Tuesday, April 25, 2023 Edition

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President-elect Tinubu returns home, says “I’m ready for the task ahead”

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Double tragedy as gunmen Kill 4 mourners in Benue

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President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tiunbu acknowledging supporters as he returned to Nigeria at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Projects concession to raise N180bn revenue – ICRC Vol. 42 No. 007 N200

FG asked to free 16 orphanage children from Kano govt's custody

AGF finally agrees to appear before reps over ‘illegal’ sale of 48m barrels of oil

PAG 4

FG asked to help free 16 orphanage children in Kano govt’s custody

By Abubakar Yunusa

The founder of the Du Merci Centre Orphanage, Kano, Professor Richard Solomon Musa Tarfa, has called on the federal government to intervene in the continuous detention of 16 inmates of the orphanage, forcefully taken into custody by the Kano State Government.

Prof. Targa particularly called on the minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, to intervene urgently to ensure the timely release of the children.

He made this known in a media chat with journalists in Abuja said, the condition of the children was deteriorating by the day, due to inadequate care from the authorities.

He explained that the 16 children, who were made up of seven males and nine females, had stopped schooling, while they have rapidly lost English

communication skills. He also explained that the religion of the children were been changed against their wish.

Prof Tarfa also called on relevant authorities in Kano to expedite actions to ensure the children are released before May 29, when the administration is expected elapse, especially now that the charges against him have been quashed.

He said, himself and wife have suffered untold persecution since their ordeal started in 2002, when he was first arrested, charged with criminal abduction of minors and sentenced to prison before he was later vindicated by a superior court.

Tarfa, who was released from prison in January, 2023, said, it amounted to double jeopardy for the Kano State government to continue to hold on to the 16 children, against the backdrop of the

judgment of superior court, which exonerated him.

According to him, “Initially, I and my wife were arrested, under the pretext that we were operating illegal orphanage. Due Merci was forcibly closed by the Kano State authorities.

“When we eventually proved that the Centre was operating legally, they changed the charges to forceful abduction of minors. They have done everything to rope me but because I did nothing wrong, I have continued to triumph.

“In 2002, and following the intervention of the late Emir of Kano and a legal challenge in the wake of a similar raid, a High Court ruled that the Du Merci Centre was duly registered and was conducting a legitimate endeavour.

“It also ordered the return of the children who had been seized. A copy of this ruling is also available easily.”

“The pressing issue now is the release of the 16 children at my Centre that were forcefully taken away. If their action is based on the allegation that I was operating illegally, now I have been exonerated.

“ I want my children back. They need to be taken care of. They need to go to school”.

Professor Tarfa and his wife opened the Du Merci Centre in 1996 to care for abandoned children in the Christian District of Sabon Gari. The centre provides accommodation for these children, who view them as parents and are educated and cared for until they are able to live successful independent lives.

It also accommodates young women who are pregnant out of wedlock, until they give birth, reconciling them whenever possible with parents who had rejected them due to social stigma.

Army chief’s wife fetes, interacts with soldiers’ wives

The President, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs Salamatu Yahaya, yeaterday interacted with wives of soldiers under the aegis of the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA) to mark the Eid-el-fitri celebration.

Mrs Yahaya said the occasion had provided the opportunity to have interaction with the women,

to identify areas of intervention and support them.

She said the meeting was convened in the spirit of Easter and Sallah seasons to be able to eat and interact together.

Wife of the army chief said that NAOWA had continued to support and empower barracks women and youths with skills and starter packs to make them to be self-reliant.

“I know some of you have one or two things that you want me to hear. The one we can help you, we will help and the one we can take your complaint forward, we will.

“So we are going to eat, we are going to enjoy ourselves and we are going to talk to ourselves,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the soldiers’ wives raised a number of requests

and issues that bothered on their wellbeing, accommodation and welfare.

In her response, Mrs Yahaya promised that NAOWA would continue to do its best in the area of empowerment of women and youths.

She urged them to continue to instill high level of discipline in their children to be able to become better citizens. NAN

L-R Prof. Chika Moore, NU President, Dr Uju Agomoh, in-coming Executive Secretary, Iyom Josephine Aneni, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, incoming President NU, Gov Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, Leader of Delegation & Chairman of Committee, Prof Maurice Iwu, Prof Emeka Ezeonu in-coming VP, and Dr Kachi Nwoga, Secretary for Handshake across Nigeria 2 by Nzuko Umunna

NDLEA arrests cripple for drug trafficking in Edo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 42-year-old cripple, allegedly trading in illicit drug on his wheelchair in Edo.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja.

Babafemi said the suspect was arrested in a raid of drug joints in parts of the state.

He said the suspect was nabbed at Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, with 1.3kg of substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa and 10 litres of suspected Monkey Tail.

He also said that another suspect, a 46-year old lady was arrested at Ugbegun, Esan Central LGA with four litres of suspected “monkey tail”.

“We also arrested another lady, 19, at Ekpoma, with various quantities of substances suspected to be Colorado, Methamphetamine and Molly.

“A 50kg suspected cannabis, stored in a bush ready for distribution was also recovered in Irrua area of the state, ” he said.

Babafemi also said that two suspects were arrested at Lektop Hotel, Igbeba, Ijebu Ode, Ogun , with 39 litres of suspected Skuchies as well as various quantities of tramadol, and rophynol.

He further said that operatives in Imo intercepted a female suspect, 40, at Orogwe, Owerri North with 70 blocks of suspected cannabis sativa weighing 30kg.

Meanwhile, a notorious drug dealer in Okitipupa area of Ondo state, a 42-year old male had also been taken into custody.

Babafemi said that this was after different quantities of substances suspected to be Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine, Colorado and Loud were recovered from him.

“In Taraba, a suspect was

We’re determined to set standard in health sector - Ogun Govt

As part of efforts to reduce maternal mortality rate, the Ogun State Government has declared its determination to set a standard in the health sector, that will go beyond the present generation, by providing ultrasound services to pregnant women, especially in the rural areas.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker made this known at the inauguration and presentation of certificates to the trainees of another batch of Mobile Sonographic Technicians, held at the Conference Hall, Ministry of Health, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, noting that ultrasound service in Primary Health Centers (PHCs), would provide early diagnosis of abnormalities in pregnancies and aid the ability to intervene, as well as prepare pregnant women for delivery.

Coker, in a statement signed by the Press Officer, Primary Health Care Development Board, Mrs. Adesola Ogunbanwo, recalled that the State government on November, 2022, created the Sonographic Technicians cadre, to provide employment for qualified health workers who are expected to discharge the mobile sonographic services effectively.

She said the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration had prioritised the wellbeing and wellness of pregnant women at ensuring that none of them die in the process of childbirth.

She stated that, ‘’in Ogun State, we are trying to get a system and a standard that will go beyond the present generation.

“We have taken a step to think about the pregnant women in the rural areas who do not have access to private hospitals that

can provide ultrasound service.

“We take the service to her and to enable us know if there is a problem, so that we can plan towards addressing it appropriately and ensure that mother and child are safe”.

Coker however, advised the Technicians to take full advantage of the government’s gesture by using the skills acquired for the benefits of pregnant women in the State.

She therefore assured that the present administration remained committed to an enhance the health system, continue to invest in infrastructural development, as well as ensure welfare of its workers to make quality care available to all.

Earlier in his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladeinde said the initiative was to provide basic ultrasound service to

pregnant women at PHC level, urging the Technicians to discharge their duties with utmost responsibility to the benefit of the people.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, pointed out that the training started in 2022 in nine Local Government Areas, lauding the efforts of the government for the safe motherhood ingenuity, particularly the Ogun State Health Sector Improvement Plan ( OGSHIP), targeted at ensuring that pregnant women access full ante natal care in PHCs.

Ogunsola appealed that the training should be incorporated into the curriculum of the School of Health Technology for its continuity, adding that ultrasound sonography plays a critical role in saving the lives of pregnant women.

L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji ; Special Adviser on Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, Mr Niyi Adebayo; and Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Deji Ajayi ; during the inauguration of the State Publicity Committee/ Logistics and Security Committee for the 2023 National Population and Housing Census, at the Conference Hall, Governor’s Office. Ado Ekiti, yesterday.

Sudan conflict: CNG urges NASS to compel FG to evacuate Nigerians

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Coalition of Northern Group (CNG) has called on National Assembly to compel the federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Adviser and Nigeria’s representative in the AU to ensure urgent and safe evacuation of Nigerian Citizens in Sudan conflict.

CNG Spokesperson, AbdulAzeez Suleiman in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday, said Nigerians who are mainly northerners trapped between Khartoum, Ethiopia and Egypt.

The group also warned that the Federal government of Nigeria government will be held responsible for any harm to any Nigerian citizen in the conflict in Sudan for not showing real commitment to their evacuation as other responsible governments

Niger IDPs beg Gov. Bello for relief materials

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

Some Niger state Internally Displaced Persons in Kafin-Koro town, Paikoro local government Area of the state have lamented lack of food and other basic needs in their camp.

To this end, they made a passionate appral to the State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, to Direct the State Emergency Management Agency to urgently provide the necessary basic needs to the camp.

According to reports, the IDPs are from various communities including Adunu, Beni, Kabula, Zazzaga, Kazai, Fuka, Nanati and Kwagana.

However, responding to the plea, the Niger State Commissioners of Internal Security, and Humanitarian Affairs, Emmanuel Umar, said the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, have already been directed to provide relief materials to the victims.

have done.

“We demand full explanation for the delay in evacuation of Nigerians, mostly northerners, from Sudan while those trapped in Ukraine were treated with sense of urgency and responsibility.

“We urge more action by Nigeria as the mother of Africa in managing the conflict in Sudan

and not to abandon a sister African nation to the machinations of evil foreign powers.

“We call the attention of Nigeria and other leading African nations that in the current escalation of conflict in the Sudan, silence has become complicity and inaction has become no longer an option.”

The group further stated that:

“We find it disturbing that the Federal Government of Nigeria should afford to fail once again, in the statutory responsibility of protecting Nigerians at home in Nigeria and abroad.

“We are thus worried because a majority of the stranded Nigerians in Sudan are northern Nigerians which perhaps explains the levity

and condescension with which the federal authorities are handling the situation.

“A responsible and responsive government would by now have reached out to the authorities in Cairo and Addis Ababa to secure easy passage for the stranded Nigerians who have managed to arrive at their boarders.”

Buhari condoles with Veteran Journalist, Yufuf Alli on mom’s demise

President Muhammadu Buhari has mourned the death of Hajiya Hawau Odee, the mother of Alhaji Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor of The Nation, saying that her philanthropic efforts will continue to mark her

legacy through generations going forward.

In a message to the veteran leader of the journalism community in Abuja, President Buhari prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and urged

the family members to take solace in the good record left behind by their mother, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said in a statement Monday.

According to the President,

“the deceased will be remembered for filling people’s lives with happiness and joy.

“Condolences to Yusuf Alli and the rest of the family and her admirers. May her soul rest in peace,” the statement noted.

President-elect Bola Tinubu on arrival this evening at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja after a trip to Paris, France where he took a rest.

Ethnic clash: Uneasy calm in Abuja as Police intensify surveillance

By Stanley Onyekwere

There was an uneasy calm on the streets of Abuja, the nation’s capital city, following yesterday’s ethnic clash between some Hausa and Gbagyi communities in Gwarinpa District of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

It was gathered that the ethnic violence, seen as a reprisal attack that occured along the busy 3rd Avenue axis of Gwarinpa on Monday, was not unconnected to squabble between some Hausa and Gbagyi Youths in the area, in the evening of Saturday, 22nd April, 2023.

Although, there were unconfirmed reported deaths and injuries to scores of people, on both sides including other residents and traders in the areas affected, but the Police in FCT confirmed death of one youth, while another was grievously wounded.

It was gathered that the warring youths armed with sticks, stones, bottles and other sharp objects thronged the streets, and resorted to attacking people and property on sight, even as people scampered for safety.

However, despite the restoration of normalcy to the area, due to deployment of heavy security operatives from Police, Military, DSS, NSCDC and other paramilitary agencies, there was still palpable tension, and fear of it spreading to some parts of the FCT, especially places occupied by Hausas and the Gbagyi natives.

Meanwhile, reacting to the incident, a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed that the Police have arrested one person and intensified surveillance patrols, to ensure that it does not further escalate.

Adeh, added that the Ag.

•*One feared dead, two injured, FCT CP meets traditional rulers

Commissioner of Police for the FCT, DCP Ahmed Musa had met with traditional rulers of both the Hausa and Gbagyi communities in Gwarinpa, to broker peace between both groups, deliberate on possible collaborations necessary to keep the youths in check and check trouble makers in the communities.

Also, the Police revealed that the fracas between the two groups which caused the grievous wounding of two (2) youths who were conveyed to the hospital where one was eventually declared dead after attempts to attend to his wounds failed, led to the arrest of one suspect who is currently assisting the Police in their investigations to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the affray.

The statement read: “Following mild tension along 3rd Avenue at the Gwarinpa axis of the Federal Capital Territory due to a squabble between some Hausa and Gbagyi Youths on Saturday 22nd April, 2023, and the subsequent mobilization and deployment of operatives from the FCT Police Command to the affected areas to douse the tension and effect necessary arrests,

“The Acting Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT has charged the Traditional Rulers to consistently encourage the youths to imbibe peace and pursue grievances through the legally approved channels rather than taking laws into their hands.

“He urges all well-meaning residents of the FCT to go about their lawful businesses and

report all suspicious activities, persons, or groups via Command emergency lines”.

On his part, AMAC Chairman, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu has appealed to all residents of the district to remain calm and law abiding.

Maikalangu, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant media and Public Affairs, Kingsley Madaki, warned persons against taking the law into their hands and perpetrating any acts of violence.

The chairman further called on traditional and religious leaders to also intervene and ensure there was peace within the area.

According to him, the government condemns in strong terms this unfortunate situation and commiserates with the affected citizens and their families,

and others that lost their property and valuables.

“The government therefore wishes to categorically warn citizens against mob action. No one will be allowed to conduct themselves in an arbitrary manner. Impunity has no place in this Council.

“There are designated agencies vested with the duty of law enforcement, and citizens cannot usurp their roles; rather it is the duty of all citizens to report infractions of the law and help to prevent or detect crime. There can be no recourse to self-help.

“Only constituted authorities and security agencies have the statutory right and the constitutional mandate to enforce compliance to the law”, he said.

Maritime: Buhari to attend summit of Gulf of Guinea Heads of State, Government in Ghana

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja for Accra on Tuesday, April 25 to attend the 3rd Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Gulf of Guinea Commission, (GGC) convened by President Nana Akuffo-Ado of Ghana.

This was contained in a statement Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

The President, according to the statement, is scheduled to participate and deliver remarks at the high-level discussion on strategies for strengthening peace and security in the fight against maritime-related

crimes in the region.

As the immediate past Chair of the Assembly, President Buhari had championed collective efforts by Member States of the region, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) and

their partners to address and prevent piracy, the statement noted.

It recalled that in June, 2019, Nigeria’s National Assembly passed the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act, 2019, (POMO Act) which aims to prevent and suppress piracy, armed robbery and other unlawful acts against a ship.

The statement added that the President will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.Gen Babagana Monguno (Rtd), the Director General, National Intelligence Agency, (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, among other government officials.

Chief of Staff, Government House Gombe and Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar during the Eid-el-Fitr prayer in Gombe

Projects concession to raise N180bn revenue – ICRC

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), has said that the approval of the concessioning of its two projects by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) would attract N180 billion revenue to Nigeria.

A statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by Ifeanyi Nwoko, Acting Head, Media and Publicity, ICRC), said the projects included the Cassava Bio-mass and Bio-ethanol Value Chain and National Fire Detection And Alarm System (NAFDAS).

Nwoko said the concessioning was to create wealth, reduce poverty, improve food security and nutrition, provide jobs and renewable energy, and reduce carbon footprint.

“While the NAFDAS project will generate a total of N75 billion in the 15-year concession period, the cassava bio-ethanol value chain will generate a total revenue of N105 billion within the five-year concession period.

“The cassava bio-ethanol value chain, which will be done on a pilot phase, aims to build a Bio-technology Industrial Park on a 20-hectare plot across 20 universities,

academia and research and development institutes.

“In the pilot phase, 5,000 special hybrid cassava (TME 419) stems will be planted per hectare, (totalling) 100,000 stems for the 20 hectares,” he said.

In addition, he said the project would supply organic fertiliser, boosters, conditioners, pre and post-emergent herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, and knapsack sprayers.

“The project also seeks to double cassava production from the current 62 million tons to an output of no fewer than 120 million tons.

“With improved tropical agro-ecology, bio-technology, intense mechanisation, and effective partnership resource mobilisation, Nigeria can double output to 120 million metric tons in five years,” he said.

Nwoko said the key goal of the cassavabioethanol pilot project was to demonstrate the efficacy of a private sector-led approach in promoting investment in renewable biomass and creating wealth.

“Also in providing jobs, reducing poverty, improving food security and

nutrition, providing renewable energy and reducing carbon footprint,” he said.

Nwoko said the project was proposed to be financed with a grant from the Federal Government and Concessionaire investment totalling N11.9 billion.

The ICRC spokesman said the revenue stream presented by the project includes sales of cassava stem, cassava flour, garri, starch, and Bio-ethanol.

“Total revenue for the five-year concession period is N105,610,000,000,” he said.

He said that the NAFDAS project would provide fire mitigation hardwares, softwares, and equipments that would be linked to a cloud network.

Nwoko said the project would be supervised by the Federal Fire Service through a private entity.

“Through the use of this technology, call, and response time in fire incidents will be automated thus drastically reducing avoidable incidents,” he said.

Nwoko said more lives and properties would be saved, and generally ensure efficient fire prevention, detection and

management.

“This means that smoke alarms and other fire detection hardware will be linked to a server which will alert the system when the user is in distress without them having to call for help,” he said.

He said the project would begin in seven states on pilot basis, before rolling it out to all states across the country.

Nwoko said the total cost of the project was N3.5 billion, while the government targets to generate N75 billion within 15 years of the concession.

“Share of revenue to the government was projected as 40 per cent of subscription revenue totaling N17,262,850,871, an average of N1,150,856,724 over the 15 years proposed concession period.”

He added that the revenue stream included margin on installations and annual subscription fee from users.

Nwoko said both projects would be executed under the regulatory guidance of ICRC with the revenue shared between government and the concessionaire at a ratio decided in the concession agreement.

L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives Ad-Hoc committee to investigate oil theft, Hon. Mark Gbillah, members of the committee, Hon. Jimoh Olajide and Hon. Oghene Egoh during a meeting of the AdHoc Committee to investigate Alleged theft of over 2.4 Billion in revenue from illegal sales of 48 million barrels of crude oil, at the National Assemblyin, yesterday in Abuja.

Water vendors gain as power outage bites harder in Yola

From Umar Dankano,Yola.

Some commercial water vendors are making gains out of the prevailing dearth of electricity supply resulting to power outage affecting other economic and social sectors in Adamawa State capital and its environs.

Peoples Daily investigation revealed that, Water vendors services is becoming increasingly out of the reach of the poor and masses in the ancient town of Yola and Jimeta, the state’s capital.

As a result of the biting power outage which started in the build up to the just concluded Ramadan fasting, the water

vendors whose services have become so essential are now the lords of the manor calling the shots from their vantage positions and smiling richly to the banks.

Vendors, hitherto offering 12 kegs of water for between N300 and N400 depending on the particular part of the city, now accept no less than N500, where water is usually the cheapest to find.

Within the twin Jimeta and Yola Towns, which constitute the main Yola capital territory, public tap water is hardly available, placing the job of water supply in the hands of water vendors who supply residents.

The vendors take the water to residents’

doorsteps in kegs packed in two-wheel hand trucks.

The current increase in price was said to have arisen from an increase in the cost the vendors incur to draw water from the commercial borehole owners, who themselves complain of having to pump water to their overhead tank using power generators.

Some of the worst affected areas include Mbamoi, Damare Polo, Lamido Palace area, Yola Bypass, Yolde Pate, in Yola South local government area; as well as Jimeta Old Market, Upper and Lower Lugere, Old GRA, Demsawo, among other places, where 12 kegs of water cost

between N500 and N800.

The power outage in Yola has also meant much hardship in the face of sweltering heat, which began in the city in March and is expected to remain up to the end of May.

The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) had informed its customers that its 33KV feeders in Jimeta, Jambutu, and Yola Town were faulty, hence the long days of blackout.

The company added in its Facebook post that a team of engineers were working round the clock with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to restore the power supply.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

There were 222.6 million telephone subscribers in Nigeria as at end of 2022, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.

The 2022 figure showed an increase of 27.1 million subscribers over the 195.5 million subscribers recorded at the end of 2021.

The NBS stated the figures in its Telecoms Data: Active Voice and Internet per State, Porting and Tariff Information report for the last quarter of 2022, released in Abuja on Monday.

The report showed that the

figure for the last quarter of 2022 represented a 13.87 per cent rise in voice subscriptions on a year-on-year basis.

On a quarter-on-quarter basis, the report showed growth stood at 4.89 per cent.

The NBS also recorded a total of 154.9 million active internet subscribers at the end of 2022 compared to 142 million recoded at the end of 2021.

“This represents a 9.07 per cent increase in active internet subscriptions year-on-year, while on a quarter-on-quarter basis, internet subscription

grew by 1.35 per cent,’’ it stated.

On state-by-state analysis, the report showed that Lagos State had the highest number of active telephone users in 2022 at 26.5 million, followed by Ogun with 13 million users.

Kano State came third with 12.4 million telephone users.

The report showed that Bayelsa had the least number of telephone users at 1.6 million subscribers, followed by Ebonyi and Ekiti with 1.9 million users and two million users, respectively.

It also showed that Lagos

State had the highest number of internet users at 18.7 million subscribers, followed by Ogun with 9.2 million subscribers and Kano State with 8.5 million subscribers.

222.5m Nigerians use telephones – NBS Bauchi govt to boost infrastructural provision to rural communities

“On the other hand, Bayelsa recorded the least number of 1.1 million internet users, followed by Ebonyi and Ekiti with 1.3 million and 1.5 million subscribers, respectively,’’ it stated.

The NBS report showed that majority of telephone users in Nigeria in 2022 were MTN subscribers. NAN

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

Bauchi State Government has pledged to improve the well being of rural communities by executing viable projects in their areas.

Secretary to the Bauchi State Government , Barrister Ibrahim Mohammed kashim stated this yesterady, when he distributed 406 Model Work Vehicles to the caretaker Committee chairmen of twenty local governments in the state.

He commended the efforts of the Heads of the Interim Committees to restore the dignity of work in their local government areas and stresses the need for them to be more diligent in improving welfare and welfare of the Community.

Kashim requested the employees of the local authorities and the in-laws to cooperate with the Government in achieving the successful implementation of the Government’s policies..

He reiterated that the government will not condone negligence in work or involvement in political activities by other employees which is against the rules of government work, threatening to take action against any employee who is found to be violating the government’s trust..

The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs Hon. Abdulrazak Nuhu Zaki said the vehicles were ordered by Governor Bala Mohammed for them as part of effort to provide the working vehicles for the Chairmen.

Buhari celebrates literary giant, Prof Kole Omotosho at 80

President Muhammadu BBuhari has warmly congratulated revered scholar, teacher and writer, Prof. Bankole Omotosho, on his 80th birthday, joining family, friends and professional colleagues to share in the joyous occasion.

President Buhari affirmed

the contributions of the scholar to understanding of African history, culture and significance in the global community, mainstreaming the traditional icons, folklores and value for humanity in his publications, and drawing attention to the need for balance in relationships,

according to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

As the playwright and literary critic turns an octogenarian, the President believes Prof. Omotosho has more to share, with many years of research in

Arabic and English literature, and travelling across the world to teach and inspire generations, with many following his footsteps as a scholar.

President Buhari prayed that the Almighty God will continue to favour the scholar with good health, and strength.

Also, he emphasized the government’s intention to further improve the working conditions of local authorities in the state and assured them on prompt Payment of Workers’ Salaries and Pensions on time.

On his part, Chairman of Caretaker Committees chairmen who is , the Chairman caretaker Committee of Katagum Local Government, Alhaji. Umar Hassan, thanked the governments , the Chairman caretaker Committee of Katagum e government fir the gesture and pledges to do more justifying the confidence reposed on them.

Victims of 2011 post Election violent (IDP’s) organised 2 days prayer in Commomeration of love ones and brothers, in kaduna on thursday 20/4/23

Gunmen Kill 4 mourners in Benue Community

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Gunmen have reportedly killed four mourners at Ankpali village in Edikwu District of Apa Local Government Area of Benue state

A source in the community who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that the victims who were natives of Ankpali villaga were ambushed while returning from a funeral in Ugbokpo, the local government headquarters, at the weekend.

Niger community

urges AEDC to replace damaged facilities

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), has been asked to replace the electrical equipment damaged as a result of windstorm, without further delay or withheld sharing of April bills to part of Gbeganu community in Chanchaga local council of Niger State.

Residents of Gbeganu community lamented that the area has been thrown into darkness over two weeks as a result of windstorm that destroyed electric polls.

They added that the management of AEDC could not replace the damaged polls for over two weeks, the situation they said is unacceptable.

According to them, every household in the area paid monthly bill adequately, insisting that they want to enjoy the value for their money.

It could be recalled that part of Gbeganu community has been thrown into darkness for the past two weeks which has crippled the social and economic activities in the area.

The source also said the attackers left many residents with various degrees of injuries while several other persons are still missing.

The incident came barely two weeks after a similar attack on Ugbobi community claimed the lives of the traditional ruler

of the community and several others and one week after Olijamu village was raided by the marauders also.

The source said, “the attack, like others, was unprovoked, the victims were returning from a funeral in Ugbokpo when they ran into the ambush

by armed Fulani herders in Ankpali.

“They opened fire on the mourners killing four of them and injuring some others. As we speak some persons are still missing.

“Though the youths of the community are searching for

them but the people in the village are fleeing to adjoining villages for fear of being killed by the attackers.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, said she has not received report of the incident.”

World Book/Copyright Day: NCC intensifies antipiracy drive

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) says it is intensifying antipiracy drive and enforcing stiffer penalties for copyrights infringement and abuse of all literary works in the country.

Dr John Asein, the DirectorGeneral, NCC, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja in commemoration of the World Book and Copyright Day, celebrated every April 23.

Asien, while lamenting over the cases of piracy in the country, added that the new Copyright Act 2022, will improve author’s rights and address the challenges of digital transmission and online

exploitation of works.

“To guarantee adequate return on intellectual and financial investment in all creative sectors, the Commission is intensifying its proactive enforcement initiatives as well as enhancing the collective management of rights.

“Working with various stakeholders and relevant agencies, the Commission has commenced a series of public education and enlightenment campaigns as a prelude to the full scale national antipiracy drive.

“With the stiffer penalties available in the new Act for criminal infractions, the public

is therefore advised to desist from all forms of copyright infringements and abuses,” he said.

He also called on authors and other stakeholders to join the commission in telling the copyright story and drawing attention to the ills of piracy and other copyright abuses.

He stressed the need to recognise linguistic diversity and the importance of preserving, promoting and encouraging the use of indigenous languages in literature and other creative works in line with 2023 theme, “Indigenous Languages!”

” Together, let us, in our literature, music, performances

and movies explore alternative languages and give voice to indigenous communities,” he said.

He explained further that with the over 600 indigenous languages in the country, Nigeria has a lot to offer to the world through its indigenous languages and the associated knowledge.

The NCC boss said they had consulted with relevant stakeholders to formulate the needed Regulations and Guidelines for the implementation of the provisions of the Act on the protection of expressions of folklore. NAN

Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku-Bagudu and First Lady of Kebbi State, Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, during the Seventh Kebbi Women’s Ramadan Lecture in Birnin Kebbi recently.

NYSC deploys 2,300 Corps members to Bauchi

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has explained 2,300 Corps members have been deployed to Bauchi State for the 2023 Batch A Stream 2 orientation exercise as a beginning of the mandatory one year service to their fatherland.

The state NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Rifkatu Yakubu, stated this while speaking to Journalists in Bauchi on Monday preceding the official opening of the Camp.

She said the orientation for the Corps members begins on Wednesday, April 26 and ends on May 16 at the State Permanent Orientation Camp, Wailo, in

Ganjuwa Local Government Area of the state.

Rifkatu added that the prospective Corps members would be allowed into the camp only after being certified COVID-19 free by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

She explained that those that test positive to COVID-19 would be isolated at

the NCDC centre outside the Orientation camp for treatment.

The Coordinator said that, “Registration dates have been assigned to each prospective corps member and they are advised to adhere strictly to COVID-19 safety measures put in place by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and the NCDC.”

NGO empowers widows, youths with skills, grants in Lagos

ANon-Governmental Organisation, Triumphant Foundation, on Sunday in Lagos empowered 100 people with new skills and supported them with grants.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries included women, widows and youths, who were trained in tie and dye, making of pastries, soap, air fresheners and cement.

The participants were part of a three-day skills acquisition programme organised by the NGO.

The Founder, Mr Patrick Tinka, commended the turnout of participants and said there was hope for the future of the country, seeing that people were still interested in personal development.

He urged the participants to take advantage of the skills they had acquired as it was a rare opportunity that should be cherished.

“In the past, we had embarked on skills acquisition but never had we made it this

elaborate by delving into empowerment.

“The reason for this is because in the last five to six months, a lot of transformational events occurred in the country.

“Events like the Naira redesign, cash crunch and fuel hike, among others, of which widows and orphans were mostly affected.

“Who cared for them, who checked up on them, who saw the need to alleviate their sufferings? These are the questions that come to mind.

“If they are empowered, if they are given an opportunity to fend for themselves and their immediate families, life would be easier, crimes will reduce tremendously and poverty will be at its barest minimum.

“Nigeria is blessed with rich resources and our human capital is one of them, that is why you are here today,” he said.

He urged the participants to take the trainings very seriously and remain

focused on the goals and the reasons for the training.

Tinka said the training was free but charged the participants to approach it as though it was being paid for.

He advised the participants never to look down on themselves but to only forge ahead as this was the only way they could achieve their goals.

“Never think that you are not enough to be self reliant or to be great in life, push and you will win.

“I hope and pray that this will be the beginning of greater things to come,” he said.

A participant, Mrs Grace Taiwo, a widow, expressed appreciation for having the opportunity to take part in the skills acquisition programme.

She commended the organisers and prayed for continuity to enable other people benefit from the initiative.

Another participant, Onaolapo Oladoja, said it was a special day

for him, having been opportuned to participate in the peogramme as a form of enlightenment.

“This has enlightened me in some aspects of life and opened the eyes of many youths like me to see that there is need for hard work.

“There is also need for creativity and the need to do something great, especially with our talents, to make our country better,” he said.

He further commended the organisers for a job well done, adding that he was overwhelmed with the love and hospitality shown by the organisers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 10 participants who showed more commitment and passion, were given a token of N10,000 as start-up capital.

Meanwhile, mechanisms were put in place to monitor and ensure that the monetary assistance was channeled to the purpose for which it was given. NAN

Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, (fourth from left) flanked by Honourable Minister of Trade and Industry, Otunba Niyi Adebayo (third from right) and other participants at the Business and Investment Forum 2023 organized by the Embassy of Nigeria in Hague, Netherlands, yesterday.

Photo: CBN

The National Population Commission (NPC) has reassured the public of the safety of its server and data as they prepare for the 2023 Population and Housing Census.

Dr Isiaka Yahaya, Director, Public Affairs Department (PAD) said this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a staff of the Commission and Comptroller of Chanchaga LGA, Niger State, Mr Sanusi Maigida had earlier claimed that the NPC server was hacked.

Maigida had cited this development as the reason for the postponement of the LGAlevel training of the Supervisors and Enumerators for the 2023 Population and Housing Census.

Gen. Abdulsalam calls for tolerance among Nigerians

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

Nigerians irrespective of ethnic and religious affiliation have been asked to give peace a chance to enhance rapid socio economic development of the country.

Former Head Of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, stated this after observing the two rakaat’s prayer for Eid el fitr, at the Minna Central prayer ground that was attended by thousands of Muslims faithful.

Abdulsalami maintained that peace is the pre requisite for any meaningful development without which, he said the much needed quest for Nigeria’s economic and political development would continue to elude us.

According to him, elections have come and gone let’s try and see how we can support the incoming administration while saluting the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and World over for celebrating eid el fitr also advised them to imbibe the tenants Islam and put into practice what they have learnt during Ramadan fast.

On his part, Niger State Governor, Alh Abubakar Sani Bello, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker Niger State House of Assembly Alhaji Jibrin Ndagi Baba prayed Allah to accept all our deeds to attract his blessings for maximum benefits.

Also, in his remarks, former Niger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, stressed the need for Muslims to be thankful to Allah for his mercy and prosperity.

Aliyu also charged wealthy Muslims to make sure that their neighbours are happy which was the reason for given out the Zakkatil Fitr as ordained by Allah to assist poor Muslims, who cannot feed themselves and their families.

2023 census: NPC assures Nigerians of server, data safety

Yahaya, who reaffirmed the commitment of the commission to a credible and acceptable census, said that its server was not hacked.

The public affairs department boss described as false and misleading, the information on hacking of the commission’s server.

“We wish to assure the public that the security of the data for the 2023 Population and Housing Census is absolutely guaranteed.

“The commission is committed to upholding the highest standards

of data protection and maintaining the trust placed in us by the Nigerian population,” he said.

Yahaya explained that the Commission’s Chairman, Alhaji Nasir Kwarra’s visit to the United Nations was to attend the 56th Session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development was to the benefit of the country.

He said the chairman also presented Nigeria’s statement on ‘Population and Development’

at the global event and has since returned to the country ahead of preparations for the first digital Census in Nigeria.

“Over the years, it has been the standard practice for the Chairman of the Commission to attend the annual event on Population and Development in line with the mandate of NPC as the coordinating agency on population matters in Nigeria.

“Consequently, the public is advised to disregard the false

statement trending online about the hacking of the commission’s server and the subsequent travel of the NPC Chairman to restore the purported hacked server,” he said. He assured of the commission’s determination to continue to update the populace on developments regarding the 2023 Population and Housing Census as events unfold. Yahaya solicited for Nigerians’ support to ensure a secure and successful 2023 Census exercise.

NAN

NNPCL Board Chair: Arewa youth urges FG to obey court Judgment

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups have called on the Federal Government of Nigeria, to consider giving effect to the judgment of the Federal High Court that reinstated Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume as nonexecutive chairman of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), The Director, Media and Publicity, Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups. Comrade Aminu Abbas asserted this during press conference held in Kaduna.

The Group while reacting to a statement credited to the Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Groups wherein they faulted the Federal High Court judgment that restored Senator Ifeanyi Araraume as the non-Executive Chairman of (NNPCL), said obeying the judgment of the court was a better and more preferred option, in the circumstance.

It added that appealing the judgment should be treated as a distant alternative option, noting that the judiciary is an independent arm of government that operates on the principles of fairness,

justice, and the rule of law, saying the judgment delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo was based on the facts presented before the court and the relevant laws that govern the matter.

The Group stressed that it is not appropriate for the Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Groups or any other group or groups, person or persons to accuse the court of usurping the duties of the Office of the President or to suggest that the judgment was an affront to the powers of President Muhammadu Buhari. Such statements are not only unfounded, but also inappropriate

They maintained that, appealing the judgment would only dilate the matter and keep it on the front burner such that it would restrain the international oil companies (IOCs) from investing their total commitment in the country’s oil sector that has virtually been rendered tentative and unstable by the court action.

“After All, Senator Godwin Ifeanyi Araraume was a director on the board of NNPCL before he was simultaneously appointed as the non-executive chairman, thus enjoying the privilege of having

his name in the company’s records with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

“Araraume remains a part of the NNPCL family in the face of the law. All issues settled in his favour in the judgment can be quietly revisited and resolved in ways that there will be no losers at the end of the day.

“This is the best way to go about quick restoration of the Board of the NNPCL to normalcy. The government cannot pretend not to know that all is not well with the NNPCL, especially now with the specific order nullifying all the decisions and resolutions taken by the Board in the absence of Senator Araraume from January 17, 2022 when he was removed as nonexecutive chairman of the Board.

“We understand that Araraume is a committed member of the ruling All Progressives Congress. We also understand that he was an appointee of President Muhammadu Buhari, as a federal commissioner at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), where he represented the Southeast zone from 2016-2018, a position he held after he passed rigorous security checks by the Police and the Department of State

Services.

“He underwent security checks by the Department of State Security Service and the Nigerian Police Force, which cleared him for the appointment.

“People who have served our country deserve all the support they need. Our youth should shield themselves from being used as pawns in the power tussle that lacks legitimacy.

We, therefore, wish to call on President Buhari to clear all hurdles so that Senator Araraume can resume office, and summon board meetings to possibly ratify resolutions that were taken while he was in court, seeking redress.

“We wish to equally call on those in the NNPCL Board sponsoring different groups to discount the orders and judgment of the court to desist from doing so, as we won’t fold our arms and watch the Judiciary being intimidated from doing its work.

“We wish to also call on those who are aggrieved by the ruling of the Federal High Court to take advantage of the Appeal and Supreme Courts to ventilate their disagreement with the judgment and stop this unnecessary

State Pilgrims welfare Agency Executive Secratary Dr. Yusuf Argasiyyu,- Breffing the Media organisation over approve the sum of N2.919 2023 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia, yesterday in Kaduna.

Reconstructing global currency: What comes after the Dollar?

By Ismaheel Taofeeq Adisa

China is leading the charge with their Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). This system would replace cash but not yet replace banks — it would be based on blockchain technology and offer many features that were once only available through banking networks. This includes payment traceability, digital asset exchange and even user identity verification. The goal? To create a digital yuan that can be used by anyone around the globe.

It’s remarkable how much power a single currency can have. For decades, the U.S. dollar has held a place of near-supremacy in the global financial system, dominating international trade and finance transactions like no other currency before it. But with the emergence of new economic powers and the shifting dynamics of global trade, is it possible that another currency will soon take its place?

As we look to the future of global finance and commerce, one thing is certain: The dollar is no longer a sure bet. But what comes next? In this article, we’ll explore the possibilities and examine what a world without the dollar as its primary reserve currency might look like—and what implications this could have on businesses around the world.

For the past decade, the US dollar has been the world’s “goto” currency, and its value has grown exponentially over that time. This is due in large part to the fact that it is trusted around the world and seen as a secure and reliable currency. That said, there are signs that it may be nearing its end as the global preeminent currency, suggesting it is time to think about what will come after it.

This isn’t a new phenomenon; many times throughout history, currencies have come to dominate global markets only to be eventually displaced by something else. From the Roman denarius to colonial paper money to gold-backed coins, currencies have been fundamental in shaping our international economy. We are now at a crossroads where we have to consider what will take the dollar’s place and how we can create a new global standard.

For decades, the US dollar has reigned supreme as the world’s most stable currency. But things are changing—and fast. Escalating

geopolitical tensions and an unstable international economy have eroded the relative value of the greenback compared to other currencies. In fact, according to recent reports, 6 out of the 10 strongest currencies in 2020 were not even American.

The decline in global confidence in the dollar has caused investors to seek out alternative stores of wealth. Countries such as China, Russia and India have all publicly stated their intentions to move away from dependence on the dollar, eventually replacing it with a more stable currency. And while no one currency has emerged to challenge its supremacy yet, one thing is for sure: The reign of the US dollar is coming to an end—sooner than later.

So, what challenges exist to the US Dollar’s status as the world’s premier currency?

First, it’s worth noting that the Euro remains a strong challenger. The Eurozone is a powerful economic force and the European Central Bank (ECB) has developed a monetary policy as sophisticated as that of the Federal Reserve.

The Euro is also used by many countries outside of the Eurozone, such as Andorra and Kosovo. This means that the Euro can be seen as offering a currency choice to nations beyond Europe—so it makes sense that Europe’s currency should get an automatic boost from this increased demand.

Second, there’s China’s push for internationalization of its Yuan currency, with Chinese policymakers taking steps towards making their currency more attractive to investors on a global stage. Finally, there are digital currencies like Bitcoin, which aren’t backed by any nation or central bank yet remain popular for their potential for security and relatively lower transaction costs.

So while its strength looks unchallengeable right now, it seems only a matter of time before we see major changes in the global economy—changes which will not be kind to the US Dollar’s longheld superiority.

Have you ever heard of a digital global currency? It’s no longer just a pipe dream — there’s an active race to become the world’s first digital currency, and not surprisingly, it involves some of the largest nations on earth.

China is leading the charge with their Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). This system would replace cash but not yet

replace banks — it would be based on blockchain technology and offer many features that were once only available through banking networks. This includes payment traceability, digital asset exchange and even user identity verification. The goal? To create a digital yuan that can be used by anyone around the globe.

It isn’t just China that’s making a move: central banks from Europe to South America are looking into creating their own versions of a digital global currency as well. The European Central Bank was one of the first to announce plans to create a digital euro and countries like Japan, Canada and Switzerland are also in talks about developing their own currencies.

The thing these countries have in common? They’re all working towards creating a single, widely accepted form of global currency that could eventually replace the dollar as the go-to international reserve currency.

The dominance of the dollar in global transactions has had a profound effect on the world. It has solidified US economic supremacy, allowing it to shape international trade policies and influence geopolitics. But what would happen if the greenback loses its crown as the world’s premier currency?

A few challengers have emerged that could end the dollar’s dominance, such as China’s digital yuan and the facebook-backed cryptocurrency Diem. This could lead to a more decentralized global economic system, with several nations having increased control over their own economies and their own currencies.

These challengers could also make it easier for cross-border payments and investments across different nations, allowing countries to bypass US regulations like sanctions or tariffs. This will likely open up new markets for goods and services, driving global trade growth and reducing inequality between nations at different levels of development.

The end of US dollar supremacy could be a catalyst for global economic change – not just in terms of trade relations, but also in terms of overall prosperity and equity between countries. While there are still plenty of unknowns about what comes next, one thing is certain: the global economy is shifting into uncharted territory.

Ismaheel Taofeeq Adisa is a Public Policy Analyst.

How long shall politicians continue to play politics of belly?

By Isaac Asabor

The reason why it is not advisable to be treating corrupt politicians with kid gloves cannot be farfetched as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in one of its publications stated that “No country is immune to corruption. The abuse of public office for private gain erodes people’s trust in government and institutions, makes public policies less effective and fair, and siphons taxpayers’ money away from schools, roads, and hospitals.

As gathered from a razor-sharp news report titled “Inside Nigeria’s Budget Of Fraud”, and published on the online platform of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), “Between 2012 and 2014, a total of N201.79 billion was appropriated for 5,145 capital projects in the South West. Sadly, only a few of these projects were found to exist. Even these ones are in bad shape despite whopping sums sunk into them”. In a similar vein, it was gathered that notwithstanding gulping billions of Naira sunk into the Abak- Ikot Abasi road, it has remained uncompleted, four years after the contract award.

Still, in a similar vein, the writer gathered from Dataphyte, an online data-driven online news platform reported that Nigeria‘s ambitious plans to deliver 40,000 MW electricity capacity from its Power Sector by 2020 have failed and that almost six years into the Buhari-led government, over ₦1.3 trillion has entered into the electricity sector. Budgetary provisions and supports”. As surmised by the platform, policy inconsistency, weak regulations, and lack of transparency have weakened the country’s electricity value chain.

At this juncture, it is expedient to say that the foregoing scenarios graphically captured in this context are collectively the tip of the iceberg when the subject of how corrupt Nigerian politicians are, particularly as not a few of them have not disappointed Nigerians that they are corrupt since 1999 when democratic system of government was adopted. To rephrase the foregoing, it is germane to say that thousands of policies and programmes across the country over the years have either been messed up, abandoned, or delayed due to looting and corruption.

Not only have policies and programmes across constituencies been messed up, abandoned, or delayed due to looting and corruption, they have been claiming the innocent lives of Nigerians. For instance, as you read this piece about six persons were reported to have died on Sunday, April 23, 2023, following

an auto crash around the popular Kara Bridge along the LagosIbadan Expressway. As gathered, the incident happened in quick succession from the bus as it somersaulted, and burst into flames leading to the fatalities. It is germane to say that the accident was an addition to others that have been witnessed over the years due to bad roads.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to ask, “If public funds are not going towards the implementation of policies and executions of projects, then where is the money going? Without a doubt, suspicions and allegations have been rife that the money is filling the pockets of not a few politicians as their bohemian lifestyles and reckless spending buttress the allegations, and have continued to attract attention among not a few Nigerians who are invariably those who voted them into their various political positions. It will be recalled that ahead of the last general election that some politicians were arrested for carrying home a large amount of cash; even in foreign currencies. For so long, members of the public have been questioning some Nigerian politicians’ “overnight affluence”.

Again, it can also be asked, “Why do politicians steal money’? The foregoing question cannot be farfetched as not a few people have described politicians who ‘steal money’ to be abusing their positions of power by using public funds in order to satisfy their personal interests. According to Mr. Jones Kelubia, a political critic, stealing public funds is a process of accumulation, whereby the politician acts on the opportunity to exploit his or her private access to public resources in order to survive and secure favorable prospects for the future.

Symbolically speaking, politicians may ‘steal money’ to fulfill financial or career interests, facilitating favorable business transactions or advancing their prospects of reelection through vote bribery. Politicians who are ‘stealing money’ do so for personal gain by “fighting for their stomach” rather than “fighting for the common citizen’s plea.” Instead of going towards community development projects that would benefit the public at large, state resources are instead fueling politicians’ individual greed. Politicians who ‘steal money’ prioritize self-preservation, denying shared access to consumption of state goods, thus leaving voters hungry.

Having bemoaned the dangers that are inherent in the act of stealing money by politicians, it is expedient in this context to throw light on what “Politics of the belly” means. According to Wikipedia, Politics of the Belly is a translation of the French

term politique du ventre which is a Cameroonian expression popularized by Jean-François Bayart in his 1989 book L’État en Afrique. The online encyclopedia added that La Politique du Ventre says, “It refers, in particular, to the relationship between patrimonialism, clientelism, corruption, and power.

According to Lynn M. Thomas of the University of Washington:” “The politics of the belly points to the propensity of politicians to hoard and greedily consume resources in things and people. In addition to highlighting the significance of idioms of eating and the belly to African conceptions of power, Bayart’s analysis insists on the importance of vertical relationships, those between social unequals such as patrons or clients, to understand African political history.”

Having shed light on what the politics of the belly is, and how debilitating it is, it is germane to ask, “How Long Shall Nigerian Politicians Continue To Play Politics Of The Belly?”, “Should Politicians Continue To Be Left Unchallenged By Anti-Corruption Agencies?” Personally speaking, politicians that literarily have itchy fingers should be arrested upon discovery of strong evidence and prosecuted, and punished accordingly.

The reason why it is not advisable to be treating corrupt politicians with kid gloves cannot be farfetched as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in one of its publications stated that “No country is immune to corruption. The abuse of public office for private gain erodes people’s trust in government and institutions, makes public policies less effective and fair, and siphons taxpayers’ money away from schools, roads, and hospitals.

“While the wasted money is important, the cost is about much more. Corruption corrodes the government’s ability to help grow the economy in a way that benefits all citizens.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to opine that the president in the next political dispensation, should be resilient and determined to demonstrate sincere and unbiased political to fight corruption. This can be done by building strong and transparent institutions as such a move can turn the tide against corruption. To my view, monitoring groups across the three tiers of government should not relent in shining light on fiscal institutions and policies, like tax administration or procurement practices as a way of fighting the soaring rate of corruption by politicians across all constituencies in the country.

Isaac Asabor is a Public Affairs Analyst.

China’s kneeling man: A result of the one-child policy?

By Ayobami Okerinde

While China enjoyed an economic boost, sustainability was always a question begging for an answer. The country saw a high increase in the number of retirees and a smaller number to fill the void. This led to a shrink in the labor force.

In a viral video that made the rounds some weeks ago, a Chinese man was captured kneeling in front of his ex-girlfriend’s office for 21 hours in a bid to get her back.

According to the South China Morning Post, the man knelt at the woman’s office in Dazhou, from 1 pm on March 28 to 10:00 am on March 29 to get her back.

A report like this is not new in China, and one begins to wonder how it started. In 2015 a Chinese businessman in his 40s reportedly sued an agency after an unsuccessful search for a girlfriend having paid around $1m to the company. In a similar vein, the Independent, in 2014 reported a viral story of a Chinese man who bought 99 iPhone 6s to propose to his girlfriend on Single’s Day and was rejected.

In China, there’s a big gender gap and gender imbalance between males and females. This has led to the popularization of the term “leftover men” which describes men who are within a certain age bracket and are unmarried. According to Statista, as of June 2021, there were about 55.6% of men and about 39% of women are single in China. A survey also concluded that by 2020, the country would have had 24 million men with no partner, and some fall the risk of not getting married in their lifetime.

China’s One-child Policy: In November 2022, the population of the world reached a record 8 billion people, and analysts have revealed that reaching more population milestones is going to get quicker than ever before. With a population of around 1.41 billion, the country accounts for around 18.47% of the total world population. To address the country’s growing population which was deemed “too rapid”, the Chinese government in 1979 introduced the one-child policy.

The One-child policy meant that there could only be one

child per family, with few exceptions to individuals in the rural areas, who could have two based on certain factors. In 1980, the policy was fully implemented after the country’s population almost doubled within 30 years. Some of the reasons cited for the introduction of the policy were to curb China’s growing population, stimulate economic growth, and also to mitigate the food crises the country was facing at the time, as there was more population. The policy has over the years been described as “harsh” and “Strict”.

To ensure the policy was strictly followed, the Chinese government through the National Health and Family Planning introduced a series of measures. One of the measures introduced was to fine couples for having more than one child (without a permit). Also, there were often forced abortions for some couples to ensure total compliance. For those who complied some benefits include longer maternity leave, financial incentives, and preferential employment opportunities, among others. Any family who contravenes also saw the second child not registered and has no access to basic needs.

The policy no doubt left some implications on the sociocultural, and economic aspects of China. One of the effects was families having to hide their children. For such families, they resulted in having to hide their second child (or more) from the preying eyes of the government and this led to a high increase of children who were undocumented and couldn’t work legally. People also risked losing their jobs if they were found to have more than one child. The policy also saw a huge gap between China’s aging population and the working force. The country has a high percentage of aged people but a smaller population of young people who will take care of them. A study has revealed that by 2050, a third of China’s population will be above the age of 60.

In an extreme measure, the policy led to infanticide targeting girls. The preference for a male child was huge such that there was a rise in female fetus abortions. This saw many families abort their child once they discover that the child was a girl, especially for the first child. For those who couldn’t, they gave birth and abandoned them; this led

to a rise in girl-child orphanages.

While China enjoyed an economic boost, sustainability was always a question begging for an answer. The country saw a high increase in the number of retirees and a smaller number to fill the void. This led to a shrink in the labor force.

Isolation, Loneliness, and Marriage Issues The onechild policy led to loneliness and isolation that affected the family structure. For most families with one child and most preferably male, the child grew up without any siblings and thus affected social interaction. For the parents, as the nature of education and opportunities around the world broadened and increased, young individuals in the country migrated to other cities and left their parents with no one to relate with (physically).

The effect of the one-child policy has also led to an increase in dating sites and apps in the country. Most of these apps offer to fill the void and some also promise to help with marriage. Some of the apps include Momo, Tantan Soul, Hertz, Zhiya, and others; with these apps having as high as 59 million active users monthly. According to Statista, the dating market is set to hit $290m in revenues by 2024.

The end, but the problem continues After over three decades, China abolished its one-child policy in 2016 with a two-child policy to address issues. However, the policy generated the much-desired result in the country. The birth rates are not increasing and the gap between the aging population and the young population hasn’t reduced. The country is now tilted towards a three-child policy to address the issues. Despite this, about 0.8% of the country’s women are willing to have a third child, because of the “extra burden.”

China’s one-child policy will be regarded as a lesson for governments around the world on a rushed and a policy not well thought of.

I stand with Achraf Hakimi Mouh

By Francis Ewherido

Achraf Hakimi Mouh’s infidelity and the mother’s response notwithstanding, I still stand with him. If you do not know what marriage is all about, stand aside. Marriage is not an institution for gold diggers. If you want to dig gold go to Zamfara State, Ghana or South Africa.

PSG player and Moroccan International, Achraf Hakimi Mouh and his Tunisian-Libyan-Spanish wife, Hiba Aboukare are on the verge of a divorce. Hakimi has been in the news for a while now because of his separation and pending divorce from Hiba, and the rape allegation against him. Two Fridays ago, the news broke that about 80 per cent of Hakimi’s $17m net worth is in his mother’s name. Meanwhile, Hiba wants at least $8.5m (50per cent of Hakimi’s net worth) in divorce settlement. Hiba only got to know after filing for divorce that she will not get that much. I even read that with a networth of $2m, Hiba is officially richer than Hakimi and would be the one to pay him divorce settlement. Anyway, I doubt if Hakimi would be interested in her money.

Opinions have been divided since the new development became public knowledge. Some people are taking side with him and his mother, Saida Mouh, while others are taking side with Hiba. I too have a very strong opinion on this matter. That is why I am writing on it today (I could not do that last Saturday because the news broke late). Moreover, there are many lessons to be learnt by married people and those intending to go into marriage.

Hiba is asking for divorce on grounds of adultery in a country where only about 47 per cent of the people find adultery “unacceptable.” No problem, it is a personal decision. Beyond promiscuity, Hakimi is alleged to have raped a lady. It is a grievous allegation, but the police are still investigating. Yet Hiba is already filing for divorce. She has also promised to offer support to the alleged rape victim against Hakimi when the police have not formally brought charges against Hakimi. Yet she wants $8.5m of Hakimi’s money to add to her current net worth of about $2m to help her support the alleged rape victim! Meanwhile, Hakimi’s mother has jumped to his defense that that the rape allegation is false. You decide who is showing love between mother and wife.

On what grounds is Hiba asking for this money? Is it because she was married to him for three years or the two boys they

had together? Or is it because of breaking his marital vow of fidelity? When former President Bill Clinton was caught pants down with Monica Lewinsky, Hilary Clinton, his wife, stood by him. She did not ask for divorce though she had grounds to do so. She stood by him through and through. For me, that is love and maturity. Hilary is the real deal.

When Cheryl Ann Tweedy, a famous singer in England, got tired of the former Arsenal left back, Ashley Coles’ infidelity, she divorced Cole. Unlike Hiba, Cheryl did not take any money from Cole. In fact, she let him keep their $8 million mansion. It was clear that her problem with Cole was his infidelity. She was sincere and transparent.

I encourage married people to keep their marital vows, but not everyone does. When your spouse cheats in marriage, you have two legal options. You either forgive him/her and continue with the marriage, or you divorce your spouse. But if you want a divorce, be honourable about it and behave like Cheryl, Ashley Cole’s wife. If not, you risk being seen as a gold digger. That is the problem people have with Hiba.

The primary reason for marriage is companionship. Where is the companionship when Hiba has filed for divorce after three years of marriage? And she wants $8.5m. If money was so easy to get, why is she worth only $2m after many years of acting? Money is tough to accumulate, yet she wants to rob someone of his hard earned money? Does she realise what footballers go through to get to Hakimi’slevel? Islam encourages Muslims to uphold the values of JUSTICE and KINDNESS in divorce, and Hakimi and Hiba are “practicing Muslims,” but I cannot see these values in Hiba’s action.

Supporters of Hiba should realise that when you are 34 and go ahead and marry a 22 year-old-man, you have to deal with a lot of immaturity. Women mature way faster than men, not to talk of when there is 12 years difference in age. Leaning on his supportive mother and his family for emotional support and answers to some life’s mysteries is inevitable. It is your choice on who to get married to, but life’s choices come with concomitant implications. Hiba should go and take tutorials from spouses who married considerably younger men/women.

Hiba did not complain of any physical or mental abuse, why file for divorce after three years. And if she must go, why not do what Cheryl did? Just walk away to have your peace of mind. She can also ask for child support, which Hakimi is morally obliged to provide and it is allowed in the French legal system,

but half of his wealth after only three years of marriage is pure greed. She wants a bountiful harvest where she did not sow or sowed sparingly.

I do not understand why people are dragging Hakim’s mother. Hakim’s wife never said her mother-in-law interfered in the marriage. For your information, Hakimi joined Real Madrid youth academy when he was just eight years old. He quickly rose through the ranks and made his professional debut for Real Madrid in October 2017 in a Copa del Rey match against Fuenlabrada. At this time, Hiba was not in the picture. His mother and family guided him. It was probably at this time his mother started managing his resources. He knows best why he maintained the status quo after marriage, but Hiba’s action has proven that Hakimi was right in keeping the bulk of his assets from her grips. You expose your assets to loving and loyal spouses, not greedy gold diggers.

Hakimi’s mother should be left alone. She is a wonderful African woman. She was just being faithful to her son. Hakimi never complained that his mother mismanaged his money, so why the noise? In relationships between daughter-in-law and mother-in-law, as long as the son/husband is mature and none of the women is greedy, they can live harmoniously. May be, supporters of Hiba wanted another case of former Arsenal player, Emmanuel Eboue, replayed. Sorry,it is not going to happen with Hakimi.

As I was rounding up this article, response from Hakimi mother came in: ”If he (Hakimi) has taken any action to protect himself, I’m unaware of it. What’s the problem if the news is true? If my son does not do this, he will not be able to get rid of that woman [Hiba Abouk].”

Achraf Hakimi Mouh’s infidelity and the mother’s response notwithstanding, I still stand with him. If you do not know what marriage is all about, stand aside. Marriage is not an institution for gold diggers. If you want to dig gold go to Zamfara State, Ghana or South Africa.

NB: We shall talk about nuclear family and extended family relationship next week. Some women complained about the extended family (Hakimi’s mother specifically) in their reactions to the story.

Francis Ewherido is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Ayobami Okerinde is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Association tasks President-elect on development of mining sector

The Gold Miners Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (GMPMA) has urged the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu to place priority on the development of the mining sector of the economy.

Mr Auwal Bununu, the GMPMA president, said this when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

Bununu said the sector was faced with lack of government attention, adding that such had hindered effective implementation of projects and policies in the sector.

“The sector is expected to be a major contractor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“In the 1960s and 70s, the sector contributed about 15 per cent of GDP because there was attention and strong support by relevant authorities.

“But today, the GDP contribution is low as the sector is no longer receiving such support and attention.

“The financial institutes and fiscal policies are not capturing the sector very well in the policy formulation, thereby making the sector not functioning effectively as its being expected,” he said.

Bununu, also the Technical Adviser to Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Miners and Agriculture (NACCIMA), a mining group, said the association’s target was to promote the economic development of the country.

He said that the NACCIMA was an umbrella body of the GMPMA, adding that the association was working with stakeholders to achieve its objectives.

Bununu said that the association welcomed the president-elect pronouncement of plans forming a government of competence, which would ensure development in all the sectors in the economy.

” I am happy to hear the President-elect saying that he is going to form a government of competence.

“What that means is that from my own understanding, the administration will bake the national cake and ensure that it gets to everyone in all sectors in the country. What we have been experiencing is sharing formulas, but not baking the cake.

“So, in as much as the president elect has promised

Cleric tasks incoming administration on justice, fairness

Dr Huseyn Zakaria, the Chief Missioner, Uthman Bin Affan Mosque, Wuse II, Abuja, has called on the incoming administration of the President-elect, Sen Bola Tinubu, to ensure justice and fairness to all Nigerians.

The cleric made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the closing ceremony of the 2023 Annual Ramadan Tafsir of the mosque, on Sunday, in Abuja.

Zakaria also stressed the need for all elected officials to respect their conveanant with the almighty Allah by fulfilling all their campaign promises.

“For our new incoming leaders at various levels of administration and governance

in this country, they should remember that the position they have asked for and they were voted for are all trust given to them by the Almighty Allah.

“And when you enter into a conveanant with Allah to help the advancement of this country at all levels, then it is a strong issue. Anything that is against justice, fairness and fair play should not be assisted by you and should not be part of your programmes.

“Politics has ended now, and what is important is that all elected officials are leaders of all Nigerians and all Nigerians are their subjects. So, no more party politics after election. Therefore, they should carry along with them everybody

despite the differences in political affiliations.

“They should give everybody their rights and give people whatever they have promised them during the electioneering campaigns. When they do that, Allah will help them come back again, otherwise Allah will change them with a better people in the next elections.”

Zakaria explained that the theme of this year’s Ramadan Tafsir centred on the protection of the rights of the weak, the orphans, girl-child, and the women folk with respect to distribution of their inheritance.

He emphasised the need for all stakeholders to stand with them in making sure that their rights were accorded

to them as contained in the holy Quran and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

“Unfortunately, we are facing so many challenges with regards to the restoration of the rights of the weak at all levels. Our courts and judges are actually not doing enough and our security operatives are actually not doing enough.

“So we need to actually stand against any persecution and any wrong from wherever actually it emanates so that we will have a society that actually stands on justice and fairness.

“If that happens, we will have a society that is helped and assisted by the Almighty Allah,” Zakaria said. (NAN)

Motorsport NGO trains 100 Children in Karting, gives prices

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

About 100 children have been successfully trained in a kart (motorsport) training and competition for children in Abuja. The training was done by a motorsport nongovernmental organization known as Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN).

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

The first three day of the event

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

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

About 100 children participated in the competition

out of which the best 16 were selected, and then the best 8 out which the best 4 qualified for the final.

In the category of boys, the first price went the 17-year-old Bassey Akilahyel who emerged over all winner while Usman Suleiman and Muhammad Suleiman came behind as first runner-up and second runner-up respectfully.

In the female category of the Karting in Schools, 11-year-old Ummusalma Abdullateef was the winner, while Sunday 9th April, 2023 saw 18 students participate in the eSport in eKarting Category, 12-year-old Abdullateef Junaid

emerged overall winner, followed by Mubarak Muhammad and David Shaibu who came second and third, respectively.

The president of ATCN Mr Isaku Bamayi, in his closing remark charged the kart drivers to show “dedication and commitment because the training and the outcome of the competition will definitely impart on your life, especially for those of you who want to obtain licence to participate in National and international competitions”, he said.

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

L-R Chairman, Ekiti State Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRM Oba Gabriel Adejuwon; Secretary to the state Government, Dr (Mrs) Habibat Adubiaro; Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji ; Special Adviser on Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, Mr Niyi Adebayo; and Federal Commissioner National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Deji Ajayi ; during the inauguration of the State Publicity Committee/ Logistics and Security Committee for the 2023 National Population and Housing Census, at the Conference Hall, Governor’s Office. Ado Ekiti, yesterday.

By Christiana Ekpa

Amid probe of the alleged loss of over $2.4 billion in revenue from illegal sale of 48 million barrels of crude oil export in 2015 and the call for President Muhammadu Buhari to set up a presidential panel of enquiry to probe allegations that over 149 million barrels of crude oil are missing, as documented in the 2019 reports by the Auditor General of the Federation and Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has said that such investigation by the current administration will be fruitless.

In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Willy Ezugwu, the CNPP noted that President Muhammadu Buhari cannot probe himself as the Minister of Petroleum Resources since 2015.

While SERAP also urged the President to ensure prosecution of anyone suspected to be responsible for plundering the country’s oil

NNPCL’s missing 149m crude: CNPP valls for independent investigative panel

wealth and make full recovery of any proceeds of crime, the House of Reps Committee on Oil Theft is inviting several high-ranking officials over alleged missing 149 million barrels of crude oil in 2019.

But the CNPP maintained that “it will be futile for any citizen or member of the civil society community to get NNPC management team to account for their stewardship or be held accountable for their alleged financial and economic crimes under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration or any All Progressives Congress (APC)controlled government.

“Recall that the CNPP as the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political

associations had expressed worries that while oil producing countries globally were experiencing a boost in their revenue generation as a result of increasing international prices of crude oil, Nigeria continued to suffer decline in earnings, had in 2022 reiterated it’s earlier call for the sack of the management team of the newly registered Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited), urging President Muhammadu Buhari to replace them with prudent private sector players to save the country’s economy.

“However, President Muhammadu Buhari, as the Minister of Petroleum Resources, has so far refused to take any

decisive action against the NNPC management team led by Mallam Mele Kyari whose leadership has wasted more funds and contributed less revenue to the federal treasury than the NNPC under the corrupt Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government which the APC constantly criticised before its members got into office in 2015.

“More worrisome is that the National Assembly progressively failed exercise its oversight powers on the NNPC to serve as clog in the speedy wheels of a strategic corporation managed by very corrupt individuals like the NNPC.

“Nigerians had expected that a Buhari-led administration will end corruption in the country, especially in a government owned

corporation or company like the NNPC, but this was not the case in the last eight years.

“While corruption continued to thrive unbridled at the NNPC under Mallam Mele Kyari, the Federation Government of Nigeria opted to continue to borrow money in connivance with a rubber stamp National Assembly, where equally corrupt politicians have retired into as legislators to seemingly help cover the track of serving executives.

“Therefore, only an independent investigative panel under a sincere Executive or Legislature can effectively probe NNPC Limited or any other parastatal or institution of government.

Imo guber: Uzodinma didn’t influence LP primary – South-East Chairman, Okeke

By Musa Baba Adamu

The South-East Zonal Chairman of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Innocent Okeke has dispelled insinuations that Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State influenced the outcome of the party’s primary election in the State.

Senator Athan Achonu emerged winner of the party’s primary election conducted by the Abia State Governor-elect, Alex Otti.

There are claims that Achonu is being sponsored by Governor Uzodinma.

But in a statement made available to journàlists on Monday, Okeke said there was no basis for anyone to hold such an opinion.

He stated that the party conducted the freest, fairest and most credible primary election for the emergence of a candidate.

The exercise, according to him, “reaffirmed the genuine call for a paradigm shift in line with the new Nigerian mantra. Apart from having INEC staff to supervise the primary, security agents and observers were on ground to observe the entire exercise.

“The winner of the election, Senator Athan Achonu did not spring a surprise as he was always among the top three of likely winner of the election.

“At present, the party in Imo

is concerned about building bridges and embarking on genuine reconciliation of every aggrieved member, bearing in mind that what is happening in the Labour Party is not peculiar to it. It is common with party administration in Nigeria.”

He urged every aggrieved aspirant “to apply caution and shun any form of blackmail against the party members as we recently saw in a trending voice message, purporting that our governorship candidate, Senator Athan Achonu has a deal with the incumbent governor to undermine the party’s expected victory in Imo

which is not true.

“The above assumption is not only laughable but exposes the desperation of the originator. We must embrace the spirit of sportsmanship. Let the defeated in a fair contest congratulate the winner and work for the party’s victory as we have over time witnessed in all the other states where Labour Party conducted her governorship primaries.

“Contrary to what naysayers are selling to the unsuspecting public, the election was done strictly in compliance with the delegates’ list as they emerged from their wards after a credible congress. As we know, each

ward represents a community in the state. This simply means that 305 Imo state communities gathered at the Landmark Event Centre Owerri, on the 15th April, 2023, to elect the best candidate to fly the flag of Labour Party for the forth coming election. Each Community in the state was given an opportunity to contribute to who later became the standard bearer.

“As National Vice Chairman (South East) of our great party and a member of the Electoral Committee, I attest to the fact that every process taken to conduct the primary election was transparent and without

bias. We understood that it was never going to be easy managing 16 aspirants in a single election, but we did it seamlessly to the applause of the contestants.

“Those trying to plant seeds of discord in our party over the conduct of the primary election should have a rethink. They should rather explore avenues provided in the party’s constitution in seeking redress, not by mudslinging.

“The party and our candidate will accommodate everyone in the scheme of things.”

Okeke expressed optimism that the LP would produce the next Imo governor.

President-elect Tinubu returns home, says “I’m ready for the task ahead”

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

President-elect Bola Ahmed

Tinubu returned to the country on Monday evening after about a month trip to Paris, France.

A statement issued yesterday by his Media Aide, Tunde Rahman, said he was received by a mammoth crowd of enthusiastic associates and supporters who thronged the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja where his plane touched down.

The President-elect was in company with his wife, Senator

Remi Tinubu, and son, Seyi Tinubu.

Among those at the airport to receive him were Vice Presidentelect Kashim Shettima, House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila as well as Governors Simon Lalong (Plateau) and Abubakar SaniBello (Niger), former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff.

Also at the airport were former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, APC Deputy National Chairman, North, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Deputy

National Chairman, South, Barrister Emma Enekwu, and National Woman Leader, Dr. Betta Edu.

There were also Senators Barau Jibril, Adeola Olamilekan Yahyi, Opeyemi Bamidele, Dayo Adeyeye, Sabi Abdullahi and Adelere Oriolowo as well as Secretary of the recentlydissolved Presidential Campaign Council, Hon. James Faleke, Hon. Babajimi Benson and Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Director of media and publicity in the dissolved Presidential Campaign Council.

Speaking to the tumultuous crowd who followed him home,

the President-elect said: “I’m happy to be back. I have rested, I’m refreshed and I’m ready for the task ahead.

“Forget about what the rumour mill may have told you. I’m strong, very strong.”

Asked about about his plans for the country, he said he had been consulting and planning with a view to putting together a strong team so he could hit the ground running once he assumes office on May 29.

The President-elect left the country on March 21 for Paris on a vacation after a hectic campaign and election season.

By Musa Baba Adamu

Ahead of the May 29, 2023, handover, the Enugu State Governorelect, Dr. Peter Mbah, has named Ike Chioke, Dr. Joe Abah, Prof. Chidi Onyia, Prof Chinedu Nebo and 54 others as members of his Transition Committee.

The Committee includes internationallyrecognised technocrats, good governance, transparency and accountability advocates, financial and management experts, entrepreneurs, as well as tech and innovation specialists.

The Governor-elect said the Transition Committee would help articulate and fine-tune the incoming administration’s “implementable and impactful development plan” when it

Enugu Gov-elect, Mbah names ex Power Minister, Nebo, 60 more in transition Cttee

assumes office in May.

The Transition Committee members, as contained in a statement issued on Monday by the head of the Peter Mbah Media Office, Dan Nwomeh, will streamline the State development plan in line with Mbah’s “Social Charter” with Ndi Enugu.

He said the Charter aims at repositioning the state as one of the top three states in Nigeria in terms of Gross Domestic Product per capita, while addressing poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.

The committee will be

chaired by Ike Chioke, an engineer, renowned investment banker, and Group Managing Director of Afrinvest (West Africa) Ltd. He is also the President of the Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria, Chief Executive Officer of Triple-A Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd, and Chairman of Royal Exchange General Insurance Company. Mr. Chioke has over 30 years of experience in the banking industry, project and structured finance, debt and equity capital markets, media, telecommunications, financial services, and industrial reform.

Ogun tribunal: Stop sending emissaries to Adebutu’s father – PDP, APC trade words

By Christiana Ekpa

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has warned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop sending emissaries to Chief Kessington Adebutu, father of the PDP candidate in the March 18 governorship election in the State, Ladi Adebutu.

The PDP cautioned that the APC should face the case before the election tribunal instead of sending dignitaries to plead with the business mogul to prevail on his son to withdraw his petition.

This was contained in a statement made available to journàlists by the PDP Publicity Secretary in Ogun, Akinloye Bankole, on Monday.

Earlier, the APC spokesman in Ogun, Tunde Oladunjoye, had accused Adebutu of bullying the judiciary.

Oladunjoye told Adebutu that he cannot be a petitioner and judge at the same time, saying election petition is not won on social media.

The APC leader said, “Adebutu’s persistent bullying of the judiciary, peddling of lies against the government and inciting the citizens, is the worst version of what defective petitioners do to give nonexistent hope to gullible followers to keep them in check and securely warehoused.”

He described Adebutu’s petition as nothing but foul smoke that will be blown away with the wind.

“They fantasised about votes to be deducted from APC votes! This is laughable. They have been deceived by rookie statisticians who came up with all manner of strange allegations, expecting their one-winged petition to fly. The decent thing to do is for Adebutu to refrain from propaganda,” Oladunjoye stated.

Reacting, the PDP said Adebutu, together with the party approached the elections petition tribunal with petitions, to register displeasure on the level of partisanship, anomalies, manipulations and several

irregularities discovered in the just concluded 2023 elections in the State.

The PDP spokesperson said it is a shameful act for Oladunjoye and the Ogun APC team to have called Adebutu out for exercising his fundamental human rights, stressing that the Nigerian constitution reckons with freedom of speech and expression, which Adebutu has done harmlessly.

“For Oladunjoye to have started crying when trials have not commenced, is it not a new antics to cause distractions, particularly when the truth is catching up with them daily?”

Bankole maintained that an election tribunal is never a military zone and

anyone with no skeleton in his cupboard should not shiver but accept being served with the petitions and not wait until an order for substituted service is granted.

“If truly the APC won the election beyond reasonable doubt, then, there is no need for the APC to twist narratives, whip sentiments around the judiciary and cry foul when nothing happened.

“The APC should prepare themselves for the trials at the tribunal and stop disturbing the public with lies and also stop sending emissaries to the patriarch of the Adebutu family to plead. Rather, they should allow the judiciary, the only hope of the common man, to

perform its constitutional duties. After all, ours is a constitutional democracy,” Bankole noted.

He spoke further that the “APC is known for intimidating and attacking peaceful individuals, so as to restrict people from exposing their illicit acts, hence, their new endeavour of using Oladunjoye as a microphone to orchestrate and cause post-election chaos.”

Bankole alleged that Oladunjoye “is supposed to be under an arrest somewhere and be answering questions bordering on corruption and reckless dereliction of duties during his inglorious days as council chairman; he should not

May 29th Inauguration: Why we initiated prayer sessions – APC Forum

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Ahead of the forthcoming inauguration of the nation’s presidentelect, Bola Tinubu, on May 29th, 2023, the All Progressive Congress (APC) leaders under the aegis of the North Central APC Forum have initiated prayer sessions for the success of the inauguration.

The Forum also said the prayer sessions have become necessary following the imagined and unforeseen threats against the success of the ceremony.

Chairman of the Forum, Saleh Mandung Zazzaga disclosed this to journalists in

Jos the Plateau State Capital after their post-Easter and Sallah meeting as well as their strategic action plan towards the inauguration ceremony.

He said the Forum’s Muslim members, including himself, who went on pilgrimage to the holy land of Saudi Arabia and just returned two days ago have already commenced preliminary prayer sessions for the country generally and the smooth transition process while their Christian members back at home were equally observing their own prayers.

He, however, said, the official commencement of the prayer sessions among

members and accompanying supporters would be on Saturday, April 29th, 2023, which would be exactly one month to the inauguration.

“Prayers for a hitch-free transition process and the eventual inauguration of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, come May 29th has become imperative following forces and other perceived threats working against it.

“For instance, there are several suits against Tinubu which mischief makers are trying to use to obstruct the occasion”, he explained.

“Again, there is the threat from several quarters calling for an interim government, and the security

agencies themselves have acknowledged such threats.

“With all these threats and unforeseen others, we have decided to commence these prayer sessions among adherents of the different faiths so that the inauguration will come and go successfully and the new government can take off on a sound footing,” he said.

Zazzaga pointed out that with prayers Tinubu will also have divine direction in his administration, particularly in the area of selecting the lieutenants he will be working with, as making wrong appointments is the fastest thing that could mar his administration.

No serious leader will go on rest - Peter Obi swipes at Tinubu

By Christiana Ekpa

may die before Tinubu –

tells those wishing president-elect dead

By Musa Baba Adamu

Asocial commentator, Deji Adeyanju, has told those wishing Bola Tinubu dead that they might die before him.

As the president-elect returned to Nigeria on Monday, Adeyanju called out those who thought the former Lagos State governor was in a foreign country over an ailment.

Adeyanju told them to stop the same folly they displayed during the eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari, asking the opposition to wake up and start preparing for the next election.

“President-elect Tinubu is back to Nigeria. How far now with all those wishing him dead in the name of opposition? Learn from the folly of the last 8 yrs against Buhari and begin to prepare for 2027,” he said in a series of tweets.

He also added: “Those wishing Tinubu dead may end up dying before him. Life is so full of surprises and humility. Buhari who is about to complete his 2nd term is a perfect example why we shouldn’t take politics to the extreme. It’s just politics and nothing more. It’s about ideology and not hate.”

rest (vacation) in Nigeria.

Obi, the presidential candidate of LP during the February 25 election, disclosed this on Monday when he paid the Muslim community in Akwa Central Mosque an Eid-el-fitr visit.

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi was highly commended by the Muslim Community in Awka, Anambra state Capital for his exceptional show of love to them while in and out of office.

The Zonal Chairman of Miyetta Alla in the state, Alhaji Gidado Siddik disclosed this when Obi paid Sallah homage to them at the Awka Central Mosque on Monday.

Alhaji Siddik explaining why the former Governor was invited to their Mosque, noted that it was ‘to fraternize with him as they always did in the past, and to encourage him on his journey to New Nigeria, not minding the falsehoods peddled against him.

According to Alhaji Siddik, they had wanted to visit Mr. Peter Obi at his house in Onitsha, but on receiving their invitation, Obi offered to visit them at the mosque and celebrate Eid el Fitr with them.

Speaking at the Central Mosque in Awka during Obi’s visit, the Zonal Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Alhaji Gidado recalled that Obi never failed to celebrate their sallah with them when he was the Governor of the State, a ritual he continued after.

He praised Obi for his visible contributions to the development of their Community over the years.

Gidado stated that under Obi’s administration as

He urged that Nigerians should not be divided based on religion or politics.

He said: “People who want to rest can go and relax. I am not resting because I have to visit schools and hospitals and interact with

Governor, many of their children received scholarships and many of their members were sponsored for pilgrimage to Mecca by Obi, and since Obi left office, that tradition ended. “No Governor has sponsored any of us to Mecca since Obi left office,” Gidado said.

He continued, “Some of our members applied for agricultural loans under Peter Obi’s administration, and they were approved, without knowing us in person. Such a thing has never happened. Obi treated us like indigenes and made us feel at home in Anambra. He did not segregate between Muslims and Christians nor between Northerners and Easterners.”

The Leader of the Awka Muslim Community, Alhaji Garba Sarki, in his remarks, noted that the many lies told by traducers to tarnish Obi’s image in the North are sad. He said he was willing to tell the whole world who Obi is, and how he has helped their community to grow in the State. He said that the Muslim Community in Awka supported Obi’s bid for the presidency because they know and understand the kind of person he is and how prepared he is to change the trajectory of the nation.

The LP Presidential standard bearer Obi appreciated the Community for their love and support and urged the people to resist any attempt to divide the nation along religious and tribal lines.

He maintained that a

people.

“No serious leader will go and rest in Nigeria. We will continue to visit as many people as possible and support them as best we can”.

Recall that the President-

elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Monday after his over one Month vacation in Europe. Meanwhile, Tinubu, in his speech after his return, said he was ready to kick the ground running.

prosperous economy will be beneficial both to Christians and Muslims, and as such, all should join hands to make the nation better. He called on Nigerians to continue to love and support one another for a better nation.

Obi who was accompanied by Chief Celestine Okoye (Retd DIG), the House of Representatives- elect, Prof. Oby Orogbu, and his former

Commissioners, namely: Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna; Barr. Peter Afuba, SAN; Mr. Ndubisi Menakaya; Dr. Patrick Obi; Lady Henrietta Agbata; Mr. Fidel Okafor as well as House of Assembly member-elect, Hon. Henry Mbachu presented his material and cash gifts to the Community and wished them well.

Tinubu transition committee: Omitting Igbo dangerous – Ohanaeze

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo sociocultural organisation has faulted the omission of Igbo from the transition committee list of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu had forwarded a 13-man list, in addition to the earlier transition committee list sent to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss

Mustapha.

It was observed that the Southeast was excluded from the list submitted to Mustapha.

Speaking with journàlist, Isiguzoro urged Tinubu to integrate Igbos at the federal level.

According to him: “Ndigbo will give total support to Tinubu and we are emphasizing that he should integrate the Southeast properly into the centre

and ensure he creates a government of national unity.

“We are shocked that among the people enlisted by the president-elect that there was no Igbo person in the transition committee forwarded by Asiwaju.

“This portends danger. We want to believe that those who assisted Asiwaju made a great mistake.

“For such a mistake to come at this

hour, it portends danger to the unity of the country.”

Isiguzoro also urged “Tinubu must ensure that people from the opposition who were sacrificed, from the South, like Wike, Chimaroke Nnamani, Ikpeazu, Ortom, and Ugwanyi who paid the supreme price by ensuring a smooth transition of power from the North to the South should be integrated into the government of national unity.”

“No Governor has taken us to Mecca since Obi left office”- Miyetta Allah Chairman You

Adeyanju

Obi

Peter Obi of the Labour Party said no serious leader would go on a

Sudan crisis: Air Peace offers to evacuate Nigerians for free

From Abubakar Yunusa ABUJA

Air Peace, a commercial airline in Nigeria, has expressed its readiness to evacuate stranded Nigerians in Sudan, North-East Africa free of charge if the Federal Government can get them to a safe and secure airport in any of the neighbouring countries bordering Sudan.

This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the chairman and chief executive officer of the airline, Allen Onyema.

According to him, Nigerian students and others stranded in the war-ravaged nation need urgent help.

Mr Onyema said he is compelled to help because Nigeria cannot afford to lose her citizens in that country, adding that it would be his own commitment to making sure that the stranded Nigerians in the war-torn country are safe.

“Again, Air Peace is willing to evacuate Nigerians stranded in Sudan free of charge if the government can get them to a safe and secure airport in any of the neighbouring countries bordering Sudan. Everything must not be left to the government and the government alone.

“We are very ready to do it

immediately. No time wasting.

Any action that would promote national pride, national cohesion, peace and unity, we

are for it.

“Again, we have no apologies for believing in our nation and loving the nation

despite certain national challenges. If they are moved to Kenya or Uganda or any other country, we will move in

to get them out. Some parents have started calling on us to help. We are ready to do this again and again,” he said.

Airtel partners AXA mansard to launch innovative health bundle

Nigeria’s leading mobile network operator, Airtel, has partnered with insurance and asset management company, AXA Mansard, to launch an innovative health bundle, aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of Nigerians who cannot afford the high cost of healthcare in the country.

The Airtel AXA-Mansard Health Bundle is an innovative solution that empowers Nigerians to conveniently access health insurance value offerings, allowing Airtel customers to access affordable healthcare insurance as they buy Airtel data bundles.

CEO AXA Mansard Health, Tope Adeniyi, disclosed that the aim of the partnership with Airtel to launch the product is to improve social impact through affordable medical interventions for all. This, according to him, would ensure that no Nigerian lacks the basics as far as healthcare is concerned.

He said, “The product offers high-speed internet data plans

bundle with healthcare benefits. Customers will have access to affordable healthcare insurance and access to primary healthcare services.

“We have created the first digital healthcare bundle for Nigerians that basically ensures customers can access a doctor at any time of the day.”

Head, Customer Communications, Airtel, Guruman Iwundu, stated that

Airtel has taken the lead in addressing healthcare situations that require urgent attention, such as Nigerians relying on selfmedication, closet doctors and traditional leaders.

He stated further that the Airtel AXA-Mansard health bundle will provide telemedicine, pharmacy services up to 60,000 Naira annually, and hospitalisation reimbursement covering of N20,000 monthly and

up to N240,000 annually.

“The health bundle will give Airtel customers access to healthcare via a short code when they buy specific date bundles.

There are three bundles available: N700 that gives 1Gb data and healthcare insurance valid for 7 days, N1700 that gives 2Gb data and healthcare insurance valid for 30 days, and N3500 that gives 10Gb data and healthcare insurance valid for 30 days.”

AGF finally agrees to appear before reps over ‘illegal’ sale of 48m barrels of oil

From Abubakar Yunusa ABUJA

Abubakar Malami, attorneygeneral of the federation, has agreed to appear before a house of representatives ad-hoc committee investigating the alleged illegal sale of 48 million barrels of crude oil in 2015.

Mark Gbillah, chairman of the committee, announced on Thursday that Malami will face the lawmakers on April 27.

Peoples Daily had reported that the committee summoned Malami and Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance, but they ignored the invitation.

Last week, Ghillah said the committee obtained reports that Malami received funds from outside the country through the whistleblower policy but did not remit it to the federation account.

The committee chairman also said the minister of finance approved payments to whistleblowers which were not in accordance with the policy.

On Wednesday, the committee displayed documents allegedly involving the payment of $200 million to two companies for “consultancy service”.

Gbillah said the attorney-general wrote to the committee that he will appear before the lawmakers with a “comprehensive response”.

He said: “Today we are in receipt of a letter from the attorney-general of the federation and the minister of justice who is averring his determination to respect the doctrine of separation of powers and to support our extant laws. He has indicated the fact that they are trying to put together the comprehensive response that we have raised.

“While we appreciate the attorneygeneral’s response we would like to indicate that it came a lot later than we expected and it came without the response that we referred to.

“So, we will appreciate it if the attorney-general and honourable

minister provides these responses and also appear before the committee next Thursday. So, let’s give him the window to appear before the committee.”

Ghillah said the finance minister has not shown regard to the committee by responding to the query sent to her office.

He said the committee will issue a warrant of arrest if the minister fails to appear before the lawmakers.

“Unfortunately, the honourable minister of finance has still been evasive. The committee has not received any submission or response from the honourable minister of finance,” he said.

“The accountant-general sent a response and has not responded to our follow-up because we asked further questions about the information he provided us.

“But we want to call on the honourable minister of finance, like the attorney-general show regard and

respect for the separation of powers as enshrined in our constitution and respond promptly to the request of the committee so that we can get to the bottom of our investigation.

“Like I already said, we are giving her the benefit of the doubt. We are not unmindful of the other powers we have and we are not afraid to exert them and we will do so if the leeway we have provided is still neglected and not recognised by the honourable minister of finance.”

In December 2022, the house of representatives set up an adhoc committee to investigate a whistleblower’s claims that 48 million barrels of Bonny Light crude were illegally sold in China in 2015.

The committee was also mandated to investigate all crude oil exports and sales in Nigeria from 2014 till date — as well as all proceeds recovered through the whistleblower policy of the federal government.

From Abubakar Yunusa ABUJA

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The federal government says it is considering how best to achieve petrol subsidy removal without disrupting livelihoods in Nigeria

Gabriel Aduda, permanent secretary at the ministry of petroleum resources, spoke to journalists on Thursday at the end of the 2023 Nigeria international energy summit (NIES).

Budgeting N3.35 trillion for the first half of 2023, the federal government had said it would end under-recovery payments by June.

The government also said it would disburse the sum of $800 million secured from the World

FG: We’re considering how best to remove petrol subsidy without disrupting livelihoods

Bank, to poor Nigerians as part of its plans to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal on the most vulnerable population in the country.

Speaking on the planned petrol subsidy removal, Aduda said the federal government was committed to halting the payments, but needs to ensure that all indices are evaluated so

that the impact would not be harsh on ordinary Nigerians.

He said although petrol subsidy removal had been in focus for sometime, industry stakeholders, as well as President Muhammadu Buhari, who doubles as the minister of petroleum resources, were taking it very seriously.

“We totally understand the

importance of removal of subsidy but we also understand the greater importance of the citizens,” the permanent secretary said.

“As we speak we are still taking a very close look at how best to achieve subsidy [removal] without disrupting the entire ecosystem of livelihood in Nigeria.

“Because that is our responsibility as government, we

have to ensure that the buffers are in place and forex is made available for imports.

“We have to ensure that supply is available for a minimum of six months to make disruption minimal.”

Aduda also said there were other issues to consider, but the administration was dedicated to surmounting them.

Olaosebikan explains her growth in managing blue chip clients for over 2 decades

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Group Chief Executive Officer of McEnies Global Communications, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, has given some tips that she said could lead to huge success in the event planning business, if applied well.

Olaosebikan, who is an event planning consultant and PR expert for close to two decades, said: “The event planning business is probably not for the faint-hearted. This business requires the ability to perform well under stress, to balance multiple demands, to be creative and flexible in stressful situations, and to network extensively. Event planning will also likely involve long and irregular hours. However, event planning can be a profitable and fun home-based business for the right person.”

The Public Relations experts, who spoke at an event in Ikeja Lagos, on the major hindrances limiting businesses in Nigeria, identified inadequate finance as a major problem confronting women-led businesses. She also used the opportunity to appeal to the government and other relevant stakeholders to do more for women entrepreneurs, knowing full well that their impact today is undeniable with the capacity to influence the society socio-economically.

According to her, “There are still more women like me who would love to tow the path of entrepreneurship if only the enabling environment offer them the needed support. Remember the saying that if you empower a woman, you have empowered a nation.”

She further said: “To the glory of God in this event planning business, I have over the years helped various clients most of whom are dignitaries to plan and coordinate their events. These events range from weddings, family gatherings to corporate events, retreats or seminars. I devote time and expertise to manage the details in such a way that clients do not need to bother themselves but to go to sleep.”

When asked about her advice for some Nigerians who may want to go into the event planning

business she said: “The best way to promote your new business is by word of mouth, publicity. Get your clients to refer their friends to you. Also encourage your event service

provider partners to recommend you to their clients. However, this will happen only when your work is excellent. You can also advertise by sharing flyers and business cards or

open a website.

“You equally need to be mentored and engage in requisite training and courses. You can also put an ad in your local newspaper,

radio and TV. Try social networking too. Meanwhile, hard work, patience and integrity are also vital in making the business successful and fruitful.”

PrimePay disburses over 1000 loans in Six Months of Operations, secures FCCPC Approval

From. Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Prime Avis Investment Services Limited also known as “PrimePay”, a digital lending company, has announced that it has successfully disbursed 1000 loans in less than 6 months of operations this is coming on the heels of the company’s recent approval from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), which will further help boost its operations.

Speaking at a press parley, the Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Oreoluwa Faseru, expressed his gratitude to the company's customers for their support and patronage, which has enabled the company to achieve this remarkable feat.

He said, "We are grateful to our customers for their trust and loyalty, which has helped us to reach this milestone. At PrimePay, we are committed to being a worthy financial partner to our customers by providing them with innovative financial solutions that meet their needs."

Faseru added “PrimePay has revolutionized the lending industry in Nigeria by leveraging several familiar channels to disburse loans, including USSD, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.

This makes PrimePay the first of its kind in Nigeria to offer lending services through some of these channels, making it easier for customers to access loans conveniently.

Customers can apply for

loans by simply dialing *258*6# on their mobile phones, chatting with PrimePay’s Bot on WhatsApp number 08185460000, direct messaging to @prime.pay on Instagram, and @primepay on Facebook” and simply saying “Hello”.

Additionally, Faseru said that “PrimePay's digital lending platform is designed to provide quick and convenient access to credit for individuals and businesses.

The platform offers flexible loan repayment terms, competitive interest rates, and a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for customers to apply for loans and manage their accounts.

"We offer other financially relieving products that take care of emergency needs and wants of our customers across board. It is a quick fix as long as you are fit for the loan which is aimed to save our customers from emergency needs that can cause embarrassment”.

“With the recent approval from the FCCPC, PrimePay is poised to expand its operations and reach more customers across Nigeria. The company is committed to leveraging technology to provide financial solutions that are accessible, affordable, and convenient.

"We are not restricted by space or border; we go over and above to delight our customers and prospects making their experience a delectable one”.

Faseru appreciated PrimePay’s esteemed customers

for their continued support and encouraged them to take advantage of the company's digital lending platform to meet their financial needs.

He submitted "We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible service, and we look forward

to serving them better in the future. We are continuously developing products that will not only meet their emergency needs but also secure their dreams of fulfilling some salient ambitions financially. We aim to be a onestop shop for your financial needs/support.

PrimePay- Mr. Faseru Oreoluwa- Chief Technology Officer

•promises Nigerians smarter digitally driven financial products

BU$IN€SS

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

T

In its recently released report titled ‘Macro Poverty Outlook for Nigeria : April 2023’, the Bretton Woods institution said oil price booms previously supported the Nigerian economy but the situation has changed since 2021.

Budgeting N3.35 trillion for the first half of 2023, the federal government had said it would end petrol susbsidy payments by June.

The government also said it would disburse the sum of $800 million secured from the World Bank, to poor Nigerians as part of its plans to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal on the most vulnerable population in the country.

he World Bank says Nigeria’s fiscal and debt pressures will increase if petrol subsidy is not phased out in June 2023.World Bank: Nigeria’s fiscal, debt pressures will increase if petrol subsidy isn’t removed

In the report, the World Bank said macroeconomic stability has weakened amidst declining oil production, costly fuel subsidies, exchange rate distortions, and monetisation of the fiscal deficit.

The bank said the deteriorating economic environment has further pushed millions of Nigerians in poverty.

“With Nigeria’s population growth continuing to outpace poverty reduction and persistent high inflation mtaton, the number of Nigerians living below the national poverty line will rise by 13 million between between 2019 and 2025 in

the baseline projection,” the report reads.

“Fiscal and external pressures are expected to persist due to rising global and domestic interest rates and low oil revenues resulting from the moderation in oil prices and inability to significantly increase oil production.

“In the absence of significant FX management reforms, international reserves are projected to remain stagnant.

“Meanwhile, non-oil revenues will not increase as a share of GDP without significant tax revenue reforms. As a result, the fiscal deficit

will remain above 5.0 percent of GDP in 2023-2025.

“Downside risks to Nigeria’s outlook have intensified, with most of the risks coming from domestic policies, continued low oil production, and heightened scarcity of foreign exchange and local currency.

“Fiscal and debt pressures will increase if the petrol subsidy is not phased out in June 2023, as envisaged in the 2023 Budget.”

Proffering solutions to strengthen the country’s economy, the World Bank advised the government to restore macroeconomic stability

by intensifying efforts towards exchange rate unification as well as reducing inflation.

“The authorities can strengthen the economy by restoring macroeconomic stability through reforms to (i) increase oil and nonoil revenues, (ii) tighten monetary policies to reduce inflation, and (iii) unify the multiple FX windows and adopt a single, market- responsive exchange rate,” the World Bank said.

“Increased insecurity as well as adverse climate change effects could further dampen the economic outlook for Nigeria.”

Allen Onyema speaks on aviation workers’ agitation

From

A

Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

On Monday, Onyema spoke on the rising spate of strikes by workers in the country’s aviation sector, on the Morning Show of Arise television.

The aviation mogul, speaking on how the industrial actions affect the sector, said airlines suffer losses when such strikes take place.

“Whenever these strikes erupt in the aviation industry, it is the airlines that suffer most, together with the flying public,” he said.

“The loss of revenue and the cost associated with the strikes are enormous. Airline operators in Nigeria lost several billions of naira within those two days of disruptive activities and no one is going to give that back to us.

“The insurance on our planes is static. Whether you fly, or we don’t fly, those aeroplanes have been insured. Salaries are to be paid and monies owed to fuel vendors, they must be paid.

“So, each time you call for a strike in the aviation sector, it is very disruptive and the consequences are very, very high.

“I have to say this, the aviation sector is tied to the security of the country, and anything to do with national security is taken very seriously.”

Onyema said strikes should not be considered if parties involved are open to dialogue.

He also said the demands of the unions should be taken seriously by the government.

“Let strike be the last resort. As a non-violence practitioner, and as long as the other party is open to discussion, you must continue to avail yourself of that opportunity to continue discussing,” the businessman added.

“It is only employed in a nonviolence parlance when the other party refuses to discuss. But as long

llen Onyema, chief executive officer (CEO) of Air Peace, says aviation union workers should see strikes as the last resort to getting demands met.as your party is ready to discuss, there shouldn’t be direct action. However, complaints should be looked into.”

Last week, aviation workers went on a two-day warning strike over some unmet demands. The

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

S

On March 3, 2023, the federal government had revoked the visa, resident permit, and work permit of Brown, following allegations bordering on racism by aggrieved stakeholders of the company.

Brown subsequently stepped

strike ended last Tuesday.

The unions had raised concerns about the non-implementation of the national minimum wage consequential adjustments and arrears for workers of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency since 2019.

eplat Energy Plc says the federal government has withdrawn its lawsuit filed against the company and Roger Brown, the firm’s chief executive officer (CEO); at a federal high court in Abuja, over an alleged breach of extant provisions of the Immigration Act, 2015.down from his position after an ex-parte order that stopped him from functioning as the CEO of the organisation.

In the suit, marked, FHC/AB/ CR/149/2023, the defendants were accused of conspiring among themselves to allow Roger Brown accept employment as CEO at Seplat Energy Plc “without the consent of the comptroller-general of immigration”.

Giving updates on the lawsuit in a statement on Thursday, Basil Omiyi, Seplat’s board chairman, quoted the notice of withdrawal as saying all the proceedings in the charge were withdrawn.

They also rejected the planned demolition of aviation agencies buildings in Lagos to pave way for an airport city project initiated by Hadi Sirika, the minister of aviation.

In order to jolt the authorities, the unions later issued a seven-day

“Seplat Energy is pleased to announce that it has become aware of the notice of withdrawal/ discontinuance of the legal action that was previously instituted at the federal high court sitting in Abuja, by the Nigeria Immigration Service (acting for the federal government of Nigeria) against the company and some of its directors and officers,” the statement reads.

“The notice of withdrawal/ discontinuance of the action dated 6 April 2023, was issued by the director of legal services at the Nigeria Immigration Service, and stated in part that ‘the claimant, hereby, discontinues all the

ultimatum to the government after the warning strike.

They threatened to shutdown Nigeria’s airspace, if the federal government fails to grant their requests by Wednesday, April 26, 2023, when the ultimatum elapses.

proceedings in this charge against the above-named defendants’.

“The company continues to engage with the ministry of interior to bring closure to the false allegations presented to the ministry as a result of which the residency status of its chief executive officer was withdrawn.”

The statement also reiterated that a federal high court in Lagos had vacated the ex parte interim orders against Seplat, Brown, and Omiyi, “including the orders that restrained the chief executive officer, Mr. Roger Brown from participating in the running of the company”.

AfDB: We’ll leverage private sector to address financial gaps in Africa

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

A

Kelvin Urama, vice-president of economic governance and knowledge management complex at AfDB, spoke on the bank’s plans to improve financing in Africa at a virtual preannual meetings news conference on Thursday.

The bank’s annual meetings is scheduled to hold from May 22 to May 27, 2023, in Sham El Sheikh, Egypt.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Mobilising Private Sector Financing for Climate and Green Growth in Africa’, Urama said the need for financing in the region was very humongous for the public sector financing to meet.

“This year, the bank will focus

frican Development Bank (AfDB) says it would leverage the private sector to address the various financial gaps on the continent.on how to leverage the private sector to address the financial gaps for achieving the paramount actions and bring good transitions on the continent,” he said.

“To do this, we have structured five different and very interesting knowledge events for the meeting, one of them is the presidential dialogue.

“This will feature our heads of state having a dialogue with the bank’s president on the changing global financial architecture and the role of the multilateral development banks.

“How do we position multilateral development banks (MDBs) and the MDB reforms within the era of trying to mobilise financing more for Africa to reach all the financing gaps we had already highlighted?”

Urama also said there would be an inauguration of the African economic outlook 2023, which

would focus on mobilising private sector financing for climate change and green growth in Africa.

“Here, the report will have key areas on looking at the macroeconomic performance and outlook on the continent,” the bank’s vicepresident said.

“It will also examine youth innovative financing mechanisms to mobilise private sector financing in Africa for climate and green growth.

“Also, we will talk about how to harness micro capital to address the gap on the continent and innovative financing instruments for crowding in private sector investment in Africa.

“The next is on harnessing micro capital to finance climate change and green growth in Africa, and then we have a study on key actions to achieve inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa.”

This, Urama said, would identify

the blueprint for the continent’s development for the next 40 years.

He said it would put Africa on sustained growth of 7 percent to 10 percent gross domestic product (GDP) annually and consistently for the rest of this incubation period of the agenda 2063.

“And ultimately, it will be able to address poverty and all the other development challenges that Africa faces,’’ Urama added.

On his part, Quaynor Solomon, AfDB’s vice-president, private sector, infrastructure and industrialisation complex, called for innovative and creative thinking to address challenges in Africa.

Solomon said the meeting would allow the continent to deliberate on avenues to address all the climate change challenges on the continent.

He noted that it was important for the continent to leverage innovation measures to tackle the issue of climate change in Africa.

88 schools get modern learning kits

By Stanley Onyekwere

As part of efforts to promote quality education, In its bid to ensure enhancement of the educational system, for positive learning outcomes in students, the FCT Administration FCTA has distributed assorted modern learning items to senior secondary schools in the Territory.

The FCTA revealed that through its Secondary Education Board (FCT-SEB), it has so far handed over the learning kits to Principals of 88 senior secondary schools in the Territory.

SEB’s Director, Dr. Mohammed Ladan, who reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to improve the standard of education in FCT, said the Board on its part is positioned to ensure that resources are efficiently utilised to meet the needs of each school.

Ladan added that education is a top priority for the FCT Administration, and as such will not be relegated to the background nor the standard compromised, saying the primary purpose of education is to mould young minds for a brighter future and to build good leadership foundation.

He said: “In achieving this, the Board will continue to make concerted efforts to ensure effectiveness and efficiency both in quality of teaching and learning, welfare of staff as well as improved academic performance of the students.”

Furthermore, the SEB Director explained to the Principals of their primary assignment, which is the enhancement of the educational system, so as to bring out positive learning outcomes in the students, and urged them to give adequate attention to the welfare of staff, students, maintenance of the infrastructure, by ensuring cleanliness in their various schools.

He also informed them of the various progress made since his assumption of office, which include the accreditation of schools for the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) Examinations, just as he warned

Sanitation: Jabi residents warned against blocking drainages

By Stanley Onyekwere

The FCT Emergency Management Agency, (FEMA), has cautioned residents in Jabi area of Abuja, to desist from blocking drains through indiscriminate disposal of solid wastes.

FEMA Director General, Dr. Abbas Idriss made the point after

an assessment of drainages in Jabi district of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Idriss, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Monitoring and Special Duties, Abubakar Dantani Ododa, noted that drainages in the area visited were poorly managed as most of the water passage were blocked by solid waste which makes the

environment prone to flooding.

He also applauded the siting of a well organised dump site, close to Jabi park, where refuse is neatly burnt.

The FEMA boss, in a recent statement from the Agency’s Information Officer, Chiamaka Okeke, however frowned at a the situation where wastes removed from drainages are kept beside the

drains and eventually end up in the drains when wind or rain comes.

He also appealed to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board,(AEPB), to immediately take action to clear the drains.

He also appealed to residents to maintain the sanity of the environment to avert a possible outbreak of diseases and flooding in the coming season.

Govt empowers vulnerable groups with training, economic tools

By Stanley Onyekwere

No fewer than 60 members of different vulnerable groups, mainly people living with HIV/AIDS in Abuja, the nation’s capital city received economic empowerment skills and tools from the FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS).

While 30 vulnerable persons received brand new motorised grinding machines, another 30 members from the selected vulnerable groups received the sum of N50,000 empowerment gift to assist them in their petty trade and small scale businesses.

It was gathered that the distribution of the empowerment tools to the vulnerable, aims at enabling them to start living more meaningful and

purposeful driven life through income generation.

The Mandate Secretary for SDS, Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed Kabir, performed the official distribution during the event tagged “Empowerment Through Seed Funding for Petty Trading and Income Generating Activities”, for selected groups, said Kabir recalled that the Secretariat had on in February commenced training and skills acquisition programs for the beneficiaries nominated through the Network of people Living with HIV/AIDS, community based organisations and various support groups.

She said:“ I am trilled to inform you that one of those empowered last month has been able to maximize his profit from

his starter pack to the level of empowering another colleague as we speak.

“This shows that what we are really doing well and the results are beginning to manifest for everyone to see and accept that we are into serious business”.

Also speaking, the Head of HIV/AIDS, Dr. Okoro Ene thanked the SDS Secretary for coming through to the rescue of one of the vulnerable and stigmatised groups in the society.

He noted that since the Secretary’s appointment, this category of the vulnerable in the FCT’s happiness has increased tremendously as several empowerment programmes and activities have being organised for their empowerment and self sustenance, including the

provision of relevant nourishing drugs for them.

On her part, Mrs. Priscilla Nwachukwu, spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the FCTA for the initiative, which help provide a sustainable means of livelihood for those in need.

Nwachukwu, therefore thanked the FCTA through the SDS Mandate Secretary, who since assumption of office has affected their lives positively and brought about unimaginable smiles on the vulnerable in the city.

Also, there were goodwill messages from Directors of Departments of Administration & Finance, Arts & Culture, Planning, Research & Statistics, Social Welfare, Sports, Tourism, and Youth respectively.

The Vice President of National Association of Nigeria Students(NANS), Mr. Victor Ezanagu (middle) with other officials of the Association, at a news conference on fast-tracking the establishment of the Outdoor Advertisement and Signage as an agency to institutionalized its mode of operation, yesterday in Abuja.

Texas shooting: Nine teenagers shot at prom after-party

Nine people have been injured after gunfire erupted at a teenagers’ party in Jasper County, Texas.

The shooting early on Sunday took place at a private residence where some 250 Jasper High School students had gathered after their annual prom dance.

The victims, who have not been publicly named, ranged in age from 15 to 19. All are recovering from their wounds at two local hospitals.

Police have not yet made any arrests and are requesting the public’s help.

“All we know is some kids ganged up after prom to have a night they could remember the rest of their lives, and somehow it got twisted, a bunch of children got shot,” Jasper County Sheriff Mitchel Newman said on Sunday.

He said investigators were speaking to students who attended the party, including several persons of interest, but no motive for the incident had yet been identified.

Gunfire brought an abrupt end to the

house party just north of Jasper, a town of about 7,000 people in eastern Texas, shortly after midnight on Sunday.

A majority of students at the party had attended Jasper High’s prom, which took place without incident earlier in the night at a local church meeting hall.

None of the victims suffered lifethreatening injuries, according to police. They include a 19-year-old girl who sustained two gunshot wounds to the hand and a male soccer star who was shot in the knee.

The shooting was the second to take place overnight within city limits and the sheriff’s office is investigating whether the two were related.

Firearm incidents are now the leading cause of death for American children and teenagers, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Last weekend, four people were killed and 28 others were injured in a shooting at a “Sweet 16” birthday party in Alabama.

Ken Potts, survivor of doomed Pearl Harbor warship, dies aged 102

One of the last two survivors from a US battleship sunk during Japan’s 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor has died at the age of 102.

Utah resident Howard Kenton Potts was a 20-year-old crane operator taking supplies to the USS Arizona when Japan attacked on 7 December, 1941.

A total of 1,177 sailors on the ship were killed, accounting for nearly half of US casualties during the attack.

The United States joined the World War Two after the attack.

Mr Potts - who went by the name Kendied at a home in Utah that he shared with his wife of 66 years, according to Randy Stratton, the son of Pott’s wartime friend and shipmate.

Mr Stratton was quoted by the Associated Press as saying that Mr Potts had “all his marbles” but “knew that his body was kind of shutting down on him” in the days before his death.

“He was just hoping that he could get better but [it] turned out not,” Mr Stratton added.

A native of Illinois, Mr Potts first

enlisted in the US Navy in 1939.

On the morning of 7 December, 1941, he was taking supplies to the USS Arizona when Japanese aircraft began striking US naval facilities in Pearl Harbor.

Once the attack started, Mr Potts used his boat to rescue sailors that had been thrown into the water and deliver them to a nearby island.

He was still in the harbour when the Arizona exploded, sinking the ship just nine minutes after it was first struck.

“I still see and feel it... most times as a nightmare,” Mr Potts later told the National Guard in a 2021 interview. “The whole place was on fire. The water was burning because the oil was on fire.”

Mr Potts was later tasked with retrieving dead bodies from the Arizona.

“That,” he told the National Guard. “Was a hell of a job.”

More than 900 sailors remain entombed inside the Arizona, which remains in the spot where it sank in Pearl Harbor.

The only other remaining survivor of the Arizona, California resident Lou Conter, is 101 years old.

The US declared war on Japan the day after the Pearl Harbor attack. Germany and Italy declared war on the US on 11

Tucker Carlson leaves Fox News

One of the highest rated US TV hosts, Tucker Carlson, is leaving Fox News, the US media giant has announced. In a statement, Fox News said that the network and Mr Carlson have agreed to “part ways”.

His last TV programme was Friday 21 April, the statement added. His primetime slot will now be hosted by a series of interim hosts until a permanent replacement is found.

The brief two paragraph statement gave no reason for the decision.

On air, a Fox News anchor announced the departure with a tribute that thanked him “for his service to the network”.

Mr Carlson was not just a popular presenter, but also a historically influential one. His shows frequently set the agenda for conservatives and, by extension, the Republican Party.

His programme offered a blend of

populist conservative takes on issues ranging from immigration, crime, race, gender and sexuality, with so-called “woke” ideology becoming a frequent target of his.

It made up four of the top ten rated programmes on US cable TV, according to Nielson data for the week 27 March to 2 April.

He was Fox News’ top rated host, with more than three million viewers tuning in on an average night.

While the host often publicly agreed with Donald Trump, whose politics have transformed the Republican Party in recent years, he would occasionally diverge from the former president’s political views.

His recent interview with Mr Trump netted seven million viewers, unheard of in the world of US cable news.

The announcement comes just days after Fox News settled a defamation lawsuit from the voting machine company Dominion over its coverage of the 2020 presidential election.

In the lawsuit, Dominion argued that its business was harmed by Fox spreading false claims its machines were rigged against Mr Trump.

The case prompted disclosures of text messages that showed Mr Carlson’s private views often contrasted with his on-air output.

His show, which aired in the coveted 20:00 to 21:00 EST slot, was cited repeatedly in court documents by Dominion’s attorneys in their claim some of its output was defamatory.

Additionally, Fox News is also facing a lawsuit filed in March by former booker Abby Grossberg in which she accused him of “vile sexist stereotypes”. Fox News has countersued and said it would “vigorously defend these claims”.

Mr Carlson’s latest interview with Mr Trump came two weeks ago, despite disclosures in the Dominion case showing he had privately said he “hated” the ex-

December, prompting the US government to do the same.,

president.

He also interviewed Twitter CEO Elon Musk during what would become his final week on Fox News.

Among those who reacted to news of Mr Carlson’s departure from Fox was New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortes, who tweeted the word “wow” as well as an older video in which she accused him of “incitement of violence” through his on-air remarks.

Former Arizona Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake - a repeated guest on Mr Carlson’s show - praised his departure from Fox, tweeting that it would allow him to be “free” and “uncensored”.

‘Back on Monday’

His departure appears to have been sudden and came without the usual farewell that might be expected from a long-serving presenter.

Source;BBC

Jupiter, Venus, the Moon, and Mars should all be easily visible, however Uranus and Mercury might be more of a challenge

Ken Potts was 20-years-old when the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor took place.

Kenya starvation cult: The unbearable stench of mass

In the middle of a forest not far from Kenya’s coast, piles of fresh earth topped with crucifixes await the attention of forensic experts.

About 14 mass graves have so far been dug up and Hussein Khalid has spent the past four days watching people exhume dozens of bodies.

“The stench is unbearable,” he tells the BBC.

The dead - now numbering nearly 60 - are thought to have been members of the Good News International Church. It is believed they were persuaded to starve themselves in order to reach heaven before what they were told was going to be the end of the world.

Mr Khalid runs the rights organisation Haki Africa, which took the authorities to the grave sites at the end of last week after being tipped off by some locals.

The place is “quite hidden” inside Shakahola forest and he says that he and his team needed to cut back shrubs and bushes in order to drive there.

Thirty-nine bodies have been exhumed so far but the police say that 58 have died in all as some who were rescued succumbed while being treated.

The final count could be much higher as the Red Cross has said that said 112 people have been reported missing.

Mr Khalid estimates that there are around 60 mass grave sites in the area and only a fifth of those have been examined.

Police say that 29 survivors have been found so far, but it seems that not all of them wanted to be rescued, so convinced they were about what they were told about the end of the world.

On Sunday, Mr Khalid came across a

woman in her late 20s “looking extremely frail” with sunken eyes. But she did not want to be helped.

“When we tried to administer first aid to give her sips of water with glucose with a spoon, she completely refused. She sealed her mouth shut and she was signifying that she doesn’t want any help,” Mr Khalid says, adding that the woman was now being treated in hospital.

He also came across a man in his 40s who was able to talk.

“He said he didn’t need any saving, and that he was in his senses and he knows what he’s doing and he should be left alone. He even called us enemies of him going to heaven.”

That man has also been taken to hospital.

Beyond the forest itself, there is shock in the country over how dozens of people could have willingly starved themselves to death.

Kenya is a profoundly religious country with 85% of the population identifying as Christian.

President William Ruto, who is a devout man himself, has described the head of the Good News International Church, Pastor Makenzie Nthenge, as someone who did “not belong to any religion”.

Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki has called what happened a “massacre”.

Last month Mr Nthenge was charged in connection with the deaths of two children whose parents had joined his church. He was released on bail, but he is now back in police custody.

The speaker of the Senate, Amason Kingi, asked how “evil of such an

astounding magnitude [could] take place without being detected”.

There is also the question of why someone would starve themself.

Theologian and psychologist Dr James Kipsang Barngetuny told the BBC that there was a problem in Kenya with the “mushrooming” of lots of small churches, which are not properly regulated.

He said that unscrupulous leaders are able to brainwash people and take advantage of their desire to find a solution to their problems.

Back in the forest, Mr Khalid has been told that there is a place deeper inside where people gathered to pray and he has urged the authorities to step up a searchand-rescue operation in the forest, which covers some 800 acres (325 hectares).

Local people are beginning to come to the grave sites to tell the authorities about relatives who are missing.

One man told Mr Khalid that his three sons, aged 21, 17 and 14, had been taken by his brother to join the church. He feared that they were all now dead.

Sudan fighting: Civilians in untenable situation, Red Cross says

People are making desperate attempts to flee Sudan after more than a week of fighting there, the Red Cross says.

The situation was now “untenable” for civilians left without food or water, and some hospitals had stopped working, spokeswoman Alyona Synenko said.

Convoys leaving the capital Khartoum had encountered robbery and looting, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

People getting out of Khartoum spoke of corpses left lying on the street.

“We saw bodies everywhere - there’s no security whatsoever so nobody dares go collect them - but there’s utter destruction too. Everything is just devastated,” Italian NGO boss Stefano Rebora told the BBC.

South African diplomat Clayson Monyela said all routes out of Khartoum - a city of six million people - were “risky and dangerous”.

“The airport remains closed, the fighting continues,” he told the BBC. He reiterated a call for a ceasefire to allow people to leave, and aid to enter.

Sudan was suffering an “internet blackout” with connectivity at 2% of ordinary levels, monitoring group NetBlocks said on Monday. In Khartoum, the internet has been down since Sunday night.

Meanwhile, water and electricity

have been restored to some parts of the capital, but not all of them.

One Nigerian student told the BBC: “The taps are outside in the street and that’s the scary part - sometimes we are going out to get water but there is shooting or explosions going on, so we just have to run there and get the water and come back.”

Numerous countries have evacuated their civilians - and thousands of other people have made risky escapes.

Many of those who have left Khartoum have headed to other parts of the country where they have family ties - leaving parts of the city centre completely deserted.

Others have gone north to Egypt by bus, or headed south.

Officials in neighbouring South Sudan said the roughly 10,000 refugees who had arrived in recent days came from Eritrea, Kenya and Uganda - as well as from Sudan and South Sudan themselves.

Multiple countries have stepped up efforts to evacuate diplomats and civilians from Khartoum.

By Monday about 1,100 European Union citizens had been taken out of Sudan, an EU diplomatic source told the BBC. The bloc believed about 1,700 EU citizens had been in Sudan when the fighting began.

The US said it had airlifted fewer than 100 people by helicopter on Sunday

in a “fast and clean” operation. The American embassy in Khartoum is now closed, and a tweet on its official feed says it is not safe for the government to evacuate private US citizens.

The UK government airlifted British diplomats and their families out of the country. Foreign Minister James Cleverly said options to evacuate remaining Britons were “severely limited”. Canada has evacuated its diplomatic staff.

Turkey - a key player in Sudanbegan evacuation efforts by road from the southern city of Wad Medani on Sunday, but plans from one site in Khartoum were postponed after a nearby explosion.

More than 150 people - mostly citizens of Gulf countries, as well as Egypt, Pakistan and Canada - were evacuated by sea to Saudi Arabia.

Long lines of UN vehicles and buses were seen leaving Khartoum on Sunday, heading east towards Port Sudan on the Red Sea and carrying “citizens from all over the world”, a Sierra Leonean evacuee told AFP news agency.

However many foreign students from Africa, Asia and the Middle East are among the foreigners still trapped in Khartoum.

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

The UN has warned that up to 20,000

people - mostly women and childrenhave fled Sudan to seek safety in Chad, across the border from Darfur.

However in other parts of the country, some semblance of normalcy has emerged.

In Omdurman, across the Nile from Khartoum, there has been less gunfire and explosions than in previous days, possibly to allow civilians to leave. Heavy fighting outside the army headquarters has stopped.

As a result, for the first time since hostilities broke out more than a week ago, women and children have been out on the streets, visiting neighbours and going to markets, which still have some basic supplies such as oil and wheat. There are long queues outside the few bakeries that remain open.

More than 400 people have died in the conflict, and thousands have been injured, according to the latest tally from the World Health Organization. But it is feared the true toll is much higher.

Several ceasefires that seemed to have been agreed were subsequently ignored - including a three-day pause to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which started on Friday.

The UN’s World Food Programme says the fighting could plunge millions more Sudanese into hunger in a country where a third of the population already struggles to get enough to eat.

Source: BBC

Detectives and forensic experts began examining the site on Friday

N ews F rom A si A

China disowns ambassador’s remarks questioning Ukrainian independence

China has distanced itself from the remarks of one of its envoys who questioned the sovereignty of Ukraine and other former Soviet countries.

Paris ambassador Lu Shaye’s comments last week caused widespread outrage, leading on calls to Beijing to clarify.

On Monday, China’s foreign ministry said it respected the independence of all post-Soviet republics.

China is a major ally of Russia and has not condemned President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine last year.

It sees itself as a major player in attempts to bring peace to Ukraine, but has become an increasingly important trading partner for Russia amid Western sanctions prompted by the invasion, and many in the West doubt its impartiality on the issue.

In an interview for the French LCI network last week, Ambassador Lu was asked China’s view of the status of Crimea which Russia annexed in 2014.

The interviewer argued that under international law the region was part of Ukraine.

Mr Lu responded by suggesting that the issue was not clear cut, and that countries such as Ukraine could not rely on international law to defend their sovereignty.

“Even these former Soviet countries don’t have an effective status under international law

because there is no international agreement under international law to concretise their status as sovereign countries,” he said.

President Putin has frequently challenged Ukrainian independence. In a speech days before the start of Russia’s invasion last year, he denied Ukraine had any “real statehood” and said the country was an integral part of Russia’s history and culture.

On Monday Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning rejected Mr Lu’s position, saying Beijing respected the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries and upheld the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.

She said that while “the Soviet Union was a federal state and had the status of an entity of international law in its entirety in foreign affairs... this does not deny the fact that each member republic of the Soviet Union has the status of a sovereign state after the dissolution of the Soviet Union”.

Later the Chinese embassy in Paris said in a statement quoted by AFP that Mr Lu’s remarks were a personal point of view and should not be over-interpreted.

Three Baltic countries, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, have summoned China’s representatives to clarify Mr Lu’s comments.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said,

quoted by AFP, that the diplomats would be asked to explain if the Chinese position had changed on independence and reminded that “we’re not post-Soviet countries but we’re the countries that were illegally occupied by Soviet Union”.

The three countries were seized by the USSR in 1940 and only achieved independence in 1991 as it was collapsing.

Other European Union foreign ministers condemned the remarks,

and were set to discuss them at a meeting of the 27-member bloc on Monday.

Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak also questioned Mr Lu’s interpretation of international law and described his take on Crimea as “absurd”.

“If you want to be a major political player, do not parrot the propaganda of Russian outsiders,” he said on Sunday.

Mr Lu has caused controversy in the past, and is known as one

of the “Wolf Warriors” of Chinese diplomacy for his abrasive style.

He told French media in June 2021 that he was “honoured” to be given this title because there were so many “mad hyenas attacking China”.

He has several times been summoned by the French government to explain his remarks, including for suggesting that old people had been abandoned in care homes during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ukraine war: Kyiv secures bridgehead across key Dnipro River - reports

Russian troops destroyed the key Antonivsky bridge over the Dnipro River when they were forced to withdraw last November

Ukrainian troops have set up positions on the east bank of the Dnipro River in southern Kherson region, reports say.

The region is partially Russian-held and crossing the river could be significant in future offensives.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War says Russian military bloggers have posted “enough geolocated footage and text reports to confirm” the advance.

BBC Ukraine says its military

sources have reported a “certain movement across [the] Dnipro” near Kherson city.

Ukraine’s military has not confirmed the movement, while Russia has denied the reports.

But if the reports that Ukraine has secured a bridgehead on the east bank are correct, it could be significant in helping Kyiv drive Russian troops back.

A Ukrainian advance in the area could, in the future, even cut the land corridor to Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014.

However, military experts say any Ukrainian troop movements in the bridgehead area - which is crisscrossed by floodplains,

irrigation canals and other water obstacles - would be a tough task.

And Ukrainian advances would be further complicated by Russia’s significant advantage in the air.

Ukraine’s military has for some time publicly spoken about preparations for a major counteroffensive, without specifying where and when it could be launched.

Until now, all of the Kherson region on the east bank of the Dnipro has been under Russian control, with the wide river serving as a natural barrier.

The regional capital - sitting on the west bank - was liberated by Ukrainian forces last November.

In Sunday’s report, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said “geolocated footage published on 23 April indicates that Ukrainian forces are operating in areas north-west of Oleshky on the east” bank of Dnipro.

The ISW added there was not enough information to analyse the scale of the reported Ukrainian advance - or the further intentions of the Ukrainian military.

On Monday, Russia’s WarGonzo military blogger reported that Ukrainian troops were “trying to gain a foothold on Bolshoi Potemkin [Velykyi Potyomkin - Ukrainian] island”, which is located between the new

India’s population to surpass China this week - UN

India will overtake China to become the most populous country in the world by the end of this week, the United Nations has said.

India’s population is expected to reach 1,425,775,850 people by the end of April, the new data shows.

A different UN body last week predicted that India would

overtake China by the middle of this year.

The Asian nations have accounted for more than a third of the global population for over 70 years.

“China will soon cede its longheld status as the world’s most populous country,” the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) said in a

statement.

It added that “due to the uncertainty associated with estimating and projecting populations, the specific date on which India is expected to surpass China in population size is approximate and subject to revision”.

The UN Population Fund said last week India would have 2.9

million more people than China by the middle of 2023.

China’s birth rate has plunged recently, with its population shrinking last year for the first time since 1961.

China’s population could drop below 1 billion before the end of the century, DESA said.

“By contrast, India’s population is expected to continue

and old channels of the Dnipro. Nataliya Humenyuk, a spokeswoman for Ukraine’s South Command, neither confirmed nor denied reports that Ukrainian forces have secured a bridgehead on the east bank.

She told Ukraine’s TV channels that “difficult work is continuing”. A military operation requires “informational silence until it is safe enough for our military”, the spokeswoman stressed.

Meanwhile, the Russianinstalled head of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said on Sunday “there were no bridgeheads on the left bank near Oleshky, or any other places” on that side of the river.

growing for several decades,” it added.

However, fertility rates are dropping in India, too - from 5.7 births per woman in 1950 to 2.2 births per woman today.

In November, the global population crossed 8 billion. But experts the growth is not as rapid as it was - and is now at its slowest rate since 1950. Source: BBC

The Chinese and Russian presidents have maintained close relations since the Ukraine invasion

The children braving a risky border crossing to attend school

Every morning, 13-year-old Marcelo Jesus Gouriyú and his nine-year-old brother leave their home in the small Venezuelan town of Calié at half past four in the morning to go to school in Colombia.

The two children walk unaccompanied through the dark for around two hours to make it in time for the start of their lessons at half past six.

As the sun rises, they slip into Colombia through informal border crossings known as trochas to reach their school in the town of Paraguachón.

The trochas in this region on Colombia’s northern tip are dangerous rural dirt tracks that weave across the arid border and are controlled by local armed groups, which often charge users a fee to pass through.

In what may well be a sign of teenage bravado, Marcelo denies being scared of journeying through these informal crossings day in day out.

“I like coming to school in Colombia,” he says, adding that “they don’t really have lessons there [where I live]”.

Venezuela’s crumbling economy and ongoing sociopolitical crisis has pushed many institutions to the brink.

Rural schools lie neglected and barely functioning, offering lessons only a few days a week and facing a dire shortage of teachers, forcing Venezuelan children like Marcelo to risk the dangerous border crossing.

At the Centro Educativo Indígena Número 6, the school Marcelo attends in Paraguachón, roughly 40% of the 1,270 students are Venezuelans who cross into neighbouring Colombia to access better schooling.

More than one-third of these Venezuelan children use trochas to make the crossing.

And not all of them share Marcelo’s bravado. One of his classmates admits they are “dangerous”.

“Sometimes I come to school and sometimes I don’t,” the boy, who is also 13, says.

And he is right to worry.

According to Bram Ebus, a consultant for the International Crisis Group, violent clashes to control these trochas are not uncommon.

“In addition to extorting fees, criminal groups also use these trochas to transport drugs and illegal gold, or to charge smugglers for using their border crossings,” Mr Ebus explains.

Parents are only too aware of the risks, but sending their children to school via the dangerous trochas is usually the only way for many families living along Venezuela’s border with Colombia to guarantee their children education.

Those who can, accompany their children, but many parents have to stay behind to work in order to make ends meet in Venezuela’s precarious economy.

It is a dilemma the mother of Marcelo’s classmate faces and sometimes she prefers to keep him at home.

“These days I hardly come [to school] because my mother doesn’t want to send me through the trochas by myself,” the boy says.

Following a recent thaw in diplomatic relations between Venezuela and Colombia the trochas are no longer the only way to get across the border.

In January, the border reopened fully for the first time in seven years but, for many locals, the formalisation of diplomatic relations between Colombia and Venezuela has so far failed to make much of an impact on their daily struggles.

The informal trochas are often a more convenient alternative to taking long detours to the official border crossings, Mr Ebus explains.

Furthermore, many Venezuelans lack the necessary papers to cross at the official points. “Obtaining valid proof of identity has become increasingly challenging for many Venezuelans due to bureaucratic barriers, legal ambiguity and high costs,” Mr Ebus says.

Around 200 of the students at Marcelo’s school still use the informal trochas to get to class, school officials estimate.

“Those who come through the trochas, like our students, have no other choice,” the school’s headmistress, Georgina Deluquez, explains.

Mr Ebus says the Colombian and Venezuelan governments raised unrealistic hopes for a sudden improvement in the security situation along the border.

“Border communities have historically been abandoned by the state. While opening the border is a necessary step, both governments should also address the historical situation of underdevelopment in remote border areas,” he argues.

Headmistress Georgina Deluquez says the influx of Venezuelan students has been a challenge for her school.

“Everything that happens in Venezuela has repercussions for us [in Colombia]. As long as Venezuela continues in crisis, children will continue to arrive and we do not have the capacity to care

for them,” she says.

This month alone, the school has received 11 new students - the majority of whom are Venezuelans.

But it is a challenge Ms Deluquez is determined to meet:

“How could we leave them? How could I say no, if it is the only educational centre on the border? If we do not take them in, then what is left for the children?”

Source: BBC

Border communities have historically been abandoned by the state. While opening the border is a necessary step, both governments should also address the historical situation of underdevelopment in remote border areas,” he argues

Marcelo shrugs off the risks he has to run to go to school but the walk across the border is fraught with danger

Classes start at 06:30 in the morning at the Centro Educativo Indígena Número 6

Alaska Sofia Palmar Epinayú is dropped off at the school by a relative, but some children make the trek on their own

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4. SADO ONOBUMHE COSMAS (REATINED)

5. SADO MACAULAY ADENOMOH (REATINED)

6. IGBAIFUA JOAN ELEWO (REATINED)

7. SADO CHARLES OKHUMHODE (REATINED)

THE NEW APPOINTED TRUSTEES ARE :

1. SADO GODWIN ODEGIE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

1.TO PROVIDE VALUABLE AND LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : AGBO BLESSING (MRS.).

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1.BIRA RIFKATU NYINI

2.OPUSUNJU CHARLZ JESTUS

3.AKWANI MBA EMENIKE

4.SAMEGBUCHIRI CHETACHI CONSTANCI

5.PEDDLER KOFI ALEXANDER

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

(1) TO PREACH AND SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

(2) TO ADMINISTER HEALING, DELIVERANCE, SALVATION, RESTORATION AND PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS ON BOTH THE SAVED AND LOST SOULS.

(3) TO INCULCATE GOOD MORAL VALUE TO PEOPLE AND TO TURN AROUND LIVES OF PEOPLE FROM NEGATIVE TO POSITIVE THROUGH PRAYER AND COUNSELING.

(4) TO SPREAD THE WORD OF GOD TO THE WHOLE WORLD THROUGH THE VARIOUS MEDIA

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GATE OF FREEDOM HEBREW ASSEMBLY

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.JOHN IFEANYI

2.NMOUNEKE IFEANYI HANNAH

3.SAMUEL KATE

4.AJAMAWU FELICIA ODAZE

5.IROBI CHISOM MOSES

6.OGUH RITA

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : TO TEACH ALL MANKIND TO KNOW THE WAY AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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YORUBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TARAUNI

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. OLAJIDE KAZEEM ABDULAZIZ (CHAIRMAN)

2. ADEBAYO OLUWASEUN CHRISTY (SECRETRAY )

3. ABDULRASHEED TAOFEEK (MEMBER)

4. HUSSAIN JAMIU ADEKUNLE (MEMBER)

5. ADELABU ABDULMOJEED ADEOYE (MEMBER)

6. IBRAHIM HALIMA DAMILOLA (MEMBER)

7. ADEBAYO BUKKI RISIKATU (MEMBER)

8. ISA BASIRA (MEMBER

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO PROMOTE PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE IN YORUBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

2. TO PROMOTE SYNERGY FOR SAFE YORUBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

3. TO ENSURE A CLEAN YORUBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

4. TO SEEK/CONVASS FOR EMPOWERMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH/WOMEN IN YORUBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

5. TO SEEK TO HAVE ONE VOICE FOR YORUBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

6. TO DO AND PERFORM ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES RELATED TO SAID PUR.

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

YORUBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TARAUNI

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. OLAJIDE KAZEEM ABDULAZIZ (CHAIRMAN)

2. ADEBAYO OLUWASEUN CHRISTY (SECRETRAY )

3. ABDULRASHEED TAOFEEK (MEMBER)

4. HUSSAIN JAMIU ADEKUNLE (MEMBER)

5. ADELABU ABDULMOJEED ADEOYE (MEMBER)

6. IBRAHIM HALIMA DAMILOLA (MEMBER)

7. ADEBAYO BUKKI RISIKATU (MEMBER)

8. ISA BASIRA (MEMBER

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO PROMOTE PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE IN YORUBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

2. TO PROMOTE SYNERGY FOR SAFE YORUBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

3. TO ENSURE A CLEAN YORUBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

4. TO SEEK/CONVASS FOR EMPOWERMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH/WOMEN IN YORUBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

5. TO SEEK TO HAVE ONE VOICE FOR YORUBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

6. TO DO AND PERFORM ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES RELATED TO SAID PUR.

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

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. OLAJIDE KAZEEM ABDULAZIZ (CHAIRMAN)

2. ADEBAYO OLUWASEUN CHRISTY (SECRETRAY )

3. ABDULRASHEED TAOFEEK (MEMBER)

4. HUSSAIN JAMIU ADEKUNLE (MEMBER)

5. ADELABU ABDULMOJEED ADEOYE (MEMBER)

6. IBRAHIM HALIMA DAMILOLA (MEMBER)

7. ADEBAYO BUKKI RISIKATU (MEMBER)

8. ISA BASIRA (MEMBER

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO PROMOTE PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE IN YORUBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

2. TO PROMOTE SYNERGY FOR SAFE YORUBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

3. TO ENSURE A CLEAN YORUBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

4. TO SEEK/CONVASS FOR EMPOWERMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH/WOMEN IN YORUBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

5. TO SEEK TO HAVE ONE VOICE FOR YORUBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

6. TO DO AND PERFORM ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES

PUBLIC NOTICE

JENNY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

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.JENNIFER HEMAN KUDAYO-TRUSTEE /CHAIRMAN

2.SATMAK DAPAR- TRUSTEE /SECRETARY

3.ENGR. EMMANUEL NICHOLAS- TRUSTEE

4.ALOKO AMODU- TRUSTEE

5.FRANKLIN KWANSAI- TRUSTEE

6.DR. JOY JOHNSON AGBO- TRUSTEE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : TO WORK FOR THE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERPRIVILEGED INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS AND COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA. TO PROVIDE HELP UNDER HEALTH AND NUTRITION SERVICES FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

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

MARZIEH RETSAT JAMEEL FOUNDATION

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THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1 ALIYU FATIMA JAMILU - CHAIRMAN

2 IBRAHIM SADIQ ABUBAKAR

3 GLENN SAKAMANHA KIBIKIWA

4 USMAN MARYAM DANLADI

5 FWANGJE NAOMI LIKITA

6 USMAN MARYAM DANLADI - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : TOUCHING LIVES IN DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE/ASPECTS

TO PROVIDE PROVISION OF FOOD, CLOTHS AND CLEAN WATER FOR THE NEEDY OFFER RESOURCES, SUPPORTIVE COUNSELING, BUSINESS INITIATIVES AND A SENSE OF COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT TO THE YOUTHS ADVOCATE FOR LAWS AND POLICIES THAT WILL REDUCE MALNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN TO PROVIDE A PREVENTATIVE SOLUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE TO RESTORE HOPE AMONG VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY PROVERTY, ABUSE, VIOLENCE, DISEASE AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS. 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

MARZIEH RETSAT JAMEEL FOUNDATION

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 ALIYU FATIMA JAMILU - CHAIRMAN

2 IBRAHIM SADIQ ABUBAKAR

3 GLENN SAKAMANHA KIBIKIWA

4 USMAN MARYAM DANLADI

5 FWANGJE NAOMI LIKITA

6 USMAN MARYAM DANLADI - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : TOUCHING LIVES IN DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE/ASPECTS

TO PROVIDE PROVISION OF FOOD, CLOTHS AND CLEAN WATER FOR THE NEEDY OFFER RESOURCES, SUPPORTIVE COUNSELING, BUSINESS INITIATIVES AND A SENSE OF COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT TO THE YOUTHS ADVOCATE FOR LAWS AND POLICIES THAT WILL REDUCE MALNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN TO PROVIDE A PREVENTATIVE SOLUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE TO RESTORE HOPE AMONG VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY PROVERTY, ABUSE, VIOLENCE, DISEASE AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS. 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

MARZIEH RETSAT JAMEEL FOUNDATION

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 ALIYU FATIMA JAMILU - CHAIRMAN

2 IBRAHIM SADIQ ABUBAKAR

3 GLENN SAKAMANHA KIBIKIWA

4 USMAN MARYAM DANLADI

5 FWANGJE NAOMI LIKITA

6 USMAN MARYAM DANLADI - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : TOUCHING LIVES IN DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE/ASPECTS

TO PROVIDE PROVISION OF FOOD, CLOTHS AND CLEAN WATER FOR THE NEEDY OFFER RESOURCES, SUPPORTIVE COUNSELING, BUSINESS INITIATIVES AND A SENSE OF COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT TO THE YOUTHS ADVOCATE FOR LAWS AND POLICIES THAT WILL REDUCE MALNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN

TO PROVIDE A PREVENTATIVE SOLUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE TO RESTORE HOPE AMONG VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY PROVERTY, ABUSE, VIOLENCE, DISEASE AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS. 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

DOMAIN OF LIGHT CHURCH

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1.OREMU STEPHEN OGHENEVWARE -TRUSTEE /CHAIRMAN

2.UKOMEH KELVIN TORITSEJU - TRUSTEE /SECRETARY

3.OREMU BERNICE ENITE - TRUSTEE

4.OSUO EBIERE WENDY - TRUSTEE

5.AVWARORO ONORIODE DORIS - TRUSTEE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATIONS WORLD WILD.

2.TO ESTABLISH LOCAL BRANCHES FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL WORLDWIDE.

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.

SULEIMAN

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS SULEIMAN ABDULKABIR NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS SULEIMAN ABDULKABIR ABDULLAHI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THE AMINU CHRISTOPHER TERHEMBA MOHAMMED (ACT-M) FOUNDATION

TRAININGS TO YOUNG PEOPLE TO ENHANCE SOCIO- ECONOMIC GROWTH AND WELFARE TO PROVIDE AWARENESS OF FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT, TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS THAT IMPACTS POSITIVELY ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE TO ORGANIZE AWARD CEREMONIES TO ENCOURAGE HARDWORKING, INTELLECTUAL, INTELLIGENT AND SUCCESSFUL WOMEN AND YOUTH TO UNDERTAKE ACTIVITIES THAT PROMOTE QUALITY HEALTH CARE AND FEEDING FOR CHILDREN TO PARTNER WITH NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NGOS AND GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES FOR THE ATTAINMENT OF SPECIFIC GOALS THAT PROMOTES THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN, WOMEN AND YOUTHS TO EDUCATE YOUNG PEOPLE AGAINST DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ABUSE. 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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE AMINU CHRISTOPHER TERHEMBA MOHAMMED (ACT-M) FOUNDATION

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 :

JEKELLE HELEN ELENA - CHARIMAN

BANDI SAM KWENDO

VERR BERNARD BEEIOR AMASETIMIN

JIWUNDE PRISCILLA DEVAAN - SECRETARY

ADEBAYO CYNTHIA NNENA

YUWA MTSOR AHMADU MUSA DANJUMA

OJOWU GEORGINA SEEMBER

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPS AND DONATION OF EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS FOR ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE YOUTHS TO PROVIDE SKILL ACQUISITION AND CAPACITY BUILDING TRAININGS TO YOUNG PEOPLE TO ENHANCE SOCIO- ECONOMIC GROWTH AND WELFARE

TO PROVIDE AWARENESS OF FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT, TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS THAT IMPACTS POSITIVELY ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE

TO ORGANIZE AWARD CEREMONIES TO ENCOURAGE HARDWORKING, INTELLECTUAL, INTELLIGENT AND SUCCESSFUL

Calling Chelsea broken ‘a bit much’ -Lampard

Saying that Chelsea are currently “broken” is “a bit much”, says their interim manager Frank Lampard.

The Blues sacked manager Graham Potter earlier this month with the team 11th in the Premier League, despite spending more than £550m on players this season.

The Champions League is the last competition they can win this season but they trail Real Madrid 2-0 before Tuesday’s quarter-final second leg.

“We are not where we want to be. That’s clear,” said Lampard.

“But I think the word broken is a bit much.

“The league position is a reality, and we are 2-0 down in this game. We have to work against that.”

Real have won the Champions League a record 14 times, beating Liverpool in last season’s final, and are second in Spain’s La Liga.

So Lampard was asked if overturning Real’s advantage from the first leg and reaching the semi-finals would rival 2012 when, as a player, he helped Chelsea win the Champions League for the first time.

“I don’t think anything that happens tomorrow will be better than winning the Champions League,” said the 44-year-old, who is Chelsea’s record goalscorer.

“We had many difficult moments on that run - against Barcelona and Napoli. It was a huge run where there were a lot of big achievements.

“But considering the score now, the team we are up against and the moment we are in, we have to fight really hard to make it happen so, of course, it would be special.”

Lampard has ‘no problem’ with Boehly coming into changing room

The Telegraph has reported that Chelsea’s co-owner and

chairman Todd Boehly went into the changing room after Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by Brighton and delivered a speech to the players, during which he called the club’s situation “embarrassing”.

Speaking on Monday, Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga said: “Todd comes into the changing room after every game. He has had different chats with us over different games.

“I’m not going to say what he said but it is normal for him to come into the changing room.”

Lampard was then asked about the American investor, who completed his takeover of Chelsea last summer, coming into the changing room.

“I am comfortable with that,” he said. “There was maybe some criticism of our old owner [Roman Abramovich] for not coming to games and not being around, and that wasn’t always true.

Lampard says Blues got basics wrong in Brighton defeat

“I think when an owner is very invested in their interest in the team and wants to help them improve, it is their prerogative to have the input that they want.

“I remember as a player, the owner first coming into the dressing room. It happened here at Chelsea but had never really happened for me before. I remember being happy you could high-five the owner and listen to them.

“I don’t think it’s a bad thing in terms of the identity of the club and where you want to get to, I have no problem with it. I have my thing to say after the game. If an owner comes in and wants to be positive, wants to speak to the players, then I think it’s absolutely in their power to do that.

“Like Kepa has said, it can be regular in the modern day, and I’ve no problem. In fact.

I think it shows passion and that’s the first thing that I like.”

‘No favourites in search for new manager’

During Lampard’s 11 days back at Stamford Bridge, it’s fair to say things haven’t gone to plan.

He’s suffered three losses and now has another match against the European champions, where Chelsea are

already 2-0 down.

It would be a huge shock if they managed to win the game but Lampard sent the message that ‘anything is possible’ at his pre-match news conference.

Lampard is only back at the club until the end of the season and the search for their third permanent manager in 12 months is under way.

It’s been reported that

Julian Nagelsmann has been approached. Chelsea are conducting a wide search to try to get this appointment right and build on the project they have planned.

I have been told that there are no favourites at this stage and the club are going to speak to a number of candidates before they pick their next manager.

Lampard says calling Chelsea broken ‘a bit much’

AC Milan Thrash Napoli In Victor Osimhen's Absence

Serie A league leaders, SC Napoli had a night to forget on Sunday as they were thrashed 4-0 by visiting AC Milan in what is regarded as the Champions League quarter-final rehearsal with their talismanic goals scorer, Victor Missing due to injury

In the first of three matchups between Milan and Napoli this month, the defending Serie A champion routed this season’s runaway leader 4-0 on Sunday ahead of two more clashes in the Champions League quarterfinals in two week's time.

Rafael Leão scored twice and Brahim Diaz set up one goal and scored another to hand Napoli its heaviest defeat of what otherwise has been an extraordinary season.

“We’re happy with the performance but it’s just one game,” Milan coach Stefano Pioli said. “Tonight’s result has nothing to do with the Champions League games, because that’s a different competition. That will be a very balanced contest.”

Napoli’s only other losses in the Italian league this season both came by scores of 1-0, to Inter Milan in January and to Lazio a month ago.

Napoli was also beaten 2-0 by Liverpool in the final match of the Champions League group phase but that loss came after the Partenopei had already clinched a spot in the round of 16.

Otherwise, Napoli’s only other defeat in 2022-23 came against Cremonese on penalties in the Italian Cup.

Milan moved up to third place, 20 points behind Napoli and four points behind Lazio.

Milan controlled from the start at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium and Diaz set up Milan’s early opener for Leão with a perfect through ball. Leão — last season's MVP — then did the rest by chipping in over Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret.

Diaz produced some more fireworks when he faked out Mario Rui to score with a deflection from close range in the 25th.

It marked the first time that Napoli conceded twice in the opening 25 minutes of a Serie A game since a match against Juventus in Aug. 2019.

P R T

Boston Marathon: Evans Chebet retains men’s title & Hellen Obiri wins women’s race

Kenya’s Evans Chebet successfully defended his Boston Marathon title - with two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge back in sixth.

Chebet won in two hours five minutes and 54 seconds, with

compatriot Kipchoge finishing 3:29 behind him.

It is only Kipchoge’s third defeat in his previous 18 marathons.

Kenya’s Hellen Obiri, competing in just her second race over the marathon distance, won

the women’s race in 2:21.38.

Chebet is just the sixth man in history to retain the Boston title and the first since 2008.

Switzerland’s Marcel Hugh won his sixth Boston title in the men’s wheelchair race while home

hope Susannah Scaroni won the women’s event.

Tributes were paid in the city on Sunday to mark 10 years since the Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three people and injured 280.

Bala Nikyu resigns as Nassarawa United Coach after poor run of form

With eight defeats, two wins and two draws in 12 matches, Bala Nikyu, Technical Adviser of Nasarawa United FC, has parted ways with the Club on mutual consent after three seasons at the helm of affairs.

The former Nigeria U-17 female national team coach’s exit from the Solid Miners followed the team’s extremely poor results in the ongoing 2022/23 Nigeria Premier Football League Season, particularly the 1-2 home loss to newcomers, El-Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri on matchday 12 on Saturday, 1st April, 2023, at the

New Jos Stadium.

Nassarawa United are in danger of relegation to the second division, Nigeria National League, NNL after collecting just 8 points from 36 in 12 league matches in the abridged league and are 9 on Group A table which has ten clubs

Coach Nikyu thanked the Club and its wonderful supporters for the opportunity given to him to serve, describing Nasarawa United as a big and amazing club with so much to offer.

The Management of Nasarawa United headed by

Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, has welcomed the decision of Coach Bala Nikyu to throw in the towel, and wished him the best in his future endeavour.

Subsequently, the Management has confirmed that Head Coach, Abubakar Arikya, will become Acting Technical Adviser pending the appointment of a substantive Technical Adviser, with Samson Keshi Marwa, Balarabe Ibrahim and Ibrahim Yahaya Sabo working as his assistants.

Barr. Danladi told the Club’s Media: “This is not the best time for us as a Club in the league.

“We thank the Coach for his

wisdom to step down from his role. Yes, the results are not what we ever envisaged, but we hope this is the best for both parties, going forward.

“We have but six league matches remaining and we have a herculean task on our hands to stabilize in the league.

“There is no better time to join forces than now. Everyone has to be at his best to ensure the highest possible result for our darling Club and our teaming supporters.”

Bala Nikyu was first appointed as Nasarawa United Coach in November 2018 and later reappointed in 2021.

Evans Chebet (left) has won three marathons while Hellen Obiri’s triumph in Boston is her first marathon win

Nasarawa Prof’s baptism of fire

Barcelona: Joan Laporta says investigation over referee payments is ‘ferocious attack’

An investigation into claims that Barcelona paid referees for preferential treatment is part of a smear campaign, says club president Joan Laporta.

Prosecutors allege Barcelona paid Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, former vice-president of Spain’s referees’ committee, 8.4m euros (£7.4m).

Barcelona say the money was for consultancy work.

“This is one of the most ferocious attacks in our history,” Laporta said.

“I am convinced that FC Barcelona has not committed any crime of sports-related corruption. I hope that sooner rather than later it is fully exonerated.

“I ask FC Barcelona supporters to be as united as ever in defence of our crest, our essence, and our ownership model, which is that of a club owned by all of its members.”

Last month a court heard that Barca had been indicted on charges of “corruption”, “breach of trust” and “false business records”.

European football’s governing body Uefa has said it is also investigating the matter.

Laporta said Barcelona have a paper trail of the payments made between 2001 and 2018.

“Some services were provided,” he said. “They were documented. There were invoices, payments registered in the accounting books. There was no crime of corruption.”

Laporta accused La Liga president Javier Tebas of trying to “damage Barcelona’s reputation” and said rivals Real Madrid, who have joined the prosecutor’s case, have always been favoured in terms of refereeing decisions.

Readers, do you still remember Dr. Fred Ekpa Ayokhai, the Associate Professor in the Department of History and International Affairs of the Federal University Lafia (FULAFIA), Nasarawa state?

You may refer to my November 3, 2022 article titled: ‘’Nasarawa police quick fire action after audacious video by a prof’’. This university don caused outrage among Nigerians, not least women, when a viral video showed him brutalising young girl with some of his children. The victim was in fact stripped and dumped by the road side where she was picked up by the police and taken to the hospital for medicare. According to the Nasarawa state police command then, the lecturer’s daughter (Emmanuela) and the victim (Blessing Mathias) had a misunderstanding over a man.

‘’The victim accused Emmanuela of snatching her supposed boyfriend and assaulted her.

In retaliation Emmanuela mobilised her family, went after the victim and got her assaulted as well’’, revealed the police preliminary investigation. Dr. Ayokhai’s two other sons who participated in the beating were also arrested along with him. They were Bob Praise Ayokhai, a 300 level Microbiology student of FULAFIA and Saint-Dan Ayokhai. Of course, management of the federal University, Lafia quickly condemned his actions in strong words.

On October 26, 2022 all four suspects, namely, Dr. Fred Ayokhai and his three children (Emmanuela Ayokhai 18 years old, Bob Praise Ayokhai and Saint-Dan Ayokhai both 23 and 21 years respectively) were brought before Justice Aisha Bashir Aliyu at High Court 1 Lafia. Altogether, six charges were slammed on them. They are ‘’criminal conspiracy, house breaking and criminal force or assault to woman with intent to outrage modesty, kidnapping and inflicting physical injury on another’’. Justice Aisha who happens to be the State’s Chief Justice, thereafter assigned the case to the High Court in Obi. And finally on Thursday, April 20, 2023 Justice Solomon

W. Ayenajeh convicted the FULAFIA Senior lecturer to six months in prison for criminal

By VICTORIA NGOZI IKEANO

conspiracy and another six months for assault. Reproduced below is a report of the sentencing.

“A Senior Lecturer with the Federal University of Lafia, Dr. Fred Ekpa Ayokhai who has been standing trial at the High Court Obi in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State has been convicted and sentenced to serve a jail term of six months. Dr. Ayokhai was sentenced in a case No. NSD/ LF233c/2022 between him and the State Commissioner of Police over criminal conspiracy, house breaking, abduction, voluntarily causing grievous harm without provocation and assault against one Blessing Mathias, 20 years old. He has been in detention since 22nd October, 2022 at the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Lafia.

“Those arraigned with the University don are Emmanuella Ayokhai, Bob-Praise and SaintDan Ayokhai, as the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants, who are all his children while one of the accomplices, Vera Ogbonnaya is still at large. After several processes filed, issues joined and witnesses taken on the case with exhibits, the Counsel to the 1st to 4th defendants, A. U. Idris Esq had approached the court with an offer for plea bargain, after his clients pleaded guilty to the charge. It was gathered that the parties involved in the case of Dr. Ayokahi and Blessing Mathias have consented to the

plea bargain agreement, where charges against the 1st and the 4th defendants were amended. The convict and the 2nd to 4th defendants were charged with two count charges of criminal conspiracy and physical assault with canes and sticks, contrary to sections 96 and 264 and punishable under section sections 97 and 265 of the Penal Code, Laws of the Northern Nigeria, 1963 respectively.

“Presiding over the matter, Justice S. W. Ayenajeh convicted the 1st defendant and sentenced him to jail for six months for criminal conspiracy and another six months for assault. The judge however, said that the sentence would run concurrently in consideration of his plea. Justice Ayenajeh said the six months period which Dr. Fred had been in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service will be reckoned with. He added that consequent upon the plea bargain and taken into cognizance the ages of his children, the 2nd to 4th defendants are let-off under a six months probation order for six months. Justice Ayenajeh ordered that, within the six months period, they (2nd to 4th defendants) would be taxed with keeping the premises of the Nasarawa State High Court of Justice clean and will also be of good conducts, while the third defendant was admonished to shave his dred locks’’

“Dr. Fred Ayokahi, when

given the opportunity to speak thanked his Lordship and parties in the matter for the consideration and the leniency accorded him.The convict told the court that, as a father and teacher in a federal institution, he was not and has never been found wanting in the discharge of his duties, that he has taken further step to compensate the victim, Blessing Mathias as part of his consent for the plea bargain. The prosecuting counsel and the State AttorneyGeneral, Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana said that the step taken by the government was to provide for the defendant, a second chance in life, particularly the children who still have a bright future”.

The consensus is that the sentence is rather light. It should be borne in mind that sending people to jail is not necessarily to punish them as such but to reform them instead.

I believe the University lecturer has had his baptism of fire in the last six months, considering firstly, his public shaming when the news first broke with his photograph splashed all over in the internet; secondly, he spent both Christmas and Easter in prison custody and thirdly is the emotional trauma which the experiences of these past six months have caused him and his family. Parents should learn to handle misunderstandings or quarrels between their grow up children and their peers the civil way rather than taking matters into their hands or ‘fighting’ for their adult children. Dr. Ayokhai and his family may wish to relocate to another state far away to start a new life.

Dr. Fred Ayokahi, when given the opportunity to speak thanked his Lordship and parties in the matter for the consideration and the leniency accorded him.The convict told the court that, as a father and teacher in a federal institution