Wednesday, April 26, 2023 Edition

Attacks: Benue records 18,000 IDPs in one month

Fom Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Benue State Government has said it recorded over 18,000 displacement of people in one month, as a result of increased attacks in the state.

The Executive Secretary State Emergency Management Agency, (SEMA), Emmanuel Shior, disclosed this yesterday, while speaking with Journalists in Makurdi, during the distribution of relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons

(IDPs) in the state.

He noted that in Otukpo, there are 8,000 IDPs, who are camped in Adoka, while 10,000 others are in Apa taken refuge in Ugbokpo, the local government headquarters.

According to him, over 60 persons have been killed in attacks on Omugidi, Otukpo and Apa local government areas.

“Benue has continued to be under siege for a long time. Recent killings in Benue State has added burden of taking care

of the IDPs.

“We continue to appeal to Federal Governemt through National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, the National Commission for Refugee, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons’, NCRMIP and other partners who are already here assisting us to come to our aid as our humanitarian crisis has not lessened.

“They should do more to increase their support. The

FG should do more to support the State to put in place plans to return the IDPs as they are tired of staying in camps and in the host communities for over 5 years. Spirited individuals should also help us”, Shior passionately appealed.

Some of the items distributed include: 3,500 bags of rice, 800 bags of beans (100kg),10,000 carton of indomie,1,800 bags of garri 600 bags of salt 600 cartons of Maggie and 10,000 tubers of yams redpectively.

Niger CJ Faults Incarceration of Suspect Without Trial by Sharia Court Judge

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

The Niger State Chief Judge, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik has described the unprofessional conduct of an Upper Shariah Court Judge Abbas Mohammed of Kpakungu in Minna as Pharaoh.

Justice Halima made this known during her ongoing visit

to the correctional facilities in the Minna Medium security correctional custody said she is worried with already battered inmate of the Judiciary

The Chief Judge stated that for a Shariah Court Judge to unjustly incarcerated a suspect without any trial call for a serious concern describing the act of the Shariah Court Judge

as that of Pharaoh.

However, the Shariah Court Judge kept a suspect in correctional custody without any charges against him and he failed to explain to the chief judge the offence the Suspect committed that led to his incarceration.

The chief Judge however expressed concern on the

behavior of some Shariah Court Judges in the state decried the unprofessional manner in their adjudication of Justice in their courts.

He promised to use the instrumental of the laid down procedure to reprimand any judicial officers that engage in any unprofessional conduct in the discharge of its duty.

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

Gombe

Alleged firearms possession: Defence counsel’s absence stalls trial of 3 pastors

By Vivian Okejeme

The trial of three Pastors charged with allegation of illegal possession of prohibited firearms, was stalled, due to the absence of the defence counsel.

The police is prosecuting Uche Aigbe, Promise Ukachukwu and Olakunle Ogunleye, over alleged criminal

conspiracy, illegal possession of prohibited firearm, inciting disturbance and criminal intimidation.

According to the Police, the offence was punishable under Section III of the Firearms Act CAP F28, LFN 2004 and contravened Section 97, 114 and 397 of the Penal Code.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges

when read to them.

At the resumed trial, the Magistrate, Abdulaziz Ismail of the Magistrate court sitting in Zuba, brought to the attention of the court a letter written by the defence counsel, Uche Uzukwu seeking an adjournment due to a matter he had at the election tribunal.

Consequently, he adjourned the matter in the interest of

justice until May 2 for hearing.

The prosecution alleged that the defendants, all of House on the Rock, the Refuge Church, Wuye, Abuja conspired amongst themselves to obtain an illegal AK47 rifle on Feb.12.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr James Idachaba said that the defendants got the firearm from Insp. Musa Audu, attached to Wuye Division, posted on guard

duty at the said church. He added that the defendants used the firearm for an illustration while preaching a sermon about faith in the church.

The prosecuting counsel said the defendants made inciting and intimidating statements to the congregation that could cause alarm and breach of peace.

Police arrest members of kinapping syndicate in Adamawa

From Umar Dankano,Yola.

The Adamawa state police command has disclosed the arrest of two suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate terrorising the ancient boarder commercial town of Mubi and its environs for many years.

Spokesman of the command, SP Suleiman Nguroje made the disclosure yesterday, in Yola through a press statement.

Nguroje said : “on the 23/04/2023, the Command disconnect a crime network

connecting syndicate of five in Mubi North and south local government areas.

“The operation was carried out by the Command Operatives attached to Divisional Police Headquarters, Mubi North and Some Hunters yielded positive result as the master planners of Kidnapping Activities in those Areas were arrested.

“The outcome of these successes follows a report received that one Aisha Ahmadu 28years old was kidnapped and her husband Alhaji Ahmadu Mohammed was shot and killed

in the process on the 3/04/2023 at Digil Village, Mubi North Local Government Area.

“The Command upon receiving the report designed an Intelligence -led driven strategy and luckily apprehended the Suspects :- Mohammed Bello 22years, a resident of Jere -Gada Village, Mubi North LGA and Abubakar Mallam 26years, a resident of Dibis, Mubi North LGA”.

The Police added that the suspects conspired, organized and whisked away the victim after Killing her husband for three days

and three nights, until a ransom of two million, five fundred thousand Naira was demanded and received before releasing the victim.

It added that on the Strength of that, the State Commissioner of police, CP Afolabi Babatola, while commending DPO Mubi North and his men for disconnecting the crime network and gallantry performance displayed, directs them to sustain the tempo as a strategy for checkmating crimes and criminals in the state .

“The Commissioner of police directs the Command OC Crack Squad to augment the strength

of DPO Mubi North and trace the whereabout of the fleeing suspects.

He equally calls on the populace to always inform the police of the whereabouts of Criminals and their hideouts, especially those of questionable character”, the statement maintained.

The Command while soliciting for support and cooperation for the public assured the Government and good people of sustained effort to dislodged all criminal hideous and black spots in the state.

L-R Prof. Chika Moore, NU President, Dr Uju Agomoh, in-coming Executive Secretary, Iyom Josephine Aneni, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, in-coming 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

Minna residents decry incessant youth unrest

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Residents of Minna metropolis and environs have lamented over the persistent and unabated youth restiveness, that has allegedly claimed several lives, properties in the Niger state capital.

It was reliably gathered that since the day of Edil Fitr Sallah celebrations, the some restive youths have continued their operations on daily basis without intervention from the security

agencies.

It was further gathered that the said youths including underage, who are all male operates along streets in Minna such as; Limawa and Obasanjo complex, Ogbomosho, Lagos street, Mobile Roundabout to Keterin Gwari, Barkin Sale and Soje ‘A’.

Others are Angwan Daji, Bosso, Angwan Roka, at times Tunga and Maitumbi were most of them reportedly used as their hideouts.

Further reports revealed that the suspected troublesome

youths used to come out around evening period between six to ten o’clock or around six to after seven in the morning to carry out their nefarious activities without required challenges from any quarter.

According to unconfirmed reports, no fewer than five persons were killed within the Sallah celebration period with several people injured, with many residents losing their cell phones to them.

Meanwhile, some aggrieved

residents have blamed the insincerity of the Niger State Government, Security agencies and the traditional leaders for not finding a lasting solution to the menace.

They however, called on the relevant authorities to as a matter of urgency find a lasting solution to the current youth restiveness in the state.

Also, some residents blamed the State Government Politicians, Businessmen and traditional for bailing jailed criminals for

political and selfish reasons at the detriment of innocent citizens.

When contacted the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer PPRO DSP Wasiu Abiodun, who confirmed the attacks, said that 37 suspects have been arrested in connection with them.

The PPRO added that the police have responded in every situations as it occurred, while assuring that the command is reviewing the situation towards finding a lasting solution to thuggery and robbery in Minna.

USAID-IHP boosts malaria diagnosis in pregnant women, children in Bauchi

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

The Integrated Health Programme of United State Agency for Development (USAID-IHP) have trained and equipped 30 laboratory scientists in Bauchi state, to undertake the diagnosis of malaria among pregnant women and children under 5 years.

The Integrated PHC Advisor of IHP, Bauchi State office, Dr Darlington Okoye said this at the 2023 World Malaria Day celebration held at Ningi Town Maternity PHC, on Tuesday.

Okoye stressed that malaria remains one of the diseases that are negatively impacting life expectancy which must be tackled at all costs.

He said that USAID-IHP will continue to support the government through its agencies to fight the malaria scourge in the state stressing that a combined effort is required in order to overcome the malaria scourge.

Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria (BACATMA), Dr Sani Mohammed Dambam said that his Agency will

continue to partner to fight malaria in the state.

Represented by the Director, Tuberculosis of the Agency, Abdullahi Gida, the BACATMA EC commended USAID-IHP for its support in the fight against malaria and other diseases in the state.

Dr Sani called on pregnant women to ensure that they took every precaution in fighting malaria saying that they must take all the drugs given to them at the health facilities.

He said that treated mosquito nets will be distributed across the state stressing that it will be a house-

to-house distribution in order to fight the scourge of malaria among pregnant women and children under 5 years.

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ningi LGA, Ibrahim Zubairu commended the organizers of the flagging off for choosing Ningi

LGA for the program.

Represented by the Speaker of Ningi Legislative Assembly, Yakubu Anas, said his Council will prioritise healthcare delivery services in the LGA because according to him, healthcare delivery services are the most important thing.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo with Arc. M. B. Bello, Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Architects’ Integrated Infrastructure Research for Development Conference (NIAIINFRADCO) and NIA President, Arc. Enyi Ben Eboh, during a courtesy visit by Programme Committee members at the Presidential, yesterday Villa, Abuja

TETFund signs MoU with France on research, innovation

By Maryam Abeeb

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has set a new dawn in the relationship between Nigeria and France, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Campus France on collaboration in the areas of joint research and promotion of innovation, training of qualified Nigerian academics in French higher educational institutions, scholars/ students exchanges and support for French language immersion programme.

In a statement made available to Peoplesdaily, the Ag. Director, Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi explained that the Agreement was signed on behalf of the Fund recently in Paris by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny S.T. Echono while attending an event tagged “Nigeria Days in France” organized by the French Embassy and Campus France to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and France in the fields

of higher education and research, which has the full support of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

According to him, under the Agreement which was witnessed by the Nigerian Ambassador to France, His Excellency, Kayode Laro and the France Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann, Campus France would assist in facilitating the placement of TETFund scholars in specialized institutions in France at very low tuition; particularly in the areas of Science, Technology and Engineering which are germane to the technological and economic development of Nigeria.

He stated that the programme would also expose scholars to world class facilities, encourage collaboration between French and Nigerian scholars in carrying out cutting-edge research and innovation, while also providing opportunity for students and staff exchange.

Oniyangi said the forum which had Representatives of 29 French Tertiary Institutions and 7 Vice Chancellors of leading universities in Nigeria, explored avenues for linkages, partnerships and the integration of Nigerian and French cultures considering the fact that Nigeria is bordered mainly by francophone countries.

Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum, Arc. Echono expressed delight at the partnership and stated that drawing from the success recorded in similar partnerships between Campus France and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

He noted that he was confident of the positive outcomes derivable from the agreement, especially given the high global ranking of participating institutions and the cost advantage, compared with similar institutions in the United Kingdom and United States of America.

“Campus France is a public institution

in France responsible for promoting higher education and implementing international mobility programmes.

“It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that of Higher Education and Research in France and maintain close relations with the world of higher education and research through the Campus France Forum which has close to 370 universities and other institutions as members.

“Other agencies of the Nigerian government and participants at the “Nigeria Days in France” event include the National Universities Commission (NUC), PTDF, Nigerian Mission to UNESCO, Nigeria French Language Village and Vice-Chancellors of University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, University of Lagos, Bayero University, Kano, University of Jos, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, amongst others,” the statement added.

81% Nigerians battling legal related challenges -report

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Hague Institution for Innovation of Law (HIIL), has revealed that 81 percent of Nigeria’s population currently has prevailing legal and justice related challenges.

According to the report unveiled yesterday, in Abuja, the legal problems are a frequent reality for many Nigerians, with 81 percent of adults having experienced at least one legal problem in the last one year.

Also, the report was conducted between November and December 24, 2022, with data collected and analyzed.

Presenting the reports, the Executive Director of HIIL, Dr Sam Mauler, noted that issues bothering neighbors, domestics, land and housing crises dominated the legal challenges in the country.

The reports further revealed

Police arrest ‘collaborator’ in Benue killings

The Benue State Police Command has arrested suspected notorious bandit, Ephraim Ternenge Iortser, who is alleged to be collaborator in killings in Anyiin, Logo local government area of the state.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations’ Officer SP Catherine Anene and made available to the media on Tuesday 25th April, 2023 said the suspect was seen along Taraba-Benue border wondering in a suspicious manner at about 1230hrs.

She said during investigation, the suspect confessed to have gone to the forest to liaise with criminal herders to pay him so that he can facilitate an attack on a village in Anyiin.

“Further investigation is ongoing to reveal more information about the suspect’s involvement in recent attack and possible arrest of other suspects involved in carrying out such heinous crimes”, the statement said.

that land and domestic violence are even more prevalent among rural residents in the country.

Also, the HIIL reports stated that, only 55 percent are resolved, while 82 percent of issues resolved are considered fair and 35 percent completely resolved.

The report, titled,’ Justice Needs and Satisfaction(JNS) Nigeria 2023 Report’ , stated that in most instances, the escalating community crises in Nigeria forced residents to embrace People Centered Justice (PCJ) rather than the modern structured justice system.

Responding, the stakeholders and experts at the session called for collaborative efforts to improve the justice delivery in the country.

They emphasized the need to embrace community justice

by giving the desired teeth to the informal justice system in the country to enhance justice delivery.

Prof Nnandi Obiara of the faculty of law, Imo state university, Owerri called for the de-emphasizing technicality in the Nigeria justice delivery in Nigeria.

He stressed the need to allow an informal justice system to aid justice dispensation in the country and further called for more claim courts in rural areas to resolve community based issues.

While the Director General of the Nigerian Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, faulted a situation where the Supreme Court only emphasized on the high profile cases to the detriment of community and rural cases that directly affected

those dwelling in the rural areas.

According to him, this had led to a situation where a lot of community -originated cases suffered calling on stakeholders for collaborative effort in the justice delivery.

He also urged for support of the People’s Central Justice (PCJ) to enhance justice transformation.

Also in his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA), Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) called on lawyers to go beyond taking fees from their client but rather, be committed to justice.

The NBA also charged lawyers to create intimacy with their clients in resolving their legal challenges.

He however, charged HIIL and others in justice’s sectors to partner with NBA for greater

results in justice delivery.

It was gathered that the HIIL report represents the experience of 6, 573 randomly selected Nigerian adults, outlining the legal problems they encounter, their impacts and the steps they take to approach them.

The report, which is the second phase of Justice Needs and Satisfaction(JNS) was conducted across the six geopolitical zones of the country using a simple distribution in line with urban - rural split from the National Population Commission.

Highlights of the report showed that all the socioeconomic classes were randomly targeted. It is a household survey of Justice from the users perspective, which revealed that the process of getting justice in the country is often slow, difficult and costly.

L--R The National Sec 0f National Tomato Growers, processing Association of Nigeria Sani Danladi Yadakwan , Director Horticulture Ministy of Agriculture Rural and Development, Dr. Deola Lordbanjou and , President Nigeria Agricbusiness Group, Emmanuei Ijewere,during a press briefing on the how to protect tomato Farmers from pest destroying tomato productions , yesterday in Abuja .

NASREA denies seizure of Ayu’s property

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NASREA) has refuted some media reports that it sealed off the property belonging to former Senate President, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, in the Judges Quarters precinct of Makurdi, Benue state.

NESREA, through its Benue State Field Office, yesterday, stated that instead of Ayu’s property, it was Pure Biotech, an Ethanol producing company along Gboko Road, that was sealed because of industrial pollution.

A statement by the State Coordinator NESREA (Benue

State Field Office), Mr. Iormough Daniel, explained that NESREA merely requested the contractor handling construction of Ayu’s property located at Judges Quarters to submit the Environmental Management Tool (EIS) permitting him to commence work on the site.

The statement, personally signed by State NESREA coordinator, reads in part:

“NESREA Benue State Field Office Makurdi has never sealed the facility under construction in Makurdi belonging to Sen. Iorchia Ayu as alleged by a publication.

“The company under seal is an ethanol producing company by name *Pure Biotech* located

along Gboko Road due to the pollution from its processes and operating without a functional effluent treatment plant.

“The fact that the agency carried out a routine monitoring inspection on facilities does not mean all the facilities visited are under seal.”

The statement added: “The Contractor handling Construction at Judges Quarters was served to submit the Environmental Management Tool (EIS) which permit him to carryout the project.”

Daniel further explained that the architect, being a NESREAaccredited consultant, has since commenced the process and formally informed the Field Office

accordingly.

“The Field Office consequently enjoined the general public to disregard “the mischievous news”,the satement urged. Similarly, Special Assistant, Media/Communication to the former National Chairman, Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Simon Tswam, in a statement described the publication in one of the dailies(not Peoples Daily) that Ayu’s property was sealed as ‘mischievous’

Recall that the paper had reported that the property in question was sealed by the Federal Government agency citing the “owner’s failure to tender relevant documents relating to site plans.”

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Fuel subsidy palliative: Firm urges free Malaria mgmt scheme

Aleading pharmaceutical company, ST.Racheal’s Pharma, has called on the incoming administration led by President-elect Bola Tinubu to institute a Free Malaria Management Programme under the proposed fuel subsidy palliative project.

The call comes as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the World Malaria Day, yesterday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Malaria Day is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control.

It was instituted by WHO Member States during the World Health Assembly of 2007.

The theme for 2023 World Malaria Day is: “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) , within this theme, the focus will be on the third “i” –implement- and notably the critical importance of reaching marginalised populations with the tools and strategies that are available today.

ST.RACHEAL’S Pharma produces, distributes, markets and sells ST.RACHEAL’S Brands of Antibiotics including ST.RACHEAL’S Artemether 80mg+Lumefantrine 480mg Tablets 1×6 for the treatment of malaria.

The Chairman of ST.RACHEAL’S Pharma, Akinjide Adeosun, in a press statement, described the suggested malaria management initiative as the least but urgent step the government could take to address the huge burden of malaria in the country.

Citing statistics by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the company said malaria, being the most prevalent disease in the country, deserved a priority attention by the new government using the window of opportunity offered by the proposed fuel subsidy palliative programme.

“While we are supporting cash distribution to indigent Nigerians, initiating a free programme that will offer free malaria management to everyone in all parts of the country will not only impact positively on the people’s health.

“But will also drastically reduce unnecessary death being recorded every year from the disease thereby improving life expectancy in Nigeria.

“According to the 2021 World Malaria Report, Nigeria had the

highest number (27 per cent) of global malaria cases and the highest number of deaths (32 per cent) of global malaria deaths.

“The country is also reported to account for 55.2 per cent of malaria cases in West Africa.

“Unfortunately, the nation’s responses so far, have not shown a remarkable progress and the required political will to achieve a malaria-free Nigeria.

“And the goal of reducing its morbidity to less than 10 per cent parasite prevalence and mortality of less than 50 deaths

per 1000 as enunciated in the 2021-2025 National Malaria Strategic Plan (NMSP).’’

According to St. Racheal’s Pharma, it is a corporate entity with a mandate to promote good health in Nigeria and the African continent through information, education, manufacture, distribution, marketing and supply of quality pharmaceutical brands.

“ St. Racheal’s Pharma is in resonance with the call by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on countries to build

more resilient programmes to address the menace of malaria.

“Considering Nigeria’s huge burden of the disease, the theme for this year’s World Malaria Day `Time to deliver zero malaria, invest, innovate, implement’ cannot be ignored.

“This is why we urge the new government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly and adopt a more radical approach by instituting and implementing a compulsory FREE malaria management initiative, to achieve the nation’s strategic

plan,” the statement said.

The company further urged children and adults to remain alert and take their health more seriously especially in the prevention and management of malaria.

“Please don’t underrate malaria.

“ It remains a killer and a major cause of ill health in our country. Report symptoms to health practitioners, be tested and treated on time to avoid complications and unnecessary deaths,” it further urged. (NAN)

Reps want domestic funding for manufacturing of malaria commodities

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives has demanded for adequate domestic financing and local manufacturing of malaria drugs and commodities in the bid to reduce the scourge of malaria in Nigeria.

The Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Benjamin Kalu gave the charge via a statement to commemorate the 2023 Malaria with the theme: ‘Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement’.

The lawmaker, who expressed concern over Nigeria’s rating in the World Health Organization’s report on malaria underscored the need to take proactive steps towards reducing the malaria burden across the country.

He said: “April 25th marks the World Malaria Day as countries and organisations all over the world especially subSaharan countries celebrate the day.

“This year’s theme is ‘Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement’, with a particular focus on the implementation of strategies to reach especially the vulnerable

age group children under 5 years and Pregnant women.

“The latest World Malaria Report shows that the WHO African Region bears a high percentage of the global malaria burden, with Nigeria having the highest burden in the world.

“In 2022, the African region bears the burden with approximately 95% of all malaria cases and 96% of deaths, with children under the age of five accounting for 80% of all malaria deaths.

“Four African countries, including Nigeria, accounted for over half of all malaria deaths worldwide. Nigeria alone accounted for (31.3%) of global malaria deaths, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (12.6%), the United Republic of Tanzania (4.1%), and Niger (3.9%).

“In Nigeria, malaria remains a significant public health challenge with an estimated 97 million cases and 300,000 deaths annually. Although progress has been made in reducing the burden of this disease, much work still needs to be done to eliminate it.

“The key areas of challenge to address the Malaria burden in Nigeria have been issues of donor dependence for malaria

intervention in the country.

“Hence, the 9th National Assembly has identified lack of Domestic Financing and lack of use of local content in terms of production and patronage of local manufacturing of LLINs and antimalarial drugs as a key challenge.

“To address this the sum of over $300 million has been approved under the World Bank and the Islamic Bank IMPACT projects to address and compliment donor support.

“However, this effort is at a slow speed in implementation despite the passage of the legislative resolution in December 2021 to access the credit facility, none of the essential commodities has been procured.

“The lukewarm attitude of NMEP leadership and slow actions from UNOPs the procurement agency for Islamic Bank funding and the World Bank has affected the urgent procurements of these commodities despite the availability of the funds and commodities locally produce in Nigeria.

“This has given the members of the National Assembly as reported by the Chairman AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

(ATM) Committee of the House, a great concern due to the lack of procurement of these commodities.

“With the onset of the rainy season and its after mass of flooding leading to a surge in mosquito breeding and increasing malaria morbidity, mortality and more death of Nigerians, the House calls for immediate action to save more lives.

“In view of the above the NMEP, UNOPs and the World Bank are urgently called upon to fast-track the procurements of these lifesaving commodities to mitigate the high burden of malaria in Nigeria as reiterated in the 2023 World Malaria Theme.

“The House of Representatives (National Assembly) thanks the Global Fund, USAID/PMI, DFID and other philanthropic organizations that had supported Nigeria over the years and their great call for domestic financing and the African countries to take ownership by encouraging locally produce antimalarial commodities.

“We appreciate the laudable approval of the registration of the Malaria Vaccine by NAFDAC,” he said.

Akko LGA endorses Goje’s expulsion from APC

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress( APC) in Akko Local government area of Gombe state has expressed satisfaction with the recent expulsion of the Senator representing Gombe central, in the National Assembly Muhammad Danjuma Goje from his ward in Kashere. Chairman of the party in the local government Alh. Usman

Ahmed made the affirmation while briefing Journalists at zonal APC office in Akko, yesterday.

He said after being following complains meted on Goje for his negligence to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the just concluded general elections, they found him wanting and have decided to come out publicly to tell the world that henth fort Sen. Goje have been sacked from the ward

and local government levels in Gombe state.

It could be recalled that Goje was sacked recently in Kashere ward Akko local government area due to alleged ant-party activities during the last elections, which he was invited by a committee to defend the allegations meted on him but he turned off the invitation.

According to the chairman, if anyone found wanting in the party he will equally be sacked

even as he said the party has no room for pretenders.

“We are working closely to support the leadership of governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to continue with his job he started”, he added.

Our correspondent report that the leadership of APC in Yamaltu Deba local government area also past vote of no confidence on Sen. Muhammad Danjuma Goje early on Tuesday.

From David Hassan, Gombe

Adamawa Assembly confirms Justice Hafsat as 1st female CJ, 2 others

From Umar Dankano, Yola.

The Adamawa State Acting Chief Judge, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahaman has been confirmed as the substantive Chief Judge of the State, becoming the first female in such position in the state. State Assembly members

made the confirmation of Justice Hafsat’s appointment at Tuesday’s plenary session, following a letter written to the house by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, as recommended by National Judicial Council of Nigeria (NJC)

Also, confirmed along with CJ Hafsat were the appointment

of Hon. Ibrahim Wakili Sudi as Grand Khadi Sharia Court of Appeal as well as Hon. Audu James Balami as the President Customary Court of Appeal respectively.

Confirmation of CJ Hafsat as the 1st female CJ and 2 others followed the consideration of a letter forwarded to the assembly

by Governor Fintiri and read at the floor by the Speaker of the assembly, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas.

The trio were recommended by the National Judicial Council(NJC), on the the request by Gov.Fintiri.

After the deliberations on the consideration of the letter

as presented, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Pwamwakeno Mackondo (Numan constituency) moved for the confirmation as requested.

Thereafter, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas who presided over the sitting, directed the clerk to communicate the resolution of the assembly to the Governor.

Unknown gunmen kill Labour Party ward chairman in Benue

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The Benue State chapter of Labour Party (LP) has lost its ward chairman for Edikwu council ward of Apa local government area of Benue State, Mr. Nathaniel Ochoche.

Ochoche was allegedly killed in an ambush by unknown gunmen in Ankpali village, Edikwu District of Apa Local Government Area of the state.

He was said to be among the four mourners, who were killed, last weekend, in an ambush that left many injured and several others still missing.

LP in a statement issued and made available to newsmen in Makurdi by its state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Orbunde, said the deceased was the Edikwu Ward 2 Chairman of the party in Apa LGA.

The statement reads: “It is with rude shock that the Benue State Secretariat of the Labour Party received the news of the murder of its Chairman in Edikwu Ward 2 in Apa council, Nathaniel Ochoche, who was ambushed and killed by gunmen.

“Until his death, Ochoche was a consummate party man, who worked assiduously hard for the growth of his community, constituency and country both in words and works.

“The Benue State Executive

Committee of the Labour Party sends it deepest condolence to the wife, children and the entire family members of the deceased over this terrible and unfortunate incident.

“As a party, with people

centred programme, we condemn in its totality the continuous callous acts of armed militia.

“We, therefore, call on the federal and state governments, and all relevant authorities and

stakeholders to rise up to the occasion of protecting the lives and properties of the people and stop the unwarranted killings by suspected criminal herdsmen.”

When contacted, the

State command Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene said she was unaware of the murder of the party leader. She added that Apa division and state command are yet to receive such report.

Centre harps on collaboration to defeat sexual offences

ANon-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Mirabel Centre, has called on Nigerians to join hands to end sexual violence.

In a statement issued in Ikeja on Monday, the NGO urged Nigerians to support survivors by creating a safe and inclusive environment for them to speak out, so that the atrocious crime could be defeated.

It stated that one in every

three women had experienced some sort of sexual assault or the other in their lifetime.

“Someone we know, love or work with could be a survivor.

“Rape or sexual assault affects the victims physically, emotionally, mentally and socially, it can be shattering, leaving survivors being scared, ashamed, and alone or plagued by nightmare, flashbacks, and other unpleasant memories.”

According to the statement, Mirabel Centre is Nigeria’s first Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), which provides support services for survivors of sexual assault.

“We provide direct free forensic medical care, legal and psycho-social support for men, women and children, who have either recently or in the past experienced rape or sexual assault.

“In nine years of operations, we have provided direct support for no less than 8,000 survivors, who have gone through the trauma of sexual assault.

“The youngest survivor was a three-month-old baby and the oldest, an 82-year-old woman.

“We look forward to providing help for more survivors,” the statement stated.

The centre appealed to people to stop blaming victims, but to

support, encourage and make them realise they are not alone.

The NGO stated that a concerned citizen could report on behalf of a person being sexually abused, so they could rescue the person.

It said that anyone sexually abused should access help on time by going to its centre located inside Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja. (NAN)

The Head Bio Positive Center Oladigbolu Abiola (standing) explaining the usage of Tuta Trap Tray using to trap the pest destroying tomato farming while Dr. Adeola Lordbanjou of Ministry of agric (l) and President of Nigeria AgricBusiness Group Emmanuel Ijewere listen, during the media interactive on the protection of Tomato farming, held yesterday in Abuja . Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Yola residents protest high electricity bills amid poor supply

From Umar Dankano,Yola.

Some aggrieved residents of Yola,the Adamawa state capital have yesterday staged a peaceful Protest at the main entrance gate of the operational head quarters of Yola electricity distribution company (YEDC) over alleged poor power supply and exorbitant bills in recent times.

The protesters, mainly youths who took to the streets in a peaceful manner expressed their dismay with the authority for what they describe d “pure extortion” by YEDC without commiserate services rendered for money charged.

It was gathered that the power situation was more pronounced in the days of the holy month Ramadan while

the Muslim faithfuls were fasting and needed electricity for their cooling system to assist in providing conducive atmosphere.

For Malam Modibbo Abubakar l, who resides in anguwan shinko believes that payment of N30,000 monthly is unjust especially when majority of the time no power is available. Another resident, Alhassan

Shehu , who resides in Bachure area, in the state capital complained that “power is hardly available and when it is brought it is at very low voltage, often times it can not powered the celling fan”.

“Again, when the supply is high, it get some of our gadgets burnt due high and uncontrollable voltage while other days we are left in total

darkness”.

However, efforts to speak to YEDC’s public relations staff was not fruitful at the time of filing in this report more so calls put to their mobile phones were not answered or returned.

It was observed that security agencies were at hand at the entrance of the building to ensure maintenance of law and order during the Protest.

Aisha Buhari inspects AFLPM Secretariat in Nigeria

The President, Africa First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM), Aisha Buhari of Nigeria, has visited the site of the ongoing construction of the new Permanent Secretariat of the Mission, in Abuja.

The first lady, who was accompanied by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, expressed happiness with the progress of work done so far.

Mrs Buhari commended the construction firm handling the construction of the project for working assiduously to deliver the project within the timeframe.

”I thank the Almighty Allah for giving

me the opportunity to construct the Secretariat of the Africa First Ladies Peace Mission during my tenure as the first lady of Nigeria which will be inaugurated in few weeks time.”

While commending the contribution of the federal government towards the execution of the project, the first lady expressed the need for the minister of women affairs to expedite action towards the release of funds donated by the Nigerian government to ensure the completion of the project.

”I will like to thank the Nigerian government for their intervention. We also understood that some funds amounting to N500 million was allegedly received by

the Honourable Minister of women affairs on behalf of the Africa First Ladies Peace Mission.

”We therefore appeal to her to immediately credit the account of the peace Misson for us to adequate compilation, auditing and handing over process” she said.

The first lady therefore expressed gratitude to other stakeholders for their contributions towards the successful construction of the new Permanent Secretariat.

On her part, the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, commended the courage and tenancy of the first lady in delivering the multi-million naira project.

Ahmed expressed optimism that the project will add value to the efforts of African women in peace building across the continent.

”We are very pleased with the progress of work that has been done here. This project started a year ago and it is within the time frame and is going to be commissioned very soon.

“And it is really a credit to our First Lady, that this project has been pushed so fast, and the quality of work here is very much.

”It is good that Nigeria is actually showing leadership and we see this mission as our own and it’s a representation of peace in Africa,” she said. (NAN)

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Nigerian Diaspora Academics and Campaign for Democracy in United Kingdom and Europe have reminded President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that Nigerians elected him to democratically lead them out of the Economy and the insecurity doldrums in the next four years.

This, was even as the group noted that it is enshrined in the constitution and it requires urgent surgeries to demystify hidden shackles and colonial/ happy slave traps.

A statement signed by President of the group, Dan Farauta, made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Monday, cautioned the president-elect that the mandate freely given to him is not for absenteeism/ghost president or otherwise.

According to the group, what Nigerians need at this critical juncture of their existence as a

Group charges Tinubu to tackle economic, insecurity doldrums

people is the person that would be physically available to salvage the country and emancipate Nigerians from Neocolonialism and brigandage of looters that have invaded the country both internally and externally.

The Group added that as it is today, Nigeria society is an unjust society and silent in such society is a crime, saying Nigerians have persevered for too long and can no longer be patient again to be ruled by an old, tired and expired person suffering from multiple psychological disorders.

“Nigerians have invested their political franchise for you which led to your victory in the just

concluded presidential election.

“In one of your numerous vituperations you promised Nigerians to hit the ground running, but instead you spirited away with our collective mandate to oblivion after receiving the certificate of return.

“Is this an omen of what is to come after swearing-in where another ghost would be ruling us from Aso Rock as precedented by your predecessor, President Buhari, who could not even form his cabinet six months into office.

“Be informed that at the moment Nigeria as a country is badly divided along different strata and at the brink of collapse due to the current government

mismanagement of our common wealth and resources, made even worse by unholy use of various instrumentalities of government to coerce, divide and gag Nigerians in the face of brutal hostilities and terror.

“As for Nigerian youth, whipping shall continue until our morale improves to challenge our oppressors because this country Nigeria and its institutes belong to those of us that inhabit it and anytime we grow weary of any government we exercise our democratic rights of amending it or our revolutionary rights of overthrowing any oppressive government.

“At this point, we have a

collective responsibility as a people and a nation haven reached the peak of oppression to activate our revolutionary rights to take back our dear country Nigeria.

“One thing we must bear in mind is that in everything God created has its own destiny but the destiny of the wicked ones is total destruction.

“Our dear country Nigeria was created for greatness, but been hijacked by the very few wicked ones holding back our collective glory as a person. Now is the time to rise and take back our dear country Nigeria,” the statement read.

FG insists on reforming Nigeria railway corporation for optimal performance

By Albert Akota

The Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo has called for the unbundling of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), in line with the vision and objectives of Government’s current reforms in the transportation sector.

The Minister said as it is presently constituted, the Nigerian railway Corporation (NRC) cannot operate optimally, thus necessary reforms and unbundling have become imperative.

The Minister who was addressing the management team of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), led on a recent visit to him by the CEO, Dr. Armstrong Takang, charged MOFI to drive the unbundling of the NRC to make it more economically viable while offering world class services to Nigerians.

“One of the things I will like to see as the Minister of Transportation, through MOFI is the unbundling of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). There is a Committee set up to unbundle NRC and I will urge you to work with the existing Committee” , he said.

The Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) was incorporated under the provisions of Sections 2 and 3 of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) Act of 1959 as an asset holding company under the Federal Ministry of Finance. MOFI is the sole manager of all Federal Government investment interests, estates, easement and rights.

The Minister made reference to the reforms implemented in

the ports and the benefits these have brought, noting that such should be carried out in railway sector.

Sambo pointed out that the issue of encroachment on railway property will soon be a thing of the past as “MOFI was berthed for a specific reason and that reason is for the Federal Government to take control of its assets and create optimum value for these assets”.

In his contribution, the Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, extolled the capabilities of the Managing Director, MOFI, Dr. Armstrong, saying he has full confidence that the MOFI team will deliver on the job.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani,

noted that the MOFI team being made up of young and intelligent people has satisfied the yearning of Nigerians to have young people in positions of responsibility. She assured the MOFI team of the cooperation of the Ministry in their assignment.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, MOFI, Dr. Armstrong Takang, stated that the visit was to discuss how to create a more effective and efficient partnership between MOFI and the Ministry of Transportation.

Takang said the areas that have been identified for collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation included enumerating and valuing the Nigerian Railway Corporation to ensure that its value is captured in line with the current realities.

Traditional rulers, CSOs tasked on fighting corruption

The Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practice and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owosanoye, has tasked traditional rulers, Civil Society Organisations (CSO) and other stakeholders on supporting government in fighting corruption.

Owosanoye gave the charge on Tuesday in Abuja, at a recent training for CSOs, Faith Based Organisations (FBOs), Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) on strategies for the implementation of National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP).

The training was organised

by Anti-Corruption Academic (ACAN), the research and training arm of ICPC with the support of MacArthur Foundation.

The ICPC boss said that the design and implementation of NEIP identified and recognised, society leaders, religious leaders CSOs, FBOs, OPS and Civil Society Organisations as critical stakeholders.

He said that aim of the policy was to promote the core values such as human dignity, voice and participation, patriotism, personal responsibility, integrity, national unity, professionalism, and human dignity.

While urging them to own, drive the NEIP and to promote its success, Owasanoye said that

everybody had a role to play in fighting corruption in the country.

He said that the fight against corruption should not be left in the hand of the government alone adding that“it takes collective responsibility to stamp out corruption in the society.”

He said the general perception that corrupt practices were solely perpetrated by the government officials was a fallacy, as there was no corrupt act that could be successfully carried out without the support of non-government officials. values and integrity, the fight against corruption will be lost.”

He, therefore. called for more public awareness on the policy

and the penalty on whoever is found guilty, adding that this could be achieved either through town hail, student and street enlightenment programmes.

“I want to use this medium to appeal to this academy to reach out to all relevant bodies and organisations for their positive contributions towards the implementation strategies.

“I therefore urge this organisation to concentrate on those values, that add to the success of our fight against corruption, indiscipline, maltreatment, sectional differences and disunity in national unity, growth and development,” he said. NAN

Mu’azu Jaji Sambo

PSC approves new Police Commissioners for 12 states

The Police Service Commission has approved the appointment of 12 Commissioners of Police to different State Commands in the Country.

This is according to a statement on Tuesday by Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations at the Commission.

The new Commissioners of Police are; Mohammed Usaini Gumel, posted to Kano State Command; Haruna Gabriel Garba; Federal Capital Territory, FCT Command Abuja; Tajudeen A. Abass;

Delta State Command; Oladimeji Yomi Olarewaju; Ogun State Command; Taiwo Jesubiyi; Ondo state Command; and Julius A. Okoro; Benue State Command. Others are; Romokere Ibiani; Bayelsa state Command; Mohammed Bunu; Yobe State Command; Garba Musa Yusuf; Kaduna state Command; Garba Ahmed; Zamfara state Command; Hayatu Kaigama Ali; Sokoto State Command and Aliyu Musa, Katsina State Command. Chairman of the Commission, Dr.

Solomon Arase, CFR, retired Inspector General of Police, called for greater dedication to national duty from the new State Command Commissioners.

Dr. Arase said the new posting comes with a lot of commitment and innovativeness and demand of them total loyalty to the Nigerian nation.

He noted that at this national transition period, the new State Command Commissioners must brace up for challenges in the course of their

duties.

The PSC Chairman said they should quickly settle down to duty and tackle the security challenges in their respective states of posting.

He said the Commission will monitor their stewardship in their various State Commands and ensure that they do not derail from established rules and regulations.

He wished them well and promised the Commission’s support at all times.

Learning: Group calls for increased inclusive educational model

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Agroup under the auspices of the Coalition of Associations for Leadership, Peace, Empowerment & Development (CALPED) has called for more inclusive educational model in Kaduna State.

It noted that the segregation in the schooling system is a gross discrimination against Persons With Disability (PWDs).

The group’s Head of Called Inclusive Education Department, Mr. Smith Waya asserted this yesterday, during a roundtable discussion on inclusive education in Kaduna State , organised by Joint National Associations of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWDs) in collaboration with Called.

According to him, the educational model mostly

practiced especially in a tertiary institution is segregation where children with disabilities are educated in Special Schools and this can lead to discrimination, exclusion from socialization in a diverse society and make them vulnerable for Human Rights abuses.

Waya noted that the educational system, especially in tertiary education in Kaduna State is championing a cause for inclusive education for PWDs.

In his remarks, the Chairman, JONAPWDs, said the association has received a grant under the Nigeria Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project, which is a 12 month project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Palladium through a cooperative

agreement with USAID.

He explained that the overall objective of JONAPWD’s project was to advocate for the implementation of inclusive education provisions contained in Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPWD) and Part 5 of the Nigeria Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.

“JONAPWD is expected to carry out a cross-country Political Economy Analysis (PEA) on the current status of inclusive education across five (5) selected project states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Specifically, this PEA will aim to broadly give answers to why inclusive education is important”, he stressed.

In his remarks, the Executive

Secretary of Kaduna State Disability Affairs Board, Aliyu Haruna Yakasai expressed delight for the roundtable with the media, saying they have a great role to play for Inclusive Education for PWDs.

He however, expressed dismay that the educational model not only in Kaduna but across the country, most times do not put in mind PWDs especially in erecting structures.

He tasked the media practitioners present to use their pen power to change the mindset of people, policy makers and other relevant stakeholders on Inclusive Education for PWDs.

He added that the PWDs have to be up in their game, saying that when the board was established, the matching order was to engage 60 per cent staff who are PWDs but surprisingly when the post was advertised,

N/Delta group hails Buhari for Ndiomu’s appointment

The Niger Delta Rights Assembly (NDRA) has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment of retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu as the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

This is contain in a statement signed by the President of NDRA, Chief Israel Bokromo and made available to News Agency of Nigeria.

The group described the appointment of Ndiomu as a blessing to the Niger Delta region and the nation in general.

Bokromo expressed the group’s appreciation to the president for the appointment.

“We thank President Buhari for overlooking primordial sentiments and self-serving lobbyists in his choice of Ndiomu, whom it said has brought sanity and order into the Programme.

“We also want to thank also laud Ndiomu for rising

to the occasion of tackling the challenges facing the Amnesty Programme.

“We recognise the pressure mounted on Buhari to discontinue the programme by persons who do not mean well for the nation and Niger Delta people in particular.

“The President did not only snub the lobbyists, he appointed Ndiomu, a man of proven military discipline and integrity.

“We wish to place on record that Ndiomu’s appointment is not misplaced.

”Since his arrival at the Amnesty office, he has allowed an audit of the Programme’s activities which has exposed several fraudulent activities.

“He brought a regime of reforms that has helped to block the leakages and conduits through which many criminalminded persons have been profiting and stealing money meant for the genuine exmilitants,” Bokromo said.

According to him, the

assembly commended the Buhari government for involving critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta in maintaining peace and ensuring security of oil and gas infrastructure as well as stemming the tide of stolen crude in the creeks.

He noted that the involvement of stakeholders like Mr Government Ekpemupolo also known as Tompolo to secure oil and gas infrastructure in the creeks was a masterstroke that had significantly reduced the incidence of oil theft.

“The group noted that the culture of probity, accountability and transparency instituted by Ndiomu is yielding anticipated results, especially the exposure of monumental fraud bordering on flawed payment systems and contract inflation.

“The group listed some of the achievements recorded by Ndiomu to include, earning the confidence and support of Buhari and timely payment of monthly allocations.

“Another achievement is sustaining peace in the region leading to increased production of crude oil at an average of 1.67million barrels per day.

“Other achievements are the new policy initiatives on cooperative, completion of five vocational training centres and data sanitisation to verify genuine ex agitators, among others,” he said.

He further explained that barely six months, Ndiomu had saved the programme over N1.5 billion from inflated contracts.

Bokromo added that Ndiomu had effectively positioned the programme towards achieving its core mandate of addressing the needs of ex-militants rather than meeting the needs of a few emergency contractors who lack both competence and capacity.

He, however, urged the incoming government to sustain the culture of probity and fiscal responsibility instituted by Ndiomu to stave off agitations in the future. NAN

they got fewer percentage which is not encouraging.

Yakasai noted that the problem with PWDs is not policy making, but implementation, he therefore charged JONAPWD to embark on an advocacy visit to TETFund, tertiary institution and relevant stakeholders present the need for Inclusive Education for PWDs.

Rev Alia constitutes 29-man transition committee for May 29

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Ahead of May 29 official swear-in day, Benue State Governor-elect, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Lormem Alia has constituted a 29-mwn transition Committee.

A statement signed by the Director of Communications to the Governor-elect, Kula Tersoo, and made available to the media,said the 29 Committee has a mandate to collaborate with the outgoing government’s Transition Committee to ensure a seamless handover of power.

According to him, the committee has former Head of Service of the State Chief Mike Iordye as chairman while Dan Ashiekaa is to serve as secretary. The Committee is to be formally inaugurated today, Friday 21st April 2023.

It could be recalled that Governor Samuel Ortom had constituted his Transition Committee headed by Secretary to the State Government Prof. Anthony Ijohor.

What FG should do rather than ‘Give-away’ $800m

By Ayobami Okerinde

One of the major effects that will arise with the removal of fuel subsidy is inflation. Players in the downstream sector have indicated that fuel prices would rise as high as N750. The FG should adopt the following measures rather than distribute $800m.

The Nigerian state is currently embroiled in one debate or the other, with varying opinions from supporters and those against decisions mostly from the Federal Government. Expectedly, the decision by the FG to borrow $800m as a way to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy or help vulnerable Nigerians post-subsidy era has generated lots of controversies. On April 5, 2023, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, announced that the FG ha secured a loan of $800 from the World Bank to provide palliatives for poor and vulnerable Nigerians after the removal of fuel subsidy.

It should be recalled that fuel subsidy debate in the country is not a new thing. Over the years, individuals, economist, public analyst, and among others, have debated the effect the removal of fuel subsidy will bring to the average Nigerian and the country at large. President Muhammadu Buhari, in 2022 announced fuel subsidy will end in May 2023, ahead of his handing-over, citing that it’s no longer sustainable and with the country’s economic realities.

Matters Arising: The decision to borrow $800m to cushion the effect that will arise from the removal of fuel subsidy is one that has been seen as suspicious, illadvised and raises lots of questions. First, it is important to take a look at some numbers. According to 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index Survey from the NBS, 63% of individuals living within Nigeria are multidimensional poor, this means 133 million of Nigeria’s projected 213 million people are poor. According to the minister, the 50 million Nigerians would be identified through the National

Social Register (NSR). This calls for questions on how the individuals would be identified? Also, with 133 million multidimensional poor individuals, how will the first 50 million be identified? When that happens to the 83 million that will be left? Also, Nigeria’s history with palliatives either through cash or other means have been sketchy, will little or no accountability on them.

Furthermore, Nigeria currently has a debt problem. According to report from the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total debt in 2022 was $103.11b or N46.25 trillion. With reference to a report from BusinessDay, with Nigeria’s population (earlier stated) each individual or debt per head stands at N217,136 or $484. According to a data released by TheCableng, the loan when distributed will see an individual earn $16 which could either be N7,360 (N460) at official rate or N11,840 (N740) at black market rate. With Nigeria’s rising inflation, most especially food inflation, the amount would not last more than 2 weeks for the average Nigerian family of 4. What happens after the funds gotten has been exhausted? This amount adds to Nigeria’s already growing debt.

In addition, the issue of subsidy would not have surfaced if the country had fixed the issue bedeviling its oil sector. Nigeria’s subsidy payment over the years have increased on a yearly basis and sometimes exceed the initial budgeted amount. The decision has been tagged by many has subsidizing consumption, instead of tackling the root cause. While the removal of fuel subsidy is set to set the country funds running into trillions yearly, the $800m is another form of subsidy which negates or contradicts the reason for the removal of fuel subsidy.

What’s Next? One of the major effects that will arise with the removal of fuel subsidy is inflation. Players in the downstream sector have indicated that fuel prices would rise as high as N750. The FG should adopt the following measures rather than distribute $800m.

Revive Moribund Refineries: The moribund nature of

Nigeria’s refineries is a worrisome, especially when you consider the amount they gulp on a yearly basis without refining a single drop of oil. Over the years, different amount has been spent on Nigeria’s refineries in Warri, Port-Harcourt and Kaduna; in 2021, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved $1.5b for the rehabilitation of Port-Harcourt refinery. According to SBM Intelligence, the NNPC incurred a loss of N473.3b between 2015-2021 on the moribund refineries. Reviving the refineries, will see Nigeria rely and import less refined oil. With this, any potential high price after the removal could be reduced and put pump price at reasonable amount in the country.

National Mass Transit: One of the sectors that will be affected with the removal of fuel sub subsidy will be the transportation sector. The sector is one that is directly affected with any changes to oil prices. The FG should (re) introduce a national mass transit which will see commuters move within a state or across the country without having to spend almost all their monthly income on transportation.

Curb Food Inflation: Nigeria is currently dealing with an unprecedented food inflation rate. also, one of the major reasons for high food prices in the country, especially in urban places and areas like Lagos is transportation. The cost of moving goods is currently on the high, and at such the cost is placed on food items in order for everyone involved in the chain to make profit. The FG should help farmers by providing a reduction in import duties. Also, the FG should create policies that will stimulate economic growth.

There are also concerns over the timing of this borrowing by the present administration, especially when one considers that there are weeks left to the end of this administration. Moreover, the end of fuel subsidy is in sight for the country.

Ayobami Okerinde is a Public Policy Analyst.

Surveillance capitalism: Is technology controlling our ability for “Free Thinking”?

By Caleb Onah

In light of the foregoing, the truth they want to stay away from and will never tell us is that even if they continue to collect our data in far more innovative ways, surveillance capitalists can never fully escape the fact that individuals are potentially unpredictable.

Over the past few days, the twitter platform has been flooded with unverified twitter formerly verified accounts as many refused to pay the coveted $8 fee by twitter new owner Elon Musk. Saying he doesn’t seem to want to see celebrities lose their blue ticks and has restored verification badges for only few celebrity accounts. The move came after many celebrities protested and stopped the twitter blue subscription service.

In the book “The Age of Surveillance of Capitalism” by Shoshana Zuboff’s is a request to attention the way Twitter, Google, Facebook, and Amazon control our lives and way of thinking. According to Zuboff, these Internet giants provide systems that attempt to create a group of passive consumers in the face of a fragile shell of autonomy and self-determination. Manipulations of this scale bring more returns to their corporations than anything we’ve seen before. This is what I will say makes them capitalists. It is the purest type where profit determines decisions above all else.

According to her, they care just enough to make sure we’re serious in using their products and services! Otherwise, how will they maintain a user base large enough to house Black Lives Matter or EndSARS protesters? So the director aspect is their source of power and autonomy. They know data is the new gold, which means that the user is not the customer of a free service like twitter, but the raw material to extract more and more data.

The aim is to better predict our behaviour, so that these predictions about us can be integrated into products available to anyone willing to pay: credit bureaus, insurance companies, commercial companies,

institutions, and the government; of how much, better than who and why of usage. The moral apathy and data collection at the heart of these companies, is successfully and necessarily concealed behind the façade that they are pioneers and innovators.

The global tech world leads us into an inevitable and unchecked new world. Capitalism’s age of surveillance is trying to break through this shell, and for that I understand its startling tone. Surveillance capitalists have succeeded by developing more accurate methods of predicting our behavior and will continue to do so if given the opportunity.

Think of Amazon predicting what you want to buy, Twitter where and what you must tweet within 140 characters, or Facebook selecting the news you have to listen, read the most. Maximum compatibility of Zuboff takes this idea to an extreme and travels back in time to Behaviorism, B.F. Skinner and to turn our attention to early thinkers like himself.

Furthermore, these tech giants believe that freedom itself is an illusion and imagine a dark ideal in which society is controlled by scientific means that make human behaviour predictable. It is increasingly used in science to resemble and predict the behaviour of animals such as laboratory mice and monkeys. This reminds us to resist the temptation to believe we can know “everything” in ourselves, even if the possibility of comprehensive knowledge is an error that has lured some of the world’s greatest thinkers like, Friedrich Nietzsche, Immanuel Kant, Aristotle, Bertrand Russel, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William James, Jeremy Bentham Etc, into speculation, there are mysteries we can and will never know.

Individual human behaviour is precisely the fact that we cannot fully know, which is a shocking simplification; it but can make good predictions and amazingly accurate ones and there are ways to manipulate other people’s wills to make them more likely to act the way we want them to. But when it comes to that, I can’t say for sure what anyone else will do next, especially with the silicon

mirror or artificial intelligence (AI) containing the data points.

There is a mere delusion that can hide this fact, and it is in the spectator capitalist tech giant’s like twitter, facebook, tiktok or google’s interest to maintain it. Because of the scale of work, algorithmic victories are often feared using a proportion of correct predictions that approaches 100%. But this irresistible force can abruptly lose its power when we stop thinking statistically with them and think only as one person: for ourselves alone. How many ads on the Internet can you remember as outrageously idiosyncratic, easily scrollable, or deliberately rejected?

Our Ability for Free Thinking Are Potentially Unpredictable: In light of the foregoing, the truth they want to stay away from and will never tell us is that even if they continue to collect our data in far more innovative ways, surveillance capitalists can never fully escape the fact that individuals are potentially unpredictable.

Ancient philosophers and theologians have always observed this truth and presented it to us in the form of the concept of free thinking that we can make decisions, even unexpected ones. Many people today like to say that “thinking freely” is a component rather than an intrinsic fact. But this delusion allows those who control us to exaggerate their power and undermine ours.

We are most inspired by people who do the unexpected; the stories we read every day are based on basic principles. Characters must change. The ancient spiritual wisdom of the great world religions is based on our ability to direct our will to good. The capitalists who want to control us have nothing to fear and will want to continue doing so.

Façades seem more normal when we allow ourselves to be certainly unwilling to take risks, think creatively, or take control of our lives and change them for the better and also to remind us that we can think and make our own decisions against theirs.

Caleb Onah is a Public Policy Analyst.

Public speaking: Open doors for opportunities

By Kayode Esther Omowunmi

With the academy doing this to promote it service, more audience we will be gained in the process to view and register for the lesson across the community and state.

If you ask me what is the greatest skill one can have I will say public speaking. Public speaking is the greatest skill one can ever have because it help open doors to opportunities. Many people ask what’s public speaking? Public speaking is the act of speaking in front of a group of people about a specific subject or topic and at the same time selling oneself for more opportunities. Speaking publicly is a hard task because it takes confidence and a lot of stage fright managements in front of an audience. Stage fright is a big reason why people hate speaking in public because they are afraid of saying the wrong thing in front of crowd.

There are a lot of people out there that cannot face the crowd because of one reason or the other but forgetting that public speaking plays important role in our life and it prepare us for the future . Public speaking plays a vital role

in students and working class people life especially business people life because it help boost confidence in speaking. However, there are so many businesses collapsing because they lack public speaking skill as a matter of fact some of the organization do not know that public speaking exist or can be learn . They do not know anything about public speaking because of the poor awareness of public speaking academy body out there.

So this public speaking academy body needs to start promoting it amazing services and to start making proper awareness for the available audience . For these academy to go wide it need to join business and community groups and also media relations. The public speaking academy body can join business and community groups in the city and region and let the leadership of those organization know that they exist and it is available for speaking. Also it need to prove to them that they can render educative service that can help those that lack public speaking skill moreover the coaches in the academy body can give an introductory speech at any business opportunity to promote themselves. Through media relations , the use of media can help

Nigerians in Sudan are in dilemma

By Mukhtar Garba Kobi

Iam therefore calling on Nigerian government as well as all authorities concerned to do everything within their power and resources to deport our fellows.

It is no longer news that war has ensued between soldiers in Sudan, many countries of the world are trying their best to evacuate their citizens safely. Nigerians more especially students pursuing their studies in Sudan are living in uncertainties as our government is yet to officially address them talk more of deporting them to motherland.

Yesterday, some of the students were able to record videos and uploaded on social media pleading to Nigeria’s government to act as urgent as possible. They stated that the fight was afar before but now gunshots and explosions are close-by on their residences; therefore they are under great threat as anything can happen.

As we all know that fight for power between soldiers make the country a warzone and nobody is safe, also as all sorts of crimes like subjecting people to hard-labour, rape and genocides could occur. Common citizens and foreigners whose governments are negligent suffer the most because

promote public speaking academy body to get more audience to sign up for it service .

The academy body can get a local newspaper editor to add some of the topic that are best for the audience that want to know more about public speaking to his articles and also accept question about it. Finally, one can promote it through internet , one can get a professionally designed website and post a schedule of some of the coaches appearance on it especially the head of the academy body to get audience that want to know more about public speaking to watch Also we can get reference from customers and post them on the company’s site. We Can have a mechanism for information and also create informative briefs that viewers can download once they fill the contact information and use the reaction of social media site such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to rise the profile of the academy body.

With the academy doing this to promote it service, more audience we will be gained in the process to view and register for the lesson across the community and state.

Kayode Esther Omowunmi is a Public Affairs Analyst.

they have nothing to offer for them to be taken to safety. I am therefore calling on Nigerian government as well as all authorities concerned to do everything within their power and resources to deport our fellows. Each Nigerian whether at home or abroad is entitled to be free and protected as promised by our leaders, such should be put to practice upon these men and women before is too late please. May Peace Reign in the Entire World. Amen Mukhtar

Garba Kobi is a Public Policy Analyst.

For Nigerian doctors; to serve Nigeria is by force

By Prince Charles Dickson

Nigeria and our lawmakers are like this lawyer, they think they have it figured out…they remind me of the teacher that asked his class the simple question: the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

A society full of sinners judging sinners for sinning differently…

Nigeria is a country where everybody is right, and everybody is wrong, it is a nation where when I am right, you must be wrong, we take decisions without critical thinking or analysis and when we do, we do it devoid of the learning and sharing perspective, there is hardly a middle ground, we have no consensus regarding what is wrong or a moral compass. It could be right on Monday and for Festus, and wrong on Tuesday for Ibrahim, it all depends.

While many think it is a joke, trust me when I say that there is a context, we live in a country of one week, one trouble, a country that even prides in manufacturing its own problem when there is none.

This admonition is for the leadership of the next administration but as well as more importantly for the incoming 10th Assembly, a parlour or better a village square that has grown the reputation of sitting without the villagers, and often without the elders’ council. Nigerians wake up weekly to hear that there is a bill at the third, fourth and final reading, we are almost never aware of the origin, and first reading of such bills.

But again, how many Nigerians care and how much do we care…after all to serve Nigeria in the last few decades is no longer by force. But for the sake of many of us patriots it must be ‘by force’.

After the above introduction, a long one at that let me set the tone…if one interrogates the cost of education in tertiary institutions in Nigeria, it is amongst the cheapest in the world, as of 2019, the average bachelor’s

program was N81.5 thousand naive that’s just a little above $120 while one must consider exclusive things like accommodation, transport, and miscellaneous like books and more.

When I say more let me explain in this manner, you will pay acceptance fee, ID card fee, library fees and sports fees, medicals, things like ICT registration, caution deposit, hall levy, alumni, students handbook, SUG fees, security levy, faculty dues, and departmental dues. I have exempted what medical students pay…such as lab fees, referral fees, science this and science that.

The fallacy of free tuition in public universities is a farce, the cost is high for a nation that has never spent 10% on education and teachers largely on strike at every interval. I won’t dabble into private universities and state-owned schools.

But with all these fees, our tuition still is relatively low, and with this in mind, legislators in their wisdom believed that passing a bill to mandate doctors to practise in Nigeria for at least five years before moving abroad if they want to. How did we arrive at this point, did we improve the conditions of service, what happens if I train and refuse to practice how will the law be applied?

Then logically what is about doctors, are lawyers not leaving, bankers are all and ‘japa-ing’.

I will tell us this strange (and untrue) case of the lawyer convicted of arson for smoking cigars to further nail the point I am running around about for—

A lawyer in Charlotte, North Carolina, bought a box of very rare and expensive cigars, then insured them against fire. A month later, after smoking all the cigars, he filed a claim against the insurance company, claiming that the cigars had been destroyed “in a series of small fires”. Naturally, the insurance company refused to pay, arguing that he had consumed the cigars in the normal way. The lawyer sued and won. The judge concluded that, on the wording of the policy, the insurance

company was liable – it had failed to limit its liability by defining what would amount to an “unacceptable fire”.

The company, rather than incur the costs of appeal, paid up $15,000, whereupon it reported the lawyer to the police. He was arrested and subsequently convicted on 24 counts of arson – intentionally burning insured property – and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and a fine.

Nigeria and our lawmakers are like this lawyer, they think they have it figured out…they remind me of the teacher that asked his class the simple question: the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

Student one answered, fake numbers, another screamed, it is only a theorem, and yet another insisted it is a right-angle conspiracy. Yet from the back of the class, a student said it was an Illuminati. Another informed the class that Pythagoras recanted on his deathbed; answers were still coming as another screamed further proof that triangles were built by ancient aliens. While one nagged, he was entitled to his own opinion.

Do you trust mainstream mathematics, don’t tell me what you think but this is how Nigeria is run, everyone is an expert on every topic, and now those we elected as representatives believe that for five years doctors must serve Nigeria, we lack critical thinking.

The way we jump onto a matter when it is trending often reveals our inability to think critically in resolving issues that plague the Nigerian state. Doctors are leaving, so also are lecturers, teachers, lawyers, bank professionals, athletes, IT professionals, young Nigerians are leaving. Nigeria, her leaders, and Nigerians are not yet sure what they want, today we are fixated on doctors, we have not dealt with the real issues, have not addressed our systems, structures and those that work it. Doctors stay, they don’t stay, to serve or not to serve—Only time will tell.

Prince Charles Dickson is a Public Policy Analyst.

Gulf of Guinea: Regular summits essential for peace, security, says Buhari

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Accra, Ghana, identified regular meetings among the countries that make up the Gulf of Guinea Commission as a critical route towards achieving peace and security in the region.

Spacial Adviser to the Preaident on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina stated this in a statement yesterday.

Buhari, made the point while speaking for the last time as Nigeria’s President at the 3rd Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC), taking place in the Ghanaian capital.

He stressed that the theme of the Session “Building a Safe, Secure and Prosperous Gulf of Guinea Region for Sustainable Development” is quite apt and significant towards addressing the challenges in the Region.

According to him, “we must remain committed to our regular GGC Summits and the Extraordinary Sessions and use these deep-seated fundamental platforms to essentially continue to work out key modalities that could afford us the opportunity to discuss, identify, support

strategies and develop capacities to achieve peace, security and prosperity in the Gulf of Guinea Region.”

Reiterating Nigeria’s commitment and steps towards fighting maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, President Buhari encouraged member countries to enact laws against piracy and other criminal acts as Nigeria has done.

He expounded on steps so far taken by the country to further show its steadfastness to the revitalization and strengthening of the GGC in order to achieve set objectives.

“As a demonstration of Nigeria’s strong commitment towards the repositioning of the GGC into a more vibrant organization that will effectively deliver on its mandate, the 5th Ordinary Summit of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Gulf of Guinea Commission was hosted on 13th October, 2022 in Abuja, where the Assembly adopted policy decisions towards revitalising the Commission.

“Nigeria considers the effective and optimal function of the GGC as strategic to the global security interests in the Gulf region. These commitments include addressing issues of Piracy, Proliferation of Small

Arms and Light Weapons, Protection of Marine Resources as well as Irregular Migration to the Region,” he said.

Speaking further, the President said 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 any other unlawful acts against any ship lawfully operating in the Gulf Region.

“Nigeria continues to deploy significant resources towards tackling Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. In June 2021, the Government of Nigeria unveiled One Hundred and Ninety-Five Million Dollars’ worth of Boats, Vehicles and Aircraft to spearhead the country’s fight against Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea through the Deep Blue Project,”

he added.

The Nigerian leader used the occasion to express his appreciation to President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, the Chairperson of the Assembly, for the invitation, as well as Ambassador Florence Ukonga, the Nigerian outgoing Executive Secretary of the GGC and her Management Team for their dedication and selflessness in the discharge of their functions.

President Buhari especially commended the dignified way Ambassador Ukonga had faced the daunting financial challenges in a way that it did not compromise the integrity of the organization, urging member countries to be alive to their financial commitments and responsibilities.

He further lauded the team for elevating “the status of the GGC to such a level that enables

it to partner with the African Union to implement some of her sub-regional programmes on maritime security, safety and sustainable developmental issues with profound impact on Central and West Africa.

“We very much look forward to May 15, 2023, when the proposed joint Africa Naval Exercise of the Commission would take place in Lagos,” he said.

In his welcome address, President Nana Akufo- Addo expressed his delight at the physical Summit, after several virtual meetings since 2019 due to COVID-19 pandemic.

He reminded delegates of the challenges the Commission faced, enjoining Member States to promptly discharge their financial obligations to enable it fulfill her statutory responsibilities.

Dangote harps on joint actions to eliminate malaria by 2030

By Stanley Onyekwere

As the World Malaria Day is marked globally, President of Dangote Group and United Nations’ Malaria Ambassador for Nigeria, Aliko Dangote has called for joint actions by all stakeholders globally if the collective goal of the disease elimination by 2030 is to be achieved.

Dangote in his World Malaria Day statement titled “With Urgent Investment, Innovation and Implementation, Zero Malaria Spread is Possible” urged that all stakeholders must work together to decimate malaria, which he said had brought untold human suffering with the economic toll of the disease on global productivity.

According to him, urgent investment, innovation and implementation by such stakeholders would help curtail malaria spread wherever the disease is found around the world.

“More than ever, we must collaborate to ensure that no child or person dies of malaria or loses another day to this debilitating illness again.

“We must also drive further progress toward malaria elimination in Nigeria and Africa at large by focusing on three key

areas to ensure that malaria elimination remains high on Nigeria’s public health and development agenda; advocate at all levels to ensure sufficient funding to sustain the progress made so far.

“As we jointly seek to end malaria for good and encourage private sector leaders to implement malaria prevention and treatment programmes in their companies, as we do across our businesses in the Dangote Group”, he stressed.

Dangote disclosed that since 2000, global partnerships and investments in the fight against malaria have yielded positive results by preventing some 2 billion malaria cases, saving 11.7 million lives and putting eradication within reach.

He, however lamented that 96% of malaria deaths globally were found in 29 countries, with Nigeria sadly among the four countries which accounted for over half of all malaria deaths globally in 2021.

He said this year’s World Malaria Day (WMD) has presented an opportunity to galvanise global efforts towards advocacy and sustained political will and investment that will be aimed at ending the scourge of the disease.

Furthermore, Dangote expressed his readiness to lead the way, pledging that

his Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) will further strengthen its engagements with the various key stakeholders in “Nigeria and globally to support the efforts to address malaria in our workplaces, communities, and especially high burden areas to attain our collective goal of malaria elimination by 2030”.

The philanthropist noted out that billions of dollars were pledged by donors at the historic Global Fund Replenishment meeting in Geneva, Switzerland in 2022 to boost the fight against HIV, TB and Malaria. He however expressed regret that an unprecedented shortfall of more than 50% in global malaria funding is now holding countries back from maintaining life-saving malaria programmes, despite the historic pledge.

Consequently, the Malaria Ambassador said the funding gaps have been contributing to declining progress in the countries with the highest burden of malaria.

“Countries will not reap the rewards of these investments without further commitment to scale up and roll out these innovations where they are needed most.

“ For Africa to move forward, he said the Continent has to get rid of malaria once and for all. Now, according to him,

is the time to take decisive action to deliver on our goal of zero malaria, spur overall development and achieve the 2030 targets”, he added.

He urged that the theme of this year’s World Malaria Day: “Time to Deliver Zero Malaria: Invest, Innovate, implement” highlighted the need for urgent action and further investments to ensure existing investments deliver maximum impact in the fight to end malaria.

Dangote also acknowledged the positive efforts of the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as the second national drug regulator to approve the use of the R21 vaccine, saying the fight against the malaria scourge has been buoyed by the introduction of the new malaria vaccine -R21/Matrix-M, which was developed by the University of Oxford and will be manufactured by the Serum Institute of India.

“As we look forward to its rollout soon. All efforts must be made to sustain the adequate sourcing and application of this innovative vaccine in the fight against malaria; akin to the noble efforts made to ensure the eradication of polio in Nigeria and Africa”, he stressed.

LP raises the alarm over plot to illegally withdraw its presidential election petition

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Labour Party (LP) has alerted Nigerians on a plot by its suspended Deputy National Chairman, Lamidi Apapa to illegally withdraw all pending matters before the various election tribunals including that of its Presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

A statement signed by the party’s recently appointed Acting National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh in Abuja appealed to the judiciary to ignore the moves which he described as ignoble antics of compromised suspended members of the party.

While appealing to the Department of State Service (DSS), Police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest the perpetrators of the plot whom he described as enemies of democracy, Ifoh warned that they posed a serious threat to the peace and stability of the nation.

The statement listed the perpetrators of the plot to include some of it’s suspended members such as; Samuel Akingbade, Gbenga Daramola, Anselem Eragbe and Abayomi Arabambi erstwhile National Legal Adviser,

National Financial Secretary, National Youth Leader and National Publicity Secretary respectively amongst others.

According to the statement; “Their actions show that they are working against the party and that they are working to destroy the party. If they claim that they have problem with the national leadership of the party, will they also claim that they have problem with the candidates of the party? What offence has the candidates of the party committed that they are now moving around to withdraw their matters from the tribunal.

“The leadership of the Labour Party is therefore calling on the tribunals to disregard any letter emanating from our suspended National Legal Adviser, Samuel Akingbade to the effect that all our cases are to be withdrawn. We are also calling on the presidential election tribunal to disregard such letters from these ex officials of our party asking for the withdrawal of HE Peter Obi’s petition.

We also call on the Police, DSS and EFCC to quickly apprehend and question these agents of destruction before they succeed in igniting the nation.”

In reaction to a petition to the Inspector General of Police, signed by the expelled former National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Abayomi Arabambi in which he described the newly appointed Acting National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh as an impostor, the statement insisted that Ifoh was duly appointed in accordance with the party’s constitution after it’s NEC meeting in Asaba; “shortly after the general election, the party had written to all the relevant bodies including the INEC of its intention to hold its NEC in line with the provision of the law. It also informed the DSS and Police of that intention.

“All stakeholders including the state chairmen and their secretaries, Zonal officers, owners and trustees of the party including NLC and TUC, some elected members of the party as well as the leader and presidential candidate of the party amongst others met in Asaba on April 18, where I (Ifoh) was elected as the National Publicity Secretary due to the vacancy that occured after the expulsion of the former National Publicity Secretary in line with the powers conferred on it.

Group urges Tinubu to back Orji Kalu for Senate President

By Musa Baba Adamu

“Article 14(2) b Section XIV of the Labour Party Constitution on the Powers and Function of the NEC states to fill vacancies in the NWC as they may occur from time to time in between National Convention; Also Section XV states; To take disciplinary action against any member or organ of the party as it may seem fit in the interest of the party.”

The statement also warned the former National Youth Leader of the Party, Anselm Eragbe to desist from further using the office to confuse Nigerians, adding that he (Eragbe) was last year suspended by the party for forgery, anti party activities and gross misconduct.

10th Assembly Speaker: Fresh Reps flag off nationwide tour for Betara, reject bully

By Christiana Ekpa

The first time memberselect of the House of Representatives across the four geopolitical zones, on Tuesday, unanimously pledged support for Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara Aspiration, just as the elected members flagged off nationwide tours to boost his chances.

This was just as the Members said they do not want a bully as a Leader in the 10th House of Representatives, hence they said he is the anointed candidate, for whom they chose to begin awareness from Enugu.

The group are from different political parties, include the All Progressives Congress (APC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),

Labour Party (LP), among others held in Enugu to create more awareness on their readiness to deliver on their mandate.

The delegation which departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, arrived at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu State at 12 noon, yesterday.

The Leader of the delegation, Hon. Ismail Haruna Dabo, APC member representing Toro Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, disclosed that members of the group are new members-elect from various political parties.

He said “We are New Memberselect from different political parties and irrespective of our party affiliations we have resolved to support Muktar Betara Aliyu.”

According to the lawmaker, the Members-elect have decided to embark on a zone to zone

campaign for the Candidate they believe should be the next Speaker, which he said will be inducted in batches on May 7th and 14th, 2023 in Abuja according to the notice issued by the National Assembly management.

Hon Dabo said “In furtherance of his campaign, Hon. Betara Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, has proved to the world that he is capable of leading the over 300 lawmakers.

“As you know, we do not want a bully as a leader in the 10th House of Representatives that is why he is our anointed candidate and we chose to begin awareness from Enugu,” he noted.

Other lawmakers who spoke during the meeting, unanimously affirmed that Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu is suited for the job.

While unveiling their Campaign

itinerary, the Lawmaker said their resolve to commence zone to zone tour, is create more create awareness on the man they believe will lead them to pilot the affairs of the Green Chamber in the next democratic dispensation hence the need for others to join the moving train.

The New members elect said the Solidarity tour which kicks off from the South East region will take the delegation to the South West and South South.

He added that the delegation is also working across all the geopolitical zones in Northern parts of the country where Hon. Betara enjoyed unflinching support.

The leader of the delegation Hon. Ismail Dabo disclosed that the delegation will issue a communiqué at the end of the Solidarity tour.

As the political horsetrading over who becomes the 10th Senate President continues, a frontline proTinubu and APC support group known as APC Youths Sentinel has called on the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to throw his weight behind the aspiration of the former Governor of Abia State and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu to clinch the position.

In a statement released to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday by the Northwest Coordinator of the group, Mallam Mohammed Abdulazeez, the group said, Orji Kalu is a tested and trusted colleague of Asiwaju who has displayed capacity to work for Nigerians and defend the cause of democracy just like the President-elect has been doing over the years.

He cited the example of how the President-elect and Senator Orji Uzor as then governors of Lagos and Abia States were both persecuted for their resolute stance against the aborted third-term agenda in 2006 but still went on to deliver their respective states to the opposition in 2007 against the presidential onslaught of the then ruling PDP.

While Tinubu delivered Lagos State to Action Congress of Nigeria ACN, Kalu delivered Abia and Imo States to the newly formed Progressive People's Alliance, PPA and came fourth in the presidential election of 2007.

Since old dogs do not learn new tricks, the President-elect who is the most celebrated politician in Africa for spearheading the coalition that led to the crushing defeat of the then ruling party in 2015 which paved the way for the inauguration of our great party on May 29, 2015 needed a capable and trusted colleague with much hindsight, insight and foresights to lead the third arm of the government for the fast accomplishments of the agenda of the President-elect as the stakes are high.

We hold this to be true and self-evident in the past activities of the two great leaders.

Therefore, there is no better

Obi

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ratified the suspension of its Chairman, Philip Aivoji and his Deputy, Tai Benedict, pending the outcome of court cases.

Aivoji and Benedict were suspended respectively by their ward executives on April 14 over an alleged gross violation of the party’s constitution.

The party’s Publicity Secretary in Lagos State, Hakeem Amode, stated on Tuesday in Lagos that the State Working Committee reached the resolution after appraising the outcome of the 2023 general elections.

He stated that at a meeting held on Tuesday, the committee deliberated on saving the soul of the main opposition party in the state.

He added that the committee consequently confirmed Lagos PDP Vice-Chairman (West Senatorial District), Sunday Olaifa, the acting chairman, pending the outcome of court cases.

Amode revealed that the committee also constituted a seven-man disciplinary committee to look into all matters affecting the suspended officials.

”Members of the disciplinary committee are Chief Abayomi Kuye (Chairman), Mrs Esther Egbi (Secretary), Alhaji Isiaka Shodiya, Princess M.A Coker, Messrs Kayode Ariwayo, Femi Oluokun and Segun Oriyomi.

Amode added that the postelection disciplinary committee was expected to revert to the State Working Committee one week from the date of its constitution.

”Members of the State Working Committee at the meeting were Olaifa, Mr Agboola Akinpelu (Youth Leader), Mr Ismail Olatunji (State Auditor) and Mr Adio Salami (State Organising Secretary) and

PDP suspends party Chairman, Deputy in Lagos

Amode.

“The five members in attendance constitute the majority of the nine members in the State Working Committee

out of the original 14 members that can take the decision.

“Three of the original 14 members had decamped to the ruling All Progressives Congress

(APC), thereby reducing the membership of the State Working Committee to 11.

“The embattled chairman and his Deputy were part of the

11 remaining members and since they can’t adjudicate in their own case, only nine members were left to take decisions.”

Sen. Shehu Sani urges election tribunals to allow live transmission of proceedings

By Christiana Ekpa

As Nigerians await the hearing of the various petitions filed before the election tribunals, senator Shehu Sani has advocated that the court sessions be transmitted live.

With the conclusion of the 2023 general elections, Nigerians are now awaiting the verdict of the tribunal, which they hope would fairly address their dissatisfactions about the outcome of the elections.

Recall that the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) are all in court to challenge the victory of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Also, some governorship candidates who lost in the March 18 election are in court to seek redress.

Shehu Sani, in a tweet on Tuesday, maintained that the live broadcast of the tribunal sessions would allow the masses

to see how transparent the process is.

“Live broadcast of Election Tribunal Court session will avail

the public the opportunity to transparently view the SANs on duty and how Daniel will come to Judgment,” he submitted.

Presidency: How PDP will help Tinubu win second term in 2027 – Adeyanju

By Musa Baba Adamu

Asocio-political activist, Deji Adeyanju has disclosed why the President-elect, Bola Tinubu will win his second term.

Adeyanju said Tinubu will contest and win his second term

if the opposition fails to stop its childish game.

In a tweet, Adeyanju said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) can stop Tinubu by reconciling and uniting against Tinubu.

He pointed out that the PDP would be humiliated in 2027 if they

fail to learn from the 2023 election.

Adeyanju said “Tinubu will run for 2nd term and win if the opposition does not stop its childish games and begin the process towards reconciliation and unity. All the branches of PDP fooling around will be humiliated

again in 2027 if they fail to learn from their dance of shame of 2023.”

PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar lost the 2023 election to the President-elect, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Gov Uzodinma’s purported Imo Charter of Equity is satanic, unconstitutional – ADC

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday said the Imo State Charter of Equity by Governor Hope Uzodimma is not only satanic, malicious and deceitful, but unconstitutional and unacceptable to the people of the state.

ADC, while describing the Charter as a kite to hoodwink the Imo North and Imo East Senatorial Districts to support his second bid, said it is the constitutional right of any adult individual of Imo to aspire for an elective position at any election season, regardless of their local government area of origin.

The opposition party made the remarks in a statement

signed by the party National Vice Chairman South East, Chilos Godsent and made available to journàlists in Owerri, Imo State.

Recall that Governor Hope Uzodimma earlier promised that the government under his watch would religiously help to implement the recent Imo Charter of Equity as proposed and endorsed by the Imo State Council of Elders at its first quarterly meeting held recently.

Reacting to Uzodinma’s assurance when he received in the audience, a delegation of the Imo Elders Council led by the Chairman, HRM Eze (Dr.) Cletus Ilomuanya, the ADC said, ” The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to inform the Imolites that the above narrative is not only

wicked, malicious, and satanic but unconstitutional and unacceptable to the good people of Imo State.

“If you cast our minds back, we should remember that the former Governor of Imo State Chief Ikedi Ohakim used that satanic mantra to gain a second term bid in 2011 but failed because it was unconstitutional and unacceptable by Imolites.

“Given the above, it is the constitutional right of any adult individual of Imo State resident to aspire for the elective position at any election season regardless of the Local Government Area of the origin or Senatorial Districts.

“One thing that is very obvious is that the good people of Imo State are fed up with

insecurity, political rascality, and economic difficulties that have characterized the present All Progressives Congress (APC) led government in Imo State and therefore is determined to send Governor Hope Uzodimma packing by 11th November 2023 through the Rainbow Alliance (RA).

“We, therefore advise Governor Hope Uzodimma to stop wasting the resources of Imo State in stage-managed ceremonies purported to be admitting failed politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) as those stock of politicians will only be a huge political and economic liability for him against the forthcoming Ballot Revolution

of 11th November 2023 in Imo State spearheaded by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and their allies in the Rainbow Alliance RA…

“Finally, we call on Imolites to disregard the malicious kite called Imo State Charter of Equity sponsored by Governor Hope Uzodimma and his political allies as its primary aim is to deceive gullible Imo politicians, youths and women in the forthcoming 11th November 2023 Ballot Revolution in Imo State.

“The Imo State people will not forget in a hurry the political rascality and robbery committed against the people of Imo State on 18th March 2023 by the APC-led government of Imo State.”

Sen. Shehu Sani

Three Rep members, over 3,000 supporters dump PDP in Imo

By Christiana Ekpa

Three members of the House of Representatives from Imo State have dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with over 3,000 supporters.

Imo Governor, Hope

•Adamawa has resisted enemies of democracy - Atiku

Uzodinma received the defectors into the party at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square, Owerri, the state capital on Monday.

The federal lawmakers, including Hon. Ikenna Elezieanya, Hon. Bede Ekeh,

Hon. Henry Nwawuba and a host of other individuals made the move ahead of the November 11 governorship elections in the state.

In his welcome address, Governor Uzodinma, who is seeking re-election for his

second term, assured the defectors that APC is one, saying whether old or new, the members are one.

According to the Governor, “There is no new member in APC and there is no old member in APC, we

are one”.

Governor Uzodinma further urged all Imo sons and daughters irrespective of party affiliation to join hands with him to create prosperity for Ndi Imo

Lawyer asks Appeal Court to stop Tinubu’s inauguration

By Musa Baba Adamu

Afresh motion on notice seeking to stop Asiwaju

Bola Ahmed Tinubu from being inaugurated as Nigeria’s new President on May 29, 2023, has been instituted at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

The fresh suit marked CA/ CV/259/2023 is instituted by a Presidential candidate in the 2019 Presidential election and constitutional lawyer, Chief Ambrose Albert Owuru and his political party, Hope Democratic Party (HDP).

Owuru, who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982, is praying the Court of Appeal in Abuja to prohibit President Muhammadu Buhari, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from inaugurating the 2023 Presidentelect on May 29.

The politician, who participated in the 2019 presidential poll on the platform of Hope Democratic Party (HDP) wants Buhari, the AGF and the INEC stopped from taking any further steps on the 2023 presidential election that produced Tinubu as winner.

Owuru, who claimed to be adjudged constitutional winner of the 2019 presidential election predicated his grouse against inauguration of Tinubu or anybody else as successor to Buhari on the ground that he is the constitutionally adjudged winner of the 2019 election and has not spent his tenure as required by law.

Among others, Owuru insisted that President Buhari has been usurping his tenure of office since 2019 because the Supreme Court has not determined his petition filed in 2019 in which he challenged the purported declaration of Buhari as the election winner.

In his motion on notice marked CA/CV/259/2023 just filled at the Court of Appeal in

Abuja, Owuru applied for “An order of prohibitory injunction compelling Buhari, AGF and INEC, their servants, agents and privies to preserve and give due cognizance and abstain from any further undertaking or engaging in any act of usurpation of adjudged acquired Constitutional rights and mandate as winner of the 2019 presidential election.”

He also applied for another order directing and placing on notice that any form of handover inauguration, organized and

Superintended by Buhari on 29th May 2023 outside the adjudged winner of the 2019 presidential election, subject of the pending appeal, remains and is viewed as an “interim place holder” administration pending the hearing and determination of his substantive appeal on constitutional interpretation thereof.

Listed as respondents in the motion on notice are President Muhammadu Buhari, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF)

and Minister of Justice and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 1st to 3rd, respectively.

The motion on notice filed on his behalf by Mr Odion Peter has been served on President Buhari and AGF through their counsel, Mrs Maimuna Lami Ashiru of the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, while that of the INEC was served through the Head of Legal Department and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mr S. O Ibrahim.

The motion is supported

with an 8-paragraph affidavit praying the Court of Appeal for expeditious hearing before the inauguration of Tinubu.

The affidavit deposed to by an Abuja based legal practitioner, Adebayo Anafowode and filed at the Court of Appeal in Abuja expressed apprehension that Owuru’s suit against Buhari would be rendered nugatory unless given quick hearing.

Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for hearing of the suit by the Court of Appeal.

From left, Country Director, Small Grant Programme (SGP) Engr Adeolu Adusotu and Chief Executive Officer, SGP, Mrs Ibukun Odesote during a training programme on deploying the power of IT -Engaged youths in effective use and plastic waste management, in Abuja yesterday.

Taraba APC expels former guber aspirant, Senator-elect

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The wrangling in the Taraba State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has again taken a different dimension as a former guber aspirant of the party, Chief David Sabo Kente has been expelled.

The State APC also called on the National Executive Committee of the party to immediately expel the Senatorelect for Taraba south, Jimkuta David.

Kente, who was a former member of the Northeast Development Commission

(NEDC) and the former chairman Board of Trustee of the Northeast Development Education Empowerment Fund, was accused of anti-party activities.

The party’s state chairman, Barrister Ibrahim El-Sudi, who announced the expulsion on Tuesday, via a press statement, issued out to pressmen in Jalingo, the state capital, said “for the avoidance of doubt, Chief David Sabo Kente stands expelled from the APC.”

He told Kante, to as a matter of urgency, desist from “parading himself as a member of the party henceforth”.

He said, “you will recall that sometimes in July 2022, the executive members of APC Kente Ward of Wukari Local Government Area wrote the Chairman of APC Wukari LGA calling for the expulsion of Chief David Sabo Kente over series of allegations and offences against the party as enshrined in the party’s constitution 2022, as amended.”

Despite several invitations, by APC Wukari local government council for him to defend himself on the allegations levelled against him, Kente, according to El-Sudi “refused to honour their

invitations and abused them instead.”

“Having investigated and confirmed that all constitutional procedures of fair hearing and disciplinary steps have been satisfactorily followed by both the Ward and Local Government level of the party in Kente and Wukari Local Government, the only option left for the party is to expel him,” he said.

He said the State working Committee “exercised its powers under Article 13.9 iv of the party’s constitution to ratify the decision of the APC Wukari Local Government Area.”

NDIC begins verification of depositors of defunct peak merchant bank

In line with its mandate of deposit guaranty and reimbursement of depositors in the event of bank failure, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance corporation (NDIC) has commenced verification of insured depositors of Peak Merchant Bank in-liquidation towards payment of their insured sums.

According to a release signed by the Director, Communication and Public Affairs, NDIC, Bashir Nuhu, the verification exercise would enable depositors of the defunct bank to cross-check and ascertain their account information as well as balances with the bank as at closure.

The release stated further that the process is a prelude to the payment of insured sums to such depositors.

NDIC in the release urged depositors to visit the bank’s old premises or the corporation’s office nearest to them with proof of account ownership and verifiable means of identification for the exercise.

The NDIC added that the insured sum is the first and mandatory payment that depositors are paid, up to a specified limit, if a bank fails. Depositors are paid amounts in excess of the insured sums subsequently, as liquidation dividends from proceeds of the closed bank’s assets as realised by NDIC as liquidator.

It could be recalled that The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked the banking license of Peak Merchant Bank Limited as gazetted on Friday, 28/2/03 in line with the then section 12 [d] of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 1991 as amended.

The CBN received in the third quarter of the year 2001, a number of petitions, which sought the CBN’s assistance to recover deposits that were trapped in the bank.

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NNPC dismisses reports of missing funds for AKK gas pipeline project

From Abubakar Yunusa ABUJA

Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has dismissed reports by a popular newspaper claiming that the corporation failed to release funds for the Ajaokuta-KadunaKano (AKK) Gas Pipeline project.

Kyari confirmed that the NNPC had released over $1.1 billion for the project, which is aimed at providing a steady supply of natural gas to power plants and industries across Nigeria. The project is expected to stretch over 614km, starting from Ajaokuta in Kogi State, passing through Abuja and terminating in Kano State.

In a statement made while surveying one of the project sites located in Ahoko, Kogi State,

Kyari dismissed reports the project had run aground due to a lack of funding for its second and third phases:

“For the benefit of the Nigerian public, this is one of the most massive project that we’ll run in the company, it is of immense proportion of value to our country and to the socio-economic growth of our country.

“We know that this is a must deliver project. This project has not stopped for one day. We have continued to fund it despite the fact that we do not have thirdparty financing for the project.

The project is being developed in three phases, with the first phase being the construction of a 200 km-long section between Ajaokuta and Abuja. The second phase will cover the AbujaKaduna section, while the third

phase will complete the pipeline’s construction by extending it from Kaduna to Kano.

Kyari emphasized the NNPC’s capacity and readiness to meet all financial obligations due to the importance of the project, saying: “We have so far spent over $1.1bn on this project from our cashflow. We are a very different company today. We are a commercial company. We have inter-company laws within our company now. This company can fund this project, so we do not need any support on this project to deliver this project now.

“As we speak now, we don’t owe a dollar to our contractors today. We paid all their invoices, there are over 30 sites that are active today in this project, and we are very hopeful that we will deliver this project.”

The AKK Gas Pipeline project is expected to boost Nigeria’s economic growth by increasing the availability of natural gas for electricity generation and industrial use. It is also expected to create thousands of job opportunities during the construction phase and afterward.

It is essential to note that the AKK Gas Pipeline project is one of several infrastructure development projects that the Nigerian government is currently undertaking to stimulate economic growth and development in the country. With the release of funds for the project, it is expected that the AKK Gas Pipeline project will soon become a reality, benefiting millions of Nigerians in the process.

World Bank: Nigeria’s fiscal, debt pressures will increase if petrol subsidy isn’t removed

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The World Bank says Nigeria’s fiscal and debt pressures will increase if petrol subsidy is not phased out in June 2023.

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.

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 non-oil 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.”

Seplat Energy’s non-executive director to resign in October

From

Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

One of the non-executive directors of Seplat Energy will exit the company’s directors’ board in October, the energy firm said Tuesday.

Fabian Ajogwu, a senior lawyer, handed in his resignation “following recent events and deliberate external interferences which have prevented him from effectively discharging his fiduciary and statutory duties as an Independent Non-Executive Director,” Seplat Energy said in a note to the Nigerian Exchange.

The disclosure comes five days after the oil driller announced discontinuance by the Nigerian Government of an immigration suit initiated against its chief executive.

The development is the latest twist in the legal warfare, including a prejudice case by a group of stakeholders against the directors and CEO Roger Brown and another

lawsuit that challenged Mr Brown’s immigration status

According to the firm, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria disclosed in his communication to the company his decision was a gesture towards preserving sound corporate governance ethics. While the conflict between the government and Nigeria’s biggest

energy company by market value is being settled out of court, the other involving its stakeholders has not been decided.

A Lagos Federal High Court in March temporarily prohibited the chief executive from holding office to enable it to reach a decision on a motion by the petitioners.

Seplat Energy announced earlier

this month that Mr Brown had been reinstated after the suspension lapsed. Hearing on the suit is to continue on 16 May.

In the Tuesday statement, the company declared that Basil Omiyi, the chair of the board and Charles Okeahalam, “will both retire from the Board before the May 2024 Annual General Meeting.”

Group asks EFCC, ICPC to probe concession of Ajaokuta Steel Plant

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

ACivil Society Organisation, Social Integrity Network (SINET), has called on Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) to stop the process of handing over the Ajaokuta Steel company to private investors.

The National Coordinator of SINET, Ibrahim Issah, made the call in a communique issued at the end of its meeting in Jos, Plateau State on Monday.

Cost of preparing Jollof rice up by 9.73% amid insecurity, cash crunch

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The cost of preparing a pot of jollof rice, a popular delicacy among Nigerians, rose from N9,917 to N10,882 from September 2022 to March 2023, a report has said.

SB Morgen, a geopolitical intelligence platform, disclosed the 9.73 per cent rise in the cost of preparing the delicacy in its latest report.

The SBM Jollof Index tracks how much it costs to make a pot of jollof rice across 13 markets in six geopolitical zones for a family of five and uses the figures to measure the inflationary trends in the country.

Nigeria’s annual inflation rate rose to 22.04 per cent in March from 21.91 per cent in the previous month, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said in its latest inflation report.

According to the NBS, the food inflation rate quickened to 24.46 per cent in March from 24.35 per cent in the previous month.

The commodities monitored by the Jollof Index are rice, curry, thyme, seasoning, groundnut oil, poultry, beef, pepper, tomatoes, salt, and onions.

SB Morgen’s report said Nigeria is facing a persistent food insecurity crisis that is continually aggravated by insecurity, poor policies, adverse weather conditions, and international events such as the recent RussiaUkraine war.

It said this alarming situation

stems from various factors, including unstable foodproducing regions, inadequate storage infrastructure, and a lack of agricultural commercialisation.

The report noted that policies ostensibly aimed at reducing food imports over the past years still have a lingering effect and increased energy tariffs have further exacerbated the problem.

“An ill-fated currency exchange attempt worsened what was already a bad situation,” it said.

The report explained that despite urgent appeals from researchers and development agencies, with 25 million Nigerians estimated to face hunger between June and August 2023, no comprehensive strategy has been proposed to address this escalating crisis.

Instead, it said matters have deteriorated, with the recent cash exchange policy causing naira scarcity and worsening the situation.

The report said “Over seven months, from September 2022 to March 2023, the cost of preparing a pot of Jollof rice has risen from N9,917 to N10,882, marking an increase of 9.73 per cent.

In its analysis of monthto-month fluctuations, the report said it is evident that the costs generally increased from September to January.

According to the report, the most substantial spike occurred in November, with a 6.6 per cent increase.

It added that between

September and October, the index saw a more modest growth of 1.81 per cent, while January experienced a 0.88 per cent increase. This upward trend shows that the prices of essential ingredients for Jollof rice have increased.

“The period between September and November saw long petrol queues across the country, which led to supply chain disruptions and inadequate supplies of food ingredients.

“As the fuel scarcity failed to ease, the prices of items like rice and chicken increased in November as preparations for the end-of-year festivities began, which are often accompanied by increased purchases of food items by corporations and households,” the report said.

To address these price fluctuations and ensure food security for Nigerian citizens, the report said the government and relevant stakeholders need to focus on improving agricultural productivity, addressing supply chain inefficiencies, and implementing measures to curb inflation.

The report said Wuse II consistently ranked as the most expensive market for buying necessary ingredients needed for making a pot of Jollof rice, with a cost of N13,700.

On the other hand, it said Trade Fair in Lagos offered the lowest cost for preparing the dish at N8,850.

This, the report said, illustrates the varying costs of

ingredients and living expenses across different regions in the country.

From September 2022 to March 2023, the report said the cost of making a pot of Jollof rice increased in every market.

It said Port Harcourt experienced the highest percentage increase at 22.7 per cent, followed by Calabar Municipal at 14.7 per cent, Bayside Mbakpa at 13.7 per cent, and Kano at 13.3 per cent.

“These substantial increases indicate the impact of inflation and other economic factors on the cost of food items in these regions,” it said.

The highest percentage increase is in the South-South region of the country.

The report added that the states with the lowest percentage increase during this period were Awka and the Trade Fair Market, with a 2.9 per cent rise.

“While these increases are still noteworthy, they are comparatively smaller than those seen in other Markets,” it said.

The report said between November and March, Bauchi State experienced a sharp spike in the cost of making a pot of Jollof rice.

It said the area had been severely impacted by the 2022 flooding, which led to the loss of lives, the displacement of people, and significant damage to property, including the destruction of 8,457 houses and the submersion of 4,500 farmlands.

Last year, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, said 11 foreign companies indicated interest in the take over of Ajaokuta steel company on a concession basis.

The minister also assured that the Buhari administration will ensure that it handed over the company to a competent bidder before handing over to the next government.

But, the National Coordinator of SINET claimed that it is dangerous for the Nigerian government to handover the steel company to private companies.

He said handing over the steel company to private companies would move the economy of the country backward.

“There is a need for the leadership of the National Assembly, Civil Society Organisations, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, (ICPC) Bureau of Public Enterprises, (BPE), and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) to quickly intervene and order immediate reversal of the process in the interest of over 200 million Nigerians. Failure to do this is tantamount to the fact that Nigeria is sitting on the keg of gunpowder and only waiting to explode.

“Its explosion will no doubt set the economy of Nigeria backward geometrically and further create some unforeseen consequential repercussions for the incoming administration amidst numerous campaign promises, high determination to deliver as well as high expectations from the electorates” he said.

Mr Issah also urged the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, to set up a committee that will look into the handing over of the steel company to private companies.NAN

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ExxonMobil declares force majeure on oil lifting over workers’ industrial action

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

ExxonMobil has declared a force majeure on oil liftings from several terminals in Nigeria following industrial action by the company’s in-house workers union.

Force majeure is a clause that allows a company to skip contractual obligations following issues beyond its control.

Michelle Gray, ExxonMobil spokesperson, in a statement , promised that the company was exploring ways to resolve the issues with its workers.

“We will continue to take all reasonable actions necessary to resolve the impasse as soon as possible. The safety of our people, assets, and environment remains our top priority,” she said.

According to Bloomberg, a spokesperson for Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited — a Nigerian subsidiary of ExxonMobil — said three units of the oil firm declared force majeure.

The entities that declared force majeure from their terminals were Mobil Producing Nigeria, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd, and Esso Exploration and Production (Offshore East) Ltd, the spokesperson said. The development comes at a period when the country

is struggling to meet its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) voluntary production of 1.74 million barrels of oil per day.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) had said oil output dropped to an average of 1,268,202 barrels

bpd in March 2023.

In the same month, an explosion had rocked a crude oil tapping point in Rumuekpe community in Emuoha local

government area of the state. The tapping point is said to be on the Trans-Niger Delta Pipeline (TNP) that passed through the community.

FG bars online banks from accessing customers’ photos, contacts

From Abubakar Yunusa, ABUJA

Loan apps on Play Store will lose their ability to access their users’ contacts or photos from May 31, 2023.

This came as the Federal Government said it would enforce the latest policy by Google, saying the action was consistent with the Nigerian authorities’ move to curtail the invasion of customers’ privacy by loan app firms.

The Federal Government had in recent time taken major decisions aimed at tackling the violation of customers’ privacy by loan apps. Notably, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission had recently registered 170 loan apps out of the 200 operating in the country.

Google, in its April 2023 policy updates, said the new policy update would provide respite for loan app users in Nigeria and other places that have become accustomed to crude loan retrieval methods employed by a majority of loan apps.

Google said, “Policy preview (effective May 31, 2023): This article previews changes included in our April 2023 policy updates.

“We are updating our personal loans policy to state that apps aiming to provide or facilitate personal loans may not access user contacts or photos.

“We are introducing additional requirements for personal loan apps targeting users in Pakistan. Personal loan apps in Pakistan must submit countryspecific licensing documentation to prove their ability to provide or facilitate personal loans.”

This new policy is coming after the firm announced updates to its Developer Programme Policy, mandating digital money lenders in Nigeria, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Kenya to conform to regulatory rules or be taken down by January 31.

According to the firm, only digital money lenders that have adhered to and completed the Limited Interim Regulatory/Registration Framework and

Guidelines for Digital Lending, 2022 (as may be amended from time to time) by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and obtain a verifiable approval letter from the FCCPC will be allowed on Play Store in Nigeria.

Commenting on the new policy , the Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera, stated that it was a welcome development and shows that Google was institutionalising its regulatory policy.

He said, “It is a welcome development effort and is consistent with the position the FCCPC has taken and what we are enforcing.

“Google is now institutionalising our regulatory effort as a policy, which is very welcome. It is certainly important for proper regulatory oversight of the industry, and we commend Google for taking a position that is consistent with our position as regulators.”

He added, “Recall that we took this position earlier and what has happened is that Google has looked at the regulatory

landscape, looked at the regulatory priorities, and is supporting those priorities by institutionalizing those regulatory priorities and position.”

The FCCPC recently stated that it has approved 173 digital lending applications to operate in the country. 119 of these got full approvals while 54 got conditional approvals. This move became necessary after loan apps started harassing Nigerians by sending defaming messages to their contacts, and more.

The commission’s ‘Limited Interim Regulatory/Registration Framework and Guidelines for Digital Lending 2022’ is an attempt to regulate the digital lending space and make registration and approval a prerequisite for companies seeking to operate in the space.

Although, Google’s policy states that it does not “allow apps that promote personal loans that require repayment in full in 60 days or less from the date the loan is issued,” many loan apps in the country do not adhere to it, exposing many Nigerians to confidential data leak.

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

2023 Hajj: FCT-MPWB resumes orientation of intending pilgrims

By Stanley Onyekwere

Following conclusion of the fasting of the Islamic month of Ramadan, the Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (FCT-MPWB) is set to resume preparations for this year’s Hajj exercise, with second phase of education and orientation exercise for Intending Pilgrims this weekend (Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th April 2023) respectively.

Director of the Board, Mallam Abubakar Adamu Evuti, who disclosed this in Abuja, stated that activities have been outline to actualise the success of the operation and ensure that intending pilgrims are well prepared for the spiritual journey to the holy land of Saudi Arabia.

Evuti, in a statement from the Board’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Muhammad Lawal Aliyu, explained that the Board would ensure that intending pilgrims get the rudiments of performing hajj in order to have value for their hard-earned money paid to perform the religious obligation.

He also disclosed that intending pilgrims who paid through Abaji, Kwali and Gwagwalada area councils as well as those who registered through the Hajj Saving Scheme would be trained on Saturday 29th of April while those who registered through the Headquarters, Bwari, Kuje and Abuja Municipal Area councils would have their orientation exercise on Sunday, at the

permanent Hajj Camp, located at Bassan Jiwa, close to the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.

Furthermore, the Director added that, as usual, Islamic scholars and relevant stakeholders have already been mobilized for the exercise scheduled to take place from 8 am each day.

He noted that the orientation

exercises that is been conducted in phases would enable the intending pilgrims get enlightened on the hajj rites as well as guidelines and new policies introduced for this year’s hajj by the Saudi authorities and National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The Director also disclosed that medical screening for the intending pilgrims would

be conducted from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th May while inoculation exercise for all the intending pilgrims would be conducted from Monday 15th to Wednesday 17th May 2023 inline with the procedure for the trip to Saudi Arabia. He therefore advised intending pilgrims to participate in all activities earmarked by the Board for proper guidance to get

value for their money without any hindrance.

Evuti, however warned all intending pilgrims who are yet to return their completed application forms or submit their international Passport to do so to enable the Board fast track the process of obtaining their travel documents in good time before the commencement of airlift to Saudi Arabia.

FCT natives, Foundation seek synergy on education mgmt

By Stanley Onyekwere

In order to ensure inclusive and effective education, the FCT original inhabitants and Helpline Foundation for The Needy have called for stakeholders’ collaboration to improve management of the education system.

Speaking separately at a recent one -day town hall meeting at Kuje Area Council of Abuja, they said the combined efforts was vital as it would strengthen the level of education across the Six area councils of the territory.

The founder/president Helpline Foundation, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, said the education of Abuja natives must be given a priority to reshape the future of the

women, girl child and youth.

Ahmadu, who was represented by the project manager, Onoja Arome said the Foundation is saddled with the responsibility of creating a platform where the natives especially the children will have a meaningful life.

According to her: “We are saddled with the responsibility of providing an enabling environment where women, girl child and youth in the territory and beyond will enhance their livelihood, education and their whole well-being.

“In November, 2021 Helpline Foundation received support from Macarthur Foundation to revamp the cultural heritage of the natives people of FCT through women empowerment and

children, it is the initiative that is still in progress.

“The event is to chart a course for a better future of Abuja original inhabitants which through economic and other reasons have been marginalized in their own territory”.

Ahmadu explained that the meeting would examine the necessary areas, and pressurize offices in-charge to take the education of the natives children as a priority.

One of the speakers and former director FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB), Dr Adamu Noma called for overhaul of the entire system to pave way for corrections.

He said the FCT Administration and

Area Councils should put renovation and provision of infrastructure as top on its agenda to encourage access to education in rural areas.

Malam Musa Mamman, the education secretary for Gwagwalada Area Council, advocated the setting up of elders education forum, constitution review and school monitoring committee to review the issues holding the FCT education system back.

“Strategic stakeholders must be involved, this means that the government should constituted elders education forum, school monitoring committee as well as review the constitution to capture key areas that need to be place”, he stressed.

Biden v Trump: The sequel few Americans want to see

Sequels are rarely as good as the original. We can all think of a few movie follow ups that should never have been made. American voters may have similar misgivings about the next US presidential election which looks increasingly likely to be a rerun of the 2020 contest, with the same characters in the leading roles.

Joe Biden has now confirmed he’s signed up to star for the Democrats, while Donald Trump remains the clear frontrunner for the Republican nomination.

It’s a story we have seen before and only very few people seem eager to watch again. A recent poll found that only 5% of Americans want both President Biden and former President Trump to run again and 38% want neither to run.

One of the reasons Mr Biden is so determined to try to retain the White House is because he is convinced he is the only one who can beat Mr Trump. We will see. What is true is that he is the only one who has beaten him.

Elections which feature an incumbent president are often seen as a referendum on the last four years. The Biden administration does have policy achievements it can point to, and its campaign slogan will be “let’s finish the job”.

But it was striking that his official launch instead attempted to frame the election as a choice - a choice between moderate and extreme, between competent and crazy. The same “battle

for the soul of the nation” that was central to Mr Biden’s pitch last time.

Donald Trump does not feature in the campaign video, but we do see scenes from the January 6th riots at the Capitol as Mr Biden warns of MAGA (Make America Great Again) extremism and the threat he says it poses to American democracy.

Over the past two years, we have heard Mr Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him. If he becomes the Republican nominee in 2024, he will keep banging that drum. Yet, repeating lies about election fraud was clearly not a winning formula last year. Most of the high-profile electiondenying candidates whom Trump backed in the 2022 midterm elections fared pretty badly.

In contrast, the Democrats enjoyed much better than expected results in those Congressional elections - even keeping control of the US Senate. That performance helped to guarantee that President Biden won’t face a major challenge from within his own party.

The biggest issue that played in the Democrats’ favour was abortion. There has been a major voter backlash against the overturning of the constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy. Two-thirds of Americans consistently tell pollsters that they think abortion care should be legal and accessible.

President Biden will return to it again and again in the 18 months before election day. In the launch video, Mr

Biden accused Republican extremists of “dictating what healthcare decisions women can make” over footage of an abortion rights protestor outside the Supreme Court.

Republicans look like the dog that finally caught up with the car it’s been chasing. After decades when they could advance anti-abortion positions without having to offer too much detail, now candidates backing abortion bans are seeing that it could hurt them electorally. Republican-controlled state legislatures are pushing ahead with restrictive laws, but party strategists are worried about the impact at the national level.

But President Biden remains vulnerable. His approval numbers remain historically low - 42% approve of

his performance, while 52 % disapprove. The only other president since Ronald Reagan to be as unpopular at this point in his first term was Donald Trump. Whichever Republican ends up challenging Mr Biden, it’s obvious they will portray the 80-year-old president as a doddery old man (even if Mr Trump is only four years younger). They will hope that a strenuous cross-country campaign leaves the president looking exhausted. He will not be able to campaign from his basement in Delaware as he did through the Covid election of 2020.

Today’s video features plenty of shots of the president looking deliberately vital and energetic - even running in one shot. But he cannot keep that up until polling day.

Barbie with Down’s syndrome on sale after ‘real women’ criticism

ABarbie with Down’s syndrome is the latest doll to be released by Mattel in a bid to make its range more diverse.

The US toy giant had faced previous criticism that the traditional Barbie did not represent real women.

In recent years it has created dolls with a hearing aid, a prosthetic limb and a wheelchair.

Mattel’s goal was for “all children to see themselves in Barbie” as well as “play with dolls who do not look like themselves”.

The original Barbie doll launched in 1959 featured long legs, a tiny waist, and flowing blonde locks.

Academics from the University of South Australia suggested the likelihood of a woman having Barbie’s body shape was one in 100,000.

Some campaigners called for Barbie to represent a more realistic body image, while some people with disabilities said the dolls were not relatable.

In 2016 Mattel released Curvy Barbie, Tall Barbie and Petite Barbie, as well as a wide range of skin tones reflecting many different ethnicities.

Lisa McKnight, global head of Barbie & Dolls at Mattel said she hoped the new doll would help “teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy, leading to a more accepting world.”

Mattel said it worked closely with the US National Down Syndrome Society

(NDSS) to ensure its latest doll accurately represented a person with Down’s syndrome.

The doll has a shorter frame and a longer torso and its face is rounder with smaller ears, a flat nasal bridge and almond-shaped eyes which can all be characteristics of women who have the genetic condition.

The puff-sleeved dress is yellow and blue, colours associated with Down’s syndrome awareness.

The doll also has a pink pendant necklace with three upward chevrons representing the three copies of the 21st chromosome, the genetic material that causes the characteristics associated with Down’s syndrome.

It also wears pink ankle foot orthotics to match its outfit as some children with Down’s syndrome use orthotics to support their feet and ankles.

NDSS president and CEO Kandi Pickard said it was an honour to work on the project.

“This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them.

“We should never underestimate the power of representation. It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.”

British model Ellie Goldstein, an advocate for inclusion, visibility and understanding of people with Down’s

syndrome, said she felt “overwhelmed” when she saw the doll.

“Diversity is important...as people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away,” she added.

Ellie was revealed as one of five cover stars of the latest edition of British Vogue in what she said was her “dream”.

In 2016, Lego created its first young disabled mini-figure - a young, beaniehat wearing wheelchair user - following a

campaign by the UK-based #ToyLikeMe group.

The group had criticised the Danish firm for “pandering to disability stereotypes” because until then its only character to use a wheelchair was an elderly man.

The campaign was launched to create more toys to represent the 770,000 disabled children in the UK.

Source: BBC

The 2024 election might just be a rematch of the 2020 election between Trump and Biden

British model Ellie Goldstein said she felt “overwhelmed” when she saw the new Barbie

N ews F rom A F ric A

Sudan crisis: WHO warns of biological hazard at seized lab

The World Health Organization (WHO) says there’s a “high risk of biological hazard” at a laboratory caught up in the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

Officials said it was unclear who was behind the occupation of the National Public Health Laboratory in the capital Khartoum.

The city has been ravaged by fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The WHO told the BBC on Tuesday that workers can no longer access the lab.

And it warned that power cuts were making it impossible to properly manage material at the lab.

Officials said that a broad range of biological and chemical materials are stored in the lab. The facility holds measles and cholera pathogens, as well as other hazardous materials.

A lack of power is also putting depleting stocks of blood bags stored at the lab at risk of spoiling.

Where is the lab?

The lab is near the centre of Khartoum and not far from city’s main airport.

It lies just outside the area where Sudan’s military headquarters are located, and where a lot of the fighting has been taking place.

The particular geography of Khartoum means key strategic sites which are being targeted, such as military buildings, are close to critical infrastructure.

Both the military headquarters and the airport are right next to a residential area, with several schools and hospitals nearby.

Only a fraction of health facilities in Khartoum are providing services due to a lack of staff, medicine and other supply shortages, power outages, or attacks.

The Federal Ministry of Health in Sudan has reported that 36% of health facilities in Khartoum city are non-functional and another 25% are unresponsive.

Sudan: The basics

• Sudan is in north-east Africa and has a history of instability: The military toppled long-time leader Omar al-Bashir in 2019 after mass protests

• It then overthrew a powersharing government in 2021, putting two

men at the helm: The head of the army and his deputy, who is also the head of a paramilitary group called the RSF

• They disagree on how to restore

civilian rule to Sudan: The RSF leader claims to represent marginalised groups against the country’s elites but his forces were accused of ethnic cleansing

Sudan crisis: Gunfire heard but uneasy truce holds

Aceasefire in Sudan appears to be holding, although there have been reports of new gunfire and shelling.

It is the fourth effort to stop the fighting which began on 15 April, with previous truces not observed.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the 72-hour truce had been agreed between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after 48 hours of negotiations.

The latest ceasefire attempt started at midnight (22:00 GMT on Monday).

At least 459 people have died in the conflict so far, though the actual number is thought to be much higher.

Both sides had confirmed they would cease hostilities.

But Tagreed Abdin, who lives 7km from the centre of Khartoum, said she could hear shelling from her home on Tuesday morning despite the agreement.

“The situation right now is that this morning there was shelling and gunfire,” she told the BBC.

“Obviously the ceasefire hasn’t taken,” she added.

The RSF has accused the army of violating the truce by “continuing to attack Khartoum with planes”.

Meanwhile, an army spokesperson has told Sky News Arabia that the RSF was responsible for “storming prisons” following reports of gunfire at Port Sudan.

In other developments, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned there is a “high risk of biological hazard” after fighters seized a laboratory believed to be holding samples of diseases, including polio and measles.

Since the violence began, residents of Khartoum have been told to stay inside, and food and water supplies have been running low.

The bombing has hit key infrastructure, like water pipes, meaning that some people have been forced to drink from the River Nile. Hospitals are running out of key supplies and struggling to cope, according to secretary

general of Sudan Doctors Union Dr Atia Abdalla Atia.

Countries have scrambled to evacuate diplomats and civilians as fighting raged in central, densely populated parts of the capital.

There will be hopes the latest ceasefire will allow civilians to leave the city. Foreign governments will also hope it will allow for continued evacuations out of the country.

Several EU member states, as well as African and Asian countries, have evacuated hundreds of their citizens, while the UK government has announced it will begin evacuating British passport holders and immediate family members from Tuesday.

Germany has said it will conduct its last evacuation flight from Sudan to Jordan on Tuesday evening, with the remaining German nationals to be evacuated by partner nations in the days after.

On Monday, Mr Blinken said that some convoys trying to move people out had encountered “robbery and looting”. Egypt’s foreign ministry confirmed that an attaché had been killed while driving to the embassy in Khartoum.

The UN is bracing for up to 270,000 people to flee Sudan into neighbouring South Sudan and Chad.

Hassan Ibrahim, 91, is among those to have already fled the country. The retired physician lives near the main airport in Khartoum, where some of the worst fighting has taken place, but has since made the perilous journey into neighbouring Egypt with his family.

He told the BBC World Service’s Newshour programme they had escaped being caught up in a firefight between RSF fighters and the army but that a van travelling behind them was hit. The family then boarded a bus to the border, which took 12 hours, only for them to be met by “crowded and chaotic” scenes as people waited to be given entry.

“There were so many families with elderly passengers, children and babies,” said Mr Ibrahim. “The Sudanese are fleeing the country - it is a sad reality.”

Eiman ab Garga, a British-Sudanese gynaecologist who works in the UK, was visiting the capital with her children when the fighting began and has just been evacuated to Djibouti on a flight organised by France. Her hurried departure meant that she was not able to say goodbye to her ailing father, her mother or her sister.

“The country is dirty, there’s rubbish all over it,” she told BBC Radio 4’s World Tonight programme. “There’s sewage overflowing, it smells, so now we’re next going to have an outbreak of illness and disease, and there won’t be a hospital to go to there.”

“We’re just looking at death and destruction and destitution.”

Violence broke out, primarily in Khartoum, between rival military factions battling for control of Africa’s third largest country.

Two military men are at the centre of the dispute - Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the armed forces and in effect the country’s president, and his deputy and leader of the RSF, Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti.

Sudan: The basics

• Sudan is in north-east Africa and has a history of instability: The military toppled long-time leader Omar al-Bashir in 2019 after mass protests

• It then overthrew a power-sharing government in 2021, putting two men at the helm: The head of the army and his deputy, who is also the head of a paramilitary group called the RSF

• They disagree on how to restore civilian rule to Sudan: The RSF leader claims to represent marginalised groups against the country’s elites but his forces were accused of ethnic cleansing

Gen Dagalo has accused Gen Burhan’s government of being “radical Islamists” and said that he and the RSF were “fighting for the people of Sudan to ensure the democratic progress for which they have so long yearned”.

Many find this message hard to believe, given the brutal track record of the RSF.

Gen Burhan has said he supports the idea of returning to civilian rule, but that he will only hand over power to an elected government.

Source: BBC

Fighting in Sudan’s capital Khartoum has cotinued into a second week

A girl waits to leave Khartoum

Iran protests: Secret committee ‘punished celebrities over dissent’

Iran formed a secret committee last year to punish celebrities who backed the current antigovernment protests, leaked documents seen by the BBC show.

In a letter dated 22 September, just six days after the unrest began, the committee sent the economy ministry a list of 141 well-known figures.

It told the ministry to investigate their tax returns and take unspecified action against them.

The list included football legend Ali Daei and top actress Taraneh Alidoosti.

They are among dozens of artists, sportspeople and social media influencers who have faced economic sanctions, travel bans or detention over the past seven months after supporting the protesters’ calls for basic freedoms.

Demonstrations spread rapidly across the country following the death in custody on 16 September of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who was detained by morality police in Tehran for allegedly wearing her hijab “improperly”.

Hundreds of people have died and thousands more have been detained in a violent crackdown by security forces, which have portrayed the protests as foreigninstigated “riots”.

BBC Persian obtained three documents through a Middle Eastern intelligence source that reveal how the government took swift and co-ordinated action in an attempt to deter celebrities from not following the official line.

The letter dated 22 September announces decisions by a socalled “Celebrity Task Force” and identifies its chairman as the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili, who has been sanctioned by the European Union for allegedly committing serious human rights violations.

It says the economy ministry has been instructed to look at the tax returns of 141 well-known figures perceived by the committee to have played an important role in fuelling the unrest and to implement “anticipated restrictions according to the law”.

As well as Ali Daei and Taraneh Alidoosti, who was arrested on 17 December after condemning the execution of a protester and released on bail two weeks later, the celebrities on the list included filmmakers Asghar Farhadi, Pegah Ahangarani, Manijeh Hekmat, Barzou Arjomand and Shahin Samadpour, and former TV host Ehsan Karami.

Oscar-winning filmmaker

Asghar Farhadi has not returned to Iran since the protests erupted last year

The letter does not give details about the “restrictions” they faced, but one of those named told BBC Persian: “Instagram influencers were threatened by officials that if they continued to support the protests they would have to pay taxes on all the income they receive from their online activities, which would amount to a significant sum.”

Two other individuals confirmed that their bank accounts were blocked after they expressed support for the protests.

Another document, marked as “top secret” and dated 26 September, says that the “Celebrity Task Force” has been renamed the “Celebrities Committee” and made permanent.

It also says that the committee’s responsibilities have been divided, with the culture and intelligence ministry dealing with “artists, singers and media personalities”, and the sports ministry and Revolutionary Guards’ intelligence agency taking over sportspeople.

The document warns that any decision regarding the celebrities “should be made in a way that minimises costs and maximises benefits in controlling

disturbances and supporting the principles of the regime”.

The third document, dated 1 November, discusses how to deal with footballers ahead of the World Cup in Qatar and says the assets of a well-known player and coach should be frozen.

The document also says the committee has been angered by the “continuous audacity” of the actress Fatemeh Motamed-Arya

and that it has asked the Tehran prosecutor’s office to “quickly indict her and put her case on the agenda with priority”.

Ms Motamed-Arya had posted photos of herself without a hijab and released a stronglyworded video complaining about being featured in a government billboard showing hijab-wearing women.

And despite their supposed

China to prosecute Taiwan activist for ‘secession’

China says it will prosecute a Taiwanese man for alleged secession, in the latest move against Taiwan-linked individuals on mainland Chinese soil.

Yang Chih-yuan, the founder of a pro-independence Taiwanese political party, was detained in China last year.

In recent weeks China has also detained a book publisher and reporters working for a Taiwan broadcaster.

Taiwan has criticised China’s “arbitrary arrests”, saying they were “severely damaging” to human rights.

The latest case centres on Mr Yang, who was based in Taiwan and had founded the Taiwanese National Party.

The 32-year-old had travelled to China last year for unknown reasons. In August, he was arrested in the eastern Chinese city of Wenzhou on suspicion of “separatism”.

At the time his detention was linked to a Chinese crackdown on “separatists” amid tensions over former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan.

On Tuesday, Chinese authorities said they had completed an investigation into Yang Chih-yuan and had put him under formal arrest.

Chinese state media reported

that he had been “poisoned by thoughts of Taiwan independence secessionism for a long time” and been “actively scheming” to work towards formal statehood for Taiwan.

Through his party he had “actively planned and implemented” a series of events to “seek independence and reject unification”, fuelling cross-strait tensions.

State media also said that Mr Yang had advocated for Hong Kong’s independence with other “separatist” forces.

The issue of “secession” is sensitive in China as it sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that will eventually be brought under Beijing’s control.

On Tuesday, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, a cabinet-level agency responsible for cross-strait relations, said it had repeatedly asked for Mr Yang to be released since his arrest in August, but did not receive a positive response from China.

News of Mr Yang’s prosecution comes after the disappearance of Taiwan-based book publisher Li Yanhe earlier this month.

Chinese authorities have not released any details on Mr Li’s case, and his alleged arrest was first reported by his friends.

Mr Li, who is better known by

his pen name Fucha, was born in China and relocated to Taiwan in 2009. There, he set up Gusa Press, which has published books that are critical of Beijing.

Friends say Mr Li had arrived in China earlier this month to visit relatives as well as for Qing Ming, the annual Chinese tombsweeping festival.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said last week that Li was “safe” and that the government is paying attention to the case, but declined to give further details.

Mr Li’s alleged detention has been widely compared with the disappearance of five Hong Kong booksellers in 2015 from a shop known for selling works critical of China. They eventually turned up in the custody of mainland Chinese authorities, amid an investigation into their publishing business.

Dozens of writers, scholars and activists have called for his release. The Taiwan Foreign Correspondents Club said on Monday that China should “respect the freedom of the press that it enshrines in its constitution, and to release all unjustly imprisoned media workers”.

Also this month, two Taiwanbased reporters for Taiwan’s EBC News were detained by Chinese authorities while filming military

exercises in Pingtan county in China’s Fujian province.

Local media have identified the reporters by the last names, Huang and Li. They are said to be safe and maintain daily contact with a director at their company.

Taiwanese authorities on Tuesday reminded their residents to “assess relevant risks” before visiting China.

“You should realise that mainland China is accustomed to random violations of personal safety,” a MAC spokesperson said.

China and Taiwan: The basics

• Why do China and Taiwan have poor relations? China sees the self-ruled island as a part

of its territory and insists it should be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary

• How is Taiwan governed? The island has its own constitution, democratically elected leaders, and about 300,000 active troops in its armed forces

• Who recognises Taiwan? Only a few countries recognise Taiwan. Most recognise the Chinese government in Beijing instead. The US has no official ties with Taiwan but does have a law which requires it to provide the island with the means to defend itself

Source: BBC

Taraneh Alidoosti was detained after posting a photo of herself without a headscarf and holding a sign bearing the protest slogan: “Woman, life, freedom”

China has detained a number of Taiwan-linked individuals in recent weeks

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has commenced capacity building of artisans and craftsmen in the built industry to address the challenge of skills’ dearth and skill importation in the country.

The NIOB President Prof. Yohana Izam said this at the 2023 Mandatory Continuous Professional Workshop for External Quality Assurance Managers recently in Abuja.

Izam represented by 2nd Vice President, NIOB, Mr Bimbo Kolade said that the the two-day capacity workshop was organised by the Artisans and Craftsmen Qualification Awarding Board of NIOB

Izam said the workshop was inline with the National Skills Qualification programme of the Government.

“The nation is coming up with the skill qualification. Our youth rather than just going to acquire an education they should alongside with the education acquire a skill.

” And under the National Skill Qualification framework, the Nigerian institute or building is the awarding body that awards skill qualification certificate for the construction workers.

“There are levels with which you go through before you can be and you get qualified in this various levels of training.”

According to him, there are seven trades and these include plumbing, piping jobs, carpentry, aluminum framework, masonry and roofing.

” So we have three levels of assessor, there is the Quality Assurance Assessor. The Internal Verifier Assessor, those ones superintend over the QAA.

“In this training that you are doing now, there is a specialized training for those who are at the highest level of the skill acquisition society which are the External Quality Assurance Assessors. These are quality assurance is managers.

“The participants come from all over the Federation, for now within the construction industry sector, we have 25 of them that are already qualified.

“We have seen some of them going into Morocco or the United Kingdom from where they are recognised and they can practice as quality assurance assessors even in those countries,” Izam said.

Dr Christopher Belonwu, Chairman Artisans and Craftsmen Qualification Awarding Board, said the essence of this training was to bring the participants, up to speed with current practice National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

“At the end of the training you know that so many intervention projects linked to this NSQ, you have the n-power project, the n-skills project, the world Bank ideas project, project teamers, are all on NSQ.

“We want to make sure that all these various intervention projects, the ones that are

NIOB organizes capacity building for artisans, craftsmen to address challenge of skills importation

construction related are executed better in the right way they should be.

“It means that era when certificates are given when people are not qualified, is gone. At the end of this workshop we expect that the skillsmanship of our craftsmen will be sharpened.”

Explaining further on the essence of the workshop on skills importation Belonwu said it would be an end to such practice because Nigerian craftsmen would also do better jobs.

“In doing better it means

they have a predefined step of doing the work, they understand the steps, there are actual trade secrets that they try to carry out to do that better.

“So under this NSQ, we now have the standard which other countries do we call it the National Operating Standard.

“It is what all the artisans follow so that they can reach that point that foreigners have reached, they should actually know how to do better jobs and not jump any process.

Mrs Folashade Laja, former

Vice-chairman, Artisans and Craftsmen Qualification Awarding Board a participant said it was an avenue for continued professional advancement.

“This is very important that we that are going to the field should ensure that the end product of the NSQ are competent people to be used in the construction industry.

“We also should be abreast of what is going on, so this is like, a kind of peer review, rubbing of knowledgeable minds,” Laja said.

The immediate past President of NIOB, Mr Kunle Awobodu

decried the lack of aspiration to greater heights that was prevalent in the present crop of artisans and craftsmen.

This, he adduced to the lack of motivation in the wages being paid to most artisans because of their lack of improvement and expertise in the crafts.

Awobodu, therefore, urged the youth and other professionals to take advantage of this type of mandatory professional development to sharpen their skills and aim for greater heights in their endeavours.

PMB to commission Abuja-Kano expressway before May 29

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Federal Government has given the assurance that section 2 and 3 of the AbujaKano expressway will be completed and commissioned by President Muhammad Buhari before the end of his tenure this year, May, 29th. 2023.

This was contained in a statement signed by Blessing Lere - Adams Director Press and Public Relations, say the assurance was given by the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari who was taken on a press - inspection tour of the road by the Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola.

The Chief of Staff who expressed satisfaction with the work done said, “Both section 2 and 3 will be completed and ready for commissioning by President Muhammad Buhari before the end of the tenure of his administration”.

He disclosed that another legacy project of the President, the 2nd Niger bridge will also be commissioned by the President before he leaves office.

He recalled that the bridge had been opened for road users during the last Christmas season to ease the hardship that people had suffered for years now

The COS praised the President for his outstanding and

commendable commitment to infrastructural development across the country.

“We want to commend Mr President for making the resources available so that this kind of progress can be made”, he said.

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola explained that section 3 of the road which is from Kaduna to Kano is 137 kilometres, which is longer than the Lagos - Ibadan expressway which is 127 kilometres while section 2 of the road which stretches from Zaria to Kaduna is 73 kilometres.

He added that though the Lagod - Ibadan expressway started

earlier both projects are being completed around the same time.

On why work on the section 1 of the road which is from Abuja from Zaria was not progressing like the other two, the Minister attributed the reasons to criminal activities which stalled the work for about a year in 2022, issues about right of way because of the need to relocate buildings, markets electricity installations, utilities all of which must be addressed before the contractor can do his job.

He said that work on that section of the road was ongoing just as the required collaboration between the Ministry and the

Federal Capital Territory Minster and the Governors of Niger and Kaduna states whose territories are connected to the 265 kilometres road is going on.

Fashola gave the assurance that the section will be completed by the next administration as soon as possible as funding which is being provided by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority is readily available.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, Aminu Sadiq affirmed his organisation’s commitment and readiness to provide the funding for the project.

Glasgow,Manchester the best cities for investors

Glasgow and Manchester are the best UK cities to invest in outside of London, according to Hometrack and Zoopla reports.

Glasgow offers strong rental yields of 6.8%, as well as an annual property value percentage increase of 14.1%, as well as strong transport links.

Manchester meanwhile has an annual property value increase of 15.6% as well as a rental yield of 5.1%.

The presence of two top Premier League football teams makes it an attractive place for investors looking

to attract high-net worth individuals to rent their properties.

Glasgow offers strong rental yields of 6.8%, as well as an annual property value percentage increase of 14.1%, as well as strong transport links.

Manchester meanwhile has an annual property value increase of 15.6% as well as a rental yield of 5.1%.

The presence of two top Premier League football teams makes it an attractive place for investors looking to attract high-net worth individuals to rent their properties.

Gordon Dutfield, chief executive at Redmayne Smith, said: “Rental yield and annual property value percentage increase are key indicators of the potential for strong returns on investment, while transport links are crucial in attracting tenants and maintaining demand.

By focusing on these key metrics, we can identify regions that offer the best opportunities for long-term growth and profitability, and help our clients achieve their investment goals.

““Our latest research clearly

shows that Glasgow and Manchester are currently the best regions to invest in, with excellent rental yields, high annual property value increases, and great transport links.

As we emerge from the pandemic, investors are increasingly looking for opportunities in major UK cities, where the potential for growth and returns is high.

“With Glasgow and Manchester both undergoing significant investment and regeneration, we believe they offer the greatest potential.

“Personally, Manchester is the

Aeriel view of Abuja - Kaduna- Kano Road -Section III. Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari CFR, (2nd right), Hon. Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN (2nd left) , Senior Special Assistant to the President, Special Projects, Mr Aniefiok Johnson ( right) , Managing Director, Julius Berger Nig Ltd, Mr Lars Richter (left) and others during the inspection of the road.

Facebook work filtering posts ‘cost me my humanity’

Readers may find material in this article disturbing.

Behind the scenes on Facebook, thousands of moderators protect users from graphic content by filtering out posts that break its rules. The BBC has spoken to one moderator based in Kenya, who is taking legal action against its parent company Meta.

On his first day of work screening posts, South African Trevin Brownie watched a man take his own life.

“The problem was not [the taking of his own life]. The problem was the three-year-old boy that was in the video with this guy. So the boy was playing on the floor with these toys, like not even understanding what’s happening”.

It took two or three minutes for the child to realise something was wrong and to call out for his dad. He then started crying. Eventually an adult entered the room, and the recording was stopped.

“I felt sick. I, you know, I was vomiting because I didn’t understand why people would even do things like that,” Mr Brownie said.

In the course of his work, Mr Brownie would see the worst of humanity - from child abuse to torture and suicide bombings.

His experience, he believes, deadened his feelings. The tremor in his voice and his sympathy suggests he still cares deeply about others, but Mr Brownie believes part of his humanity is gone.

“Because I’m basically so much used to death and seeing death. It became a norm for me,” he says. Deaths no longer affect him as he feels they should.

Mr Brownie sees those who work in moderation as a front line of defence protecting users, especially during the pandemic, when many relied on the internet. The way Facebook connects people around the world also appeals to him.

In January, Facebook’s main moderation hub for east Africa, operated by a company called Sama announced it would stop providing content-review services to social media firms.

Last month Sama laid off 260 moderators, including Mr

Brownie, as it concentrated on work annotating videos to help train artificial intelligence computer vision systems.

“I sacrificed my human side for this job. I don’t think you can give any more than your soul, and then to be kicked out like this,” Mr Brownie said.

He is concerned about the future, as he and his fiancée hoped to get married, and his family in South Africa rely upon money he sends them.

Mr Brownie says he would have not taken the job if he had known what it involved, but feels it is important work he is good at, and where he earned promotion to a more senior role. He wants his employment to continue, but with more support for his mental health.

He is one of a group of 184 moderators, supported by the campaign group Foxglove, who are taking legal action against Meta, Facebook’s parent company, Sama, and Meta’s new contractor, Luxembourgbased firm Majorel.

Meta has sought to extricate itself from the action, but a ruling on Thursday now means it can be sued for unfair termination.

Cori Crider, a director at Foxglove, called the decision “a milestone” and said that “no tech giant, however wealthy, should be above the law”.

An interim ruling against Meta and Sama already means the moderators contracts cannot be terminated and they must still be paid until the case is decided.

The moderators say they were laid-off in retaliation for complaints about working conditions and attempts to form a union.

They also allege they were unfairly discriminated against and refused work at Majorel “on the basis that they previously worked at the [Sama] facility”, the petition to the court states.

Text messages shared with the moderators’ legal team, and seen by the BBC, show moderators interested in applying for a job at Majorel were told by a third-party recruiter that: “The company will not accept candidates from Sama. It’s a strict no.”

Cori Crider, a director at Foxglove, called the decision “a milestone” and said that “no tech giant, however wealthy, should be above the law”. An interim ruling against Meta and Sama already means the moderators contracts cannot be terminated and they must still be paid until the case is decided

Meta has declined to comment, citing continuing legal action. But the company requires its contractors to provide round-the-clock onsite support with trained practitioners, and access to private healthcare from the first day of employment.

Majorel declined to comment while legal action was continuing.

A Sama spokesperson told the BBC that it paid moderators fair, local living wages that were among the top 12 paying jobs in Kenya.

It said it provided “extensive mental health services, including on-site licenced and trained mental health

professionals, a 24-hour hotline and virtual consultations. In addition, employees are free to see a mental health professional of their choosing using the healthcare benefits”.

Its wellbeing service will continue for 12 months after the last day of employment.

Sama said accusations against the firm have proved to be untrue, which was why “former moderators are suing to keep their jobs - other companies offer a fraction of the pay and benefits compared to Sama”.

The BBC has also seen emails sent to Sama from a small number of moderators, expressing their frustration

that the injunction means the company cannot pay termination benefits such as free flights to home countries. Two emails praise working conditions at Sama, and one person voices their unhappiness at the court action.

In February, a Kenyan court ruled that Meta could be sued by ex-moderator Daniel Motaung over claims of poor working conditions.

Meta also faces legal action in Nairobi concerning allegations its algorithm helped fuel the viral spread on social media of hate and violence during Ethiopia’s civil war.

Source: BBC

Lawyers for the moderators, during a pretrial legal hearing.

Working from home during the pandemic brought home life into contact with work

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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. EBENEZER SEYI SAMUEL - CHAIRMAN

2. EKWONNA TOCHUKWU - SECRETARY

3. ODEYINDE OLUWANIFEMI ABIMBOLA

4. AKINYELE PHILIPS BLESSING

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO SUPPORT THE UPBRINGING OF ORPHANS AND UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN BY PROVIDING THEM HOUSEHOLD AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE

2. TO REACH OUT TO THE CHILDREN IN NEED IN ANY CAPACITY WE CAN. 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 : CHAIRMAN.

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ADANNA EMMANUEL 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.OIKELOME EMMMANUEL OLUSEGUN

2.OIKELOME ANN EBIMALU

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO WORK WITH COMMUNITIES AND PARTNERS TO BUILD, PROVIDE RESOURCES AND TOOLS AND SKILLS, TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE WITHIN OUR LOCALITIES

2.TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE RESTORATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE COMMUNITIES AROUND US 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 : OIKELOMEANN EBIMALU

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ILLAH UNIPORT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. UDEORAH SYLVESTER ALOR FAVORE - CHAIRMAN 2.CHEKWUBE UDUH - SECRETARY

3 EGWUATU EMMANUEL DUME

4. EMMA-EGBUMOKEI NGOZI STELLA.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO SEEK AND ADVANCE THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS AND ILLAH IN GENERAL IN SUCH AREA LIKE EDUCATION, SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES WITH A VIEW TO UPHOLDING THE DIGNITY OF MEMBERS AND THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL. 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.

UNITE DIABETA OZEMWOGIE FOUNDATION

8. TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

GIRLS/WOMENT.

9. TO PROMOTE SPORTS AMONGST YOUTHS, WOMEN, AND GIRLS IN NIGERIA

10. TO ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES AIMED AT HELPING THE LESS PRIVILEGED

11. TO PROMOTE WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

12. TO PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE SPORTS FOR CHILDREN

13. TO PROMOTE AND CONDUCT ACTIVITIES GEARED TOWARDS HELPING THE BLIND

14.

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EMENIKE FRIENDS CLUB

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. EZE CHINEDU JUDE (CHAIRMAN)

2. UGWU JUDE NONSO (SECRETARY)

3. OJOBOR SAMSON NWOYE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION:

2. TO SERVE AS A FORUM WHERE MEMBERS CAN INTERACT, ARTICULATE AND FORMULATE IDEAS FOR THE PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF THEIR GENERAL WELFARE.

3. TO PROMOTE THE SPIRIT OF INDUSTRY AND HARD WORK WITH A VIEW TO STRENGTHENING AND PROMOTING THEIR INTEREST. 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 : MOHAMMED ATTAHIRU.

PASSION FOR SOULS GLORY AND REVIVAL MISSION

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.OKOJIE OJIEFO TIMOTHY - CHAIRMAN

2. OKOJIE AGATHA AKOAMEN - SECRETARY

3. OKOJIE TIM EROMON - MEMBER

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND TO PLANT CHURCHES ALL OVER THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD HELPING HUMANITY.

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 : 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 REMOVAL OF TRUSTEES, APPOINTMENTS OF NEW TRUSTEES, REMOVAL OF SECRETARY AND APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY (CHANGE OF TRUSTEES) UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE :

1.RUEBEN GOVINA

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE :

1. EDERI PATRICK KIOJA

2. ESECHIE GABRIEL OLORUNIBE

THE REMOVED TRUSTEES ARE :

1.GODFREY OBARE

2. CHRISTOPHER MARERE.

THE REMOVED SECRETARY/CHANGED SECRETARY :

1.MR GODFREY OBARE - REMOVED THE APPOINTED SECRETARY IS

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SUPREME COUNTY CLUB

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,

OF ONENESS AND COMPANIONSHIP AMONG MEMBERS AND BETWEEN THE CLUB AND OTHER FRIENDLY ASSOCIATIONS.

3. TO ACT AS A FORUM FOR DISCUSSING MATTERS AFFECTING THE PROGRESS AND WELLBEING OF MEMBERS AND THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILIES.

4. TO ORGANIZE SUCH ACTIVITIES AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY FOR THE ATTAINMENT OF ANY OF THE OBJECTIVES CONTAINED HEREIN.

5. TO PROVIDE FOR AND ENGAGE IN ACTS OF PHILANTHROPY IN FAVOR OF THE NEEDY MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY AT LARGE.

6. TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO MEMBERS ON OCCASIONS ACCEPTED BY MEMBERS AS PROVIDED IN THE CONSTITUTION.

7. TO HELP MEMBER ACADEMICALLY, ECONOMICALLY, SOCIALLY AND FINANCIALLY IN ACHIEVING THEIR GOALS IN LIFE. 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.

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VOICE OF LOVE BELIEVERS CHURCH WORLDWIDE

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. NUHU PHILEMON BULLO - CHAIRMAN

2. SALE SAMBO STEPHEN - SECRETARY

3. FRANK ELECHI OGBONNIA _ MEMBER

4. ELAM REV. MIRACLE - MEMBER

5. ABASIRYA ADAMS BIRDLING

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE NATION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

YOUNG INNOVATORS AND TECHNICAL VOCATION 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. PAUL YARO KATO

2. JULIET ITAKPE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO PROMOTE THE INTEREST IN SCHOLARSHIP OF ARTS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE OF NIGERIA.

2. TO ASSIST YOUNG PEOPLE TO HARNESS THEIR CREATIVE POTENTIALS FOR SELF-RELIANCE.

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

UNION SECONDARY SCHOOL AWKUNANAW 2012 ALUMNI

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.OBIDINMA EMMANUEL CHIGOZIE

2.OBICHUKWU VICTOR CHIDIEBERE

3.OJEH NNAEMEKA CHRISTOPHER

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : TO SUPPORT AND INSPIRE MEMBERS THROUGH COLLABORATION, SHARING HELPFUL IDEA TOWARDS ECONOMIC PROSPERITY WHILE SUSTAINING OUR COLLECTIVE BONDS AND EXISTENCE AS ONE UNITED FAMILY. 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

CHRIST REAL PURPOSE MISSION

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. ONOSEME JOSEPH (CHAIRMAN)

2. OKORARA DIAMOND KINGSLEY (SECRETARY)

3. ONOSEME GRACE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. THE CHURCH IS TO MEET THE NEED OF GOD ON EARTH AND TO PREPARE THE PEOPLE FOR THE COMING OF JESUS CHRIST.

2. THE CHURCH IS TO TEACH THE PEOPLE THE WORD OF GOD AND TO WALK IN ALL HIS WAYS AND TO LOVE GOD, DEUT 10:12 TO WALK IN ALL HIS WAYS AND TO LOVE HIM. 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 : BARR. UCHE FRANKLIN ORAEKEYI 08035987541.

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LOSS OF DOCUMENT

I. MOSUNMOLA GIWA RESIDING AT NO 6 CHRIS OTULANA LEKKI 2ND ROUND BOUT VICTORIA ISLAND. LAGOS STATE. ON 05/ 02 /2022 WHILE ON TRANSIT BETWEEN GWARINPA AND MAITAMA ALL IN FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY FCT ABUJA I LOST A A FILE CONTAINING THE ORIGINAL OFFER LETTER IN RESPECT OF PLOT NUMBER 1571 WITH FILE NUMBER OD10159M SITUATED AT CADASTRAL ZONE B07 KATAMPE DISTRICT ABUJA FRANTIC EFFORT MADE BY HIM TO TRACE THE SAID MISSING FILE AND IT’S CONTENT PROVE ABORTIVE.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

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SPACE FOR SALE

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ILLAH UNIPORT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. UDEORAH SYLVESTER ALOR FAVORE - CHAIRMAN 2.CHEKWUBE UDUH - SECRETARY

3 EGWUATU EMMANUEL DUME

4. EMMA-EGBUMOKEI NGOZI STELLA.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO SEEK AND ADVANCE THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS AND ILLAH IN GENERAL IN SUCH AREA LIKE EDUCATION, SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES WITH A VIEW TO UPHOLDING THE DIGNITY OF MEMBERS AND THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL. 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.

CLASSIFIED

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

DOVE GARDEN ESTATE RUKPAKULUSI HOME OWNERS & RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. OGICHEN EMMANUEL POWER - CHAIRMAN

2. PRAISE JOSEPH CHIDERAA - SECRETARY

3. DANIEL CHUKWUNWIKE NKEMAKONAM

4. EZEAKU EMEKA CYRIL

5. OMOREGIE PETER ERHUMWUNSE

6. EROMOBOR JAMES

7. OKEKE BENBELLA ONYEABOH

8. OKON ULO MBIAKUDI

9. CHIKEZIE DAVID MONDEL

10. ITODO SUNDAY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF ITS RESIDENTS

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. UDEORAH SYLVESTER ALOR FAVORE - CHAIRMAN 2.CHEKWUBE UDUH - SECRETARY

3 EGWUATU EMMANUEL DUME

4. EMMA-EGBUMOKEI NGOZI STELLA.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO SEEK AND ADVANCE THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS AND ILLAH IN GENERAL IN SUCH AREA LIKE EDUCATION, SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES WITH A VIEW TO UPHOLDING THE DIGNITY OF MEMBERS AND THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL. 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

AGAPE GOSPEL MISSION SAPELE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REMOVAL OF TRUSTEES, APPOINTMENTS OF NEW TRUSTEES, REMOVAL OF SECRETARY AND APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY (CHANGE OF TRUSTEES) UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE :

1.RUEBEN GOVINA

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE :

1. EDERI PATRICK KIOJA

2. ESECHIE GABRIEL OLORUNIBE

THE REMOVED TRUSTEES ARE :

1.GODFREY OBARE

2. CHRISTOPHER MARERE.

THE REMOVED SECRETARY/CHANGED SECRETARY :

1.MR GODFREY OBARE - REMOVED

THE APPOINTED SECRETARY IS :

1.EDERI PATRICK KIOJA

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.

PUBLIC NOTICE UNION SECONDARY SCHOOL AWKUNANAW 2012 ALUMNI

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.OBIDINMA EMMANUEL CHIGOZIE

2.OBICHUKWU VICTOR CHIDIEBERE

3.OJEH NNAEMEKA CHRISTOPHER

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : TO SUPPORT AND INSPIRE MEMBERS THROUGH COLLABORATION, SHARING HELPFUL IDEA TOWARDS ECONOMIC PROSPERITY WHILE SUSTAINING OUR COLLECTIVE BONDS AND EXISTENCE AS ONE UNITED FAMILY.

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.

ILLAH UNIPORT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

WEDNESDAY APRIL 26, 2023

Gusau decries report of meeting with referees from northern region

By Albert Akota

President of Nigeria

Football

Federation,

Alhaji Ibrahim Musa

Gusau has denied a report going round the social media that he has held a meeting with football referees from the northern part of Nigeria ahead of upcoming elections into the Nigeria Referees Association.

“This report is most

uncharitable because I was nowhere near the meeting that was said to have been held in Kano by the referees. I am the president of Nigeria Football and the father of all, and cannot engage in reductionism. If there has been any interaction at all with referees, it has been with every one of them from across the length and breadth of the country, and with the noble intention of charging them to

do their job professionally and to be morally upright in the discharge of their duties.

“I have no interest whatsoever in who becomes the President of the referees as long as the person is the choice of the majority. I understand that the referees from the northern zone had a similar meeting in Kano before the NRA elections in 2019. It is befuddling that so much ado is being made of their

recent meeting.”

Gusau reiterated that referees are a key component of the process in the strategy to reposition the Nigeria League, and their fair, professional and diligent performances will also go a long way in getting Nigerian arbiters back into reckoning for consideration for continental and global championships.

“My charge to all Nigerian referees is to be upright and

professional in the discharge of their duties in the League, and the same for those who get appointments for continental events and global championship qualifiers.

We have the personnel with the capacity and sagacity to do much better than we are doing now in the refereeing world. It is all about being more diligent, working harder and working right, and being above board.”

S P R T

By Albert Akota

Five-time world champions Nigeria are scheduled to arrive in the Algerian city of Constantine on Sunday night for their final preparations for this year’s Africa U17 Cup of Nations.

Following complications that arose in the process of securing entry visa into Germany for a planned final training camp in that country, the Nigeria Football Federation opted to send the squad earlier to Algeria for the final build-up, and Constantine, the renown city where the Eaglets will play Morocco, Zambia and South Africa in Group B, is the choice.

The wards of FIFA Cadet World Cup -winning captain, Nduka Ugbade, swept all before them to win the WAFU B U17 Championship in Cape Coast, Ghana 10 months ago, and have put on display tremendous firepower in their preparations for the continental showpiece.

After resuming camp midMarch following the break for the general elections, the Eaglets played 12 friendly matches at their NFF/FIFA Goal Project, Abuja base, winning 11 of the matches and drawing the other one. They scored a total of 66 goals and conceded 14.

“We are going to Algeria with confidence but with level heads. We’re the champions of WAFU B, but in essence, nothing has been won.

What matters now are winning a ticket to the FIFA World Cup and winning the Africa Cup. I believe we have the boys to do the job,” Ugbade said before the team left Nigeria on Sunday.

Nigeria will launch her campaign for honours at the 12-team continental championship on Sunday next week, against Zambia at the 22,000 -capacity Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui. They will then take on Morocco and South Africa in other matches in Group B.

The top four-placed teams in Algeria will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U17 World Cup finals scheduled for later this year.

THE 26 PLAYERS IN ALGERIA:

Richard Odoh (HB Football Academy)

Yahaya Danjuma Lawali (Mahanaim FC)

Emmanuel Michael (Simon Ben Football Academy)

Haruna Abdullahi (Kurfi Tigers Academy)

Tochukwu Joseph Ogboji

Algeria 2023: Confident Golden Eaglets arrive in Constantine

(Purple Crown Academy)

Jeremiah Oluwaseyi Olaleke (Ablaze Football Academy)

Umar Abubakar (Devine Football Academy)

Abubakar Idris Abdullahi (Jega United)

Precious Tonye Williams (HB Football Academy)

Ifeoluwa Adewale Olowoporoku (Triple 44 Academy)

Charles Adah Agada (Mavlon FC)

Hope Yusuf Linus (E.E. Sporting Club)

Jubril Opeyemi Azeez (Right Vision Choice Academy)

Anongu Isaac Aondoakaa (FC Bathel Sporting)

Israel Nwachukwu Usulor (Real Sapphire FC) Temiloluwa Oluwayimika

Adelakin (Box2Box Academy)

Simon Karshe Cletus (Mavlon FC)

Tochukwu Simeon Ogbadibo (Jossy United)

Light Chijioke Eke (C&C Football Academy)

Favour Oluwasegun Daniel (G12 Football Academy)

Chijioke Julius Linus (Triple 44 Academy)

Quadri Oluwatobiloba Adewale (Nathaniel Boys FC)

Gift Ukeh Adie (Paul E Football Academy)

Musa Oluwaseyi Akinfenwa (Real Sapphire FC)

Usman Ajibola Owoyemi (Triple 44 Academy)

Matthew Awodi Kingsley (Brook House Academy)

Golden Eaglets players

PEOPLES DAILY

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 26, 2023

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu: The prospects of a renewed hope (1)

Reece James: Injury rules out Chelsea defender for rest of the season

There is so much work needed to be done to return this country to the part of real growth, development and national glory. Particularly after the streaks of external economic shocks and internal tensions and challenges, politically and otherwise. We might have wasted much time on trivialness, on politics and election campaigns and activities which are not unexpected in an evolving democracy such as ours, but finally, we have to and must come to this point, when they must all end, and developing the country becomes the one and only issue on the burner. That is where we are now, as we approach the eve of a new political dispensation - a new administration.

The President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu must gear up to face the task of governance like never before. The country is at a very unique point in all its existence; so much has gone wrong, so much preparations are ongoing and the need for an all-inclusive continuation as well as rejigging of several critical systems to align with global development pathways is imperative. The incoming government must as a matter of fact go outside the box to fix the many disjointed bones of the nation, if we are going to witness any reasonable and appreciable growth and development in the nearest future under the administration. Politicking is over, it is about time to deliver the promised ‘RENEWED HOPE.’

Reece James: Injury rules out Chelsea defender for rest of the season Last updated on3 hours ago3 hours ago.

Chelsea interim boss Frank Lampard says Reece James will miss the rest of the season and Mason Mount is “unlikely” to feature in the final seven games.

James has been ruled out after a scan on a hamstring problem, while Mount has a pelvic injury.

“Reece James will be unavailable for the rest of the season, Mason Mount the same,” said Lampard.

Chelsea are in advanced talks with former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino to take charge.

“Reece had a hamstring injury in the midweek game,” added Lampard. “He got through it but then had a scan and he’s out.

“Mason has been carrying a pelvic injury for a while. It predates myself and he has been trying typically but he will have minor surgery, then a four-week recovery.

“He [Mount] might make the last match but that’s unlikely, which is obviously disappointing for us.”

Lampard, brought in earlier this month to replace Graham Potter until the end of the season, has lost all four games of his second spell in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are 11th in the Premier League table and their season is effectively over after they were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in the quarter-finals last week.

Argentine Pochettino could take over before the end of the campaign, but former midfielder Lampard, who is Chelsea’s alltime leading goalscorer, said the club has “big difficulties”.

Nigeria is now a big house divided against itself. Units working against the central growth objective of the country and all expecting the center to grow on its own. The problem has finally become the representation of the William Butler Yeats poem: “The falcon cannot hear the falconer: Things fall apart, the center cannot hold; mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.”

Yeats wrote the poem sometime in 1919 when Europe was in the grip of a bleak period. The institutions of the state were in dire distress and the fabrics of the society were fraying. This is the very situation of the Nigeria nation from the outset of the current democratic dispensation in 1999, that is the Fourth Republic, and even before then. Everything is apparently out of control. We are in a nation where security has for a long time been taken from us and become a most sought after commodity. Hardly will any of the sectors of the national fabric qualify as a working, healthy system. Education is moribund, health delivery is off, and despite all attempts, social services are far below the expected targets and standards.

As worrisome as the aforementioned, what really should bother us are the unpatriotic efforts at degrading our institutions which in turn, work in tandem to prevent any sector from working. Rather than having institutions that pull together to ensure that our national systems work, we have for a while been parading institutions whose sole interest is self-preservation, selfbenefits and have continuously taken advantage of loopholes and mishaps in the national systems to service personal ambitions. We are in a country where every establishment looks out for itself and its glory. The media feasts on the failure of the society to sell, and not really interested in contributing to the solution. In fact, it appears that it prefers the maintenance of the status quo to remain in business. The citizenry, not faring better, would take advantage of the system at any given opportunity to all self-end without regard for what is damaged as a result. The list is endless; the entertainment industry, the religious establishments and finally the machinery of governance, all, together, have failed to do their part to bring the nation to glory.

The media, expected to be the arbitrator of investigative journalism, has become exactly a garbage in garbage out institution; where everything goes once it serves the interest of those who call the shots. Unfortunately, those who call the shots are politicians who have transformed the media outlets into appendages of political parties they support. Rather than objectively analysing issues and topics, and projecting genuine and authentic information to the Nigerian populace, they now project agendas, topics and discussions that arbitrarily promote the acceptance of their choice individuals and groups while disparaging another. Arise Television is a good example of what is wrong with the media in Nigeria. Radio presenters across the country are now celebrities because they have provided worthy platforms for critics of the government and those who are bent on seeing nothing in the country. Call-in

programs are now dominated by the same set of individuals who call in every day to oppose government actions and inactions. Broadcasting what is doing well in the country or any of its sectors has totally become alien to our system. You know, sometimes ago, on a radio program, one of the usual callers stated categorically that the Second Niger bridge is not an achievement, and so the ruling APC should stop parading it; and surprisingly, the caller received accolades from even the presenter and other regular callers on the program.

The entertainment industry is a representation of everything wrong with Nigeria today. That institution is so critical to the development of every society where they operate; the Western world sold itself to us via everything inclusive of the films we watch from their stables, their ideologies and other cultural elements. The Hollywood of the Americans, for decades, and till now, has given the world, and most especially the Africa world the doctored picture of the America they want us all to know. We all grew up envying the system we watched in films and documentaries of those nations. Yet, our own, pride themselves in the ability to expose negativism around the subjects of our national existence. No thanks to our movie industry for persistently portraying us as the black and evil; we are a rotten society of cumulatively nonworking systems. Acceptance of the works of the industry seems to be measured on the extent to which it presents the ills of the country, whether real or fictional to the world. We are just about to watch another of such supposed ‘great’ works, “The Gangs of Lagos.”

Then, the citizens across the nation contribute in no small amount to the continuous rot of the national systems in all ways possible. It might appear to be the worst contribution to the national rot, because it is the same people who cry for salvation and complain of non-actions and failure of all others that are often the actors behind the worst of attacks against the nation. I listened to a presentation delivered by the Russian President, Putin, some time ago. He was broadly referring to Africa, but the statement is the brief representation of the reality of the Nigeria state and people. Putin said, Africa is a cemetery for Africans, but I think the right update is to state that Nigeria is a cemetery for Nigerians. The rich, who get rich by all means, mostly by picketing the commonwealth of the nation, have their bank accounts in Switzerland and other safe havens of the world; away from where it cannot in any way contribute to the growth and development of the country where they got the money and wealth from which they have been stashing away. With medical facilities in the country left moribund by their very neglect, this predatory elite with nothing much for the country but access to the nation’s till travel the globe for medical tourism, expending between $1.2 and $1.6 billion annually on medical treatment abroad, while ordinary citizens are denied access to even a decent healthcare, how much more a quality one. Nigerian made goods are way too substandard for their level and when the quality is high the price may not be affordable for the average citizens; so, many opt for cheap affordable Chinese products and other exotic imported products, robbing the country of the opportunity to build its manufacturing capacity to the benefit of the citizenry.

Members of the predatory elite in question own exotic buildings and properties in Europe, the Americas and other choice parts of the globe; they bury stolen Nigeria money in offshore investment without benefits to Nigeria that lay the golden egg, that is, the source of their wealth. While our universities spend up to seven years to conclude a four year course because of recurring strike actions, their children and wards

enjoy the best of education from Europe and other developed blocks of the globe and return back to take over from their predatory parents to continue the perennial predatory cycle of national abuse.

The only thing Nigeria as a country enjoys in its existence from this predatory class, is that they get buried on its ground when members of the category are dead. The rich; the average politician and all those in the corridors of power never have the intention nor the conviction to get Nigeria to function for Nigeria. It has not been to develop the potentials of the country for the benefit of all; but rather for personal aggrandizements. That is the singular reason, our education sector, the national health program, the national social service development, transport infrastructure, power generation, and more of such, would remain challenged as they have been for decades, in the midst of continuous plenty.

Unfortunately, the rest of the people, and the poor Nigerians, who should be angry with these men, and use whatever is in their possession to call them to some order, only would line up behind the same people, defending and picking their fights while they continue their very act of undermining our collective development. And that is fair enough, the poor are not in any way better in terms of morals; we are at all levels, as corrupt as the other person. It is either we have access to what to steal or we are working hard to get access to it sometime soon - and would even pray and fast for such amoral opportunities.

Outside the gross corruption that has become endemic to us, we have also all become emotionally attached to our tribes, religions and political leanings, all to the point that consideration for Nigeria is secondary to us; and truth and justice are meaningless to us by default. So much that we have all become liabilities to the country instead of assets, productive ones. Among us are the nascent virulent Obidients, predominantly from the Southeast and who have become bitter with the rest of the country because the consideration for their tribal man becoming the president is far important than Nigeria having a competent, capable and proven president; and we have the other zealots and bigots who would fight for religion ahead of fighting for the country.

And another worrisome concern from the angle of the people are those in the corridor of power and with greater affinity to the leaders; these people, who should use their positions of privileges to contribute to the delivery of good governance, have become more of sycophants who patronise the corridors of power for selfgratifications in terms of power and money.

A case study is the current evolving reality around the President-elect; he has won the election, the mandate already in the bag, and yet, there are those around him who are more interested in greasing their relevance, and have been busy gallivanting about expressing all sycophantic traits. While all hands should be on deck designing governance directions that will deliver the promised renewed hope to Nigerians, these men are busy with jamborees they claim is to protect the won mandate. Which mandate needs protection? An election that was won squarely; over eight million Nigerians out of the twenty five million responsible voters who turn out ensure that, and as such, nothing is taking away the mandate. So, why the wasteful gyrations around the President-elect? Why the excessive diversion of attention from what is necessary by these men who are apparently bootlicking, until they get attention and government position.

This is not what Nigerians need; and definitely, not what Nigeria needs. Daily hanging around select locations in Abuja claiming to

protect the already given mandate, positioning to badmouth everyone around and close to the principal; taking advantage of proximity to assume kingmaker status, and attempting to take us back to what we are attempting to run away from; the era of unproductive cabals around the corridor of power, are definitely not what Nigerians want.

These people are already proven failures from their antecedents; having occupied offices and currently holding offices they have not used in any way to positively influence and produce tangible values with multiplier effects, yet they are all hell bent to call the shots in the incoming administration. It is important to say that these are men of little political values; they literally lost their constituencies to the opposition party as a direct offshoot of their being more interested in hanging around the principal than being on the field and getting results.

Bent on self-serving, they would go to the extent of creating rifts to profit from; and it is happening already. We have begun to see submissions and write-ups claiming the vicepresident is planning against the President-elect. They will go further without relenting to ensure the 10th National Assembly is not at peace with the President-elect, and will bad-mouth everyone close to him and who could hold them back from having their desired influence.

These categories of people; the predatory elite, those hustling around the corridor of power and imminent bootlickers in the next political dispensation are the very critical contributors to the rot of our systems and processes. The incoming administration must take a decisive detour to address the many challenges of Nigeria and Nigerians; but much more, the leadership must be alert enough to sieve out unproductive and unpatriotic sycophants who stick around the corridor of power, for the business as usual, for the fame that power gives and nothing for the country.

Definitely, it is not work as usual. Institutional rebirths, citizens’ reconnection with the Nigeria project, and populating the new leadership circle with ready-to-serve, committed compatriots are imperatives the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot afford to lose grip of, if the incoming administration is to steer the wheel of the country to the desired Eldorado. While the judgement and decision making prowess of the President-elect remains top-notch from his antecedent, I will join others into adding my voice that he should underpromise as much as possible, offer succor to the polity, and strive to over-deliver This approach is to avoid building unsustainable high expectations as has been the case in the past and already brewing in the media. Finally, the President-elect would give Nigeria and Nigerians the highest honour of promoting meritocracy, pragmatism,and honesty as national values which was what many respected authorities concluded as the main drivers that catapulted Singapore from a wretched nation to one of the first ten advanced nations of the world.

GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!

DAN GAYE

DAN GAYE

Lawyer asks Appeal Court to stop Tinubu’s inauguration —News

Is he a Nigerian lawyer?