adapt to changes in teaching and learning across the world especially the full adoption of ICT to enable their graduates fit into global ways of doing businesses and make themselves relevant to the country’s development.

He said about 70 percent of qualified Nigerians lack access to quality and skillful education that would make productive citizens after graduation, lamented that obtaining certificates in Nigerian schools have been monetized leading to production graduates without skills even in the areas they have studied.

In his remarks, the Vice

Chancellor of IBB University, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu has applauded the state government for its support thus far, adding that the

4th combined convocation marked another milestones in the journey of development of the Institution .

The chairman of the event and

Niger state deputy governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso stated that building bridges between community elites, youths and university students

required intentional effort and a commitment to working together towards common goals.

Buhari flags off resumption of oil exploration activities in the Chad Basin

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari

Tuesday in Abuja flagged off the resumption of physical activities towards the exploration of crude oil and gas in the Chad Basin area, expressing his belief that the successes recorded in the Kolmani River 2 and Nasarawa State will be replicated in the area.

Speaking virtually at the Wadi-B Drilling Campaign which physically took place in Borno State, President Buhari said “crude oil and gas exploration activities have been ongoing in the Chad Basin since 1976 and also know of the discovery of sub commercial gas at the Wadi-1 Well in 1985. I am also aware that active drilling activities were suspended in 1995 to enable re-evaluation of exploration activities in the entire frontier basins.

“I am happy that the NNPC has since then conducted extensive Basinal Analysis and Evaluation of all frontier basins leading to the successful drilling and discovery of crude oil and gas in commercial quantities in Kolmani River 2 and providing insight to the ongoing crude oil and gas drilling campaign in Nasarawa State as well the current reentry activities into the Chad Basin.”

The President affirmed that the country stands to benefit immensely from a positive outcome of the operations as there will be an increase in National crude oil and gas

reserves and production, enhanced national energy security and greater prosperity for Nigerians.

He congratulated the Board, Management and Staff of NNPC Limited and that of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission on their unrelenting efforts at developing the hydrocarbon potentials of the country’s Frontier Basins.

President Buhari also thanked the Government and people of Borno State for their support in ensuring the resumption of drilling campaigns, urging security agencies

and other stakeholders to ensure that the venture meets with a resounding success.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari said the re-mobilization of a drilling rig to the Chad Basin for the first time since the 1980s indeed underscores the visionary leadership of President Buhari.

He added that “NNPC Limited is committed to carrying out detailed exploration of the Frontier Sedimentary Basins using the best industry standards and technologies, with the aim of attaining commercial discoveries of crude oil and gas.

“This is a spud-in event that will reinforce the Government’s commitment for exploration in the Nation’s Frontier Basins, primarily aimed at increasing the Nation’s hydrocarbon reserves. This is a mission that we will take to delivery. We are very committed. It does not depend on Mele Kyari. It will work. This is a process, and this process has value, and this value will be created for everyone,” Mele Kyari declared. The Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, performed the physical flag-off ceremony on behalf of the President.

PRESIDENT MUHAMADU BUHARI VIRTUALLY COMMISSIONS 7-PROJECTS AMONG ARE: 2nd Niger Bridge in Delta/Anambra, Lokoja-Oweto Bridge in Nassarawa/Benue, Ikom Bridge ion Cross River State, Kaduna-Kano Road; Federal Secretariats in Zamfara, Anambra and Bayelsa State, at the State House, yesterday in Abuja. PHOTO; State House

Pregnant woman, 9 others injured as rainstorm destroyed over 500 houses in Bauchi

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

Pregnant woman, nine others were injured as rainstorm destroyed over 500 houses in Misau local government area of Bauchi state.

The caretaker Committee

Chairman of Misau local government area, Hon. Salisu Hussain Hardawa, confirmed the incident yesterday while speaking with newsmen in Bauchi.

He said the affected households have found themselves in a difficult and sympathetic situation that need

quick response.

He said all the 10 injured victims were taken to Misau General Hospital for medical attention.

He added that the pregnant Woman is presently in the labor room, while a woman broke her leg and was taken to Federal Medical

Center (FMC) Azare.

Hardawa said Governor Bala Mohammed sent State Emergency Management Agency SEMA to assess the situation.

The Chairman sympathized with the victims of the rainstorm, and prayed God to avert future

occurrence and replace what they lost as a result of the natural disaster.

Hardawa, called on the Bauchi state government for intervention through provision of relief materials to cushion the effect of the unfortunate incident on the victims.

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has been elected as the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ forum, NSGF.

The Governor was unanimously elected by the 19 northern governors during their forum’s meeting held on Tuesday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja.

Governor Inuwa takes over from Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State with effect from 29th May, 2023.

In his acceptance speech, Governor Inuwa promised to justify the confidence reposed in him by his colleagues across party devides.

He emphasized that the good legacies of the Forum will be sustained to bequeath not only virile organisation, but a better future for the people of the north at the end of his tenure as chairman of the Northern Governors Forum.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya emerges Chairman ,Northern States Governors’ Forum

*Pledges to ensure exploration of oil, gas, solid minerals deposits in the North

Inuwa assured his fellow northern Governors that in line with the objectives of the Northern Governor’ Forum, he will strive to sustain the strides left behind by his predecessors. He said the focus of the NSGF on economic development will be the driving force of the Forum while his chairmanship lasts.

He observed that the region is challenged by insurgency in the North East, ethnic and religious crisis within the North Central as well as farmers/herders clashes and the subsequent effect of banditry and

cattle rustling among others.

The new NSGF chairman noted that inspite of the social and economic challenges confronting the northern region, the Forum has made tremendous impact and has changed the tide for the betterment of its people.

He remarked that since the focus of the NSGF is built on addressing such social challenges, the Forum, under his leadership, will do everything possible to ensure that they are addressed in the Interest and benefits of the people.

According to him, “We will work hard to ensure that we catch up with the rest of the country, possibly with the developed parts of the world so that our people will feel the impact of good governance we all pursue”.

He expressed delight with the commencement of drilling activities in the Lake Chad Basin which has brought to three drilling sites in the North to include Kolmani in Gombe and Bauchi and the one in Nasarawa State. He assured that the Forum will see to the actualization of the exploration of the large oil and gas

Uba Sani bags best Nigerian Senator award

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Less than two years after emerging as the overall best in the Senate’s Top Ten Bills Productivity Index, Senator Uba Sani has just been named “overall best Senator” by Order Paper in Abuja.

The lawmaker, who is now the APC Governor-elect of Kaduna State was first declared among the “Top Performers on Bills Sponsorship for North-West Geopolitical Zone” under “Most Valuable Parliamentarians Hall of Fame Awards organised by Order Paper Nigeria” in July 2022.

It would be recalled that OrderPaper Nigeria, an independent organisation, is focused on monitoring the legislative activities of the National Assembly for effective service delivery to citizens.

Reacting to the award, days before his exit as Senator of the Federal Republic and now Governor-elect of Kaduna State, Uba said he was quite delighted and “deeply humbled by the fact that my efforts in the 9th Senate have been closely monitored and assessed by not just my discerning constituents and colleagues but perhaps, Nigeria’s most credible legislative watchdog, Orderpaper Nigeria.”

He expressed excitement over his recognition as the “Most Valuable Parliamentarian (MVP) Of The 9th Senate” describing it as “purely as a result of my toil and sleepless nights in the Senate, which culminated in several bills, including those of them that have since been signed into law by the President, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.”

The outgoing lawmaker explained that he felt fulfilled by the Order Paper organisation’s “credible assessment of my efforts in the 9th Senate and I say a big thank you. This recognition clearly shows that our impactful legislative interventions have not gone unnoticed.”

Going further to identify the premise of his award, Senator Uba said: This recognition is bestowed

on me purely on merit. The facts used by Orderpaper to assess me and indeed other lawmakers in the 9th National Assembly are easily verifiable. They are, in fact, public knowledge.”

He also emphasized that he did not and “could not have lobbied for this recognition, “ adding that “For this, I am extremely glad to accept and own this honour done me by the very profound team at Orderpaper Nigeria.”

He hailed the “pioneering

efforts and painstaking approach by Orderpaper Nigeria,” adding that “it attests to the fact that hard work pays and that Nigerians actually notice good and selfless leadership”.

“I am confounded by the professionalism and thoroughness of the team at Orderpaper led by the very cerebral Mr. Oke Epia. I have since learnt that the selection process the organisation followed was extremely methodical and spanned over three years of

painstaking data-driven research and routine monitoring of the activities of all the members of the 9th National Assembly. The process of assessment and selection, I have found out, received input from some of the best minds in academia, civil society, international partners, and other critical stakeholders. This is truly commendable.

“I am humbled by the fact that of the 469 lawmakers, I emerged as the overall best performer.

deposits in the North for the benefit of the people.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya noted that the Northern region of the country is sitting on not only oil and gas deposits. but solid minerals which the Forum has no reason not to exploit and put to use for the benefit of the people.

The Gombe State Governor used the occasion to thank the outgoing chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Plateau State Governor Right Hon. Simon Bako Lalong for his administrative ingenuity despite numerous challenges in his State in particular and the North in general.

This is both gladdening and most encouraging.

“It is even more so because as I assume office as the Governor of Kaduna State on May 29, by the grace of God, I am going to be very conscious of the fact that well-meaning and credible organizations like Orderpaper Nigeria are watching and assessing me very closely. This is the kind of check or monitoring our leaders need in every tier of governance. Please keep up the good work.

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members coming out of the gate after the closing ceremony of the 2023 batch ‘A’ (stream II) Corps members at the NYSC Kubwa orientation camp in Abuja on Tuesday (23/5/23).

Yobe State Assembly confirms new Auditor General, others

the nominee.

Yobe state House of Assembly on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Alhaji Umar Mai Aliyu Gulani as the new Yobe state Auditor General.

This is after receiving a recommendation from the house standing committee on public service and government house having critically studied the curriculum vitae as well as information obtained during the interactive session with

The Committee recommended that, the nominee in person of Mai Aliyu Umar Gulani was a career civil servant with versed working experience particularly in the field of financial management who met the requirement of the law and found him fit and capable of this appointment to serve as AuditorGeneral of the State in accordance with section 5 of the Yobe State Public Sector Audit Law 2021. Meanwhile, the house confirmed the appointment of Aisha Haruna

Godowoli as permanent member Local government Service Commission as well as Ballama Abdullahi Budu as Permanent Member Teaching Service Board.

Speaking at the plenary, the chairman house committee on public service and government house, Hon. Hassan Muhammed said, the Committee recommended that, Aisha Haruna Godowoli who was a career civil servant with versed working experience particularly in the field of legal profession.

He adds that, until her retirement

as Permanent Secretary, Aisha having met the requirement of the law for appointment as Permanent Member based on the Yobe State Local Government Service Commission to complete the tenure of late Alhaji Baba Abare having satisfied the provision of Yobe State local government Law 2001.

The house also recommended and Satisfied with the nomination of Ballama Abdullahi Budu who was a career civil servant with versed working experience in administration and served in

From Mohammed Maitela, Damaturu

Why we invested in infrastructure -Buhari

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari

Tuesday in Abuja declared that making infrastructure development a key point of focus in his administration was a deliberate action to create wealth and make poverty alleviation easier.

Speaking at the virtual commissioning of three bridges, three secretariats and one road project undertaken by his administration, the President defended criticisms of the debt profile of his administration saying, “we do not act on infrastructure by accident. It has been a deliberate choice for our government as a tool to fight poverty, to create economic growth and employment and to open the path of prosperity for our people.”

He emphasized that while he shared the concerns of Nigerians, the debts are tied to projects that have been executed in very transparent circumstances and are there for everyone to see. He added that the wealth of other nations is traceable to their investments in infrastructure made possible by debts redeemed over decades.

“As we look at the debt profile, I urge us to also look at the assets and investment profiles, some of which were paid for by debt and some by investment income.

“In 8 (Eight) years, I am proud to say that we have doubled Nigeria’s stock of infrastructure to GDP from about 20% to over 40% and that is no small undertaking.

“The projects that we hand over today apart from others such as rail, sea and airports, gas pipeline projects that have been previously completed, symbolise our country’s sharp focus on delivering prosperity,” he said.

Elaborating on the significance of the projects, which he described as frontal efforts to address multidimensional poverty as well as improve business efficiency and service delivery time, President Buhari said of the 3 (three) Bridges:

“The Ikom Bridge is meant to boost trade in and around the Calabar Port and Free Zone and

•Defends criticisms of debt profie •Commissions Second Niger Bridge, others

facilitate transport connectivity from the South-South, through the North Central to the Northeast. This is a bridge across the Cross River itself.

“The Second Niger Bridge, which has been long in the making, and is certainly now a reality, is a bridge of choice across the River Niger to bring relief to those crossing from the Southeast to the Southwest.

“The Loko-Oweto Bridge, across the River Benue will provide a shorter connectivity for those traversing from Benue to Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory. It cuts off travel through Lafia and provides connectivity to Keffi and to Abuja.”

President Buhari also commissioned 200 kilometres out of the 365 kilometres Abuja-Kano

highway noting that the road, the Second Niger bridge and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway were all funded partly from dividend income earned from investment in the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), repatriated funds from overseas, and recoveries from proceeds of crime successfully prosecuted at home.

“This is an example of the change that we promised; to invest dividend income in visible assets that last for generations and to put proceeds of crime to public and enduring use for the country.

“Our anti-corruption approach does not end in courts. Stolen and recovered assets are utilized for the common good,” he stressed.

The President also commissioned three Federal Secretariats in Anambra, Bayelsa

and Zamfara States, believing that they would “reduce the cost of governance by bringing federal civil servants under one roof for efficient service delivery,” thereby reducing expenditure on rent for office spaces.

He also named the Secretariats after distinguished Nigerians as follows:

i. Dr. Goodluck Ebele

Jonathan Federal Secretariat in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State;

ii. Ebele Okeke Federal Secretariat in Awka, Anambra State; and

iii. Malam Yahaya Gusau Federal Secretariat in Gusau, Zamfara State.

In his remarks, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola said the construction of the infrastructure generated

economic activities around them, providing means of livelihood for hundreds of thousands who worked there.

According to him, “travel time is reduced by more than 50% in many of the places we surveyed; Property values of landowners have appreciated by up to 30% in the surveys conducted on land values where we have delivered infrastructure.”

The Minister added that these are some of the attempts by Government to push back against multi-dimensional poverty. Goodwill messages were delivered at the event by the Governors of Anambra, Imo and Delta States, Minister of Labour and Employment as well as the Obi of Onitsha and the Asagba of Asaba.

10th NASS: Sponsored story can’t split us, we are out to deliver next Speaker - G6 Aspirants

By Christiana Ekpa

The Coalition of G6 aspirants for the speakership position in the 10th House of Representatives on Tuesday debunked some media report that they are splited over the president elect meeting with only a member of its group against the other candidates for the speakership position.

The coalition while debunking the story noted that the speculation was only meant to breed bad blood amongst them which will not work.

Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau) one of the G6 aspirants who refuted the report in Abuja, through a statement made available to newsmen said the coalition have made up its mind to work in unity

and will not be deterred by sponsored write ups against any of its member.

The report had claimed that Tinubu and Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima persuaded Betara to step down for Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, who has been endorsed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the next Speaker.

Gagdi, disclosed that the story is noting but fabricated lies , adding that he was also with the president Elect and spent hours discussing with the Jagaban

Gagdi said the coalition had made up their mind to work in unity and would not be deterred by sponsored write ups against any of their member .

He said the G6 acknowledge the fact that the president-elect is a democrat

and a father to all, adding that they had all visited the President-elect one after the other in different circumstances.

Gagdi said he was with the presidentelect few hours ago likewise everyone amongst the aspirants, saying, the story that the G6 were not together was a big lie.

“I was with the president-elect and we spoke like a father and son. “We will all go out to deliver a consensus candidate who will be the next speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, “ he said.

He said “it does not matter where and when members chose to see or visit the president-elect, what matters most is our resolved and pursuit for justice, equity and fairness.

Gagdi said the G6 had come to stay

and would not succumb to any pay writer willing to be used to fuel disunity among them, adding that “the G6 would sure coast to victory on June 13, when the House would be inaugurated

This however was contrary to the reports that Betera meeting with the president-elect had splited the group, describing the reports as the figment of the writer’s imagination.

He urged the public to disregard the report and treat as one fit only for the dustbin, adding that the report is lacking in merit and substance.

The G6 include: Rep

Ahmed Wase, Deputy Speaker, Muktar Betara Aliyu, Yusuf Gagdi, Sada Soli, Sani Jaji and Miriam Onuoha.

Representative of President Muhammadu Buhari, Sadiya Umar-Farouq (2nd R); representative of the Minister of Works and Housing, Bashir Usman (R); representative of the Governor of Zamfara State, Nasiru Muazu-Magarya (3rd R); Emir of Gusau, Ibrahim Muhammed-Bello and other dignitaries, during the inauguration of Housing Project, yesterday in Gusau Zamfara State

Ganduje directs all political appointees to hand over on Friday

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

Kano state governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has directed all commissioners and other public officers holding political appointments to hand over the affairs of their offices by Friday.

Those affected by this directives aside from the commissioners are Special Advisers, Chief Executives of Parastatals/Government owned Companies, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, Board Members etc (except Kano State Civil Servants holding the positions of Executive Secretaries and Managing Directors of Parastatals and Government-owned Companies), a statement by of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government said.

They are directed to hand over the affairs of their offices including all government properties in their possession to Permanent Secretaries or Directors Administration & General Services/Directors Personnel Management (DPM) latest by Friday in preparation for the end of the administration and handover of government on May 29.

The statement, however, added that public officers appointed into organizations that are tenure based and whose tenure has not expired should continue to hold office as stipulated by the relevant Laws governing their appointments.

Bilkisu Shehu, the permanent secretary of the Directorate of Research, Evaluation and Political Affairs (REPA) in the office of the SSG, who signed the statement, conveyed the appreciation of the state governor for the contributions of all those affected by the directives, noting that such contributions to the development of the state would remain indelible in the history of the state.

Obi, Atiku, others to present petitions in 3 weeks

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

The Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) has ordered the Presidential candidates of the Labour Party (LP) Mr Peter Gregory Obi, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to present their joint petition against Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s February 25 presidential election victory, within three weeks.

On Obi and LP petitions, the court ordered the Respondents, Bola Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) to defend the petition against them within five days.

On the part of Respondents in Atiku’s petition, the 1st Respondent (INEC) has two days to present

•as court consolidates petitions

it’s defense, 2nd Respondent (Tinubu) has five days, while 3rd Respondent(APC) also has five days to present it’s defence.

Meanwhile, the Court has discountenance Tinubu and APC’s objection for the consolidation of the applications, adding that the consolidation of the petition is necessary so as to ensure expeditious hearing.

The five-man panel of the court led by its Chairman, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani issued the order on Tuesday, adding that it arrived at the decision because of the limited time within which the petition must be disposed off.

Further breakdown ordered that the Petitioners are to present thier matter from 30the May to

June 23rd. INEC has two days, from 21st June to June 28 to present thier defense, Tinubu has five days, from June 29 to July 6, while APC has five day, from July seven to July 16.

Concluding, the court held that all evidences will be closed by July 16.

Recall that the petitioners are in court challenging the Tinubu’s election on grounds such as irregularities, substantial noncompliance as well as corrupt practices etc, upon which they are asking the court to set aside the declaration of Tinubu as winner of the election.

Both parties are faulting INEC’s return of Tinubu on the grounds that Tinubu did not score 25% of

lawful votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Also, yesterday, Tinubu and APC has disclosed their intention not to speak with the media any further on the court proceedings.

A lawyer in Tinubu and the APC’s team, Chief Niyi Akintola SAN, informed the court that “we have agreed on this side that no lawyer will speak with the press on the proceedings”.

Akintola said that, it was the decision of the team that any lawyer that flaunt the ban, no matter his rank or how highly placed, would be kicked out of the defense team.

He, however, did not disclosed any reason on why the ban was adopted.

FG unveils gender, environmental reporting framework for extractive industries

The Federal Government on Tuesday launched Gender and Environmental Reporting Frameworks in Extractive Industries to meet Nigeria’s reporting obligation to the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr Zainab Ahmed unveiled the frameworks in Abuja during her visit to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) permanent office.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the frameworks were developed by NEITI in line with global EITI requirements and standards to resolve lingering issues and enhance reporting in areas of gender and environment in the oil, gas and mining sectors.

She said the frameworks would help in resolving lingering negative impact of oil, gas and mineral exploration in host communities, and reduce widening gender disparity in extractive industries.

The minister, who served as NEITI’s Executive Secretary before being appointed in 2015 as a member of the cabinet, lauded NEITI’s management’s achievements, adding that the frameworks represented another milestone recorded by NEITI.

She commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment towards strengthening Nigeria’s EITI as evident in the government’s prioritisation of NEITI in allocating resources to enable the agency execute its role in the industry.

“From its initial mandate to

disclose extractive output and revenue, to data mainstreaming, contracts and beneficial ownership disclosure and currently, gender and environmental reporting and energy transition, I have been part of the process,” she said.

Ahmed appealed to the incoming administration to strengthen anticorruption agencies and reformminded institutions like NEITI in its economic policy agenda considering the agency’s unique national and international mandates.

“Through its regular oil, gas and mining audits, publications of timely policy papers, NEITI is well-positioned to guide and shape government policies in the energy sector and contribute to robust economic and public finance management in Nigeria,’..

Earlier, Mr Olusegun Adeyemi, Chairman, National Stakeholders’ Working Group (The Board) of NEITI), said the frameworks would guide stakeholders to disclose data and information on environment payments in extractive industry.

He said it would guide stakeholders on impacts, monitoring and management as well as information disclosure on gender parity, participation and employment in the industry.

“I assure our stakeholders and all Nigerians that NEITI’s board under my leadership is strongly committed to the issues of environmental and gender justice in our oil, gas and mining sector. And will continue to provide strategic direction to NEITI’s secretariat,” he said.

L- R , Minister of Finance , Budget and National Planning , Zainab Ahmed ; Comptroller General of Custom , Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (retD) ; President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Federal Capital Territary (FCT) , Mohammed Bello at the commissioning of the new Customs Service Cooperate Headquarters, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: State House

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC) Kebbi and Sokoto states new command headquarters to enable officers and men of the Corps carry out their statutory duties in a comfortable

Niger community bemoans Sen. Musa 313 on bad leadership, injustice

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

Concerned youths of KaffinKoro community in Paikoro local government of Niger state have bemoaned Senator Mohammed Sani Musa 313 representing Niger East Senatorial district for injustice and his bad leadership.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Coordinator Sabastine Maikarfi and Secretary Achoula Agata of Kaffin- Koro Axis of the group to newsmen in Minna.

They accused 313 of abandoning them to their faith for not showing concern despite the consistent attack by the bandits that have resulted to the killing, kidnapping, rustling of their cattle, displacing of people and destroying of their houses and other valuables he never visited to sympathize with them.

“Over the past few months, Kaffin Koro Axis has continued to suffer from insecurity that has consumed a lot of lives and properties, subjecting us to untold hardship”.

According to the statement titled; the injustice and bad leadership of Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (313), the provision of Nigeria constitution section 14 sub section 3 and 4 which provided has been contravened by the lawmaker.

The Kaffin Koro axis of Paikoro local government has been sideline in position sharing for fairness, justice and equity however lamented that all the political offices have been allocated to only paiko axis leaving their axis with nothing, urging senator Musa to desist from agitating over zoning NASS assembly offices while he didn’t practice same at home.

They added that the position of the Senate, the state APC Secretary, the council APC chairman, council chairman, the member representing Paikoro constituency, the Secretary to the LGA, all from Paiko Axis leaving the KaffinKoro Axis with nothing.

FG inaugurates NSCDC Kebbi, Sokoto Commands, pledges continuous support

environment.

The New offices were commissioned by the State Governors alongside the Minister of interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

The Minister of Interior who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Shuaibu Belgore said that the Federal Government was dedicated to continuously support the NSCDC and enhance its performance to boost national security.

Aregbesola said that the Federal Government will not relent in ensuring the protection of citizens at all times by providing the necessary supports, and logistics needed to maintain the current tempo of development to ensure effective discharge of the Corps core mandates.

He commended the leadership of the Corps for the tremendous transformation witnessed within the last two years as he further

attributed it to the doggedness, determination, pragmatic approach and readiness of personnel to impact positively on the nation’s security.

The Minister charged officers and men of the Corps to abstain from rancor and unnecessary rivalry and ensure effective synergy with military and all other law enforcement agencies.

The Governor of Kebbi state, Atiku Bagudu during the commissioning of the new complex located along the Olusegun Obasanjo way, at Gwadangaji area of the state, appreciated the NSCDC for its dedication in ensuring the protection of citizens and the nation’s critical asset and infrastructure.

Bagudu represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Babawale Umar Yauri, promised to continuously support the operations of the Corps in the

state.

Gov. Bagudu appreciated the Federal Government and leadership of the NSCDC for the vision and deliberate efforts geared towards transforming the command and improving on the performance of personnel.

In Sokoto, Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal was represented by the Honorable Commissioner on Security Matters, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammed Maikudi.

Gov. Tambuwal urged officers and men of the command to use the office facilities judiciously in serving the good people of the State.

According to him, the Corps had been known to be civil and a respecter of fundamental human rights. He therefore advised that the tempo be maintained.

Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps , Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, described the occasions as

a landmark achievement under his administration and part of his efforts to develop a strategic capacity of the Corps to effectively carry out its statutory responsibility. He said the new offices were a testimony of his desire to impact positively on the security of the state and country by developing structures and facilities that will enhance the capacity of the Corps to tackle the emerging security threats in the country.

The CG appealed to the people of the State to continue to cooperate with the Corps and other sister agencies in the state especially in providing credible intelligence that could help in tackling insecurity.

The NSCDC boss further expressed his appreciation to the Governors of Sokoto and Kebbi for providing the land spaces used for the construction of the new commands with the aim of assisting the Corps in carrying out its duties.

L – R , Minister of Finance , Budget and National Planning , Zainab Ahmed ; Minister of Water Resources , Suleiman Adamu and the Minister of Special Duries and Intergovernmental Affairs at the special Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: State House

Kaduna electric embarks on complete overhaul of Kofar Doka injection sub-station

From Femi Oyelola Kaduna

The Management of Kaduna Electric has announced the ongoing rehabilitation and installation of new equipment at the 3×15 MVA Kofar Doka Injection Sub-Station to guarantee reliability and safety in Zaria and environs.

Rehabilitation of the 20year Kofar Doka Injection SubStation was prioritized following the unfortunate accident of December 2022 as a result of obsolescence and equipment failure and Management’s determination to undertake an upgrade of equipment and

civil works as to forestall a reoccurrence while modernising the Injection Sub-Station.

Upon completion, the rehabilitation of the Injection substation will bring improvement in stability and reliability of supply on Zaria City, Wusasa, Teaching Hospital, Kofar Kibo and Gaskiya 11KV feeder.

Engr. Yusuf Usman Yahaya said the exercise is in line with the Company’s resolve to revamp and modernise some of the obsolete infrastructure in its network.

“As part of our network transformation and infrastructure revamp and

modernization, we are embarking on rehabilitation of a number of critical injection sub-stations and installation of new equipment across our franchise; the Kofar Doka Injection sub-station rehabilitation is the first of these infrastructure revamp projects”, he said.

He further revealed that beside rehabilitation of the control room, all the breakers and other protective equipment of the five outgoing 11KV feeders in the Injection sub-station shall be replaced with new ones.

He disclosed that the substation was first commissioned in 2002, over twenty-one years ago,

with most of the equipment being out-of-date and often breaks down, thereby posing a serious hindrance to power supply stability in Zaria and environs as well as posing safety challenges.

According to the electricity boss, the Company is committed to delivering electricity services to its customers in a sustainable and safe manner.

The rehabilitation of Kofar Doka Injection Sub-Station is scheduled for completion and commissioning over the next two weeks, in the first of a series of such rehabilitation and upgrade across Kaduna Electric Franchise Area.

ProHealth stakeholders must be adequately rewarded for investment, Chairman reassures

By Albert Akota

The Board Chairman of the proHealth HMO limited ,Gabriel Okonwa has vowed to do everything possible within his reach to ensure stakeholders are rewarded adequately for smooth running of the company as well as meeting its laid down aims and objectives.

The Chairman who disclosed this yesterday during its 13th annual meeting in Abuja, said he would galvanized all performances center of the company to meet its target.

According to him, the year under review was one of mixed fortunes for the Company; Profit before Tax (PBT) increased from Thirty Million, Four Hundred and Twenty Six Thousand and Fourteen Naira (N30, 426, 014) to Forty Million, One Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty-One Naira (N40, 125, 341), representing a thirty-two percent (32%) increment. But the Company’s revenue in the area of its core business decreased by one percent (1%) from Nine Hundred and Sixty-Two Million and Five Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ten Naira (N962, 005, 710) to Nine Hundred and Fifty-two Million, Four Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety-Two Naira (N952, 419, 192).

He noted that, other sources of income decreased by five percent (5%) from Sixteen Million, Six Hundred and Two Thousand and Twenty-Eight Naira (N16, 602. 028) to Fifteen Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty-Two Naira (N15, 754,952).

“The total revenue accruable to the Company reduced from Nine Hundred and Seventy-Eight Million, Six Hundred and Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Eight Naira (N978, 607, 738) to Nine Hundred and SixtyEight Million, One Hundred and Seventy-Four Thousand, One Hundred and Forty-Nine Naira (N968, 174, 149), representing a one percent (1%) decrease.”

However, he said there was a marginal increase in the total assets from Nine Hundred and Ninety-Nine Million, Five Hundred and Twenty-Six Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eighty-One Naira (N999, 526, 781) to One Billion and TwentyThree Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty Naira (N1, 023, 973, 280), representing a two percent (2%) increase.

GAC Motor Nigeria, Jiji, Cars45 partner to revolutionize Automotive Industry

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

GAC Motor Nigeria, a leading automobile manufacturer, has announced its ground-breaking partnership with Jiji and Cars45, two of the most prominent names in the Nigerian automotive marketplace.

It said the strategic alliance will reshape the automotive industry landscape by offering Nigerian car users unprecedented access to brand-new and used GAC Motor vehicles through Jiji and Cars45’s extensive platforms.

The partnership signing ceremony, held on the 18th of May 2023, marked the beginning of an exciting chapter in the automotive sector.

Also, notable attendees included Mr Jubril Arogundade, GM Commercial of CIG Motors; and Maxim Makarchuk, COO of Cars45 and Head of IR at Jiji, among other esteemed industry leaders.

Mr Jubril Arogundade, GM Commercial of CIG Motors, said by leveraging the power of Jiji’s expansive online marketplace, Nigerian car users can now effortlessly explore and purchase brand-new GAC Motor vehicles.

“With their unrivalled selection of captivating designs, advanced technology, and luxurious features, GAC Motor vehicles are set to become the preferred choice of Nigerian

car users seeking unmatched performance and unmatched driving experiences.

“Additionally, Cars45 will provide a platform for the sale of used GAC Motor vehicles, presenting a unique opportunity for car users to access the renowned GAC Motor quality at a compelling value.

“The partnership aims to highlight the exceptional secondhand value of GAC Motor vehicles, ensuring that buyers can enjoy reliable, high-quality vehicles with strong resale potential. To further enhance accessibility, Cars45 will be offering Cars45 car loans. This financing option enables customers to fulfil their dream of owning a GAC Motor vehicle with flexible and convenient payment plans.

The sole distributor of GAC Motor vehicles in Nigeria, expressed his enthusiasm for this ground-breaking collaboration: “We are proud to partner with Jiji and Cars45 to bring the exceptional quality and performance of GAC Motor vehicles to Nigerian car users. Together, we will revolutionize the automotive industry and provide unforgettable driving experiences. We are confident that this partnership will boost the automotive industry and enhance customer experiences. With Jiji and Cars45’s expansive reach and GAC Motor’s exceptional vehicles, Nigerian car

users are in for a treat.”

On his part, Maxim Makarchuk, COO of Cars45 and Head of IR at Jiji expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Today marks a significant occasion as we seal the partnership between Cars45 and GAC Motors.

“This collaboration represents a pivotal milestone for both companies, uniting our expertise in the used car market with GAC Motors’ exceptional range of vehicles. Together, we embark on a journey filled with limitless possibilities. We are excited about the future and the unparalleled services we will provide as we combine our strengths and expertise. Let us transform the automotive industry and create an even better car buying and selling experience for all. At Cars45, we have earned a reputation for our unique selling points, including transparent and fair pricing, detailed and accurate inspection reports, and a convenient, hasslefree experience for our users. These qualities, combined with GAC Motors’ cars, well-suited for the African market, create a powerful synergy that will benefit our customers.

“GAC Motor has partnered with leading financial institutions including Union Bank, Polaris Bank, and Wema Bank to offer innovative car financing schemes. These strategic collaborations aim to make GAC Motor vehicles

attainable for a wider range of customers, enabling them to fulfil their dreams of owning a GAC Motor car through flexible and convenient financing options.

“In addition to the partnership with Jiji and Car45, GAC Motor Nigeria’s SWAP program stands out as a pioneering initiative that allows customers to exchange their old GAC Motor vehicles for new ones. This program enhances the overall ownership experience and emphasizes GAC Motor’s commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction. GAC Motor vehicles have long been recognized for their exceptional quality and enduring value. The GAC Motor Swap program emphasizes the second-hand value of GAC Motor vehicles, ensuring that customers can invest in a vehicle that retains its worth over time.

“GAC Motor’s dedication to addressing transportation challenges in Nigeria is exemplified by the groundbreaking LAGRIDE project. In collaboration with the Lagos State government, GAC Motor Nigeria has deployed 1000 units of the remarkable GS3 SUV and GA4 Sedan, equipped with cutting- edge technology. These vehicles redefine the commuting experience by making it faster, safer, and exceptionally comfortable, revolutionizing transportation in Lagos.”

L-R: New Chairman of Northern Governors Forum/Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, outgoing Chairman of Northern Governors Forum/Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Simon Bakko Lalong and Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, during the handover ceremony to New Chairman of Northern Governors Forum Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in Abuja yesterday

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Niger State Government has released 5-day activities for the inauguration of the sixth Governor of the State, Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago and his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba slated for 29th May, 2023.

A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane said that the 5-day events will hold from May

Niger Govt completed inauguration plan

24th to May 29th, 2023 with the exception of May 27th which is the Children’s Day.

Matane noted that the Inauguration programme will commence with Valedictory State Executive Council Meeting at the Council chamber on Wednesday 24th May by 11 o’clock.

He added that this will be followed by Inaugural Lecture on Thursday 25th May by 10 o’clock in the morning while the Handover of Transition Documents holds by two o’clock at Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna and Council Chamber, Government House,

Minna respectively. The statement further stated that Special Jumma’at Prayers will hold at the Central Mosque, Minna by 2 o’clock while Special Church Service takes place on the 28th May at the ECWA Goodnews Church, behind Kure Market, Minna by 11 o’clock in the morning.

According to the SSG, the Inauguration Parade and Swearing-in ceremony of the incoming Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago will take place at the International Trade Fair Complex, Minna, on 29th May, 2023 by 9 o’clock in the morning.

US announces its delegation to Tinubu’s inauguration

By Ochiaka Ugwu

President of the United States, Mr. Joe Biden has announced names of members of delegation that will attend the inauguration of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on May 29.

In a statement released by the United States Mission in Abuja Tuesday, it noted that the US delegation will be led by Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Marcia L. Fudge.

Other members include: Mr. David Greene, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., U.S. Embassy Abuja, The Honorable Sydney Kamlager-Dove, United States Representative (D), California, The Honorable Marisa Lago, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce, General Michael E. Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, The Honorable Enoh T. Ebong, Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency, The Honorable Mary Catherine Phee, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State, The Honorable Judd Devermont, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs, National Security Council, The Honorable Monde Muyangwa, Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Africa, U.S. Agency for International Development.

Also expected at the nation’s seventh transition ceremony are past presidents, diplomats, heads

of international organisations and prominent Nigerians and representatives of foreign governments and agencies.

The inauguration events

will begin on Thursday with the investiture of Tinubu with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic and the VicePresident-elect, Kashim Shettima, as

the Grand Commander of Order of the Niger.

Representatives of Nigeria’s traditional allies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada,

France, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, China, Germany, Finland, Jamaica, Japan, Israel, Turkey and several others are expected at the high-profile event.

New Customs Act will enhance efficiency and effectiveness, says Buhari

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday said that the new Customs Act which he recently signed into law will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of customs administration, stressing that it is a testament to his administration’s commitment to fostering a business –friendly environment, attracting investments and driving economic growth.

The President declared this while commissioning the new Customs headquarters building named CUSTOMS HOUSE in Maitama Abuja.

President Buhari said he had always recognized the critical role of Customs as an instrument of economic prosperity and overall development of the nation.

“We are all aware of the challenges faced by our Customs Service, particularly

the issue of fragile borders that provide opportunities for illicit activities. The recent increase in transnational crimes, smuggling, and security threats necessitates the need for a robust and agile customs administration. I am fully cognizant of these challenges and the urgent need to address them.

“I am pleased to highlight that in line with our commitment to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our customs administration, I recently signed the Customs Bill into law. The new Act, which is a product of extensive consultations and deliberations, represents a significant step towards modernizing our customs operations, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and promoting trade facilitation. It is a testament to our commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment, attracting investments, and driving economic growth,” the President

said.

President Buhari commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) for delivering the mandate issued to him in 2015.

“Over the years, he has earned my trust and support through his selfless service, and relentless pursuit of excellence without compromising his personal integrity. It is my hope that his leadership style has inspired a new crop of Customs leaders and Managers, driven by a strong desire to serve their fatherland while upholding the virtues of transparency and honesty,” the President said.

In her remarks, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed who doubles as the Chair of the Board of the organisation, the edifice stands as a symbol of the unwavering commitment to enhance the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service and its readiness to tackle the challenges

of the 21st century. She added that the Board had ensured that the welfare of the service was taken seriously.

The Comptroller General announced that the building was completed at the cost of N19.6 billion. He also thanked the President for his recent signing of the Nigeria Customs Bill into law.

According to Col. Ali, “the landmark legislation represents a significant achievement for the Nigeria Customs Service and the entire nation. It provides us with a comprehensive legal framework that aligns with international best practices, strengthens our regulatory capabilities, and fosters trade facilitation.”

He also commended President Buhari for his support towards the Customs Modernisation Project which aims to modernize all aspects of Nigeria Customs Service operations through the innovative use of technology.

SOFPON provides free surgical intervention for Lagos residents

The Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON) has conducted free surgical intervention for 60 residents of Lagos State to reduce morbidity and risk of death from common medical conditions.

Dr Sixtus Ozuomba, Chairman, SOFPON, Lagos chapter, said this during the association’s surgical outreach in celebration of the World Family Doctors Day on Saturday in Lagos.

The day celebrated annually on May 19 has as its theme: ‘Family Doctors: The Heart of Primary Care’, emphasising the critical role of family doctors in delivering compassionate and patient-centred care to their patients.

Ozuomba noted that basic surgical procedures were among the most costeffective health interventions that could prevent avoidable deaths, boost welfare and economic productivity.

He, however, said that poverty and affordability of surgical care was a huge challenge for many Nigerians, irrespective of the part of the country where they resided.

According to him, to bridge the gap of accessibility to surgical procedures, SOFPON organised free surgical intervention for lipoma, breast lump, ingrown toenail, ganglion, hernia and other day cases surgery.

He said that 60 people would benefit from the intervention which was held at Onikan General Hospital and General Hospital, Odan, Lagos.

Ozuomba said the surgeries funded from the dues and levies of SOFPON members was to complement the Lagos State Government’s efforts in ensuring qualitative healthcare for its citizens.

Speaking on the theme of the 2023 celebration, Ozuomba said that family

physicians were reputed for providing comprehensive, continuous and coordinated healthcare to individuals, families and communities.

Ozuomba said that family doctors also advocated on behalf of their patients as it regarded government’s policies and actions.

“We have a lot of competent areas, what people have been saying is the medical aspects, we are not limited by disease entity, age or sex of the patients.

“Surgery is also an aspect of the competent areas of a family physician. We decided to showcase that this year and let people benefit from it.

“Some people that have been finding it difficult to get into the healthcare system are seizing the opportunity to come in,” he said.

He noted that brain drain was affecting all specialties of the health sector,

especially the family doctors whom he said were in high demand due to their competence that cuts across specialties.

Similarly, Dr Oghide Oziegbe, Secretary of SOFPON, said the free surgical intervention would relieve many beneficiaries from pain and discomfort which they have had for years but could not treat due to paucity of funds.

Oziegbe noted that the beneficiaries had undergone free laboratory tests and assessments to assess their fitness for the surgery.

He noted that 40 per cent of the patients were booked for hernia surgery, while breast lumps took the other number followed by procedures for ganglion, lipoma and ingrown toenail.

Also, Dr Madewa Adebajo, Medical Director, Onikan General Hospital, said the surgical intervention had assisted to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for

Nigerian women extol Tallen’s virtues as she bows out

By Joy Baba-Yesufu

As the administration of President Muhammadu

Buhari winds down in a few days, several Nigerians women thought it wise to come together and celebrate their minister, who made the last four years worth the while.

Chief amongst them was the Director General, National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) Dr Asabe Vilita-Bashir who said the current minister of women affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen has impacted the lives of the poor, vulnerable and down trodden in the last four years and her leadership style will be missed.

Bashir stated this in Abuja at an evening farewell dinner organized by Nigerian women to appreciate the minister for lifting their status and making life better for them.

She also said that the past four years has been impactful to the physically challenged as the disability bill that concern them was passed during her tenure as minister.

According to the DG, “mummy Tallen has done so well for the Nigerian women and children. The four years of her excellency as minister of women affairs has been a very impactful one for Nigerian women, Nigerian children, the vulnerable and the poor.

“She has brought the issues of all our women, children and the less privilege to the front burner of national discuss. No woman was left behind in her time. She takes whatever concerns women upon herself. It has been a very successful period for Nigerian women in the past four years”

In her response, the minister said her aim when she assumed office was to ensure Nigerian women love each other, start a new chapter of zeal and continue to support each other.

She urged those that have contested elective positions and lost to keep hope alive and not give up while calling on their male counterparts to give women

Direct entry registration to close by May 30 -JAMB

By Maryam Abeeb

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), says the 2023 Direct Entry (DE) e-PIN sales would close on May 26, while registration of candidates who obtained the e-PIN would end on May 30.

This is disclosed in a statement by the board’s Head, Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr Fabian Benjamin in Abuja.

According to him, the 2023 DE registration, which commenced in February, 2023, was extended for all desiring candidates to register and was, at a point, suspended to facilitate the incorporation of certain safeguards designed to enhance the sanctity of the exercise.

He stated that the 2023 DE registration is unique among many others as it came with some features meant to enhance the Board’s capacity to permanently address those loopholes hitherto

being exploited by some vested interests.

“It was, therefore, not at all surprising to witness the surge in the number of candidates in one or two of our offices. The new regime which has exposed the quantum of cases of falsifications and other infractions in the DE value chain as reported is one of the many gains of the regulated DE registration exercise.

“One good thing about the exercise is that the Board has been able to capture only deserving candidates with only pockets of outstanding candidates remaining in a couple of Board’s offices particularly in Lagos. Even here, the Board has adopted a scheduling system whereby candidates are allocated to specific days for their DE registration to preclude any further incidence of overcrowding.

“The Board has grant some registration access points to ETC/JKK to ensure that all

desiring candidates in Lagos are registered.

As such, all eligible candidates for the DE in Lagos can either visit our Ikoyi office to be registered or proceed to ETC/ JKK Ikorodo road Anthony to registered before the closing date,” he noted.

“The attention of the Board has also been drawn to the unwholesome actions of some tutorial centres and some desperate parents, who are conniving with some A’ level tutorial centres to perpetrate acts prejudicial to the education sector and national interests.

He said the Board is restating its determination to always innovate means and ways of checkmating all acts of infractions and at the same time would not hesitate to impose appropriate sanctions on any A’level awarding institutions found wanting.

“All A’level institutions are enjoined to be vigilant as there are deliberate intention by desperate

candidates to compromise their operations.

“All genuine aspiring DE candidates, who are yet to register for the exercise are, therefore, urged to come out now to register as the Board would not entertain any further extension.

FG commission’s Kajola locomotive, rolling stock assembly plant in Ogun state

By Albert Akota

The Federal Government in demonstration of its commitment to revitalize and ensure sustainability of the ongoing railway modernization project has commissioned the Kajola Wagon Assembly Plant in Ogun State.

President Muhammadu

Buhari who performed the commissioning of the project, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Transportation expressed immense pleasure over project which was conceived and flagged off in 2019, by the Vice

President Prof. Yemi Osibanjo. President further said it will not only generate the needed employment but will boost economic opportunities for the citizenry as it will promote and develop local capacity in Assembling and Manufacturing of Rolling Stock.

The President who was represented by the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, said the project is in compliance with the Presidential Executive Order No. 5 that stipulates “companies’ involvement in infrastructure development within the country.

According to the President, the Locomotive and Rolling Depot has the capacity to produce 500 Wagons per year of Open Wagons, Container Flat Wagons and Box Wagons, adding that the first set of Wagons assembled in Nigeria are being rolled out for freight services.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, said:

“there is no gainsaying that this is one of the landmark legacies of the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, designed to ensure the sustainability of

railway development in the country”.

In his remarks, the Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria, who was obviously overjoyed said the plant was a dream come true, adding that it would serve as a source for replacement of faulty wagons instead of sourcing them overseas.

Okhiria, said some wagons had been delivered to NRC for trials, and have been tested and confirmed as meeting international standards.

Expert charge FG on more collaboration with education Stakeholders

By Maryam Abeeb

The Convener of Annual School Needs Expo, ASNE, Emem Opashi has charged the Federal Government to collaborate more with relevant stakeholders in order to bring about unique innovations that will develop the Education sector.

The education expert made this call while briefing newsmen during the 2023 ASNE event sponsored by WOWbii interactive in Abuja.

Emem while speaking about the theme of the event which is “Towards Education Agility – The Beginning of Change is

CONVERSATION” she explained that its goal to foster a culture of conversation in education to promote agility, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. She concluded on this note.

She explained that there is urgent need for Stakeholders in the Education sector to design policies and program that will bring about development in the sector.

“I am apparently the founder of the annual school needs expo. So at the moment, we’re having a discourse on education, leadership development. And our focus is to have these conversations with the different stakeholders in

education.

“We have the top level school owners and we are coming here to also learn how we can collaborate even with the government, other businesses, and then amongst ourselves to make sure that we are able to actually see the results.

“So we wanted to have all this selected people to an extent in the room and we have a range from the highest range of private schools, to the grassroot schools all represented here. We have businesses that are just doing little things to the really big ones, and there’s so much to learn from there. At the end of this one to

be able to have a communique that we can even present to even the incoming government, for example.

According to her, this is an opportunity for public and private schools to synergize, noting that it can also help school proprietors to upgrade their schools and make it a better one.”

She noted that the expo has become a global platform that continues to gather key players in the public and private education space hosting hundreds of guests converging from all over the country and world at large.

Adamu Adamu

The Dangote refinery and the audacity of a dream

By Ayodeji Olatubora

Generally speaking, it’s really a welcome development for the Nigerian Economy; more particularly in the wake of a political transition with huge expectations from observers. It is expected that there would also be more investments of this nature; particularly the need to revitalize the already existing refineries in Warri, Kaduna and Port-Harcourt to maximum capacity and more preferably by the private sector.

The much talked about Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals (the single largest refinery in the entire world and the most consequential single project in recent times) has now been built. The colourful decoration and ribbon at the frontage of the said subject of a multibillion-dollar Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning contract is now cut by President Muhammadu Buhari; signaling its official commissioning and possible commencement of operations, even as Mr. Dangote himself, has gone on to say that the first petrol product will be ready by July and the NNPC boss, Mr. Mele Kyari, saying categorically that the NNPC Ltd will supply 300,000 barrels of crude for commencement of operations. This single large infrastructure project, which has taken about a decade, is undoubtedly ‘a game changer and a milestone for Nigeria’s economy’ according to President Muhammadu Buhari. It is noteworthy to say that in the last 100 years, the single kinetic presence in Nigeria’s business firmament is none other than Alhaji Aliko Dangote; a phenomenal investor and the authentic game changer with unimaginable dreams. Such projects are typically undertaken by Governments of sovereign states or subnational Governments, but for an individual to undertake that project is phenomenal. Interestingly, there has been some bickering over where the large infrastructure ought to have been built, while many believe that it ought to have been erected in the Olokola Free Trade Zone, straddling the states of Ondo and Ogun. It is a known fact that Mr. Aliko Dangote initially designed the project to be domiciled somewhere on the coastline of Ondo State, but was somehow reportedly frustrated by unseen hands within the political space. The then Governor Babatunde Fashola-led Government of Lagos State grabbed the golden opportunity which has now become a reality. For Nigeria and her Economy, this Project has been an admixture of ‘A Long Walk to Freedom and the “Audacity of a Big Dream’; freedom, being a policy weaning from intermittent shortage of supply of petroleum products and incessant cases of the attendant scarcity

that makes Nigerians queue for long hours for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO).

“The Dangote Wonderland” by business mogul, boardroom guru and investor, Mr. Femi Otedola, the Dangote Refinery covers about 2,635 hectares at the Dangote Industries Free Zone Enterprise; more than about 6,000 football fields and about 7 times the size of Victoria Island, with a refining capacity of about 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day; making it the largest single-train refinery in the world (surpassing Saudi Aramco Mobil Refinery’s refining capacity of 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day) with a 900 Kilo-Tonnes Per Annum (KTPA) Polypropylene Plant and a 435MW power plant capable of supplying about 5 states in Nigeria. It can meet 100% the needs of Nigerian petroleum products demand (Gasoline, 57 million litres per day; Diesel, 27 million litres per day; Kerosene, 11 million litres per day and Aviation Jet, 9 million litres per day) and have a surplus of each of these for export; thereby positioning Nigeria as a significant player in the global energy market. The refinery is expected to provide a market value of about $11 billion for Nigerian crude oil with about 23,000 Nigerians, living and working on the refinery premises giving jobs to over 40,000 Nigerians with the prospect of employing up to 100,000. The facility which is designed to process large variety of crudes including many of the African Crudes, some of the Middle Eastern Crudes and the US Light Tight Oil, has about 65 million cubic meters of sand dredged within the period of 18 months, costing approximately 300 million Euros and using the world’s largest dredgers, including CDR International BV (a medium sized Engineering Consulting firm) and Boskalis ( a leading global marine contractor and service provider); both of Dutch origin. It is noteworthy that asides acquiring about 332 cranes to build up equipment installation capacity and having the world’s largest granite quarry to supply coarse aggregate, stone column material, stone base, stone dust and material for breakwater (10 million tonnes per year production capacity), in a bid to bring over dimensional cargoes close to the site directly, Dangote Group had to develop a port and construct two quays with a load bearing capacity of 25 tonnes/sq metre. The 6-quay port including a roll-on/roll-off quay has two of its quays capable of handling post panamax vessels to export.

Generally speaking, the $20 billion investment facilitated by a consortium of investors ranging from Development Finance multilaterals and Local Financial Institutions; African Development Bank (AfDB), Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Africa Export

An outbreak of internet fraudsters

By Koye-Ladele Mofehintoluwa

Corruption, embezzlement, fraud, these are all characteristics which exist everywhere. It is regrettably the way human nature functions, whether we like it or not. What successful economies do is keep it to a minimum. No one has ever eliminated any of that stuff”- Alan Greenspan

Every human society thrives based on a variety of factors but the most important is the human factor. The value system of the people and the type of people in a society determines to a large extent what will become of their society. Societies that place their values on building their youths and children into adults capable of progress and innovation would make more advancement than a society where they youths are largely known for a lifestyle in pursuit of wealth, sole personal career, fun and drugs.

Why do some nations fail and some nations prosper? It is really down to the type of people(which determines the type of leaders) that are found in this nation and not necessarily the endowments of nature in terms of resources that such a nation possesses.

It is the case that African nations have since independence not been able to do much in terms of advancement in the areas of science and technology. The economies of African countries are also terrible in most parts. There are 33 countries in Africa considered LDC’s -Least Developed Countries. The continent has a total of 54 countries. Of the 47 countries considered Least Developed Countries in the world, 33 are in Africa.

It has been said often and ought not to be repeated that Africa has some of the world’s most treasured and valuable natural resources but yet has done nothing with it to translate into growth and development. The problem of electricity persists despite the presence of solar, wind and water sources for the power to be derived. The problem of feeding exists despite acres of land that can be used for agriculture. Various problems have their solutions right before the eyes of Africans and yet these problems are never solved. Several reasons have been given to explain this but the most important is that of the human factor. What are the values of African youths?

In Nigeria, there is a concern that has since the early 2000’s created much attention but has still not been doused. The concern of ‘yahoo’ boys or internet fraudsters that carry the popular local

tag of 419. As at when the menace started, it began with a slow creep of emails sent to foreigners which aim to appeal to the greed of these foreigners in order to dupe them or some of them contain pity stories and then solicit help. An action criminalised as Obtaining Under False Pretence.

The fact that it was new as at then (early 2000’s) ensured the success rate of the scam was high and very little protection had been set up by internet service providers to check such mails. As such, the first generation of those who went into the fraud system were very successful and had a ready market.

While they were at it, more people joined observing the luxury lifestyle of those who started it and they became attracted to it. With the crime widening, the government started the Electoral and Financial Crimes Agency which alongside the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission were empowered to tackle the menace of internet fraud. The fraud system had become lucrative however and before it could be curtailed spread beyond what the government could effectively stop especially as it was(and is) a type of crime that the offender(s) is invisible and cloaked behind a device.

While there are arguments that seek to justify the menace, the most popular one being that the era of slave trade deserves a reply from Africa with similar exploitation of Europe with fraud. One understands that the menace only deteriorates the condition of Africa further as it attracts her youths to a nonproductive sector that would not create any advancement or production of goods and services which strengthen the economy but only provides money that is immediately spent off back to the same source from which it came.

When one observes the lifestyle of internet fraudsters, one realizes that they spend quite lavishly on cars, drinks and women(who spend on jewelry, foreign makeup kits and other such) and this their mode of spending the money means they also return it to their supposed exploiters. The cars and other lavish items are usually produced in the countries from which the persons were exploited and as such, the money adds no national or communal value to the country of the fraudsters but rather takes more away from it especially as liability and not assets are acquired by the spendthrifts.

Recently, one of the participants in the Big Brother Nigeria show sought to defend the menace on the internet claiming that-

Import Bank (AFREXIM), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Access Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank, amongst others, is like a scene from a science fiction movie with vast megastructures, superstructures, huge towers with concrete and steel everywhere. It’s almost unimaginable the manhours, materials and money that has gone into the construction with about 29,000 Nigerians getting massive training. With the largest single order of 5 SPMs (Single Point Mooring) in the world, the refinery has a self-sufficient marine facility for freight optimization. The operation of the refinery starts with a SPM (a floating buoy anchored offshore that allows the handling of liquid cargo in areas where a dedicated onshore facility for loading and unloading cargo is available) anchored 25km into the high seas. It supplies crude to the refinery through a subsea network of pipelines terminating at the Dangote Trestle. The trestle pipelines then deliver the content to the crude storage tanks; 16 of them with each holding about 120 million litres in capacity and onward to the crude distillation unit, which is the height of a 40-storey building and the weight of about 320 Adult Elephants. Indeed, it was no mean feat installing the massive equipment, but a synergy between man and machine. The facility also has state-of-the-art technology, while adhering to stringent environmental standards. The design of the facility adheres to the norms set by the World Bank, US Environmental Protection Agency and European emission norms. The petroleum products from the refinery meet the Euro V specifications, which demonstrates commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impacts. DuPont Clean Technologies was engaged by the Dangote Group to meet emissions targets efficiently with the help of cost-effective technologies and services that offer them value and flexibility while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Nigeria is practically a mono-economy with a huge dependence on the Petroleum Industry; responsible for about 95% of its foreign exchange earnings and about 80% of budget revenues. The passage of the Petroleum Industry Act ended a 20-year effort to reform Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, with the aim of creating an environment more conducive for growth of the sector. The completion and commissioning of the refinery is a defining moment for the Nigerian, African and indeed Global Energy Industry. It has the capacity to secure security of supply for refined petroleum products and petrochemicals in Nigeria and the West African Region.

Ayodeji can be reached on the email @ ayodejiolatubora@ gmail.com

‘yahoo boys’ bring money into the economy. If this is so, why have African economies not reflected an increase or positive rise since the menace began? Why has the economic condition remained the same despite the fact that a lot of our youths have taken to internet fraud which supposedly brings money into the economy?

Already, the government has ignored the fact that the menace means great disaster for the future of Nigeria (and Africa) as a lot of our youths who should be gaining knowledge and skill to power our advancement in various sectors especially science and technology have taken to the easy wealth option of fraud and would in the long run not be of any use to the country. We are daily losing human resource as more people abandon work which can advance the economy and produce foreign exchange but rather take to an exploitative life of crime which benefits the person but not the society.

The ready-material for those who become internet fraudsters is present when there are no job opportunities and the future does not seem good for youths who desire to make their own attainments and are ambitious . Again, there is the pressure to be as successful as the next man and when the next man attains this success by fraud, the motivation to do it spreads to others and as such is a very contagious menace.

The danger of the 11th plague is that it brings other plagues along with it. While we complain of internet fraud, there is a need to understand that it is linked to a lot of other issues such as drug abuse, human trafficking, robbery and also human rituals. There is a trend in Nigeria which suggests that crime is on the rise whenever the market for ‘yahoo-yahoo’ is bad. Whenever there is no means to defraud or it has become harder, in order to keep their lifestyles, there is a resort to criminality of various sorts especially armed robbery. There are also evidences to suggest that there is a chain in the underworld that links internet fraudsters and human traffickers.

Internet fraudsters establish links across countries and these links are also used to transport people for the purpose of prostitution, cheap labor and other sorts under the guise that they would be emigrating to a place where there are better opportunities.

Koye-Ladele Mofehintoluwa can be reached on koyetolu@ gmail.com.

Rethinking research in Nigeria

By Nyerhovwo Tonukari

Iwould like to start by asking why should the Federal Government still be happy in giving university lecturers grants for research? Where are the commercialized research outputs that warrant further research investments? But is the Federal Government funding research to the expected level? Are we doing the kind of research that will bring development to Nigeria? What have we as biochemists contributed to the Nigerian economy in terms of development from our research? Again, what has the Federal Government received in return for its over 50 years of funding scientific research? What specific products or processes can we point to in Nigeria that resulted from research that we conducted? As scientists are we pleased that there is still poverty and hunger in Nigeria in spite of the vast knowledge that we boast of? How many biochemists are really contented with their current salaries as well as societal and economic conditions?

I must confess that scientific research is much better now with TETFund funding some of our researches. Nevertheless, the low level of funding, for instance, one, two or three million naira research grants will not be enough to conduct any meaningful research. Hence, what we see in biochemistry journals is a lot of “effect of X on Y.” Many of us have published these kinds of papers just for promotion and nothing else. Papers and award-chasing are now what characterize the typical Nigerian lecturer.

The TETFund 2016 Budget was N213.4b, with only a small part of this devoted to research while most went into capital expenditures and training. Nigeria’s total Federal Government 2018 budget of N9.12 trillion is less than the amount the United States spends for medical research alone. The 2018 budget for the USA National Institutes of Health (NIH) is $37 billion (about N11.5 trillion); National Science Foundation (NSF), $7.8 billion (about N2.5 trillion); and NASA, $20.7 billion (about N6.5 trillion). The USA budget for 2018 is S4.094 trillion which is about 1,250 trillion naira (not 10 times but a whopping 140 times Nigerian budget). What a difference!

Considering the state of our economy, our research must be linked to industries. Our institutions must partner with industries and source for research funding from them. For example, about 20% of the research funding at the National University of Seoul, South Korea is sourced from industries (http://www.useoul. edu/research/facts). When research is tied to economic results, significant funding will come from industries. Therefore, our institutions must learn to work hand-in-hand with industries to build the economy.

Why is the US economy thriving and its budget so huge? It is simply because it has so many companies that pay good taxes to the

government. Even scientists including professors are encouraged with grants, cheap loans and venture capital to commercialize their research and start companies. Several biochemistry professors move between industry and academia. Hence research parks and business incubators dot areas with universities in several western countries. Instead of complaining and criticizing the government, we should endeavor to become part of the solution by conducting real research that will lead to job creation and new products. We must learn to work with those from other fields including engineers, agriculturists, economists and software developers to make our own versions of products and services that we now import. There are so much we import that we can easily make in Nigeria. Are we not ashamed that we import enzymes, vitamins, hormones and organic acids into Nigeria? Can we not practice some of what we teach by producing these biochemicals in Nigeria? On the contrary, we export so many assays like paternity tests abroad that we can easily carry out in Nigeria. We lose so much foreign exchange. If you are Muhammadu Buhari, the President of Nigeria, will you be happy with Nigerian biochemists? Many of us got the Federal Government postgraduate and now TETFund scholarships to study for our masters and PhDs. But, the question is, ‘what have we given back to Nigeria in appreciation?’

We import so much into Nigeria today, that it has become so embarrassing. Many industries are closing, and several service firms are folding up. So many things are wrong, and we lecturers and professors are part of the problem. How many of us have real industrial experience that qualifies us to teach industrial biochemistry? Why can we not engage our colleagues in industries to teach part of our industrial biochemistry courses with us? Do we really know what is currently happening in Nigerian and international industries or we are just teaching what is in the stale textbooks? Why are we so happy to quote foreign companies as the source of our chemicals and equipment? We should patronize indigenous companies and laboratories. How many of you have joined your local chamber of commerce and industry like I have done? There is no doubt that we need some encouragement like what China is giving to its industries if we are to have real strong companies in Nigeria. But we must not wait for such governmental encouragements. We must do what we can; we need to refocus some of our research into those areas that will lead to products and services that we can commercialize and profit from financially.

But what should we really do? It is now time to rethink and refocus our research such that it will contribute meaningfully to the Nigerian economy. We must conduct investigations that will lead to products or processes that we can point to instead of chasing awards, papers and promotion. Commercialization of research output should be given a priority. Researchers should be

Wanted: Bail out for Nigerian media

By Bola Bolawole

Thomas Jefferson, one of the founders, and later president, of the United States of America, was quoted as writing in 1802: “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without governments, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter”. Put differently, Jefferson thinks a nation or people can do more without a government than it can without newspapers. This statement is instructive considering the fact that Jefferson, the moving spirit behind the stirring United States of America’s Declaration of Independence (“We hold these truths to be selfevident…”) reportedly received so much “ill treatment” from the American media of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Yet; he rose above the fray to still uphold the sanctity of a free press in a democratic society and the indispensability of the media in the struggle to enthrone as well as perpetuate the ideals of the American Revolution. We have records of Nigerian leaders who stopped reading Nigerian newspapers simply because the media were critical of them!

Another of the American greats, James Madison, who is regarded as the “Father of the U.S. Constitution” and its fourth president, said: “A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or perhaps both” Little wonder, then, that the First Amendment to the American Constitution stated quite emphatically, “Congress shall make no law… abridging the freedom of speech…or of the press; or of the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances”. From Madison’s statement, it is not only the Legislature that can, through legislative action, tamper with freedom of speech and press freedom; or the Executive through executive fiat that can muzzle the press; market forces and ownership structures-cum-managerial shenanigans are, in our own experience, perhaps more “destructive” of the ends of the media, driving us inexorably in the direction of “a popular

government (a democracy) without popular information, or the means of acquiring it (a robust and financially-viable media)”

Yet, even the best form of government cannot thrive without a free press. This must be the reason why, after all the checks and balances and the separation of powers enshrined in most Constitutions and the processes of governance, it became imperative still to institute a fourth “organ”, so to say, which is the media, to serve as “watchdog”. Little wonder, then, that the media is called “the Fourth Estate of the Realm”. Democratic societies assign the onerous responsibilities of a watchdog to the media. The Nigerian Constitution, for example, charges the media to hold the government “accountable to the people”. To assist in the performance of this task, Freedom of Information acts have been enacted in many countries, Nigeria inclusive. The aim is to remove encumbrances in the way of the media as they strive to perform assigned responsibilities. Notwithstanding, there is real danger to the existence and vibrancy of the nation’s media from the economic point of view. Many Nigerian media – print as well as electronic – are in bad shape. They are not paying salaries to their workers and cannot even guarantee regular outing on the newsstand. A senior editor in one of the outfits volunteered that he last received a salary in October 2013. This is worse than the situation with state governments who could not pay workers’ salaries and which compelled the Muhammadu Buhari administration to order a bail out for the affected states.

A Federal Government-inspired bail out is needed for distressed media houses in Nigeria. We have already established the case for the media as a “must have” in a democracy. Only a few of the media houses, print and electronic, are paying good “take-home” wages that can take their workers home and bring them back to work every month; the wages paid by many are grossly inadequate while a growing number have been unable (unwilling?) to pay their workers anything. Yet, such workers are expected to – and, miraculously, they still – report to work! This abnormality is an open secret; yet, we keep sealed lips about it. It is not in our collective national interest to continue to gloss it

encouraged to pursue patents in addition to papers so that they can benefit financially from the research. Also, there is need to introduce challenge researches. Here, scientists, policy makers, industries and stakeholders will identify real problems that we need to tackle. TETFUND and other donor agencies will call for proposals and fund the ones that will lead to solution thereby creating products and services, and ultimately jobs.

In addition, there is need for the establishment of strong research collaborations and consortiums. Instead of giving each individual researcher two million naira for research which will end up in a meaningless promotion-focused paper, scientists with different expertise should collaborate to solve specific problems or create products and services that will promote the economy and society. Meaningful grants of at least N500m should be given to consortium of a minimum of 10 collaborating scientists that come from different fields and universities (including research institutes) to solve specific problems or create some novel products. Such call for proposals should be made public and a national panel of experts should screen them and recommend the outstanding ones for funding.

Biochemists can work with agricultural biotechnologists to develop herbicide resistant cassava. Nigeria can easily triple its cassava production if we have herbicide resistant cassava that will save a lot of labour. I have published two reviews where I argued that cassava should be considered as white gold because it is the future of starch and it is going to serve as the substrate for several industries in Nigeria. As an optimist and futurist, I still stand by my prediction. Unlike before, we now have several molecular biologists in Nigeria. What does it take to develop a transgenic plant? Several universities and research institutes have most of the required equipment and several of us have the skills to conduct such experiments. All that is required is the boost; assemble the experts, provide the consumables and give them a deadline. Believe me, we can do this. We can improve most crops in Nigeria if the funding is provided. Nigerian molecular biologists are waiting for the call.

We have been producing alcohol from different raw materials in Nigeria since pre-historic times. And we have so many grains and tubers to use as substrates for alcohol production. Then why are we still importing industrial alcohol into Nigeria? I think some of us including engineers, microbiologists and economists should come up with proposals to establish mini-alcohol production plants from cassava and other tubers and grains in all parts of Nigeria. Imagine how many jobs that will be created!

Excepts of the keynote address delivered by Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari at the 3rd South South Annual Zonal Conference of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

over or condone it. One by one, the media houses may die out –or relocate to the internet – if nothing concrete is done. Jobs are lost while destitution and despondency are on the rise. Consider, also, the plight of workers in distressed media houses who must cut corners to make ends meet. A corrective administration such as Buhari’s, which has declared anti-graft war its mantra, cannot close its eyes to the unabashed debasement of such a critical organ of a democratic and open society as the media. There is no way a distraught, disheveled, and prostrate media can be in the best position to help push the agenda of a corrective regime. Subsidies and bail outs are effective weapons applied by governments all over to achieve critical national objectives. In the United States, for instance, farmers are subsidised by the government. After the 9\11 terrorist attack threatened to cripple the aviation industry, the U.S. government rushed grants to the industry to stabilise it as well as secure its share of the world aviation market. In Nigeria, the banking industry has been bailed out by successive governments times without number. The President Goodluck Jonathan administration gave a whopping US$200m as grant to Nollywood. Looked at dispassionately, this, at least, was one good thing that came out of Jonathan’s Nazareth, so to speak. If, as Marxists postulate, Imperialism is the highest stage of capitalism and cultural imperialism is the worst form of Imperialism, then, the strengthening of Nollywood, which has saved this very important segment of the economy and our cultural life from mindless subservience to Bollywood and Hollywood, is great national service. A similar intervention is needed in other critical sectors such as Sports (especially football) where the craze now is to identify with foreign football clubs to the chagrin of the local league; as well as in the educational and health sectors where billions of dollars is lost yearly to what has euphemistically come to be known as “education” or “health” tourism. We should not allow the media join the growing list of debased national institutions.

– Bolawole, former editor of The PUNCH, is a Lagos-based media specialist and publisher

Ondo seaport: Ajulo calls for prompt action on project

By Christiana Ekpa

Kayode Ajulo, a legal practitioner has called for prompt action to execute the Ondo Seaport project, recently approved by President Muhammadu Buhari, beyond the paper work.

Ajulo in a statement on Monday in Abuja commended Buhari for the approval and urged for quick action on the Seaport project.

He said, “for me, I think it is time to take a break from the honeymoon that comes with the good tidings and face the facts to be able to see the approval beyond the papers.”

According to him, we must begin to ask what are the clauses to the approval, what is the modality of operations after now, what would it take for the potential contractor to move to site.

Ajulo further said that what was required of both the Ondo State and the Federal Government should be fine tuned in order to ensure fast realisation of the project.

He said the achievement of the Seaport would be of no value if there was no appropriate plan to execute the project pronto.

“Though I am optimistic about this but, we must be vigilant and maintain our sense of critical and constructive analysis.”

Ajulo said the state had had different approvals for resource exploitation that never developed beyond the approval and celebration stage.

“A good example of this is in the proposed Bitumen exploitation that later became a sour story after it got us excited for a few days.

“This development gladdens my heart but these concerns must be raised to know if we’ve got to celebrate the more or move on like we did on bitumen,” he said.

Buhari approved Seaport in Ondo State with a projected investment of about one billion naira, to be sourced through a public-private partnership.

Group trains students on waste to wealth

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State World Bank-supported Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project says it is teaching secondary school students how to convert waste to wealth.

The Project Coordinator, Hajiya Maryam Dangaji, stated this in Kaduna at the Climate Change Action Exhibition and Competition on Waste to Wealth and distribution of Eco Clubs activity toolkit.

The exhibition and competition are among 42 established ECO Clubs in Secondary Schools across the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

Dangaji said that the measure was part of AGILE’s “catch them young” strategy, to make the students environmental conservation advocates to mitigate climate change.

According to her, the ECO Clubs are established to inculcate the culture of tree

planning, love, protection, and care for the environment among students, particularly schoolgirls.

“They can do this profitably, by turning waste to wealth.”

Dr Yahaya Ibrahim, an Associate Professor with the Kaduna State University and Technical Assistant to AGILE project in Kaduna State, said that catching school children young would significantly mitigate climate change.

Ibrahim said that the students were trained on how to value trees, stressing that cutting down a single tree would jeopardize the lives of 400 living organisms.

He added that other areas covered recycling of waste products for wealth creation, segregation of waste and how to maintain a balance between environmental exploitation and conservation.

“The competition was organised to encourage the students on the need to practice and sustain what they have learned and also to reward good performance,” he

said.

On her part, the AGILE Environmental Safeguard Officer, AGILE, Maurine Oyedoja, said that 42 schools participated in the competition designed to strengthen the interest of students on environmental conservation.

According to her, it is very important for the students to know that they can produce something from the abundant waste in the environment through recycling.

“It is equally important to catch the children, young by teaching them how to convert waste to wealth with a view to change their attitude from throwing away wealth in the name of waste.”

In her remarks, the National Project Coordinator, AGILE, Hajiya Amina Buba, commanded Kaduna AGILE Project Implementing Unit for inculcating environmental protection and preservation among students.

Buba, who was represented by Mrs Nkechi Nkemefuna, Environmental Safeguard

Officer, National Project Coordinating Unit, said that the achievements recorded so far were laudable.

She called on the state government to ensure sustainability of the project goals and objective not only in improving girls’ access to secondary education, but also in mobilizing students to take action to protect the environment.

Government Girls

Secondary School Maimuna Gwarzo emerged winner of the competition, while Government Secondary School Kabala Costain and Technical College Malali emerged second and third best respectively.

The AGILE project is the initiative of the Federal Government with funding support from the World Bank. The project aimed to ensure adolescent girls access quality secondary education, through enhanced learning, digital literacy and life skills which empowered and assured better life chances and experience.

Niger

community raises alarm over bandits position in Kainji National Park

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

The Kainji National Park in New Bussa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, has been purportedly taken over by armed bandits, who have equally established their camp in the hitherto famous games reserve.

It was reliably gathered that the communities around the National Park alleged that

over 200 gunmen are currently occupying the games reserve and have established their camp therein.

Sources revealed that the bandits usually come out from their hideout in the National Park to attack innocent travellers along the busy WawaLuma highway, connecting Benin Republic.

Similarly, another source disclosed that, due to the

activities of the bandits, farmers have abandoned their farms, no single staff of the National Park is left behind in the park, including the forest guards providing security for the park as well as the Nigeria Customs Service check point have disappeared, hence the abduction of many victims and several injured who are receiving treatment in New Bussa government hospital.

When contacted, Vice

Chairman of Borgu Local Government Area, Mallam Abdullahi Mohammed Nasir, confirmed the development which he described as very worrisome and disturbing.

Also, the Niger State Command, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Wasiu Abiodun could not be reached for confirmation at the time of filing in the report as his phone number was switched off.

Chairman, APC Presidential Support Committee Chairmen Forum (PSCCF), Oyo State and South-west Leader, Iyiola Aremu-Olayiwola (4th L); Chairman of the Forum, Mr Elijah Ettah-Thompson (5th L); Chairman, Kaduna State and North-west Leader, Alhaji Abdulmajeed Buhari (M) and others, during their meeting in Abuja on Monday (22/5/23).

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has said that the leadership tussle in the Senate is all about money.

Ndume has maintained that he opted out of the race for two reasons; the fact that the President elect told him to consider withdrawing and secondly, the claim that he has no money to share around.

10th Senate Presidency tussle all about money – Ndume, says Akpabio best

Appearing on television programme on Tuesday, the lawmaker, who contested for the Senate President in the ninth assembly and scored 28 votes, said he decided to throw his weight behind Godswill Akpabio this time for reasons of stability, fairness

and equity.

“It’s unfortunate that everybody has now known that the Senate Presidency and leadership tussle is now a money thing rather than capacity, capability and other qualifications that are supposed to matter most.

“Truly I’m the one leading the campaign for Akpabio for reasons I’ve stated before. It is based on the need to have stability, equity and justice and fairness in the country considering the heightened tension arising from issues especially the zoning, religion and whatever.

“When the President spoke to me about stepping down and considering that I don’t have the money to go into this battle because money is playing more roles than qualifications, I obliged and decided to work for Akpabio,” he said.

Apapa shops for northern Courts, judges to grant injunctions against us - Labour Party

By Christiana Ekpa

The Labour Party has raised the alarm over a statement reportedly made by the party’s former acting National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, which allegedly suggests that some disloyal former members of the party led by rebellious former Deputy National Chairman, Lamidi Apapa are going round the Northern States to drive for membership.

A statement issued yesterday by the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, the party also said that Arabambi’s statement further stated that LP leader and Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi and the leadership of the party allegedly mismanaged the fortunes of the party.

However, the party claimed that the statement by Arabambi is rather another attempt to misinform and hoodwink Nigerians on their real reasons for embarking on another fruitless voyage of which their forerunner, the suspended former National Legal Adviser, Samuel Akingbade, did embarked a fortnight ago leading to the procurement of the Kano black market judgment last week.

“Labour Party sources who have been monitoring the clandestine movement of Akingbade and his team have informed us that the former Legal Adviser has visited three states in the North as at today, moving from one court to the other, shopping for a judge who will give them an injunction in order to enable the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to recognize them”, the party said in a statement.

While disclosing that the Apapa group have visited three judges in the North who have all turned down their requests, Labour Party said they are still prowling the Northern states with enough liquidity at their disposal to influence the legal officers.

“But we can confirm that

as of today, none of the judges approached have agreed to their tempting offers. We therefore commend the judges who have refused their offers, and who are insisting that justice can not be bought.

“Not withstanding the unfortunate incident in Kano Federal High court last week where they deceived the judge to enter a judgement against

Labour Party, we are happy that their motives was not defeated but also the clarification of His Lordship, that his judgement was misinterpreted to mean a blanket punishment against all elected members of the party across Nigeria was heart warming.

“Labour Party has also swiftly applied for notice of appeal. We believe that justice will also be dispensed accordingly.

“We use this opportunity to call on the judiciary to be up and doing, and to be on notice of the plots of these anti democratic elements to derail our thriving democracy. We also call on the Chief Justice of the Federation and Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to advice judges under them not to allow the name of the judiciary to be dragged into the mud by desperate politicians.

“The judiciary has a duty to protect our democracy and we believe that this arm of government has done well but can still do more untill the likes of Apapa and his cohorts are properly caged in accordance with the law and are made to pay for the injury and pains they have continued to inflict on our democracy.”

Uba Sani appoints Muhammad Lawal as Chief Press Secretary

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Governor - Elect of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani has approved the appointment of Muhammad Shehu Lawal as his Chief Press Secretary.

A statement issued and personally signed by the Governor - Elect indicated that the appointment takes effect from May 23, 2023.

Muhammad Shehu Lawal brings to the service more

than 10 years of significant and relevant experience in strategic communication, political communication, image management, conflict resolution and peace - building, and monitoring and evaluation.

He holds the Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy (MIAD) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Masters in Conflict, Peace and Strategic Studies from Kaduna State University, Kaduna, and Bachelor of Science (Political Science)

Degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He also obtained certificates in Interfaith Conflict Resolution and Conflict Analysis from United States Institute of Peace, Washington DC, as well as a certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation from the Global Health Learning Centre, Baltimore, USA.

Muhammad Shehu Lawal served as Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Kaduna State on Political Matters from 2019 to 2023. He played a key role in the design and execution

of the media and communications strategies of the Kaduna State APC Campaign Council and the North West APC Presidential Campaign Council.

The Governor - Elect urged the appointee to device effective strategies for publicizing of government activities, interfacing with the media and relevant agencies, and positively projecting the image of the incoming administration. He wished him Allah’s guidance in the discharge of his new assignment.

Don’t panic over heavy security at Abia Assembly – Speaker urges residents

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly has urged residents to remain calm following the increased presence of Police and other security agencies.

The Speaker, Chinedum Orji in a statement also explained the cordoning off of the State House of Assembly complex by security men.

The statement signed by his

Chief Press Secretary, Jude Chijioke Ndukwe, said the Speaker requested security agencies in the state to warn political actors working to destabilize the state assembly to desist and toe the path of peace so that the current administration ends in peace.

The Speaker added that “Contrary to the insinuation in some quarters, the non-sitting of members, has nothing to do with any

requests from the Executive, as such requests are usually channelled as Appropriation Bills and as of today, there are no requests for approval of any Appropriation by the Executive that is pending before the House.

“The House has since passed both requests last December”, the statement read.

It would be recalled that some members of the Abia State House of Assembly, including the

former Deputy Speaker, Ifeanyi Uchendu were slammed with suspension by the House after a failed impeachment plot against the Speaker, Chinedum Orji.

When reporters visited the House of Assembly, it observed three Police vehicles and an Armoured Personnel Carrier parked in front of the legislative office with Policemen seen manning the entrance.

Rivers guber: I’ll fight until I recover mandate – Tonye Cole

By Musa Baba Adamu

The

All Progressives

Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has said he’s committed to pursuing his petition challenging the outcome of the 2023 governorship election.

Cole said he would continue to pursue his petition until he gets justice.

He was reacting to rumours circulating about the withdrawal of the APC from the petition challenging the state’s governor-elect, Similiayi Fubara.

However, Cole said he

remains undeterred until he gets justice.

Tweeting, Cole wrote: “I want to formally denounce the false rumours surrounding our petition against the results of the Rivers State governorship election.

“I assure you that our petition stands strong and

unwavering, and we will not be swayed in our pursuit of justice.

“Despite attempts to undermine our efforts, I want to emphasise that we are tirelessly working to ensure our voices are heard.

“We remain undeterred and resolute in our fight for what is right until justice is served.”

10th NASS leadership: Respect APC’s zoning arrangement -

Legislative aides

By Christiana Ekpa

Forum of National Assembly

Legislative Aides from North West, has called on Senators and Members - elect for the 10th National Assembly, contesting for leadership positions outside the choices recently made by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to back down.

The forum made the call in Abuja on Tuesday at a special press conference within the premises of the National Assembly.

The NWC of APC had in its zoning arrangements for the leadership of 10th National Assembly, picked Senator Godswill Akpabio from South - South, as preferred candidate for Presidency of the Senate and Senator Jibrin Barau from North West for Deputy President of the Senate.

The party in a statement signed to that effect by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, picked Hon Tajudeen Abbas from North West for the Speakership position of the House of Representatives and Hon Benjamin Kalu from South East for Deputy Speakership position.

The zoning arrangement was however not respected by some other APC federal lawmakerselect interested in the positions like Abdulaziz Yari from Zamfara West ,vying for Senate President , Sani Musa vying for Deputy Senate President , Muktar Betara , vying for Speakership of the House of Representatives etc.

But in their support for the choices made by the NWC of APC, the National Assembly Legislative Aides from North West, said the party was in order for picking Senator Jibrin Barau for Deputy President of the Senate and Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas for Speakership of the House of Representatives.

The forum in its statement signed by Zonal Leader, Abdulrazaq Dunkawa and Secretary, Silas Gabriel Garba, said Northwest deserved the two presiding officers’ positions zoned to it, for contributing the highest number of votes to the APC in the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The statement reads in part “We Legislative Aides from the North West like to place on record that the geo - political zone contributed the highest number of votes to the APC in the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

“Results from the elections show that North West played crucial role of keeping APC in power by securing the majority of Honourable members and Distinguished Senators in both chambers.

“The Zone no doubt rightly

10th Speaker: NWC, Tinubu agree to further, better consult - Adamu tells Abbas

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The National Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu, yesterday told the anointed Speakership candidate of the party, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, after meeting with the President elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima, it was resolved that there is need for further and better consultation on the zoning formula of the party.

“After reporting to the National Working Committee (NEC) the discussions we had with the President-elect and leaders like the Vice President-elect, the Senate President, the Speaker; my humble self, the National Chairman of the Party, my Deputy North, Deputy South and the National Secretary of the party, I reported our deliberations. It was clear in our declaration that there is need for further and better consultations”,

Adamu told Abbas and his colleagues when they paid him a courtesy call yesterday.

Hon. Abbas had led members of the Joint Task Committee of the House of Representatives, to pay a courtesy visit on Adamu and members of his NWC, where he (Adamu), apparently irked by reference to Hon. Abbas as Speaker by members of his allies, said it was wrong to ascribe Speaker to Abbas before he is elected by his colleagues.

Addressing the members, Adamu said “I want to make one correction so that we will not be misrepresented. A quite number of you have referred to Hon. Abbas as the Speaker. Please, please he is one of the aspirants. He will become a Speaker on the day of proclamation.

“The laws guiding that office are very clear, he will earn that on the day of proclamation by the President and Commander in Chief of the 10th National Assembly. The Clerk to the National Assembly will conduct the

election, there is no option other than the election. When he comes out of that election and they raise his hand and when he is sworn in as the Speaker, that nomenclature becomes most appropriate. Wait. Continue doing your good work.”

While wishing him luck in his contest, Adamu said “We have received all the other aspirants for the President of the Senate and the Speakership of the House of Representatives. I, on behalf of my colleagues, wish you the best of luck.”

Speaking earlier, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas commended the role APC NWC played in his emergence and his colleague as the candidate of the party for the June 13th election of the leadership of the House of Representatives.

He said “We want to thank you and we want to impress on you that you have chosen the right people. We will do everything humanly possible to protect the interest of the party, to protect the interest of

the government and to protect the interest of the Nigerian populace.

“You can take it to the market Mr. Chairman that we are together. I want to use this opportunity Mr. Chairman to ask you to complete one item in your resume. You have conquered the parliament several times; you were a party man several times; you were in the executive several times; you have delivered the president-elect of our party this time around.

“What is only outstanding to complete your resume is to deliver the leadership of the National Assembly 2023. I want to urge you Mr. Chairman and members of the NWC that if tomorrow you have done one leg of your job, that is the endorsement of the people that will represent the party in the next dispensation.

“The next is to come all out, to support, to encourage, to convince every member who has a vote to come and vote for your candidate come June 13”, he said.

Ndoma-Egba backs South East for Senate President, cautions APC against Akpabio

By Musa Baba Adamu

The former majority leader of the Senate, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, has thrown his political weight behind the Southeast region to produce the next Senate President.

He cautioned the APC, the national ruling party, against deviating from the zoning formula which they have had since 1999 when democracy returned.

He also frowned at the reported endorsement of former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, by the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as the popular choice.

Speaking on Tuesday over

a radio programme in Calabar, Ndoma-Egba warned against imposition, adding that such purported endorsement attempts to deny the Senate of its independence.

“So for names of certain persons to be mentioned or endorsed as possible leaders of the 10th Senate cannot be the end of the matter. This matter will be decided by the Senators themselves on the floor of the Senate come June 5th when they will conduct their voting; the real answer will then emerge.

“I want to let you know that the Senate guards its independence very jealously. Note that each time the Executive arm imposes a Senate President there are usually

banana peels. The only time you do not have banana peels is when the Senate on its own picks its leadership,” he said.

Ndoma-Egba said even though he is from the South South region where Godswill Akpabio also hails and is vying for the position of Senate President yet he cannot be sentimental to root for him.

He said he was supporting the southeast because by constitution, the position ought to go that direction.

“My not supporting South South is based on precedence from 1999. I stand on history. I cannot be sentimental.

“But if our brothers from Southeast don’t play their cards

well and the position is taken from them, so be it.

“I want to strongly appeal to our brothers from the north and friends from the other religion to excuse themselves from the Senate Presidency race in the interests of national unity and of National Constitution Section 14.3.

“The argument that Southeast didn’t contribute much to the victory of the incoming President, and so should not be considered, cannot be tenable. This is because we are now talking about government positioning which the Constitution advises must be spread, and that no state or region should have undue dominance over the other.”

Representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi (5th R); former Chief of Army Staff, and Chairman of Board of MLAILPKC, representative of the Minister State for Budget and National Planning, Dr Philip Ugbodaga (4th L); retired Lt.-Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (5th L); Team Lead Peace and Security, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr Matthew Alao (2nd L) and dignitaries and participants, during the opening ceremony of the protection of Civilian in Armed Conflict Course organised MLAILPKC in partnership with UNDP and Embassy of Japan, yesterday in Abuja.

Kogi election: Accord affirms ex-Chief of Naval Staff Jibrin as guber candidate

By Christiana Ekpa

Ahead of November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi State, Accord Party has affirmed Usman Oyibe Jibrin, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the substantive candidate of the party.

Unveiling the candidate after the delegates’ affirmation in Lokoja on Tuesday, the national chairman of the party,

Alhaji Mohammed Nalado

described Usman Jibrin as a viable and valuable candidate who possesses the charisma, capacity, experience and popularity to dislodge the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in the November 2023 governorship election.

According to him: “The process that produced the candidate was very transparent as the placeholder of the party Ahmed Ibrahim voluntarily withdrew for Usman Jubrin to emerge through affirmation by

delegates of the party from the 21 local government areas of Kogi State.”

He assured that the candidate being a former naval chief of staff would be able to deliver the desired dividends of democracy to the people.

Nalado solicited the support of the party members and the people of Kogi State to win the forthcoming governorship in order to salvage the current situation in the state where percentage payment of salary

has become the order of the day.

In his remark, the legal adviser of the party who is also the chairman of the electoral committee, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem, commended the leadership of the party for the seamless conduct of the exercise that led to the unveiling of the candidate of the Accord Party for Kogi State governorship election.

Delivering his acceptance speech Usman Jibrin said he accepted the ticket of the party

to contest the forthcoming election and win to enable him to rescue the state from the hands of leaders who have plunged the state into a precarious situation.

“Accord Party has taken a position in Kogi politics and I am happy to be the candidate of the party. I thank Ahmed Ibrahim who withdrew for me to emerge and I am assuring our teeming supporters that the party will not disappoint them if given the mandate come November 2023,” he said.

Transition: Hand over before May 26 - Ugwuanyi orders political appointees

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has directed all political appointees in the State to hand over on or before May 26, 2023 ahead of the expiration of the second tenure of his administration on May 29.

Ugwuanyi’s directive was conveyed through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, when the SSG met with Heads of Boards, Parastatals, Agencies and Commissions in his office in Abuja Building, Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday.

Prof. Ortuanya listed the affected political appointees to include all Commissioners of Ministries, Special Advisers (SPAs) to the Governor, Chief Executive Officers of Government-owned Companies, Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) to the Governor and Special Assistants (SAs) to the Governor.

Others were Technical Assistants to the Governor, Technical Assistants to Commissioners, Technical Assistants to Special Advisers, Technical Assistants to Enugu State House of Assembly Members, Board Chairmen and Board Members of Governmentowned Companies, Executive Secretaries of Parastatals or Government-owned Companies, and State Project Coordinators of World Bank-Assisted Projects.

The SSG said “the above mentioned political appointees are to hand over their affairs to the Permanent Secretary or Director of Administration or Director of Personnel Management, as the case

may be.”

The state government also directed all civil servants holding political positions to return to their parent ministries.

Ortuanya explained that the

decision was in line with established procedure, as the second tenure of Governor Ugwuanyi expires on May 29, 2023.

“Enugu State Government expresses gratitude and sincere

appreciation for the contributions you have rendered towards the development of the state. The state wishes you well in your future endeavours,” he added.

Stop the blackmail, I didn’t engage in vote buying – Adebutu to Ogun APC

By Musa Baba Adamu

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop blackmailing him, saying he did not engage in vote buying during the March 18 polls.

Note that the Chairman of the APC in Ogun State, Yemi Sanusi, had petitioned the police, asking that Adebutu be investigated and

arrested for alleged vote buying.

But, in a statement made available to journàlists in Abeokuta on Tuesday, the Media Director of Ladi Adebutu Campaign Organisation, Afolabi Orekoya, described the claim as unsubstantiated, saying the APC and its candidate have “decided to go for cheap blackmail after realizing that our candidate and PDP’s petition before the tribunal is unequivocally tight.”

Orekoya said the APC resorted

to blackmail after failing in its efforts to “coax, intimidate and harass Adebutu to withdraw the petition” despite pleas from their emissaries, delegations and despite “offer of monetary compensation.”

He said the party “resorted to blackmail, media trial, depravity and malfeasance in an attempt to buy public sentiment and confuse the judiciary.”

According to him, Tunde Oladunjoye, the Ogun APC

Publicity Secretary, had earlier claimed on a television show that one of the many humanitarian gestures of the Adebutu family was for other purposes and intent.

“For clarity sake, the fact of the burial of the Adebutu matriarch, Late Dame Caroline Adebutu, on February 11th, 2023 is in the public domain and it will be unreasonable and unconscionable for anyone under the guise of paid reporting to attempt to twist the details,” he said.

10th Senate: Lawan denies contesting against Akpabio, others

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, on Tuesday said he has never told anyone or held a meeting with anyone that he is in the race for the President of the 10th Senate.

Lawan who disclosed this in

a statement he made available to newsman in Abuja said he is part of the leadership of his party, the APC.

He said “I have read some media reports that I have joined the race for the Presidency of the 10th Senate. Ordinarily I would not have responded to these

reports but when lies are not refuted, they have the tendency to create an illusion of truth.

“The truth is that I have never told anyone or held a meeting with anyone that I am running for the Presidency of the 10th Senate. So the public should discountenance the reports.

“The fact remains that I am part of the leadership of our great party, the APC, seeking to find solutions to the numerous issues arising from the contests for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly and I will continue to remain focused on that”, he said.

APC’s zoning formula backfires, as Tinubu seeks slot for North Central in NASS

By Christiana Ekpa

The zoning arrangement for 10th National Assembly presiding officers announced by the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to be headed for a collapse, as a result of the widespread opposition to the plan by major stakeholders.

The opposition led by members-elect aspiring for the Speaker of the House known as the G7, who have vowed to work in unity against the party’s anointed candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (Kaduna, North-west) and Hon. Benjamin Kalu (Abia State, South-east).

Members of the G7 are Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase; Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi; Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara; Hon. Sada Soli; Hon. Mariam Onuoha and Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji.

The group, among others, have rejected the micro zoning of the leadership positions in the House, as well as the exclusion of the North Central region, which has serially shown loyalty and dedication to the APC by votes delivered to the party in state and presidential elections.

Based on new developments which followed the meeting of G7 members and the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the weekend, it is now clear that the attempt by some elements within the APC to foist Hon. Abbas on the House is not progressing as planned.

The entire arrangement is being reconsidered and a new zoning arrangement that will be favourable to all parties, especially the North-central, is expected to be announced soon.

This is especially as Sen. Abdul’aziz Yari from Zamfara, the same North-west zone as Hon. Abbas, has refused to back down from

the contest for Senate President. With Sen. Yari forging ahead, the possibility of the Senate and the House producing leaders who are Muslims is high and the president-elect has made it clear that he will not support the top four political positions in the country to be occupied by people of the same faith, hence his intervention in the zoning debacle to ensure that there is a balance.

Amidst all the happenings, frontline aspirant for speaker, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, has assured that no candidate endorsed by parties outside the green chamber will lead the 10th House of Representatives, he stated.

WhatsApp to allow users edit messages

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

Meta Chief Executive Officer, Mark Zuckerberg, on Monday announced that WhatsApp users can now edit a message within 15 minutes of sending the message.

Mr Zuckerberg disclosed this in a brief statement posted on his official Facebook page on Monday.

“You can now edit your WhatsApp messages up to 15 mins after they’re sent,” his post reads.

The company in a blog post said the feature is available to users globally and will be available to everyone in the coming weeks.

“For the moments when you make a mistake, or simply change your mind, you can now edit your sent messages.

“From correcting a simple misspelling to adding extra context to a message, we’re excited to bring you more control over your chats. All you need to do is long-press on a sent message and choose ‘Edit’ from the menu for up to fifteen minutes after.

“Edited messages will display ‘edited’ alongside them, so those you’re messaging are aware of the correction without showing edit history. As with all personal messages, media and calls, your messages and the edits you make are protected by end-to-end encryption,” the company said.

Last month, WhatsApp announced that its users will now use the same account on multiple phones simultaneously.

WhatsApp is an internationally available freeware, cross-platform, centralised instant messaging and voice-over-IP service owned by the tech conglomerate, Meta.

The app allows users to send text and voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents, user locations, and other content seamlessly.

Buhari commissions Nigerian Customs headquarters

Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the policies taken by his administration were deliberately made for the development of the country.

He stated this on Tuesday at the inauguration of a new Customs Headquarters, built at the cost of N19.6 billion, in Abuja.

Mr Buhari said that such policies became legacy programmes because they later became the delight of the people and the country.

He said the ban on importation of foreign rice for instance, was one of such policies.

“I deliberately closed the borders. I said it is either you eat what you grow or you grow what you eat and later Nigerians appreciated it,” he said.

On corruption, Buhari said he had nothing to hide, adding that, “those who are following Nigerian leaders to condemn them for misappropriation and misbehaviour will have a

problem with me.”

On relationship with neighbouring African countries, the president said there was a need to maintain cordial relationship with them.

“When I became the President, my first visit was to Niger, Chad and Cameroon because if you do not secure their confidence, you will be in trouble.’’

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said the new customs headquarters was a symbol of the present government’s commitment to effective service delivery.

She said the board under her leadership, prioritised customs’ staff welfare.

She said the board ensured “regular promotion for customs personnel, training opportunities”, among others.

She thanked the president for signing the Nigeria Customs Act 2022, saying it would go a long way in

enabling the service meet up with international best practices.

Mrs Ahmed thanked the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and other stakeholders for their continued support, adding that it had enhanced the service’s mandate of trade facilitation and revenue generation.

Earlier, Comptroller of Custom, Hammed Ali, said he ensured the building was completed to create conducive environment for personnel to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

“When I assumed office in 2015, I was resolute on implementing the three “Rs”; Reform, Restructure and Raise Revenue profile of the Service.

“In view of this, I was not in doubt that a conducive environment is important and that is why I ensured the completion of the new corporate headquarters.”

Mr Ali said the building was technologically friendly

with necessary facilities to monitor activities at the different borders and commands across the country.

Mr Ali said the building, which sits on approximately 25,000 square meters, was designed and constructed by indigenous firms.

He said although there were challenges of variations in the course of the project, the service was proud to erect one of the most costeffective edifices in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.

The Customs corporate headquarters, referred to as “Customs House”, is located in Maitama areas in Abuja.

The building has a 12-floor tower with five floors on both wings of the tower and “bridges” linking the two wings.

The project was conceived in 2002 to provide a comfortable and conducive working environment for staff and authorised visitors to the building.

Nigeria gets 30% of Africa’s foreign direct investment – NITDA

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa, has said that almost 30 per cent of Africa’s Foreign Direct Investment ends in Nigeria.

According to him, the Nigeria tech ecosystem has attracted about $4.4bn investment in 2015, 2019 and 2020 commutatively, and ICT contributed about 18.5 per cent to country’s Gross Domestic Product.

Inuwa said this at the Leaders Without Borders Annual Business Summit and International Honours 2023 in London with the theme:

“Business Beyond Borders, Global Partnerships and Sustainable Investments”, a global event that brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from around the world to promote collaboration and innovation in the business world.

The DG recalled that NITDA as a government agency established in 2001 to help Nigerians in the use of information technology had supported about 753 startups in different ways through training, seed funding and grants.

It added that through the agency’s efforts, 120 million Nigerians currently have access to the internet not just computer.

He noted that the digital economy had created a pathway for emerging technologies, providing opportunities for talented youths in Africa to emerge as global leaders, through harnessing their potential.

According to the NITDA boss, fintech companies in the country are almost twice bigger than its biggest bank.

He claimed that the biggest bank in the country was valued at about $1.6bn, while Flutterwave was almost $3.6bn.

“Nigeria is thriving and has the most vibrant tech ecosystem in Africa. Recently, we took

some startups to Riyadh for competition, and two of them emerged as global winners and won $150,000 each.

“In addition to making an effort in IT development as well as enhancing the capacity of the citizenry, hundreds of IT Hubs, IT Parks, and community ICT centres were established, furnished and equipped with worlds class facilities across the states of the federation.

“The agency through its strategic relations with techpreneurs, supported startups, and IT ecosystem builders through Nigeria ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship Vision (NIIEV) which have created employment for Nigerian youths,” he explained.

Inuwa noted that the agency had been doing a lot in the area of digital literacy, using local languages to enable every Nigerian to be able to use digital devices and consume digital services.

“We have trained over 3.3

million Nigerians on digital literacy to boost the economy.

“NITDA embarked on the development of many regulatory frameworks for the Information Technology development in government establishments. The projects are to give rise to digital skills in educational institutions and rural areas and cities, to develop human capital and provide universal access to digital services with the aim of creating a knowledge-based economy,” the NITDA DG said.

Inuwa further revealed that under the IT project clearance, the agency had saved the country money from duplication of projects by ministries, departments and agencies.

According to him from 2019 to date, NITDA through the project has saved the country over N305bn from IT project implementation in MDAs towards improving effectiveness and efficiency in executing government IT projects across the country.

•says ‘my administration’s policies were deliberate’

OPL 245 Scam: US, Netherlands urged to reopen investigations

Transparency International and its chapters in the Netherlands and the United States have urged the authorities in the two countries to reopen investigations into Eni and Shell for alleged bribepaying in Nigeria.

The two oil multinationals allegedly paid over US$ 1 billion in bribes to members of thenPresident Goodluck Jonathan’s administration for the rights to the OPL245 offshore oilfield

in a case widely recognised as seriously detrimental to the people of Nigeria. Along these lines, the US and the Netherlands had previously opened investigations into the deal but closed them due to a court case in Italy.

Yet in 2021 and 2022, Italian authorities acquitted Eni and Shell, shocking the international community.

Unfortunately, this is part of a pattern in Italy, with the OECD

Working Group on Bribery and Transparency International’s own Exporting Corruption 2022 report finding the country limited in its enforcement against foreign bribery. Now, reports that Nigeria’s attorney general advised the country’s outgoing president to drop the long-running dispute with Eni and Shell make the reopening of proceedings in countries that have jurisdiction over the case crucial for accountability.

Simultaneously, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) – Transparency International’s chapter in Nigeria – has urged the Nigerian government to refrain from terminating its own disputes.

It is estimated that the Nigerian treasury could lose as much as US$5 billion because of the poorly negotiated fiscal terms under the OPL 245 deal.

Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, executive director of CISLAC,

said:

“Nigerians need answers. The outgoing government of President Muhammadu Buhari should reject calls to stop litigation over a deal that may have caused the Nigerian public an enormous loss. This is important, especially as the current government has about a week before giving way to another administration. The incoming government must ensure that we get to the root of the matter.”

Hilda Baci, others to discuss business innovation at UBA Africa Conversations

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc said it is set to celebrate this year’s Africa Day in commemoration of African unity with the fifth edition of the annual UBA Africa

Conversations.

The event will be held at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheater, UBA House, on Wednesday, 24 May.

A statement shared with Journalists said this is coming at a time Africans are achieving

great feats on the global front.

According to the statement, UBA Conversation 2023 allows the African and global audience to hear and connect with diverse panellists on their African journeys and how they have waded through

various challenges to attain international successes in their own rights.

It said this year’s theme is: ‘Innovating for Growth in Africa’, and interestingly, this edition involves an allfemale panel who are certified

TikTok sues Montana over statewide ban

By Abubakar Yunusa,ABUJA

The video-sharing app, Tiktok, has sued the state of Montana over a new law that prohibits the use of the service in the state.

Montana became the first state in the US to ban the app after the bill was signed to law by Republican Governor, Greg Gianforte, on Wednesday. The law is set to take effect in January 2024.

According to Gainforte, the law was “to protect Montanans’

personal and private data from the Chinese Communist Party.”

In a statement shared with CBS News, a spokesperson for TikTok said the ban was “unconstitutional” and the company had optimism that it would prevail over the ban in court.

“We are challenging Montana’s unconstitutional TikTok ban to protect our business and the hundreds of thousands of TikTok users in Montana,” the statement read. “We believe our legal challenge will prevail based

on an exceedingly strong set of precedents and facts.”

The company argued in the suit that the ban “effects a prior restraint on the speech of Plaintiff and other TikTok users, unconstitutionally shutting down the forum for speech for all speakers on the app and singling these speakers out for disfavored treatment with the content-based rationale that videos on TikTok are harmful to minors.”

Another ground for challenging the ban, as stated in the suit, was that security concerns about

the Chinese government having access to user data fell under the authority of the US government rather than an individual state.

Already, TikTok content creators in Montana have taken the state government to court over the ban, which threatens their livelihood.

The group filed the complaint on Wednesday, just hours after the governor assented to the bill. According to them, the ban violates their First Amendment right to access and create “lawful speech.”

professionals in their own right from various fields.

“They include the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, UBA Africa, Abiola Bawuah; President, Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) Plc, Owen Omogiafo; award-winning and trendsetting Foodpreneur/ Chef, Hilda Baci; Renowned Fashion Designer, Banke Lawson-Kuku and Business & Technology Executive; Folusho Gbadamosi.

‘These intelligent women will speak on how they have succeeded at their craft overtime and the place of innovation in business.

“They will also speak on their personal journeys and how women have aptly taken their pride of place against all odds to emerge as business leaders while supporting change on this continent,” the statement said.

The session will be moderated by UBA Ghana’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Henry Dottey.

“Also expected at this all-important event is the Chairman, UBA Group, Tony Elumelu; the Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba; other key management staff, business leaders and key players in the economic, financial and business landscape in Africa,” it said.

The statement noted that the UBA Africa Conversations, which will begin at 12 p.m.WAT is open to all and will be aired online on the bank’s social media pages, including Instagram and Facebook.

Since 1963, Africa Day has been celebrated every year on May 25th across the African continent and worldwide. The day was inaugurated by the Organisation of African Unity in celebration of the unity, diversity and beauty of Africa and its people.

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FCT Minister charges city traffic managers to sustain operations amid transition

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello has charged security, traffic and environmental officials in Abuja, the nation’s capital, to always remain committed to securing and keeping the city clean and green even within the transition period to when a new Minister will come.

He particularly urged them to always be passionate and diligent in their daily endeavours, as well as be bold to take tough decisions for the overall good of the people and the city.

Bello, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement, Comrade Ikharo Attah yesterday, during a valedictory session with the Traffic management team drawn from Police, FRSC, AEPB and Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), which he instituted on 19th September, 2019, To free free traffic at AYA-Nyanya Axis and the Gwarinpa-Dutse AlhajiBwari road, commended them for working as a team under his stewardship in its effort to sanitise the Territory.

He noted that every single day, people keep pouring into Abuja, and their work as security, traffic and environmental managers get more complex, because as the city is growing, and traffic management is becoming more challenging, and traffic management is unending.

“Abuja is getting complex because people from Lagos, Port Harcourt, Edo, Kano, Keffi, Zamfara and Uyo are constantly

moving down here, and we must constantly manage traffic as it is our work. The crowd coming into the city is not a bad omen, as people migrate to where they believed in, so traffic and crowd in a city shows that people believe that city is working.

“And traffic management is not rocket science. Every single day a new problem will rise that would require officials from FRSC, DRTS, Police, AEPB or even the Military to rush and solve. So, you must find that particular solution to it. That’s the truth.

“Despite the hectic nature of ensuring sanity in the capital city, you worked so hard, and it is not finished, and it will not be finished. Please don’t be afraid to take tough decisions

in the nation’s capital traffic management system. Once you know that it is good, take them in the interest of the society.

“So, the Minister has asked me to tell you that even if we are going, please be committed to your work even within the transition period to when new Minister will come. Just be passionate and do your work diligently, and when the new Minister comes, support him or her as you have all supported us to all to Abuja, and it has been very memorable”, Attah quoted the Minister saying.

In his remark, Director in charge of of Enforcement at AEPB, Kaka Bello, noted that what the outgoing Belloled FCTA did was laying a very good foundation towards

sustenance of the operations they have carried out, and assured that they will keep the flame burning.

He said: “From our own part, we assured you that the bond of cordial relationship that has been established between all the agencies, we will try as much as possible to ensure it continues.

“We don’t see as ourselves as just mere workers, but more of family members that is why the bond is something else because we are always working together to achieve a common purpose in the city”.

Similarly, DPO in charge of Nyanya, CSP Alhassan A. Majia, opined that the Minister through Attah, has brought the security agencies to work together in the discharge of

their respective duties in the FCT.

“I have worked with four Ministers and about six Permanent Secretaries, so I have seen a lot things as a Police Officer and working with civil servants but I have never seen a wonderful person like you, and I have learnt to always be humble and carry out responsibility with passion and teamwork.

“You have shown the agencies that working together will be bring result. You made them to forget about their differences, as they are all working for the same government. And we have practised it, and seen the result in the society. Now, it gives us a lot of joy to work as a team”, he stressed.

Tension as angry Apo traders besiege FCTA Secretariat Gate

By Stanley Onyekwere

There was palpable tension yesterday when hundreds of aggrieved members of Apo Traders Association ( ATASS) besieged and blocked the main entrance gate of the FCT Administration in Area 11, demanding release of land lease agreement to their permanent site.

It was gathered that the action of the protesters bearing various placards and chanting solidarity songs, caused serious panic as human and vehicular movements were distorted around the secretariat

They alleged that the FCTA had granted them a lease on a land proposed as a permanent site for the traders in 2015, but up till now, the Minister has failed to sign and formally release the agreement.

According to the Chairman of the Association, Chief Chimezie Ifeh, the traders have spent more that N100m, in the processing the land, held several meetings with relevant authorities, but no positive result has been achieved.

Ifeh noted that the Association is suspicious of the moves of some staff of FCTA, who had made some strange

demands and tried to distort the allocation.

He alleged that trading by the road corridors, as allowed by FCTA, as a temporary measure has been very hazardous to members of the Association.

He called on the Minister to sign and release the agreement, before leaving office in few days time, in order to save the traders from untold hardship.

He also vowed that the traders will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders and also protest when necessary, until the administration fulfil its own bargain.

Also Speaking, Secretary of the Association, Okhueleigbe Desmond disclosed that many of their members have died from vehicle accidents on the ever busy Apo road, because of they have no conducive place for their trades.

Desmond added that the traders were tired of trading by the road corridors, and would want to relocate to their permanent site.

According to him, FCT Minister’s delay in signing and releasing the agreement was a big disservice to the traders and Nigerians.

L-R: Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika; Minister of State Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo and FCT Minister Muhammad Musa Bello, at the special Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: State House

Madeleine McCann: Police digging near reservoir

Police officers have started digging near a reservoir in Portugal in a long-running investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

The Arade dam is 31 miles (50km) from where the British toddler went missing in Praia da Luz 16 years ago.

The operation is being led by German police looking for evidence to link her disappearance to Christian Brueckner.

The 45-year-old German national was made a formal suspect, or an “arguido”, by Portuguese prosecutors in 2022.

Brueckner is known to have visited the picturesque spot around the time Madeleine, who would now be 20, went missing.

Sniffer dogs were used in a search of the reservoir’s banks, and police officers went out into the water on an inflatable boat.

Uniformed and plain-clothed officers spent a number of hours scouring the scrubland, using pickaxes and inspecting small rocks with rakes and spades.

Emergency services and officials from Portugal, Germany and the UK held briefings near blue police tents erected at the site.

Speaking to the German regional public broadcaster NDR, German state prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters said the authorities “have grounds to believe that we could find evidence there (in the reservoir)”.

In a separate statement to German TV channel RTL, Mr Wolters said he could not “give any concrete information” on the clues on which the search operation is based.

“They are not tips that come from the accused... but you can imagine that we don`t start searching somewhere in

Portugal on the off chance, but that there must be a good reason for it.

“We do have one, but I ask for your understanding that I cannot disclose it here at the moment for tactical reasons.”

Around lunchtime, more than 20 officers were digging beside the reservoir. A number of bags have been taken away from the search area, although it is not known what is in them.

There are reportedly four areas of interest to be searched this week.

A short statement from the prosecutor’s office in the German city of Braunschweig has confirmed the search but did not say why it was taking place.

The Metropolitan Police said its officers were in Portugal so they can inform Madeleine’s family of any developments.

It is not the first time the reservoir has been searched as part of the investigation.

In 2008, Portuguese lawyer Marcos Aragao Correia paid specialist divers to check the waterway after an apparent tipoff from criminal contacts that Madeleine’s body was in the water.

Madeleine, from Rothley, Leicestershire, was three years old when she went missing on 3 May 2007 while on holiday with her family in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz.

Her parents, Kate and Gerry, had gone for dinner with a group of friends at a resort restaurant, leaving Madeleine and her younger brother and sister sleeping in their apartment 100 yards away.

The adults had devised a rota to check on all of the group’s children during the evening. But when it was Kate’s turn, she discovered Madeleine had gone.

Madeleine McCann’s disappearance

has drawn huge media interest over the years

Mr Wolters is treating Brueckner as the main suspect in the McCann case, although he has never been charged over Madeleine’s disappearance and has denied any involvement.

The state prosecutor said a growing amount of evidence had connected Brueckner to the case, including his mobile phone records showing he was in the Praia de Luz area at the time of Madeleine’s disappearance.

Brueckner is currently in prison in Germany for the rape of a 72-year-old woman in 2005 in the same area where Madeleine went missing.

He was living near the Praia da Luz resort when the McCann family was on

holiday, and spent time in the area between 2000 and 2017.

The most recent search in Portugal in relation to Madeleine’s disappearance was in 2014, when British police were given permission to examine scrubland near where she vanished.

Earlier this year three other charges, unrelated to the McCann case, were thrown out of court because Brueckner’s lawyer argued that, because of Brueckner’s last place of residence in Germany, prosecutors in another German region should be responsible.

State prosecutor Mr Wolters has launched an appeal against this and, in Tuesday’s comments to German media, clarified that he is still the prosecutor in charge of the case.

France bans short-haul flights to cut carbon emissions

France has banned domestic shorthaul flights where train alternatives exist, in a bid to cut carbon emissions.

The law came into force two years after lawmakers had voted to end routes where the same journey could be made by train in under two-and-a-half hours.

The ban all but rules out air travel between Paris and cities including Nantes, Lyon and Bordeaux, while connecting flights are unaffected.

Critics have described the latest measures as “symbolic bans”.

Laurent Donceel, interim head of industry group Airlines for Europe (A4E), told the AFP news agency that “banning these trips will only have minimal effects” on CO2 output.

He added that governments should instead support “real and significant solutions” to the issue.

Airlines around the world have been severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic, with website Flightradar24 reporting that the number of flights last year was down almost 42% from 2019.

The French government had faced calls to introduce even stricter rules.

France’s Citizens’ Convention on Climate, which was created by President

Emmanuel Macron in 2019 and included 150 members of the public, had proposed scrapping plane journeys where train journeys of under four hours existed.

But this was reduced to two-and-a-half hours after objections from some regions, as well as the airline Air France-KLM.

French consumer group UFC-Que Choisir had earlier called on lawmakers to retain the four-hour limit.

“On average, the plane emits 77 times more CO2 per passenger than the train on these routes, even though the train is cheaper and the time lost is limited to 40 minutes,” it said.

It also called for “safeguards that [French national railway] SNCF will not seize the opportunity to artificially inflate its prices or degrade the quality of rail service”.

Rolf Harris: Serial abuser and exentertainer dies aged 93

Disgraced former entertainer Rolf Harris, who was jailed for a series of indecent assaults on girls, has died aged 93.

Harris was found guilty of a string of indecent assaults between 1968 and 1986 following a trial in 2014 - and was jailed for

five years and nine months.

He was released from prison in 2017but never apologised to his victims.

Before his crimes came to light, Harris had been a fixture of family entertainment in Britain and Australia.

According to his death certificate, which was registered on Tuesday, he died of neck cancer and “frailty of old age” at his home in Bray, Berkshire, on 10 May.

A statement released by his family said: “This is to confirm that Rolf Harris recently died peacefully surrounded by family and friends and has now been laid to rest.

“They ask that you respect their privacy. No further comment will be made.”

Following a trial at Southwark Crown Court, Harris was initially found guilty of 12 attacks on four girls, mainly in the 1970s and 1980s.

One conviction, relating to an allegation he indecently assaulted an eight-year-old girl, was later overturned. But Court of Appeal judges dismissed his application to challenge the other 11 convictions.

The victims included two girls in their early teens and a friend of his daughter.

Queen’s portrait

Before his crimes came to light, Harris had been a well-known figure in the

entertainment industry in Britain and his native Australia for more than 50 years.

He arrived in London in 1952, aged 21, and went on to host a string of children’s TV and variety shows as well as series about animals and art. Harris painted a portrait of the late Queen to mark her 80th birthday in 2006.

Harris was also well known for a number of hit songs, including Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport; Two Little Boys and a cover of Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven.

During his career he was made an OBE, MBE and CBE and awarded a Bafta fellowship, but he was stripped of the honours following his convictions.

At his sentencing, the court heard he was a “sinister pervert”, who used his fame to get close to young women and girls.

“You have shown no remorse for your crimes at all,” the judge told him. “Your reputation now lies in ruins, but you have no one to blame but yourself.”

Harris served three years of his sentence at Stafford Prison in Staffordshire. After his release he returned to the home in Bray, Berkshire, he shared with his wife, Alwen - who he had married in 1958.

Source; BBC

Specialists are combing through the area located 31 miles (50km) from the apartment where Madeleine went missing

Sudan conflict: The Eritrean refugees caught between two crises

It is the airport wait from hell. Paloich Airport, which usually buzzes with the sound of well-heeled workers serving South Sudan’s oil fields, has turned into a camp for thousands of people fleeing the conflict in neighbouring Sudan - now more than a month old.

There are no toilet facilities, no running water, no kitchens - just crowds of people living around their bags, resting on luggage trolleys, or sleeping under makeshift tents while waiting to catch a flight.

They have ended up here, four hours from the border with Sudan, in the hope of finding a way out.

But there are few flights and little information about when people may be able to leave.

Among these refugees are Eritreans who have been uprooted for a second time after previously arriving in Sudan to escape the situation at home. And these people are stuck in limbo.

According to the UN, there were over 136,000 Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers in Sudan before this war.

Most Eritreans do not want to give their names to journalists because they are scared of retribution from the Eritrean authorities. Eritrea is a highly restrictive state that controls almost all aspects of people’s lives, and many want to avoid the prospect of compulsory national service.

But Tesfit Girmay agreed to speak to me. He had arrived in Paloich five days earlier.

“The kind of life around here, you wouldn’t wish it for animals let alone

humans,” he said looking at the tents around him.

As a single man he recognised that he was luckier than some.

“Maybe I can stand it. Sleeping outside, eating once a day, maybe I can stand it. But the biggest problem, there are people with children. There are people with four or five children,” Mr Tesfit told me.

He fled the deteriorating economy in Eritrea at the end of last year and headed to Sudan, hoping to find work and maybe travel on to another country.

But in South Sudan, Eritreans find themselves trapped.

Over 700 have arrived in the country.

Other nationals who fled the conflict in Sudan such as Kenyans, Ugandans and

Ethiopia’s Prince Alemayehu: Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has declined a request to return the remains of an Ethiopian prince who came to be buried at Windsor Castle in the 19th Century.

Prince Alemayehu was taken to the UK aged just seven and arrived an orphan after his mother died on the journey.

Queen Victoria then took an interest in him and arranged for his education - and ultimately his burial when he died aged just 18.

But his family wants his remains to be sent back to Ethiopia.

“We want his remains back as a family and as Ethiopians because that is not the country he was born in,” one of the royal descendants Fasil Minas told the BBC.

“It was not right” for him to be buried in the UK, he added.

But in a statement sent to the BBC, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said removing his remains could affect others buried in the catacombs of St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

“It is very unlikely that it would be possible to exhume the remains without disturbing the resting place of a substantial number of others in the vicinity,” the palace said.

The statement added that the authorities at the chapel were sensitive to the need to honour Prince Alemayehu’s memory, but that they also had “the responsibility to preserve the dignity of the departed”.

It also said that in the past the Royal Household had “accommodated requests from Ethiopian delegations to visit” the chapel.

How Prince Alemayehu ended up

in the UK at such a young age was the result of imperial action and the failure of diplomacy.

In 1862, in an effort to strengthen his empire, the prince’s father Emperor Tewodros II sought an alliance with the UK, but his letters making his case did not get a response from Queen Victoria.

Angered by the silence and taking matters into his own hands, the emperor held some Europeans, among them the British consul, hostage. This precipitated a huge military expedition, involving some 13,000 British and Indian troops, to rescue them.

The force also included an official from the British Museum.

In April 1868 they laid siege to Tewodros’ mountain fortress at Maqdala in northern Ethiopia, and in a matter of hours overwhelmed the defences.

The emperor decided he would rather take his own life than be a prisoner of the British, an action that turned him into a heroic figure among his people.

After the battle, the British plundered thousands of cultural and religious artefacts. These included gold crowns, manuscripts, necklaces and dresses.

Historians say dozens of elephants and hundreds of mules were needed to cart away the treasures, which are today scattered across European museums and libraries, as well as in private collections.

The British also took away Prince Alemayehu and his mother, Empress Tiruwork Wube.

The British may have thought this was to keep them safe and prevent them being captured and possibly killed by Tewodros’

Somalis have been repatriated by their governments. But many Eritreans in Paloich said they were terrified to go back home, or see no future there.

Mr Tesfit said that Eritreans at the airport were banned from getting onto flights to South Sudan’s capital, Juba. At the same time they have refused to go to the designated refugee camps in the country.

rejects calls to return royal’s body

enemies, who were near Maqdala, according to Andrew Heavens, whose book The Prince and the Plunder recounts Alemayehu’s life.

Following his arrival in Britain in June 1868, the prince’s predicament and his status as an orphan elicited the sympathy of Queen Victoria. The two met at the queen’s holiday home on the Isle of Wight, just off England’s south coast.

She agreed to support him financially and put him in the guardianship of Captain Tristram Charles Sawyer Speedy, the man who had accompanied the prince from Ethiopia.

They first lived together on the Isle of Wight and then Captain Speedy took him to other parts of the world, including India.

But it was decided that the prince should have a formal education.

He was sent to the British public school Rugby but he was not happy there. He later moved to the Royal Military College in Sandhurst where he was subjected to bullying.

The prince had a “hankering” to return home, correspondence quoted by Heavens says, but that idea was swiftly quashed.

“I feel for him as if I knew him. He was dislocated from Ethiopia, from Africa, from the land of black people and remained there as if he had no home,” Ethiopian royal descendent Abebech Kasa told the BBC.

Eventually, Alemayehu ended up being tutored in a private home in Leeds. But he became ill, possibly with pneumonia, and at one point refused treatment thinking he had been poisoned.

After a decade in exile the prince died in 1879 at the age of just 18.

His illness had become the subject of articles in the national press and Queen Victoria wrote in her diary of her sadness at his death.

“Very grieved and shocked to hear by telegram, that good Alemayehu had passed away this morning. It is too sad! All alone, in a strange country, without a single person or relative, belonging to him,” she said.

“His was no happy life, full of difficulties of every kind, and was so sensitive, thinking that people stared at him on account of his colour... Everyone is very sorry.”

She then arranged for his burial at Windsor Castle.

Demands that the body should return are not new.

In 2007 the country’s then-President Girma Wolde-Giorgis sent a formal request to Queen Elizabeth II for the body to be sent back, but those efforts proved fruitless.

“We want him back. We don’t want him to remain in a foreign country,” Ms Abebech said.

“He had a sad life. When I think of him I cry. If they agree to return his remains I would think of it as if he came home alive.”

She had hoped that she would get a positive response from newly crowned King Charles III.

“Restitution is used as a way to bring reconciliation, to recognise what was wrong in the past,” says Professor Alula Pankhurst, a specialist in British-Ethiopian relations.

He believes the return of the body would be “a way for Britain to rethink its past. It’s a reflection and coming to terms with an imperial past.” Source: BBC

These children are among thousands of people stuck at Paloich Airport in South Sudan after fleeing Sudan

Belgorod raid: Insurgents defeated after rare cross-border incursion - Russia

Armed insurgents who crossed the border from Ukraine to launch attacks in Russia’s Belgorod region have been defeated, Moscow claims.

Villages near the border were evacuated after coming under shellfire in one of the most significant cross-border raids since the start of Russia’s invasion.

Russia says 70 attackers were killed and insists the fighters are Ukrainian.

But Kyiv has denied involvement and two Russian paramilitary groups have said they were behind the incursion.

Monday’s raid led Moscow to declare a counter-terrorism operation, giving the authorities special powers to clamp down on communications and people’s movements.

The measures were only lifted on Tuesday afternoon, and even then, one of the paramilitary groups was claiming it still controlled a “small, but our own piece of the Motherland”.

The claims by the warring sides have not been independently verified, but any assaults on Russian soil make Nato leaders nervous, and the development could prove a mixed blessing for Kyiv.

‘These are Russian patriots’

Russia’s defence ministry said a “unit of the Ukrainian nationalist formation” invaded its territory and was responsible for heavy shelling on the Kozinka

checkpoint and other parts of the nearby area.

As well as killing dozens of what it described as “Ukrainian terrorists” in artillery and air strikes, the ministry claimed to have driven the rest of the fighters back to the Ukrainian border.

But Ukrainian officials said the attackers were Russians, from groups known as the Liberty of Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC).

“These are Russian patriots who want to change the political regime in the country,” Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar told Ukrainian TV.

The Liberty of Russia Legion said on Twitter on Monday it had “completely liberated” the border town of Kozinka and that its units had reached as far as the town of Grayvoron, further east.

The group said it was continuing to free the Belgorod region and Russian armed forces could not oppose it.

Separately, on Tuesday afternoon the RVC posted a video of its fighters moving towards what looked like a border checkpoint, saying it still controlled a “small... piece of the homeland”.

Both of the paramilitary groups also told Ukraine’s public broadcaster Suspilne that they were creating “a demilitarised zone on the border with the Russian Federation from which they will not be able to shell Ukraine”.

‘Raid plays to Russian narrative’

The cross-border incursion may be embarrassing for Moscow, and go some way to offset the bad optics for Ukraine of reportedly losing control of Bakhmut after months of intense and bloody fighting.

It is also likely to be part of Ukraine’s shaping operations ahead of its coming counteroffensive, aiming to draw Russian troops away from the south where Kyiv is expected to attack.

But it is not a development that is likely to welcomed by the West.

The long-range weapons they have provided to Kyiv, although not used in this attack, still come with the proviso they are not to be used to hit targets inside Russia.

Despite official denials from Kyiv, it is hard to believe this raid was launched without assistance from Ukrainian military intelligence.

It plays into the Kremlin narrative that Russia’s own sovereign security is under attack from malign forces backed by the West.

It is a narrative likely to be fuelled by reports that some of those who took part are linked to

far right extremism, reinforcing Moscow’s claim that its trying to rid Ukraine of Neo-Nazis. Thousands displaced Belgorod’s governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said several people had been injured in the fighting, including two civilians who were being evacuated from their homes.

Mr Gladkov said that people in several villages had been evacuated and warned those who had fled their homes not to return yet, as Russian forces carried out what he described as a “moppingup” operation.

He added that air defences

Iran protests: Mahsa Amini’s grave attacked by vandals

Vandals have attacked the grave of Mahsa Amini, the young woman whose death in custody last September sparked anti-government protests across Iran.

Photos from her family showed a pane of glass covering her tombstone and portrait was smashed at Aichi cemetery in the western city of Saqqez.

Her brother posted on Instagram that it was the second attack in recent months.

“Even the glass of your tombstone bothers them,” Ashkan Amini wrote, without directly blaming anyone.

He vowed: “No matter how many times they break it, we will fix it. Let’s see who gets tired first.”

The family’s lawyer, Saleh Nirbakht, said in an audio message that the grave was vandalised on Sunday by individuals “known for such distasteful actions in the past”.

He also said Mahsa’s father had told him that authorities obstructed the installation of a protective canopy over the grave by threatening a local welder that his business would be shut down if he carried out the work.

Mahsa died in hospital in Tehran on 16 September, three days after she was detained by morality police in the capital for allegedly violating Iran’s strict rules requiring women to cover their hair with a hijab, or headscarf.

Witnesses said the 22-year-old Kurd was beaten while in custody, but authorities denied she was mistreated and instead blamed “sudden heart failure” for her death.

The first protests took place after her funeral in her hometown of Saqqez, when women ripped off their headscarves in solidarity.

They spread rapidly across the country and evolved into one of the most serious challenges to the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution.

Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands more have been detained in a violent crackdown by security forces, which have portrayed the protests as foreign-instigated “riots”.

Seven protesters have also been executed since December following what a UN expert has called “arbitrary, summary and sham trials marred by torture

allegations”. Dozens more have reportedly been sentenced to death or charged with capital offences.

Last week, authorities in the central city of Isfahan hanged three men found guilty of “enmity against God” over their alleged involvement in a shooting attack that killed three security personnel during protests in November.

Sources told Amnesty International that Majid Kazemi, Saleh Mirhashemi and

Saeed Yaqoubi were forcibly disappeared, then tortured and forced to make incriminating statements that formed the basis of the cases against them.

Human rights groups are now expressing alarm at an announcement on Monday by prosecutors in the southern province of Fars that said two Afghan men, Mohammad Ramez Rashidi and Naeim Hashem Ghotali, would be publicly executed soon.

The Supreme Court recently upheld their convictions for “corruption on Earth” and “armed rebellion against the state” in connection with the killing of 13 people in an armed attack at the Shah Cheragh mausoleum in the city of Shiraz on 26 October, which was claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group.

Norway-based Iran Human Rights said they were sentenced to death “based on torture-tainted confessions, without due process

Verified footage showed a helicopter flying low over the area

Mahsa

Amini’s

brother said the family would carry on replacing the glass no matter how many times it

was broken

Reechoing footprints: Buhari’s biographies detail his strides in transforming Nigeria

By Egena Sunday Ode

One year into his presidency, President Muhammadu Buhari was showcased to the world in a biography written by an American Professor, John Paden. Titled “Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria,” the book provides an up-close look at the life of a major ally of the West in the fight against terrorism, poverty, and corruption. It covers Buhari’s early life and education, his military career, and his brief stint as military head of state before he was deposed in a coup. A beacon for democracy in Africa, Buhari is the only Nigerian opposition candidate to be elected to the presidency.

Examining the first year of his presidency, the book which was presented to the public on October 3, 2016 looks at the immense security, economic, and political challenges he faces and the bold moves he is making to tackle them with support at home and abroad.

And by coincidence of some sort, Buhari on whose two-term presidency the curtain would be drawn in another few days was brought back on stage last week with two captivating biographies that ostensibly measured how well he has tackled the multifarious leadership challenges encountered in the course of his presidency as projected by Paden.

The two books; “State of Repair: How Muhammadu Buhari Tried to Change Nigeria for Good”, written by Antony Goldman and “The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari”, written by Senator Abu Ibrahim, as reviewed by the former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi and Professor Abubakar Sadeeque Abba respectively did not leave the audience in doubt that the President, despite the odds, has justified the eight-year mandate excitedly given to him by the Nigerian electorate.

The first biography, “State of Repair: How Muhammadu Buhari Tried to Change Nigeria for Good,” authored by Goldman, a seasoned political risk specialist with deep roots in Africa, offers a candid and critical examination of Buhari’s ambitious attempts at reform. With a wealth of experience in advising the private sector across Africa, Goldman’s incisive analysis unveils the challenges faced by Buhari’s administration and the concerted efforts made to combat terrorism, poverty, and corruption.

Senator Abu Ibrahim, a trusted confidant and long-time ally of President Buhari, contributed the second biography, aptly titled “The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari.” Ibrahim, whose journey intertwines with Buhari’s through various political landscapes, provides a unique perspective on the President’s leadership style and his resolute commitment to Nigeria’s progress. Ibrahim’s account paints a vivid picture of a man who weathered storms and surmounted obstacles to leave an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

Accordingly, the excitement that President Buhari has matched his words with action in terms of his pledge to leave the country better than he met it triggered a deluge of encomius in a grand ceremony where the two books were unveiled last

Friday at the Conference Centre in the State House, Abuja.

The event, graced by dignitaries from around the world, showcased the impact of Buhari’s tenure on Nigeria and elicited widespread admiration for his unwavering commitment to transforming the nation.

Speaking as Chairman of the Occasion at the Public Presentation and Launch of two biographies with emphasis on the unrivaled leadership experience of President Buhari, President Akufo-Addo, opened the floodgate of eulogies when he assured his Nigerian counterpart that history will be kind to him.

The Ghanaian President took time in his opening ralemarks to highlight some of the achievements of Buhari, whom he noted shared a similar experience with him in the journey to the presidency, noting that Africa and indeed, the world will miss Buhari’s leadership when he exits office in a few days.

Akufo-Addo, while eulogizing President Buhari for providing model leadership for Nigeria and other regional and international organizations that he had been tasked to lead, particularly noted how he tamed the Boko Haram menace in the subregion.

“Likewise, through the launch of today’s biographies, the story of President Muhammadu Buhari, a man who made such a great effort to change Nigeria for good, is being told by those who’ve had the opportunity to see for themselves at firsthand, from the beginning of his mandate as a democratically elected president, to his last days in office, the highs and lows of his tenure thus far. From what I have read and know, the life of Muhammadu Buhari has been truly an amazing story.

“The work President Buhari has done in helping to diversify Nigeria’s agriculture and thereby enhancing significantly agricultural productivity, reviving the economy and ensuring consistently fast rates of growth.

These developments, for me, have vindicated the choice of Nigerians, which I believe enabled continuity in office for the APC, through President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“You can imagine the excitement in the ranks of the NPP with the victory of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, about the prospects of a third term agenda for the NPP, what we in NPP call ‘breaking the eight’.

“By the same token, the efforts President Buhari has made to defeat the scourge of Boko Haram, a process which is still ongoing are also testimonies of his determination to establish full normalcy and security in Nigeria.

“His tentacles extended beyond Nigeria; Chairperson of the Authority of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS; Chairperson of the Gulf of Guinea Commission; ECOWAS Chairman in the coordination of the fight against COVID-19, amongst several others, and in all of these, he has spared no effort to ensure the successful execution of the objectives of his office.

“As leaders, we all have our high and low moments, but I have no doubt that posterity will be kind to Muhammadu Buhari.

“President Buhari, we will miss you. West Africa, Africa, and indeed, the world will miss your leadership, the leadership of a military ruler, turned consummate democrat, who’s extremely solicitous of Nigerian and African interests and who sought for principles in all decisions which he took.

“I’m yet to have a book written about me, let alone author one myself. I have some 19 months to leave office and I guess I have to take a cue from my senior and hope the books will give about me”, he said.

Speaker after speaker at the ceremonial lauch followed the footsteps of President Akufo-Addo with kind words for Nigeria’s

departing President for his enormous transformative work.

Then came the naira rain which highlighted the grand event, with over N500 million raised. Notably, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, donated N200 million, while Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, contributed N100 mimillion.

Similarly, Philanthropist Muhammed Idimi displayed his support by purchasing copies of the books for a whopping N100 million. The President-elect, Bola Tinubu, and Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima, demonstrated their deep appreciation for President Buhari’s transformative leadership by collectively acquiring copies of the biographies for N40 million.

Besides the philanthropists, the array of dignitaries who graced the occasion in express support and admiration of President Buhari included the Vice-President-elect, Senator Shettima, President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan; Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu; Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu and many others.

President Buhari’s administration can be assessed on three major criteria: the impacts he has made in tackling the Boko Haram menace, the fight against corruption and redeeming the nation’s economy, the tripod of his electioneering promises.

The authors of his two rrecentinaightful biographies all agreed that the President has, indeed, surpassed the expectations of his opposers, even though they would not publicly admit that. That is, however, not to say that there’s no room for improvement in some of the areas of his accomplishments. Nevertheless, many citizens will join the Ghanaian President to tell Buhari next week that history would not forget him, as he finally bows out of power.

Nigerians will also agree with the authors of Buhari’s biographies that he has substantially tamed insecurity signposted by the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast, Herder-farmer clashes in North-Central and the various level of criminalities such as kidnapping and killings bedeviling other parts of the country.

There’s also no arguments that President Buhari in his eight years in power has taken the war against corruption to an enviable level, caughting the admiration of his peers across the globe. Though corrupt practices have not been completely eradicated in the country, perpetrators of corruption, especially in public offices do know that a new Sheriff had come to town, as many of them were ran out of town in the past eight years.

And perhaps, the President’s most impactful achievement is in agriculture. This is one sector that has experienced a total revolution engendered by the diversification policy of the Buhari aadministration.The biographies captured all these exciting moments that characterised the “Change Agenda” and the “Next Level” slogan of the Buhari administration.

The question, however, is what next after Buhari. Will the revolution in infrastructure and agriculture among others continue?

President Muhammadu Buhari

The woman who travelled seven hours by camel to give birth

When Mona’s contractions hit, a camel became her lifeline.

Mona, 19, expected the 40km (25-mile) journey to the hospital would take four hours from her home on top of rocky mountains. But with no roads - suffering labour pains and in bad weatherit took seven hours instead.

“With every step the camel took forward, I was torn apart,” she said.

When the camel could go no further, Mona dismounted and trudged the final leg of her journey on foot with her husband.

In north-west Yemen’s Mahweet province, Bani Saad hospital is the only surviving health facility for thousands of women. From Mona’s house, in Al-Maaqara village, the facility can only be reached through treacherous mountains on camels or by foot.

While clinging to her ride, Mona feared for her safety and that of her unborn child.

“The road was rocky,” she said, recalling the “physically and mentally exhausting trip”.

“There were times I prayed that God would take me away and protect my baby so I could escape the pain.”

Mona has no memory of arriving at the hospital but she does remember being filled with hope after hearing her baby’s cries in the hands of midwives and surgeons.

She, along with her husband, named the baby boy Jarrah after the surgeon who saved them.

The roads to the hospital from nearby villages are narrow. Some are disintegrated or blocked due to eight years of war between pro-government forces supported by a Saudi-led coalition and the Iranian-backed rebel Houthi movement.

Women, family members, or partners often assist pregnant women for hours through the hills to the hospital.

Salma Abdu, 33, who was accompanying an expectant mother, said that halfway through her journey she saw a pregnant woman who had died at night on her way.

Salma is urging people to have mercy on the women and children.

“We need roads, hospitals,

pharmacies. We are stranded in this valley. Those who are lucky give birth safely. Others die, also having endured the misery of the trip,” she said.

Some families can pay for the hospital but do not have the financial resources to get there.

A woman dies every two hours during childbirth from preventable causes in Yemen, according to Hicham Nahro of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Yemen.

Mr Nahro said it was often the case that women in remote areas of Yemen did not have regular check-ups or seek help unless they started bleeding or were in severe pain.

Fewer than half of births are assisted by a skilled doctor and only one third of births take place in a health facility, according to the UNFPA. Two fifths of Yemen’s population live more than an hour away from the nearest fully functioning public hospital.

Yemen’s broken healthcare system was struggling even before the war. The conflict, though, has caused widespread damage to Yemen’s hospitals and roads, making it impossible for families to travel without difficulty.

Hospitals are lacking qualified staff, equipment and medicines, and investment in roads and infrastructure has stalled.

Only one in five of the functioning facilities can provide reliable maternal and child health services, according to UNFPA.

‘I thought it was the end’

Mona’s story is just one of many such cases of hardship faced by expectant mothers in Yemen. Car ownership is beyond the reach of most ordinary people in Yemen, where 80% of the population is reliant on aid.

Hailah’s husband used the little money he had saved when he worked in Saudi Arabia to ensure his wife could travel to the hospital on a borrowed motorcycle.

When her waters broke, her brother-in-law strapped her to the bike and set off, but on the way she fell.

When they got to the Hadaka health centre in Dhamar, Hailah was quickly moved to the surgery ward.

“I thought it was the end,” said the 30-year-old. “There was no way for me and my unborn to survive.”

Fewer than half of births are assisted by a skilled doctor and only one third of births take place in a health facility, according to the UNFPA. Two fifths of Yemen’s population live more than an hour away from the nearest fully functioning public hospital.

She was warned during the early stages of her pregnancy that giving birth at home was not an option due to risks of severe bleeding and other pregnancy complications.

The doctor at the health centre

said Hailah and the baby were saved at the 11th hour.

She named her baby girl Amal, meaning “hope” in Arabic.

“I nearly lost the baby and life lost its meaning due to the cursed war, but this baby gave me hope,” she said.

With international funding drying up, centres like the Bani Saad hospital are further financially squeezed. Staff at the centre fear for the future of mothers and babies as they are forced to prioritise who they can save. Source: BBC

Mona with her baby boy, Jarrah, at her house in Mahweet, north-west Yemen

Pregnant women journeying to Bani Saad hospital, the only medical facility in the province

International funding is drying up for healthcare facilities like Bani Saad hospital

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6. EDET EFFIOM OTU

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO PREACH THE TRUE GOSPEL TO THE WORLD, MATURE SOULS FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD WHILE GIVING THEM THE SUPPORT THE NEED TO THRIVE HERE ON EARTH.

2. PREACHING THE GOSPEL TO WORLD

3. TO INSPIRING CHRISTIAN PURITY AMONG BELIEVERS

4. DEMONSTRATING THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH HEALING AND DELIVERANCE.

5. PRAYING, TEACHING AND PRESERVATION OF SAINTS.

6. PREPARING SOULS FOR HEAVEN.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

EFAB CLASSIQUE ESTATE OWNERS ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. MR. EMEJE SUNDAY AKO - CHAIRMAN

2. MR. JIBRIN UMAR GAMBO

3. MR. FARINWATA ABUBAKAR GAMBO

4. BARR. FUANTER FESTUS VELNOE - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO MAKE EFAB CLASSIQUE ESTATE A DECENT, SERENE, TRANQUIL AND ORDERLY ENVIRONMENT WITH ADEQUATE SECURITY EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL, AMENITIES FOR SOCIAL PURSUITS, AND GENERALLY TO FOSTER A SPIRIT OF GOOD NEIGHBORLINESS AND FELLOWSHIP AMONGST THE PROPERTY OWNERS AND RESIDENTS.

2. TO PROMOTE LOVE, PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION AND THEIR FAMILIES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NDIAGU UMUEZEOKA DEVELOPMENT UNION(NUDU) EBONYI

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR APPOINTMENTS OF TRUSTEES AND SECRETARY UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE :

1.AMAECHI NWIGWE--RETAINED

2.KELECHI SOLOMON IGWE--RETAINED

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE :

1.NWANKWO ALEKE JOSEPH--APPOINTED

2.OPOKE LIVINUS UMOKE--APPOINTED

3.OSONDU SUNDAY EZEH--APPOINTED

4.ITUMO JOHN IKEMSINACHI--APPOINTED

5.NWOKPORO IKECHUKWU--APPOINTED

6.CHRIS RICHARD CHUKWUDI--APPOINTED

7.NWEKE IKECHUKWU SAMUEL--APPOINTED

8.NWORIE CHUKWUDI JOHN--APPOINTED

THE NEWLY APPOINTED SECRETARY IS

1.OPOKE LIVINUS UMOKE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GBAGYI PROGRESSIVE YOUTH FORUM OF KOGI STATE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

(1) BAWA MOSES (CHAIRMAN)

(2) ZAKI GODWIN (SECRETARY)

(3) DAGBA GODWIN TNADA

(4) PADA OHINOYI

(5) ISAH SOLOMON TANKO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

(1) PROMOTE CULTURE AND FACILITATE SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GBAGYI YOUTH MOSTLY THROUGH EDUCATION

(2) TO CELEBRATE, UNDERSTAND AND PROTECT THE UNIQUE VALUE OF THE GBAGYI CULTURE PARTICULARLY AMONG THE YOUTH

(3) TO PRESERVE GBAGYI CULTURE HERITAGE WITH A VIEW OF KEEPING THEIR INTEGRITY

AS A PEOPLE

(4) TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING OF UNIQUE CULTURE AND ETHNIC HERITAGE OF THE GBAGYI PEOPLE

(5) TO PROMOTE UNITY, PEACE AND HARMONY AMONG GBAGYI YOUTH IN NIGERIA AND DIASPORA IRRESPECTIVE OF RELIGION AFFILIATION, GENDER AND BACKGROUND

(6) TO FACILITATE THE ACQUISITION OF THE ATTITUDES, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE TO FUNCTION IN VARIOUS CULTURES.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT COUNSELLORS FOR CHRISTIAN CHURCHES IN AFRICA CAC/IT/8371.

PUBLIC NOTICE

JESUS CARE OUTREACH HEALING MINISTRY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1) CHUKWUMA BLESSED UJU (CHAIRMAN).

2) CHUKWUMA IFEANYI JEREMIAH (SECRETARY).

3) OKOLO STANLEY MENEWEH

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1) TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST NATIONWIDE.

2) TO PRINT, PUBLISH AND DISTRIBUTE RELIGIOUS LITERATURE.

3) TO PROCLAIM THE LIBERATION POWER OF GOD WITH MIRACLES, SIGNS AND WONDERS THROUGH THE HOLY GHOST.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ABLE HANDS INITIATIVE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND EMPOWERMENT OF GRASSROOTS SKILLS

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1.IDIO UDEME - CHAIRMAN

2.OKERE GLORY ODINAKACHI - SECRETARY

3.ITSEDE VICTOR OSHOMAH

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO EMPOWER THE YOUTHS AND ENCOURAGE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

THIS IS TO INFORM OGBUNGEBE CHARLES

WHOSE LAST KNOWN ADDRESS IS GOVERNMENT HOUSE AKWA, ANAMBRA STATE, WHOM WE HAD LAND TRANSACTION WITH OVER PLOT 366 IN CADASTRAL ZONE B11 OF KAURA DISTRICT FCT ABUJA SOMETIME IN 2006, THAT WE ARE NEEDING HIS VALID MEANS OF IDENTIFICATION SO AS TO REGISTER OUR INTEREST THERE AT LANDS DEPARTMENT, ABUJA GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS.

THANK YOU.

SIGNED: SUSIE AGHEDO.

AUGUSTINE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS AUGUSTINE SIMON. A. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS AUGUSTINE SIMON ALOBO ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF RECERTIFICATION AND RE ISSUANCE OF (C-OF-O)ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO. 91, FILE NO. MISC 53029 CADASTRAL ZONE B08, JAHI DISTRICT, ABUJA, BEARING MADUWA NIGERIA LIMITED.

ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE MISPLACED DOCUMENTS PROVE ABORTIVE. PLEASE THE AGIS AND FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ADMINISTRATION (FCTA) SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

OLUWASEYI

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS OLUWASEYI IYANU ALABI NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS OLUWASEYI IYANU ELETTA ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE NOTE.

PRESENT

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS WISDOM,TOKKIDA WAKDIK NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS PRESENT NAME TOKKIDA WAKDIK. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

VELNOE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS SIMON VINCENT MBAI. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS VELNOE VINCENT SIMON ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

FATIMA

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS FATIMA ISMA’IL ABDULLAH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS FATIMA ISMA’IL MOHAMMED. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

PUBLIC NOTICE

AUCTION SALES

PUBLIC AUCTION: IN ORDER TO DECONGEST AZARE AND NINGI DIVISIONS OF FOUND, RECOVERED, ABANDONED, UNCLAIMED AND PROPERTIES WHICH HAVE OVERSTAYED IN POLICE CUSTODY AND ARE DUE FOR PUBLIC AUCTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 31, CAP 2 VOL. 13 POLICE ACT AND REGULATIONS LRN, 2014, APPROVAL WAS OBTAINED FOR THE DISPOSAL BY THE WAY OF PUBLIC AUCTION THE UNDER LISTED PROPERTIES TO INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AS FOLLOWS:

S/N DESCRIPTION OF ITEMS REG NO.

ONE (1) GENERATOR BLACK IN COLOUR, AZARE DIVISION NIL

FIVE (5) SCARP WHEEL BARROW AZARE DIVISION NIL BOXER MOTORCYCLE RED IN COLOUR, AZARE DIVISION WF53166/WEF99621

SIX (6) BICYCLES, AZARE DIVISION NIL

ONE (1) PEAR OF NIGERIAN ARMY UNIFORM NIL

JINCHENG ROBBER MOTORCYCLE WHITE IN COLOUR, AZARE DIVISION 91015235

OPEL ZAFIRA DARK IN COLOUR, NINGI DIVISION

AZ756GWA

TOYOTA COROLLA ASH IN COLOUR, NINGI DIVISION NIL

JINCHENG MOTORCYCLE BLUE IN COLOUR, NINGI DIVISION 430195

LIFAN MOTORCYCLE RED IN COLOUR, NINGI DIVISION

GCIE50FM9PB61067823

BOXER MOTORCYCLE RED IN COLOUR, NINGI DIVISION

ND2A18A26DW/49653

BOXER MOTORCYCLE RED IN COLOUR, NINGI DIVISION

NDA18A26DWJ/22831

DATE AND TIME FOR THE AUCTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: -

DATE: MONDAY 29/05/2023

TIME: 10:00AM

VENUE: THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE, AZARE AND NINGI DIVISIONS, BAUCHI STATE.

INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO NOTE, PLEASE. SP AHMED MOHAMMED WAKIL, ANIPR POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND.

PUBLIC NOTICE

AUCTION SALES

PUBLIC AUCTION: IN ORDER TO DECONGEST AREA COMMAND METRO OF FOUND, RECOVERED, ABANDONED, UNCLAIMED AND PROPERTIES WHICH HAVE OVERSTAYED IN POLICE CUSTODY AND ARE DUE FOR PUBLIC AUCTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 31, CAP 2 VOL. 13 POLICE ACT AND REGULATIONS LRN, 2014, APPROVAL WAS OBTAINED FOR THE DISPOSAL BY THE WAY OF PUBLIC AUCTION THE UNDER LISTED PROPERTIES TO INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AS FOLLOWS:

S/N DESCRIPTION OF ITEMS REG NO.

1 SCRAP JINCHENG AX100 MOTORCYCLE AGLH0150

2 SCRAP JINCHENG AX100 MOTORCYCLE LWKASULKLX

3 KYMCO LADIES MOTORCYCLE B80010C3305511

4 JINCHENG AX100 MOTORCYCLE BLUE IN COLOR CPAGLH09SA62932

5 JINCHENG AX100 MOTORCYCLE BLUE IN COLOUR LJCPAGLH08883

6 SCRAP JINCHENG LADIES MOTORCYCLE RJB1024903

7 SCRAP KYMCO LADIES MOTORCYCLE LC2B80010A3304705

8 SCRAP ZASHE LADIES MOTORCYCLE RED COLOUR NIL

9 JINCHENG AX100 MOTORCYCLE BLUE COLOR CPAGLH055D12501

10 SUZUKI JINCHENG MOTORCYCLE AX100 LJCPAGLH06SB09928

11 BAJAJ BOXER MOTORCYCLE RED COLOUR MD2A18AZ9FWH67619

12 SCRAP JINCHENG AX100 MOTORCYCLE BLUE COLOUR LJCPAGLH08SD11601

13 BULCANIZER GENERATOR RED & WHITE COLOUR NIL

14 ONE SCRAP EMPTY BODY OF TRICYCLE (KEKE NAPEP) REG. NO. DKD 732 QA

DATE AND TIME FOR THE AUCTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: -

DATE: THURSDAY 24/05/2023

TIME: 10:00AM

VENUE: THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE, AREA COMMAND METRO, YANDOKA ROAD BAUCHI.

INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO NOTE, PLEASE. SP AHMED MOHAMMED WAKIL, ANIPR POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND.

WEDNESDAY MAY 24, 2023

U-17 AFCON: “South Africa triumph restored Golden Eaglets’ confidence” -Ugbade

By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria U-17 male team coach, Nduka Ugbade has stated that the Golden Eaglets 3-2 victory against South Africa in the last Group B match at the ongoing U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON in Algeria has restored the team’s confidence.

Nigeria twice came from behind to snatch a 3-2 victory against a well-drilled South Africa team on Saturday.

The victory came as a soothing relief for the two-time continental champions following their 1-0 defeat against Morocco in previous game.

“These boys have now picked up the confidence they needed following the defeat by Morocco and they are now looking forward to going all the way here,” Ugbade said on Sunday following the Golden Eaglets’ 3-2 win over South Africa in their last match of Group B in Constantine on Saturday.

Vicky Mkhawana steered the Amajimbo ahead in the 6th minute of the encounter, from South Africa’s first corner kick of the match, and Nigeria equalized in the 33rd minute also through a corner kick as Charles Agada powerfully nodded into the net with the Amajimbo goalkeeper stranded.

Much against the run of play, the Amajimbo restored their lead with a fabulous solo goal in stoppage time by Siyabonga Mabena.

Undeterred, the five-time world champions restored parity when Light Eke finished coolly from a low cross by Charles Agada, two minutes into the second

period.

The Nigerians were completely in control afterwards, and Abdullahi Abubakar scored his first goal of the competition with a calm finish in the 63rd minute.

“This victory has restored the boys’ confidence. We needed such a win going into the knock-out rounds and it is our belief that we can handle the pressure there.

“The loss to Morocco was also a good lesson for us. When you’re at a championship, you need a winning mentality, but also a

match that provides good lessons along the way. Both factors make for a very strong and ready squad.”

Nduka Ugbade captained the first Nigerian squad to win a FIFA World Cup, in 1985, and was assistant coach when the Golden Eaglets won the FIFA U17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates 10 years ago. He also took a FIFA U20 World Cup silver medal in 1989. Now, he is looking to lead the Nigeria U17 team to win the Africa U17 Cup of Nations as preparatory to giving the FIFA U17 World Cup

a shot later this year.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets will battle Burkina Faso in the quarter-final of the ongoing U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON in Algeria.

Burkina Faso confirmed their passage into the last 8 on Sunday night after they defeated defending champions, Cameroon 2-1 in the last Group C match.

Nigeria on their part defeated South Africa 3-2 on Saturday to book their place in the quarterfinal which will hold on Thursday,

May 10 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Algiers Burkina Faso came 2nd in Group C with 3 points. The Group was reduced to three teams after the disqualification of South Sudan following MRI failure. Five players of South Sudan failed the MRI test .

Full Quarter-final Fixtures

Senegal Vs South Africa

Morocco Vs Algeria Mali Vs Congo Nigeria Vs Burkina Faso.

Match officials assaults: NLO awards 3 points to Katsina Jnr, fines Ambassadors FC N150, 000

By Amaechi Agbo

The Naigeria Nationwide League One, NLO has awarded three points and three goals to Katsina Junior FC of Katsina State following the disruption of their match against Ambassadors FC of Kaduna on May 8.

The Kaduna based club side is also fined a total summon of ₦150, 000 as well as two of their couches and three players being placed on indefinite suspension.

Their match on May 8 in Kaduna was disrupted due to the assault on the match officials and the centre coordinator, who were

•Indefinitely suspends 2 Coaches, 3 payers

seriously injured due to the attack by officials, players and supporters of Ambassadors FC Kaduna.

The NLO in a release on Monday noted that the ₦50, 000 part of the total sum must be paid within 24h hours of publication of the decision of the secretariat adding that the decision would be submitted to the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF for further sanctions.

Below is NLO summary jurisdiction:

The Nationwide League One Secretariat received the match officials report of the Katsina Jnr

(Katsina State) and Ambassadors FC (Kaduna State) played on May 8.

The match was disrupted due to the assault on the match officials and the centre coordinator, who were seriously injured due to the attack by Officials, players and Supporters of Ambassadors FC Kaduna.

Sequel to above the Nationwide League One Secretariat hereby decides as follows:

1. The match is hereby awarded to Katsina Jnr FC with 3 points and 3 goals. This decision is based on the relevant article of the rules (Art.4.12: 4-5).

2. Ambassadors FC is also fined the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira only (N50,000.), Which must be paid within 24 hours from 8th May 2023.

3. Ambassadors FC shall pay One Hundred Thousand Naira (100k) to replace the damaged ABU Zaria substitution board by Ambassadors FC.

4. The NLO will report the conduct of the club to the Nigeria Football Federation for further sanctions.

5. The Following Officials and players of Ambassadors FC are

hereby suspended indefinitely; (A. Coach Abdulrahaman Attah B. Coach. Gambo Mohammed C. Jsy 30. Lawal Abubakar, D. Jsy 23. Yazid Hamisu, E. Jsy 19. Sani Suleiman.)

6. The NLO Secretariat commended the Center Coordinator (Mr Baba Ali) who ensured that the Referee’s life was saved and the major culprit was identified.

7. This decision shall be submitted to NFF Disciplinary Committee for further action.

The Nationwide League One Secretariat will not condone any act of indiscipline that could bring the game to disrepute.

Nigeria’s U-17 Golden Eaglets celebrating after defeating South Africa on Saturday in Algeria

S P R T

Gusau hails Team Nigeria’s Performance at U18/20 Africa Athletics Championship

The immediate past Vice-President of the Confederation of African Athletics CAA, Engr. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau has hailed the performance of team Nigeria at the just concluded CAA’s Under 18/20 Championship held in Ndola, Zambia.

Team Nigeria won 17 Gold, 10 Silver and 9 Bronze medals to finish in second place on the medal table behind South Africa at the quadrennial championship.

In his congratulatory message on Friday, the highly revered Athletics Administrator says the performance of the team is a testament to the fact that talents are abound in Nigeria; while stressing on the need for talent discovery, training and exposure to global platforms, which according to him, will in turn result to future podium finish.

“I want to extend my heart felt congratulations to these young Nigerians who made the country proud at the just concluded African U18/20 Athletics Championship in Zambia.

The records achieved is a testament to the fact that talents are abound in Nigeria; and these talents require training and exposure to global platforms in order to achieve podium finish in the near future.

I am impressed by the performance and feat achieved by Samuel Ogazi, obliterating the 46.26secs record of Lythe Pillay, the South African in 400m with his 46.01secs.That is the Nigerian spirit!

Others are appreciated, especially Faith Okwose, Fejiro Djoma and Justine Jimoh for flying the country’s flag high in Zambia.”Engr.Gusau said.

Recall,that Nigeria finished top at the medals table in the last edition held at the Stade Felix Hoouphouet-Biogny, Abidjan, Ivory Coast in 2019, producing stars like Favour Ofili, Grace Nwokocha, Rosemary Chukwuma and

Nigeria rugby team to camp in UK for 2024 Olympic qualifiers

By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria Rugby Football Federation will camp the senior men national team fondly called Black Stallions in the United Kingdom for the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers.

The Black Stallions are to participate in Rugby Afrique Olympic qualifiers slated for Mauritius on June 24 and 25, 2023.

Speaking ahead of the preparation, the President NRFF, Dr Ademola Are said the first phase of camping has kicked off

“We have started the first phase of camping for players based in the UK and some other parts of Europe. We hope to use that to select some good players that will later join the home lads for next phase of camping before the final team will be selected,”

he said

Mr Are who was recently appointed as a member of Africa Rugby Audit and Risk Committee, said that the federation’s target is the ticket for the Paris 2024 Games.

“Our target is to qualify for the Olympics and if we can have the bulk of our players playing outside the shores of this country turning up for the camp, then we stand a good chance of picking

the ticket,” Nigeria is placed in Pool A with Ghana, Burundi and DR Congo.

Other countries participating in the qualifiers are Mauritius, Cote D’ Ivoire, Botswana, Cameroon, Algeria, Lesotho, Senegal and Egypt.

Paris, France capital, will host the 33rd Olympic Games from Friday, July 26, to Sunday, August 11, 2024

Flying Eagle’s arrive Argentina for U-20 World Cup

By Amaechi Agbo

Ahead of the commencement of the 2023 U-20 World Cup on Saturday next week, Nigeria U-20 male team, the Flying Eagles have arrived the host nation, Argentina.

The delegation of two-time runners-up Nigeria have arrived in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina for a 10-day camping programme ahead of this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals.

A contingent of 20 players and 10 officials departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Saturday night aboard a Turkish Airline flight and travelled through Istanbul before heading to the “land of the Pampas”.

With a record of having finished with the silver medals in 1989 and 2005, and with the bronze medals in 1985, the Flying Eagles are hoping to break the duck and collect the top prize in their 13th appearance at a

tournament they first graced in Mexico 40 years ago.

That year, they stunned then Soviet Union 1-0 through a welltaken goal by Tarila Okorowanta in Monterrey, but then lost 0-3 to Brazil in their second game in Guadalajara. Needing victory to reach the knock-out round, the Flying Eagles could only draw with The Netherlands in their final group game in Monterrey.

Nigeria has been slotted in Group D for this year’s championship and will play the

Dominican Republic, Italy and Brazil in that order in the group phase.

Their first two games will hold in Mendoza, in the far west of Argentina, against the Dominican Republic on 21 May and against Italy on 24 May, before they fly to La Plata to play Brazil on 27 May.

Guatemala and New Zealand will square up in the opening match on Saturday, 20th May at the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades, Santiago del Estero.

Nigeria Rugby Team, the Black Stallions

PEOPLES DAILY

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY MAY 24, 2023

Political highlights, expectations ahead May 29

Bukayo Saka: Arsenal forward signs new contract until 2027

Gradually, we are getting closer to the D-day - the President-elect and his vice would be sworn in as the new administration is inaugurated on the 29th day of May, 2023. Maybe, after that day, the unbelievers, particularly the adamant rejecters of reality would come into alignment with the truth. Funny indeed, it has been from one episode of denial to Tinubu can never be president. Now, we are counting days to the beginning of Tinubu’s presidency.

The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, PEPT, has been bubbling with activities under its mandate. The Obidients are busy prejudicing the court in an attempt to force the latter to speed up its process, so that their Peter Obi could be sworn in on May 29th. However, Peter Obi and his lawyers are in the court praying the court to grant them seven (7) weeks to organise their evidence and witnesses to appear before the court. Would anyone be able to comprehend that Peter Obi’s original plea to the Tribunal has just ten (10) witnesses to establish the facts of his alleged stolen mandates in 176,000 polling units across the country?

Buyako Saka has signed a new deal to stay at Arsenal until 2027, saying the club “is the right place to make the next step”.

The England forward has scored 14 goals for the Gunners this season, contributing 11 assists.

Just 21 years old, he has already made 178 appearances for the club and has featured in all Arsenal’s Premier League games over the past two campaigns.

“I’m just really happy,” said Saka.

“There’s been a lot of talking and it’s been a while, but I’m here now. I think this is the right club, the right place to make the next step. It’s a beautiful club - look where we are.

“For me, it’s about achieving my personal ambitions - how much I push myself and demand from myself each game, week in, week out. Then I have all the right people around me in terms of family, and when I come to the training ground, my team-mates, the coaching staff.

“I think I have everything I need to become the best player I can be, and that’s why I’m happy to stay here and be here for the future, because I really believe that we can achieve big things.”

Second-placed Arsenal host Wolves in their final game of the season on Sunday, having missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester City.

Next season, the Gunners will play Champions League football after a six-year absence.

“I have seen a lot of change. I’ve seen this team and the club grow, and one thing that everyone around us can be excited about is that we are going in the right direction,”

And now, he needs a whole seven(7) weeks to organise them - the ten witnesses. What an irony talking from both sides of the mouth! Even the ruling party and the closer second place PDP’s Atiku Abubakar would be ready in far shorter days. So I begin to wonder why the much propagated media rush for the tribunal to dispense justice before May 29th.

And it all goes back to what the entire Peter Obi and the Obedient mob represent; experts at emotional blackmail, blackmailing the entire system, including the current high level blackmail and attacks on the judiciary, to attempt the impossible swerving of judgement in their favour. And by the actions of Peter Obi and the Obedient mob, we have seen a duplication of the Trump-led election denial in the United States. The American 2020 presidential election was like all the country’s previous elections: transparent, credible and fair to all contestants, but a particular Trump, the incumbent president at that time chose to reject the fairness of the polls, and has maintained that stance till date, even after losing all election related cases across over seventy courts across the country. Even at a time when individuals and institutions that supported his false claim and helped him reecho it then are now openly withdrawing their statement, and even some paying heavily for the lies they propagated, Trump has remained adamant and stiffnecked; he insisted the only reason he could have lost the election was if it was rigged.

Peter Obi insists he won the election. He won out rightly in the Southeast, won Lagos state and won in FCT; but according to him, he was rigged out in the entire Northwest and Northeast; his votes were stolen in the remaining five states of the Northwest; otherwise he is the winner of the election. Apparently, he does not care to allow common sense to guide his responses to the election; he does not care about the fact that the governorship election has revealed that he and his party had no presence in the regions that control the bulk of the election figures by antecedents.

Regardless of facts, Peter Obi has

weaponised his Obedient mob to demand for his alleged stolen mandate. Even as we approach the sacrosanct inauguration day, the social media at the behest of the Obedient mob has continued to disagree, and insist there be no swearing in for the duly elected president and his vice. Would they go all the way the Trump way to disrupt the inauguration just as the Trump mob stormed the US Capitol in a vicious attack to overturn the election outcome?

Just like it happened in the US, the acts of the Obedient mob would forever be recorded as an almost unthinkable challenge in Nigeria’s evolving democracy and the nation’s sanctity.

Rather than allow the country to settle down to prepare for the inauguration and set agendas for the incoming administration, Peter Obi has chosen the part of serving the nation with irrelevancies in order to stay relevant in the permutations of events in the country. They said the vice presidentelect, Shettima isn’t qualified by law to be the vice presidential candidate to the president-elect because he was contesting to be a senator, but forgot Atiku Abubakar was already an elected governor of Adamawa state and yet was picked by Obasanjo as his vice Presidential Nominee, it’s settled in the electoral act that the position of the Vice President is not contestable through primary election but a nominated slot as provided by law. But now, this would not be a smokescreen strong enough to save the entire Labour Party from its gross error of presenting candidates who were not contained in its submitted membership register to INEC weeks before they all defected to the party inclusive of the Obedient mob’s principal. They thought they were safe because INEC accepted the nominations and did not raise any issue, forgetting that it was not INEC’s job to determine such status.

It is a fact, whether Peter Obi and his uncontrollable mob agree or disagree with the outcome of the election, there would be an orderly transition of power on May 29th. We will record in the history of Nigerian democracy, how a supposed democrat lost an election and chose not to accept the result because he lost to a better, well-prepared candidate. It would be recorded and read through history how he gave his supporters the boost to march against the country, every system and individual who refused to agree with the unfounded rhetoric of the Obedient family about their alleged stolen mandate; and utterly put our common existence as a nation under unprecedented democratic assault.

It would be on record that we saw a presidential candidate that created an enraged mob, whipping them up into frenzy over and over again by the big lie that the 2023 election was rigged against him and that his mandate was stolen and

must be reclaimed. We witnessed election umpire staff, institutions and eminent citizens subjected to death threats, intimidations, abuses and humiliations; all because they had the courage to do their jobs, stood up for the truth and our democracy when it mattered most.

The period preceding the presidential election and after it, and up till now, remains a defining moment for Nigeria and Nigerians, and definitely an inflection point for all of us and the democracy we hold so dear. Good enough, a greater population of Nigerians have stood strong, with an overwhelming, unified voice against the Obidient mob that has chosen to break us apart. We have altogether maintained there is no place for what they brought into our system.

And now, there are more revelations flowing out; Nigerians must be fully ready to take both the shock and the mammoth attacks from the Obidient mob, when the cock finally comes home to crow and the court begins to throw out elected members of the Obidient-dominated party out one after the other. INEC has officially responded to an APC enquiry to the effect that the election umpire, in line with the electoral laws and regulations did not monitor the Labour Party wards, LGAs and State Congresses, inclusive of the party’s delegate list. We all know what the implication of this simple information is to all the ongoing election tribunal cases involving the Labour Party candidates who won elections across the states that will soon be consumed by the fire of justice.

In five days time, the new administration would be on board; the reality would dawn on all dreamers of an Obi presidency; but for the larger Nigerians, the task of building a greater Nigeria of our dreams would commence, the time of a ‘Renewed Hope’ would soon start. What must be done to create and deepen trust among Nigerians must begin to take root in the priority policies of the incoming president and his Administration. The broken bond of citizen-government relations must be repaired through conscious effort of those in leadership through transparency in governance and open commitment to an all-round national development; that is, when our commonwealth is generated, harnessed and equitably distributed to all free citizens of Nigeria, without the influence of corruption that is the current norm.

It is a season of joy and good tidings for us; especially as the much awaited Dangote refinery finally became operational and adding to the joy of the moment. We have so much expectation that coordinated and maintained local production and supply of nationwide PMS, AGO and DPK requirements would literally bring to an end the non-

profiting endless regime of fuel subsidy, permanently end seasonal shortages of the products in the country and stabilise metering cost to a level bearable by the citizens, particularly the commoners.

Nigerians would expect the incoming administration to effectively collaborate with the Dangote group. We would want to see a pragmatic change in the nation’s negative exchange rate with other foreign currencies; we would want to begin to see a more favourable balance of trade and payment and we would want to see improved infrastructural development on the back of outright subsidy removal once energy product importation is finally stopped.

The Tinubu-led APC government must live up to its bidding; our hopes would only be renewed when we begin to see positive changes in the nation’s education and health sectors. When the standards that our educational institutions were known for decades ago are restored and our system resumes to compete favourably with their counterparts across the globe. When serving the motherland becomes fashionable for our medical personnel.

And above all expectation, the incoming administration must find a working and lasting solution to the national insecurity challenges. We cannot afford to carry over the needless killings. Maiming and dispossessing our people across the country from their ancestral homes and their businesses. The former Jonathan government collapsed under the burden of insecurity; close to a hundred thousand citizens killed and millions rendered useless and traumatised by insecurity. Some said he was unfit to be president since he could not handle the challenge. The Buhari Administration expended all its ideas, organises and reorganises the nation’s security apparatus, but all to no avail. We have on record well over sixty thousand killings in the past eight years. It would take a whole different strategy, out of the box, fresh and workable security architecture, to face the current Nigeria’s security challenge. I seriously hope that the Renewed Hope package will contain the magic wand that will bring lasting peace and freedom from the perennial insecurity plaguing Nigerians.

GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!

DAN GAYE

DAN GAYE

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