Tuesday, April 6, 2021 Edition

Tuesday, April 6, 2021/ Sha’aban 23, 1442 AH

2538 Days after Malam Wada Maida (1950-2020), founding Chairman, Board of the Peoples Media Limited

Vol. 36 No. 044 N200

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The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

FG, ASUP to meet today over imminent strike >>>page 5

Police reinforce squads, finger IPOB for Imo attacks on formations page 5

IGP directs CP, crack team to fish-out perpetrators Buhari orders relevant agencies to end the anarchy

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Remains of some security vehicles burnt during an attack on a prison facility in Owerri by suspected hoodlums at about 2.00am Monday.

Boko Haram: Zulum salutes military, lists gains by troops in Gwoza, northern Borno

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Zamfara: Police kill APC committed many notorious bandit, recover mistakes and paid for firearm, military uniform them, says Ganduje pAGE 2

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Ebonyi killings: FG Wreckage of crashed NAF promises justice for Alpha jet not found in Bama victims - Spokesperson pAGE 4

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PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

News CONTENTS News 2-14 Op.Ed

12-13

Politics 15-17 Stock Watch Business Metro

18 19-20 21

World Analysis 22 Africa News

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World News

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Zamfara: Police kill notorious bandit, recover firearm, military uniform From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

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amfara State Police Command has succeeded in killing one of the most wanted bandits’ kingpin last Sunday in a gun duel along Tsibiri village near Sububu forest of Maradun local government area of the state.

In a statement by the Zamfara Police Command’s Spokesman, SP Shehu Muhammad, the success

was achieved by the team of Operation Puff Adder while on confidence building patrol in Maradun local government area.

“The Command in continuation of such kinetic actions against the recalcitrant bandits has Succeeded in neutralising a notorious armed bandit kingpin who specialised and has been on the radar of the Police for terrorising the innocent people of Maradun and other neighbouring LGAs

of Zamfara State”.

“On 4th April, 2021, Operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder II of the command while on confidence building patrol along Tsibiri village, near Sububu forest in Maradun LGA intercepted group of armed bandits who were believed to be on attack mission to the village.

“On sighting the Police operatives, they engaged them in a gun duel which the personnel quickly returned fire.

As a result, one of the bandits was gunned down, while other bandits fled into the forest with possible gun shot wounds.

“In the course of profiling the scene, an Ak 47 rifle with breech no. Ak 103- 2051361627 and one Magazine containing Four (4) rounds of live ammunition, one operational Motorcycle and a bag containing bundle of charms and set of Military Camouflage uniform were recovered”, the statement added.

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Digest

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Feature 26 Sports 30-31 Back Page

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News

Contestants for the position of Mr and Miss Ambassador of Unity in Plateau, during the grand-finale ceremony to mark the Easter celebration organised by Finine Global Conceptz in Jos on Monday .

Obasanjo, Gumi seek special courts for bandits, kidnappers

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ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo and renowned Islamic Cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi, have called for special courts to prosecute bandits and kidnappers across the country.

They made the call in a communique issued after a closed-door meeting in Abeokuta on Sunday.

They also called on the Local Government Councils, States and Federal Government to work together to return outof-schools children to classes, adding that education remains key to tackling insecurity.

They said that the special courts would cut the long bureaucracy in dealing promptly with cases of banditry,

kidnapping, ransom demanding and unlawful carrying of weapons.

Obasanjo and Gumi added that security remained the responsibility of all Nigerians, saying “we must not advertently or inadvertently, in words, action or inaction encourage or support criminality”.

The duo added that the hardened criminals must be hard hit with stick, saying unlawful carrying of arms should be seriously punished.

They appealed to the Federal government to take up the issue of security within the Economic Community of West African States towards a regional solution.

“Every community must be

encouraged and empowered to stand firm and strong against criminals.

“There should be protection and reward covertly for whistle blowers against criminals living in the community.”

They urged all well meaning Nigerians to support government in finding solutions to insecurity by desisting from blame game, ethnicising as well as regionalising these crimes.

They advised the Federal government to be proactive, secure necessary and updated intelligence to deal with organised crimes as well as have common policy for the Nation. ”We concluded that to keep Nigeria safe and secure for all Nigerians and others living in

Nigeria is a task that all wellmeaning Nigerians must engage in separately and collectively.”

The Gumi eight-man delegation include: Prof. Usman Yusuf, Tukur Mamu, Dr Umar Ardo, Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi, Suleiman Gumi, Suleiman Yakubu and Buba Mohammed.

Those present on the side of Obasanjo were Agura of Gbagura, Abeokuta, Oba Babajide Bakre and Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria in Ogun , Tunde AkinAkinsanya.

Other were Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sa’addallah Bamigbola and Former Chairman of the Police Equipment Fund, Kenny Martins.

Ag News Editor, Tobias Lengnam

Buhari orders relevant agencies to end the anarchy

By Egena Sunday Ode

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the deadly insurgent attack that took place on the Police Command Headquarters and the Correctional Facility in Owerri, Imo State, on Monday, calling it an act of terrorism.

In his reaction to the incident early on Monday, President Buhari praised

the initial response by security guards and security forces for preventing greater loss of life and the destruction of public property.

According to a statement by the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari directed security and intelligence agencies in the state and the geo-political zone to fully mobilize and go after the

terrorists, apprehend them and get them punished under the full weight of the law.

He also called for the best efforts to be made to rearrest fleeing prison detainees, many of whom are believed to be deadly criminals, the statement said.

President Buhari then appealed to members of the public to assist the law enforcement agencies with any relevant information that could lead to the

apprehension of these criminals who perpetrated this despicable act.

He also urged members of the public to be vigilant as all of us have a stake in preserving our way of life from disruption by terrorists and anarchists while the Federal Government will use every available tool at its disposal to confront and terminate this bare-faced anarchy, Shehu said.

APM Terminals, Apapa, acquires 7 new forklifts – Official

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Easter: Lawmaker tasks FCT residents on peaceful coexistence

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PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

PM Terminals, Apapa, has acquired seven new forklifts to facilitate customs examination and improve on movement of heavy materials at the terminal.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Nigeria’s leading container terminal operator, Apapa, Mr Steen Knudsen, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.

Knudsen said that the new equipment, including six 5tonns and one 16tonns forklifts, would enhance efficient performance of tasks at the customs examination bay and other units without having to share forklifts with other teams.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the terminal operator had, in 2020, announced an investment of $80 million for 2020-2021 fiscal year.

The amount brought the total investment by the company since 2006 to $438 million (N168 billion), widely seen as the highest investment by any terminal operator in Nigeria.

Knudsen said that as part of the company’s fleet renewal and expansion programme, it had acquired additional cargo handling equipment, including seven reach stackers, two empty handlers, two mobile harbour cranes MHCs) and four rubber tyred gantry cranes (RTGs).

With the new acquisitions, he said that the company now had 27 RTGs, 13 MHCs), several reach stackers, forklifts, empty handlers and specialised terminal trucks

in operation, thus making it the best-equipped port terminal in Nigeria.

The COO added that the terminal had also rolled out a talent development programme which included functional training for all employees.

“Our engineering maintenance

team are undergoing industrial automation and control training for better optimisation of the latest RTG fleet and other equipment. ”The functional training is in phases and it cuts across all departments. ”APM Terminals Apapa also recently embarked on massive

digitisation of its operations and services through the deployment of 4G LTE wireless network and construction of a new operation command centre to enhance service delivery,” he said.

Knudsen expressed the company’s commitment to deepening its investment in Apapa

to enable it handle increasing volumes at the port.

“The additional investments will create capacity to handle growth in the economy to support the Federal Government’s efforts on trade growth and improve service delivery across the logistics chain,” he said. (NAN)

A cross-section of past Queens during the grand-finale of the 2021 Mr and Miss Ambassador of Unity in Plateau to mark the Easter celebration organised by Finine Global Conceptz in Jos on Monday .

NSCDC boss warns job seekers to be ware of scammers

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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he Commandant General of the NIgeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has warned job seekers in the country to be ware of scammers.

NSCDC in a statement issued at the weekend by its PRO, Olusola Odumosu said the attention of the service has been drawn to some fake messages currently being circulated on social media inviting applicants for NSCDC re-

cruitment examination scheduled to take place at some undisclosed venues.

“The Corps wishes to distant itself from this fraudulent and malicious act of some unscrupulous elements in their attempt to hoodwink unsuspecting Nigerians especially the youths into thinking that NSCDC has commenced its recruitment process thereby demanding for unsolicited assistance and kickbacks to influence the selection process.

“It is instructive to state un-

equivocally that the maliciously circulated information about NSCDC Recruitment Examination is not only untrue and misleading but mischievous, fraudulent, unfounded and did not emanate from the stable of the Corps but sent out by scammers and fraudsters in their quest to swindle innocent job seekers.

“The general public is therefore advised to take this SCAM ALERT very seriously so as not to fall victim under any guise. Consequently, applicants are advised

to disregard the rumours of any recruitment examination, screening or selection process as it is a new trick adopted by criminal elements to defraud, molest, kidnap and kill their unsuspecting victims”.

The statement added that Audi, is presently studying the current position of the recruitment exercise which was commenced by his predecessor with a view to coming up with a well structured, transparent and credible template as well as time-

bound plans to conclude the process in record time.

“To this end, the Corps is using this medium to warn anyone using the name of the organization to dupe, scam or defraud innocent Nigerians to desist forthwith from such criminal act before the long arm of the law will catch up with them, imminently as the Commandant General has ordered a serious manhunt for those behind the sinister agenda with a promise to bring the perpetrators to book.”

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News

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he Federal Government has pledged to ensure justice for victims of the recent attacks on three communities of Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi, by unknown gunmen.

Vice President Yemi Osibanjo made the pledge on Sunday in Abakaliki while addressing stakeholders of the state after inspecting the affected communities and the Effium/ Ezza-Effium intra-communal crisis.

Osibanjo, who commiserated with the government and people of the state over the unfortunate incident, promised that the

Warri Chiefs announce passage of monarch

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Ebonyi killings: FG promises justice for victims assailants would be arrested and duly prosecuted.

“I convey the condolences from President Muhammadu Buhari as there is no justification whatsoever for the killings and destruction of property.

“The killings must be condemned in its strongest terms as the victims must have lived together for long with those who may have killed them,” he said.

The Vice President said that it was the responsibility of federal, state and local governments to ensure that such killings did not occur.

“I am, however, pleased that at the Egedegede Community,

the political leaders found some facts and evidence which would help security agencies in their investigations.

“This would help trace the perpetrators of this terrible act but our duty as political leaders is to maintain absolute peace in areas where we serve as leaders,’’ he said.

He pledged that the Federal Government has beefed security in the affected areas and other parts of the state by deploying additional soldiers and police personnel to the areas.

“We need to ensure that relief is sent to the affected areas as the National Emergency Management

Agency, among other relevant agencies, would be mobilised to assist the people with relief materials,” he said.

Gov. David Umahi thanked the Vice President for accepting to be sent by Buhari to visit the state in its mournful situation.

“You must have been reading in newspapers and the social media the amount of insults which South East governors receive for their efforts to ensure the unity of Nigeria.

“I thank God that we prevented a serious retaliation when the incident occurred but as the chief security officer of the state, I cannot control the situation if

such attack re-occurs,” he said.

Chief Martin Elechi, the immediate predecessor of the current governor, urged the Federal Government to immediately stem the spate of killings and destruction across the country as it was becoming embarrassing.

Chief Eni Uduma, Representative of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Ebonyi Chapter, said that the people could longer tolerate the incessant killings and destructions of their property by those suspected to be herders.

(NAN)

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Warri Traditional Council Of Chiefs has formally and publicly announced the passing on to eternal glory of His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu Of Warri to the solemn assembly of the Itsekiri Nation.

This announcement was made on Monday 5 April, 2021 and thus laid to rest the controversy surrounding the death of the monarch.

It was learnt that Chief Atserunleghe officially made the announcement by symbolically breaking three earthen (Native) pots containing white native chalks, one after the other on the floor.

Sources said he announced “Alejefun-ooooh” after each occasion and it was accompanied by twenty (20) cannon shots.

According to sources, the twenty cannon shots signified that twenty Olus had reigned over Iwere Land so far.

Meanwhile, he also announced Tsola Emiko as the Olu-designate, which was accompanied by wild ovation from Itsekiri sons and daughters present at the event.

Chief Atserunleghe also said that the Itsekiri people would be in a mourning mood in the next three months till the burial rite of the monarch is concluded.

“All Itsekiri adults both male and female will put their clothes upside down throughout this period of mourning.

“No party, no drumming or merriment of any sort in Itsekiri land, until the burial is over and new Olu Installed,” he said.

FG, ASUP to meet today over imminent strike Maryam Abeeb,Abuja

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he federal government through the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, has invited the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) to an emergency meeting following the threat by the Union to embark on strike.

In a statement by the Director Press and Public Relations, Ben Going, the emergency meeting is to hold today, the 6th of April 2021 at 11:00am at the Ministry's Headquarters in Abuja.

Explaining the reason for the emergency meeting, the Minister said the meeting is intended to nip the strike in the bud.

It will be recalled that ASUP has issued a notice of strike over what the union has described as the refusal of Government to implement some of the agreements entered into between the union and the Federal Government.

Kebbi plants 1m trees to combat desertification -Official

News

Police reinforce squads, finger IPOB for Imo attacks on formations • IGP directs CP Imo, special investigative team to fish-out perpetrators

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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he Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed A. Adamu, has ordered the immediate deployment of additional units of Police Mobile Force (PMF) and other Police Tactical Squads to Imo State to strengthen security in the State and prevent further attacks on security formations or any other critical national infrastructure in the State.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by Police PRO, Frank MBA. It said the IGP gave the directives following the attack on security operatives and formations including the Imo State Police Command Headquarters and the Headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) in Owerri in the early hours of

Monday, 5th April, 2021.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the attackers, who came in their numbers with sophisticated weapons such as; General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), Sub-Machine Guns (SMGs), AK49 rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), are members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The statement said attempt by the attackers to gain access to the Police armoury at the Headquarters was totally and appropriately resisted by Police operatives on duty who repelled the attackers and prevented them from breaking-in and looting the armoury.

“The armoury is thus intact!

Similarly, the police suffered no human casualty, apart from a

police Constable who sustained a minor bullet wound on his shoulder.

“Meanwhile, one of the operational vehicles of the attackers has been recovered by the Police and is currently being subjected to forensic scrutiny and investigations.

“The IGP, who condemned the attack on the security outfits, has further directed the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command and a new Special Investigation Team (specifically set up to deal with cases of incessant attacks on security formation/operatives in the region), to carry out holistic investigations into the incident with a view to fishing-out the perpetrators and bringing them to justice. The CP is to harness the security reinforcement squads and other operational assets at his disposal to take

the battle to the door-steps of the attackers and prevent any further attack anywhere within the State and its environs.

“The IGP, who described the deliberate and criminal attack on security operatives as an attack on the soul of our nation, has enjoined leaders in Imo State, the South-East and other parts of the country to speak out against the unfolding violence and criminality. The IGP calls on citizens to avail the Police and other security agencies with useful information that can assist in identifying and arresting the criminals. He vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to book, noting that the Force is doing all within its powers to curb the activities of unscrupulous elements hell-bent on threatening the unity, safety, security and socio-ecomomic wellbeing of Nigerians.”

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L-R : Registrar, Pharmacist Council of Nigeria, (PCN), Pharm. (Dr). Elijah Mohammed and Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Abubakar during the PCN courtesy visit to the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Easter: Lawmaker tasks FCT residents on peaceful coexistence

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Icah Jiba, Member, House of Representative, AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, has appealed to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to live peacefully to attract much-needed infrastructural development in the area.

Jiba, who made the call in his Easter message, said that the significance of the season was for every Christian to show an exemplary life of Jesus.

He added that divine evidence had shown that when people turn to God in true supplication, in times of distress, agony, sickness and disappointment, the Almighty God in turn answered prayers.

“It is only in a peaceful and conducive environment that business, government activities and the desired infrastructural development can be achieved.

“I urge you to use this Easter celebration to reflect on the significance of the FCT as the Center

of Unity of our great country.

“This is the season to show true neighbourliness and reach out to the needy and the less privileged, who have been impacted negatively

by COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

He advised residents to follow all the necessary COVID-19 protocols of constant hand washing, use of alcohol based sanitiser, and observing social distancing.

He described Easter as one of the holiest celebrations for

Christians that enabled them to reflect on the way of life of Jesus Christ while on earth to save mankind.

“This is one time where prevention is most certainly better than cure and you must therefore, be disciplined and maintain personal hygiene by observing all the guidelines.

He wished the residents of FCT a happy Easter celebration and encouraged them to stay safe throughout the festivity.(NAN)

Akwa Ibom spends N1.5bn annually on external examinations – Official

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PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

he Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebiet, says the state government spends N1.5 billion yearly on external examinations in public secondary schools in the state.

Etiebiet made the disclosure during an interactive session with newsmen in Eket Local Government Area of the state on Monday.

“The state government spends N1.5 billion on a yearly basis on external examinations for students in public secondary schools in the state.

“I really thank Gov. Udom Emmanuel for supporting education sector and for being an education-loving governor,” she said.

The commissioner, however, said that the governor had set a standard to the effect that, at least, 80 per cent of the students must have As in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, in the state.

Etiebiet said that the governor had declared a state of emergency in education sector, adding that efforts were being made to provide safe and conducive environment for

the education of Akwa Ibom children.

“We are not just declaring state of emergency in education sector but also following through with tangible, visible and sustainable actions to massively revamp the sector.

“Today, education is free and compulsory in the state because it is the most powerful weapon which can be used to change the world,” the commissioner said.

She called on individuals and stakeholders to join hands with government in its quest to provide quality education in the state. (NAN)

alam Ibrahim Jegudu, Director, Forestry, Kebbi State Ministry of Environment, on Monday said the State Government has planted one million tree seedlings to combat desertification across the state.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi, Jegudu said: “The programme was successful, I can remember, we produced about one million tree seedlings in the last two years. ”We distributed same to people and on yearly basis we usually seek the attention of government to produce assorted tree seedlings.

“Not only tree seedlings that are wind breakers, we also raise some food trees that can increase food bearing trees across the state such as mango, guava, pawpaw which we also give to local farmers.”

The Director recalled that some few years ago, Gov. Atiku Bagudu of the Kebbi bought some date and oil palm and donated it free to farmers to encourage plantation of trees especially economic trees.

“What we did then was to identify farmers that have clear agricultural development and distributed such trees to them, after assessment, we were able to pick up some farms that actually recorded enormous success.

“Even this year, we are making move by the approval of the governor to purchase various assorted plants that will also be distributed to local farmers all in an attempt to minimise desertification in the state,” he noted.

On indiscriminate felling of trees, the director stressed the importance of trees to human existence, adding that all religions preach and encourage tree planting.

(NAN)

Director General, National Centre for Women Development, Mary Ekpere-Eta (R), briefing newsmen on the achievement of the center in the last four years, in Abuja on Monday (5/4/21). With her is the Personal Assistant, Mitchelle Ushie.

Boko Haram: Zulum salutes military, lists gains by troops in Gwoza, northern Borno

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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orno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has commended the Nigerian military over recent gains recorded against Boko Haram’s fighters in Gwoza and the road leading to the northern part of the State.

In a statement issued on Monday, Zulum’s spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau said the Governor authorized the public commendation, in keeping up with his objective assessment of the military.

“The Governor commends the Nigerian military such as troops of the 26 Brigade in Gwoza for eliminating and injuring scores of insurgents on Sunday and recovering their weapons.

Zulum also commends troops of sector three of Operation Lafiya Dole for eliminating scores of insurgents and recovering their weapons on Friday, along Monguno - Gajiram road during an ambush by the terror group at Jigalta village.

The troops which were accompanying a resettlement committee led by the State’s

Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, displayed courage, patriotism and professionalism during almost one hour encounter.

The Governor was impressed that despite three soldiers sustaining minor injuries, the troops chased the fleeing insurgents to the bush, neutralized all locations and proceeded Zulum also lauds troops of the 112 Battalion in Mafa for recovering a truck loaded with valuable items which insurgents seized from citizens

along Monguno - Gajiram road.

The troops, during their patrol between Mafa and Dikwa, on Saturday, intercepted the truck which hoped to make supplies to insurgents in Sambisa through night movements. The 112 battalion again recovered weapons and motorcycles from insurgents.

All of these are strong indications of patriotism, courage and commitment which we need to acknowledge in order to strengthen the determination to build enduring peace in Borno” Zulum said.

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News From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

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overnor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has admitted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) committed a lot of mistakes in the last election and the party had paid the price.

Speaking at the Town Hall event for APC’s constitution review for Northwest region, held at the Kano state government house yesterday, Ganduje said the party

Nasarawa govt to arrest fishermen using harmful chemicals

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

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he Nasarawa state government has void to arrest and prosecute every fishermen who make use of harmful chemical substances in fishing through the state.

These are some of the warning made by Hon. Commissioner Ministry of Agriculture and water resources Prof, Otaki Alanana Osana, during an urgent meeting with the congress of fishermen at the state ministry of Agriculture.

Professor Alanana expressed concern over the continuous use of harmful chemical to pollute the water which will affect the ECO system as it will kill the fish and the animal in the drink the water.

He said these ugly trends was because of its hazardous impact on the health of the animal, humans and also its devastating effect on the environment.

The Commissioner maintained that Governor Sule was worried over the illicit fishing which will cause diseases and death of animal and human, as he advices the fishermen to pass the information to various group in the community with the help of village head, district heads and all those involve in fish business to join in the crusade against the deadly acts.

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

APC committed lot of mistakes and paid for it, says Ganduje is still a “mixture” and yet to form “compound”.

According to him, APC is a mixture of political parties, who merged to for the ruling party, but that lack of strong cohesion is still affecting it.

He said there is no better time for the constitution review than now because the party has committed a lot of mistakes and paid for it, adding that “ It is time to look back and address the problems.”

“There is no better time than now for the review of this constitution.

APC as a political party has won many states in the federation since its inception. It has been controlling the federal government in the past four years.

“Now in the second term, we lost some governors during

the last election. We gain some governors during the last election.

We committed a lot of mistakes as a party and we have paid for it. So it is time now to look back and reassess the situation, that is reviewing the Constitution of our great party. “ I believe at the end of it, we will come up with a document that will govern the conduct of the party members and even the conduct of the leaders of the party,” said Ganduje.

He lamented that the ruling APC is still grappling to graduate from being a mixture to compound, noting that “ APC is a mixture of various elements trying to form a compound. But unfortunately, uptil now, APC is still a mixture. It has not graduated to the next level of becoming a compound.”

“So, we believe this review of

constitution will look into that. It will remove all those appendages that came together to form the party should be proscribed to form a single, solid APC,” said Ganduje.

The governor disclosed that there is a strong party structure in Kano state as the APC had formed party caucus at state, Local government and ward levels, adding that the caucuses meet every month to interface on the party activities, look into problems and take steps to resolve them.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the APC constitution review committee, Dr Tahir Mamman said the idea behind the review was to form a more solid and stronger document that would guide the affairs of the party and become a model to other political parties.

He explained that the exercise was to further strengthen the manifesto of the party and make the document easier to read by all party members.

He added that the committee had gone round the six geopolitical zones of the country to have town hall meetings with the party stakeholders, adding that there would be a retreat where resolutions would be made to come up with final review.

The meeting received the attendance of Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Kaduna, Zamfara, Keebi and Sokoto Party Chairmen, who submitted their recommendations to the committee, as most of them calling for the translation of the constitution into different Nigerian languages to accommodate everybody.

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he Pan-African Conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited has reiterated its commitment towards partnering various tiers of Governments in the country, in building sustainable and inclusive economy for the benefit all Nigerians.

This is just as the company announced its partnership with the Ogun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OGUNCCIMA) for the 10th Gateway International Trade Fair 2021, themed “Remodeling Agriculture, Commerce and Trade beyond Nigerian Borders with Modern Technology” and holding in Abeokuta between April 2 and 12, 2021.

In a statement announcing the

News

Gunmen attack Owerri Custodial Wreckage of crashed NAF Centre, release 1,844 inmates Al p ha j e t not T found in Bama - Spokesperson

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

he Owerri Custodial Centre in Imo State has been attacked by unknown gunmen and forcefully released a total of 1,844 inmates in custody.

A statement issued yesterday

by Francis Enobore, Public Relations Officer, for Controller-General of Corrections, said the attackers who stormed the facility at about

0215hrs on Monday 5th April, 2021, gained entrance into the yard by using explosives to blast the administrative block.

“They were said to have arrived the centre in their large number in several Hilux pick-up vans and Sienna Buses armed with sophisticated weapons and immediately engaged the security personnel on duty in a fierce gun battle.

“They eventually detonated the explosive to gain entrance.”

The Acting ControllerGeneral of Corrections, John Mrabure has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and in collaboration with other security organizations, commenced a search and recover operations to recapture the fleeing inmates.

While appealing to the good citizens of Imo State and Nigerians to volunteer useful intelligence that will facilitate

the recovery effort, the Ag. Controller-General assured that the security of custodial centres in the country remains sacrosanct.

He equally directed all officers attached to custodial facilities to remain vigilant at this trying moment in history.

“As at the last count, 6 inmates have so far voluntarily returned to the facility while 35 inmates refused to escape from custody during the attack.”

People enjoying their Easter holiday at the Fun Park, Ikorodu in Lagos on Monday

Gateway Trade Fair: Dangote reiterates resolve to boost agriculture via startegic investments

By Stanley Onyekwere

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PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Company’s participation at this year’s Gateway Trade fair, Group Chief Branding and Communication, Mr. Anthony Chiejina disclosed that the Conglomerate has concluded plans to scale up investments in the agricultural sector, in response to the on-going public policy focus of federal government.

Chiejina said as part of the Company’s support to the development of agriculture sector, the 3 million ton per annum Fertilizer Plant it is currently constructing at Ibeju Lekki, Lagos will be commissioned soon to boos agricultural activities in the country.

He explained that all the subsidiaries of the company would be at the trade fair and urged members of the public to take advantage of this year’s fair to strike partnership with

the Group for business opportunities.

According to him “the Group has also kick-started the development of six Large Scale Rice milling plants in six states namely Kano, Jigawa, Zamfara, Niger, Kebbi, and Sokoto, with a combined total milling capacity of 1.5 million per annum.

He said Dangote’s growing investment in the agricultural sector, is to complement the existing and continuing investments being made in other sectors, such as: cement, salt and other consumer products.

“We are also significantly involved in the Oil and Gas sector, with an on-going construction of one of the World`s Largest Petroleum Refinery.

“This will not only put an end to the embarrassing importation of products into our crude oil rich

country but will also significantly boost our intra-African trade position”, he stressed.

He commended Federal Government’s policy, as efforts to bring Nigeria back on track, adding that such policy initiatives are necessary, if the nation is to attain sustainable economic development and poverty alleviation.

“We must also commend the leadership of OGUNCCIMA for the very apt theme of this year’s edition of the Fair: “Remodeling Agriculture, Commerce and Trade beyond Nigerian Borders with Modern Technology.

“Clearly, given the current focus of both the Federal Government and Ogun state and indeed most other states in the country on the Agricultural Sector as the only

incontestable route for the revival and sustained growth of the Nigerian economy, there can be no more pertinent subject matter to which we should direct the attention of all the participants at this Fair.

“This is especially so in Ogun which had in the past been recognized as the leading Agro-Industrial hub not only in Nigeria, but indeed for the entire Southern sahara of Africa.

“President Buhari’s insistence that we cannot expect to achieve development and modernization until we create the capacity to produce what we consume. It is only by developing our agriculture along its various value chains that we can ensure sustainable, inclusive economic growth that create jobs for the teeming youthful population”, he stated.

Remains of some security vehicles burnt during an attack on a prison facility in Owerri by suspected hoodlums at about 2.00am Monday.

Air Chief charges troops to remain resolute, undeterred

T

he Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, has urged NAF pilots, technicians and ground troops to remain resolute in the fight against insurgency in the North-East and other parts of the country.

Amao made the call while having an Easter lunch with troops of the Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri.

He urged them to sustain the

fight against insurgents.

“In spite of the sad events of the past few days, this is the time NAF must show strength, determination and remain undeterred than ever before until the entire North-East is rid of terrorists and other criminal elements.”

He noted that while a lot had been achieved towards degrading the capacity and capability of the insurgents, more needed to be done to achieve the desired level

of peace and security in the region.

“We must continue to work assiduously, in synergy with sister services and other security agencies, to ensure that peace and security of lives and property are achieved.”

According to him, from critical analysis of all available intelligence, it was obvious that the air accident was caused by other factors soon to be unraveled.

“You are all aware of efforts we are making to rescue our pilots and

recover crashed aircrafts. We will continue to sustain the efforts.

“The sad situation notwithstanding, now more than ever before is the time NAF must show strength, determination, be undeterred and unrelenting until the entire North East is rid of terrorists and criminal elements, ” Alao said.

The CAS lauded the President and Commander in Chief for his sustain support to NAF and military in general.

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

T

he Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has said that the wreckage of its crashed Alpha jet was not found in Bama as claimed by a national daily.

The NAF made this known while debunking a publication by a national daily that the wreckage was found in Bama.

“The report, with the caption, “Wreckage of Missing NAF Alpha Jet 475 Found in Bama ,” claimed that the missing aircraft as well as the body of one of the missing pilots have been found”, the medium claimed.

But NAF in a statement issued yesterday by Air Commodore, Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information, said the report, which quoted “an authoritative military source” was not only misleading but absolutely at variance with known ethos of the Journalism profession as the Medium never made effort to contact the NAF to verify the story before the said publication.

“From the day control lost radar contact with the aircraft on 31 March 2021, the NAF as a professional fighting force has been keeping members of the public abreast and updated on the missing aircraft and combined efforts of the NAF and Nigerian Army(NA) search and rescue team to locate the crashed aircraft.

“It is therefore sad and disheartening that such an unverified story could be published without any effort to confirm its veracity from the NAF. It is not in dispute that the media as the watchdog of the society have the right to continually inform the public. It should however be done within the acceptable dictates of the noble journalism profession.

“While search and rescue efforts are being sustained until the wreckage of the aircraft is found, the NAF wishes to reassure the general public that it shall be informed of any update as regards the missing aircraft. Members of the press are thus requested to always be circumspect and exercise restraint in their reportage and endeavour to always clarify issues before going to press. The general public should therefore disregard the unverified publication on the missing Alpha jet aircraft by the aforementioned newspaper.”

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

PAGE 8

News

Drop in allocation: KNSG says monarch consolidated wages not feasible

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

K

ano state government has said that against all odds, it has never dithered in the payment of workers’ salary since its inception.

It stated that given the present financial situation, it would find it difficult to implement the consolidated salary for the month of March, which is though a temporary measure.

The state commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, who made the assertion in a statement, explained that the drop in federal allocation for the period under review has made it difficult for the government to implement the new salary package.

FCT: Association donates 4 chairs, 4 tables …Advises labour to shelve proposed strike to police in Malam Garba said for the month understanding that government implementation of the minimum of March, the state government would pay workers’ salaries wage without any hesitation Kubwa received a total allocation of N12, based on percentage of the total which should have been put into 400, 000, 000 billion from the federation account, out of which the state collected N6, 100, 000, 000, 000 billion, while the 44 local governments collected the sum of N6, 300, 000, 000 billion.

The commissioner explained that for the state government to pay the consolidated wages to its workers, it needs additional billions of naira which is currently not available.

He pointed out that at its meeting with the labour union in May 2020, there was an

disbursement received.

Malam Garba recalled that in November/December, last year, similar necessary but temporary measure was adopted in the payment of workers’ salary as a result of the shortage to keep the government going which was, however, reversed for the months of January and February, after the situation improved.

The commissioner further recalled that Kano was the first among the few states in the federation to agree to the

consideration by the organized labour.

He noted that given the situation, the organised labour ought to have reason with the government because embarking on strike won’t in any way solve the problem.

Malam Garba passionately enlisted the support and cooperation of the labour union and the entire workforce in general to maintain the good working relationship with the government in the interest of industrial harmony.

A woman and her children enjoying their Easter holiday at Jericho Mall in Ibadan on Monday (5/4/21).

NSF: Gov. Bello donates N40m to support sports festival

G

ov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has donated N40 million to support the hosting of the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) holding in Edo. The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, disclosed this in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Mr John Akanji, on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NSF, which had suffered numerous postponement due

to the COVID-19 pandemic and paucity of funds by the Edo State Government, finally got underway on April 2.

The minister expressed appreciation to the youth loving Kogi governor and the state for supporting the fiesta, which was on the brink of another postponement.

Dare assured that the fund would go a long way in uplifting the youths who are the larger participants at the festival as the

ministry will commit the fund to providing feeding, transportation and ancillary support.

The minister expressed optimism that other state governors would emulate Bello in supporting the NSF as a show of their support for the youth.

“Over 65 per cent of the athletes are youths for whom the fiesta, dubbed Nigeria’s Olympics, is a great opportunity to hone their skills and possibly secure tickets to the Tokyo Olympics,” he said.

Dare said he had personally called to thank Bello for coming through quickly in support of the Nigerian youths.

“The governor’s support is timely and useful and I thank him on behalf of the youths participating in the 20th National Sports Festival in Edo,” Dare said.

NAN reports that the 20th National Sports Festival, which started on April 2 with the arrival of athletes in Edo, will end on April 14.

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he Kubwa Furniture Makers Association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has donated four chairs as well as four tables to Nigerian police Area Command in Kubwa.

In an interview, the Chairman of the association, Mr Godwin Chikezie, said the donation of the furniture items to the police was a part of their corporate social responsibility.

His words: “The Kubwa Furniture Makers Association is a co-operative network of the furniture makers.

The association was founded in 2009 and registered with Bwari Area Council. The association was also registered with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)”.

He said: “Over the years from inception we had a very good relationship with the police in Kubwa and in line with this, we taught it wise to donate these furniture items to the Command, because we observed that the police have challenges in the shortage of office furniture. So, this is our own way of thanking the police”.

He, therefore, called on wellmeaning individuals and corporate organizations to give the necessary support to the police that would help them in discharging their duties effectively in the society, noting that the government funding was not enough for the police.

The Chairman advised members of the association to continue to be law-abiding citizens of the country, and urged them to always contribute to the peacefulco-existence of the nation.

Also speaking, the Area Commander of Nigerian police in Kubwa, ACP Aliyu Sani Omolori, thanked the Kubwa Furniture Makers Association for donating the furniture items to the Command.

He said: “What the Kubwa Furniture Makers Association had done today signified that the police were getting the needed attention we want from the public. So, it was very good development and we are so much appreciated.”

Omolori, however, charged the private individuals and corporate organizations to co-operate with the police to actualize their dreams for the society.

Ortom’s attack: Sen. Moro wants police to step up investigation

S

en. Abba Moro, the Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Army, has pleaded with the Nigeria Police to step up investigation on attack of Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue.

Moro (PDP-Benue) made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

Ortom was recently attacked in his farm at the outskirts of Makurdi, the state

capital.

The Inspector-General of Police (IG) Mohammed Adamu, had ordered full-scale investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Moro speaking on the investigation said that he was hopeful that the I-G would come up with a report that would fish out the perpetrators of the act.

“I don’t want to preempt what the

police is doing now. The I-G had sent a special task force from the headquarters to go and investigate the activities.

“We better wait and see what the report will be like. In the meantime, we thank God that the governor is safe,” he said.

He further said that Nigeria’s security situation “is scary” noting that it had taken new dimensions.

“There are new dimensions that are being introduced now. In the past it used to be the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East. But today you find it has gravitated to a level of banditry and kidnapping and armed robbery that had been a thing of the past”.

The lawmaker, however, called on the government to step up activities of security agencies.(NAN)

PAGE 9

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

News

T

he Federal Government has urged state governments to domesticate the National Chart of Account (NCoA).

This is to qualify them for performance-based grants under the States’ Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme for Results 2020 Annual Performance Assessment (APA).

Mr Stephen Okon, the National Programme Coordinator (NPC), SFTAS Programme, made the call in a statement by Mr Ibrahim Mohammed, Communication Specialist, SFTAS Programme Coordination Unit, Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

The federal government also advised the states to take steps in qualifying for performance-based grants under COVID-19 related Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) due in 2021.

The SFTAS programme is a 1.5 billion dollars federal government

Grants: FG tasks states on National Chart of Account programme for results supported by the World Bank which aims to strengthen fiscal governance at the state level.

Okon was speaking at a one-day NCoA Sensitisation Workshop organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for the Independent Verification Agent (IVA) on April 1.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IVA is the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (OAuGF).

Okon explained that the NCoA provided a standard template approved by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to be domesticated

by state governments for the purposes of planning, budgeting, accounting and reporting of their financial transactions.

“The adoption of NCoA by state governments will strengthen the country’s national accounting and budget monitoring; promoting greater transparency and accountability at all levels of government,” he said.

The programme coordinator said many states still struggle to accurately report according to the set requirements while some had properly domesticated the NCoA in the past.

The Director-General, NGF, Mr Asishana Okauru,

explained that the objective of the collaboration is to ensure that no state is left behind.

“Every State should get the support it requires to deliver on the agreed reforms,” Okauru said.

According to him, 36 states were adjudged to have met the eligibility criterion of preparing their FY19 audited financial statement in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards, and published same online by Aug. 31, 2020.

He, however, added that preparing the 2021 budget in line with the NCoA and publishing it online remained the eligibility

requirement for the 36 states to qualify for performance-based grants under the SFTAS 2020 APA and for COVID-19 related DLIs due in 2021.

He noted the IVA would be verifying states’ compliance with the NCoA requirement for the FY 2021 budget and the 2020 SFTAS Eligibility Criteria.

NAN reports that the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning with the NGF had provided technical assistance in the form of advisory and capacity building training for budget officials across the 36 states.

This is to assist the states with the domestication process. (NAN)

Edo 2020: Kano withdraws protest against swimmer, as state bans Dambe player for absconding From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

K

ano state officials at the ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF) in Benin City, capital of Edo state have withdrawn protest they filed against their potential gold medalists in swimming.

The swimmer, Yellow Yeihya, created a scene on Sunday after being among those registered to play for Kano state but later switched his alligiance to Bayelsa state, situation that prompted the Kano officials to seek for the intervention of the organisers of the event.

However, considering provision of the event, which stipulates that the player must be receiving allowances for six consecutive months before the festival, the state decided to withdraw the case.

Director Sports, Kano state Sports Commission, Alhaji Bashir Mai-Zare confirmed the withdrawal, adding that the state would continue to focus on other activities that would bring success to state contingents competing in many events at the festival.

In his response, the state’s swimmer’s chief coach, Kogi said “ we are able to pay only one month allowance to the athlete involved throughout the six months.

“By virtue of the provision of the law of the event, he is free and entitled to play for any state of his choice,” On the other hand, the state officials had also banned a traditional boxing (dambe) player, Garkuwar Bala Chindo for absconding from the contingents.

He was to be among the kano contingents. Muhammad Bashar Danliti, Chairman Kano Dambe Association disclosed that after agreeing to participate in the festival, three days to the departure time he refused to show off and all effort to reach him proved abortive.

National Present of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Dame Onome Adewuyi (2nd L): her Husband, Mr Adeyemi Adewuyi (L); Vice President of ICAN, Comfort Olu-Eyitayo (2nd, R); Chairman of the Institute 56th Annual Conference Planning Committee, Balogun Abdulrasheed (R) and others, during the arrival of the ICAN’s President to Abuja for the forthcoming ICAN’s 56th Annual Conference, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday (5/4/21).

COVID-19: Wake-up call for cooperation among nations – Minister

T

he Minister of State for Science and Technology, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi, has said the coronavirus pandemic is a wakeup call for nations to collaborate effectively on science and technology for wealth creation.

The minister made the call at a lecture he delivered to young entrepreneurs and company executives on Sunday in Lagos at the First Immaculate Heart Comprehensive High School.

A press statement made available in Abuja by Maryam Zakaria, Press Secretary to the Minister, stated that the lecture was entitled “Technology, As A Key Driver To Nation Building: Opportunities and

Collaborations.

The minister, in the lecture, said synergy among nations was necessary to forge public trust in the area of science and technology through knowledge sharing.

He urged developing countries to “prioritise Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in their scheme of things“.

“Today, countries are classified as developed and developed based on economic index and the application of STI,’’ he said.

Abdullahi said that countries which have strong science and technology were the ones that developed faster.

He said that innovation

had also become a key driver of economic, industrial development and technology advancement of any nation.

“The success of any nation is achieved through the effectiveness of the National Innovation System (NIS),” he said.

According to the minister, Nigeria has adopted the STI Roadmap 2017-2030 which embraces nanotechnology, space technology, engineering, chemical technology, biotechnology, leather technology, among others.

He said that the strides the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology had made as a result of the National Leather Products

Policy was helping to boost the country’s economy.

He said through leather and textile, Nigeria would be able to develop more sophisticated technologies.

He hinted that the ministry planned to establish National Science and Technology Museum, where historic scientific, technological, artistic and cultural objects, would be displayed for hands-on exhibition.

“Visitors will have the opportunity to touch, dismantle and reassemble items on display.

“It would also afford children hands-on experience of different scientific processes”, Abdullahi said.

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

PAGE 10

News

UBTH offers skeletal services, amidst doctors’ strike

By Iguobaro

Osaigbovomwan

T

he Management of University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) says it is rendering skeletal services within the depleted human resources to mitigate the impact of the strike by doctors.

Spokesman of UBTH, Mr.

Joshua Uwaila who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, lamented that several patients have started seeking medical care in other hospitals which are not affected by the strike.

Recall that the National Association of Residents Doctors (NARD) nationwide, declared a warning strike on Thursday April 1, 2021, to draw

Government attention to their plights, grounding healthcare services in Government-owned hospitals But the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige are currently in talks to avert the strike after he had threatened that the Federal Government would implement ‘No work, No pay rule if the

striking fail to return to work’.

The UBTH revealed that “since then, we have endeavoured to maintain skeletal services within the depleted human resources now available, to mitigate the impact of the strike.

“In the meantime, several patients have had to seek medical care in other hospitals

which are not affected by the strike.

“We are hopeful that the ongoing dialogue between the resident doctors and the Federal Government will be fruitful, and we count on your understanding as we pray for a speedy resolution of the ongoing industrial dispute”, Uwaila assured.

Former Presidential candidate harps on Northern unity

F

From left, Former Gov of Edo State and Former APC Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole handing over Paper Document and Key of New Parish built for Catholic Church Iyamho-Uzaire to His Lordship Most Rev. (Dr.) Dunia Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese (right) during Handing Over and dedication of St. Joseph Catholic Church Iyamho-Uzairue, Edo State Built By Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday in Edo.

BESDA educates Tsangaya proprietors on transformation of Schools in Gombe From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

B

etter Education and Service Delivery for All (BESDA), Gombe State has educated tsangaya School proprietors on the needs for transformation of tsangaya School System.

A one day training workshop

PAGE 11

was organised by BESDA in collaboration with Tsangaya Educational Resource center with theme”towards transformation the tsangaya School System for the needs of the 21st century”.

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhamnadu Inuwa Yahaya reiterated the commitment of his administration to transform the education sector in the State.

Represented by the Chief of Staff Government House Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Governor Yahaya said under BESDA programme, 676 learning centers for boys and girls child pupils were established, 70,000 pupils and girl child enrolled in the centers and 1600 NCE teachers were employed to teach western education in the centers.

Ayade suspends Chairman of Calabar Carnival Commission

G

ov. Ben Ayade of Cross River has suspended the Chairman of Calabar Carnival Commission, Mr Gabe Onah, from office.

Onah’s suspension is contained in a release signed on Monday in Calabar by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Christian Ita.

The governor said that the suspension was with immediate effect.

He however did not state the reason for the suspension of the commission’s chairman.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspension is coming two days after the commission held its maiden award night in Calabar. (NAN)

Letter to the Editor

EDITORIAL

In the spirit of Easter

Today is Good Friday, the beginning of has cast over this year’s Easter the Christian Easter festival - a three festivities, Christians, indeed all of day festivity commemorating the end humanity, would do well to remember of Lent, the crucifixion, death and and uphold the true spirit of Easter, resurrection of Jesus Christ. Believed which is love. Scripture says, “No

by Christians to be God Himself greater love hath anyone than this, assuming a human form to give His life that a man should lay down his life to save sinful mankind, Jesus Christ for a friend...” Again, Christians are suffered torture at the stake, endured enjoined to “love thy neighbour as the shame of the cross, died, was buried thyself”. A neighbour is not only the and rose to life again on the third day - one that lives next door or a member Sunday. of your faith but a fellow human, be he This festival is celebrated in Christian, Muslim or an atheist even.

Christendom worldwide. In Nigeria, Because Christ “first loved us” we are the federal government, in recognition to show love to fellow humans in both of the unique significance of the word and deed. festival, has allowed a two day holiday Easter is a perfect occasion to exhibit today and Monday. Usually, Christians this love: the rich should remember to begin the festivities with a solemn feed, clothe and shelter the needy. We evening worship service in churches in should pray for our enemies to prosper, tune with the crucifixion and not perish, so that they death of the founder of their get a chance to change faith. Scripture describes their evil ways.

Christ as the “author and This is an In spite of the gloom finisher” of the Christian opportunity for the faith.

(Hebrews 12:2) that Covid-19 has faithful in the Lord to Another church worship cast over this year’s pray peace and security service takes place on Easter festivities, for Nigeria that is Sunday, aptly called Easter Christians, indeed ravaged by terror and Sunday. The tone is much communal conflict – all of humanity, more cheerful because it would do well to and now Covid-19. “The was on this day, more than prayer of a righteous remember and 2000 years ago, that Christ uphold the true spirit man upholds a nation”, rose from the dead. His of Easter, which is says the Christian holy resurrection, for Christians, book. love is victory over sin and Our political leaders death, raising the hope of an need our special prayers everlasting life in a new Paradise over to be able to govern with the fear of which Jesus would rule as King from God, justice and fairness. In particular, Heaven.

President Muhammadu Buhari and This year’s Easter is one with a his team need to be supported in their difference. The circumstances are effort to rid Nigeria of corruption in uniquely inauspicious. The mood high places. Corruption has converted worldwide is subdued, understandably our common wealth into the preserve so because of a new virus called of a thieving few; this cancer has turned Coronavirus, spreading the deadly a God endowed nation into a pauper.

Covid-19 disease. It has already Lastly, we ought to pray for peace killed thousands in many countries. in the whole world. There are countries Nigeria has reported 2,000 cases like Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen and few hundreds of deaths. To and Somalia that are at war. These contain the spread of the virus, the wars are churning out millions of Federal Government initially locked refugees heading for Europe, thereby down Lagos and Abuja, the nation’s threatening its own peace. The peace of commercial and administrative capitals the world is our own peace. respectively. Later the lockdown was This is the spirit with which to mark made nationwide.

Easter. We wish all Nigerians a happy, In spite of the gloom that Covid-19 peaceful Easter. Shallom.

“

From:Femi Oyelola, Kaduna ormer presidential candidate, of People’s Trust (PT) in the 2019 election, Gbenga Olawepo Hashim has declared that uniting Nigeria starts with re-uniting Northern Nigeria,a region with over 200 ethnic groups and diverse cultures.

He made the assertion after meeting with former Governor of Yobe State and successor- leader of “politics without bitterness”, Alhaji Bukar Abba Ibrahim in Kaduna yesterday.

Hashim said both leaders at the meeting, discussed Nigeria’s unity and political development.

The global businessman and politician who has overtime, intensified his advocacy for one united Nigeria, said now is the time the nation needed the much desired unity amongst patriots, contrary to calls by elements of disunity for the country to divide.

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

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

Cuba’s vaccine and a nation in search of itself

By Muhammad Al-Ghazali

W

hat exactly is wrong with Nigeria, or rather, what truly is wrong with us, Nigerians?

The independence we cajoled the British to grant us in 1960 has not yielded the unbridled socio-economic progress and development our founding fathers thought it would.

If anything, we have contrived to ensure that we remain firmly in the grip of imperialism and under-development on a scale that suggests that even the quest for independence was a bad idea. The old excuse of sabotage by our past colonial masters was worth patronising but is no longer tenable.

India, like Malaysia and Singapore, were all former prized colonies of the British, but don’t even try to compare them with Nigeria today except you are prepared to shed a tear.

Today, more than 60 years after our socalled independence, the antecedents of our thieving elites and political class suggests that we have continued to wear the tag of a miserable Third World country with unqualified pride and justification.

Totally bereft of patriotism, the same leaders and elites invest their questionable fortunes to enrich the economies of nations that were behind us on promise and the development index at independence such as Singapore, Malaysia and Dubai! They see no hope in their own nation, or its long suffering people forced to bear the brutal consequences of their nauseating incompetence.

Under their callous supervision, the functional health, public school, and even the rail transportation system the British grudgingly bequeathed to us after using same to exploit our natural resources were allowed to collapse with unforgiveable nonchalance less than 30 years after their departure.

We were gradually subjected to the inevitable consequences of their collective failure at strategic reasoning, and our collective foolishness and embarrassing gullibility. Like sheep, we danced to every tune they played for as long as it was spiced with petty primordial sentiments.

Under their watch, our best students, much like our most prized doctors and and scientists, sauntered abroad and are now located in the United States, Canada, the UK and even South Africa, to name only a few.

Like the trillions stolen from the nation, our failure to build a prosperous nation devoid of greed in high places has placed their invaluable services and expertise at the disposal of our erstwhile tranducers.

Meanwhile, everywhere you look, unparalleled debauchery in the corridors of power, has now been matched with the celebration of rascals and erstwhile street urchins like Nnamdi Kanu, Sunday Igboho and Asari Dokubo.

They have suddenly emerged as the new cultural icons for millions of Nigerians.

And the same elites welcome it because their activities provide a welcome distraction from rigorous interrogation of their collective stewardship which coincided with the brutal and primitive theft of our progeny.

One thing will always work for them.

The serial gullibility of Nigerians will ensure that they escape any charges for their high crimes.

If the theoretical definition of leadership relates to the ability of “Leaders” to unite and harness the collective aspirations of diverse people towards the achievement of

common strategic goals; our leaders think and reason in the opposite direction. It serves their narrow interests. They thrive in our disunity.

They are the reason why anarchists like Kanu and the other misguided separatists are able to their raise their ugly heads in their calls for the balkanization of the nation without questioning the misgovernance of the kleptocrats in their respective regions.

The logic behind their actions is not rocket science really. They enjoy tacit support from irresponsible quarters. And like their not so hidden collaborators, they sneer at the big picture our founding fathers reflected on before our independence.

And while we continue to indulge the anarchists in our midts, Cuba, with a population that is less than 12 million, and a shoestring annual budget compared to ours, has produced its own indigenous COVID-19 vaccine.

Clearly, the argument that we lacked the critical technological backbone to produce vaccines of the same scientific value, and importance, cannot hold.

Cuba is still officially classified as a Third World country. Google it. I hate to use the other painful terminology that is used by the West to describe nations in the same category; which is a Banana Republic.

But am humbled and equally happy that in Cuba, at least, we can see the fruits of a collective vision and strategic direction, even if we mimick the West in sneering at its alleged poor human rights records. Cuba’s leaders have at least succeeded in the provision of basic health care for Cubans and also exported doctors abroad to both the Developed and underdeveloped nations at times.

And Cuba’s expatriate doctors do not belong in the category of economic migrants like their Nigerian counterparts which tells another pathetic story about our nation.

Cubans seem to have higher self esteem.

Most of their doctors working overseas are there based on bilateral agreements at the highest levels. They are usually placed on contracts for specific periods. Self esteem matters among Cubans.

The development of a functional COVID-19 vaccine by Cuba, which coincided with the time Nigeria, like the rest of Africa, waited on the West to come to their rescue with vaccines should not surprise us.

Even the version of the COVID-19 vaccine available to serve a fraction of our people is not even the preferred choice for Americans for instance! But what if they had refused altogether?

Who did this to us! How did a nation with a population of over 200 million which naturally conferred the leadership of the black race on us - manage to so hopelessly under-achieve? How did we squander all the earnings that accrued to this nation in the past 60 years? Why have we have developed the unfortunate habit of borrowing from the Chinese in return for social infrastructure and technology that belongs to the past?

Do we even need any reminder that we must be the laughing stock of the world?

What kind of people are we?

Certainly, our tragic history calls for deep and sober reflection. We should be deeply ashamed of ourselves.

I am equally horrified at what the future portents for our future generations if we proceed on the same trajectory.

I am a sad man this morning. Will the real Nigeria envisaged by our founding fathers please stand up!

Al-Ghazali is reachable via ghazalism@gmail.com

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Pushing beyond boundaries in a disruptive economy

By Dr Olukunle Iyanda “Dreams have always expanded our understanding of reality by challenging our boundaries of the real, of the possible.” – Henry Reed.

C

haerephon of the Athenian deme Sphettus was Socrates’ loyal friend.

One day he went to the Oracle at Delphi Athens, Greece, to find out if anyone is wiser than Socrates. He related the findings to Socrates confirmed his bias was troubled by the results, Socrates believed he couldn’t have been the most intelligent, he also knew that the god doesn’t lie. Out of curiosity, he sought insight from those he considered smart, and he challenged their wisdom. They were all full of self and convinced themselves to be smart and more perceptive than everyone else. When he asked the question, they got upset. Socrates concludes “Now I know that I am wiser than these men because, all I know is that I know nothing.”

At this time of unprecedented disruption recently aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, what type of leaders do you have at various social levels?

Those who are wise in their own eyes believing that they know when they don’t? Or those who recognize the limitation of their wisdom and continually seeking for ways to improve, experiment and challenge the status quo including their ingrained ideas?

Empty and archaic knowledge

is a significant boundary against innovation.

What type of people do you have in your team? Do you have radical improvement thinkers in your organization, and are they empowered to lead and make decisions? If your answer to any of these is No, you are illprepared for the challenges yet unborn in the current normal or the next normal.

Identify your boundaries In this disruptive economic era, sound Leadership at every level is no longer a nice-to-have but a must-have. The first boundary that needs to be pushed with laser focus mentality and without sentiment and emotion, is terrible and mediocre Leadership. No organization will thrive based on just the residual knowledge of leaders.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a reconfirmation of a vastly shifting operating environment. To survive, a new mindset and new ways of thinking must be adopted. We must put the best in Leadership. The best in direction is not necessarily the smartest, but they are those who, like Socrates, is willing to learn, glad to know, and ready to lead. Having the best hands in Leadership must be nonnegotiable and should be done without sentiment or emotions.

Poor Leadership is an internally imposed boundary; it is the easiest to solve and the most difficult to confront due to unnecessary politicking, sentiments, and lack of courage to do the right thing and do it

right. The current disruption requires leaders who act as the bridge, an enabler, and a good culture and practice facilitator.

Externally imposed boundaries are the second form of limitation that confronts every organization. It comes from external threats like economic crisis, competition, low operating environment or climate change, etc. This type of situation knows no boundaries; it hurts everyone. COVID-19 is a typical example of an externally imposed limitation, and it has disrupted virtually every sphere of human undertakings. Significant is the impact of COVID-19 that IMF projected negative per capita income growth for 170 countries.

As tough as these boundaries appear, they are much easier to confront and solve, given the right Leadership at all levels of the organization or the society.

In times of crisis, economic meltdown, pandemic, chaos, extraordinary Leadership is required at all levels, emotions and sentiments must be discarded if you intend to survive and thrive. In repositioning our firm to overcome the current challenges, it occurs to me that we need to recruit the best hands we can find. However, I am disturbed to let a few of the old hands go despite knowing that they are underperforming and do not have a strategic fit or competence for the current challenges, neither have they shown the right attitude towards it. I knew this is the take to decide

with my head (cognitive ability) rather than with my heart (my emotions and sentiments) This is a challenge that faces Leadership, it requires an organization to push beyond boundaries.

The current disruptive economy requires bravery and resilience To push the boundaries: Willing to Challenge the status quo: keeping things the same mentality is a call for disaster in this present normal. Inputting people in charge of affairs ensures that the appointed one is willing to challenge the status quo, willing to question the current system, processes, culture, and model. Their sole focus is a human-centric reform.

Willing to accept challenging opportunities: by taking the unfavorable condition that comes with the challenges such leaders are eager to challenge their abilities. A person who continually refers to the mistake, error, and omission of the predecessor will be a misfit in this disruptive economic era. Such leaders are excuse producers, and they will always explain away their failure by hinged it on the error and omission of the past.

Willing to learn today’s knowledge is quite fleeting. A leader in a disruptive economy must demonstrate and be seen to be an incurable learner. Ready to learn from others, inclined to fail forward, learn from errors and failures to improve the organization’s current position or offerings.

Willing to experiment: Most organizations and individuals live below their potential because of fear of failure and rejection.

The leaders we need at this time must be willing to experiment.

Such leaders must understand that though there are barriers and boundaries, we must however pursue our goals and aims by promoting such among their team.

Conclusion The next or the current new normal need more than small improvement thinkers, and fortunately, the world is not in short supply of people with creative minds, people who can think beyond the boundaries.

These people are everywhere in every team, society, countries tribe, or race.

Creativity and innovation are not the prerogatives of any organization, gender, or religion; however, how best a community, team, people can go depends on the quality of Leadership at every stratum of the organization. In preparing for the next normal, quality Leadership must be ensured at every level of our endeavors. This must be done without sentiments or prejudice. Otherwise, the outcome for such a society or organization may be worse than the pre-covid era.

Dr Olukunle Iyanda is the CEO of BROOT Consulting LTD and the Managing Partner of Design Thinkers Academy, Nigeria. He can be reached at iyanda@brootc.com

Confronting Nigeria’s unemployment crisis

By Isayinka Stephen

T

he scourge of joblessness and youth unemployment is neither a fairytale nor a myth in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation. Over 55.4 per cent of young people aged 18 to 35 are unable to find suitable work to earn a living. Nearly a quarter of the entire Nigerian population is out of work and over 20 per cent is underemployed. In attestation to this fact, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, disclosed that the unemployment rate may increase from 23.1% to 33.5% by 2020.

By some estimates, Nigerian tertiary education institutions produce up to 500,000 graduates every year and there are also Nigerian graduates who study abroad and come home to compete for jobs annually. This new data is a sign of the need for urgent actions on both public and private sector operators.

As a result, creation of jobs has been one of the key issues discussed throughout the campaigns in Nigeria. To a large extent, it can be said that poverty, crimes, armed conflicts and

other related social problems in the country are derivatives of unemployment. Truly, an idle man is the devil’s workshop.

Oftentimes, the hungry youths are vital instruments mobilised for selfish political ambitions either as thugs or the like. Unfortunately, those instruments are dumped after use. Being young in Nigeria is very challenging basically as a result of the fact that there are no opportunities awaiting our so-called future. Apart from job applicants, undergraduates seeking outside-the-classroom experience are battered by the rigorous procedures for internship placement or unwelcoming policies of many industries or organisations in the country.

As a result, a vast number of our youths wander in the wilderness of hopelessness with a sizable number of the unemployed intensifying national insecurity through crimes and other related social vices. The isolation of the youth not only dents our image as the giant of Africa but also serves as a quick self-destructive technique to the better Nigeria we all hope for.

Apart from the high crime rate in Nigeria, the increasing unemployment rate continually constitutes adverse effects on both the economy and society.

The reduction in the national output of goods and services, increasing number of dependent people, rural-urban migration and a high level of poverty are all end results of this misery.

Moreover, several factors contribute to this. One of the major elements responsible for the high level of unemployment is the rapid growth in population.

There has been an increase in the growth of the labour force along with the inadequate supply of jobs. The rapid population growth has been accentuated by rural-urban migration. This has increased the population in cities thereby raising the level of joblessness.

Currently, the youth literacy rates are 79.89% and 65.33% for males and females respectively.

The lack of quality education escalates this misery as most employers assume that Nigerian graduates are lazy and or unemployable.

Besides, the poor education sector which

places priority on theories at the expense of practical use of knowledge aggravates youth unemployment. For example, a graduate of agricultural science may be conversant with the theories of farming but lacks practical agricultural skills. It is a nightmare that many tertiary institutions lack practical entrepreneurial training.

A programme that ought to be a systematic consolation and pathway to self-discovery for the weary youths turns out to be something else.

Another key problem is the combination of poor leadership and high level of corruption in Nigeria. The failure of government to perform its constitutional duties has resulted in high level of unemployment. Also, corruption among politicians has resulted in the mismanagement of funds which should have been used for the creation of job opportunities.

In addition, the misery of most Nigerians has been worsened by the decline in economic activities. This factor invariably intensifies the plight of the youth as they wander around with their curriculum vitaes seeking

opportunities that may abound for a livelihood. Due to recession, a lot of adults (including youths) have been sacked from work, thus creating no opportunities for the unemployed. Most companies (especially banks) lay off their employees because they can no longer afford their pay.

The lack of steady and sustainable power supply has made the economy volatile. The mystery behind this is that it scares away investors. The lack of basic infrastructure has led to the high cost of production. No wonder companies make use of fewer hands because of the high cost of production.

To overcome the unemployment crisis in Nigeria, government must be effective in performing its duties. An enabling environment should be created for productive activities to thrive.

There is a need for government to foresee the looming crisis and take all possible actions to prevent it. It is very important.

Isayinka Stephen, writes from Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Abuja.

Isayinkastephen@gmail.com

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PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Comment

U.S. double standard on human rights shows hypocritical, ridiculous logic

By Zhong Sheng

R

ecently, residents in dozens of cities in the U.S. have staged assemblies and demonstrations to protest against racial discrimination and hate crimes against Asian Americans.

While more and more people in the world have seen the “true colors” of the U.S. as regards its worsening domestic human rights crisis, the U.S. Department of State released its latest Country Reports on Human Rights Practices on March 30, nitpicking the human rights conditions in nearly 200 countries and regions, and stigmatizing China by brazenly making irresponsible remarks and knitting lies about the country’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and Xinjiang-related affairs.

Such double standard on human rights is preposterous!

During the launching ceremony of the report, some U.S. officials claimed that everyone deserves human rights, and yet they have turned a blind eye to the historical, long-term, and deeprooted human rights problems at home, and have no intention to truly resolve such problems.

More than 500,000 American

people have lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic; racism prevails in the U.S. in a comprehensive, systemic, and continuous manner; racially discriminatory remarks are spread across the country without restraint; the U.S. police enforce the law violently against people of color; people like George Floyd, an unarmed African American who was suffocated to death by a white police officer, cannot breathe freely in the U.S.; Asian Americans are discriminated against, attacked and even killed; and more than 40,000 people died from shootings a year in America.

Apparently, to some U.S. politicians, human rights are merely their excuse to attack and smear other countries.

It should be noted that racial and cultural prejudices in the U.S. didn’t happen overnight.

As certain American politicians can’t quit political manipulation on the origin of the novel coronavirus, Asian Americans are suffering even severer racial discrimination.

From March 19, 2020, to Feb. 28 this year, a total of 3,795 various types of incidents of racial discrimination against Asian Americans were reported,

according to Stop AAPI Hate, a California-based nonprofit social organization that tracks incidents of discrimination, hate, and xenophobia against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S..

The recent mass shootings in the Atlanta area of the U.S. caused the deaths of eight people, including six Asian women. Many Asian Americans have trouble sleeping at night lately, saying that they feel like they can be attacked willfully at any time.

In fact, the systematic racial discrimination in the U.S. is manifested in all aspects of social life.

Data showed that colored juveniles account for about onethird of the residents under the age of 18 in the U.S., and yet two-thirds of the total number of minors incarcerated.

The COVID-19 infection rate of African Americans is three times that of white people in the U.S., and the number of black people who died of the virus is twice that of white people in the country.

Meanwhile, black Americans are about three times more likely than whites to be killed by the police.

Of the 8,302 single-bias hate crime cases reported by law

enforcement agencies in 2019, 57.6 percent involved race, ethnicity and ancestry, said a report released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the U.S. last year.

The facts above have fully proven that “Color has obviously played a major role in determining the fate of many Americans”, as Thomas Sowell pointed out in his book Ethnic America: A History.

When the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) reviewed the latest Country Reports on Human Rights Practices of the U.S., over 110 countries in the world criticized the U.S. for failing to protect human rights, and dozens of special rapporteurs with the UNHRC frowned upon the existing discrimination against minorities and other issues in the U.S. The U.S. has exposed the hypocritical nature of American democracy as it recklessly slandered other countries on human rights while trying to play down its own problems on the subject.

The U.S. politics has been trapped in divisions, which makes it hard for the government to launch effective measures to heal the wounds caused by

Addressing the problem of insecurity in Nigeria

By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

F

rom the very early stage, children are thought in school that the very basic human needs are food, shelter and clothing. But with current reality, with the spate of terrorism the world over, security no doubt have been included as a part of the basic human needs. The current reality is that security is central to meeting the basic human needs. Insecurity which is lack of protection or the state of being open to danger or threat is an undesirable situation for humanity. Insecurity limits human freedom, pursuit of happiness and social interaction, the essential ingredients that lubricate peace and unity in the society. Insecurity in any form is a breach to fundamental human rights of the people. Insecurity inhibits human activities and economic progress for no real investor will invest in an atmosphere of insecurity.

Security is a necessity. It is the right of the people. People are entitled to right to live. People are entitled to fundamental human right to freedom. It is the duty of every responsible government to protect lives and property of the citizenry within its domain. Any government that cannot do this has failed fundamentally.

It is on this note that I bemoan the current security situation in Nigeria at present. The current insecurity in Nigeria is

indescribably pathetic. Boko haram insurgents seemed emboldened to unleash mayhem in the land. And the armed forces hitherto known for their bravery in peace-keeping operations appeared helpless in curbing the menace of the terrorists. On daily basis our troops are losing their officers and men in the protracted battle against the insurgents while the government is indirectly funding the insurgents by negotiating and paying ransom to the terrorist against international convention and rules of engagement. The problem has metastasized to every nook and cranny of the nation. The news of banditry and kidnapping of school children and the demand of ransom for their release is everyday occurrence now.

Herdsmen are having a field day raping, killing, maiming and sacking villages and displacing people from their homelands.

The number of those inhabiting refugee camps is increasing with each passing day. Nigeria is now ranked among pariah states because of the high incidences of terrorism and insecurity in the country.

There is palpable fear in the land. Nigeria has never been this insecure, not even in the civil war era. Nigerians cannot drive freely on our highways for fear of bandits and kidnappers.

Farmers cannot go to farm because of herdsmen and the

vast majority of the citizens are finding it difficult to cope with the soaring prices of food stuffs occasioned by insecurity.

Nigerians are leaving the country in droves. Nigerians besiege foreign embassies everyday in search of visas to emigrate to other countries. Many youths have died in the process of taking unimaginable risks in their quest to leave the country at all costs for better lives elsewhere.

Worse still, the government of the day has not shown any commitment towards tackling the problem of insecurity ravaging the land, fueling the speculation of government complicity in the whole matter. The apparent helplessness or unwillingness of the government to tackle the country’s security challenges is threatening in no small measure the peace, stability and progress of the nation. No meaningful progress can be made in an environment fraught with fear and insecurity. The poor security situation is also a great threat to national unity. Suspicion, ethnic tension and mutual recrimination are taking the place of patriotism. Regions and states are establishing alternative security networks ostensibly to tackle the security challenges in the face of the apparent helplessness of the central government. Of course, every careful observer must not lose sight of the ominous implications of having many regional

security outfits that could easily be politically high-jacked or manipulated as an instrument of operation or extortion. But given the ineptitude of the current regime in Nigeria, opposing regional security organizations may be misinterpreted.

Regrettably, the deplorable state of insecurity in the country is said to be worsened by official high-handedness of the government and its agents.

There are many reported cases of brutality and suppression of civil advocacy in the country. The recent #Endsars protest wherein it is reported that security forces used live bullets against unarmed youth protesters that claimed the lives of many people is a case in point. It is nothing but failure of governance for government to use force to suppress lawful agitation. Rather than getting fixated about suppressing what the government termed as hate speech and advocacy, the government can employ dialogue and constructive engagement as it is done in civilized Democracies.

Clearly, the current regime in Nigeria has failed woefully in meeting the needs and aspirations of our people. Every section of the country from the North to the South is affected.

Some people erroneously believed that it is worse in the South but it is everywhere. The banditry and kidnapping is more in the North. Most of the refugees are from the North.

racial discrimination and restore racial justice. Some U.S. officials have even openly supported farright ideas, and added fuel to the flames of white supremacy belief.

The international community has become increasingly aware that the intensifying racial crisis in the U.S. in recent years has everything to do with the inaction of the government.

The anti-Asian racism and violence “are not random acts perpetrated by deranged individuals, but an expression of the country’s “long history of systemic racism targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders”, said Dr. Erika Lee, a history and Asian American studies professor with the University of Minnesota in the U.S. Human right is neither a slogan nor a tool for exerting pressure on other countries. Instead, it should be reflected in tangible actions.

However, it seems that the U.S., the so-called “beacon of human rights”, is not able to bring light to its own people who are in desperate need of human rights protection.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy.)

In more civilized climes, when a government cannot deliver on its mandate, it is asked to resign but not so in Nigeria where people see things only from ethnic lenses only. The current regime has spent more energy on irrelevant issues: hunting perceived political enemies and playing politics with national security. The government has not been able to solve any problem rather it has created more problems that would take years to solve.

Obviously the current regime has no solution to the current security challenges plaguing the nation. The current situation is a lesson to all Nigerians. As the 2023 general election beckons, will Nigeria correct the present challenge with their votes? Or will Nigeria close their eyes again and allow the politicians and the press to deceive them by packaging some torn-coat politicians and ethnic jingoist as men of integrity? Will Nigerians vote for competence over tribal consideration?

Will Nigerians vote for peace and stability over primordial sentiments? Will Nigerians vote for Nigeria to work again or vote for the continuation of the negative change and next level of suffering and instability?

Nigerians your destiny is in your hands!

Hajia Hadiza Mohammed writes in from London and can be reached at hajiahadizamohammed@gmail. com

PAGE 14

NEWS

Ooni rallies support for itsekiri in choosing new Olu of Warri

T

he Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called on the Oodua descendants all over the world to be in solidarity with the Itsekiri people in the choice of the new Olu of Warri.

The Ooni made the call in a statement by Mr Moses Olafare, the Director of Media & Public Affairs, in his palace on Sunday, in Ile-Ife. Oba Ogunwusi urged the Yoruba nation to support their “own Itsekiri people” , who were in the process of choosing new traditional ruler, Olu of Warri.

The Royal Father called on the Oodua people worldwide to find the lowest common factor that existed in their shared history, fear and aspirations.

The Ooni also noted that the unity of Yoruba people will further strengthen peace and understanding in Nigeria.

The traditional ruler called on Yoruba people across the country to pray and work together for its peace and harmony.

According to Ooni, the royalty in the House of Oduduwa is watching events in Itsekiri land and will appreciate if the people can continue to honour and respect the bound of oneness and common with the Yoruba people.

“The Itsekiri are part of the greater Oduduwa family. We cherish this great history. We shall do everything to defend and uphold it.

“Irrespective of which state you find yourself either Akoko, Itsekiri in Delta, Okun, Oworro in Kogi, we are all children of Oduduwa bound by common ancestry.

“We wish them peace and harmony in their search for prosperity in their ancestral land.

“The Ooni is particularly keen to see the sustainability of the blood-bound relationship between the Itsekiri and the Yoruba, a relationship that had been tested and trusted over history.

“Generations of Yoruba and Itsekiri have the responsibility to uphold this important history,” he said.

Oba Ogunwusi also wished itsekiri people well in their General Assembly event, coming up on Monday, April 5.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, joined his ancestors on December 2020.

The Ooni also urged Christians to use the Easter celebration to seek love and affection as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, who sacrificed his life to save many souls.

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Easter: Former Gov. Oni preaches sacrifice, love, togetherness A

former Governor of Ekiti, Mr Segun Oni, has admonished the people of the state to reflect on the significance of Easter and imbibe sacrifice, love and togetherness in order to move the state forward.

In an Easter message he personally signed on Monday in Ado-Ekiti, Oni said it was only through sacrifice, building of strength and togetherness that the desired positive cause of the state could be advanced.

Oni, who acknowledged that God has special interest in the affairs of Ekiti, called for deep reflection on the essence of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ as it applied to existence and togetherness.

According to the former governor, the time has come for the people of the state “to resurrect their profound history and the great glory of their knowledge and use them to turn around the fortunes of the state

for their common good’’.

“As a distinct homogenous entity that loves and accommodates all, we must come to a place of apposite understanding, make sacrifices, build on our strength, guide our uniqueness and use our God-given intellect and talents to advance the cause of our dear state.

“We must never allow the axis of evil to thrive in our dear state; we have a collective duty to fight, defeat and shame the nest of

killers.

“As we have desired to live the essence of Easter after our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our resurrection and life, let Ekiti be known and called a house of prayers, a fountain of love and a land of honour and blessing.

“It is on these premises that I urge the good people of Ekiti to deeply reflect on the essence of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ as it applies to our existence and togetherness,” he added.

L-R: Group Managing Director, Rahamaniyya Group of companies Ltd, Dr. Abdulrahman musa Bashar ,new mayana of sokoto ,Alhaji musa Bashar and Managing Director of zamson oil and gas Ltd , Alhaji zayyanu musa Bashar during the turbaning ceremony of the Mayana of Sokoto, in Sokoto state yesterday

Okowa expresses shock over demise of Obi

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

G

overnor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has expressed shock and grief over the death of a former Acting Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Sam Obi. Obi, who hailed from UteOkpu in Ika North East Local Government Area of the state, reportedly passed on a few days to his 60th birth anniversary, after a brief illness.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika,

in Asaba, the state capital, Okowa commiserated with Deltans, the people of Ika Nation and UteOkpu Community in particular over the demise of the renowned politician and pastor.

He stated that the fallen former lawmaker, who was Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly and Acting Governors in November, 2010, was a great patriot and leader who led with the fear of God. He stated that because of Obi’s love for God, he founded the Oracle

of God Ministries Church, where he ministered the word of God with passion until his heavenly call to be with his maker.

The governor said that the deceased would long be remembered by the people of Ika North East for his contributions as a Councillor, Council Chairman and representative of the constituency in the state legislature, adding that his role and wise counseling would be missed by his political family and Ika Nation.

He said that Obi was a

dependable political ally, whose commitment to the attainment of Stronger Delta laced with unity and peace was infectious and grandiose.

According to him, needless to say that my brother and chum, Prince Sam Obi, will be sorely missed.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing on of our beloved brother and former Acting Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Sam Obi.”

Warri, Uvwei record impressive Easter Sunday

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

A

ttendance of worshipers at Easter Sunday church service in Warri South and Uvwie Local Government areas of Delta State was impressive in almost all the churches in the locality, while the directives of the state government to observe the protocols of the Covid-19 virus towards curbing its spread were adhered to strictly.

At the Living Faith Church Parish ( aka Winners Chapel ), Abala Street, off Enerhen Junction in Uvwie the resident pastor, Prince

Obeta, affirmed that the turnout of members for both first and second services was very impressive, adding that the sermon for the service was hinged on “Understanding The Power of Resurrection : What are its benefits ?”

While asserting that Christianity was the hallmark of all religions, he advised Deltans and Nigerians to depend on the power of resurrection of Jesus Christ “ So that we can move forward.”

At the neighboring Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, Midwest Regional Headquarters 1, the presiding minister, Pastor Moses Odunsi, in his sermon noted that Easter

was about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

He warned Christians against Christ’s second death as he noted that it would not augur well for the Christendom.

The minister in charge of Christ the Apostolic Church ( CAC) Cathedral, Warri, Pastor Emmanuel Orode, in a brief chat with newsmen gladly noted that the turnout of members for the service was heartwarming, adding that the sermon of the church service was titled : ‘’Warfare” because people are living in difficult days due to satanic operations.”

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Anambra deserves better than PDP, APGA can offer - APC guber aspirant George Moghalu is the current Managing Director of Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and also an All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant in the forthcoming governorship election slated for November 6 in Anambra, in this interview with journalists, he boasts of manifesto to revolutionise governance in the State more than PDP and APGA can offer. Correspondent, Ikechukwu Okaforadi, was there. Excerpts: Why are you stepping out of NIWA to contest Anambra governorship election?

My aspiration to serve as Governor of Anambra state is not a new thing. I am sure you know that I ran for the governorship seat in 2003. If I had stepped in then and still stepping in 2021, then that is almost 18 years back. It is only that there is a desire to change the narrative. I believe very strongly that I have the capacity, ability, and determination to change the story of my State. I want to play an active role in getting the state back to where it should be. I think quite a lot of things have not been done right. I believe there are better alternatives. Better ways to do a lot of things and change the story. But, as we get along, when I will be able to unfold my manifesto, people will be able to understand the driving force. So principally, there is a desire and determination to serve our people at the level of a Governor. That is without prejudice to the fact that I have a responsibility now which I am doing my best to justify the confidence of the President who appointed me. My ministers who nominated me and my family that has confidence in me. And, my friends who expect much from me. Because I believed very strongly that to whom much is given much is expected. At this level, I believe much has been given to me. Then I have the responsibility to deliver much to society. For me, it is about the service at another level. Because even before I became the MD of NIWA, by the grace of the President, I was chairman of a board of federal parastatal; National Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT).

APC is not popular in Anambra, how do you intend to make a headway?

APC as you know is a national party and there is a new reawakening across the country, particularly in the South East about the party.

The fundamental point is not necessarily about the old narratives. It is about the new consciousness. I keep telling people that we are going into the election with our report cards.

We are going to present what APC has been able to do in the South East and in Anambra.

We will put it side by side with what others have done. Again, we will also have to put side by side the credibility, character, capacity and ability of whoever is going to fly the flag of the party. That is why it is important that the party takes into cognizance the experience, exposure, capacity and ability to contest and win an election without baggage. We have very great personnel. Our people are not satisfied with the governance of the state with what it is today. It is like having married these men for some time, let us try this husband.

PDP has ruled our state. APGA has ruled our state. Why don’t we try APC now and see

if the waterways are functional over 60 to 70 containers that arrived in Lagos today have their final destination in Onitsha or Aba. So if we can take those going to Onitsha and move them by water, like an example, we take 50 containers out of the roads, what we have done is that we have taken 100000 trailers out of the roads. 50 going and 50 coming with emptiness. And, if we can do this and achieve it, I can assure you that we are good to go. So, I want to be governor because I want to serve.

You cannot give what you don’t have, they have given you what they have. I am confident and convinced that I will do better.

whether the narrative will change and see the differences, so that we can do comparative analysis. As to whether we have the chance. I can tell you, without sounding immodest that, it is our best chance.

Given an unwritten understanding in the State, are you for zoning to South?

Truth be told, there is no place an agreement was reached in terms of everybody sitting down to sign an agreement that it must be zoned to the South. Truth also be told that for justice and fairness, Anambra South should benefit. And, more so if you look at the narrative of key players like the traditional rulers, critical stakeholders, they will tell you that for things to work properly, the right thing to do is to zone the position of the governorship seat to Anambra south. This is without prejudice to the fact that every street in Anambra state has the capacity to generate a complete cabinet. I can tell you that we are well-schooled. You can have the kind of person you want in all the three senatorial zones of the state. But, for equity and fairness, the tide favors the South and that is why everybody appears to be singing the song that this time around, the ticket should be in the South.

Anambra is acclaimed to have highest number of billionaire politicians, are you one of them?

I don’t know whether in the criteria for election now, if being a billionaire is part of it. I also know that when you collect your nomination and expression of interest forms, there is no column there that says you should attach your bank account. That I know. But, what I will tell you is that I am comfortable by the Grace of God. It is not about money now. I am a contented person because I know contentment is great riches and it gives a lot of peace of mind. As to whether I will run against billionaires, it depends on what Anambra people are looking for. If we are looking for billionaires, we know where to find them. If we are looking for someone who can deliver in terms of service, we know where to find them. One thing I can tell you about our people is that we know what we want. The Anambra man and woman knows what he or she wants. So, when we get to the bridge, we

“

Chief George Moghalu, MD (NIWA) will cross it. But, what I can tell you without fear of contradiction, is that finance won’t be an issue.

Must you be Governor of Anambra and what can you do differently if you win?

What I don’t know is whether because I have tried it two times, I shouldn’t go for the third time. I will give you examples of those who have tried three or four times and they weren’t doing well before God answered their prayers. So, the truth about it is that I am not desperate. I have said that because I believe very strongly that all powers belong to God. And he gives it to whoever he pleases at his own time. But, you must make yourself available for God to use you. If it is the will of God that I will be governor, nothing can stop it. If it is His will that I will not be governor, nothing can also make it possible. So, that fact is very clear. I will like to say that at this stage that for every opportunity that you have, serve, that posterity will remember you. And, that is my guiding principle. In any position, I give it my best shot, so that when I leave office, I will be remembered. In offices I have held in the past and in NIWA presently, I have done everything I can to serve the people. For example, you may be aware that for about 42 years, Onitsha Port was designed and built under my administration as the first commercial badge.

And we are doing everything we can to make sure that our river port and those that are under construction are completed and that they are functional, because I believed very strongly that the only way you can address port congestion and infrastructural decay is by making the waterways functional. All over the world, bulk cargos are either moved by water or by rail. Our roads are not designed to carry the pressure they are carrying. And,

The issue of stepping down does not even arise. I wonder who will look at me and ask me to step down. My decision to run for office was taken in my closet. And, you come out and say I should step down. Such will not even arise. I can assure you that such won’t arise.

We learnt that APC leaders held a meeting to impose a candidate at the primary?

This question should not have come to me but to the party. Because I was not part of a meeting to impose a candidate. But, I agree with those who are saying that for any democratic process to be credible, for it to be peaceful and to achieve success at the end of the day, the primary process must be credible and acceptable. One thing for a credible primary is that it encourages unity among members after the primary. It is easier to lose and the person reconciles with the party and the establishment and moves on. But when you feel shortchanged and deceived, that the process was schemed abinitio with the intention to get you out of the way, if eventually you are gotten out of the way, there is a likelihood and a tendency for you to fight back. And, that is not usually in the interest of the party. Just like you on the outside.

My appeal is let the process be free, fair, and credible.

Over 11 contestants are contesting, what if you are asked to step down in the primary?

The issue of stepping down does not even arise. I wonder who will look at me and ask me to step down. My decision to run for office was taken in my closet. And, you come out and say I should step down. Such will not even arise. I can assure you that such won’t arise.

Will Anambra people trust APC? Why will they not trust APC when the facts are on the ground. I just use one example.

In 16 years they were flagging off the Niger bridge. Every four years they flag it off.

And, after flagging it off they dismantle the canopies. And the story ended there. Until Buhari came into office and we are talking of the completion date. Is that not enough story to tell? Let me also draw your attention to the fact that there was a time in this country that an Igbo son as Deputy Senate President and a son was Deputy Speaker. An Igbo was chairman Senate committee on works. An Igbo son was committee chairman on works.

He was secretary to the government of the federation. Igbo daughter was Minister for Finance. And Coordinating Minster of the economy. And, no one kilometer of the road was tarred in Anambra or southeast states.

Enugu to Onitsha collapsed completely. But, today work is ongoing. That is why I said we are going to go to the election with our report cards. If we have refused to sing our songs, we are going to sing them during the election.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

POLITICS

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Director General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Salihu Moh. Lukman, has charged the Governor Mai Mala Buni led Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to immediately commence the process of holding a national convention to elect new substantive party leadership.

In a statement issued yesterday by the APC chieftain, he expressed fear that failure to do so and continued managing of the party by the Mai Mala Buni and the national Secretary, John Akpanudoedehe, will spell Doom for the party, as serious crisis may erupt soon.

He advised the caretaker Committee to resist the temptation of seeking another extension of tenure, against the backdrop of a recent allegation that the Forum of APC State chairmen had quarrelled over plans by the Buni committee to seek another tenure extension.

While making a veiled comparison between Oshiomhole leadership and the current Buni leadership and cautioning that the same fate may befall both if national convention is not urgently organized to enthrone substantive leadership, Lukman said “To what extent has the APC Caretaker Committee distinguished itself from the old characteristics of managing the affairs of the party without meetings of organs as provided in the party’s constitution?

“This is the fundamental operational question, which, however considered, would have implication in terms of whether APC leaders are taking the necessary steps to rebuild the party based on any considered vision of progressive politics.

“Somehow, the reality is that in terms of convening meetings of organs of the party, for more than nine months, the Caretaker Committee has not convened any meeting of any organ of the APC apart from the emergency NEC meeting of December 8, 2020. Sadly, even the 13-member Caretaker Committee is hardly meeting.

“Part of the indication is that most decisions taken by the Caretaker Committee were done by the Chairman, His Excellency, Mai Mala Buni and the Secretary, Sen. Akpan Udoedehe. The good thing is that the major challenge of ensuring that the party is able to have a verifiable membership register is being resolved. But without organs meeting as provided in the constitution of the party, where progress reports are given, what is the guarantee that the old problem of having inaccessible membership register will not be replicated.”

He described as “needless” the recent extension of the ongoing

Commence transition of party leadership now - PGF DG tells Buni caretaker C’ttee membership registration and revalidation exercise, saying such will only strengthen suspicions that the Caretaker Committee was reluctant to organise a National Convention where new leadership of the party will be elected.

“With membership records displayed, timetable for Congresses and National Convention should be set. Under no circumstances should there be any contemplation of extending the tenure of the Caretaker Committee. In order to ensure that no extension is being considered, Committees for Congresses and National Convention should be established without any further delay.

“Similarly, the dates for Congresses and National Convention should be decided. Part of the expectation is that the 13-member Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Working Committee appointed by the emergency National Executive Committee (NEC)

meeting of June 25, 2020, led by His Excellency, Mai Mala Buni, will take steps to begin to resolve challenges facing the APC, which was difficult to achieve under the dissolved NWC. “With initial tenure of six months, which was extended by another emergency NEC of December 8, 2020 to June 2021, the work of the Caretaker Committee is expected to end with a National Convention where another leadership should emerge to manage affairs of the party for another four years.”

According to Lukman, conforming to democratic principles requires that initiatives being implemented by the Caretaker Committee are based on decisions taken by competent organs as provided in the constitution of the party.

“Already, given that the party’s membership registration/ revalidation exercise was done based on the old analogue method without applying modern virtual technology,

what is the guarantee that the process of leadership reformation in the party, from ward congresses up to National Convention, will be done based on the new register? Will all members of the party be able to participate in the process of electing leaders of the party at all levels?”

The PGF DG summoned all leaders of the party to persuade the Buni led Caretaker Committee to quickly conclude the membership registration/verification exercise, saying “Once that is done, negotiation and campaigns for the emergence of party leadership at all levels can commence.

“Negotiation and campaigns for leadership of the party has already started in a low scale. Many caucuses have emerged and some of the issues that will dictate the emergence of new party leaders would include the conventional approaches of zoning and relationship with power blocs in the party. Old affiliations such as

membership of the merged parties that form the APC will come up.

“The negotiation will not be easy and if not carefully managed, especially against the background that the Caretaker Committee has not done much to broaden the process of membership participation in decision making within the party, there is a very high possibility that the party will be weakened in terms of conforming with basic democratic principles and progressive ideals.

“APC must avoid situations where political touts are elected to the party’s leadership. APC should elect leaders that can inspire strong belief in members, and by extension Nigerians, that the party is working to resolve its challenges. Once political touts are the new leaders of the party, it simply means weak capacity to resolve challenges facing the party. Instead, the challenges may become worse.”

From left, Minister of National Planning, Clem Agba and Minister of Trade Industry and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo during Handing Over and dedication of St. Joseph Catholic Church IyamhoUzairue, Edo State Built By Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday in Edo.

Abaribe Mourns Odumakin

By Musa Baba Adamu

T

he Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe on Monday expressed shock and sadness over the death of Afenifere spokesman, Yinka Odumakin.

The Senator in a statement by his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom, said the shocking death of the foremost right activist and advocate of a restructured Nigeria, has depleted the colony of courageous Nigerians who speak truth to power not minding dangers to their

personal safety.

Odumakin’s death as painful as it is he added, came at a time his courage and witty mind is highly needed in the country that is fast cascading to a very uncertain destination.

“I’m pained over Yinka’s death.

This death has left soar taste in our

mouth. Nigeria is on the brink and people like Yinka Odumakin have been working tirelessly to bring her back from such unfortunate state. He will be sorely missed”, Senator Abaribe said.

The Minority Leader however, condoled with the family of the deceased.

Easter: IPAC calls for peace, tolerance, unity among citizens

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has joined Christians across the country to celebrate this year’s Easter and urged the faithful to use the occasion to renew their commitment and service to God and the fatherland.

In a statement issued yesterday by the national Publicity Secretary of IPAC, Agbo Major, the Council said Easter signifies the crucifixion and resurrection of the

Lord Jesus Christ for the redemption of mankind which is the pillar of the Christian faith.

It said “Council urges Christians to emulate Jesus Christ’s sacrificial life and the love that spurred Him to die on the Cross to save humanity.

“IPAC urges Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace, tolerance, unity and good governance in the country.

“The corporate existence of the nation is daily threatened by terrorists, insurgents,

militants, secessionists and kidnappers. It requires the collective efforts of patriotic citizens to overcome the subversive activities of these misguided compatriots and their foreign collaborators, and make the country safe and great again.

“Council urges government at all levels to provide progressive leadership and deliver dividends of democracy to the masses to alleviate their sufferings in tandem with Section 24(2)b of the Constitution of the Federal Republic

of Nigeria 1999, as amended, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. Nigerians demand and deserve improved standards of living not carnage.

“IPAC, as the umbrella body of the 18 registered political parties will continue to champion and promote sustainable democracy and good governance in Nigeria. Together, we will build a stronger, prosperous and just democratic nation.”

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

POLITICS

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

C

hairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Enugu State chapter, Ben Nwoye, at the weekend, waded into the zoning controversy in the State ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Recall that political tension is heightening in Enugu State by the day with people with different interests canvassing for all forms of zoning formula for the governorship position.

The current holder of the office, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwunayi is from the Enugu North Senatorial Zone.

Before Ugwuanyi took over in 2015, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani from Enugu East Senatorial zone served for 8 years and handed over to Ugwuanyi’s predecessor, Barr. Sullivan Chime from Enugu West.

However, as the zoning debate rages, some are of the opinion that it should start again from Enugu East, from where

2023: Zoning won’t decide Enugu governor – APC chairman, Nwoye cautions campaigners it should again rotate to the other zones.

But some stakeholders from Enugu North zone, at a recent socio-political meeting, felt otherwise.

Some of them, including Senator Chukwuka Utazi and a former APC guber candidate, Barr. Okey Ezea declared that Enugu North should still produce the next governor in 2023.

They based their argument on different reasons.

For Utazi, Enugu State has two zones, Nsukka and Enugu, and whereas Enugu zone has taken two slots with Nnamani and Chime, Nsukka should also be allowed to take a second slot after Ugwuanyi.

On his part, Ezea said since Enugu

North took the last turn, the rotation should start again from the zone, before the other two zones would take their shot at the position.

Reacting to the controversies generated by their positions, the Enugu APC chairman, Nwoye said zoning had never decided the occupier of Enugu’s number one position.

Nwoye at a press conference said all the governors who had served the State were not elected because they hailed from one part of the State or the other.

He also said it was sad that merely two years into the current administration, people were heating up the polity, describing it as distracting to the Governor.

“A day or two ago, we saw what was going on in the Enugu political realm. Some leaders of thought, some organizing mini rallies, discussing 2023 elections and which geo-political zone is entitled to be at the helm of affairs in the State.

“As the chairman of APC, I thought it wise to state categorically that governance stops when politics begins; we have responsibilities as politicians and as leaders to understand that when someone is elected, he should be allowed to air space to run the government.

“Those who have political ambition, no matter how big or small have to learn to exercise patience. It will be a breach of electoral law for people to launch a

political campaign under any guise either socio-cultural groups or mini-rallies, because our system is a product of law.”

He said the worries of average Enugu people were how to eke out a living, stressing “they don’t wake up and engage in the worry of who is of the Nsukka origin and who is of the Enugu origin.

“They don’t wake up to think about where the power will revolve, whether an unknown person of Enugu North, Enugu West or Enugu East will become the governor of Enugu State.

“So, I’m begging the leaders of Enugu, the political gladiators, and political activists, who are taking turns and trying to heat up the polity, to slow down a bit.”

Easter: Ekweremadu preaches Sacrifice, love and justice

By Musa Baba Adamu

F

ormer Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, says the mounting challenges facing the nation could be affectively addressed if Nigerians unite in love, peace, and with every sense of justice and sacrifice as exemplified

by Jesus Christ.

He stated this in his Easter message to the Christian faithful on Saturday.

Ekweremadu regretted that the country had seriously retrogressed because love had waxed cold, while injustice was palpable, thereby resulting in bad blood, disunity, and incompetence even in the most critical matters that affect the nation.

“There was sacrifice as symbolised by Good Friday before there was ever a resurrection as represented by Easter. Therefore, at Easter, we are reminded by the sacrifice of Christ, who paid the supreme price for the salvation of mankind that we can actually take Nigeria back to the pinnacle of glory if we sacrifice ethno-religious and numerous other narrow interests for the collective good and progress of the country.

“This is a call for us to unite, love, and treat one another with every sense of justice so that the whole nation is effectively mobilised

to confront and surmount our numerous challenges with oneness of mind.

“It is a call be our brother’s keeper in order to make the muchneeded progress as a people”, he stated.

Ekweremadu wished Nigerians a hitch-free Easter celebration, urging them to also seize the opportunity to pray for the nation.

In a related development, the former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu has condoled with Afenifere, over the death of it’s spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, saying he was a federalist and soldier of democracy.

Ekweremadu, in his condolence message to the pan Yoruba group, Afenifere, over the death of its spokesperson, described it as a

heavy loss, not only to the Yoruba nation but also to the country as a whole.

Ekweremadu, who expressed sadness and shock over the death, said Odumakin was a courageous leader and federalist, who worked tirelessly for a peaceful, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.

“This is hard to believe and it is a very grave loss to not only the

Yoruba ethnic nationality, but also Nigeria as a whole.

“Yinka was a federalist, patriot, pan-Nigerian and a courageous leader, who longed for a peaceful, secure, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria and worked hard and tirelessly towards achieving it. He was a gallant soldier for democracy and will be remembered for his dogged battles in regard.

L-R: Information Officer 2, Pharmacist Council Of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Ifeoluwa Afolayan; Director Enforcement, (PCN), Pharm.

Stephen Esumobi; Director Planning Research and Statistics, (PCN), Pharm. Ibrahim Ahmed; Registrar Pharmacist Council of Nigeria, Pharm. (Dr). Elijah Mohammed; Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr.Abubakar Audi; Assistant Director Enforcement,(PCN) Pharm. Mojisola Aizobu and Deputy Director Enforcement, (PCN) Pharm. Samaila Chiroma during PCN courtesy visit to the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently in Abuja. Photo: Justin imo-owo

APGA, Abia APC preach forgiveness on Easter

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

N

ational Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ozonkpu Victor Oye, yesterday prayed for the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to cover the nation and shield it from destruction.

In his Easter message issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Barrister Tex Okechukwu, the APGA National Chairman expressed great optimism that the inherent power behind the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ would have an extensive impact on Nigeria, especially at this time of critical challenges.

Oye said that the 40 days of fasting, prayer

and almsgiving by christendom would touch the heart of God to have mercy on the country and save it from destruction, strife and backwardness.

The APGA boss called on all Nigerians to show love to one another, avoid sin and all forms of hatred and bigotry, and embrace peace, unity and equality.

He called for more tolerance among Nigerians “despite our regions, tribal and political differences.”

According to him, “for us to achieve greatness, we must turn a new leave, mend our hearts and reconcile with one another.

This is the only we can demonstrate in practical terms the lessons we learned from Lent and Holy Week”.

Ozonkpu Oye, in the message also thanked God for the safe release from captivity the Commissioner for Public Utilities, Anambra State, Emeka Ezenwanne.

In its goodwill message issued to newsmen on Sunday by the Publicity Secretary, Comrade Benedict Godson, the All Progressive Congress (APC), Abia State chapter, felicitated with christian faithfuls on the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Abia APC stressed the need for the people of the State to use this period of Easter to eschew hatred and love one another, adding that “Abia should always be our first love because we have no other State except Abia”.

According to the party, “there is absolutely

no need for hate in a season of love. Politics or no politics, party or no party, we must remember we are all Abians.

APC counseled all and sundry to bury whatever differences, forgive one another and toe the path of reconciliation as exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ.

The message partly stated, “Jesus Christ despite being sinless and a life without blemish, accepted to offer his own life as a sacrifice for the salvation we enjoy today.

“He did not just offer his life for his family and friends, the Bible made it clear that he took away the sins of the World which includes the sins of his enemies, enemies of his father, mother and enemies of his country while on earth.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

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By Etuka Sunday

T

he Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has said that robust digital infrastructure and literacy are key to reaping the transformational benefits of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across public and private institutions in the country.

Danbatta stated this when he received a delegation of the Top Management Committee (TMC) of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano (AKTH), who paid him a courtesy visit at the Kano Zonal Office of the Commission at the weekend.

During the visit, the AKTH team also presented an award to the EVC “as an expression of the hospital’s appreciation for the enormous contributions of the EVC and the Commission to the development of health institutions over the years in the country.”

Speaking during the visit, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of AKTH, Prof. Abdulrahman Sheshe, who led the delegation on the courtesy call, said, “the objective of our being here today is to appreciate your contribution in person and as EVC of NCC to the growth and development of the teaching hospital.”

According to Sheshe, through the support and donations from Kano people like the EVC and institutions like NCC, the hospital has increased its bed capacity from 250 to 700, as well as performing 57 successful transplant surgeries.

“You have also made enormous

Digital Infrastructure, Literacy Key to Reaping Transformational Benefits of ICT - Danbatta contributions in this regard and that has helped us to get new dialysis machines through your assistance and these machines are being put to use, aside from other state-of-the-art equipment already in place,” he said while appreciating the EVC. The CMD, however, sought NCC’s support in the area of a Health Information Management System (HIMS) and digital capacity for staff.

Responding, however, Danbatta thanked the hospital

• Receives AKTH appreciation award

management for the visit and the award, noting that the Commission supports federal institutions with necessary ICT equipment across the country and is ready to assist AKTH in this regard.

“As a Commission, we are working to bridge the infrastructure divide, which is an element of the entire digital ecosystem. We do this via a lot

of ongoing regulatory initiatives.

And, through our training arm, Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), we provide digital literacy to critical sectors of the economy, including the health sector, we also intervene through our Advanced Digital Appreciation Programme,” he said.

According to Danbatta, digital divide can be bridged by making computers available and ICT

services accessible to people and key sectors of the economy.

“Infrastructure that can host this massive flow of information and knowledge is broadband infrastructure and this is top-most in the agenda of the Commission.

Indeed, ICT is transforming every sector of the economy and the earlier we embrace the vast opportunity brought by ICT the better,” the EVC pointed out.

L-R; : Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara, wife of the celebrant, Mrs Kemi Kareem; Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji; 13th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido; wife of Olubadan, Olori Rasheedat; and newly Installed Agba-Oye of Ibadanland, Chief Orikolade Kareem, during the Installation of Karem as the Agba-Oye of Ibadanland

by Olubadan on Saturday in Ibadan

FG Launches NASSE, Targets 500 Students, 30 Teachers As Pilot

By Etuka Sunday The Federal Government has flagged off a National Adopted School for Smart Education programme to enhance learning across Nigeria, with the targeted 500 students and 30 teachers in Abuja.

The first school to benefit from the pilot scheme was the Junior Secondary School, Karshi, in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Speaking during the launch of the (NASSE), the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami said, the digitalisation of every sector in Nigeria would accelerate the digital economy dream.

Pantami noted that Education as the backbone of a nation’s prosperity allows a country and individual to hold competitive edge in the ever-advancing technological world and reach their full potential.

He further stated that the purpose of education was to teach children to think intensively and critically.

“This can be more realistic if they are exposed to education at young

ages. NASSE is a model of catching our young ones early enough into the world of technology in a more productive way particularly in the education sector”, he said.

The Minister explained that “the goal of education is not only to increase the amount of knowledge but to create the possibilities for a child to invent and discover, to create men who are capable of doing new things. It is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world and Nigeria for better”.

He asserted that building a strong digital economy requires the integration of digital technologies and innovations in all sectors.

“As a country, we lost totally in the past industrial age. In this digital age, with the increased proliferation of new technologies and innovations, going digital in all sectors of the economy is the optimal route to attain Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for any government. There should be no doubt that digitization of the economy is one of the most critical issues of our time”, he said.

Also speaking, the Director General, National Information

Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, explained that NASSE was an implementation of Nigeria Smart Initiative in the education sector, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, as a policy directive of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy led by Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami to aid implementation of National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a digital Nigeria.

He said, as part of the agency strategic objectives, there was need to support every sector of the economy to succeed in this digital age.

Inuwa said, the NASSE was designed to accelerate the achievement of this global and national agenda by smartly engaging in “building and upgrading education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive with provision of safe, nonviolent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all. Hence the launch of the pilot edition of NASSE in partnership with AMAC and other critical stakeholders at Junior Secondary School, Karshi.

“We are deploying one of the indigenous cloud based digital education solutions that is based on National Educational Research Development Council (NERDC) curriculum to support over 500 students and 30 teachers for JSS 2 Karshi.

In addition to the above, NITDA is providing among others: digital literacy capacity building for over 500 students and teachers; Free Wireless Broadband (unlimited contents download and upload) for students and teachers; Portable renewable energy system; Smart education devices (Tablets); and Instructor’s android-enabled smart screen.

He reiterated that the aim was to promote massive access to quality education at the grassroots while leveraging digital technologies and innovations.

Speaking earlier, the founder Hot spot, and supplier of the free Wifi, Morenikeji Aniye said, Education is a key driver of National growth and prosperity, noting that the infusion of ICT’s further stimulates the upward trajectory of that growth.

Aniye while highlighting some of the benefits of ICT in Teaching and learning said, “it provides both Tutors and beneficiaries with 21st century skills such as critical thinking, innovation, problem solving and collaboration to name a few.

“With these tools - Connectivity, Computers and software applications, learning and teaching becomes limitless and expands in no small measure course offerings and engaging teaching methods”, he said.

He commended NITDA and the Federal Ministry of Communications & Digital Economy for the initiative adding that, “it is a laudable policy direction towards increasing the ICT Index of Nigeria which in turn has a positive and potent cascade effect on different aspects of socioeconomic life of our dear Nation”.

The principal of the school represented by Maxwell Nosiri and the Emir of Karshi represented

by Alhaji Ahmad Bukar, while expressing their appreciation, assured that the project would be sustained and protected for the benefit of the students and teachers.

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

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ICT Building Products Based on Customer Needs: The LG Smart & Dual Inverter Story

By Etuka Sunday

W

ith the recent increase in the number of people working from home, the demand for energyefficient and powerful cool air conditioners have risen exponentially across Africa due to unbearable heat caused by the weather, especially during the dry season.

One company that has been at the forefront of the next generation of innovative Residential Air Conditioning (RAC) is LG Electronics. With a vision to provide differentiated customer value, LG over the last 20 years, has pursued earth environment preservation, sustainable social advancement, and improved the quality of life of all its stakeholders.

Based on customer needs, the electronics giants has varieties of Air Conditioner namely; GenCool, ArtCool and DualCool Premium Air Conditioners. A few years ago, LG introduced its GENCOOL Inverter V that can work efficiently with small capacity generators. Specially designed for the Nigerian market, AC comes with benefits such as affordability, energy efficiency and durability.

Unlike the conventional AC (i.e. ON/OFF types) which requires a big-sized generator to start the AC due to their high start-up electric power, LG’s GEN COOL AC can be started with smaller generators due to LG’s innovative inverter technology. According to LG, for the normal mode, 1HP AC needs a 1.5 KVA generator while 1.5 HP requires 1.7KVA and 2HP needs 2.2KVA. Thus, the LG GEN COOL Air Conditioner comes with the GEN Mode which allows for the use of a small capacity generator in areas where electric supply is insufficient, eliminating the need for a large generator. So with the AC’s GEN Mode feature, you can minimize startup electric requirements.

LG Smart AC features The electronics giant has equipped its ACs with Smart ThinQ technology, which, as per the company, allows the users to control and monitor ACs at any time and from anywhere with an app on the phone. Apart from control, consumers also get filter cleaning notification and control multiple home appliances through smart ThinQ. Mr. Hari Elluru, Head of Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics, West Africa Operations, said, “We have

more number of future-ready ACs with Smart ThinQ (Wi-Fi) along with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility.

We aim to offer the best air conditioning solutions to our consumers through a robust product portfolio supported by effective after-sales service.

Which gives us the confidence to continue our last year’s and the industry’s first initiative of same-day installation.”

Energy efficiency coupled with powerful cooling The GenCool AC comes equipped with a Smart and Dual Inverter Compressor which reduces energy consumption by up to 60 and 70 per cent respectively. The Dual Inverter Compressor motor has a wide rotational frequency and a higher speed cooling range than a conventional compressor, allowing the Air Conditioner to cool more quickly, last longer and run more quietly.

So no matter how high the temperature, the Air Conditioner distributes cool air immediately to every corner in the room. The unit has a 25 per cent larger skew fan which expels powerful blasts of air through its large outlet, optimally designed to fill spaces with cool air faster and farther.

Due to their twin rotor, there is a faster cooling at a wider operating frequency or ‘broader tonnage’. Hence, dual inverter offer better cooling in terms of precision in temperature control due to variable tonnage and

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he Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, FNCS, FBCS, FIIM, chaired the meeting of the Ministerial Task Force on the NIN-SIM data linkage.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including the EVC/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), DG/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Representative of the Comptroller-General of the

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speed of cooling.

Optimal comfort and health care Powerful cooling does not come at the expense of the user’s comfort. With just a click of the “Comfort Air” remote button, the GenCool AC adjusts the vane angle to ensure that the outflowing air does not blow directly to the user and cause sudden drops in body temperature. The disturbance is also not an issue as the Air Conditioner operates at the world’s lowest noise level thanks to LG’s unique BLDC motor, skew fan technology and Active Low Vibration Control (ALVC) feature. It also maintains an incredible capacity for dehumidification to provide the most comfortable environment.

“Health is one of LG’s core considerations when creating new products. The Art Cool AC offers top-quality features in favour of the user’s health and sanitation. Plasmaster Ionizer Plus, which disseminates over three million ions to sterilize and deodorize not only the air going through the AC, but all surrounding harmful substances.

Next-level convenience The installation has never been easier with the delicately designed installation elements of LG’s Air Conditioner: simple packaging, installation plate improvement, installation support clip, wider tubing space,

detachable bottom cover and a quick button for running tests.

Less Noise Ordinary inverter AC uses a single cylinder-shaped rotary compressor. Since the operation of a single compressor requires high-speed rotation, it tends to generate a lot of vibration. This increases noise levels, especially when the shaft of the AC is whirring at full capacity.

The twin-rotary compressors in dual inverter ACs turn with a phase difference of 180 degrees,

which promotes more stability when they are operating at full capacity. More stability means fewer vibrations and whirring and ultimately lesser noise.

Consistent with this strategy, LG provides a wide range of products for heating, ventilating and air conditioning. The company’s industry-leading variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology minimizes efficiency losses, provides sustainable energy savings and offers some of the lowest life cycle cost of any system on the market today.

NIN Database exceeds 51m records, as FG extends NIN-SIM linkage by one month

By Etuka Sunday

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).

Others included the NCC Executive Commissioners Technical Services and Stakeholder Management, MD/CEOs of MTN, Airtel, EMTS (9Mobile), NTEL, Spectranet and SMILE, as well as the COO of Glo. The Director, Public Affairs​​​ , NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde and the Head, Corporate Communications, NIMC, Mr Kayode Adegoke in joint statement said, the meeting took place on Thursday, April 1, 2021 and an approval was given to extend the period of the NIN-SIM linkage to the 6th of May, 2021. The request for the extension was presented

to President Muhammadu Buhari and he endorsed it.

Based on the updates of the NIN-registration process, over 51 million people have been assigned NINs. There are many people, who have enrolled and are in the process of being assigned NINs. With each individual having an average of 3 to 4 SIMs, the total number of SIMs tied to NINs would be close to the total number of registered SIMs in the country.

The current number of monthly enrolments has increased significantly to about 2.6 million registrations.

There has also been a remarkable increase in the number of enrolment centres across the country with about 3,800 centres available for enrolments. There are also many more new centres in the pipeline.

The Chairman of the EFCC addressed the meeting and stated that the NIN-SIM linkage would support the Federal Government in checkmating the activities of fraudsters and cybercriminals.

The Honourable Minister noted the importance of obtaining feedback from all stakeholders in order to ensure that the NIN-SIM linkage process is one that cannot easily be compromised.

Dr. Pantami wishes to thank Nigerians for their patience and compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the NIN-SIM registration exercise.

He reiterated government’s commitment to continually taking decisions aimed at easing the pains of the citizens with regard to issues related to NIN and SIM registration.

L-R: Chairman, Karu local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Hon.Samuel Akala, Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon Abdullahi Candido, Representative of the Minister of FCT,Comrade Ikharo Attach, the Groom, Comrade Yusuf Yunusa Adamu his wife Rosemary Yusuf, representative of the Minister of State for FCT / Founder Helpline Foundation for the Needy, Dr. Jummai Ahmadu and the House of Representative member for AMAC/Bwari federal constituency of FCT, Hon.Micah Jiba, during the wedding ceremony of Comrade Yusuf, held at the weekend in Abuja. Photo : Justin Imo

Tension as workers battle non-implementation of FCT Civil Service Commission Act

By Stanley Onyekwere

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here are indications of looming industrial war over the nonimplementation of the FCT Civil Service Commission Act, as workers under the aegis of Joint Unions Action Committee ( JUAC) in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) have declared readiness for an indefinite strike.

The aggrieved workers said the grandstanding of FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello over the Act signed three years ago by President Muhammadu Buhari, has put their fate hanging in the air for too long, and it can’t be allowed.

Chairman of JUAC, Matilukoro Korede, said the FCT Civil Service Commission

Act can’t remain in the shelfs, while the administration continues to deny workers the benefits accruing from it.

Korede noted that the just concluded 3day warning strike last week by the workers was a sign that issues that affect their welfare will not be further subjected to political bottlenecks.

He warned that all the joint Unions in FCTA and FCDA are prepared for an indefinite strike that will cripple all government activities.

He explained workers patience has been exhausted, as the administration has refused to do the needful, after several meetings with the labour leaders.

According to him, workers have been resillient in demanding for the implementation of Executive Order 1 of

2004, which abolished the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory, long before the signing of Act which has given FCT workers to advance in the Service like their counterparts in the states.

JUAC Chairman further stressed without the implementation of the Act, FCT workers will continually remain under administrative limitations that won’t allow them to grow at par with workers at the states.

He said, “ It was a huge relief when the National Assembly enacted, passed into law and Gazetted (with the consent of the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria) the FCT-Civil Service Commission in 2018.

“This is three years down the line, the big question is why has it been difficult to implement it till date? The FCT-Civil

Service Commission was created by an Act of parliament, just like the Federal Civil Service Commission and those of the States Civil Service Commission, with primary responsibility of appointment”.

Among the demands of the workers are; “ the removal of all FCTA staff from the Accountant General of the Federation’s Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System(IPPIS).

“Others include immediate “ release of all pending cases of conversion, upgrading and Advancement, and abolishment of casualization of workers on FCTA, and especially in Transportation Secretariat, Water Board and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board. Promotion and discipline, also known as (APD), within the FCT,” Korede said.

Gov’t ups steps to actualise establishment of SAPZ in Abuja

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Federal Capital Territory Administration has disclosed that measures have been put in place for the immediate take off of the Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in livestock production.

Specifically, the administration has made provisions in the 2021 budget to the tune of N5 billion as counterpart fund for the actualization of the project in the nation’s capital Chairman, Project Implementation Committee, Prof. Muhammad Usman, who made this disclosure during a stakeholder

engagements of AfDB/IFAD-SAPZ appraisal mission to FCT, also revealed that the FCT Administration has developed a strategic implementation plan for the next 3 years of this administration.

Usman, who described the project as a game changer in project development in the Federal Capital Territory, however, noted that the SAPZ was one of the strategies to deliver on Mr. President’s plan to create jobs for the youth and to take 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next nine years.

Speaking further on the benefits of the project, Usman stated that the SAPZ when fully established would improve modernise livestock productivity for national food

nutrition security by making available quality and price competitive beef/dairy products for local and export markets, stressing that the project would resettle pastoralists, decongest the FCT of roaming cattle and mitigate farmer/herder conflicts.

According to him, “We plan to complement this with the production in the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) of the federal government while incentivising as many mult-national corporations with interest in livestock and dairy production.

“Consequently, we have constituted a multi-sectoral, inter-agency and multidisciplinary SAPZ project development

team for FCTA that has worked through the COVID-19 lockdown period, to prepare draft project implementation checklists, design layouts, and infrastructure provision cost estimates”.

In her presentation, Monde Nyambe, the Task Team Lead of Africa Development Bank (AfDB), said the establishment of SAPZ was one of the plans by the bank to achieve five cardinal objectives to include power and light up Africa, feed Africa, industrialise Africa, integrate Africa and improve quality of life of Africans by using the small holder farmers.

She, however, expressed the commitment of the bank for the actualization of the project.

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world news

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

N international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Covid: Paris police probe ‘secret luxury dinner parties’

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rench police have launched an investigation into alleged clandestine fine dining and parties in Paris, revealed in an undercover TV report.

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin ordered the probe, saying such gatherings, breaching Covid lockdown rules, would be “totally unacceptable”.

A private TV channel, M6, tweeted the undercover film, with the description “caviar, champagne, top chefs’ menus and no masks allowed”.

France is now in its third lockdown.

The new restrictions took effect nationally on Saturday and will continue for four weeks, with the aim of curbing a surge in Covid-19 cases. On Sunday the number of Covid patients in intensive care rose to 5,341, putting French hospitals under huge strain.

All schools and non-essential shops are shut and a night curfew is in place from 19:00 to 06:00.

The M6 film showed an unnamed private dining club in a “smart district” of Paris, where guests were told they could remove their masks. The secret venue, with window blinds down, was accessed via an apartment block.

A waiter is heard telling the

reporter - who is posing as a guest - that “the people who come here don’t wear masks; once you enter here there’s no more Covid”.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.View original tweet on Twitter

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Amendments to Basic Law annexes a fundamental way to preserve longterm stability, prosperity of “one country, two systems” principle

hina’s top legislature, National People’s Congress (NPC) on Tuesday, March 30, voted unanimously to adopt the amended Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The two annexes concern the method for the selection of the HKSAR Chief Executive and the method for the formation of the HKSAR Legislative Council and its voting procedures, respectively.

The two documents bear profound and significant importance for adhering and improving the principle of “one country, two systems,” and safeguarding the HKSAR’s constitutional order as defined in the Constitution and the Basic Law. They will also improve the region’s electoral system, promote the development of a democratic system that suits Hong Kong’s present situation, ensure longterm stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, and help safeguard China’s sovereignty, security and development interests.

Countries must make solid their mechanisms and institutions to achieve governance and bring orders to the people.

In recent years, especially since the amendment bill disturbance in 2019, the chaos in the Hong Kong society has mirrored obvious loopholes and deficiencies of the

According to the report, the haute cuisine on the menu starts at €160 (£136; $188) and can cost as much as €490 per person.

The video also shows separate undercover footage of what is apparently a secret dinner party in a luxurious venue. The voiceover says the guests paid €220 per head, and some kissed each other cheek-to-cheek, ignoring all Covid distancing rules.

A woman is heard claiming that “this week I dined at two or three restaurants - so-called clandestine restaurants - with some ministers”.

The video has gone viral, and triggered the Twitter hashtag #OnVeutLesNoms, meaning “we want the names”.

The video points out the penalties for lockdown offences in France - a year in jail and €15,000 fine for putting someone’s life at risk and, for each guest, potentially a €135 fine for violating the curfew and another €135 for not wearing

HKSAR’s electoral system.

Authorized by the Decision of the NPC on Improving the Electoral System of the HKSAR, the Standing Committee of the NPC amended the Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law according to legal procedure and based on extensive consultation.

By doing this, China has timely plugged the loopholes and ensured the principle of “patriots governing Hong Kong.”

The amended Annex I and Annex II highlight the principle of “one country, two systems” under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy and run Hong Kong affairs according to law.

They help Hong Kong improve its governance efficacy, reflect balanced political participation, come in line with Hong Kong’s actual conditions, and enjoy solid legal ground and extensive public support. The righteous move is a necessary step to advance Hong Kong’s democratic system, and a fundamental way to preserve long-term stability and prosperity of the “one country, two systems” principle.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC)

Some well-heeled Parisians are allegedly holding secret dinner parties a mask.

When asked about the report, Mr Darmanin said that in the current crisis there was not one rule for the rich and privileged and another for everyone else.

If the video is proven to be accurate, he said, “these people must be prosecuted and, I imagine, sentenced for having organised

Central Committee remarked that Hong Kong can only maintain its long-term stability and security by ensuring “patriots governing Hong Kong.”

In the governance structure of the HKSAR, those on important positions, holding important powers and shouldering important governance responsibilities must be pure patriots. This time, by improving the HKSAR’s electoral system and establishing necessary safety valves, China is practicing the principle of “patriots governing Hong Kong” to ensure that the power to administer Hong Kong is firmly put in the hands of patriots, so as to offer solid institutional guarantee for the long-term stability of the “one country, two systems” principle.

According to the amended Annex I and Annex II, an Election Committee which is broadly representative, suited to the actual situation of the HKSAR, and represents the overall interests of society will be set up in Hong Kong. It will be endowed with new functions and adjustments will be made to the method for the selection of the Chief Executive of the HKSAR and the formation of the Legislative Council. This

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

such parties”.

He said police were intervening daily to break up “big barbecues” in working-class districts, “because people don’t respect the lockdown”.

“Clearly, in the capital’s smartest districts, the rules are the same for everyone. We don’t have two types of citizen: those

will establish a new democratic electoral system with Hong Kong characteristics that safeguards national sovereignty, security, development interests and the long-term stability of Hong Kong, and ensures the implementation of the principle of “patriots governing Hong Kong, balanced political participation, and improvement of Hong Kong’s governance efficacy.”

Patriots governing Hong Kong doesn’t mean to erase all differences in Hong Kong. It means that unpatriotic people are not allowed to find their way into the HKSAR’s body of power, so as to prevent the HKSAR from becoming a base for anti-China and external forces intending to subvert the country’s state power.

Any one that wants to run in election and meets the criteria of a “patriot” can join the election and be elected in accordance with law.

Besides, based on the adjustments made to seats, composition, and method of formation of the Election Committee, the amended electoral system has expanded Hong Kong residents’ political participation and enriched the forms of democracy, which will better help reach the goal of safeguarding the

with a right to party and those who don’t.”

French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire also voiced concern about the video, and insisted that “all ministers, without exception, are respecting the rules and noone among them thinks they have some sort of special pass”.

Source: BBC

fundamental and overall interests of Hong Kong residents and realizing high-quality democracy and social equality.

The policy to develop a democratic system suited to Hong Kong’s actual situation, reflecting balanced political participation of the Hong Kong society, and promoting the overall interests of the Hong Kong society and the well-being of the people, has never been and will never be changed.

China will also remain resolute to practice the “one country, two systems” principle.

Both the vital force and authoritativeness of laws lie in implementation. By making more detailed regulations on Hong Kong’s electoral system, the NPC Standing Committee ensured its legislative intentions and offered a basis for the HKSAR to amend local laws.

Next, the HKSAR shall, according to the amended Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law, amend local laws, and organize and manage relevant election activities in accordance with law, so as to safeguard the stability of Hong Kong’s political system.

Source: People’s Daily

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Tigray crisis: The Weeknd donates $1m to Ethiopians in conflict

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Mozambique town Palma ‘retaken’ from militant Islamists

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&B singer The Weeknd has promised to donate $1m (£700,000) to Ethiopians caught up in the conflict in Tigray.

The star, born Abel Tesfaye in Canada, is the son of Ethiopian immigrants.

“My heart breaks for my people of Ethiopia as innocent civilians ranging from small children to the elderly are being senselessly murdered,” he said.

Fighting between the Ethiopian army and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) began in November and has left millions of people homeless.

The fighting started when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent forces to the Tigray region, after accusing the TPLF of attacking a government military base.

The TPLF had been the ruling party in the area, but fell out with Mr Abiy over his efforts to increase the central government’s power.

Last week, a BBC Africa Eye investigation uncovered evidence suggesting the Ethiopian military had carried out a massacre in Tigray, killing at least 15 men.

So far more than two million people have left their homes to get away from the fighting, according to Tigray’s interim administration.

It has left more than four million people in need of aid, they added.

The Weeknd said on Twitter and Instagram that his $1m donation would go to the UN’s World Food Programme to pay for two million meals.

The singer has become one of the biggest chart stars of the last decade with hits including Blinding Lights.

He has spoken before about his Ethiopian heritage, telling Rolling Stone magazine in 2015 that his grandmother would take him to services at their Ethiopian Orthodox church in Canada, that his first language was Amharic, and that his vocal style was influenced by Ethiopian singer Aster Aweke The conflict in Tigray spread over international borders as forces from neighbouring Eritrea joined Ethiopian government troops in fighting the TPLF. The Eritrean troops started to withdraw after the G7 group of industrialised nations called for them to do so on 2 April.

The G7 group also said it is “strongly concerned” by reports of human rights abuses in Tigray.

These include mass killings of civilians, sexual violence, looting and the abuse of refugees.

Ethiopia’s prime minister has previously denied that any civilians have been killed.

Tigrayan forces, meanwhile, have also faced accusations of human rights abuses.

Thousands of people have fled the coastal town following the outbreak of conflict

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ozambique’s military says it has regained full control of the coastal town of Palma, more than a week after it was raided by militant Islamists.

A “significant” number of militants were killed in the counter-offensive, an army spokesman said.

State radio reported that residents who had fled were starting to return - some to homes that were looted.

Dozens of civilians were killed and at least 11,000 displaced after the militants invaded Palma on 24 March.

A South African and British national were among those killed in what was one of the biggest attacks by the militants in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province since they launched an insurgency in the

region in 2017.

Communication with the town, which has a population of about 75,000, remains cut.

The militants, known locally as al-Shabab, have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) group.

Their assault on Palma forced energy giant Total to suspend its multi-billion dollar natural gas project in Afungi, a short distance from the town.

A message asking for help was seen on the grounds of the Amarula hotel in Palma Total withdrew its staff on Friday, while the United Nations suspended flights to evacuate civilians because of security concerns.

Army spokesman Brigadier Chongo Vidigal said the gas plant was secure, and Palma was now “safe” .

“The airfield area was the only one we needed to clear and we did that [on Sunday]. It’s completely safe,” Brig Vidigal was quoted by AFP news agency as saying.

In the first footage from Palma in the aftermath of the attack, state television broadcast images of soldiers putting black plastic sheets over the dead on the streets, reports the BBC’s Jose Tembe from the capital Maputo.

Although some residents were reported to be returning, the streets were mostly deserted.

The town’s hospital, commercial banks and the state prosecutor’s office were all destroyed, our reporter adds.

The governor of Cabo Delgado, Valgy Tauabo, visited Palma on Sunday, and promised to help people rebuild their lives.

“We are now moving on to the next stage, one as critical as

retaking the town, whereby we will be welcoming the communities who fled to the bush,” Brig Vidigal said.

Thousands of others fled by boat to Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado.

Fears insurgency could spread Analysis by Jose Tembe, BBC News, Maputo Many people are questioning why it took around 10 days for the military to regain full control of Palma.

It suggests that the militants have become strong, and government forces are struggling to contain the insurgency.

A private security firm from South Africa, Dyck Advisory Group, has been helping the military to fight the militants, but the government has never officially acknowledged its involvement and there are reports that it has suspended its contract.

The regional body, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), is due to discuss the insurgency at a meeting later this week, amid fears that it could spread.

There have been calls for the deployment of regional troops, but Mozambique’s government has so far resisted this. Many academics agree with its decision, saying the deployment of a regional force could complicate the situation and some of its troops may even collude with the militants.

Instead, it has called for its army to be given training and resources to fight the militants - an unspecified number of US military instructors are already in Mozambique for this purpose.

Portugal, the former colonial power, has also said it will send about 60 troops in the coming weeks to provide training.

Ghanaian authorities investigate after 60 dead dolphins appear

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he authorities in Ghana are trying to find out what has caused more than 60 dead dolphins to wash up on several beaches.

Local fishermen say the phenomenon is extremely rare.

Officials are warning against eating the dolphins and various other fish species that have also washed up, as it not yet clear what caused their deaths.

Ghana’s Fisheries Commission says samples have been taken for laboratory analysis.

Dozens of dolphins went missing from Axim beach in the west of the country. It is suspected they were taken away by people who intend to sell their meat, Ghanaian news site Graphic Online reports.

“Initial observation... showed no wound/lesions on their bodies... The colour of the sea

and temperature are normal,” the executive director of the Fisheries Commission, Michael ArthurDadzie, is quoted by AFP news agency as saying.

Investigations have taken place over the last year after similar mass dolphin deaths along other parts of the African coast.

In February 111 dolphins were found dead off the coast of Mozambique.

The dolphins may have got caught at low tide after Cyclone Guambe, a preliminary investigation by Mozambique’s agriculture ministry suggests.

Last year, 52 dead dolphins were found on the coast of the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius.

An investigation by Mauritius’s fisheries ministry put the main cause of death down to a phenomenon known as barotrauma.

Some were filmed here on Axim beach and reportedly later disappeared This results from an abrupt change in pressure which can be caused by various things including

military sonar, an underwater earthquake, explosives or a volcanic eruption.

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‘Ear economy’ booms in China

By Ye Zi, People’s Daily Overseas Edition

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hina’s online audio sector, or the “ear economy”, represented by online audiobooks, audio livestreaming, and pay-for-knowledge products has witnessed rapid development in recent years.

The country’s market size of longform audio content is expected to reach 54.31 billion yuan (about $8.27 billion) by 2022, and the number of online audio service users in China will exceed 900 million in 2023, according to data from iResearch, an independent market research company.

For many people, listening to audio programs has increasingly become a part of their daily routine.

“I often listen to news programs during my commute to get information about the latest events, and spend lunch breaks during workdays taking audio courses in business and finance to improve myself. When I do laundry or cook at weekends, I always play an audiobook to relax myself,” said a woman surnamed Wang, a whitecollar worker of an Internet company in Beijing.

Audio materials allow listeners to rest their hands and eyes while using the fragments of time for selfimprovement or recreation, compared with videos, said Wang, a big fan of online audio content who has arranged various audio programs for different time periods of the day and different occasions.

According to a national reading report released by the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication (CAPP) in April 2020, audiobooks have attracted more and more readers and become a new growth point for the Chinese people in terms of their reading behaviors.

The report showed that 31.2 percent of Chinese citizens and 30.3 percent of Chinese adults often listened to audiobooks in 2019.

Audiobook mobile apps were the most popular choice among Chinese adults who listened to audiobooks, with the adults who listened to audiobooks via such apps accounting for 16.2 percent of the total, followed by WeChat programs and radio channels, indicated the report.

Audiobooks represent the most popular category among users on audio content platforms, while radio

dramas and content about quality lifestyle favored by young users, parent-child courses designed for mothers. Audio courses and materials on workplace skills, foreign language learning, as well as knowledge about business, finance, and economics are also among the top on the bestseller list.

The ways in which people listen to audio content are more and more diverse. Wang told the People’s Daily that she usually uses wireless earbuds connected to apps on her mobile phone to enjoy audio content during the commute, and plays such content via a smart speaker at home.

A jogger in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong province, who is surnamed Zhou, said that he listens to various podcasts via his smartwatch while running. Podcasts are good company during exercise and sometimes inspire him to think, according to Zhou.

Audio content platforms have made active efforts to develop external channels for distribution of products, reaching out to potential partners including operators of smart hardware, apps, mini-programs, and mobile websites, said an analysis report

D

riven by influencer marketing, primary-level cadres in China are showing up on short video platforms to promote local specialties, as well as cultural and tourism resources, contributing a vital part to China’s efforts to coordinate epidemic control and economic and social development, consolidate poverty alleviation achievements and vitalize rural regions.

Douyin, known as Tik Tok globally, has invited a total of 110 city and county mayors to livestream shows since February 2020. They helped sell 123 million yuan ($18.74 million) of agricultural products, over half of which were from impoverished counties.

Chen Canping is a deputy mayor of Anhua County, Yiyang, central China’s Hunan Province known for its tea industry. His job is to reduce local poverty by e-commerce.

At the end of 2018, Chen opened an account on Douyin, and the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 a year later prompted him to join livestreaming e-commerce as a way to help local tea planters and enterprises tide over difficulties.

“In Anhua, the tea industry had lifted 96,000 people out of poverty. If tea sales becomes stagnant, tea farmers might slip back into poverty again,” he said.

In around half a year, Chen joined over 300 livestream shows that generated a total sales volume of 15 million yuan. Now the deputy mayor has more than 400,000

followers on Douyin.

As of the end of last year, all 148,600 impoverished people and 130 impoverished villages in Anhui had been lifted out of poverty.

“Ms. Tang, it was because of you that I started to know Taihu County in Anhui.” “Ms. Tang, it was because of your clips on Douyin that I decided to have a trip to Taihu County.” These are comments that Tang Xiang, who serves as temporary deputy mayor of Taihu County, Anqing, east China’s Anhui Province, always receives on Douyin.

To introduce Taihu to other parts of China and attract attention and investment to Taihu is a goal of Tang, who always appears in short videos to advertise the beautiful county wearing

I Photo taken on August 13, 2020, shows residents in Wangchang village, Wushan township, Hukou county, Jiujiang, east China’s Jiangxi province, enjoying reading in an audio library. (Photo by Zhang Yu/People’s Daily Online) released by Analysys International, a Beijing-based marketing consulting company.

Popular online audio-sharing platform Ximalaya FM in China has carried out in-depth cooperation with tech giants like Alibaba, Xiaomi, Huawei, Baidu, and Samsung to make audio content available on various smart terminals and in many scenarios in people’s daily life. The platform has also launched relevant products

including artificial intelligence-based speaker and earbuds.

Experts believe that with the advance in science and technology, the integration of audio content into smart hardware terminals like vehiclemounted terminals, smart home devices, smart speakers, and smart wearables will bring audio products to various scenarios in life and further boost the development of the “ear economy.”

traditional Chinese costumes.

Short videos have just won the county two investment projects totaling 300 million yuan from Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province and Huizhou, south China’s Guangdong Province after this year’s Spring Festival.

Shanyang County, located in the Qinling-Bashan mountainous regions of Shangluo, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, was once troubled with poverty. When Jin Xuehua was appointed to serve a temporary position in the county, he immediately conducted a survey on local e-commerce development. Surprisingly, he found that neither enterprises nor individual merchants there knew what influencer marketing was.

In early 2020, the county held training sessions for local

e-commerce enterprises, and Jin also opened accounts on short video platforms. In less than a year, he helped sell over 13 million yuan worth of farm produce.

The top sales volume of a single livestream show even exceeded what an enterprise would achieve in three months.

He said stereotyped contents don’t work any longer today, adding that the viewers are more into down-to-earth and funny stuffs such as walnut harvesting and straw sandal weaving.

Besides, the products promoted must be of good quality, he said.

“The commodities I promote are all produced by standardized production systems and authenticated by official platforms, so as to ensure interests for both farmers and consumers,” he said.

Mainland, HK conduct technical tests on cross-border use of digital yuan

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hina’s central bank and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) have cooperated to conduct technical tests on the cross-border use of the digital yuan, an official said on Thursday, a further step in China’s wider push of the use of the digital currency.

The trial was a normal test for the digital yuan and more will be conducted in the future, Wang Xin, director of Research Bureau of the People’s Bank of China (PBC) said at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.

Wang said that at present the digital yuan is basically used for domestic retail payments and several rounds of trials have

been conducted in the country’s different cities. “PBC is also considering applying the digital yuan in cross-border payment when the conditions are ripe, to meet market demands,” said Wang.

HKMA told Global Times that the trial is focused on the use of related apps, network connection and application scenarios.

Nearly 200 bank employees and business owners have joined the trial. HKMA said that they are discussing with the PBC about the next phase of digital yuan trial in Hong Kong to deepen its usage in cross-border payment.

“This digital yuan trial between Shenzhen and Hong

Kong is helpful for the free flow of capital and the optimization of financial resources allocation in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It will also create a communication platform for the development of Hong Kong and Chinese mainland,” Wang Peng, assistant professor of the Gaoli Academy of Renmin University of China, told the Global Times.

Wang Peng said that the use of the digital yuan in cross border payments can boost the efficiency of international trade business and also enhance financial security. He believes that more functions of the digital currency, for instance, as a tool for macro-

Feature

25

The women fighting South Africa’s ‘infodemic’

Primary-level cadres in China join livestream e-commerce for poverty alleviation

By Xu Qing, People’s Daily Online

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

control of financial markets is likely to be tested in digital yuan trials in future.

“The use of digital yuan in Hong Kong and Shenzhen will not only benefit the local financial markets, but it is also a great step of China’s digital currency to be used in international markets,” said Wang Peng.

Meanwhile, a new round of trial of digital yuan among Hong Kong residents was also conducted recently in Shenzhen of South China’s Guangdong Province, according to Shenzhen Special Zone Daily on Thursday.

The trial, which started on Tuesday, is mainly for Hong Kong residents in Shenzhen.

Hong Kong residents can register a digital yuan wallet by using their Hong Kong mobile phone number. The daily consume limit can be adjusted to 50,000 yuan ($7,606) after connecting debit card of Bank of China with digital yuan wallet, according to the report.

Wang Xin, the PBC official, also mentioned that PBC is cooperating with HKMA, Central Bank of Thailand (BOT) and Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates to launch a multilateral research program on applying digital yuan in cross border payment.

Source: Global Times

n South Africa, a small group of volunteers is waging an online battle against Covid-19 and vaccine misinformation. Much of it comes from abroad, Jack Goodman reports.

When Sarah Downs tweeted about how her grandmother had died from Covid-19, there was one response she did not expect.

“I had just posted a message on Twitter basically saying my amazing grandma passed away and she meant a lot to me,” she says.

“So then I had someone asking me, ‘Well, was there an autopsy done? What were the autopsy results? You don’t know that she passed away from Covid. She could have passed away from something else.’”

She had run directly into a Covid-19 denier. They’re a relatively small but vocal group who have a range of beliefs - but in general, many think coronavirus is a “hoax” or “not real”, and are against public health measures and lockdown rules. Right now, one of their main preoccupations is campaigning against vaccines.

But Sarah - studying molecular biology and infectious diseases was the wrong person to troll.

Mistress of Science She spends hours debunking false claims for friends, family and strangers under the alias Mistress of Science. She and others have had their work cut out as medical misinformation has taken hold in South Africa - the country worst hit by the pandemic on the continent.

At the top end of the information pipeline are a relatively small collection of Facebook groups and users, including some that have actively promoted hard-line antivaccination content for years.

“We estimate that it’s about 20,000 South Africans who are actually active on anti-vax Facebook pages,” says Prof Hannelie Meyer, a pharmacist and adviser to the South African Vaccine and Immunisation Centre (Savic).

That’s just a fraction of the country’s population of 59 million.

And most anti-vaccine claims in South Africa actually originate in the United States, according to a 2015 study.

Anecdotal evidence - for instance the viral take-off in the country of false claims about vaccines and DNA by an American osteopath - suggests this trend has continued through the pandemic.

The Anti-Vax Files Data about vaccine hesitancy in South Africa is limited, says Prof Meyer, but studies indicate that more wealthy and educated groups - which include people who are more likely to be white - are less willing to get a jab.

Busting myths

South Africa’s vaccine rollout, which was delayed because of concerns that the first vaccines available wouldn’t work against a new coronavirus variant, is now under way.

Meanwhile the government has run a public campaign to bust prevalent health myths.

A leading virologist has also pushed back against rumours for instance, that Covid-19 and the vaccines that prevent it are a Western plot to reduce Africa’s population and control the continent’s natural resources.

Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele calls the misinformation “mind boggling” - pointing out the supposed plot would require the West to create a virus that killed millions of its own people.

But falsehoods have also come from people in positions of authority. South Africa’s top judge was criticised after a video showed him linking vaccines to a “Satanic agenda.”

Religious scholars have sought to reassure Christians by explaining relevant excerpts of religious text.

In a live-streamed address, Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana debunked another false conspiracy theory - that 5G is linked to the virus after officials said masts had been burned down at the beginning of this year in KwaZulu-Natal province.

Battling false information South Africa has been battling the same fake scientific theories that have been spreading elsewhere.

And, like in other countries, Facebook groups have been a hotbed of anti-vaccine sentiment.

One of the most prominent groups - 10,000 strong - seeks to spread “awareness” about vaccines.

In reality, the hard-line antivaccine outlook of members is very clear. The majority of the posts in the group ridicule or dismiss vaccines.

One video posted in the group - originally aired on an evangelical US Christian television programme - suggested getting a jab could lead to “a lifetime of illness”.

The woman that runs the group, Christine Hewlett, sells immune system boosting supplements in an online shop along with a book about raising “vaccine-free” children.

We repeatedly asked Christine Hewlett for comment, but she didn’t respond.

We also contacted Facebook, which says it’s looking into the groups we found. A spokesperson pointed out that the social network “has already connected two billion people to reliable information from health experts.”

Fact-checking after work As unverified information flooded social media throughout

South Africa’s coronavirus vaccine rollout started in February

the course of the pandemic, Sarah Downs stepped in to help answer questions.

One of those she helped was swimming teacher Sheona Lottering.

“I had a friend that forwarded me a German article,” Sheona says.

“She was trying to convince me that death was one of the side-effects [of a Covid-19 vaccination].

“And I was a little bit freaked out about that.”

Through an exchange of voice notes, Sarah explained the nuance of an adverse event - like a sudden sickness or even death - following someone’s vaccination. These incidents are recorded, but it doesn’t necessarily mean vaccines were the cause.

Now Sheona is regularly in touch with Sarah about tricky vaccine-related questions.

Going undercover And some South African volunteers have gone a little deeper into the battle against disinformation.

“The claims are so bizarre I could hardly believe there are people believing these things,” says Lisa - not her real name because she fears an online backlash.

Lisa spends hours lurking in Facebook groups. Her aim is simple: guide people towards trusted sources of health information.

“I don’t like misinformation, so when I see something, I just try to correct it,” she says.

She’s been doing that in one form or another for well over a decade, so she’s seen communities grow and has become familiar with their tactics.

“

Sarah Downs - aka Mistress of Science - at work in a lab

The South African Council of Churches has addressed vaccine conspiracies

Young mothers in particular are targeted in Facebook groups, she says, where posts are coordinated to try and convince them not to vaccinate their children.

That’s when Lisa springs into action. She keeps her inbox open

South Africa has been battling the same fake scientific theories that have been spreading elsewhere. And, like in other countries, Facebook groups have been a hotbed of antivaccine sentiment. One of the most prominent groups - 10,000 strong - seeks to spread “awareness” about vaccines. In reality, the hard-line anti-vaccine outlook of members is very clear. The majority of the posts in the group ridicule or dismiss vaccines.

and believes gentle communication works best - asking about people’s concerns rather than shouting statistics at them.

Less terrified But Sarah, Lisa and other volunteers we spoke to risk exposing themselves to online abuse, and the prospects of persuasion can often seem slim. It’s difficult, pro-health work - that isn’t paid. So do they judge success?

“I think if I can just help one person be a little bit less terrified... that’s what I aim to get out of it,” Sarah says. “And if they’re willing to take the vaccine, even more so.”

Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

26

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Interview

CLASSIFIED

I will drive Civil Defence to be a world class service -NSCDC boss What is the place of agro-rangers in resolving the persistent clashes between herders and farmers?

Agro rangers is a specialized squad that is well trained and encompasses armed squad, special forces and what have you. Their major role is to settle disputes among farmers and herdsmen and they will also protect and secure our agro allied investments in the country. If you watch how events unfold as per this farmers- herders crisis, we have arrested over 200 armed herdsmen and we have handed some over to the police and we are prosecuting some. The armed squad is doing really well.

NSCDC has a very unique disposition in terms of spread, that is, we have offices in all the 774 local government areas including districts and villages and farming communities in Nigeria. If you go to the Northeast, Borno state for instance, our personnel have been doing very well. They have been escorting farmers, giving them cover in most farming communities. If you go to Ekiti state, our men are also doing that. It is the same story in Ondo state.

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, in this interview with Tobias Lengnan Dapam, said he will drive the corps in to a world class service. He also spoke on other sundry issues and challenges beclouding the NSCDC. Excepts:

them to do better.

As you can see, the NSCDC headquarters has taken a new shape. We have also gotten some vehicles from a philanthropist as part of his corporate social responsibility.

Among the vehicles, we have two fighter vehicles called Buffalos. We are doing our best to make sure that the country is safe.

We have also reached out to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC to see how we can strengthen synergy with them. We are visiting other sister-agencies to seek for further collaboration.

When somebody is working he wants to be promoted. When somebody has been promoted, you need to pay him the backlog of arrears that is due to him. We are working on that to clear all those arrears so that we will encourage them to serve Nigerians.

What are the challenges that you have encountered since you came on board?

It is not easy to have a mission and then when you want to implement, you will now discover that there are challenges. The first thing is paucity of funds. We need funds to provide equipment, welfare services etc.

Again, I do not have enough equipment and logistics. We need those equipment to function very well. For example, we need drones that we can send on security errands. We also need the personnel. We want to thank Mr President for graciously approving recruitment for us for the span of three years, that is, 5, 000 for each year.

That will give us ample opportunity to deploy more men to carry out our mandate.

How about the safe school initiative? What is the level of partnership between the NSCDC and state governments?

On the safe school initiative, we have keyed into it and we have even commissioned a team of researchers and intellectuals who are conducting what is called vulnerability survey of all our schools and very soon we are going to launch that programme. In the interim, I have ordered that all state Commandants should deploy our personal to schools in their various states and they are doing that in conjunction with state governors, Commissioners of Education and in fact even directly with the principals so that they can provide safety for our children.

Maiduguri has been off the power grid for several weeks now due to the activities of insurgents who vandalise power installations. What is NSCDC doing in this regard?

You are asking the right person the right question because I was the zonal Commandant in charge of North East and from my experience, our men have been providing surveillance services on virtually all the infrastructure in Borno state and environs. However, we are overstretched because of the limited number of personnel that we have. Otherwise, NSCDC has performed creditably well in that area. Nigeria is experiencing a very dangerous and different type of conflict.

It is asymmetric. The way to nip it in the bud is that we must deploy intelligence.

The Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka adopted the same strategy and they dealt with that country for two decades. That is why we told ourselves at the level of committee or heads of security agencies that we must synergize. No agency should claim monopoly of anything. We must work together, share intelligence because this is not the conventional warfare, otherwise we would have halted it by now. Those guys have international sponsors. They are also trained and heavily armed and so we are dealing with a serious situation. In Borno

Page 27

Ahmed Abubakar Audi state, we have been doing our best and we have been contributing our quota.

You are just one month in office.

What are we expecting from you?

I am a digital man. I like to drive this Corps to be a world class service. I will use training. When you train and retrain your personnel, they will give you their best and you will enhance their productivity.

This safe school initiative is also one of the things that I will focus on. The deployment of special forces to go round and give

“

surveillance and patrol to most of these hideouts, these kidnapping spots is also part of my mission. We are also planning to commission a Women Squad. There is this saying that whatever a man can do, a woman can do better. So, we want to give women a chance to show us what they have in stock security-wise. We are prepared to give our best to Nigerians. I will also improve on the welfare of staff because it serves to motivate them to perform better.

We are going to provide a well-packaged motivation for our personnel to encourage

I am going to pursue with vigour, to work very closely with all heads of sister agencies. As you know, historically, the NSCDC is a product of the military and I have attended strategic courses with the military at the Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies NIPSS. Some of the Generals were my course mates and we have been interacting very closely because we are good friends

What will you do differently to promote inter-agency collaboration especially with the Police?

Simple. Scientific synergy. Proper collaboration.

Attending the same trainings. Inviting other agencies to our programmes and trainings and I am also ready to attend theirs. You see, sometimes the clashes between agencies depends on the level of cooperation between the heads of such agencies. I will like to cement and strengthen such cooperation. I am going to pursue with vigour, to work very closely with all heads of sister agencies.

As you know, historically, the NSCDC is a product of the military and I have attended strategic courses with the military at the Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies NIPSS. Some of the Generals were my course mates and we have been interacting very closely because we are good friends. That is how it should be. I have been talking to my personnel that the relationship should trickle down and I know we are on course.

What is the update about recruitment into the NSCDC? You know I just came in and I am still studying that process and I wouldn’t want to make any comment now. Anything that has to do with recruitment is a very sensitive issue but I will like to advise Nigerians to be wary of criminals, scammers who are everywhere trying to defraud them about recruitment. Under my watch, we will try and follow the due process when it comes to recruitment.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ABDULHAMEED IDRIS ADEIZA 2. KOLADE OLUBUKOLA OLAYINKA 3. OKE JOHN ULU 4.ONYECHERE ADAORA AMARACHI 5. KOJI TAYIWA 6.ODOZOR UCHENNA PAULINUS THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO BE A PLATFORM TO INTELLECTUALLY EMPOWER THE YOUTH WHICH INCLUDES; YOUNG MEN, YOUNG WOMEN AND PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITY THROUGH PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SKILL ACQUISITION 2. TO ORGANISE AND INITIATE PROJECTS THAT WILL TEACH THE YOUTH CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AND HEALTHY PARTICIPATION IN CIVIC SOCIETY 3. TO PROMOTE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SCHEMES, SKILLS ACQUISITION, VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND OTHER ENLIGHTENMENT PROGRAMS 4. TO PROMOTE PARTICIPATION AND ASSISTANCE FROM LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE AND ORGANISATION IN CREATING GREATER BASE FOR THE ORGANISATION TO GIVE A TRUE SHAPE AND SUBSTANCE TO THE OBJECTIVES ENVISAGED. 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.

This is to inform the general public that the above name Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Amendment of Constitution under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.

AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUION That Article 4 (b) of the constitution should be amended to read: Such Trustees (Hereinafter referred to as “The Trustees”) shall not be less than 4 and more than 15 in number and shall be known as the REGISTERED TRUSTEES OF ‘THE ANITA OROMON FOUNDATION’.

Any objection to this amendment should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

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.ALADE SAMUEL O. - CHAIRMAN 2.GEORGE-MOSINDI JULIE - SECRETARY 3.ONWUEMENE FLORENCE OGECHUKWUKA 4.AKINSEYE OMOLARA VERONICA 5.NJAMAH JOHN IFEANYI 6.ADEGBONMIRE OLURANTI ABIDEMI 7.AKINTUNDE OLUWASEGUN ABDULGANIU 8.TUAKLI-LAWSON SEGUN 9.OKOROAFOR PHILOMENA AYEN 10.ADENIJI OLUSESAN ADEYERA. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO SUPPORT, NETWORK AND SOCIALIZE AMONG OLD STUDENTS OF DRAMATIC ARTS STUDENT ASSOCIATION ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2001.

2.TO PROMOTE LOVE, PEACE, UNITY AND MUTUAL INTERACTION AMONG MEMBERS. 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.

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

CLASSIFIED IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF NASARAWA STATE OF NIGERIA IN THE PROBATE DIVISION

WHEREAS the person whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date place stated in the said in the column.

AND WHEREAS the person(s) whose name (s) and address(s) and relation(s) to the deceased are set out in the second column hereto has/have applied to the High Court of Justice, Nasarawa State for the grant of Letters of Administration of the Real and personal properties/estate of the said deceased.

NOTICE: IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letter of Administration (without will)will be granted to such applicant/applicants unless a “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant is file in this Registry within Twenty- One (21) days from the date hereof.

SCHEDULE NAME OF DECEASED PERSON S/N 1 Okoye Mary Jane Chinelo late of Tudun Wada, Died on the 16th day of December, 2020 at Mararaba 2 Ndori Wambai late of Keffi, Died on the 12th day of November, 2020 at Keffi 3 Alhamdu jonah Nyoko late of Keffi, Died on the 28th day of December, 2020 at Keffi 4 Paul Grace Isuwa late of Mararaba, Died on the 7th day of January, 2021 at Abuja 5 Kumson Christy late of New Karu, Died on the 31st day of October, 2020 at Mararaba 6 Nwaeze M. Uzoma late of Aso Panda, Died on the 10th day of August, 2020 at Mararaba 7 Idowu Regina late of Aso Amararba, Died on the 29th day of November, 2019 at Mararaba 8 Odukoya K. Michael late of Mararaba, Died on the 26th day of December, 2020 at Mararaba 9 Jacob Bako late of Keffi, Died on the 4th day of January, 2021 at Keffi 10 Ushie Benjamin A. late of New Karu, Died on the 24th day of November, 2019 at Mararaba 11 Yusuf Zobada late of New Karu, Died on the 5th day of January, 2021 at Abuja 12 Jonathan Bawa Tanko late of Laminga, Died on the 16th day of December, 2020 at Nasarawa 13 Yammah Habu late of Gwanto, Died on the 12th day of November, 2020 at Akwanga 14 Mohammed Yahaya late of Uke, Died on the 12th day of October, 202 at Nasarawa 15 Jerome Francis late of Gidan Zakari, Died on the 13th day of November, 2020 at Gwagwalada 16 Enoch Thomas Akoka late of Abuja, Died on the 24th day of February, 2021 at Keffi 17 Lawal Safiya late of Nasarawa, Died on the 23rd day of November, 2017 at Abuja 18 Onyiukah E. Pah late of Mararaban Gurku, Died on the 20th day of September, 2020 at Mararaba 19 Isah Sule late of Mararaban Gurku, Died on the 21st day of December, 2020 at Mararaban Gurku 20 Okafor E. Livinus late of Mararaba, Died on the 10th day of August, 2020 at Mararaba 21 Ijakpa O. Emmanuel late of New Nyanya, Died on the 19th day of January, 2021 at Jabi 22 Habila Bangyi Ambeyi late of New Nyanya, Died on the 25th day of November, 2020 at Mararaba

NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES) OF APPLICANT(S) Okoye Godwin Obi of Tudun Wada the lawful Widower of the said deceased Wambai Sani Mohammed of Keffi the lawful Son of the said deceased Nyako Rafifkatu Alhamdu of Keffi the lawful Wamba of the said deceased.

Dawi Paul Isuwa of Mararaba the lawful Widower of the said deceased Andrew Kumzilay of New Karu the lawful Widower of the said deceased.

Nwaeze Edith Kasarachi of Aso Panda the lawful Widow of the said deceased Ilokwu Uchenna Joachim of Aso Panda the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Odukoyo Adegboyega Bolaji of Gwagwalada FCT the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Bako John James of Abuja the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Ushie Silas Unimke of Nyanya the lawful Son of the said deceased Zobada Joyce Yusuf of New Karu the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Jonathan Blessing of Laminga the lawful Widow of the said deceased Victoria Abu of Auta Balafi the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Mohammed Yusuf of Uke the lawful Brother of the said deceased Jerome Jonathan Francis of Gidan Zakara the lawful Son of the said deceased Thomas Martha of Keffi the lawful Sister of the said deceased.

Lawal Mohammed of mararaban Gurku the lawful Brother of the said deceased.

Jude Ndudim Onyiukah of Bwari the lawful Son of the said deceased Kebiru Memuna of Mararban Gurku the lawful Daughter of the said deceased Okafor Fidelia Nwakwego of Mararaba the lawful Widow of the said deceased Ijakpa Lucy Ofie & Ijakpa Ogbene both of New Nyanya the lawful Widower & Daughter of the said deceased Habila Bangyi Haggai of New Nyanya the lawful Son of the said deceased

(Ahmed A. Sani. Esq.) PROBATE REGISTRAR NASARAWA STATE OF NIGERIA, LAFIA public NOTICE

SYNAGOGUE CHAPLAIN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C' OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ARUOGHAREN ISAAC- President 2. ARUOGHAREN EMMANUEL ERHI- Secretary 3. EHIGIATOR OGHOWHEN

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THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : TO RAISE WILLING MEN AND WOMEN FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST .

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 J. E. Obasuyi (Mrs.) Legal Practitioner 08024729418

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public NOTICE

SECURED FAMILY WELFARE AND CARING CENTRE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C' OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1 ETOKAKPAN PETERS MOFFATINNEH (CHAIMAN) 2 UDOFIA OFONIME MOSES (TREASURER) 3 BASSEY FRANKLIN EDEM (SECTARY) THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO RENDER HUMANITARIAN ENDEAVOURS FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN OUR SOCIETY. 2.TO CATER FOR WIDOWS, ORPHANS AND THE NEEDY. 3. TO ALLEVIATE THE SCOURGE OF POVERTY PREVALENT IN OUR YOUTHS & THE DOWNTRODDEN THROUGH SKILLS ACQUISITION & TRAINING PROGRAMS. 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.

shobogun I, formerly known as shobogun olubode, Now Wish to known and addressed as shobogun bode babatunde, All former documents remain valid, Authority Concerned and general public should please take note.

salisu

SIGNED : SECRETARY

I, formerly known as salisu umar umar, Now Wish to known and addressed as salisu umar, All former documents remain valid, Authority Concerned and general public should please take note.

public NOTICE

salisu

PRAISE HOLYGHOST ASSEMBLY

I, formerly known as Kongwai Kenneth Tehltok, Now Wish to known and addressed as Kongwai Kyelek Tehltok, All former documents remain valid, Authority Concerned and general public should please take note.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C' OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ITEPU EVELYN 2. ONYEBUCHI BONIFACE. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF GOD IN ALL SINCERITY AND TRUTH AS EXAMPLIFIED BY CHRIST ACTS 1:1 JOHN 17:17 TO ALL PEOPLE. 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

GBAZANGO DYNAMIC FRIENDS ASSOCIATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C' OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1 NWOKEOCHA STANLEY - Chairman 2 ONAH MALACHY EBUKA - Secretary 3 DIKE ANTHONY PRINCE THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF ITS MEMBERS .

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

OMUOOKE GRAMMAR SCHOOL OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C' OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Adedoyin Aderope samuel 2.Ajegbe olasunkanmi taju 3.Alebiosu olusegun 4.Awoniyi Sunday olugbenga 5.Daramola Adebayo michael 6.Johnson Agboola samuel 7.ogunleye Rufus Sunday 8.babalola florence funmi 9.Ajala j. Taiwo THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To promote the welfare of members .

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

Sports

PEOPLES DAILY

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sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Edo Sports Festival under threat as athletes test positive for Covid-19

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here is serious doubt about the commencement of the 2021 Edo Sports Festival after two athletes tested positive for Coronavirus.

The Deputy Governor and Chairman, Local Organising Committee for the festival, Mr Philip Shaibu stated this while briefing journalists in Benin.

The two athletes that tested positive for the virus have been immediately moved to the Stella Obasanjo Hospital Isolation Centre for proper care and monitoring.

Recall that two states, Taraba and Oyo were disqualified from the showpiece after they failed the screening

as well.

“The contingents of Oyo and Taraba stand disqualified from the 20th NSF unless the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 gives a counter directive as both states failed to meet with the COVID-19 guidelines of the games.

“We have to be strict with the guidelines so as not to use the games as an avenue to spread COVID-19 in the state, which has already been flattened.

“Even if the PTF gives approval for both states to be admitted, the teams have to go through strict COVID-19 screening and testing before they will be allowed into camp.”

Edo 2020: Obaseki receives festival torch amidst fanfare

By Albert Akota

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overnor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Sunday received the festival torch of the 20th National Sports Festival.

The torch arrived at the premises of the Government House, in Benin, at about 3.30 pm.

The Governor received the torch from the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, represented by the South-South Director of Sports, Peter Nelson.

Receiving the torch, Obaseki described the national sports fiesta as a rallying point for the country and must be sustained.

“As you are all aware, the National Sports Festival is a festival of unity, the festival that brings the entire country together.

“More than ever before in our history, we need to come together at this time.

That is why the Edo State government decided that in spite of all the challenges and difficulties from the pandemic, to ensure that we still hold the 20th edition 9f the national sports festival in Benin City.

“I have received this touch and we will keep it alive and will pass it on to the next generation and the next state that Wil be hosting the 21st edition of the festival.

“On behalf of the citizens of Edo state, I received this touch from the Federal Minister of Sports,” he said.

He later passed the torch to the Deputy Governor who doubles as the Chairman of the local organizing committee, for onward transmission to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the main venue of the festival.

The Governor received the torch from the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, represented by the South-South Director of Sports, Peter Nelson.

Receiving the torch, Obaseki described the national sports fiesta as a rallying point for the country and must be sustained.

“As you are all aware, the National Sports Festival is a festival of unity, the festival that brings the entire country together.

“More than ever before in our history, we need to come together at this time.

That is why the Edo State government decided that in spite of all the challenges and difficulties from the pandemic, to ensure that we still hold the 20th edition 9f the national sports festival in Benin City.

“I have received this touch and we will keep it alive and will pass it on to the next generation and the next state that Wil be hosting the 21st edition of the festival.

Obaseki receives festival torch to commence National Sports Festival

CAFCC: Iwuala assists as Enyimba pip ES Setif at home

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S p Blessing Oborududu

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hree Nigerian Wrestlers have secured spots at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. Commonwealth wrestling champions, Blessing Oborududu and Aminat Adeniyi, as well as youngster Adijat Idris displayed impressive performances at the ongoing Africa/Oceania Olympic qualifiers in Hammamet, Tunisia.

Ten-time African champion Oborududu made light work of Enas Ahmed of Egypt and Senegal’s Anta Sambou, winning 13-2 and 10-0 via technical superiority respectively, before sealing a place at her third Olympics with a 4-0 pinfall victory against Tunisian Khadija Jlassi.

On her way to booking a place in Tokyo, Adeniyi, a four-time African champion, recorded a 7-0 win over Amel Hammiche of Algeria, and then subdued Zineb Hassoune of Morocco 10-0 via technical superiority before overpowering Cameroon’s Berthe Ngolle 3-0.

Despite going down to her great rival Marwa Amri 3-1 in a keenly contested bout, Adeniyi secured her place in Tokyo alongside the Tunisian Olympic bronze-medalist.

Meanwhile, teenage sensation Idris shone like a million stars on her debut on the big stage with lots of eye-catching displays to book a place at the Olympics at the first time of asking.

The 19-year-old delivered two technical superiority wins against Egypt’s Nada Mohamed and Debora Ture of Guinea Bissau, scoring 11-0 and 15-4 respectively, before dismissing Ibtissem Doudou of Algeria in her third round-robin match and despite a 2-1 loss to home girl Sarra Hamdi, Idris, who claimed gold at the Baraza Champion of

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Three Nigerian wrestlers qualify for Olympic Games in style Champions Wrestling tournament in Yenagoa in January, advanced to her maiden Olympics alongside the Tunisian.

It could have been a perfect day for Team Nigeria in Hammamet, however, Bose Samuel was stopped in the quarter-finals of the 53kg category by her Cameroonian rival Joseph Essombe Tiako, who won 2-1 via pinfall.

A bronze medal for the 2018 African champion was not good enough, as only the top 2 in each weight class qualify for the Olympics.

Oborududu, Adeniyi and Idris will thus join former World No.1 Odunayo Adekuoroye (57kg) to compete at the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Games, which will run from July 23 to August 8 this year.

E

nyimba rallied back from a goal down to beat Tunisian club ES Setif 2-1 in their CAF Confederation Cup matchday three encounter in Aba yesterday.

Monsef Bakrar gave the visitors the lead in the 13th minute after he was set up by Ahmed Kendouci.

The Peoples Elephant missed the chance to draw level four minutes later with skipper Austine Oladapo missing from the spot.

Oladapo make amend for his earlier miss with a left-footed finish from long range five minutes before the break.

Tosin Omoyele then scored the winning goal for Enyimba on the hour mark following a superb pass from Anayo Iwuala.

Fatai Osho’s side occupy top

arl Frampton announced his retirement in the ring after being stopped by Jamel Herring in the sixth round of their WBO super-featherweight contest.

The Belfast man was bidding to become Ireland’s first three-weight world champion.

Herring dropped Frampton, 34, a round earlier before another left uppercut in the sixth sent Frampton to the canvas.

Amid a flurry of shots and little defence, Frampton’s corner threw in the towel.

“I said before I would retire if I lost this fight and that’s exactly what I’m going to do,” an emotional Frampton said in the ring.

“I just want to dedicate my life to my family now. Boxing has been good to me, it’s also been bad to me.

CLASSIFIED public NOTICE

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GREAT DATUM CLUB THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.

MATTHEW ADEMOYEGUN ODUNEWU 2.

OWOYELE, OLUSOLA AREMU 3.

OLUFELO, OLUSEGUN OLUTAYO 4.

ADEMOLA ANTHONY SOKOYA 5.

FOLAKEMI ADEFUNKE OLANIYI-SHOLANKE (MRS) 6.

OLUFEMI OYEDIPE 7.

DR. ODUNAYO BOYEPE ANI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO PROMOTE RECREATIONAL AND SOCIAL GATHERINGS OF MEMBERS. 2. TO ASSIST IN THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS. 3. TO PROVIDE FOR AND ENGAGE IN ACTS OF PHILANTHROPY IN FAVOUR OF THE VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY. 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.

IN HIS SANCTUARY CHURCH CAC/IT/NO 78622.

DELIGHT RURAL HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REMOVAL, APPOINTMENT AND AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION (CHANGE OF TRUSTEES) UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE RETAINED TRUSTEES ARE : THE REMOVED TRUSTEES ARE : (1) Mr Ali Abraham (1)Mr Yakubu Fuku (2)Mrs Agipu Abraham (2)Mr Adagonye Ocho (3)Mr John Okoto (3)Mr Oche Omaji THE APPOINTED TRUSTEE IS ; (4)Mr Mathew Emmanuel (1)Ali Ibrahim Melchizedek. (5)Adam Ogwola Amendment of Constitution (6)Obande Okoto.

Clause 5b 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.

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)OGODO JOHN OKEREKE (CHAIRMAN) (2) OGODO OTUBO JOHN (SECRETARY) THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : (1)To deliver efficient and quality health services to the rural communities.

(2)To serve as a priority health intervention for the low income population.

(3) To education families, homes and individuals in the the rural communities on the benefits of prompt health seeking behavior.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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ELROI MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL

CAFCC: Iwuala assists as Enyimba pip ES Setif at home

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

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.OGUNJIMAKIN ADESINBO RAPHAEL 2.BLESSING AYOBAMI ELISHA 3.ELNATHAN IMUENTINYAN OGBOE 4.ELIJAH IKOJO IDOKO THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.Bringing the spiritual realm of God into physical tangibility ... daniel 11vs 32.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL OFFER OF STATUTORY RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY (R OF O) IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO. 4224 WITH NEW FILE NO. BN 62577 MEASURING ABOUT 944,60SQM LOCATED AT CADASTRAL ZONE A09 OF GUZAPE DISTRICT ABUJA FCT. BEARING JOSEPHINE NWUESE WASHIMA. ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE IF FOUND KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION OR AGIS. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

WAFAI COMMUNITY 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.OBI UCHE FRANCISCA 2.UJUBUONU PRINCE EMMANUEL 3.OBI JENNIFER CHIAMAKA 4.DOGO ABDULLAHI ALI THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To engage in proper sensitisation and inculcation of sense of leadership and responsibility among women and young girls with intent to driving active involvement of women in the building of the desired Nigerian Nation State.

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.

Lagos agog as Pinnick kicks off new Nigeria Beach Soccer League

By Albert Akota

Enyimba first in Group A with six points from three games.

Frampton retires after losing to Herring in WBO world title fight

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PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, April 6, 2021

“The last few years with these boys [trainers Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis], have been the best of my career.

“I just want to go home to my beautiful wife and kids and that’s it.”

Defeat draws curtain on Frampton’s career After losing to Josh Warrington in December 2018, Frampton seriously considered retiring but opted to continue in pursuit of another world title, firm in the belief he still had that level of performance in him.

The nature of the loss to Herring, given his assertion prior to the fight that such a result would signal an end to his career, has left Frampton with no doubt that the time is right to hang up his gloves.

Libya’s Al Ahli Benghazi will host South African side Orlando

Pirates in the other group game later yesterday.

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he Elegushi Beach in Nigeria’s commercial city, Lagos was on Saturday set agog when Member of world football governing body, FIFA’s Council, Executive Committee Member of CAF and President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick officially kicked off the new Nigeria Beach Soccer League. The League, which is the baby project of the Amaju Pinnick-led Board is also supported by Beach Soccer Worldwide, and Africa Beach Soccer Union.

Speaking on the sidelines after the inauguration, Mr Pinnick, who was in company with NFF 1st Vice President, Barr Seyi Akinwunmi, Nigeria Beach Soccer League Coordinator, Mahmoud Hadejia and other officials, said he was excited to be part of the historical moment, and that he was at the event despite his busy schedule, to reiterate the NFF’s endorsement, whilst also pledging his total support for the newly formed Nigeria Beach Soccer Association.

“I’m not going talk much today because I’m very excited that we are finally kicking off the Beach Soccer League in Nigeria. I’m here to officially endorse this project and to also physically express the Federation’s full backing. I want to appreciate everyone that made this happen because it has been a collective effort despite the many hurdles. It has been long overdue. By God’s grace, we

Pinnick (Crouching second from left, in white), with Akinwunmi (crouching second from right), Hadejia (crouching first from left) at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League in Lagos on Saturday will take beach soccer to greater heights of excellence,” said Pinnick.

In a thrilling first round Group A opener, Kebbi Beach Soccer Club beat Badagry United 4-2 to get their title contention underway.

Adams Taiwo set the ball rolling for them on the 8th minute when his low drive beat goalkeeper Zomoto Idowu of Badagry to give Kebbi the lead. Badagry came close to grabbing their equalizer in the closing stages of the first period through Achior Valentine but his effort went wide to end the first period 1-0 in favour of Kebbi BSC. The Bashar Aliyu-tutored boys began the second period like they did the first, as a free-kick in the 5th minute by Badmus Faud gave them a comfortable two-goal

lead. Down but not out, Badagry kept asking all the questions and were duly rewarded in the 8th minute through Akewusola Jamal. B Kebbi responded almost immediately when S. Ilimi Abubakar restored their two-goal cushion just on the stroke of the second period for 3-1.

Badagry started the 3rd period on the front foot and came close to getting their reward again through Atemo Samuel but his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Arome Isah who had a terrific day between the sticks.

The ever-vibrant Isah could however do nothing to stop Achior Valentine’s free-kick in the 10th minute as Badagry pulled one back for 3-2.

Kebbi then made sure that any hope of

a comeback was off the table for Badagry as they responded almost immediately via Adams Taiwo, who bagged his brace on opening day to lead the race for the Golden Boot.

In other matches played in Group B on Sunday, Igbogbo BSC of Lagos pummeled Edo HCF 6-3, Anambra BSC were 5-3 better than Kwara BSC in Group A, and Kada BSC squeezed past Smart City of Lagos, 5-2.

All The Results Group A Kebbi BSC 4-2 Badagry United Kwara BSC 3-5 Anambra BSC Group B Igbogbo BSC 6-3 Edo BSC Kada BSC 6-4 Smart City

. . . putting the people first

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

SPORTS latest

French Open may be postponed over increase of coronavirus cases

T

he French Open could be postponed because of a surge in coronavirus cases in France, the country’s sports minister Roxana Maracineanu says.

France entered a third nationwide lockdown on Saturday, which president Emmanuel Macron said he expected to end in mid-May. The Grand Slam is due to take place at Roland Garros from 23 May to 6 June, with qualifying the week before.

In 2020, it was postponed to the autumn because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are in discussion with [the French Tennis Federation] to see if we should change the date to coincide with a possible resumption of all sports and major events,” Maracineanu told France Info radio.

“Today, although high-level sport has been preserved, we try to limit the risks of clusters, of spreading the virus within professional sports.”

France is battling a peak of about 5,000 Covid patients in intensive care units. On Friday, the country recorded 46,677 new cases and 304 Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi deaths

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The great sacrifice of love

C

hristendom just commemorated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, an envoy of God sent forth by Him over two thousand years ago, to save mankind on earth from spiritual death through His teachings which is no more than to make mankind understand God and His Creations of which the earth and human beings are a small part, so that we can live in such a way that is pleasing to Him by obeying His Laws that are embedded in the whole of Creation, bearing His Will, the strict observance of which will bring us individual/collective peace/happiness. In brief to show the path that leads to eternal life/peace. That he left the kingdom of God, the Divine realm, to journey down down to this dense earth, gross matter for His mission is itself a sacrifice which mankind will slowly begin to grasp in future as spiritual knowledge spreads.

Jesus was born among the Israelites for the simple reason that among all the peoples on earth at the time they had a concept of God that was nearer to the Truth (the concept of One GOD). Figuratively speaking their knowledge of God was relatively higher than those of other nations as these were still largely enmeshed in the concepts of the elemental beings more or less – the gods of fire, water, etc.

He was outwardly, a man among men, for His physical body was subject to all the things that earthman’s body are subject to in accordance with the Laws of GOD/the laws of Nature for as He himself averred “I am come to fulfill the law, not to overthrow it’’. That is however, where the resemblance ends; it is boundless presumption on our part to equate ourselves with Him simply because of the outward appearance.

Whereas our inner core is spirit, that of the Envoy of God who walked upon the earth over two thousand years ago is Divine; whereas our home is in the spiritual realm, he came from the Divine, higher up and that is an unbridgeable gulf, for the distance between both realms is infinite, our human brain

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Tuesday Column

By VICTORIA NGOZI IKEANO vikeano@yahoo.co.uk 08033077519 cannot fathom it. “In lacking humility”, we ‘’lack everything’’.

Not many recognized him for who he was….. Later, he met John the Baptist, a Called one, at the River Jordan; John immediately recognized him wherein he uttered, “Master I am not worthy to…”. The bandage fell …and that ‘baptism’ marked the take-off of His Mission.

He began to teach the Word of Truth, by word of mouth, the form of communication prevalent at the time, from town to town and to perform miracles This continued for a few intense years….

Leaders of the existing religion at the time began to hate him because the people were literally turning their backs on them and following Jesus, thus their influence and authority began to wane. They considered him irksome, a threat to their earthly power and so sought a way to eliminate him. As they could not objectively find anything to pin against him, they resorted to the only way familiar to the Darkness, namely, slander, false accusation, false witnesses through their bribed agents…..They accused him of blasphemy, of all people, irony of ironies… The howling mob that had once sang, ‘Hosannah, Hossanah, glory be to Him who comes from the Highest’, changed their tune to, ‘crucify him, crucify him’…Pontius Pilate sought to disassociate

“

himself from the clamour by symbolically washing his hands off it as he reluctantly succumbed to demands of the howling mob who had been worked into a hysteria by releasing Jesus to them….to be crucified(the manner of killing common at the time)…The long walk to Golgotha was grievous in the blazing sun.

Even more heart rending, indeed, indescribable was the physical pain, He bled on the crucifix in the scorching sun, bled to the last drop of his blood….He bore it all stoically and so he shed his body and blood for the sake of mankind for through it, He put a seal to the conviction of the Truth he brought to mankind.

Had he shunned physical death or ‘ran away’ in the face of all the sufferings he encountered people would have doubted Him and his mission. That is the second sacrifice of Love on His part.

Nevertheless, His death was a crime by mankind. At the moment He passed on the heavens protested so to speak, the sun hid its face and darkness descended upon the earth momentarily, the holy of holies was rent into twain, symbolically indicating that Divinity would never again step foot on earth. But then, being the embodiment of Love Himself, He uttered the greatest prayer of intercession ever spoken with the words, “Father

Nevertheless, His death was a crime by mankind. At the moment He passed on the heavens protested so to speak, the sun hid its face and darkness descended upon the earth momentarily, the holy of holies was rent into twain, symbolically indicating that Divinity would never again step foot on earth

forgive them for they know not what they do”. That was the saving grace for mankind, for, God hearkened to the voice of His Envoy and granted that before the Final Judgment, His Word of Truth be once more proclaimed to the faithless. That prayer bought us time, we are now in what in earthly parlance is called extra time, injury time which spans centuries though, for an hour of spiritual time is equivalent to century(ies) of our time here. That singular prayer of intercession by the Redeemer in the midst of the greatest physical suffering by him in the hands of mankind was yet another indication of His inconceivable goodness and Love. Of course the Saviour had since reunited with His Father in heaven.

Thus as we commemorate those momentous events over two thousand years ago with various ceremonies at Easter we should always remember, the path of suffering that the Master trod to bring us the Word of GOD, out of love; for, redemption, salvation lay only in living completely in accordance with the Word in all ramifications. But first we must understand It aright to be able to adjust our lives accordingly, that is our number one duty in these times. The Redeemer Himself said, “Not all those who call me Lord, Lord will enter the Kingdom of God but only those who do the Will of my Father in Heaven”, that is, those who internalize His Word, obey GOD’s Commandments.

DAN GAYE Dangai

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