Tuesday, December 27th, 2022 Edition

Kukah hails Buhari’s infrastructure dev’t

Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto Catholic Diocese has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration on infrastructure development.

Kukah made the commendation in his Christmas message delivered at St. Mary Catholic Church titled: “Let us turn a new leaf”, on Sunday in Sokoto.

He called for more alignment on anti-corruption efforts, noting that Nigerians acknowledged that there had been a measurable improvement in the landscape,

especially in the area of roads.

He advised Nigerians, especially those who were given custody of public trust and commonwealth, to rise up to the duties for which they had been so handsomely rewarded.

”Those holding elective office must appreciate that they have not been entrusted with the keys of our commonwealth just so they can turn it into their private money machines.

”History will record them and their roles, how they used the great opportunity God gave them among millions of other

citizens, to witness to Him and to do good,” he said.

Kukah urged members of the political class to demonstrate their grasp of the length and breath of the problems that our country faced with emphasis on providing developmental solutions.

”We have heard your promises, but we do know that promises before elections are sweet, but actions after elections are often bitter.

”I plead with you to cooperate and collaborate with institutions which are tasked

with the responsibilities for these elections,” Kukah advised.

He called on INEC, security agencies, the National Peace Committee, Civil Society Organisations and the entire people of Nigeria, to live up to the expectations on their responsibilities and always promote peace and cordial coexistence.

The bishop cautioned Nigerians against spreading hatred but should always work to creating a vision that would unite the country and it’s good image in the world. (NAN)

The Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba has expressed optimism that the country will overcome its challenges and become stronger among the comity of nations.

Addressing the congregation in his Christmas message at the Cathedral Church of Advent, Life Camp, Abuja, Archbishop Ndukuba said the birth of Jesus Christ brought hope to mankind.

He urged Nigerians not to be afraid of the challenges but look unto God who has promised to bring the country out of the present situation and liberate the citizens.

The Primate called on Nigerians to have faith in God and not to be afraid because the purpose of God for Nigeria

would come to pass soon.

According to him, there is hope for Nigeria as the people are passing through what they are passing through as individuals, as families, as a people, and as a nation.

“At such a time as this, just as it was in the very first Christmas, when Jesus was born, the message of the Angel to the shepherds, who were like neglected people, oppressed and not regarded in the society.

“When God wanted to break the news of the birth of Jesus, they were the first people that God told what heaven has done, which means God has regard for everybody.

“God has regard for the people, especially the downtrodden, those that are oppressed and suffering, and those that have no regard, no

class”.

The Primate however called on Christains to walk righreously for things to work in their favour.

“I am believing God that a good number of people in the world are passing through challenging times and things that make them worth feel worthless.

“But this Christmas, the message to us is, do not be afraid. Do not be overtaken by the things that are confronting you.

“Look onto God, for our sake, Jesus was born, so that He will deliver us from the bondage of sin and death, giving us salvation and freedom.

“So that we will be indeed the people that God has intended and purpose for us.

“There is a purpose for God

in the life of every individual, every family, and indeed, for Nigeria, and that the purpose shall surely come to pass.

“His purpose will come to pass in Nigeria because God has given us, His Son, Jesus Christ, the Saviour, born to us.

”So that we shall be delivered from the bondage of this world and be given hope and purpose to live the glory of God.

“As we celebrate Christmas, we encourage people to open up their hearts, that Jesus may be born in them, to open up their lives and surrender that life to the one who is the Lord our God.

”And if we will open up unto him, the purpose of God shall be fulfilled and the things that God wants to do in and through us, will be manifested,” he said.

Former Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Professor Suleiman Bogoro (left), discussing with former governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Isah Yuguda and former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, during the investiture of Bogoro as the first recipient of the Nigerian Prize for Leadership (NPL) that took place, recently in Abuja.

Abia LIFE-ND distributes farm inputs to beneficiaries

The Abia State Project Coordinating Office of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises for Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), has commenced the distribution of farm inputs to beneficiaries in the state.

The project also started the training of another set of beneficiaries in an enterpreneurship-based vegetable home garden.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the separate activities were held concurrently on Friday at the project’s premises in Umuahia.

LIFE-ND is being funded by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in collaboration with the Federal Government and Niger Delta Development Commission as well as the state government.

The project, which is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision for national food security, is for implementation in the nine Niger Delta states but currently operating in six of them.

The State Project Coordinator of LIFEND, Dr Uchenna Onyeizu said that the

project had different activities lined up for its annual work and plan.

He said the beneficiaries for the home garden agric-enterprise would be trained in biofortified crops such as orangefleshed sweet potato, pro-vitamin A cassava, cucumber, okoro, pumpkin leave and corn.

He said the set of beneficiaries for the home garden, 90 of them would be provided with inputs and running cost as they would be doing the agric-enterprises within their homes.

Onyeizu said that the beneficiaries comprising young men and women were drawn from different communities in 10 local government areas in the state, which the project is operating.

He said that beneficiaries would be expected to sell and make money out of produces as well as re-invest the profits in their agric-enterprises.

Also in a remark during the distribution of inputs to another set of 72 beneficiaries, who had already graduated from the project’s training, Onyeizu charged them to utilise the inputs being given to them.

He said that the 72 were among the

650 youths already trained by the project in different agric-enterprises that needed to be empowered.

He said that the inputs were being given to them in trust and in confidence that they would use it for the betterment of themselves and the people around them.

“It is expected that your own personal income at end of the day will increase and you will be empowered economically.”

The state project coordinator said that some of the inputs were still in the project’s warehouse, and would also be distributed to those beneficiaries as at the period when they would need them for their agric-enterprises.

He said: “It is now your responsibility to ensure that these inputs result in something that will economically empower you in agricultural development.

“These inputs are given to you as loan, so you must be strict with your book keeping records and ensure proper documentation because we will come and look at what you are doing at the end of the day.”

In a brief remark at the distribution ceremony, the National Project

Coordinator, Mr Abiodun Sanni, who was represented by the project’s consultant, Dr Emmanuel Ochalifu, commended the state project coordinating office for its efforts and successes.

Sanni, an engineer urged the beneficiaries to avail themselves of the opportunity by ensuring optimal use of the inputs being given to them.

In a response on behalf of the State Government, Mrs Chinyere Nwogwugu, a Director in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, applauded Abia LIFE-ND for its contributions in the empowerment of young men and women in the state.

A beneficiary, Mr Emeka Okoro, who was given a haulage truck, expressed gratitude to the organisers and pledged to make good use of it.

NAN reports that some of the items distributed during the first phase of the distribution were haulage trucks, rice sealing machines, agro-chemical products, wheelbarrows, de-feathering machines, generating sets, rain boots amongst others.

(NAN)

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya ( m), Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN Gombe State, Reverend Father Joseph Alphonsus Shinga ( 2nd R), Commissioner of Higher Education, Mr. Dauda Maaji Zambuk ( R), Chairman of Youths Wing of CAN, Deacon Haske ( 2nd L) and other officials during the Christmas homage on the governor by the Christian community in at the Government House, Gombe yesterday

Bishop calls for creation of State, LG, Ward police to tackle insecurity

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Bishop Timothy Yahaya of Anglican communion, Kaduna Diocese has called for State, Local government and ward police to secure every situation and the people in the country.

In his Christmas message, Bishop Yahaya called for State, Local government and ward police to secure every situation and the people in the country

According to him, it is a national shame for security experts in the country to declare some spaces ungoverned without finding solutions to such situation.

This was even as the Anglican Cleric advised that the nation’s military men should go back to the barracks, saying they have outlived their usefulness in tackling insecurity.

Former Gov Yari receives PDP, NNPP members to APC in Zamfara

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

Large number of supporters of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in Zamfara state.

The teeming defectors were received by former Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, who is also the state Chairman of APC Gubernatorial Campaign Council.

Abdulaziz Yari has received the decampees through the Gubernatorial Campaign Council

Contact and Mobilization subcommittee Chairman, Alhaji Musa Zubairu who was supported by the state APC Chairman, Alhaji Tukur Danfulani Maikatako Talata Mafara, home town of Yari.

Yari, commended the decampees for their visionary

foresight and assured them to carry everybody along.

PDP leaders who dropped their party alongside their large number of supporters, were the Zamfara state Coordinator for the Actualization of Dauda Lawal Aspiration for gubernatorial, 2023.

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The Senior Pastor and founder of Zion Flames Ministries International Apostle Promise Momo, has urged Christians to demonstrate love and kindness as they celebrate Christmas.

In his goodwill message to Nigerians to commemorate this year’s Christmas celebration on Sunday, he said, “The greatest commandment as we know is love . For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: we should love one another” (1 John 3:11).

According to him,”We spend time on what we deem important. For many of us these choices are valid”.

NGO empowers 180 vulnerable people in Niger

Founder

She stated this during the maiden official lunching of the Foundation’s magazine and relief distribution to about one hundred and eighty beneficiaries in Minna.

The CEO who is also the governor’s Chief Press Secretary noted that it’s further to make

information available, embarked on sensitization,education, resources as well as create opportunities for them to succeed in their businesses.

Mary Berje stated that Ayewosai Global Foundation has over the years embarked on humanitarian support to the

vulnerable groups in the society. She explained that they have courageously gathered widows/ orphans and the less privileged yearly to support them with foodstuff and other non-food items, adding that this year, the foundation has provided for 180. families.

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

and Chief Executive Officer Ayewosai Global Foundation, Mary Noel Berje said the mission of the foundation is to empower Nigerians at the grass-root level.

from left ; FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello with the Chief of Jiwa, Alh. Musa Idris admiring some local farm implements during the 2022 Jiwa Annual Cultural Festival, yesterday in Jiwa, FCT,Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Christmas: Apostle Momo urges christians to show love, kindness

Kogi govt. declares Dec. 29 public holiday to receive

President Buhari

The Kogi Government has declared Thursday, Dec. 29, a public holiday to enable residents receive President Muhammadu Buhari, who will be in the state to commission legacy projects.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lokoja.

Fanwo urged Kogi people to come out en-masse to receive the President and display the hospitality the state was known for.

He also urged all labour unions and security agencies in the state to ensure full compliance.

“The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, shall be visiting Kogi on the Dec. 29, to commission legacy projects across the state.

“In view of this and to ensure a hitch free reception of the President, the government of Kogi under the leadership of Gov. Yahaya Bello, wishes to announce that Thursday, Dec. 29 has been declared as a public holiday.

“The decision is to enable the people of the state to receive our President.

”We urge all our labour unions and security agencies to ensure full compliance.

”The President will be commissioning life-touching legacy projects across the state,” Fanwo said. “The decision is to enable the people of the state to receive our President.

”We urge all our labour unions and security agencies to ensure full compliance.

(NAN)

FG to retrieve arms, ammunition from Boko Haram ex-combatants

Shehu Abubakar, Maiduguri

The National Center for the Coordination of Small and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) may soon commence mopping up small arms and light weapons from Boko Haram ex-combatants.

This is coming on the heels of the mass surrender of the insurgents across the state in recent months.

There are about 100,000 of them now reintegrated in their

home communities, according to military authorities and Borno State government.

The North-East Zonal Coordinator of the Center, Rear Admiral S A Mohammed, who led a team of the Center’s Zonal Office officials on a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Kanemi, in Maiduguri, announced that the Center is fine-tuning strategies for the purpose.

Mohammed said the Center is mandated to mop up small arms

and light weapons from nonstate actors and terrorists.

He appreciated the support rendered by the royal father in the fight against terrorism, and appealed to him to contribute in the Center’s periodic advocacy to facilitate the successful discharge of its mandate.

Responding, the Shehu of Borno, asked the Zonal Office of the Center not to be deterred in the task ahead of it by whatever force.

He particularly drew the

attention of the Center to the fact that Borno shares international borders with three countries - Niger, Chad and Cameroon, which, he observed, contributed greatly to the snuggling and proliferation of arms into Nigeria.

In his comments, the District Head of Damboa, Alhaji Zanna Lawan, advised the Center to design a wide advocacy around the rural areas of the state to facilitate the discharge of its duty.

Group donates food items to widows of fallen heroes is Kaduna

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

AGroup under the auspices of Matron Angelina Ogbole Memorial Foundation, has distributed food items to over 90 widows of the fallen heroes of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna.

While distributing the food items to the beneficiaries in Jaji yesterday, the Chairman of the foundation, Mrs. Winniefred Ochinyabo averred that the

gesture was to cushion the heightened rise of poverty, and to also put smiles on the widows faces.

Speaking with newsmen, Mrs. Ochinyabo explained that the foundation drives on the basis of fulfilling its goals, ensuring that the widows of the fallen heroes are not totally ignored, especially in a period of festivities that many of them may not be able to afford to put food on their tables.

“We are not saying that this is

enough for them, but, it would definitely go a long way to help them to put food on their tables at this festive period,” the Chairman of the foundation explained.

Mrs. Ochinyabo however, said that the distribution of the food items was also in the spirit of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration to the widows of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, new barracks and its environ.

Mrs. Ochinyabo further explained

that the foundation was named after her late mother, Matron Angelina Ogbole, who she said during her time lived a sacrificial and selfless life; touching the lives of the sick, poor and the need as a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO).

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Paulina Andrew said: “We really appreciate the foundation for the show of love to us, especially at this festive period.

Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila acknowledging cheers from party members in Coker Aguda and Itire Ikate areas of Surulere 2 Federal Constituency at a rally on Saturday, December 24, 2022. Photo: Speaker’s Office.

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation, NCAM, Ilorin, has commenced the production of tractors and other farm implements for smallholder farmers to boost food production.

Dr AbdulGafar Rasheed-Kamal, the Acting Executive Director of the centre, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday that the strategy would also help achieve national food security.

According to him, over 80 per cent of food produced in Nigeria, including those for export, are produced by smallholder farmers who lacked modern implements to attain food sufficiency.

Mr Rasheed-Kamal said NCAM

Akwa Ibom:

FG begins production of tractors, modern farm implements

had commenced the production of several farm implements to aid farm produce in line with the vision and mission of the centre established by the Federal Government.

“As we are talking now most of these small holder farmers still employ traditional tools for their operations which normally bring low productivity,” he said.

“The NCAM was established by the Federal Government to mechanised the agricultural processes in terms of production,

post-harvest as well as processing,” the acting executive director explained.

He said the centre had developed a lot of mechanised technologies to assist farmers to increase production, including land cultivation equipment like mini tractors, planters and harvesters.

“The number of tractors in Nigeria is very minimal when compared to a number of farmers on ground, hence there is need for local development of tractors,” he said.

A/ Court reserves judgment in Udofia,

The Court of Appeal, Abuja has reserved judgment in an appeal filed by the sacked Akwa Ibom governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akanimo Udofia, against the judgement of a lower court. The three-member panel headed by Justice Elfreda Williams- Dawodu made this known after counsel to the appellant, Damian Dodo, SAN, and Sen. Ita Enang’s lawyer, Mba Ukweni, SAN, adopted their briefs and presented their arguments for and against the appeal. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a Federal High Court (FHC) sitting in Uyo had, on Nov. 14, nullified the nomination of Mr Udofia as the governorship candidate of the APC in Akwa Ibom. The judge, Agatha Okeke, ordered the APC to conduct a fresh governorship primary within two weeks but barred Udofia from participating in the new primary. The case was instituted by Mr Enang, a former presidential aide who was an aspirant in the primary. Enang had prayed the court to declare him the validly elected candidate of the party arguing that Udofia was not a member of the party as at the time of the primary. But Udofia had filed an appeal marked: CS/C/370/2022 to challenge the FHC judgment. In the appeal, Enang, APC and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are 1st to 3rd respondents respectively. Also, in another appeal filed by the APC through its lawyer, J.Y. Musa, SAN, on the same matter marked: CS/C/371/2022, Enang, Udofia and INEC are 1st to 3rd respondents respectively. Upon resumed hearing in Udofia’s appeal on Saturday, Dodo said the brief which the appellant relied upon was dated Dec 9 and filed same date. He adopted all his court documents and urged the court to set aside the judgment of the lower court. Arguing his case, the lawyer said the lower court erred in its judgment as the suit, which was commenced via an originating summons, ought to have been instituted through a writ of summons, citing an Appeal Court judgment which was affirmed by the Supreme Court on Oct 21 to support his submission. He said the apex

court held that whenever parties are in dispute, especially in pre-election matters, what should be filed was the writ of summons where parties would called their witnesses to enable the court make an unbiased decision since it would be difficult for a court to find two parties agreeing on a fact He said in the instant case where there were allegations of results being fabricated, votes being allocated to certain people, Enang (1st respondent) should have commenced the suit by writ of summons. Dodo also argued that Enang’s amended originating summons was filed at the lower court outside the 14 days period prescribed by law. According to him, when the lower court predicated its judgment on the amended originating summons, that became an incurable malady that has afflicted the entire suit and the consequence is that the judgment of that court on the basis of the amended originating summons is complete nullity. Besides, he argued that the brief filed by Enang at Appeal Court was filed out of five-day stipulated time. He urged the court to uphold their appeal and make a consequential order directing INEC to recognise and publish Udofia (appellant)’s name as APC candidate for 2023 Akwa Ibom governorship poll. But Ukweni, who appeared for Enang, disagreed with Dodo’s submission. Responding to the argument that Enang’s brief was filed out of time at Appeal Court since he had within five days to do so, the lawyer said the record of appeal showed that he was

served on Dec. 12 in open court in Calabar He explained further that though the appellant served them with brief of appeal on Dec. 9, the 1st respondent (Enang) was not served with the record of appeal, including the notice of appeal, until Dec. 12. He said their brief, dated Dec. 14, was filed on Dec. 16. “So it is not correct that we filed our brief out of time,” he said, citing a 2006 case decided by Court of Appeal between Justice Party and INEC to back his argument. Ukweni said in that case, the court held that the respondent’s time to file brief would commence when complete record had been served on parties. “In fact in this case, all the records in this particular appeal were served on the respondent on the 12th day of December, 2022 in open court,” he insisted. Reading his brief of argument, the lawyer said that service out of jurisdiction does not apply to FHC when the process is to be served within Nigeria. He urged the court to dismiss Udofia’s appeal. Responding to the reply brief of the appellant that Enang’s amended originating summons at FHC was filed outside 14-day period, Ukweni said the trial judge granted their amended originating summon on Aug. 24 in a ruling. The lawyer argued that the amendment on the originating summons was a decision of the court which was deemed to be properly filed. He further argued that Udofia should have challenged the court ruling within 14 days from Aug 24

Mr Rasheed-Kamal disclosed that the centre had produced yam planter which can plant over 2,000 heaps and other implement which are hired by farmers at affordable fares.

He however lamented that the raw materials for the production of tractors and other farm implements by the centre are extremely expensive as there is no waiver for them in terms of tariff.

The acting executive director therefore called on the National

Assembly to enact a bill that will make materials for producing agricultural implements free from tariff.

This, he said, would further boost the nation’s agricultural production and assist small holder farmers who are producing food for the nation and export.

He advised the small holder farmers to embrace new technologies at the disposal of the centre to improve their productivity.

Enang’s APC guber poll dispute

when it was delivered. “So to now say that they are attacking the judgment on the ground that it was based on amended originating summons is an indirect way of seeking your lordship’s extension of time to appeal against that decision of 24th August, 2022,” he said. He prayed the court to strike out the issues and the grounds of appeal in this respect. The senior lawyer, who argued that the decision of the court is sacrosanct, said they cannot come through the back door to challenge it. Disagreeing with Dodo on filing the lower court suit through originating summons instead of writ of summons, Ukweni said that the Chief Judge of FHC, Justice John Tsoho, gave a practice direction for speedy trial of pre-election cases. He argued that Justice Tsoho, by the power conferred on him as CJ, directed that pre-election matters should be commenced through originating summons based on the expediency. “And we commenced the suit by originating summons,” he said. He clarified that the fact of the case was not the same with the authorities cited by Dodo. “In that case, there were issues of forgery of certificate but we are not amending forgery of certificate. “Our argument is that the appellant (Udofia) is a member of PDP who contested its primary election on 25th of May, 2022. “How come on 26th of May, 2022, you became a candidate of APC? That was the simple case that was presented before the lower court and which has come up before your lordship on appeal,” he said. Ukweni said Udofia admitted

before the lower court that he joined APC on May 1

“The trial judge said assuming we followed your argument that you joined APC on May 1 , but the register of members of the party as provided for by the Electoral Act was submitted to INEC on April 14

“So how could you have passed through the process of nomination even if you have joined a party on May 1st ?” he asked. He told the court that a ballot paper of PDP primary held on May 25

with Udofia’s photograph on it was exhibited in their brief. The lawyer urged the court to dismiss the appeal, saying it was unmeritorious. NAN reports that the 2nd (APC) and 3rd (INEC) respondents did not file any brief in the appeal. Ukweni also prayed the court to dismiss APC’s appeal for being unnecessary, after an appeal had been filed by Udofia. “Why would you (APC) complained for another person?” he asked, urging the court to dismiss it and affirm the lower court judgment directing the conduct of another election for party members. Justice WilliamsDawodu, after observing that the case would expire on Jan 22

, reserved the matter for judgment. She said that judgment date would be communicated to parties.(NAN)

Christmas: Rep. Gaza urges electorate to be spiritual, shun sentiments

Rep. Jonathan Gaza (SDPNasarawa), representing Kokona, Keffi and Karu Federal Constituency, has urged the electorate not to vote based on sentiments or money in the 2023 general elections.

Gaza made the call in his Christmas message to his constituents supporters across the three Local Governments Areas that made up the constituency, on Sunday in Keffi.

The lawmaker, who is the SDP candidate for the Constituency,

commended the present administration for its commitment and determination to conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2023.

He said: ” Let first and foremost I appreciate the essence of Christmas and what it is all about. Christmas is a time of sharing and a period where our lord and savior was born into the world take the sins of the world and pay the ultimate sacrifice which was the reason he came.

” Bearing that in mind, we ought

to take Christmas as a period of sober reflection when we will take stock of what had happened through the year and begin to set new goals moving into the new year.

” So, my message to each and every one this Christmas more so that it coincided with the election early next year is that please be spiritual, pray and see God first with regards to the future of the country and do not vote base on sentiment, money and intimidation. ”

Gaza said that the current administration scored high points in ensuring free and fair elections.

” And we must appreciate the innovation that has been put in place like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

” And as for me, I take it as Christmas gift and I want to thank the present administration for that. I wish everybody a merry Christmas and most prosperous new year,” Gaza said. (NAN)

By Christiana Ekpa

The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has urged Nigerians to vote for detribalized leaders that have a deep connection with the grassroots.

He said the most effective means of assessing the dividends of democracy is to vote for leaders who have identified with the people on the street even when they were in and out of power.

Gbajabiamila said Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is the only leader among those contesting for the presidency in the 2023 general elections that knows the challenges confronting the average Nigerians and has always found the best ways to address their issues because he has always identified with Nigerians on the street.

Addressing residents of Coker Aguda and Itire Ikate areas of Surulere 2 Federal Constituency at a rally, Gbajabiamila stressed the importance of voting for leaders who individuals can access at a time of need without the fear of being denied by official protocols.

He said a vote for Tinubu is a vote for an all-inclusive government while citing the developments that have been brought to Surulere 1 and 2 through his membership of the House of Representatives and the government of APC.

He said: “Asiwaju is someone that anybody can see; he is a leader that listens and tries to attend to all issues. There’s nothing like a leader that listens, a leader you know, that you can always run to

2023: Tinubu has been friendly to Igbos in Lagos - Gbajabiamila

•says all tribes enjoy developmental projects

in times of need.

“Asiwaju elevated Ben Akabueze from commissioner in Lagos to DG of Budget Office of the federation even when Akabueze is from Anambra state. Ben determines the budget of the whole Nigeria; no state in Nigeria can parade the number of nonindigenes and non-Yorubas in government like Lagos.

“I can continue to mention many south easterners that

have enjoyed the touch of God and Tinubu in their lives. South Easterners and South South people are trading and living in peace in Lagos.“

While reeling out the different health, education, and road infrastructural projects brought to Surulere 2 and facilitated by him, Gbajabiamila noted that the developments were brought to Surulere 2 where every resident benefits irrespective of ethnic or

religious difference.

Gbajabiamila encouraged residents to vote for Tinubu and APC candidates to continue to enjoy quality governance at the grassroots, while adding that their Permanent Voter Card (PVC) is their most prized asset to vote for the candidates of their choice.

While encouraging the residents of Coker Aguda and Itire Ikate not to see themselves in terms of geographical differences

of constituencies, Gbajabiamila urged them to reach out and encourage every resident of Surulere 2 irrespective of their state of origin, to vote massively for Lanre Okunlola, Eshinlokun, Sanwoolu, Tinubu and all APC candidates in the general elections.

“When you vote for Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Eshinlokun, Okunlola, Desmond Elliot, Sangodara, myself, and all APC candidates, you will have more than double the physical developments you are witnessing now,” he added.

YPP reps candidate, Buraimoh preaches tolerance, peace at xmas

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

Young Progressive Party(YPP), candidate

Ifako-Ijaye federal constituency, Lagos State,Hon.

Peter Folajimi Buraimoh has called for peace and religious tolerance among different adherents of faith as the antidote to conflicts in the country.

In his goodwill message to Nigerians to commemorate this year’s Christmas celebration issued on Saturday, Buraimoh called for inter-religious cooperation that will engender

peace and harmonious coexistence.

He said occasional conflicts between and among various religions would never reoccur if the inter-religious dialogue is sustained.

Buraimoh urged Christians in the country to remain steadfast in prayer to the almighty God to intervene in the myriads of security, and socio-economic and political challenges facing the nation.

He enjoined them not to undermine the essence of the Christmas celebration on the

altar of merriment, saying, “the sanctity of the birth of Jesus Christ which is the reason for the celebration is to re-enact the spirit of love, peace, good neighbourliness and forgiveness which our saviour preached.”

Hon. Buraimoh particularly thanked the people of IfakoIjaye federal constituency, for their silence and support him come 2023 general election and enjoined them to remain steadfast to face the challenges ahead.

On the forthcoming general elections, Hon.Buraimoh called

on the people of the State and Nigeria to “vote in leaders who will be committed to the security of people and promote the wellbeing and development of the country. This is the only way we can rescue Nigeria from the poor leadership the outgoing APC administration has taken us to.

“In the 2023 elections, we must look beyond partisan political lines to elect leaders who have been tested and trusted. Not those with criminal tendencies and thrive on lies, falsehood and deceit as their signature traits,” he emphasised.

Yuletide: Journalists donate to Abuja children’s home

By Christiana Ekpa

In the spirit of the Yuletide, the House of Representatives Press Corps has donated various items to the Abuja Children’s Home, Old Karu, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Items donated included bags of rice, cartons of noodles and clothing among others.

The Corps also made a cash donation for the treatment of a spinal cord ailment of one of the children in the home.

Chairman of the Corps, Comrade Grace Ike, who led members to make the donation said the gesture was in the spirit of Christmas, which is to share.

Her words, “We are members of the House of Representatives Press Corps. You can call us parliamentary reporters and we feel it is the right thing to extend our hands of fellowship to people. It is Christmas and we all know Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. A lot of people would say journalists, what are we doing here. Our own is to inform, educate, enlighten and let the people know what is happening.

“We are the conscience of the society and that is why we are here. So we have our token to present. Do not look at the quantity of what we are giving. Look at the intention behind what we are doing. Like I would always say, it is good to give and the greatest of it all is love and love simply means affection.

“Christmas is the time to share love, to visit one another and show affection to one

another. So we chose to come here to show that we are brothers and sisters. We love all of them. These children are the leaders of tomorrow and that is the more reason why we identify with all of them. It is also part of our civic responsibility and when you talk about civic responsibility it encompasses a wide range of formal and informal activities. It must be intentional. It must be committed. It must be well constructed and the goal of the focus must be a common goal which is to reach out or meet a certain desire or demand and that is why, we the members of the House of Representatives Press Corps are here.

“We also want to use this medium to reach out to people. You have outlined some challenges to include security and feeding. We would use our medium which is to report and to enlighten and to spread the news and let people know the challenges you are facing you are facing currently. We would also let well meaning Nigerians know that they need to extend their hands of fellowship. It should not not just be during Christmas alone. We want a situation where the condition you meet yourself must be an improved one.

“Nigeria would be a better place if everyone comes out and are happy. We want to say God will reward you. It is not an easy task to take care of children and I keep saying it. We must commend you for what you are doing. We do not have enough to give. We do not have abundantly enough to give, but the little we have look at the intention behind it.

“Do not look at the quantity like I

earlier said but the intention which is to show love and care for the needy and that is why we are here. So once again we want to wish you a merry Christmas. It is the Christmas season. Love is in the air. We would make it a tradition. By God’s grace, we are not going to stop here. We would be coming more frequently to extend our hands of fellowship. We believe giving is good and when you give you get enough in return. May God reward the kids. They are the leaders of tomorrow. We pray that someday we see them as President, Speaker of the house, Senate President and so on. They would be of help to all of us. We use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government that your challenge be met very soon. It is an appeal. So we would use our professional tools to reach and let people know that the issue of security and feeding is a major challenge.”

The Administrator of the Home, Musa Danjuma Yakubu, expressed gratitude for the gesture.

He called on well meaning individuals and organizations to emulate the gesture.

He highlighted the challenges of the Home to include feeding, operational vehicles, perimeter fencing, among others.

He said, “We appreciate your coming and the most important thing is that it is not as little as you see. We appreciate the effort of your people. There is nothing that is too small for us. Every other thing, whether food, school fees and all those things we appreciate and it is people like you among other people who come to help with one thing other the other.

“For the school, we have students that are even in the university and one graduated and is already working. Another is on four hundred level and one would be going to the university in Nasarawa State University by February next year if there is life. So we appreciate your coming. As for feeding, well, what you have brought we would use it judiciously buy the challenges are surplus. Security wise just like somebody said he was here ten years ago, the perimeter fencing is breaking down. And we have a building that is almost sinking, the girls hostel. It was donated by one organization but I think there is a problem with the water system. I know water must find its level so it is sinking.

“We are also hoping that with time somebody would take up the responsibility of renovating them. And if you look a few metres away, it was recently commissioned on the 16th of December 2022, a skills acquisition centre donated by the NDIC (Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). Part of it has been completed. We want to equip it.

“We have some tailors among our children. Some do shoemaking. The one I am wearing was done by one of our children in this home. He does it once in a while he is still in secondary school. We have a lady that just graduated from hairdressing.

“Other challenges are if you look at our vehicles they are almost obsolete. We do not even have utility vehicles. We have buses. One is grounded and another is working but just half way it is down. So we need vehicles.

Pray for victims of Southern Kaduna killings -SKCLA

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association, SKCLA, has urged the Christendom to use

the Christmas season in praying for the repose of the souls of those whose lives were cut short by the terrorists in southern Kaduna.

This was contained in

a statement by the SKCLA Chairman, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

He said the Association noted

that though the celebration is bleak in the midst of renewed attacks on communities in Southern Kaduna, the people cannot be intimidated or cowed to vacate their ancestral land.

Saraki celebrates Dogara at 56

From.Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki has celebrated the former House of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu

Dogara as he clocks 55.

He said Dogara is a great leader in Nigeria.

Media aide to Yakubu Dogara Turaki Hassan told reporters in Bauchi that Saraki in a statement

on Monday, described him and a greater leader, a brother and friend who is steadfast and courageous. He said Dogara is a great leader in Nigeria.

Media aide to Yakubu Dogara

Turaki Hassan told reporters in Bauchi that Saraki in a statement on Monday, described him and a greater leader, a brother and friend who is steadfast and courageous.

AFAN mourns as National Wheat Association loses president

The President ,All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Dr.Farouk Rabi’uMudi has condoled with the family of Dr Salim- Saleh Muhammad President,Wheat Farmers Association of Nigeria (WFAN) who passed on Sunday.

Mudi, who disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of NIgeria (NAN) on Monday ,described the news of the death of Muhammad as an irreparable loss and sad development.

According to the statement signed by the AFAN President,Dr Farouk Rabi’u-Mudi, Late Muhammad, a Jigawa Statesman was a renowned farmer and leader respected globally who believed in the future of Nigeria’s Agriculture Sector.

Mudi added that the late WFAN President was his mentor and a father to all.

“He is my mentor, he introduced me to Association activities,he helped so much during our struggle to rescue AFAN and was a member of the 7 man Committee to name AFAN .”he said.

The president, on behalf of the Association, extended his condolences to loved ones, family and friends,the WFAN and the entire people of Kano,where he is resident.

NAN reports that the late WFAN President, who died on Dec.25, after a brief illness was buried same day in Kano, according to Islamic rite “He is my mentor, he introduced me to Association activities,he helped so much during our struggle to rescue AFAN and was a member of the 7 man Committee to name AFAN .”he said.

Lagos shooting: IGP condemns lawyer’s killing, orders speedy investigation

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba has condemned the shooting and killing of Mrs Omobolanle Raheem, a lawyer who was allegedly shot and

killed by a Policeman attached to Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah, Lagos State.

In a statement signed on Monday by the force Public relation Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi , described the incident as unfortunate and

sad, the IGP has ordered speedy investigation and prosecution of the officers responsible for the ugly and unprofessional act.

In the same vein, the IGP commiserated with the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased as he prayed for the

repose of her soul.

He further assured the general public of justice in the case, while warning officers and men of the Force to be professional and peopleoriented in the discharge of their duties.

The president, on behalf of the Association, extended his condolences to loved ones, family and friends,the WFAN and the entire people of Kano,where he is resident.

NAN reports that the late WFAN President, who died on Dec.25, after a brief illness was buried same day in Kano, according to Islamic rite(NAN) (NAN)

Cultural dances at the Carnival Calabar cultural parade yesterday in Calabar

Primate assures Nigerians 2023 ‘ll be better

The Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba has expressed optimism that the country will overcome its challenges and become stronger among the comity of nations.

Addressing the congregation in his Christmas message at the Cathedral Church of Advent, Life Camp, Abuja, Archbishop Ndukuba said the birth of Jesus Christ brought hope to mankind.

He urged Nigerians not to be afraid of the challenges but look unto God who has promised to bring the country out of the present situation and liberate the citizens.

The Primate called on Nigerians to have faith in God and not to be afraid because the purpose of God for Nigeria would come to pass soon.

According to him, there is hope for Nigeria as the people are passing through what they are passing through as individuals, as families, as a people, and as a nation.

“At such a time as this, just as it was in the very first Christmas, when Jesus was born, the message of the Angel to the shepherds, who were like neglected people, oppressed and

NDE trains 26 youth on environmental beautification

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has commenced the training of 26 participants on Environmental Beautification Training Scheme (EBT$).

The State Coordinator, Alhaji Mohammed Dantsoho Abubakar disclosed this while flagging off the scheme in Minna.

He said the programme commenced in batches, hence the turn of Niger state which is going to be simultaneously across the nation.

Dantsoho Abubakar explained that the beneficiaries were selected fairly, adding that the participants will be entitled to soft loans which is repayable.

He urged the trainees to pay the required attention to acquire the requisite knowledge to achieve the mandate of the federal government and NDE of job creation.

not regarded in the society.

“When God wanted to break the news of the birth of Jesus, they were the first people that God told what heaven has done, which means God has regard for everybody.

“God has regard for the people, especially the downtrodden, those that are oppressed and suffering, and those that have no regard, no class”.

The Primate however called on Christains to walk righreously

for things to work in their favour.

“I am believing God that a good number of people in the world are passing through challenging times and things that make them worth feel worthless.

“But this Christmas, the message to us is, do not be afraid. Do not be overtaken by the things that are confronting you.

“Look onto God, for our sake, Jesus was born, so that He will deliver us from the bondage of

sin and death, giving us salvation and freedom.

“So that we will be indeed the people that God has intended and purpose for us,

“There is a purpose for God in the life of every individual, every family, and indeed, for Nigeria, and that the purpose shall surely come to pass.

“His purpose will come to pass in Nigeria because God has given us, His Son, Jesus Christ, the Saviour, born to us.

”So that we shall be delivered

from the bondage of this world and be given hope and purpose to live the glory of God.

“As we celebrate Christmas, we encourage people to open up their hearts, that Jesus may be born in them, to open up their lives and surrender that life to the one who is the Lord our God.

”And if we will open up unto him, the purpose of God shall be fulfilled and the things that God wants to do in and through us, will be manifested,” he said.

(NAN)

NSCDC unveils 270 upecial female squad in Niger

From

Niger state Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has unveiled 270 number of special weapon handling female squad trained

to complement insecurity challenges facing the country and the state.

The Commandant of the Command, Ahmed Mohammed Dandare also unveiled the Female Armed Squad in the command during the Passing

Out Parade of the trained personnel in Minna, Niger State.

Mohammed Dandare revealed that the Female Armed Squad were trained to complement the male counterpart in the fight against abduction of school children in

schools in the state.

He said female squads were also trained on different techniques to engage in rescue operations, weapon handling, VIP protection, intelligence gathering and tips to tackle sexual gender base violence.

Nutrition: SWODEN targets 71,000 pregnant women in Jigawa

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

No fewer than 71,000 pregnant women, parent and care givers in Jigawa state, are targetted by the Society for Women Development and empowerment in Nigeria, on

behavioral change towards increasing Iron Folic Acid uptake and Anti-natal care.

This was announced by the Nutrition International (NI) coordinator Mr Patrick Odeli during a meeting with stakeholders to disseminate the outcome of the desk review at

state Secretariat Dutse.

The NI coordinator who was represented by SWODEN program officer comrade Lawan B. Ahmad said, ten communities from two local governments of Ringim and Dutse will benefit from the intervention.

He explained that,

SWODEN in collaboration with Nutrition International (NI) is implementing a project to reach over 71,000 pregnant women, parent and care givers with behavioral change messages towards increasing Iron Folic Acid IFA uptake and Anti-natal care, LO-ORS/ZINC intake.

Yakubu Mustapha Minna

L-R: Director, Vulnerable Groups Department, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Dahiru Bobbo; Program Officer, Sesor Empowerment Foundation, Ms Ina Inga; and the Program Manager, Global Rights (GR), Mr Edosa Oviawe, during the Media Presentation of Research Findings on Search for Justice and Accountability in the Farmer/Herder Crisis in the Benue Valley, yesterday in Abuja

Aliyu Ilias emerges chairman of Ansarud-deen northern youth council

Mr Aliyu Ilias has emerged the Chairman of of Ansar-ud-deen Youth Association of Northern Nigeria Youth Council.

The Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Munir Jadesimi, who made the disclosure in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said that the election was held in Kano at the 2022 Kano conference of the Ansarud-deen Youth Association of Nigeria (ADYAN).

Jadesimi said: ” Through Islamic shurah system Aliyu ilias emerged as the chairman to lead the Northern states council for the next three years.

” Alhaji Zakariyau Abidakun chaired the shurah committee and over 500 ADYAN members attended the conference, which featured islamic lectures, prayers, meeting, sport activities, award and youth development programmes.”

He listed the other elected leaders council to include: Hakeem Odebiyi, 1st Vice Chairman, Abbey Adeyemi. 2nd Vice Chairman, Adetola Yunusa, 3rd Vice Chairman and Sanni Taiye, as the Secretary.

Others are: Mudrakat Adebayo, the council’s Ameerah, Soladoye Nafisah,

Deputy Ameerah and Mariam Abdulazeez, Secretary to the Ameerah.

The new chairman expressed commitment to run an all-

inclusive administration with a view to ensuring the attainment of the noble objectives of council.

” My project for the three years is tagged MashaAllahProject,

which includes membership drive and development, investment, students’ support and partnering our parent body to achieve its objectives.”

Earlier, the immediate past chairman, Alhaji Abduljalil Apanpa, who shared his success stories, promised to support the new executives. (NAN)

Christmas: Clergy harps on celebration with less privileged

Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

As Nigerians celebrate this year’s Christmas, the Senior Pastor of House of Purpose Ministry, U/Sunday in Chikun Local government

Area, Apostle Yakubu Yusuf has urged Christians to allow the joy and peace, which the birth of Jesus Christ signifies to transform their lives and cause them to extend love and fellowship to the less privileged.

He gave the charge in the Christmas sermon he delivered yesterday.

The clergy who was reading from the Book, Neh..: 10-12 said as Christians celebrate the season, they should bear

in mind that there are less privileged people among them who need to extend the celebration to by sharing things that will make the celebration meaningful to them.

LP urges Nigerians to keep hope alive

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Director, Youth Affairs of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council Isah Abubakar has urged Nigerians to keep hope alive with the party.

This was contained in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

According to him, civil servants in the country were not paid their monthly salaries, which resulted in most family not to have resources to celebrate the birth of Christ.

He added that this is in addition to the doubling of the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which has led to an increase in the prices of goods and services in the country.

Gov Bello advises Ja’agi community to reinstate removed Chief Imam

urged

He

He

Governor

From:

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state has advised the people of Ja’agi community of Mokwa

local government to reinstate the Chief Imam who was removed by the late Village Head.

said the evidences against him were not good enough for his removal.

The governor gave the directive during a meeting with the community residence at government house Minna.

said the Chief Imam is competent and knowledgeable.

Bello further

the deputy governor Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso to as a matter of urgency direct the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar to appoint a new Village Head for Ja’agi who will inturn do the needful.

The National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) , AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu (middle) flanked by the Directors of the Agency, during the Organisation media briefing on the Agency Scorecard in 2022 and flag- off of Pre- election Peace Advocacy Campaigns (Say No to Election Violence) for the up coming general election, held in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

No beating Nigerian disingenuousness

Criminally minded Nigerians have wasted no time trying to work the the government’s latest monetary policy to their advantage. Last November, the Central Bank launched a redesigning of the 200, 500 and one thousand naira notes. Deposit banks began issuing them second week of December. But almost immediately, counterfeits were already in people’s hands. In a video, gone viral, a man was heard saying his wife, who operated a Point of Sale (PoS) machine, had been given a fake new 1,000 naira note. He displayed the genuine and counterfeit for viewers to spot the difference.

President Muhammadu Buhari in November unveiled the new notes, the three highest denominations of the national currency. CBN governor Godwin Emefiele, during the unveiling, said the introduction of new notes was a deliberate step taken by the government to check corruption and counterfeiting of the notes.

The CBN is, by law (Sections 17, 18 and 19 of the CBN Act), responsible for the issuance of naira notes. It is against the law for any individual or establishment, outside the CBN, to print money or be in possession of counterfeit notes. “If you are caught and convicted of a counterfeiting crime, you may face up to five (5) years imprisonment with no option of fine (Section 20),” the CBN said in a circular on its website last week.

The CBN said the new naira notes were protected by a number of security features “to enable easy recognition of genuine ones”. The distinguishing features, which can be recognized by touch and visibility, are the raised print, the security thread and the watermark. Others, such as the portrait, lettering and the denominational numerals on the obverse and reverse of the notes, are embossed.

“The raised prints provide the tactility, while the security thread, which ordinarily, looks broken but is not when held up against light, has “CBN” in small lettering printed on

OUR MISSION

“To be the market place of ideas and the leading player in the industry by putting the people first, upholding the truth, maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards while delivering value to our stakeholders”

both sides of the notes,” said the apex bank. “The notes are also protected against photocopying. There are also features which are visible under ultraviolet light. For example, the serial number on each banknote is black, but turns green under ultraviolet light.”

The CBN’s Banknote Fitness Standards also provides the general public with “clear, acceptable criteria” for determining the quality of banknotes in circulation. It shows the stages of degradation by soiling, limpness and thus defines the acceptable threshold for fit notes in circulation.

The fitness criteria include the durability and functionality of security features on the notes, structure and durability, and quality, that is, print and appearance of notes.

The Clean Note Policy was instituted by the CBN in a bid to improve the physical appearance and lifespan of the banknotes in circulation. The concept of Clean Note Policy requires that the production, issuance of new banknotes and recirculation by the DMBs/CPCs must conform to the predetermined standards. It also aims at ensuring that the quality of banknotes in circulation must be in good condition to allow for processing and acceptability by the public.

These are welcome elaborate steps the CBN has taken to ensure the integrity of the national currency. However, clearly, it has not reckoned with the disingenuousness of criminals to find a way to break through the cordon. That they have done, regrettably. Regrettably again, the CBN can do little to stop counterfeiters. But the banking public can help by being vigilant.

Secondly, we encourage all and sundry to embrace e-commerce. Cash transactions should be minimized to reduce the risk of falling into the hands of fraudsters. This way, their number will be kept small and manageable.

OUR PEOPLE

Chief Operating OffiCer /editOr, Hameed m. Bello, PhD

OUR VISION

Ease of doing business: Nigeria to be investors’ haven

By Musa Ilallah

There’s no doubting the fact that President Buhari’s administration is on record as being the first to consciously determine to address Nigeria’s perennially low ranking in global ease of doing business (EDB) and competitive ratings. This was also acknowledging the inevitability of taking composite reform actions to significantly improve Nigeria’s EDB rankings in the global business world.

In pursuance of the declared goal to improve Nigeria’s EDB ratings, President Buhari inaugurated the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in July 2016 to make recommendations on institutional reforms to promote Nigeria’s investment attractiveness.

In February 2017, PEBEC approved a 60-Day National Action Plan “with clear deliverables and timelines for federal government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for implementing each line item in the Plan, culminating in the then Acting President issuing three Executive Orders (EOs) for immediate and effective actions targeting public service improvements to touch every sphere of Nigeria’s economy.

The Executive Orders target the Promotion of Transparency and Efficiency in the Business Environment with its attendant implications on businesses and investments in Nigeria.

Far away across the Atlantic, former USA’s President, Donald Trump in May 2017 signed 36 EOs since his assumption of office in January, 2017.

On the legality or otherwise of the EOs, section 315(2) 1999 Constitution (as amended) unambiguously provides that “the appropriate authority (President or Governor) may at any time by order make such modification in the text of any existing law as the appropriate authority considers necessary or expedient to bring that law into conformity with the provisions of this Constitution.”

Since the President is the Chief Executive of the Federation, it behoves him to exercise functions of his office to drive policy direction, especially to give full effect to laws already in place, or their amendments, to ensure fulfilment of electoral promises. As mentioned previously, it is desirable that the President from time to time issues Executive Orders, to steer economic policies which promote investments in Nigeria.

Since the EO is particularly focused on improving Nigeria’s EDB through transparent and efficient service delivery by various government Ministries, Departments and Agencies to promote transparency in their dealings, the EO makes it mandatory for them to make public all the requirements for licence, permits, waivers, approvals and tax related information.

To further actualise its commitment to ensure ease of doing business in the country as a way of attracting domestic and foreign investors into the country’s economy, government in its wisdom in the area of trade facilitation recently crashed

Ship Berthing Cost From $150,000 to $20,000

Supported by a group, Convention on Business Integrity (CBI) in its collaborative efforts with Federal Government agencies has resulted in a drastic reduction in the cost of birthing ships in Nigerian ports.

A delegation of CBi led by Olusoji Apampa during a courtesy call on Vice President Yemi-Osinbajo recently stated that the government agencies that collaborated to eliminate unreceipted extortions were the Shippers Council, ICPC, DSS and the Nigeria Ports Authority, the Technical Unit on Governance & AntiCorruption Reforms, TUGAR alongside CBi through the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network, MACN.

This outstanding feat has earned international praise and won the first ever “Outstanding Achievement in Collective Action Award” of the Switzerland-based Basel Institute on Governance.

According to Apampa, the success recorded has now attracted international reviews as countries such as Egypt, Ukraine and India were planning to adopt the “Nigerian miracle” model to produce similar gains in their ports’ operations. The international award recognised the work of the Nigerian MACN, which created a real time-based Help Desk to resolve complaints and concerns of shipping companies as soon as they berth at the ports.

The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has described the drastic reduction in the cost of berthing ships in Nigerian ports from $150,000 to $20,000 as another laudable feat of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

According to the group, this has attracted international reviews and countries such as Egypt, Ukraine and India are now taking a cue from the Nigeria model to produce similar gains in their ports’ operations.

BMO in a statement signed by its Chairman, Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary, Cassidy Madueke, BMO commended government for the reductio, noting that it is a reflection of the government’s conscious effort to enable ease of doing business and trade, making investment flows into the country seamless.

According to BMO, “aside the facts that the reduction will lead to increased trade at all Nigerian ports and make them more competitive compared to our neighboring ports, it is also going to, by implication, reflect on our inflation rate whether at the level of direct consumption or manufacturing because the bulk of our raw materials come from abroad.”

In joining well meaning Nigerians to celebrate President Muhammadu Buhari for this “insight and for creating momentum for international trade”, BMO passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of President Buhari in the last seven years.

It is very heart warming seeing the country grow from strength to strength as her ease of doing business strategy is paying off and the country now stands to be the beautiful bride of foreign direct investments (FDI).

EMEKA ANYAOKU SYREET, ABUJA musahk123@yahoo.com

“To be a reputable, profitable, innovative and technologically reliant media company offering world class services and products”

Hammanyaji

“

The CBN’s Banknote Fitness Standards also provides the general public with “clear, acceptable criteria” for determining the quality of banknotes in circulation

One death too many: Are domestic workers swept under the carpet?

By Matthew Ma

“

Today, many domestic workers have tales of horror to share about the ordeal of modern slavery. Sadly, some, who could not withstand torture, died in the hands of those they looked up to as helpers of destiny.”

When we talk of modern slavery, we often think of human trafficking and prostitution. But one popular but painfully common form of modern slavery is the one that happens behind closed doors, a kind of abuse inflicted on domestic workers assisting families with regular house chores. Domestic work— succeeded by petty trade and work in the service industry such as bars, restaurants, or hotels is one of the most commonly paid jobs among girls and young women in Nigeria. Domestic work or chores performed by children is not always exploitative or harmful to the child. Research has shown that child domestic workers operate in various conditions and situations. For example, domestic work, such as helping the family or earning pocket money outside school hours, can contribute to a young person’s positive and healthy development. However, people consider a few domestic jobs to be domestic oppression and a form of modern slavery when it has the following: Exploitative and harmful working conditions, an inability to leave the job or excessive control and confinement, long hours, and no pay, inadequate hours of rest, and the experience of physical, psychological, or sexual abuse within the context of work. One of the distinct challenges related to a child domestic worker is the ambivalent relationship between the child and the host family, the employer. Children transition into domestic work through several avenues, such as formal or informal recruiters, kinship, or social networks motivated by their own volition, decisions by family members, persuasion, coercion, or false promises from others. In many situations, fostering is common as children from impoverished families migrate to live with better-off families.

It is not difficult to spot domestic workers from other children wherever you find one. In Nigeria, the privileged ones attend public schools with their uniforms torn and patched in different places, often barefooted. If they managed to put the shoes on, it would manifest begging for a replacement. They are the first to wake up in the house. Yet, they go to school late because they have to finish their domestic chores. Some of them do not have textbooks to do their homework. So, when they return home from school, they spend time doing house chores. Sleeping is not allowed before midnight night when other family members are awake. They sleep when all family members have gone to bed. Others who do not have the privilege to attend school are stuck at home with unending chores, taking care of the children of their busy bosses. Most of them wear tattered clothes and eat leftovers. Even when the bosses give them food, they are not allowed to eat where other family members are eating. Most of the time, they eat in the kitchen or at the corner of the house. They will always be the last person in the house to eat. Some of them don’t watch television. If they have to watch, they will sneak to do so. However, when caught, they get beaten.

In Nigeria, barely a month passes without news of murder or torture, exploitation, and coercion, ranging from verbal abuse to sexual harassment and sometimes even the death of a maid. In 2020, the operatives of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department of the Lagos State police command arrested a woman identified as Nene Steve for allegedly killing

her maid, Joy Adole Aboel. The police command accused Mrs. Steve of beating her maid (Aboel) to death and staging her body in an executioner manner to make it look like a suicide action. Reports gathered that the police arrested the suspect and her husband following a complaint they lodged at the police station. The couple had gone to the station to report the death of their maid. However, reports further gathered that contrary to their claims, homicide detectives, upon arrival at the scene, discovered that the deceased was still standing with a rope hanging on her neck, which made the suspect’s story suspicious. According to reports, Aboel is an indigene of Benue state, brought to Lagos through an agent for domestic work. She started working but threatened to leave her job after several months of unpaid salary. She was almost departing the place when the lockdown made her stay behind. During this time, her boss beat her and accused her of stealing Indomie noodles, which led to her untimely death.

In March 2021, the police paraded a mother of three who beat her maid to death in Anambra. The incident occurred at Nkpor, Idemili North LGA, near Onitsha, where the woman, her husband, children, and maid resided. The state police command paraded Mrs. Okafor, a 25-year-old trader who deals in secondhand underwear, for the murder of Kosisochukwu. Reports gathered that Mrs. Okafor had subjected the young Kosisochukwu to intense torture until she collapsed. Neighbors rushed her to a hospital for medical attention but the doctors pronounced her dead-on arrival. In July 2022, Justice Oyindamola Ogala of a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, sentenced another couple, Fortune and Stephen Nwankwo, to 14- and two-years’ imprisonment for the involuntary killing of their 19-year-old housemaid, Ms. Joy Adole. Their crimes revolved around conspiracy, manslaughter, and occasional intention to cover up the murder. The suspects denied the allegation, claiming that Adole committed suicide by hanging herself in her bedroom. But in her judgment, the judge maintained that the prosecution had convincingly proved the charge of manslaughter, conspiracy, and attempt to pervert justice and misconduct against Fortune. The judge affirmed that the defendants did not inform or call the deceased family when they found out Adole had died. Instead, they waited until the afternoon when the second defendant called the sister and asked for her full name and other personal information to deposit her (Ms. Fortune) in the morgue. The judge sentenced the first defendant to 14 years for involuntary manslaughter and five years for an attempt to pervert the course of justice and misconduct toward a corpse. Later that year, the Plateau police command arrested a woman for allegedly torturing Margaret Joshua, an 11-year-old girl, to death. According to NAN, Alfred Alabo, police spokesperson in the state, confirmed the development. Alabo said the suspect, a mother of two and a microbiologist in one of the research institutes in Plateau, forced the minor to sit in a bowl of hot water, which resulted in severe injuries in her buttocks and private part. The suspect, who resides in K-Vom, Jos South LGA, was said to have inflicted injuries on the minor until she died from the torture. The victim, a native of Kebbi state, escaped her community over insecurity. A good Samaritan brought her to Jos and gave her out as a maid to the suspect. Although Mrs. Joshua promised to enroll the victim, she failed to register her at the school. The police spokesperson promised to charge the suspect in court once they completed the investigation. Grace Pam, the coordinator of the

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Plateau, who followed up on the case, said the injuries on the minor showed severe signs of torture.

Sometime in March 2022, reports of the kidnapped of the ten years old Precious Korshima appeared in the news. According to the story by Jerry Achirkpi, a business woman Mrs. Nelly Okoroafor approached and pleaded with him to give her his daughter to train in school through her friend, Mrs. Ujunwa Benaihils. In return, the minor would look after Mrs. Ujunwa’s newborn baby. He agreed to the proposal and sent his daughter to live with Mrs. Ujunwa in Enugu State. Things turned from bad to worst on November 10th, 2022, when he received a strange call from an unknown caller using Mrs. Ujunwa’s phone number. The caller claimed that the kidnappers had kidnapped his daughter, Mrs. Ujunwa, and her children. The alleged abductors demanded N20M ransom as a condition for releasing his daughter. He (Mr. Achirkpi) told the caller that Precious was only a maid to Mrs. Ujunwa and that he could not afford to pay that huge sum of money as ransom. Later, the kidnappers released Mrs. Ujunwa and her daughter but allegedly killed her daughter. Upon Mrs. Ujunwa’s arrest and interrogation, the suspect admitted that she beat Precious to death and dumped her body in a bush near a community called Ituku Ozalla in Enugu state. A man claiming to be the chief in Ituku Ozalla told the police that he came across the corpse and directed youths in the community to bury it. But they later burnt the body. The question is, why are deaths of domestic workers mostly happening among Benue indigenes? What are the factors influencing the demand for domestic workers from the state? Are domestic workers another form of human exploitation or modern slavery? How will Nigeria act to protect or prevent this from occurring?

The death of domestic workers arriving from Benue state needs proper attention. For a while, families in Benue state keep sending their children to Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti, Osun, Kwara, Ondo, and Edo for domestic work. With over 10,000 children taken out as child laborers from Benue state yearly, stakeholders say it is time authorities curb the dangerous practice where parents willingly coerce their children into child labor in farmhouses in remote forests. Although Benue state has domesticated the Child Rights Act, children in the state are still being trafficked to most parts of the country to serve as domestic workers, farm assistants, and sex workers. While some parents willingly give out their children, human trafficking syndicates collaborate or trick others into giving out their children. After realizing the enormity of human trafficking going on in its domain, the Benue State government, in collaboration with the anti-trafficking efforts of the Federal Government through the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), set up an anti-human trafficking task force to tackle the problem related to domestic workers. All these efforts reveal that child trafficking is still high in most rural communities of the state. A dive into the situation uncovers that the constant displacement of families in affected villages and the constant face-off between herders and farmers fuel this trafficking. This notion is in addition to poverty and lack of basic social amenities in these communities, such as schools.

Rev. Ma, S.J, is a Jesuit Catholic priest and doctoral student in public and social policy at St. Louis University in the state of Missouri, USA

Can Biden compete with China’s growing influence in Africa?

By Amanda Platts

Biden recently promised Africa $55 billion of aid over the next three years. But this offer is limited in its reach and will not be enough for Africa to push out China and Russia. This just goes to show that Biden’s statement about being ‘all in’ on Africa is in fact conflated, possibly due to the realisation that the US will struggle to compete with Russia and China in the region beyond limited aid deliveries.

The race is on for the US to regain its status quo as the world leader and push out China with the showdown for this conflict that appears to be in Africa. During the US-Africa Leaders Summit last week, US President Joe Biden expressed his newfound interest in African countries. He asserted that “The United States is all in on Africa’s influence” which has been perceived as an attempt by Biden to re-assert US influence in Africa in order to counter growing Chinese involvement. However, given the entrenchment of Chinese influence in Africa including their techniques of dept-trap diplomacy, the US may struggle to rival Chinese influence.

According to the China Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins University, China has lent over $143 billion to African countries since 2000. While this has helped finance infrastructure projects and stimulate economic growth, it has also left some African

countries with significant debt burdens. For example, Zambia’s debt to China currently exceeds its annual economic output, and the country is at risk of defaulting on its loans. This has raised concerns about the ability of African countries to repay their loans and the potential for them to fall into a cycle of debt and dependency on China.

Chinese debt-trap diplomacy has also somewhat compromised the sovereignty of African countries. When countries take on significant debt, they may be more vulnerable to pressure from their creditors. This could lead to situations where African countries are forced to make policy decisions that align with the interests of China rather than their own citizens. For example, there have been concerns about the terms of some of China’s loans to African countries, including the inclusion of secrecy clauses that make it difficult to assess their impact or hold China accountable for any negative consequences.

The US will likely struggle to reassert influence in Africa given the breadth of Chinese influence. As China and Russia have become major players in Africa, it has displaced other countries that previously had significant investments and influence on the continent such as the US. The US which has truthfully been absent from Africa for some time now appears to be surprised by growing Chinese and Russian influence in the region. But things will not be

easy for Biden who is likely to face competition from China as it seeks to reinsert itself into Africa after a period of declining influence on the continent.

The door was left open for Russia and China to expand their influence in the region after the breakdown of US-Africa relations by former US President Donald Trump and his belittling view of the African world. As a result, the US may not have the resources nor political will to devote significant attention and resources in the hopes of reengaging with Africa. Ultimately, Biden will need to tread carefully and take small steps in addressing these issues.

Biden recently promised Africa $55 billion of aid over the next three years. But this offer is limited in its reach and will not be enough for Africa to push out China and Russia. This just goes to show that Biden’s statement about being ‘all in’ on Africa is in fact conflated, possibly due to the realisation that the US will struggle to compete with Russia and China in the region beyond limited aid deliveries.

Biden’s desire for a strategic relationship with Africa is not surprising given that Africa has become a key geopolitical player particularly due to their oil and gas reserves as countries try to find alternatives to Russian gas. However, Biden will struggle to win back influence in the region given that China has since developed stronger ties with the continent.

Amanda Platts is an Int’l Affairs Analyst.

Illusion of witchcraft meetings and witchphobia in Africa

By Leo Igwe

The illusion that witches planned to meet in Benue blinded this person and others witch believers and fearers in Benue state. Hence the post drips with threats and intimidation. The proposed AfAW meeting took place without any hitches. No disaster occurred as predicted.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) combats abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs and ritual attacks. One way it seeks to achieve this goal is to educate and enlighten Africans and get them to abandon illusions and misconceptions that drive witchcraft fears and anxieties. One is the notion that witches, defined as persons with magical or supernatural powers turn into animals and insects, and fly out at night as birds, or in witch planes and baskets. The belief is that these occult agents meet at covens where they suck blood and conspire to kill or harm other humans and their estate. Now do such meetings take place? Are there human beings capable of attending and participating in these spiritual and supernatural gatherings? This piece addresses these questions.

The superstitious belief that witches meet is strong among Nigerians, nay Africans, including the educated ones. Through socialization or indoctrination, the belief that witches metaphysically convene is pervasive. It is an African cultural ubiquity that is so entrenched. Africans dread any supposed or implied witchcraft meeting. A supposed gathering of these principalities and powers unsettles, unhinges, and discomforts them. The delusion underlies the opposition to events that AfAW has organized in Benue state. To better understand the grip of this illusion on the minds of Africans let us take a look at some of the reactions to the meeting of the AfAW in Benue state in Nigeria. In response to a police disruption of the event, someone sent me this message. It states:

“Good afternoon, I have received information that witches wanted to have their first meeting in Benue

state on the17th September 2022 and have been interrupted. I don’t know how true it is but if it is so, I want to inform you that Benue state has been dedicated to the uncontestable God. The only living God. The creator of the heavens and the earth. The one that destroyed satan over two thousand years ago. Your creator Jesus Christ the Lord. There is no little portion of the land for you to have the meeting in Benue State, for he is already in the land. Therefore that meeting cannot hold. Trying to do so is to contend with Him. Thank you”. In reply I said: “If you are ready to learn, please pay attention to this. What we organized was not a witches’ meeting. We the organizers do not in the existence of witches. The event was meant to address human rights abuses in the name of witchcraft. We cannot organize meetings for entities that we believe are imaginary and non-existent”.

I invited the guy to a rescheduled event on December 21, 2022. And in response, the person said:

“Benue state has been dedicated to Jesus, try it and you shall see disaster in your midst”.

The illusion that witches planned to meet in Benue blinded this person and others witch believers and fearers in Benue state. Hence the post drips with threats and intimidation. The proposed AfAW meeting took place without any hitches. No disaster occurred as predicted.

The Ortom-led government is consumed by the fear of witches, and the delusion that they meet or could meet in Benue. It acted under the pretension that a witchcraft meeting is real. The Ortom government bought into this illusion and ordered that the AfAW event be stopped. The police in Benue acted based on this misapprehension. They believed that witches could physically gather and meet. In addition, the police did not want to go against the directive of the governor.

Imagine this, if witches, as widely believed, were to meet in Benue state, would the Ortom government stop them? Would the state, which constitutionally does not recognize the reality of witches and witchcraft, be able

to prevent or disrupt the gathering? What will they use to stop it? How will they prevent the meeting? Look, the police came to the venue with guns and trucks to arrest witches. What was going on in the minds of the officers on that day? Did the police think that they could arrest witches as popularly believed? Is that not an exercise in absurdity and futility? At best, the Ortom-led government and the police in Benue made a caricature of themselves. They made governing and policing in Benue state a laughing stock.

It is pertinent to state that a witchcraft meeting is a mirage or a fantasy. It is an fictional convocation. Unfortunately, Africans have been deceived and indoctrinated to believe this fantasy as reality or fact for so long. Such a meeting does not take place anywhere except in the minds of the believers. The notion of a witchcraft meeting is rooted in fear and ignorance of nature and the universe. Testimonies of witchcraft meetings are products of accusations or confessions by unstable minds. No human being turns into a bird and flies to witch meetings at night, as believed in Nigeria. No humans fly around on magical planes or baskets as believed in Malawi or Zimbabwe. That is why the caricatures, called witch planes or flying baskets, are always seen lying on the ground. No one sees them flying, taking off, or landing anywhere in Malawi, Zimbabwe, or beyond.

Like people in western countries Africans should abandon the illusion that supernatural witchcraft meetings and other occult nocturnal gatherings take place. They should discard this notion that supposed witches embark on magical flights to a coven where they engage in cannibalism or initiate children and other adults into the witchcraft world. These illusions drive irrational fears and horrific abuses of alleged witches in Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and other African countries.

Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches which campaigns to end witch hunting in Africa by 2030.

Kenya’s vibrant dairy sub-sector: A necessary impetus to Nigeria’s transformation drive

By Abachi Ungbo

It has also brought a tad of parity in gender income distribution due to the number of women which are known to be active participant in the value chain and in addition to being a veritable poverty reduction strategy. According to Kenya Diary Board, the sub-sector provides a source of livelihood to about 1.8 million households.

The price of milk has gone beyond the reach of not a few Nigerians and it is instantiated by its absence in many shopping lists which potentially could compound the country’s already poor milk consumption per capita which is put at less than 10 litres/per annum which is far below the recommended 210 litres by the World Health Organisation (WHO)

It goes without saying that, the country has a suboptimal milk production capacity of about 600,000 metric tonnes (mt) in the face of a huge milk demand of about 1.7 million mt annually. As a consequence, about 1.5 billion dollars is spent annually on importation primarily to bridge the gaping deficit which effectively places the country as a lucrative destination for the world biggest milk producers/processors.

Expectedly, it has remained a leading cause of huge haemorrhage of the country’s foreign exchange. For the most part, the milk that strewn the country’s market are entirely reconstituted owing to the fact that processors import largely powdered milk.

The impact of the staggering cost of the importation sparked the backward integration initiative by the government which ostensibly was to spur domestic production. Certainly, it is in light of this that government once declared that importation will cease in 2022 and already, in Q1 2022 milk importation had gulped about 28 billion Naira. Though, success stories have been recorded with not few companies acting in keeping with the policy. However, the government stated target of an annual 1.6 billion litres production would require quite a lot of doing.

It defies logic that the massive cattle population is not sufficient in putting the country in the league of top milk producer in Africa. On the cattle stock, Nigeria and Kenya are almost on a par, with 20.7 and 21.7 respectively according to Statista- a German based data company.

Kenya has effectively harnessed its cattle population and traditional milk drinking culture in making the country a shinning case in point of a vibrant dairy industry. It has amassed well about 5 million dairy cows in becoming one of the top milk producing countries in Africa and with the highest milk consumption per capita at 110 litres/year.

It’s my considered view that the vibrant sub-sector is a product of right policies and institutional environment enabled by commitment. Though, still fraught with challenges; Kenya nevertheless provides object lessons.

No doubt, it has been a long journey for Kenya. The market liberalization of 1992 created a path to the entry of new players as the market opened up for competition. According to pundits the industry recorded increased production prior to the liberalization epoch not least between the onset of the 1980s – early 90s which easily was imputed to the subsidies and availability of a suite of farmers support services in Breeding and Artificial insemination (A.I), health and extension services, input supply. And also, the active participation of the private and development agencies.

Today, the industry contributes about 14% to the country’s agricultural sector GDP and 4% to the national GDP. It produces about 5 billion litres of milk annually on the back of small holder dairy farmers and it is expected to produce 12 billion litres of milk annually by 2030.

It has also brought a tad of parity in gender income distribution due to the number of women which are known to be active participant in the value chain and in addition to being a veritable poverty reduction strategy. According to Kenya Diary Board, the sub-sector provides a source of livelihood to

about 1.8 million households.

Interesting, in 2022 the Kenya through one of its illustrious processors the Kenya creameries company (KCC) struck a lucrative deal in early 2022 with Azim milk company based in Oman for the supply of milk which is an eloquent proof of its capacity.

By and large, the coalescence of the smallholder’s dairy farmers into cooperatives that matured into a strong force in the industry is key to the change in the dairy industry fortune. An important takeaway is that Artificial Insemination (A.I) played a singularly significant role in the Kenya dairy story. It has a long history in Kenya which dates back the 1930s.

Successive government were intentional about the future and development of the sub-sector resulting into massive and aggressive A.I programme. The service was also liberalized bringing about accessibility, increased in the number of service providers and technicians.

To this end, a massive A.I roll-out is the way to go in changing Nigeria’s dairy narrative with other support services in place. No progress would be sustainably recorded in expanding the dairy industry with cows producing a paltry 1.5-2 litres of milk/ daily! The cattle stock needs to be upgraded; an enhanced milk productivity is reliant upon the genetic composition of the cow.

Again, it needs a comprehensive ranching development and transformation plan in place and strong support system that would culminate to a vibrant dairy value chain. Interestingly, efforts are ongoing by not few private entities and development agencies especially with the dominant smallholder farmers which are consequential.

Clearly, the journey to making the country self-reliant is still a way off. Of course, fixing the dairy sub-sector is not a marathon but then the exercise and preparation to put the country in active mode needs to be instituted.

Abachi Ungbo can be reached at abachi007@yahoo.com

Army constructs toilet facilities, boreholes for communities in Kogi

The Nigerian Army has constructed and donated toilet facilities and solar powered boreholes to communities in Ekinrin-Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the four projects constructed include toilet facilities and solar powered motorised boreholes at Oja Oba Central Market, Community Comprehensive College, C&S Owobode and Ekinrin-Adde Townhall.

Speaking at the official inauguration on Saturday in Ekinrin-Adde, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, said that the gesture was part of the Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) special intervention projects being executed by the Nigerian Army across the country.

Represented by the Commander, Headquarters Command Army Records (CAR), Maj -Gen. Sunday Igbinomwanhia, the COAS said that Nigerian Army had enjoyed high level of cooperation and goodwill from Ekinrin-Adde communities and the entire Nigerian citizens.

He noted that the Nigerian Army had, over the years, taken deliberate steps towards ensuring that it gives back to the society the cooperation it had enjoyed from the people by observing some corporate social responsibilities.

This, he said was very much in line with his vision of “a professional Nigerian Army, ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria”.

He stressed that in pursuance of the vision, he had ensured that Nigerian Army paid more attention to the non kinetic aspect of its operations.

He emphasised that the projects were quick impact projects executed by the Nigerian Army in various parts of the country towards contributing to national development.

”I believe this project will serve the collective needs of the members of Ekinrin-Adde communities and its immediate environs,” the COAS said.

The Army boss said that the Nigerian Army in conjunction with other security agencies are working assiduously to rid the country of criminal activities and all forms of insecurities facing it.

He appealed to the people to see the project as a symbol of friendship between the Nigerian Army and the communities.

”Let it foster the desired peace, progress and indeed bring prosperity to the community as well,” he said.

Christmas: NCWS urges Christians to uphold spirit of season

The National Council of Women Societies Nigeria (NCWS), has urged Nigerians to uphold the spirit of the season as they celebrate Christmas. The National President of NCWS, Hajiya Lami Adamu Lau, said this in her Christmas message to Nigerians in Abuja. Lau said that the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ was important to Christians because his birth brought peace and goodwill to all mankind. She

urged christians to show love to one another as the bible commanded. “As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us consider the life of Jesus Christ and strive to emulate his selflessness. ”His ability to maintain peace even in the face of conflict and the love for all are values we should emulate. ”He was not limited by the circumstances of his birth, therefore setting for us an example of the power of faith, providing an assurance that we can be better

than our current circumstances,” she said. Lau said Nigerians, particularly the women, should have reasons to celebrate the season, in spite of the present challenges facing everyone. ”We should have cause to celebrate Christmas, irrespective of the situation. We should appreciate God for the life and health for us and our families. ”We should keep hope alive and as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, let us be committed to

the peace and goodwill towards all as he teaches us. ”We should strive to be better person than we are today, combining our faith with the exemplary life of Jesus Christ,” she said. Lau also sent her gratitude to all the supporters of women in the year 2022 and look forward for a greater support in the new year. ”May the yuletide season fill your life with eternal joy and never ending happiness,” she said.

(NAN)

No amount of intimidation will make me unpopular – Wadada

Alhaji Ahmed Wadada, Social Democratic Party (SDP) Senatorial Candidate for Nasarawa Western Zone, says no amount of intimidation from those against his candidature will dim his popularity among voters in the zone.

The SDP chieftain made the assertion at a news briefing on Saturday in Keffi, Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

He was reacting to the alleged stoppage of his planned interactive session with the fulani stakeholders and leaders of Keffi International cattle market by the security agencies.

Wadada described the alleged action of the security agencies, particularly the police as undemocratic and against the Nigerian constitution as well as the Electoral Act, 2010.

He said he was invited by the fulani stakeholders at the market for a meeting and he decided to write notification letters of all the Heads of the security agencies in Keffi.

Wadada said:” But surprisingly, few hours to the meeting, the fulani stakeholders informed me that they were asked not to allow the meeting to hold.”

Wadada, who is the Sarkin Yakin Keffi expressed shock and dismay over the development and wondered who was behind the abrupt cancellation hours to the meeting.

He said: “The leadership of the Keffi International cattle market sought to meet with me because I have a political history with them.

“That is because, I have impacted, contributed and have been committed to the cause of the cattle market.

” So, they sought to meet me to interact and we agreed to meet today (Saturday).

“Being a former lawmaker who knows and adheres to the law, we decided to write the Police Area Commander here and DSS here about the proposed visit to the market.

“A message was sent to the leaders of the cattle market and when we heard about that, we felt

we should stay back.”

Wadada said that they rescinded their decision about the meeting for peace to prevail.

” That is why we chose not to go for the meeting. Also,we don’t know what was planned and I don’t want to be linked to any disharmony,” he said.

Wadada said he had met the fulani stakeholders and appealed to them to be law abiding and patient, adding, “efforts are on to unravel what led to the cancellation of the meeting and the way forward.

“I am a stakeholder not only in Nasarawa but in the Nigerian project.

” So, nobody can intimidate or scare me. Whoever feel will wrongly use his position, we are going to seek to seek for our rights lawfully.

“I will continue to fight for the interest of the people. Nobody can intimidate me, nobody can stop me.”

Earlier, the leader of Fulani stakeholders in Nasarawa West, Alhaji Damau, reiterated the

resolved of the fulanis in the zone to support the candidature of Wadada.

Reacting to the development, DSP Ramhan Nansel, Nasarawa State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) refuted the allegation that police had notified the leadership of cattle market not to allow Wadada to hold the meeting.

“It’s not true. The police cannot do that. Nobody even notified us about anything. So, how can the police now go and prevent somebody from holding a meeting?

“I also called the Area command in Keffi and they said they are not aware of any meeting. So, how can they prevent it from happening? So, I don’t think it’s the police.

“The SDP Nasarawa West Senatorial district candidate should investigate whoever instructed the cattle market leaders to cancel the meeting. It’s not the police,” he said.

(NAN)

Picnickers enjoying themselves at Magic Land, during the Boxing day Celebration, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Suspected hoodlums attacked the office of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State in the early hours of Monday.

The governorship candidate of the SDP, Magnus Abe confirmed this in a press briefing in Port Harcourt, where he accused the leadership of the PDP in Tai LGA of orchestrating the attack under the pretext of enforcing executive orders 21 and 22 of the state government.

According to Abe, the party was preparing to receive him in Tai where he was due to address party supporters and as well

One year jail term, N500,000 fine awaits vote buyers – INEC

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has said one-year imprisonment or a fine of N500,000 awaits anyone found guilty of buying votes during the 2023 elections.

The INEC Commissioner in Jigawa State, Professor Muhammad Lawal Bashar said this in an interview with newsmen.

The Commissioner said the electoral commission is prepared to conduct all the elections with the BVAS machine to ensure free and fair elections.

” The machine will identify voters going to vote and those who have registered more than once will not be able to vote.

Professor Muhammad said the Commission has received over one hundred and fifty-six permanent voter cards which are still under distribution until 22 January 2023.

He advised those who have registered but have not collected their voter cards to do so before the closing date.

The Commissioner added that the agency made a good plan that will allow the people with special needs, the elderly and pregnant women to vote easily.

Suspected thugs attack SDP office in Rivers

officially commission the office when they got the report of the attack.

He said: “It was shocking to us when we started receiving reports that the leadership of PDP met and said that Senator Abe cannot come to Tai and

that no office of the SDP can be opened in Tai.

“It was a thing of shock we started getting reports last night that thugs were being amassed at the local government council secretariat and in the early hours of this morning, they attacked the

secretariat (SDP) with gunshots, sporadic gunfire, with armed men and all sorts of dangerous weapons, vandalized the secretariat, scattered everything. The canopies and stage that have been set for us to come there and open the place were destroyed.”

The SDP candidate, however, vowed that he cannot be intimated by such action.

According to him, ” no amount of thuggery and violence can stop me from going anywhere in Rivers State to share my message of hope.”

Senator Moro laments state of Otukpo road, insecurity in Benue

By Musa Baba Adamu

Abba Moro, the senator representing Benue South Senatorial District in the Senate, has lamented about the poor state of the eight-kilometre stretch of the Otukpo township road.

Moro also expressed concern over the growing insecurity in his senatorial zone, saying it is

hindering development in the area.

He spoke in Otukpo after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the ongoing 10th edition of the Idoma International Carnival.

Moro said: “Look at this stretch of road, eight kilometres from the General Hospital to the roundabout, for crying out loud, is it too much of a corporate social responsibility of a company that

has benefitted from our sweat? The answer is no.

“I’m sure that if you are from Oju, you will not travel tonight. I’m sure if you are from Ogbadibo, you’ll not travel back tonight. Only a few hours ago, some people from Agatu told me that they had to go home because their road had become dangerous, and so all the challenges were before us.”

He added: “The time has come

[when] we’ve to take our destiny into our hands. If the police and the security agencies can’t provide security for us, do we fold our hands and get ourselves killed without asking questions and without reacting?”

Moro enjoined everyone to join hands with the founder of the Idoma International Carnival, Prince Edwin Ochai, to build the Idoma nation.

Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila acknowledging compliments from party members at a rally in Coker Aguda and Itire Ikate areas of Surulere 2 Federal Constituency on Saturday, December 24, 2022. Photo: Speaker’s Office.

By Christiana Ekpa

Jonathan’s supporters, who are members of the Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria, CNPDN, have flagged off campaigns in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, saying that the next president of Nigeria must emerge from the Southern part of the country.

Earlier in November, the supporters endorsed Bola Tinubu and commenced grassroots mobilisation in the South East and South South geopolitical zones of the country for the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The CNPDN’s mobilisation for Tinubu was against the backdrop of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s expressed support for

a southern president to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023. The group at that time had tried to prevail on Jonathan to join the presidential race.

The national secretary of the coalition, Mr Francis Okereke Wainwei, who hails from Bayelsa State, while briefing newsmen, said they unanimously resolved to support and vote for Tinubu in the forthcoming presidential election in 2023.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Wainwei noted that the position of the group was in line with that of the Northern Governors’ Forum of the APC and the Southern Governors’ Forum, who had declared for a southern president in 2023, noting that the emergence of a Southern President would unite the nation and ensure

fairness and equity.

“In the same vein, our position that the next president of this country should come from the south is driven by same vision and principles,” he added, saying there would be a better sense of belonging for the southern people.

The group slammed some governors from the Southern part of Nigeria for allegedly betraying the interest of the zone, revealing that it was only Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike that insists on the southern presidency in 2023.

“We are, therefore, calling on the South South governors who have betrayed their people by supporting another northern candidate to take over from Buhari after eight years of a president from the North, to resign immediately.

“This is because the people of the South South zone can no longer trust them with their common heritage as they have placed their personal interests above the collective interest of their people. Our call on them to resign is also premised on the fact that they recently received huge sums of money via the 13% derivation fund and squandered same in pursuit of their personal interests at the expense of their people,” Wanwein articulated.

While calling on the state houses of assembly to impeach governors that are against the interest of the zone if they failed to resign from office, the group vowed to mobilise people from the affected states to force the said governors to either resign or get impeached.

Jonathan’s supporters begin campaign, mobilisation for Tinubu in S’South, S’East

By Musa Baba Adamu

Chief Israel Nwosu, former executive chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, has led about 600 members and supporters of the party across the electoral wards in Umuahia East Constituency to Labour Party ahead of the general elections in 2023.

Also defecting to the Labour Party, alongside Nwosu, is the past publicity secretary of Umuahia North chapter of the party and former Special Adviser to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on Security Matters, Mr Ugochukwu Okezie.

While adducing the rationale behind their latest movement to the Labour Party during the declaration event which took place at Ibeku East Electoral Ward 1 in Umuahia East at the weekend, the leader of the PDP defectors, explained their latest move was necessitated by the misrepresentations and legislative redundancy steadily displayed by

Abia PDP loses ex-chairman, spokesman, 600 supporters to LP

those entrusted with people’s mandate under the umbrella party and a below par by the state government.

The ex-Abia PDP members decried the complete lack of internal democracy and due process in the Abia chapter of the party. They added that the party had derailed from its original ideologies and principle on

which it was founded.

They alleged the imposition of lists of adhoc delegates who participated at the concluded primary elections held in the state by the leadership of the PDP.

“The lists of PDP adhoc delegates that voted at the concluded primary elections held across the 184

electoral wards of the seventeen local government areas in Abia State was foisted on teeming party members in the state including those who are now party candidates.

“They were all imposed on us. And these unwholesome acts by the PDP leadership has caused Abia PDP loosing many of its leaders, critical

stakeholders, teeming members and supporters to other political parties. This unwholesome practices by Abia PDP negated basic and true democratic principle. And it is on these above wrongdoings by the Abia leadership of the PDP we arrived on our decision to leave the PDP for Labour Party.

Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila (3rd right); Hon. Desmond Elliot (1st right); Hon. Lanre Okunola (2nd right); Hon. Mosunmola Sangodara (4th right) and others at a rally in Coker Aguda and Itire Ikate areas of Surulere 2 Federal Constituency on Saturday 24 December 2022.

Photo: Speaker’s Office.

By Musa Baba Adamu

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi has expressed optimism that politicians who are planning to rig the 2023 election will fail.

The governor spoke on Sunday when he received the members of the Bauchi State Christian Community for Christmas homage in Bauchi.

Governor Bala described President Muhammadu Buhari as a just man, stressing that the president would fulfil his promises to ensure free and fair polls.

He urged Nigerians to have confidence in the president and ignore those he described as doubting Thomases.

“There are people who buy votes, and there are those planning to rig the election using federal might but I know President Buhari is just, and he has already assured us that he would allow the people to elect whom they want. Let us not mind all these doubting Thomases. We must be able to come together, to stick together,” he said.

SDP releases names of campaign council

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State has announced its Campaign Council for the forthcoming 2023 polls.

This is in line with the party’s National Chairman, Malam Shehu Gabam’s directive that all Campaign Chairmen of the various units immediately activate their Local, Zonal, and State Campaign Units for local mobilisation of voters.

Campaign Chairman, Prince, Oriri Richard, who doubles as the Party’s candidate for Ado State Constituency, Benue State, on Monday released the names of SDP stakeholders who will manage the different units of the campaign in Ado LGA with a high

degree of emphasis on polling units.

According to Richard, those selected are the leaders and members of each segment of the Campaign Team, selected based on their track records as community leaders.

Saraki to sue Kwara Gov Abdulrazaq over alleged UBEC funds embezzlement

By Christiana Ekpa

Abubakar Bukola Saraki, former Senate President, has threatened court action against Governor Abdulrahaman Abdurazaq of Kwara State for allegedly accusing him of embezzling UBEC funds during his tenure as governor of the state.

The two-term governor of Kwara State described the claim

by Governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq that he embezzled the Universal Basic Education Fund and also used his position as Senate President to prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from investigating the case as an outright lie which the governor must retract immediately.

Saraki in a statement signed by his Press Officer on Local

Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, threatened that the governor has only seven days to retract the statement or he will meet him in court to prove his false claims.

“I have ignored all his lies all this while as I believe he was resorting to that cheap escape measure to mask his failure in governance. Now, I will have to take strong measures by challenging him in court since he will not desist from

fabricating lies against me.

“I have told my lawyers to write him to retract the statement or be ready to prove it in court,” Saraki stated.

Recall that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, reportedly made the claim on Sunday while speaking at the inauguration of the campaign council of the APC senatorial candidate for Kwara Central.

2023: Council of Elders summons all governorship candidates in Akwa Ibom

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

In an attempt to ensure that the best candidate emerged at the 2023 governorship election, an Akwa Ibom State organisation, under the aegis of Akwa Ibom State Council of Elders, has summoned a meeting with all the governorship candidates of different political parties in the state.

The meeting which will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the Ibom E-Library was meant to hear from all the

candidates what they have in stock for the people.

In a statement signed by the Protem Secretary of the Council, Chief Moses Essien and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Monday said the meeting will be in the form of an interactive session with the candidates and would be the first of its kind.

The statement encouraged all eligible members and candidates to attend.

The statement reads: “Gubernatorial candidates across all political parties for the forthcoming general elections in Akwa

Ibom State are invited to meet with the pan Akwa Ibom organisation, Akwa Ibom State Council of Elders.

“The meeting will be in form of an interactive session with the candidates and is slated to hold at the Ibom e-library main auditorium on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at 11 am and will be the first major activity of the Council in 2023.”

The Elders Council is chaired by former governor, Obong Victor Attah and is made up of all former governors and their deputies, all former ministers, senators, ambassadors,

secretaries to government, vice-chancellors, retired state chief judges and retired judges of the state, federal, appellate and Supreme courts.

Others in the council are former commissioners who left office in the last 20 years, all retired military officers not below the rank of colonel in the Army and their equivalent in the Navy and Air Force and all retired police officers not below the rank of commissioners and their equivalent in the DSS, Customs, Immigration and Civil Defence.

Buhari will fail those planning to use FG might to rig election –Bala Mohammed

Nigerians in UK task political parties, candidates on town hall meetings

Nigerians in the United Kingdom (UK) have tasked candidates of various political parties on the need to engage with the citizens on what they should expect if elected into office.

Mr Daddy Kris, a Nigerian based in London, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview that Nigerians in UK were eager to engage candidates for the 2023 general elections to know what they have in stock if elected into office.

Kris, who is the founder of Superior Radio and Television (SRTV), said that the yearnings for the engagement led

to organisation of a virtual town hall meeting tagged “#Nigeriadecide2023” scheduled to begin on Dec. 27.

“We have a candidate who is a serving House of Representatives member from Ethiope Federal Constituency of Delta State, Ben Igbakpa, coming to interact with the people on his election programme,” he said.

According to Kris, the constant demand by Nigerians for good governance and good leaders will be the defining factors in the country preparation for the 2023 general elections.

“It is on this notion that SRTV London

in partnership with individuals, various platforms and organisations came up with town hall meetings.

“As the name implies, it is an avenue for our host, candidates, party representatives or supporters come virtually to discuss their manifestos.

“The importance of the town hall meeting cannot be far fetched as it will help foster unity and healthy competition among flag bearers, political parties and party members.

“It will help the political parties to inform and educate Nigerians on their programmes and also hear from

the average Nigerians on what their expectations are ahead of the elections.

“It is also expected to build a true sportsmanship among the candidates of various political parties and discourage politicians from being desperate,” Kris said.

He added that various Nigerian associations, town unions, socio-cultural groups and individuals in UK have declared their interest to participate in the virtual town hall meetings, as politicians in Sokoto, Delta and Lagos have already keyed into the programme. (NAN)

How I’ll tackle security if elected Katsina senator – Yar’adua

Abdul’aziz Musa-Yar’adua, the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Katsina Central, says finding solutions for the current insecurity in the state will be his top priority if he is elected senator 8n 2023.

Musa-Yar’adua, who is a retired lieutenant colonel in the army, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Monday in Katsina.

According to him, as a retired military officer, he has the experience and the vast knowledge of various strategies to follow and bring the problem to an end.

“If I become a senator, I have a lot of ways to present before the National Assembly with the aim to find a lasting solution for the lingering security challenges.

“I know most of the military heads in the country, some of them we had training together while some of them we worked together, hence I will find it easy to collaborate with them.

“I also have a plan if elected to collaborate with all the senators representing the areas with security challenges to work together to end the problem.

“By the grace of God, if I become a senator, I will also suggest the expansion of the North-east Commission to cover all the states with the security challenges in the north,” he said.

On the issue of empowerment, Musa-Yar’adua, who is a younger brother of late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, pointed out that he has plans for a sustainable special empowerment programme that the youth can rely on continuously.

He added that the youth must undergo training on how to utilise the empowerment for their own benefits, unlike some of the empowerment

programmes in which the beneficiaries sell the facilities given to them immediately.

“When you have sustainable empowerment programmes, you provide job opportunities for the youth, such will also assist in tackling the security situation and also boost the state’s economy.

“And regarding other critical sectors in the country, I will do

my best to see that I become a better representative of my people,” he added.

He assured the people of his constituency of fair representation at the National Assembly, adding that he will always be having physical contact with them to know their priority needs.

The APC senatorial candidate added that most politicians do

not ask electorates for their major needs, which is why in most cases they are not happy with the politicians.

He assured the people that if elected, he is going to do his best to see that the purpose of his representation is achieved through presenting their needs before the chamber.

Musa-Yar’adua explained that on issues of infrastructure

that concern the local or state governments, he will ensure a constant collaboration with them to ensure the success of their party.

He also commended the effort of President Muhammad Buhari and of Governor Aminu Masari for their commitments towards ending the security challenges and providing selfemployment. (NAN)

Governor Ortom endorses Peter Obi for 2023 Presidency

By Christiana Ekpa

Governor

Governor Ortom described Obi as the best person who can solve Nigeria’s socioeconomic problems.

On Christmas Day, Ortom praised the presidential candidate of the Labour Party for

visiting the camps of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with them.

Ortom said, “Several presidential candidates have come here, and none of them have chosen to visit those IDPs camps and look at their plight to see how they are doing and give them hope that when they win, they will bring them succour, help, and hope.

“For you to have chosen to visit the IDPs on a Christmas Day

that you should be celebrating with your family, for me as a Christian, I say God will bless you and your aspirations. My prayer is that God will bless your aspiration to be the president of this country.

“Because I have seen capacity, faith, and hope, and I have seen someone who can bring the required equity, justice, and fairness that I have been pursuing since I became governor in 2015. If I were not in PDP, I would have been following you all over

the place to canvass and vote for you.”

“But because I’m in PDP, I’m telling Nigerians that this man can help deliver this country from its challenges,” he added.

Ortom has been a regular critic of President Muhammadu Buhari’s All Progressives Congress government.

He said Nigerians were very sorry for electing Buhari and the APC in 2015, considering the level of insecurity and biting economic hardship in the country.

Samuel Ortom of Benue State has declared his support for the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Picnickers enjoying themselves at Magic Land, during the Boxing day Celebration, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

NCAA warns pilots, airlines of hazardous weather during dry season

Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has advised pilots and airline operators to exercise caution over hazardous weather in the dry season.

The advisory was contained in a circular initiated by the directorate of aerodrome and airspace standards (DAAS), signed by Musa Nuhu, NCAA directorgeneral, and dated December 19, 2022.

Nuhu explained that the advisory circular was a sequel to the seasonal climate prediction (SCP) issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) which reported that there would be cessation of rainfall and weather associated with dry season in Nigeria from late December 2022 to March/April 2023.

Nuhu, who enumerated the effects of hazardous weather on flight operations said “air toground visibility reduction due to haze dust or fog”.

“Aerodrome visibility may fall below the prescribed operating minimal and in severe conditions, dust haze can blot out runways, markers and airfield lightings over wide areas making visuals navigation extremely difficult or impossible,” he added.

“Flights are bound to be delayed, diverted or cancelled where terminal visibility falls below the prescribed aerodrome operating minimal.”

In view of the above, Nuhu said that all pilots, operators and air traffic controllers (ATCs) are obliged to abide by safety requirements.

The safety requirements, he said, include the closure of the airspace by air traffic controllers when any of the aforementioned conditions is observed or forecast by NiMet; and strict adherence to published aerodrome weather minimal by flight crews/operators and air traffic controllers (ATC).

“Pilots/flight crew members shall obtain adequate departure, en-route and destination weather information and briefing from NIMET Aerodrome Meteorological Offices and Stations prior to flight operations and exercise maximum restraint whenever an adverse weather is observed,” he added.

Funding necessary to provide 300,000 housing by 2025 –Adewole

The former Managing Director of Family Homes Funds Ltd, Femi Adewole, has said the availability of funds for mass housing was essential to deliver 300,000 homes by 2025 to shore up the housing deficit.

Adewole disclosed this at the Annual Memorial Lecture for Late Fatai Osikoya,

themed “Agenda for Housing Development in Nigeria: 2023 in Perspective” which was held in Lagos recently.

He decried incessant building collapse in the country in recent times and called on people, especially those in the building industry to always engage the services of certified professionals to reverse the

trend.

“Nigeria’s building policy for the coming years should be such that it will drive other social strata to stardom with a view to managing some of the crises that have kept the people’s social standard low.

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor, on Works and Infrastructure,

Aramide Adeyoye, said that the state actors were looking at the builders to reform the system to give Nigerians better housing.

One of the panellists, Olugbega Ismail, said the use of local materials instead of reliance on the importation of inputs would drive down the cost of construction.

Food prices continue to rise in November – NBS

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, said that prices of selected food items increased in November.

This is, according to the NBS Selected Food Prices Watch Report for November 2022, released in Abuja on Monday.

The report said that the average price of 1kg boneless beef on a year-on-year basis, increased by 29.00 per cent from N1,812.03 recorded in November 2021 to N2,337.46 in November 2022.

“While on a month-onmonth basis, 1kg boneless beef increased by 3.14 per cent from N2,266.24 recorded in October 2022.”

It showed that the average price of 1kg rice (local) increased on a year-on-year basis by 18.95 per cent from N421.02 in November 2021 to N500.80 in November 2022.

“On a month-on-month basis, the average price of this item increased by 2.73 per cent from N487.47 recorded in October 2022. ”

The report said the average

price of 1kg of tomato on a yearon-year basis rose by 30.18 per cent from N350.15 in November 2021 to N455.13 in November 2022.

“Also, on a month-on-month basis, 1 kg of tomato increased by 0.15 per cent from N454.46 recorded in October 2022.”

Also, the report showed that the average price of 1kg brown beans (sold loose) rose by 18.03 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N490.19 recorded in November 2021 to N578.55 in November 2022.

“While on a month-onmonth basis, the price rose by 2.45 per cent from N564.69 recorded in October 2022.”

The NBS said the average price of Palm oil (1 bottle) increased by 29.87 per cent from N775.11 in November 2021 to N1,006.64 in November 2022.

“On a month-on-month basis, the item grew by 3.91 per cent from the N968.76 recorded in October 2022.”

Also, it said the average price of Vegetable oil (1 bottle) stood at N1,142.99 in November 2022, showing an increase of

30.41 per cent from N876.47 in November 2021.

“On a month-on-month basis, it rose by 3.34 per cent from N1,106.08 recorded in October 2022.”

The report said the average price of a yam tuber stood at N421.08 in November 2022, showing an increase of 29.25 per cent from N325.78 in November 2021.

“On a month-on-month basis, 1 tuber of yam increased by 2.74 per cent from N409.86 recorded in October 2022.”

The NBS said the average price of white garri (sold loose) stood at N325.82 in November 2022, showing an increase of 7.79 per cent from N302.28 in November 2021.

“On a month-on-month basis, the item increased by 2.49 per cent from N317.90 recorded in October 2022.”

The report said at the state level, the highest average price of rice (local, sold loose) was recorded in Rivers at N632.05, while the lowest price was recorded in Jigawa at N378.81.

It said Ebonyi state recorded the highest average price of

beans (brown, sold loose) at N868.33, while the lowest was recorded in Kebbi state at N365.71.

Also, the report said Ekiti recorded the highest price of Vegetable oil (1 bottle) at N1,584.31, while Kwara recorded the lowest price at N693.08.

It said analysis by zone showed that the average price of 1kg boneless beef was higher in the South-East and South-South at N2,851.51 and N2,570.87, respectively, while the lowest price of the item was recorded in the North-East at N1,971.83.”

The report said the SouthSouth recorded the highest average price of 1kg rice (local, sold loose) at N555.80, followed by the South-West at N526.41, while the lowest price was recorded in the North-West at N457.16.

Also, it said the South-West recorded the highest average price of Palm oil (1 bottle) with N1,174.30, followed by the North-West at N1,129.63, while the North-East recorded the lowest price at N765.04.

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) says it has approved the increase of monthly pensions for retirees on “programmed withdrawal” under the contributory pension scheme (CPS).

The commission said this in a statement issued recently.

According to PenCom, this is the third edition of pension enhancement under the CPS.

PenCom also said the new increase will take effect in February, 2023.

However, it urged all eligible retirees to contact their pension fund administrators

PenCom to increase retirees’ monthly pension from February 2023

(PFAS) to complete all required documentation.

“PenCom is pleased to inform the general public that the third edition of pension enhancement under the contributory pension scheme (CPS) has been approved, ” the statement reads.

“The exercise is for existing retirees under programmed withdrawal who have accumulated significant growth

in their retirement savings accounts (RSAs).

“The effective commencement date of the enhancement is February 2023. All relevant retirees are, by this notice, advised to contact their respective pension fund administrators (PFAS) to complete the required documentation.”

PecCom, therefore, assured all stakeholders of its commitment

to the effective regulation, supervision, and administration of pension matters in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the commission commenced the 2023 online verification and enrollment exercise for retirees/prospective retirees of the federal government treasury-funded ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) on October 17, 2022.

It advised retirees/ prospective retirees who are unable to complete the online registration for any reason should approach the pension desk officer of their respective MDAs or visit their PFAs for assistance.

PenCom added that the verification and enrollment exercise will end on or before December 31, 2022.

Nigeria missed 2022 poverty reduction target – W’Bank

The World Bank Group has said that the estimated per capita income growth of 0.7 per cent for Nigeria and the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa in 2022 is insufficient to meet the challenging goals of poverty reduction and shared prosperity in the medium to long term.

In its new report titled “Africa’s Pulse: An analysis of issues shaping Africa’s economic future,” the Washington-based bank said that poverty reduction trends, which were already derailed by the pandemic, had slowed further.

According to the report, the pandemic has induced a lasting impact on long-term growth, affecting particularly the poorest people and increasing extreme poverty.

It added that the weak rebound of the Nigerian economy in the aftermath of the pandemic along with the setback from rising inflation was insufficient to undo pandemicinduced job and income losses.

The report partly read, “Rising inflation is weighing on economic activity in Sub-Sahara. The upward trend in inflation following the post-pandemic period was exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, soaring to record highs in many countries.

The escalation of the war has fueled a rise in commodity prices, particularly food and energy prices. High passthrough of food and fuel prices to consumer prices has caused headline inflation to spike.”

The World Bank also said rising inflation is weighing on economic activity in Nigeria, and that the upward trend in inflation following the post-pandemic period was exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.

The report read further, “The escalation of the war has fueled a rise in commodity prices, particularly food and energy prices. High pass-through of food and fuel prices to consumer

prices has caused headline inflation to spike.

The fiscal space to mount effective responses today is gone because of high levels of debt across Sub-Saharan African countries, rising borrowing costs, and depleted public savings.”

The report follows an earlier publication by the Bank titled “A

Better Future for All Nigerians: Nigeria Poverty Assessment 2022,” in which it noted that deep structural reforms guided by evidence are urgently needed to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

It added that sluggish growth, low human capital, labor market weaknesses, and exposure to shocks are holding

Nigeria’s poverty reduction back.

According to the report, which brings together the latest evidence on the profile and drivers of poverty in Nigeria, as many as four in 10 Nigerians live below the national poverty line.

In its recent review of Nigeria’s poverty map, the

National Bureau of Statistics pegged 62.9 per cent of Nigerians — nearly 133 million people — as multidimensionally poor. The figure represents a significant jump from the World Bank’s projection earlier this year, which placed 95m Nigerians under the poverty line.

Aiteo loses again to Shell in London court

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

ALondon High Court has dismissed a suit by Aiteo Eastern E&P Company Limited challenging a partial award in which the court held that it had jurisdiction to determine Shell’s claims against Aiteo in the long-running case involving both companies.

The judgement, dated November 17, was handed down by Justice Foxton remotely by circulation to the parties’ representatives by email.

The judge dismissed two applications brought forward by Aiteo under Section 67 of the Arbitration Act 1996 (the 1996 Act), according to court documents.

Details of the case showed that Aiteo contested a partial award of the tribunal dated 15 March 2022 in which the tribunal held that it had jurisdiction to determine the defendant’s (Shell’s) claims against Aiteo, and rejected Aiteo’s challenge to the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

It also contested a second partial award of the tribunal dated 22 July 2022 in which the tribunal made an order for the consolidation of the arbitration with another arbitration.

The long-running case concerns a debt allegedly owed by Aiteo to Shell and several other claimants. Details seen by Nigerian online independent newspaper,show that based on two agreements dated September 2, 2014, Aiteo borrowed

some US$2 billion from the lenders in order to purchase an interest in Nigerian oil fields and facilities, including Shell’s OPL 29.

About 75 per cent of that funding came from AFC and the banks, regarded as “the onshore lenders”, via a Nigerian-law governed facility agreement known as “the Onshore Facility Agreement”. The rest came from Shell in the form of vendor financing via an Englishlaw governed agreement and was dubbed “the Offshore Facility Agreement”.

In October 2018, the parties began to correspond in relation to sums which the lenders said were due to them from the borrower. On August 19, 2019, the lenders alleged certain breaches of the agreements and asked the borrower to remedy them. On September 10, 2019, the borrower denied that any sums were due in a letter addressed to the lenders.

Eight days later, Aiteo commenced proceedings against the lenders (and four other parties) in the Nigerian Federal High Court, asking the court to declare that it was not liable as alleged in the demand letter.

Force majeure is an unforeseeable circumstances that prevent a party from fulfilling a contract. The borrower argued that since the lenders refused to restructure, there was no default.

Since then, both parties have been locked in legal battles involving arbitration proceedings

and claims in the English court.

Earlier in April, the UK court noted that the commencement of proceedings in the High Court of Nigeria by the borrower seeking declarations of non-liability was a breach of the arbitration agreement in the Onshore Facility Agreement and the continuation of those proceedings was a breach of the arbitration agreement in the Offshore Facility Agreement.

It consequently ruled that Shell Plc, Africa Finance Corporation, and seven Nigerian banks established their right to block Aiteo Eastern E&P Company Limited from taking legal action when a suit initiated by them against the oil firm had not been resolved.

Commenting on the request for arbitration, the judge noted that the doctrines of waiver and estoppel will provide sufficient protection against any unfairness. In particular, the court noted that if Aiteo commences court proceedings, events in those proceedings may well generate a point in time when a failure to act will amount to a waiver of the clause

41.1 right.

Dangote adbanner 728x90_2 (1)

According to details of the court judgement, clause 41.1 provides that any party to the agreement (other than an Obligor) may elect to refer for final resolution of any dispute arising out of or in connection with the agreement by arbitration under the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the ‘ICC’) in force at that time (the ‘ICC Rules’).

The judge also noted that section 67 challenge to the second award was parasitic on the success of the section 67 challenge to the first award, and fails for that reason.

“In those circumstances, it is not necessary to address Mr Juratowitch KC’s (challenging) argument that even if the clause 41.1 right had never been exercised, such that no right or obligation to arbitrate ever came into existence, the tribunal appointed in the Offshore Arbitration nonetheless had jurisdiction to make the Second Award,” the judge noted.

METRO

By Stanley Onyekwere

There are strong indications that population surge into Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), may have deflected potable water distribution across the Territory, following quadrupling of the demand for its consumption.

According to the authorities of the FCT Water Board the phase one of the Abuja Water Plan designed to cater for 1.1 million people, is currently serving over 4million residents.

The General Manager of the FCT Water Board, Engr. Tauheed Amusan, made the disclosure to journalists during its end of year briefing, in Abuja.

Amusan said, “The whole water plan was designed to cater for three million people but unfortunately we are catering for four million people. What we have

Retirees assured of prompt pension services

By Stanley Onyekwere

Retired and retiring officers of the FCTA and six Area Councils of the nation’s capital city have been reassured of access to prompt pension service delivery in the Territory.

According to FCT Administration that gave this assurance, the commitment to its realisation is being strengthened by the development of the Operational Manual by the Federal Area Council Service Pension Board (FCT- ACSPB).

FCT Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, made the assertion at the official launch of the manual, at the 5th ACSPB Pension management system retreat, with the Theme: Operational Manual: An Administrative tool for efficient pension delivery, organised by FCT ACSPB and partners (PENCOM, Pension fund administrators (PFAs), underwriters and brokers.

He said FCT Administration places high premium on welfare of retiring officers, and will continue to emphasize the importance of prompt pension service delivery.

Adesola, who represented the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, noted that the launch of the Operational Manual will enable the FCT Administration galvanize staff of all Agencies under the FCTA, and in particular the Pension Board towards delivering efficient pension service to residents of the Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, in its pursuit of efficient pension service delivery, the FCT Administration has been consistent in remitting the 2.5% FCTA contribution to the Board to sustain payments to our revered Senior Citizen.

Population explosion deflecting Abuja Water distribution -Official claims

now, is less than 50 percent, and is less than stage one.

“Stage one includes completing the four treatment tanks, we have already constructed, doing six tanks which we have already done four, two are ongoing, tank one and six, and the trunk to evacuate to phase 3 and 4.

“When you do all that, we will have water available to 1.5 million people, what we have now can be estimated to cater for 1.1 million people”.

He also disclosed that an a whopping 60percent of water produced by the FCT Water Board are lost to leakages and illegal

connections to its water trunk.

He however, classified the leakages, as non revenue water, which amounts to N350 million to N400 million annually.

According to him: “We have the capacity of producing 30,000 cubic tonnes per hour, because we can not compile, we just push 15-16 million. If you look at the cost of 16,000 MT of water, is about N750 million, but what do we get in revenue? We get about N250 million, which is a loss of about 60percent.

“It is called non revenue water. That is water that is not accounted for. It include what vandals take

and other sharp practices which is about 60percent of what is lost in Abuja. Non revenue water includes leakages, which is global phenomenon. It is allowed between 10 to 20 million, but for us in Abuja it is over that”.

He further explained that when completed, the Greater Abuja Water Project will service 50 District of the FCT to meet the water needs of residents

“The Abuja master plan actually have what we call loops, there are eight loops envisaged, of the eight loops, since the inception of Abuja, only two has been completed, and the two are

phase 1 and phase 2 and phase 3 don’t have reticulation system, which is the loop, it is this loop that has been awarded for what we tank two and tank five and tank one and tank six, the original trunk you have on ground is three and four.

“Whatever supply you have in phase 2 and phase 3 is an arrangement from loops three and 4, the whole ideal now is execute loops 2, 5, one and 6, when you do that you would have been able to capture about 50 districts that have their home designated reticulation system”, he stressed.

FCTA vows to eradicate illiteracy in rural areas

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has promised to stop at nothing in eradicating illiteracy in all the rural areas.

FCTA Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola gave the assurance during the 2022 end of the year fiesta organised by FCT Department of Mass Education in Karu.

Adesola explained that the department, which is saddled with the responsibility of making sure that people at all levels know how to read and write will always

be supported to do more.

Represented at the event by Faseyi Nathaniel, the Permanent Secretary commended the efforts of the current director of the Department, Titilayo Alayande for her innovations that had repositioned all the centres across the Six Area Councils.

He noted that a better future could only be achieved when people get the requisite knowledge, which he said FCT Department of Mass Education was driving the programme well.

“The FCT Administration appreciates the diligent work of the current director, FCT

Department of Mass Education, Titilayo Alayande.

“Teachers are moulder of people especially future leaders, therefore they should be given the desired opportunity to succeed, the medical doctors, engineers, lawyers and other professionals in the society are built by teachers, which is a fact that must be acknowledged.

“We are going to make sure illiteracy is eradicated at all levels in the Federal Capital Territory, by doing so it will impact positively on the residents”, he stressed

Earlier in her remarks,

the Director FCT Department of Mass Education, Titilayo Alayande, disclosed that the department had expanded it scope of teaching and learning to Fulani communities, where their children are learning well.

She added that more residents are gaining from vocational trainings that will impact on their lives, not only to know how to read and write.

“We have taken teaching and learning beyond the normal way of knowing how to read and write, our facilitators ( teachers) teach learners skill as well”, she said

From left;FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello receiving the Chief of Jiwa, Alh. Musa Idris during the 2022 Jiwa Annual Cultural Festival, yesterday in Jiwa, Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

world news

Ukraine war: Drone attack on Russian bomber base leaves three dead

AUkrainian drone attack on an airbase for bombers in southern Russia has left three people dead, Moscow says.

Air defences shot down the drone near the Engels base, but falling debris fatally wounded three technical staff, the defence ministry said.

Earlier this month, Russia accused Ukraine of a similar attack on the airfield, home to bombers that have carried out missile attacks on Ukraine.

The base lies about 650km (400 miles) north-east of Ukraine’s border.

The Ukrainian military did not officially admit to the latest attack, but air force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said the explosions were the result of what Russia was doing on Ukrainian soil.

Hours afterwards Russia’s FSB security service announced it had killed a fourstrong “sabotage group” trying to enter the Russian border region of Bryansk from Ukraine armed with improvised explosive devices and German-made submachine guns. The FSB released video of what it said was the “liquidation” of the group, although there is no independent confirmation of the incident.

The latest drone attack inside Russia will come as an embarrassment to Russian authorities, coming so soon after the two 5 December attacks hundreds of kilometres from the front line - both at the Engels base and in the Ryazan region. At the time Russia also blamed falling debris for the deaths of three servicemen and what it described as light damage to two aircraft.

Social media early on Monday posted videos of blasts and air sirens in the vicinity of Engels airfield.

Russia’s defence ministry said later that its air defences had shot down the drone flying at low altitude at about 01:35 on Monday (22:35 GMT Sunday).

Saratov governor Roman Busargin expressed his condolences to the men’s families and friends, and said there was “absolutely no threat to residents” in the town of Engels itself.

The Ukrainian air force spokesman said satellite imagery of the airfield would soon reveal the full damage from Monday’s attack, adding that earlier blasts had damaged aircraft at the base.

The Engels air base has been repeatedly used by Russia to carry out missile strikes on various targets in Ukraine since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion on 24 February.

The Kremlin has accused Ukraine of attacking its territory before, but the latest incidents have taken place far deeper in Russian territory.

After the 5 December attacks, there were widespread calls for tightened security around Russian military installations and the latest attack suggests that has not happened.

Separately on Monday, Ukraine’s foreign ministry demanded Russia’s removal as one of five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and called for its exclusion from the UN “as a whole”.

Buffalo blizzard: Storm turns city into ‘war zone’

Asevere winter storm that has swept across North America has left the city of Buffalo, New York, looking like a war zone, the state governor has said.

On Monday the city recorded 25 weather-related deaths, up from 13 on Sunday.

“This is a war with mother nature and she has been hitting us with everything she has” since Thursday, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said.

Blizzard conditions, which stretched from Canada to the Mexican border, have killed at least 50 people nationwide.

The region around Buffalo, in upstate New York, has been worst affected.

Governor Hochul, a native of Buffalo, said: “It is (like) going to a war zone, and the vehicles along the sides of the roads are shocking.”

She said residents were facing a “lifethreatening situation”, as many emergency vehicles were unable to reach worst-hit areas or got stuck in snow themselves.

One family with young children - aged 2 to 6 - had to wait for 11 hours before being rescued in the early hours of Christmas Day.

“I was basically just hopeless,” the father, Zila Santiago, told CBS News. He said he had managed to stay warm by keeping the engine running and kept distress at bay by playing games with the children.

More victims are expected to be discovered once melting snowdrifts reveal trapped vehicles and allow access to remote homes.

The “bomb cyclone” winter stormwhich occurs when atmospheric pressure plummets, causing heavy snow and winds - has disrupted travel across the US.

Forecasters say it will ease off in the next few days, but the advice remains to

avoid travelling unless essential.

Over the weekend an estimated 250,000 homes and businesses experienced blackouts - although power has been steadily restored.

Storm-related deaths were also reported in Vermont, Ohio, Missouri, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Colorado. South Florida’s temperatures dropped so low, that iguanas froze and fell from trees.

The western US state of Montana was the worst hit by the cold, with temperatures dropping to -50F (-45C).

In Canada, the provinces of Ontario and Quebec are bearing the brunt of the storm.

Four fatalities occurred when a bus rolled over on an icy road near the town of Merritt, in the western province of British Columbia.

China to end Covid quarantine for foreign arrivals

China has announced that its requirement for travellers arriving in the country to go into quarantine will end on 8 January.

The measure is the latest in a series of restrictions to be lifted as China abandons its zero-Covid policy.

China is seeing an explosion in Covidrelated infections and medical workers have said they are struggling to cope.

In his first comments on the changes, President Xi Jinping urged officials to do what was “feasible” to save lives.

State media quoted him as saying the country faced new situations demanding a more targeted response.

China has stopped publishing Covid statistics, but it is thought thousands of people may be dying every day.

Since March 2020, all passengers arriving in China have had to undergo mandatory centralised quarantine.

But the length of time has been progressively reduced, from three weeks originally to just five days at present.

Under the new rules, Covid will be downgraded from a Class A infectious disease to Class B, meaning that quarantine will no longer be enforced.

China’s about-turn on how it manages

the

say.

He was the driving force behind the zero-Covid policy, which was blamed for restricting people’s lives excessively and harming the economy.

But having abandoned it, he now has

to take responsibility for the huge wave of infections and hospital admissions, mainly among older people.

Public anger over the president’s handling of the pandemic is one of the areas in which he is most vulnerable.

Source; BBC

pandemic has left Mr Xi in an uncomfortable position, analysts

Police officers found a horrendous scene when they arrived

Some missiles hit critical power infrastructure, causing a blackout across the city

Taofeek Lamidi murder: Wanted man appeal over 2017 New Year’s Eve killing

Police investigating the murder of Taofeek Lamidi who was stabbed on New Year’s Eve in 2017 are trying to trace his suspected killer five years on.

Ahmed Mohamed, 25, is wanted in connection with the fatal stabbing of Mr Lamidi in Memorial Avenue, West Ham in east London.

The Met believe Mr Mohamed fled to Kenya after the stabbing.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information about the attack or Mr Mohamed’s whereabouts to come forward.

Det Ch Insp Wayne Jolley said: “Almost five years have passed since this horrific

incident that took a young man from his family and our investigation very much remains ongoing.

“Taofeek’s family deserve justice and we will not rest until we locate those responsible and bring them before the courts.”

Mr Lamidi was repeatedly stabbed and was found lying in the street at 19:37 GMT on 31 December 2017, and died at the scene at 20:22, police said.

Det Ch Insp Jolley added: “Violent incidents such as this have no place on London’s streets, and we are following up a number of lines of enquiry to locate Mohamed.”

Shell to pay $16m to Nigerian farmers over oil damage

Shell has agreed to pay $16m (£13m) to four Nigerian farmers and their communities to compensate for damage allegedly caused by pollution coming from leaks in its oil pipelines.

The sum was agreed in negotiations between the oil company and campaign group Friends of the Earth.

But it is being given on the basis of “no admission of liability”, a joint statement says.

Nigeria’s oil industry has been a major source of environmental damage.

The oil spills in this case happened from 2004 to 2007 and the pay out follows a decision last year by a Dutch court that the Nigerian branch of Shell was responsible for the damage.

Shell had argued that the leaks were a result of sabotage.

Shell’s headquarters were in the Netherlands until early this year. Campaigners hailed the 2021 court decision as the first time a multinational had been deemed legally responsible for what a subsidiary did.

“Thanks to this compensation we can build up our community once again. We can

start to re-invest in our living environment,” Eric Dooh, the son of one of the farmers who launched the case in 2008 alongside the Dutch branch of Friends of the Earth, said.

The money will be going to communities in Oruma, Goi and Ikot Ada Udo.

Although the amount of compensation is not huge, this development is seen as a milestone for rural communities across the Niger Delta region and environmental activists, the BBC’s Ishaq Khalid reports.

Oil pollution continues to damage the health and livelihoods of many in the area.

The four farmers who began the caseBarizaa Dooh, Elder Friday Alfred Akpan, Chief Fidelis A Oguru and Alali Efanga - said the leaks from underground oil pipelines had cost them their livelihoods by contaminating land and waterways.

Mr Efanga and Mr Dooh have died since the case was first filed so their sons pursued the case instead.

As well as compensation, last year’s court ruling ordered Shell to set up a leak early detection system. This has now been installed, the joint statement by Shell and Friends of the Earth said.

Seán Rooney: Arrest made after Irish soldier killed in Lebanon

At least one arrest has been made in Lebanon after an Irish soldier died while on a UN peacekeeping mission.

Pte Seán Rooney was in an armoured UN vehicle which came under fire while travelling to Beirut on 14 December.

Several arrests were made, the influential pan-Arab newspaper Asharq al-Awsat reports.

According to AFP news agency, quoting an unnamed security source, the prime suspect was handed over by the powerful Hezbollah militant group.

“The main shooter has been arrested by security forces after Hezbollah handed him over hours ago,” the source said.

Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the shooting. It is not clear whether the suspect is a member of the militant group.

The village where Pte Rooney was killed is a stronghold of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement.

Three separate investigations are being conducted into the incident by the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, Lebanese authorities led by a military prosecutor and the Irish Defence Forces.

Both the Irish and UN flags were used to cover Pte Rooney’s coffin

It is understood the vehicle was surrounded by a mob and fired on while

travelling to Beirut at about 21:00 on 14 December.

Pte Rooney was repatriated to Ireland last Monday following a UN ceremony to honour him in Beirut the previous day.

Irish President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Leo Varadkar were among mourners present at Pte Rooney’s funeral service in County Louth on Thursday.

Another soldier who was seriously injured in the same attack was returned home to the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday.

Trooper Shane Kearney, who suffered a head injury, was flown by a medical aircraft from Beirut Airport to Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, then taken to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.

Brazilian held over alleged bomb plot to stop inauguration

• Published • 6 hours ago

The bomb squad deployed a robot near the airport in Brasilia where the fuel truck was parked

Police in Brazil have arrested a man they say had tried to detonate an explosive device to “sow chaos” ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on 1 January.

The man had planted the bomb in a fuel

truck near the airport in Brasilia, but it failed to go off, police said.

The suspect told officers he had hatched the plan with other supporters of outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro.

Police are trying to find his possible coconspirators.

The 54-year-old suspect told investigators he had come to Brasilia on 12 November to take part in protests outside the army’s headquarters.

Supporters of President Bolsonaro have been demonstrating there for weeks, demanding that the security forces intervene to prevent his elected successor, Lula, from taking up office.

These hardcore supporters of the farright president believe that the presidential election, which Lula won by a narrow margin against Mr Bolsonaro, was fraudulent, even though there is no evidence to support their claim.

Mr Bolsonaro himself had repeatedly sown doubt about Brazil’s electronic voting system in the run-up to the election, thereby fuelling his supporters’ mistrust of the result.

His allegations have been dismissed as baseless by Brazil’s electoral court and a challenge by his party against the election result was also rejected, but many of his supporters remain convinced the election

was “stolen” from him.

Police said the suspect had told them that he and fellow protesters outside the army headquarters had decided “to try to provoke an armed forces intervention” to prevent “communism from taking hold in Brazil”.

They had planned to detonate a number of bombs across the capital to force the army to declare a state of emergency, in the hope of stopping the swearing-in ceremony from taking place.

Brasilia Police Chief Robson Cândido told journalists at a news conference that the group had set off the explosive device it had planted on a fuel truck parked at the city’s airport, but that it had failed to go off.

The device was spotted by the truck’s driver, who alerted police.

Officers managed to track the suspect to an apartment, where he was storing “an arsenal of weapons”, according to Mr Cândido.

Brazil’s justice minister designate, Flávio Dino, said security measures for Lula’s swearing-in on 1 January would be “re-evaluated and reinforced” following the incident. “Democracy won and will win,” he wrote on Twitter, referring to the election and the handover of power.

Source: BBC

Police say Taofeek Lamidi’s family deserve justice after he was fatally stabbed on New Year’s Eve 2017

Nigerians have been complaining about the environmental damage caused by the oil industry for many years

F rom A si A

China stages big military incursion, Taiwan says

China is staging one of its biggest incursions so far in the seas and skies around Taiwan, according to data from the island’s defence ministry.

It said that 71 Chinese air force planes, including fighter jets and drones, had entered Taiwan’s socalled air defence identification zone.

Taiwan is self-ruled - but China sees it as a breakaway province with which it will eventually reunite.

Tensions between the two sides have steadily increased in recent months.

In August, Beijing was enraged by a visit to the island by US Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, the

most senior US politician to visit Taiwan in 25 years.

China responded to that visit by holding what was then its biggest-ever military exercises in the seas around Taiwan, and also blocked some trade with the island.

Taiwan’s foreign minister Joseph Wu condemned China’s action then as highly provocative. China has never said it would not use force to bring Taiwan under its control.

On Monday, Taiwan’s defence ministry said 43 Chinese aircraft had crossed over the so-called median line, an unofficial buffer separating the two sides inside the air defence zone.

China said it had conducted

“strike drills” around Taiwan on Sunday in response to what it said was provocation from the island and the US.

Washington has always walked a diplomatic tightrope over the issue of Taiwan.

On the one hand it adheres to the One-China policy, a cornerstone of its relationship with Beijing. Under this policy, the US acknowledges that there is only one Chinese government, and has formal ties with Beijing rather than Taiwan.

But it also maintains close relations with Taiwan and sells arms to it under the Taiwan Relations Act, which states that the US must provide the island with the means to defend itself.

Indian Railways: The job-seekers tricked into counting trains

Police in India’s capital Delhi are investigating a complaint about a job fraud in which around 28 men were tricked into counting trains for days.

The men believed they were training for a job with the Indian Railways.

A former army official, who said he unknowingly put the men in contact with the alleged scammers, alerted the police about the fraud.

The victims paid between 200,000 rupees ($2,400; £2,000) and 2.4m rupees each to get the job, local media reported.

The Delhi police’s economic offences wing started investigating the alleged scam in November but the news became public only last week.

The men, who are from the southern Tamil Nadu state, were asked to stand at different platforms of the main railway station in Delhi for eight hours every day for about a month. There, they counted the trains that passed through the station every day, news agency Press Trust of India reported.

The men were promised they would be hired as ticket

examiners, traffic assistants or clerks in the railways, one of India’s largest employers.

One of the victims told The Indian Express newspaper that he had been looking for ways to support his family after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We went to Delhi for training - all we had to do was count trains. We were sceptical of the activity, but the accused was a good friend of our neighbour. I feel ashamed now,” he said.

Subbuswamy, the former army man who filed the complaint with the police, told PTI that he had been helping young men from his hometown in Tamil Nadu Virudhunagar district find jobs “without any monetary interest” for himself.

He said he met a person called Sivaraman who claimed to have connections with lawmakers and ministers and offered to find government jobs for the unemployed men.

He then put Subbuswamy and the victims in touch with another man, who even took the candidates for fake medical examinations. The man later stopped answering phone calls

from them.

Some of the victims said they borrowed money to pay the scammers.

Scams for government jobs

are often reported in India, where millions of young people are desperate for stable, secure employment. In March 2021, police in the southern Hyderabad

North Korean drone reaches north of Seoul

South Korean military officials say North Korea has flown five drones across their mutual border.

The “unmanned aerial vehicles” violated South Korean airspace in the border areas around Gyeonggi province, said the country’s joint chiefs of staff.

One drone flew all the way to the northern edge of the capital, Seoul, before returning across the border.

Jets and attack helicopters were deployed, but 100 rounds fired from helicopters failed to shoot them down.

A South Korean military official said they had since lost track of all the drones, but that they were no longer in flight.

The incursion comes amid increased tensions on the Korean peninsula, with the North conducting

a record number of missile tests this year.

The drones were spotted crossing the border at about 10:30 local time (01:30 GMT).

One of the South Korean warplanes involved in the operation, a KA-1 light attack aircraft, later crashed, but its two pilots escaped unhurt.

The plane fell to the ground in Hoengseong County, east of Seoul, soon after take-off from an air base in the nearby city of Wonju, according to the air force, quoted by Yonhap.

South Korea also suspended planes taking off and landing at its Incheon and Gimpo airports for about an hour.

A South Korean military official described the latest incursion as a clear act of provocation by

Pyongyang.

“Our military will continue to respond thoroughly and resolutely to North Korea’s provocations,” the military added.

In response, the South Korean military said it also sent surveillance planes into the North to photograph its military installations.

The last time a North Korean drone crossed the border was five years ago in June 2017, when tensions between the two Koreas were last at their highest.

North Korea’s drones pose a threat to South Korea’s security as they could be used both to spy on the South and to launch an attack on it.

Earlier this month, the North claimed to have performed major tests needed to help it develop its first spy satellite, which could be used to monitor South Korea. It

city said they had arrested two men believed to have tricked around a hundred candidates who thought they were being hired by the railways.

released an aerial photo of Seoul, which it said had been taken during the test.

Experts believe North Korea is

working to refine and improve its weapons, while putting pressure on the United States to ease sanctions in any future negotiations. BBC

China carried out a huge military drill around Taiwan in August as well

The Indian Railways is one of the country’s largest employers

North Korean drones have crossed the border before

The agony of endless wait for Indian sailors held in Nigeria

It isn’t unusual for seafarers to be away from their families for Christmas and other festivals.

But this festive season is particularly hard for the families of 16 Indian sailors who have been under arrest in Nigeria since November, when their ship was taken into custody by authorities there.

The men are part of a 26-member crew who were onboard a cargo ship called MT Heroic Idun. The rest of the sailors are from Sri Lanka, Philippines and Poland.

The ship - which is owned by Norway’s OSM Maritime Groupwas initially detained by Equatorial Guinea in mid-August based on an alert from Nigeria that the crew may have stolen crude oil from its terminal.

This week, India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar told parliament that according to a charge sheet filed by Nigerian authorities, the crew members have been charged with “conspiracy, evasion of lawful interception, and unlawful export of crude oil”. Their case will be heard by a Nigerian court on 10 and 11 January.

“We are providing them legal support, we are giving them consular support, and we will do whatever we can to help them in the circumstances,” the minister added. Nigeria is yet to officially comment on the minister’s statement.

After four months of anxiety, the sailors’ families say they are somehow clinging onto hope.

“My husband has been away earlier too during Christmas but never in this kind of a situation,” Sheethal Milton told the BBC. Her husband Milton Deoth has been a sailor for over two decades and works as a motorman on MT Heroic Idun.

In August, the ship’s crew was en route to pick up crude oil from Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria before

heading to deliver it in Rotterdam, Holland.

According to Sapna Trehan, wife of the ship’s master Tanuj Mehta, the ship was asked to leave Nigeria’s AKPO terminal after officials said they had no information about its arrival.

As the ship moved towards Equatorial Guinea, it was followed by a vessel claiming to be from the Nigerian navy, Ms Trehan’s husband told her, adding that the ship was detained on arrival there.

Ms Trehan added that the Heroin Idun could not identify the Naval ship in the darkness and assumed that it was a pirate ship.

In a press briefing on 15 November, a Nigerian navy official said that “apart from refusing lawful arrest, the Captain of the vessel made a broadcast of false piracy attack call

to International Maritime Bureau”, adding that Nigeria had not recorded any piracy attacks in its waters for more than a year.

The official also said the ship’s crew may have committed offences including violation of customs and immigration laws.

Documents filed in the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea say that the Equatorial Guinea navy followed a maritime code of conduct and detained the vessel on an alert sent by the Nigerian naval vessel.

The ship’s management later said that they had paid €2m ($2.12m; £1.76m) to authorities in Equatorial Guinea for not putting up the flag of the West African country on the ship while in its waters.

When the ship was detained in Equatorial Guinea, several crew

members had recorded videos and made phone calls to their families begging for help. They had also expressed apprehensions about being taken to Nigeria, citing the country’s previous dealings with sailors as the reason for their fears.

In 2021, Nigeria released a Swiss tanker three years after it had been first detained.

On 12 November, the Nigerian Navy formally seized the ship and parked it about “three or four hours from its port”, Ms Trehan said. The crew members are still on the vessel.

Ms Trehan said that the Nigerian Navy has been very responsive to the medical needs of the crew, and had provided care to two officers who had developed malaria on the ship.

But the crew’s family members say that the only connection they have with their family members is

short “two-three minute phone calls once in 12 or 15 days”.

“We are specifically asked to converse in English so that the guards can understand,” said Matilda Sanu, wife of Chief Officer Sanu Jose.

Ms Trehan says that she has only spoken to her husband thrice since November.

“We know that provisions have been provided to the ship by the company officials,” she said.

“Days are turning into weeks and months. We don’t know what to do,” Sneha Harshvardhan, wife of Harshvardhan Shouche, an engineer on the ship, told the BBC.

“For no fault of the crew members, we are all suffering. I don’t have any words to express our trauma,” she said.

When the ship was detained in Equatorial Guinea, several crew members had recorded videos and made phone calls to their families begging for help. They had also expressed apprehensions about being taken to Nigeria, citing the country’s previous dealings with sailors as the reason for their fears.

In 2021, Nigeria released a Swiss tanker three years after it had been first detained.

On 12 November, the Nigerian Navy formally seized the ship and parked it about “three or four hours from its port”, Ms Trehan said. The crew members are still on the vessel.

Ms Trehan said that the Nigerian Navy has been very responsive to the medical needs of the crew, and had provided care to two officers who had developed malaria on the ship.

But the crew’s family members say that the only connection they have with their family members is short “two-three minute phone calls once in 12 or 15 days”.

Source: BBC

The crew members have been away from their families for almost four months

Sixteen Indians are part of a multinational crew whose cargo ship was seized by Nigeria in November

PUBLIC NOTICE

LOSS OF LAND DOCUMENTS

I, MARYAM SAIDU OF PLOT NUMBER 2034, MAITAMA DISTRICT, ABUJA WISH TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF MY MISSING LAND DOCUMENTS (R OF O) WITH DETAILS BELOW; PLOT NO. 2034

LAND SIZE: 2524,36

LAND USE: RESIDENTIAL FILE NO. GO 60271

DISTRICT: MAITAMA (AO5)

ALL EFFORTS TO FIND THE MISSING DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE. THE GENERAL PUBLIC ARE HEREBY INFORMED TO TAKE NOTE.

PUBLIC NOTICE

KURUDU HAUSA YOUTH 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.BUHARI HABIBU IDRIS

2.TASIU AMINU

3.ISIYAKU SANI

4.BABA ANAS HASSAN

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO SUPPORT MEMBERS BOTH FINANCIAL AID OTHER MEANS TO IMPROVE THEIR ECONOMIC WELLBEING 2.TO PROVIDE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR YOUTH AND MEMBERS ALSO PROMOTE SKILL ACQUISITION.

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 : PRESENTED BY BARR IJEOMA.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRISTIAN AMAZONS AND YOUTH INITIATIVE CAC/IT/NO. 123764

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR CERTIFIED TRUE COPY (CTC) OF LOSS OF ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

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

PASTORAL RESOLVE CAC/IT/NO.11991.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REMOVAL AND APPOINTMENTS OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE NEWLY APPOINTED TRUSTEES ARE :

1. ALHAJI ABUBAKAR BOBBOI JAURO (PRESIDENT)

2. MALLAM NUHU RIBADU

3. DR NAFISATU DAHIRU MUHAMMAD

4. PROFESSOR JIBRILLA DAHIRU AMIN

5. DR MUNZALI DANTATA

6. COMRAD MUHAMMAD BELLO

7. SALEH BASHAYI MOMALE (SECRETARY)

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.

CLASSIFIED

PUBLIC NOTICE

YKO HUMANITARIAN 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. YEKINI KAZEEM OLALEKAN 2 YEKINI TAWAKALITU OLAPEJU

3. OLATUNDE KAZEEM OLALEKAN

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO ASSIST THE LESS PREVILEDGE 2.TO EMPOWER THE CITIZENS ECONOMICALLY, FINANCIALLY AND INTELLECTUALLY.

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

AGRIC MARKET WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE INITIATIVE ASSOCIATION, ABUJA

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).

1) CHIOMA MARY MBA - PRESIDENT

2) VICTORIA NKEMJIKA OBIORA

3) ESTHER CHINAZA MBA - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1) TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS

2) TO EDUCATE FARMERS AND GIVE AND AID TO THEM.

3) TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY THROUGH FARMING.

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 SAM T. ANI 08065475774.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GENDER MOBILE COUNSELLING INITIATIVE CAC/IT/NO: 100741. COPE COUNSELLING FOUNDATION

PUBLIC NOTICE

OMINIPOTENT POWER AND PROPHETIC MINISTRY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1.APOCHI GABRIEL OLAYINKA ---- CHAIRMAN.

2. ODELEYE OLUJIMI VICTOR

3. MOBAYO AYOOLA TEJUOLA

4. AJIBOYE SUNDAY OLAREWAJU

5.APOCHI ELIZABETH BOLANLE ---- SECRETARY.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO RAISE A FORMIDABLE CHRISTIAN ARMY FOR CHRIST.

2. TO WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST.

3. TO DELIVER THOSE IN SPIRITUAL BONDAGE THROUGH INTERCESSORY PRAYER AND PROPHECY.

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 : BY SAMUEL IYANU OLA, ESQ.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ERHUVWUOGHENE GIRLS RIGHT FOUNDATION CAC/IT/NO: 84455.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR THE RESIGNATION OF ONE (1) TRUSTEE UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF THE 2020 REASON FOR THE RESIGNATION OF ONE (1) OF THE TRUSTEES.

REASON FOR THE RESIGNATION OF ONE (1) OF THE TRUSTEES (MRS. RUTH OMONOME OJOUGBOH) IS THAT SHE IS NO MORE INTERESTED IN THE FOUNDATION’S ACTIVITIES.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. OMAMULI REWANE. - RETAINED

2. HON. STELLA OKOTETE ERHUVWUOG - RETAINED 3. DR. MRS. UFUOMA AWOMOSURETAINED

4. MRS. RUTH OMONOME OJOUGBOHRESIGNED

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.

ADDRESS : PLOT 14D, CITICAPE ESTATE, LOKOGOMA, FCT ABUJA

JOY WONDER AMBASSADORS GLOBAL EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

2. TO TRAIN AND EQUIP TEENAGERS IN VOCATIONAL SKILLS ACQUISITION. 3. TO ORGANIZED CARRIER OPPORTUNITY SEMINARS FOR TEENAGERS TO KNOW THE DIFFERENT OPTIONS AND PICK WHAT’S BEST FOR THEM AND COACHING TO PREPARE FOR EXAMINATIONS.

4. TO EMPOWER TEENAGERS AND YOUTHS THAT NEED EMPOWERMENT IN SELF-SUSTAINING SKILL ACQUISITION.

SIGNED : VICTOR OVIE ALI ESQ.

PUBLIC NOTICE 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. OKOR JOY OKE-OGHENE (CHAIRMAN) 2. ALI OVIE VICTOR (SECRETARY) 3. OBOITE ISAIAH ESOSA (MEMBER) THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION : 1. TO ORGANIZED AWARENESS PROGRAMMES SO TEENAGERS CAN UNDERSTAND CLIMATE, IT’S CHANGES AND EFFECTS ON HUMANITY.

AMAGID

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS AMAGID BUFFON, BOKA DOB 06 -04 - 1994. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ISMAIL DANMUSA, NEW DOB: 01-01-1996. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ADIGUN

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

PUBLIC NOTICE

NEW GUDU MASJID ASSOCIATION KUBWA

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. KIDA ABDULAZIZ MAMMAN

3. GARBA ABUBAKAR SURU

4. IBRAHIM MUHAMMAD ARAB

5. YUNUSA ABDULKARIM BABA

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO ENLIGHTEN AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE ISLAMIC KNOWLEDGE TO THE EXTENT THAT WILL ASSIST THEM IN PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT.

2. TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE AND TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS AND CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY.

3. TO ASSIST THE POOR PEOPLE AND THE NEEDY OF THE COMMUNITY.

4. TO PROVIDE FOODS AND SHELTER TO THE NEEDY MUSLIM.

5. TO PROMOTE ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES.

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

KURUDU

HAUSA YOUTH 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.BUHARI HABIBU IDRIS

2.TASIU AMINU 3.ISIYAKU SANI

4.BABA ANAS HASSAN

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO SUPPORT MEMBERS BOTH FINANCIAL AID OTHER MEANS TO IMPROVE THEIR ECONOMIC WELLBEING

2.TO PROVIDE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR YOUTH AND MEMBERS ALSO PROMOTE SKILL ACQUISITION.

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 : PRESENTED BY BARR IJEOMA.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRISTIAN AMAZONS AND YOUTH INITIATIVE CAC/IT/NO. 123764

THE TRUSTEES REMAIN THE SAME.

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

PASTORAL RESOLVE CAC/IT/NO.11991.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REMOVAL AND APPOINTMENTS OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE NEWLY APPOINTED TRUSTEES ARE :

1. ALHAJI ABUBAKAR BOBBOI JAURO (PRESIDENT)

2. MALLAM NUHU RIBADU

3. DR NAFISATU DAHIRU MUHAMMAD

4. PROFESSOR JIBRILLA DAHIRU AMIN

5. DR MUNZALI DANTATA

6. COMRAD MUHAMMAD BELLO

7. SALEH BASHAYI MOMALE (SECRETARY)

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

YKO HUMANITARIAN 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. YEKINI KAZEEM OLALEKAN

2 YEKINI TAWAKALITU OLAPEJU

3. OLATUNDE KAZEEM OLALEKAN

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO ASSIST THE LESS PREVILEDGE

2.TO EMPOWER THE CITIZENS ECONOMICALLY, FINANCIALLY AND INTELLECTUALLY.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1) CHIOMA MARY MBA - PRESIDENT

2) VICTORIA NKEMJIKA OBIORA

3) ESTHER CHINAZA MBA - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1) TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS

2) TO EDUCATE FARMERS AND GIVE AND AID TO THEM.

3) TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY THROUGH FARMING.

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 SAM T. ANI 08065475774.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GENDER MOBILE COUNSELLING INITIATIVE CAC/IT/NO: 100741. COPE COUNSELLING FOUNDATION

PUBLIC NOTICE

OMINIPOTENT POWER AND PROPHETIC MINISTRY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1.APOCHI GABRIEL OLAYINKA ---- CHAIRMAN.

2. ODELEYE OLUJIMI VICTOR

3. MOBAYO AYOOLA TEJUOLA

4. AJIBOYE SUNDAY OLAREWAJU

5.APOCHI ELIZABETH BOLANLE ---- SECRETARY.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO RAISE A FORMIDABLE CHRISTIAN ARMY FOR CHRIST.

2. TO WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST.

3. TO DELIVER THOSE IN SPIRITUAL BONDAGE THROUGH INTERCESSORY PRAYER AND PROPHECY.

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 : BY SAMUEL IYANU OLA, ESQ.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ERHUVWUOGHENE GIRLS RIGHT FOUNDATION CAC/IT/NO: 84455.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR THE RESIGNATION OF ONE (1) TRUSTEE UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF THE 2020 REASON FOR THE RESIGNATION OF ONE (1) OF THE TRUSTEES. REASON FOR THE RESIGNATION OF ONE (1) OF THE TRUSTEES (MRS. RUTH OMONOME OJOUGBOH) IS THAT SHE IS NO MORE INTERESTED IN THE FOUNDATION’S ACTIVITIES.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. OMAMULI REWANE. - RETAINED 2. HON. STELLA OKOTETE ERHUVWUOG - RETAINED 3. DR. MRS. UFUOMA AWOMOSURETAINED 4. MRS. RUTH OMONOME OJOUGBOHRESIGNED 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.

ADDRESS : PLOT 14D, CITICAPE ESTATE, LOKOGOMA, FCT ABUJA

JOY

WONDER AMBASSADORS GLOBAL EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

2. TO TRAIN AND EQUIP TEENAGERS IN VOCATIONAL SKILLS ACQUISITION. 3. TO ORGANIZED CARRIER OPPORTUNITY SEMINARS FOR TEENAGERS TO KNOW THE DIFFERENT OPTIONS AND PICK WHAT’S BEST FOR THEM AND COACHING TO PREPARE FOR EXAMINATIONS. 4. TO EMPOWER TEENAGERS AND YOUTHS THAT NEED EMPOWERMENT IN SELF-SUSTAINING SKILL ACQUISITION.

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.

PUBLIC NOTICE 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. OKOR JOY OKE-OGHENE (CHAIRMAN) 2. ALI OVIE VICTOR (SECRETARY) 3. OBOITE ISAIAH ESOSA (MEMBER) THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION : 1. TO ORGANIZED AWARENESS PROGRAMMES SO TEENAGERS CAN UNDERSTAND CLIMATE, IT’S CHANGES AND EFFECTS ON HUMANITY.

PUBLIC

IKE OBIORA 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. IKECHUKWU NWORA OBIORA: CHAIRMAN/TRUSTEE 2. NGOZI JOAN NWANTA: SECRETARY/TRUSTEE 3. CHUKWUMA KINGSLEY OBIORA: TRUSTEE 4. WALTER ELOCHUKWU ABAH: TRUSTEE 5. CHIJIOKE EMMANUEL NDUKWE: TRUSTEE 6. ALEX CHIDI OKAFOR: TRUSTEE 7. LUKE CHIDIEBERE OFFORDIEGWU. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.ASSISTING INDIGENT CHILDREN THROUGH ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT. 2.ASSISTING IN THE ADVANCEMENT OF CULTURE AND EDUCATION TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE AT ALL LEVELS IN THE COMMUNITY. 3.TO PROVIDE HOPE TO UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN AND HIGHER INSTITUTION’S STUDENTS 4.TO RAISE A GENERATION OF CHANGE AGENTS/NATION BUILDERS. 5.TO PROVIDE VALUABLE AND LIFE CHANGING MENTORSHIP TO UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN. 6.TO PROVIDE UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN WITH A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE

420,

TIGRIS CRESCENT ,

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).

THIS IS

2. GAMBO ABDURAHMAN BALA

How Life Camp Volleyball Club is setting the pace in Nigeria’s grassroots volleyball development

By Amaechi Agbo

Private ownership of a volleyball club in Nigeria is not common. This is primarily due to the huge capital involvement to run such a project in the country.

However, Life Camp Volleyball Club in Jabi, Abuja, the first and only privately owned volleyball club in the country has been redefining volleyball private ownership and grassroots development with articulated programmes.

One of such programmes is the Life Camp Volleyball Club Championship, a traditional end-of-the-year competition that brings to an end all actives of the club each year.

The competition which has spanned six years - from 2014 till date - was held between December 16 and 18, 2022. Team White won both male and female categories.

The final played on Sunday December 18 saw prominent individuals both in politics and sports grace the tournament despite the two final matches coinciding with the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The World Cup final between Argentina and France kicked off by 4pm, same time as the Life Camp Volleyball Club Championship. But prominent personalities who love football very much, ignored the World Cup final to honour the volleyball tournament held at Jabi Lake Park, Abuja.

Dignitaries present at the 6th In-House Volleyball Tournament organised by Life Camp Volleyball Club includes: Dr Babangida Aliyu - former Governor of Niger State; Sen Olubunmi Olujimi: Sen Shehu Sani - former senator representing Kaduna Central District at the National Assembly; former minister of sports, Eng Sani Ndanusa; Nigeria Volleyball Federation President, Engr. Musa Nimrod; Commodore Aliyu Pindar, Chairman, FCT Volleyball Association, among others.

Their presence at the final justified the huge interest the Life Camp Volleyball Club Championship has generated over the past years.

The six teams that came 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each categories shared N440, 000 total prize money, a board member of the club and Chairman Technical Committee, Arc. Adamu Tanimu told our correspondent that the club is the pace setter in establishing privately sponsored volleyball club in the country.

While going back memory lane to recreate the foundation of the Life Camp Volleyball Club Abuja, he enumerated it’s achievements which include the qualification of the club to the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League, sustaining the annual competition for the past six years as the in-roads the club has made within a short time.

He mentioned key challenges facing the club as funding/ Sponsorship, publicity, among others.

Below are excerpts from our correspondent’s interaction with Arc.

Adamu Tanimu:

In the Beginning

The Life Camp Volleyball Club 6th In-house Competition is a traditional end-of-the-year competition which brings us to the end of all activities as far as 2022 is concerned.

Life Camp Volleyball Club stared by some group of players that have played the game to national level from across the country here in Abuja so that we find a platform where after we have retired from active volleyball, play the game at our own pace. It is also in consideration of the need to establish a private volleyball platform that will encourage individuals to come and support the volleyball federation so that we reach our ultimate objective of representing the country internationally.

We involve several people such that Life Camp Volleyball Club has become a household name in the country. Mark you, Life Camp Volleyball Club is the only privately sponsored volleyball club in the country that has a team in the Premier League, has a playing ground that is of standard as far as outdoor volleyball is concerned globally.

The Challenges

In any human endeavour, you can but not do without challenges. Like I said, this is the single privately owned volleyball club in the country and is taking volleyball to this level. Of course, supporting such kind of club with the facilities that you can see needs funding and that is why you don’t normally see this kind of facilities all over the country except those established by government. Funding is the number one challenge.

Trying to support the government’s intention of bringing the youth out of their conundrum so that their interest now come into sports and they develop themselves, intellect and become proper better Nigerian is also a difficulty.

Publicity is also there. We are finding it very difficult to get all over the country so that volleyball becomes that number one sport in the country, is a challenge.

Other than that, of course, we have so few minor challenges that are purely inward. How we administer ourselves and get ourselves to that practice of best club management, especially volleyball club that is found all

over the world.

Naming 2022 Competition after Nigeria Volleyball Federation President

Volleyball has been facing numerous challenges within the past years but the coming of the current president into the federation, we realized that there are so many innovations that are bringing the volleyball community in the country together which is improving our performance outrightly internationally. Therefore, such kind of individual needs to be encouraged, supported and be giving the right credit where they deserve it the more so that we will be able to bring in those ones that are sitting on the fence so that they will be able to take this our volleyball into that level we are thinking of.

Promotion To The Premier League

All the clubs that are playing in the Premier League are either owned by one corporate, some how, a government organization or mostly paramilitary organisations. So we have become the pace setters so

that other individuals that are out there, can come in and set such kind of project towards competing in the premier league.

That will boost our performance internationally as a country, in terms of volleyball competitions. That is our aim and how we think we can sustain this project towards achieving that our ultimate aim of being the premier privately owned volleyball club in the country.

Appeal For Sponsorship

Volleyball Club is a capital intensive project especially at private level. We are doing our best, we took the challenge to get the club promoted to the Volleyball Premier League. After achieving that, we now need more funding to sustain the club up there.

One of the things that we see as prime challenge is funding. To tackle this challenge, we have to think inward and from there look outward to highly spirited individuals and corporate organisations to come to our aid by sponsoring some of these competitions that we are getting into. We need sponsors, support to remain up there in the league.

Team White players celebrating their victory

“But you have not given us joy” - Super Eagles lambasted on happy Christmas message

By Amaechi Agbo

Ten months after the Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and 8 days after the final, Nigeria football followers are yet to get over the disappointment and pain of the team’s absence in Qatar.

And it does appear that they waited till Christmas Day to pour out their anger as a section of the fans have lampooned the team for wishing them “merry Christmas” on December 25.

The Super Eagles took to their official Tweeter page to wish Nigerians “merry Christmas” with the following message “We hope this Christmas brings you joy and happiness”

The message however, did not go down well with some of the fans who questioned how the team could wish them “joy and happiness” when they have not given Nigerians such.

Below are reactions to the post by fans:

@PeterObi4president said “They (the) only joy una fit give me , is to win they next Afcon tournament and maybe 2026 world cup with Peter Obi attending both finals as President of Nigeria , baba God please run am for us as Christmas gift.

@Frankie2560 asked the players to show more dedication, he said “We need results pls,relate our message...we wish them and their families merry christmas. we need more dedication from the likes (of) Aribo and Lookman not strolling on the pitch (Aribo) or losing ball carelessly (Lookman)”

@Big_Bhat tweeted “But you haven’t given us joy and happiness”

@Cimmoski has this to say “This wishing is not good at all. More like from ndi na amaro ball aku to ndi Ike Uwa gwuru....

Merry Xmas to you people there.”

@JettoeUchir simply called it message a “Poor PR. Should have been our home jersey”

@JAYKAYCII “The joy and happiness you and your eagles took away from the people? you’re now hoping something else restores it?”

@Gen_Sani_111 “Ameen...Wishes the National team will live up to the task”

@DurojaiyeSegun “So your team, which consists of semi average players, can steal the joy & happiness away again by 2023 after crashing out of the AFCON group stage?”

@Babalol24830224 asked the team to ‘psrk well” tweeting “You say what?? Where is d super in the Eagles? Or what is super in these

Niger Tornadoes Chairman, Coach, Others, Bag Awards For Excellent Performance

Niger Tornadoes FC’ Fans Club have conferred an award of excellence on the chairman of Niger Tornadoes Football Club Minna, Hon. Adamu Aliyu Mohammed.

In an event that took place at the Niger Tornadoes FC Secretariat, Ministry Of Youth and Sports Development over the week, the Technical Adviser of the State owned team, Abubakar Bala Mohammed also received an award alongside four players, for their outstanding performance last season.

According to the organizers of the award ceremony (Fans Club) the essence of rewarding the outstanding performers, is to encourage other players to emulate their colleagues to always give their all when called upon.

The Fans Club which was created and registered in 2016 with the aim of volunteering to give the much needed support to the team, had Amos Silas Jako as her first Chairman, while the current chairman is Abubakar Adamu Layi.

Aside organizing an award ceremony, the FANS CLUB have always made it a duty to vote and recognize best player of the team on a weekly bases during league matches.

The Award for Excellent Performance were presented to Niger Tornadoes Chairman Hon. Adamu Aliyu, Technical Adviser, Abubakar Bala Mohammed, Teams Captains, Ifeanyi Okoye and Sunday Akinmoladun, the other two players who bagged awards are; Lukman Mohammed

and Daniel Edeh who had since departed the club and pitched tent with a foreign club.

Responding on behalf of all the recipients, Abubakar Bala Mohammed, acknowledged the important contributions of the FANS CLUB and said their efforts can not be underestimated.

While calling on the need to sustain the tempo and maintain a greater synergy between the FANS & SUPPORTER’S CLUB in the best interest of the team, Coach Bala urged them to spread their tentacles in the area of seeking partnership and sponsorship as obtainable in the most developed places.

He stressed that the issue of sponsorship which is generally lacking among Nigeria clubsides must be tackled so as reduce over dependence on government.

He said, “For instance, most clubs including Tornadoes do not have economic right of players, losing huge amount of money to agents, anytime players secure deals outside the shores of the country. In our case when Daniel Edeh secured his move away, his agent took the lion share of the whole transfer fees, as a result of inability to pay his clearance fees outrightly, so a lot need to be done in this aspect”.

Thereafter, Coach Bala made a pledge of N100,000 to the FANS CLUB.

Also speaking, the special guest of honor at the event, APC State Publicity Secretary Hon. Labaran Sarkin Kaji, while reiterating that

Niger Tornadoes is one of the famous clubsides in Nigeria with supporters spread within and outside the State, said, football is loved and cherished by many but performed by the youth, hence the need for government to give the sector a special attention. He said football if well

harnessed can boost the economy of a state, he commended the current chairman of the team, Hon. Adamu Aliyu for doing so well in terms of piloting the affairs of the team and used the occasion call on the Coaches to place special consideration on home based players.

Club Owners boycott 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League season

By Amaechi Agbo

Crisis has hit the proposed kickoff of the 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season slated for January 8 as Club Owners have withdrawn their participation in the new season.

The Chairman, Club Owners Association, Barr Isaac Danladi confirmed the development in a release issued on Christmas Day.

According the release, the Club Owners vowed not to attend the Wednesday, December 28 draw for the new season neither would they participate in the league if the

Interim Management Committee, IMC goes ahead to adopt an abridged format for the new season against a majority decision for a straight league.

“This is to bring to your notice that we are in receipt of the above circular inviting clubs for the 2023 NPFL draws on abridged league format.

“Consequently, I wish to further inform members and state categorically that this is not in consonance with the joint decision of clubs and IMC at the last meeting of Wednesday 21st Dec 2022 whereby it was agreed inter-alia that the abridged league

proposed by IMC and the straight league which was overwhelmingly proposed by the clubs would be communicated to NFF by the IMC for further necessary action.

“We are therefore perplexed and amazed that just few hours after the meeting, IMC came up with a circular fixing 28th December as date for draws based on abridge league format,” the release said.

“We wish to categorically dissociate ourselves with the circular and state firmly that clubs would not be part of the draws on 28th December 2022, neither would we participate in an abridged league.

The clubs remain resolute in their quest to have a “better league that will endure, hence we cannot be part of an arrangement that will not be beneficial to football development in Nigeria.

“In view of the above, a meeting of the club Owners is being proposed for 28th December 2022 in Asaba Delta state to review matters arising among other things.

“Details of the meeting and other logistics will be announced soonest, please.

“We appreciate members for their patience and good conducts since this saga started.”

Eagles??? I beg park well”

Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after they were held to a 1-1 draw against Ghana in Abuja on March 29. Ghana qualified on away goal rule.

Argentina were crowned champions of

the world on Sunday December 18 after they defeated France 4-2 on penalties to lift the diadem.

The Super Eagles will regroup in March next year as they continue qualification race for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.

Super Eagles Christmas message

Niger Tornadoes award reception

Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana retires from international football

By Amaechi Agbo

Less than a month after he was sent out of the Indomitable Lions camp in Qatar at the 2022 World Cup due to disciplinary actions, Cameroon first choice goalkeeper, Andre Onana has announced his retirement from international football.

The Inter Milan of Italy shotstopper retired aged 26.

In a post he made on Twitter Friday, Onana told a short story of how he dreamed of wearing the Indomitable Lions jersey stressing that “however beautiful a story it may be, has its end. And my story with the Cameroonian national team has come to an end.”

“It all started in Ngol Nkok, a small village where, from a very young age, my family passed on to me the values that identify the Cameroonian people. understood that love for this country is eternal and that commitment is nonnegotiable.

“I remember how we watch the matches as a family. Only Cameroonians can understand what it means to us to see the Indomitable Lions play. That’s when I started dreaming of one day wearing the national team jersey. And now, after endless hours of training, endless trips and a lot of perseverance, I can proudly say that I have fulfilled my great dream.

“But every story, however beautiful it may be, has its end. And my story with the Cameroonian national team has come to an end. Players come and go, names are fleeting, but Cameroon comes before any person or player.

“Cameroon remains eternal and so does my love for the national team and for our people who have always supported us no matter how difficult the moment was. My feeling will never change. My Cameroonian heart will continue to beat and wherever I go I will always fight to lift the flag of Cameron as high as possible.

“I will continue to support as a

fan, just as the more than 27 million Cameroonians do at every match. I can only thank all those who trusted me and believed that I could add and contribute to this team. The nation first and forever”

Onana who had 34 caps in a sixyear international career debuted for Cameroon in a 2–1 friendly win over Gabon in September 2016. He featured in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations thirdplace game against Burkina Faso.

On 9 November 2022, he was named in the final squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He played the first match against Switzerland, before being dropped in the second against Serbia, then he was eventually suspended from the tournament on 28 November, due to a disciplinary issue related to arguments about tactics with his coach Rigobert Song.

Onana announced his retirement from international football on 23 December 2022

Morocco to build 93, 000 capacity stadium in 2025

By Amaechi Agbo

Fresh from their historic World Cup performances in 2022 World Cup where they became the first African country to reach the Semi-final stage, Morocco is planning to build a 93, 000 capacity national stadium in 2025.

Morocco plans to launch 93,000 capacity Grand Stadium of Casablanca in 2025.

Sited in its largest city, Casablanca, the stadium will serve as the home of the Moroccan men’s national team, the Atlas Lions.

Morocco became the first African Nation to reach World Cup Semi-final in Qatar where they earned $25 million for 4th place after losing the 3rd-place playoff 2-1 against Croatia on Saturday Morocco stunned the world with their selling performances, going unbeaten up until their final four fixture against France.

Morocco’s Atlas Lions are ranked 11 in the new FIFA World Rankings released last week.

Also, Morocco’s King, Mohammed VI decorated the players, coach, Walid Regragui and the president of the

Moroccan FA, Faouzi Lekjaa with national honours following their Qatar World Cup heroics.

The team returned home to much fanfare as Moroccans took to the streets to cheer on the players, who had made history for the North African nation on the world stage, during their parade around the capital city of Rabat on an open-top bus.

Morocco became the first ever African country to qualify for the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup, after their remarkable 1-0 victory over Portugal national team and they went on to finish at the 4th spot

of the competition.

Prior to this year’s edition of FIFA World Cup in Qatar, no African country made it beyond the quarter-final of the FIFA World Cup.

The Atlas Lions played seven matches in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, they secured four victories, drew one and lost two.

The King hosted the team alone with the mothers of the players.

Morocco bided to host the 2026 World Cup but lost the hosting rights to United States of America, Canada and Mexico who are co-hosting the global tournament slated to be played in June-July 2026.

Zambia appoints Avram Grant as new coach ahead of 2025 AFCON qualifiers

By Amaechi Agbo

2012 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON champions, Zambia have named former Chelsea manager, Avram Grant as new Coach ahead of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

The former Portsmouth and West Ham boss signed a two-year deal with an option to extend.

The former Ghana national team coach said his choice of Zambia was “for the right challenge” and expressed optimism of “doing a good job” with the team.

‘I was looking for the right challenge and that’s why I chose Zambia,’ Grant, 67, said at a press conference in Lusaka on Thursday.

“I came here because of the challenge and I hope when I leave here I will look around and say we did a good job and made a good foundation for the future.

‘I think Zambia has the potential, we have set the targets of what we want to achieve.’

Grant’s time in England was most notable for leading Chelsea to the 2008 Champions League final, which they lost on penalties to Manchester United.

The Israeli also steered Portsmouth to the 2010 FA Cup final, which they lost 1-0 to Chelsea.

But he was in charge of Portsmouth and West Ham when they were both relegated from the Premier League.

Grant later led Ghana to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final and a penalty shoot-out defeat to the Ivory Coast.

Zambia failed to qualify for the African knockout stages of 2022 World Cup qualification and parted company with Croatian coach Aljosa Asanovic in October.

Grant’s first games will be 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in March.

The Chipolopolo are currently second in the AFCON Group H qualifying race with 3 points from two matches. They will face Lesotho on March 20 and 28 next year.

Former Cameroon goalkeeper, André Onana

Avram Grant (middle) unveiled as new Zambia coach

Another NPFL player Ebuka Odenigbo is dead

Five things we learnt from Nasarawa rally

Nasarawa state anthem is a badge of honour.

By Amaechi Agbo

Aformer player of Kano Pillars, Ebuka David Odenigbo is Dead.

Odenigbo died on the early hours of Saturday. The cause of his death is not known.

The 21-year-old player last featured for the Kano Pillars FC of Kano between 2018 and 2022.

Best Choices Sports can report that Ebuka Odenigbo was born on 23rd July 2001 and graduated from the University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State.

He last played for Kano Pillars FC in the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season.

The attacker won gold medal at the 2017 Nigeria University Games, NUGA. He signed for Kano pillars in 2018 and won the 2018 Aiteo Cup with club.

That year, he played 35 NPFL matches, scored 9 and assisted further six goals.

Ebuka lost his elder brother last year. Wearing jersey number 24, Ebuka David Odenigbo, popularly called “Forty40” died on the 24 day of December, 2022

His death comes three days after Nasarawa United player, Chinedu Udechukwu died in Jos Plateau State on Wednesday

2022/23 Kebbi Beach Soccer League Round 3 Matchday 2 Results

Magatakarda BSC 9-6 YAB Foundation BSC (Man of the match: Siddiqi Umar of Magatakarda BSC) Marshal Academy BSC 3-0 Abdu Hassan Kalgo BSC Iliyasu Sports BSC 3-0 BBE BSC Iliyasu Sports BSC 5-4 Real Sand Star BSC (Man of the match: Hassan Muhammad of Iliyasu Sports BSC)

Nasarawa state is about the first state in northern Nigeria to have a national anthem. The anthem was first sung in public some two months ago, precisely on October 1, during celebrations to mark the 26th anniversary of the state’s creation and Nigeria’s 62nd Independence anniversary, both of which fall on same day. This twin event was celebrated at the Lafia Square with cultural dances, march pasts, culminating in a speech by Governor Abdullahi Sule. It was a fitting occasion to launch the anthem in public.

And its first stanza goes thus: Nasarawa the land of our birth Home of solid minerals

Rich in Culture and Agriculture

Though, we differ in tongues We are undivided and steadfast A land of our forefathers strive for

In hard work and dedication… …of our grand heroes

A legacy we shall cherish forever Land of promise we thrive

And the last sentence of the second stanza says: In God we trust, we are blessed Both stanzas of the Nasarawa State anthem are now sung at public events, rallies, to start off an occasion, immediately after the national anthem. I observed at the APC local government headquarters’ rallies that many people are now familiar with its wordings as more and more people now sing it by heart, and solemnly too.

2 ‘Let’s buga’ song is a g-oa-l

I am not really a fan of modern-day Nigerian (music) artists for two main reasons. The first is their rather weird lyrics which is not edifying. Those of older artists like Sonny Okosun, Christy Essien, Osadebey and their ilk are more meaningful, educative, impactful. Secondly, our modern artists sing in Pidgin English which I detest. Make use of a language in its pure form. Write and sing in standard English. Pidgin is corrupted English, a distortion. If a particular song is being played and you ask me for its title and name of the artist, I shall be starring at you, lost. However, in

By

NGOZI IKEANO

the past few months, I have been forced by circumstances to be very familiar with one Nigerian singer and the title of his song. Why? Because it is pervasive, literally played everywhere; in the neighbourhood, wedding ceremonies, gatherings of every kind including rallies. It is buga song by Kiss Daniel. Political parties have also caught the bug. Political party rallies usually start in the afternoon (around 2p.m.) when the highest dignitary arrives. However, the venues are often already packed with people from as early as 8a.m. In the meantime before arrival of VIPs, the crowd is entertained with Hausa campaign songs, praise songs eulogising the candidate(s), local artists and cultural dancers. There is never a dull moment. Once the ceremony proper begins, the ‘official’ disc jockey takes over especially in the big towns and capital city. And in the interlude, when a dignitary is called up to give his/ her speech as he/she is walking the distance to the podium, the music is played, buga. Then, the youths are let loose, so to speak, dancing away lustily to Buga song, adults seated under canopies would be seen shaking their heads or gyrating to the music. What surprised me is that virtually everybody, young and old alike were all singing along with the lyrics!

3 ‘Let’s

Vote, not fight’ campaign is alive

Popular musician, Tuface (Innocent Idibia) whose home state is Benue which is next door to Nasarawa State, pioneered and founded the ‘’No violence” campaign/ foundation with the theme ‘Let’s vote not fight’ and a promotion album about it. Members of this foundation were on ground at the Lafia, capital city of Nasarawa state, APC rally. Wearing a customised T-shirt and face cap, they walked round the venue, holding aloft placards on which is inscribed the words, ‘Vote not Fight’; ‘Ballot not Bullet’ and preaching the gospel of peaceful elections to the populace. The foundation’s State Coordinator, Envoh Emmanuel Okoli told me in a chat that they have branches in all states of the federation, and zonal directors in the three senatorial districts. He said that response to their campaigns has been positive. More grease to their elbows.

Apparently his many years in the United States where he worked in top notch companies and where decency is cherished by majority of the populace, rubbed off on him. However, during APC’s rally the governor let down his guard. The PDP had alleged that his APC administration has nothing to show for its years of governance. And Sule replied, ‘’I did not care about opposition party because they are not my business. Until they look for my trouble, I don’t even mention them….The PDP was unable to construct even one kilometre of road in the state’’.

5 Ghost of primaries still hovering around

4

Gov.

Sule lets down his guard

Nasarawa state governor, Engr. Abdullahi is a gentleman in all ramifications. Not for him the typical Nigerian politician’s way of politicking which is characterised by mudslinging, name calling and the like. He often overlooks bogus claims by opposition parties/politicians, laughing them off. Full stop.

Expectedly, as the ruling party, the primary election to pick candidates for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate was fierce with a plethora of aspirants jostling to get the tickets. There shall always be winners and losers in any election. At end of the primaries some of those who lost out left the APC to seek nomination in other parties while others challenged the outcomes in court. Some of the cases are still on-going. This has divided the party supporters into rival camps. Youths supporting an aggrieved personality sometimes exchange bitter words with the other camp, they shout down on some VIPs, etc. However, nobody was injured and no life was lost at the rallies.

In a statement he personally signed, Governor Sule remarked, “I must incidents”

“

Nasarawa state governor, Engr. Abdullahi is a gentleman in all ramifications. Not for him the typical Nigerian politician’s way of politicking which is characterised by mudslinging, name calling and the like.