Friday, July 23, 2021 Editio

Friday, July 23, 2021/ Dhuʻl-Hijjah 13, 1442 AH

Vol. 36 No. 099 N200

2613 Days after Malam Wada Maida (1950-2020), founding Chairman, Board of the Peoples Media Limited

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The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

Mob lynches 2 armed men in Kaduna >>Page 6

No plans to impose presidential candidate in 2023 - APC

>>>PG 16

Managing Director/Chief Executive of Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Bello Hassan, paying Sallah Homage to President Muhammadu Buhari on the occassion of Eid-ul Adha in Daura, Katsina State recently

Tension in Benue over murder of traditional ruler Education remains top priority- Buhari pAGE 5

Masari foundation donates Court grants woman bail 200 wheel chairs to physically over alleged blackmail of challenged persons Gov Ohakim pAGE 3

pAGE 20

>>PG 14

Cholera outbreak death toll hits 60 in Abuja pAGE 5

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

News CONTENTS News

6-18

Op.Ed

12-13

Politics

15-17

Stock Watch Business Metro

18 19-21 24

World Analysis 22 Africa News

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World News

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Abduljabbar not poisoned, he is hale and herty, says NCS From Kano

Mustapha

Adamu,

T

he Nigerian Correctional Service, NCS, Kano state command, has debunked the rumours making the round that the fiery Kano-based Islamic cleric, Abduljabbar NasiruKabara has been poisoned.

DAILY NIGERIAN reports that speculations were rife on Thursday that the cleric, who had been remanded at the correctional centre on Monday, has been poisoned and bleeding in jail.

In a swift reaction, the correctional service, through its

spokesman, DSC Musbahu KofarNassarawa, described the report as a malicious and false.

According to him, the embattled cleric is hale and herty as he was granted request to feed himself from the food brought from his house, adding that since brought to the custody, he Mr Nasiru-Kabara had never eaten the food cooked at the correctional centre.

“Sheikh Abduljabbar Kabara is accorded the awaiting trial privileged of eating food prepared for him by his family and even the water he drinks are all from his family that supply that and

gives to him after inspection by the Correctional centre officers,” Kofar-Nassarawa said.

He stated that when Mr Nasiru-Kabara’s son brought food to him in the morning, he expressed displeasure about the rumour, saying “our family have been sad about this sad development which we later found out it is a lie.”

Kofar-Nassarawa attributed the rumour to a lawyer, adding that investigation had since been launched to identify him and summon him for questioning on how he got the false information of Mr Nasiru-Kabara’s illness.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

News

News Editor, Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Mr Kofar-Nassarawa also stated that “the only lawyer standing for Abduljabbar is Rabiu Shuiabu Abdullahi and he too has debunked the rumour,” Mr Kofar-Nassarawa therefore called on the general public to disregard the rumour, which according to him, “is a figment of the imagination of the author.”

Recall that Mr Nasiru-Kabara is standing trial for blasphemy and incitement charges at Kano shirah court.

He had been remanded at the state correctional centre for continuation of his trial on July 28.

L-R; The Founder of the Non Governmental organization , “The voice” Mr. Suleiman Maigemu, Representative of NDLEA, Mr. Chidi Ndukwu and the Odeyani of FCT, HRM, Alhaji Abdulkareem Ibrahim at the occasion.during a campaign against drug abuse, theme: “Youths and Drug Abuse, Cyber crime an offshoot of Corruption”, organized by the Voice at the university of Abuja mini campus, held recently in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Buhari rejoices with former gov Adamu at 75

FG mulls expansion of N200m small scale miners fund Page 10

Digest

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Feature 26 Sports Back Page

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Minister of State FCT, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu (2nd right) her husband Mr Tijjani Aliyu( right) the celebrant and founder helpline foundation for the needy Dr Jumai Ahmadu (2nd left) and her Husband Dr Abubakar Ahmadu (left), during Dr. Jummai birthday ceremony, recently in Abuja. Photo; Justin Imo-owo

Be involved in mining sector, minister woos private sector M r Olamilekan Adegbite, Minister of Mines and Steel Development says active involvement of private sector in mining is fundamental to its growth to generate fund.

Adegbite made this known at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja.

According to him, involving the private sector in mining is crucial to the growth of the industry, as mining is capital

intensive and it has a gestation period.

He said that the ministry had included the private sector on its 2007 Amendment Act that is currently at the National Assembly.

The minister noted that the Solid Mineral Development Fund that was established by the federal government to cater for mining activities was grossly under-unded.

“It was to be funded with N200 billion but unfortunately it has not been funded adequately since it was established,” he said.

On Bitumen, Adegbite said many investors had declared interest on the mineral from all over the world.

“We are preparing for that by last quarter of the year, we are looking at, sometimes, in September when the

advertisement will be out for interested investors to apply.

“We are looking at the biding process to start by October and winner of bitumen blocs will be announced and the whole process of Bitumen mining will start,” he said.

NAN recalls that Nigeria has large deposit of Bitumen in Lagos, Ondo State, Edo and Ogun.(NAN)

resident Muhammadu Buhari has joined members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in congratulating former Governor of Nasarawa State, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, on his 75th birthday, July 23, 2021.

The President felicitated with family, friends and associates on the auspicious moment that calls for thanksgiving and celebration, Senior Spacial Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said in a statement on Thursday.

Shehu said President Buhari noted the contributions of the former Governor to nation building, serving variously as a member of Constituent Assembly in 1977, Constitutional National Conference, 1995, Minister of State, Works and Housing, 1995, after working in both private and public sector firms in the construction sector that saw to the erection of many historic places in Nigeria like the Murtala Mohammed Square in Kaduna.

The President affirmed that Sen. Adamu’s roles in shaping the constitution of the country, providing leadership in Nasarawa State and building political institutions remain outstanding, acknowledging that the experience of the APC stalwart will also be relevant in inspiring upcoming leaders, the statement said.

President Buhari prayed for the wellbeing of the former governor as he continues to serve the nation, it added.

Masari foundation donates 200 wheel chairs to physically challenged persons

From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

G

overnor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has called on wealthy individuals in the country to give back to the society by supporting youths, women, orphans, and physically challenged persons to make them self-reliant and productive.

Masari made the call at the launch of the Aminu Masari Youth Empowerment Foundation and the distribution of 200 wheel chairs to physically challenged persons across the 34 Local Government Areas of the state. speaking at the event the governor remarked that “as the

journey towards 2023 is getting closer, I choose to make my retirement from public office memorable, that is why I choose to make the journey simple and humble by identifying with the needs and aspirations of the youth and the less privileged in our society, that is what the foundation is all about.

“Being the most energetic and active segment of the society, the youths have a great role in shaping the future of any nation especially at this critical moment of our history as a nation” he added.

He said “The kind of youth groomed in any society has a direct relation with the opportunities provided to them by the privileged few as a way of giving back to the

society”.

“This is my vision for setting up the Aminu Masari Youth Empowerment Foundation as my humble contribution towards directing our youth from dependency to productive and formidable people with hope for a better future.

Masari said the foundation will serve as a medium to provide support to the youth in areas of empowerment through skills acquisition to reduce redundancy, medical outreach for the less privileged and mentorship opportunities through trainings in various businesses and crafts.

In his speech, the Chairman Board of Trustees of the foundation, Alhaji Kabir Mashi

said the foundation will obtain a database of youths and less privileged persons in the state with a view to supporting them with trainings and business kits to become self-reliant.

He said as part of its objectives, the foundation will also provide free medical outreach across the state and organize regular mentorship trainings and empowerment programs for youths in all parts of the state.

Some of the physically challenged persons that received the customized wheelchairs thanked Governor Masari for launching the foundation and appealed to other wealthy individuals to also support them to make their lives meaningful.

ITF: No truth in Sahara Reporters alarm against Ari, group tells Nigerians

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

T

he Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) has urged Nigerians to disregard the false alarm by Sahara Reporters and a faceless staff of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) against its DirectorGeneral/Chief Executive, Sir Joseph Ari. The group, at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, said after thorough investigation, it discovered no iota of truth in the claims of nepotism, favouritism and marginalisation against Sir Ari. According to SecretaryGeneral, Sola Olumese, Sahara

Reporters was either misled by the hypothetical staff or is being mischievous in its reportage of events around the ITF. On the issue of nepotism, the CGG noted that for the first time since the agency’s creation, the management team cuts across all the six geopolitical zones of the nation.

The group further revealed that its research shows that promotion in the ITF is carried out in line with federal character principle without any preference for females as being reported.

It noted that accusations over promotion of women is preposterous and “only goes to show that we are fighting against

ourselves, a battle we may likely never win”.

The group also rubbished claims that Ari awarded contracts to his family, noting that it found no tangible proof.

Acknowledging the achievements of Ari, the CGG said the ITF boss has done remarkably well to rid the agency of nepotism, tribalism and the likes.

Under the current management, Olumese said ITF has become more focused, resultoriented, achievement-driven and strategically repositioned in the pursuit of its aims and objectives.

Olumese also said youth unemployment and paucity of critical technical skills for national

development has been tactfully and strategically combated, therefore, bringing it to a minimal effect.

The group, however, urged Sir Ari not to relent on his good works, or get dissuaded by actions of different polluted media publications and charlatans surrounding him.

While calling on other agncies to emulate the ITF, the Coalition of Good Governance called on the Federal Government to show more commitment and support in the promotion of technical skills development as a panacea for the nation’s industrial development challenge.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

News

Cholera outbreak death toll hits 60 in Abuja

By Stanley Onyekwere

A

s stakeholders continue to battle to contain the outbreak of Cholera disease, the death toll has risen to 60 in Abuja, the nation’s capital city.

Making this disclosure, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, also revealed that suspected cases have risen from 604 to 698 within 72 hours.

Aliyu, spoke at the continuation of community sensitization on cholera and other severe acute diarrhoea diseases outbreaks in Pyakasa and Gwagwa.

The Minister, who was represented by the Ag. Executive Secretary of FCT Primary Health

Care Board, Dr. Iwot Ndaeyo, noted that Abaji area council has 3 suspected cases, no death, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has 281 suspected cases with 22 deaths, while Bwari Area Council records 134 suspected cases with 22 deaths.

She added that, Gwagwalada area council records 220 suspected cases with 9 deaths, Kuje area council records 23 suspected cases with 4 deaths and Kwali area council records 37 suspected cases with 3 deaths.

Aliyu, however, vowed that this ugly trend was unacceptable in the Federal Capital Territory, adding that the administration would not fold its hands and

watch residents die helplessly over preventable diseases.

According to her, “We must take every necessary steps to curb further spread”, just as she urged FCT residents and critical stakeholders to publicize the message of cholera disease prevention, proper sanitation with practice of hand hygiene in their respective communities.

In his remarks, AMAC Chairman. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, affirmed the commitment of his council to forestall continuous spread of the disease to adjoining and other communities.

Candido added that the Primary Health Care Department of the council had embarked on

sensitization tour to all the four chiefdoms in AMAC so as to enlighten the traditional rulers and their councils about the cholera outbreak and preventive measures.

He said: “On our part as an area council, we swung into action immediately we received the news of the outbreak and its confirmation in June. We quickly mobilized our health personnel in all our primary healthcare facilities for prompt responses.

“Following the recommendations from the outbreak report, we provided funds for quick purchase of drugs, infusions and other treatment materials/consumables in

addition to the ones we received from the FCT Public Health Department.

“The Disease Control Unit of our Primary Health Care Department through Disease Surveillance Notification Officers have been working tirelessly in different communities of the council including hard-to-reach fields in order to trace and report cases at the primary healthcare facilities for free treatment”.

Candido, therefore, commended the professional competence, commitment and zeal of the council’s health workers and the Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCTA in combating this life threatening disease.

Education remains top priority- Buhari

By Egena Sunday Ode

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Daura, Katsina State, said improving quality of education will continue to be his government’s priority.

Senior Spacial Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Speaking while receiving the proprietress, principal and students of a private school, Premier Pacesetters School, Daura, at his house, President Buhari gave assurances that more emphasis will be given to improvement of education, according to the statement.

“We will allocate an increasing share of resources to improve learning in the country in our effort to reform the educational sector,” he said.

The President, who interacted with some of the children, the statement said, emphasized the importance of character, in addition to learning, urging them not to lose sight of the aspirations of the country.

The school proprietress, Mrs Celine Friday, conveyed to the President the Sallah greetings of staff and students of the institution and commended the special attention given to education by the Buhari administration.

She used the opportunity to appeal for federal government assistance to private schools in rural communities, the statement noted.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya ( 2nd L), Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau ( L), Sen Danjuma Goje, Gombe State APC Chairman, Mr. Nitte Amangal and member House of Representatives, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo during the APC stakeholders meeting in Gombe yesterday.

Buhari greets IPI Secretary, Adedoyin at 60

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Secretary of the International Press Institute (IPI), Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin, on his 60th birthday, July 23, 2021, joining members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Nigerian Guild of Editors, and Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to celebrate with the senior journalist,

whose antecedents, according to him, have continued to inspire many in the media profession.

President Buhari congratulated the former Commissioner of Information in Kwara State on the milestone, preceded by years of hard work and focus that have seen his steady rise in journalism, with contributions

to the development of the country, particularly in youth and community development, a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina said on Thursday.

“As the journalist turns 60, the President notes his interest in always projecting the strength of the country, and the continent,

in representation on the Executive Board of the IPI, commending his sense of patriotism and commitment to nation building.

“President Buhari prays that the almighty God will grant Adedoyin, fondly called Oloriewe, longer life, good health and strength,” the statement added.

Eid-el-Kabir: Emperor Baywood salutes Muslims, urges tolerance

By Ochiaka Ugwu

F

ounder of Byawood Foundation and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Chris Baywood Ibe while greeting Muslim faithful nationwide has urged them to uphold the

sterling virtues of Islam at Eidel-Kabir celebration by upholding tolerance.

In a statement released in Abuja Sunday, Baywood in commemoration of the Eid-elKabir, urged Muslims across the nation to imbibe noble virtues of Islam which include: Peace, Piety,

perseverance, philanthropy, respect, tolerance and love for one another.

Baywood said that Eidel-Kabir should serve as an auspicious moment for reflecting on the essence of life and that of being real brothers’ keepers.

He noted that Eid-el-Kabir was a rare opportunity that the Almighty Allah affords any lucky Muslim and a time for intense worships, absolute Piety and pity for one another.

Baywood stressed the need for total supplication to the will of almighty Allah to ensure his

blessing and favour.

He noted that all should thank God for his blessing and honour to be alive to witness the celebration, saying that the season is an invaluable opportunity and none should discard the lessons learnt in it.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

Crime News

Mob lynches 2 armed men in Kaduna From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

wo yet to be identified gunmen have been lynched to death by an angry mob in Down - Quarters, Kakuri, Kaduna South Local Government Area.

The Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO)ASP Muhammed Jalige stated this in a statement made available to media in Kaduna yesterday.

The statement stated that the mob pursued two gunmen from

Barnawa axis to Down - Quarters Kakuri where they were killed.

According to him, on receipt of the information, Operatives were immediately mobilized to the area, sealed off the scene, reached the victim’s corpse, and recovered two

fabricated revolver pistols and three mobile phones.

“The lifeless bodies were evacuated to the morgue at Gwamna Awan General Hospital for preservation as an investigation into the incident has since commenced.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police is calling on the public to avoid taking laws into their own hands as there are constituted authorities charged with the responsibility of maintaining law and order in every community.

President Buhari in a group photograph with some Zamfara Political Leaders led by its Governor Bello Matawalle as he receives Some APC Governors in Sallah Homage in Daura, Katsina State, yesterday.

Photo: State House.

Army assures injured officers of treatment

T The Chairperson and Chief Executive officer, Nigerians Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa (2nd left), Secretary of the Commission and Chairman Local Organizing committee 2021 Diaspora day celebration, Engr. Sule Yakubu (left), Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Organization- America, Dr. Abdullahi Dauda (2nd right) and the Deputy Director Diaspora integration, Directorate of Technical cooperation, Ministry of Foreign affairs, Margaret Asoka (right) during the press conference on the Annual National Diaspora day celebration, held yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Eid- el-Kabir: Asekutu felicitates with Muslim faithful

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

T

he Warri North Local Government Council Chairman, Honourable Smart Asekutu, has joined the Muslim world in celebrating this year’s Eid-El-Kabir.

This was contained in his goodwill message to the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and Warri North Council Area in particular.

“On behalf of the government and people of Warri North Local Government Council, I felicitate with the entire Muslim Ummah in

our country and those in our local government area in particular on the occasion of this year’s Eid-ElKabir celebration,” he stated.

While stressing the need for Muslims to imbibe the spirit of the celebration, Asekutu prayed for the disposition that would

propel them to make sacrifices for the unity of Nigeria.

“It is my fervent prayer and wish that as you celebrate this occasion, which is reputed as one of the greatest feasts on the Islamic calendar, that the Almighty Allah fills all Muslim

faithful with the spirit of love, tolerance, mutual forgiveness and greater urge for the unity of our country so that together, we can build for ourselves generations in a society we can be proud of, “ he added.

NIPRD under my watch places premium on innovation, partnerships- Adigwe

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

T

he Director General of National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Dr. Obi Adigwe, has said that the institute under his leadership places more priority on science, technology, innovation as well as local and international partnerships.

He stated this while receiving an award at the 24th Annual National Conference of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP),

yesterday.

Dr. Adigwe and the NIPRD’s Head of Research and Development, Prof.

Martins Emeje, were recognized with awards for leading a new NIPRD which leverages on modern technologies to produce new products.

The NIPRD Director General noted that while tropical diseases such as malaria remain a significant healthcare challenge, non-communicable and emerging diseases such as Ebola and COVID-19 were steadily rising in Nigeria and many African

countries.

He, however, disclosed that NIPRD has already developed and listed 3 COVID-19 products, while at least 10 other products were awaiting industry take up.

He reassured that NIPRD under his watch remained committed to achieving health equity in Nigeria through Research and Development (R&D) for local drug production and medicine security.

This, according to him, informed the huge investment already deployed at NIPRD to having Africa’s most robust

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning project in Drug Discovery & Phytomedicinal Development.

This intervention, he said, will exponentially improve relevant outcomes, while conserving scarce resources in our R&D setting.

According to Adigwe, the recent infrastructure investment in Bioavailability and Bioequivalence was aimed at achieving high quality Nigerian products with the hope of dominating the continent once the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area

(AfCFTA) picked up speed.

He called on experts in the pharmaceutical industry to partner with NIPRD’s Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) and Excipients’ Value Chain Production Project.

The API project, he explained, is considered by many to be Africa’s most ambitious project geared towards ensuring Medicines’ Security and changing the contribution of the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry to the nation’s GDP from the current abysmally low value of less than 0.25% to at least, 30% in the next decade.

he General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu, on Wednesday assured injured officers and soldiers that the Army will facilitate their treatment as soon as possible.

Fejokwu said this during a special luncheon to honour sick officers and soldiers of the Division at the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba (NARHY), to mark the Eid-elKabir Celebrations.

The GOC said that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, had provided logistics within available resources to celebrate in the spirit of Sallah with injured and sick army personnel.

“We will eat and dine with army personnel who got injured or fell sick in the spirit of Sallah celebration to boost their morale.

“The Army is doing everything to facilitate their treatment to ensure that they get back to their feet as soon as possible,” he said.

The GOC commended the sacrifices of the personnel in the ongoing operations across the country, adding that their sacrifices will not be in vain.

(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Court dissolves 22-year-old marriage over abandonment

By Blessing Odega

and her estranged husband, Abdulganiyu Olayekan, on grounds of abandonment.

Delivering judgment, Justices Ghazali Adam and Hyacenth Dolnanan, granted the request made by Shehu for divorce.

Adam said all efforts to reconcile the parties had failed and therefore, ordered Shehu and Olayekan to go their separate way.

The court granted Shehu custody of the last two children and ordered the respondent to send monthly allowance of N30,000 to the petitioner for their upkeep.

Adam said violation of any of the order made by the court, would amount to contempt and shall be treated with the appropriate sanctions.

Earlier, Shehu pleaded with the court to dissolve

her marriage, saying that her husband, abandoned her and five children.

She further said that Olayekan refused to pay their rent for three years and she and the children were evicted.

She said that her husband also refused to pay the children’s school fees.

The respondent, Olayekan, agreed to the ruling of the court.

(NAN)

he Unity Advocacy Group (UAG) has commended the Chief of Defence Staff Interaction with Retired Senior Military Officers, which is being held across the different Geopolitical zones.

The group in a press release issued recently said that the parley is timely and will ensure that stakeholders key into peace building efforts of the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Convener of UAG, Ifeanyi Aigbedion, who signed the press release said that the revelation by the Chief of Defence Staff, General LEO Irabor that the parley led in part to the rescue and safe return of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter pilot, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo was involved in air crash on Sunday was worth commending.

According to the convener, “We must commend the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the parley, which we

are optimistic will bring the much needed peace to our country.

“We are sure skeptics would have doubted the need for the parley when it started, but the revelation that it played a role in the rescue and return of our brother, NAF fighter pilot, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo justify the need for it.

“Without doubt, the CDS has used this comment to express his gratitude to stakeholders who are quietly playing a major role to see to the return of peace.

“We therefore urge Nigerians, especially Retired Senior Military Officers to continue to support the AFN in the task ahead. We must not live it for the military alone.

“National security is everybody’s business. We must all throw our hat into the ring at this particular time and ensure enemies of the country are defeated.

“We must also remember the sacrifices of our military personnel.”

area was released early hours of yesterday in Minna.

It was gathered that she closed around 12 noon from a private school while returning to Airport Quarters, regained her freedom after seven days

in captivity A family source report that after several contacts with the kidnappers who were threatening them however collected one million naira before she was released

Sadiya’s whereabout was not known last Thursday afternoon until around after three Friday when her abductors called requesting for a ransom of N5 million.

All efforts to get police

confirmation proved abortive as the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer PPRO, DSP, Wasiu Abiodun who promised to get back to me couldn’t as at time of filling the story.

A

Jos Central Area Court sitting in Kasuwan Nama, on Thursday dissolved a 22-year-old marriage between Nuratu Shehu and her estranged husband, Abdulganiyu Olayekan, on grounds of abandonment.

A Jos Central Area Court sitting in Kasuwan Nama, on Thursday dissolved a 22-year-old marriage between Nuratu Shehu

Group commends CDS on zonal security parley

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

T

Abducted mother of one freed in Minna

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

A

28 years old mother of one Sadiya Mohammad who was abducted last week Thursday in Maitumbi

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

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News

Court dismisses INEC appeal against Upio

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

T

he Appeal Court in Asaba, the Delta State capital, has dismissed the appeal of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria against the Urhobo Peoples Integrity Organisation ( UPIO) on the restoration of the suppressed Sapele Constituency.

The National President of the group, Dr. (Olorogun) Ebenezer Okorodudu, traced the history of the case in a media interaction with newsmen shortly after the court judgement.

Okorodudu, a former commissioner in the state, disclosed that UPIO had a judgement from the Federal High Court at Warri against INEC on the restoration of the suppressed Sapele Constituency 11 in 2015 and that INEC was ordered to conduct elections in the said constituency alongside others in the general elections of 2015.

He alleged that INEC refused to obey the judgement, adding that in 2018 the group approached the said Federal High Court for write of mandamus, compelling INEC to conduct elections in the suppressed Sapele Constituency and that UPIO got a judgement on it against INEC in 2019.

Okorodudu averred further that INEC appealed against the court judgements of 2015 and 2019 at the Court of Appeal in Benin City, which was later moved to Asaba, following the establishment of an appeal court in the capita city of the state.

Okorodudu said that the court in Asaba not only dismissed the INEC’s appeal on the judgements of the Federal High Court of 2015 in March 2021, but had also thrown aside the appeal of the electoral body on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 against the judgement of 2019.

He vowed that UPIO would fight for the restoration of the suppressed Sapele Constituency 11 and other such suppressed constituencies in Urhobo Nation.

Foundation cautions sports men, women against engaging in human trafficking

A

n NGO, Roost Foundation, has cautioned sports men and women against engaging in trafficking through sports.

Executive Chairman of the NGO, a counter-trafficking organisation, Mrs Julie Okah-Donli, gave the caution at a golf competition between the professionals of IBB Golf and Country Club, and NNG golf club.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition was organised by the clubs, in collaboration with Roost Foundation to mark the 2021 World Day Against Human Trafficking, usually celebrated on July 30.

Okah-Donli, who is also the chairperson in-charge of United Nations Fund for Victims of Trafficking, stated that the competition was organised to raise awareness on the ills and

consequences of trafficking.

According to her, sport is one of the activities used to traffic people all over the world, adding that the sporting awareness is to let the world come together for total elimination of the menace.

The executive chairman, who is a member of the Pros, said that the competition was to make Nigerians realise that the fight against the menace was for all and not for government alone or a particular section of the society.

“A lot of people think that the fight against trafficking rests upon government shoulder; it is not for just the government alone; everyone has a role to play; the press has its role; the fight involves everyone.

“So when you come out and tell them we are joining hands as members of IBB Golf Club

to work with the government and Roost Foundation to fight human trafficking, this will attract many.

“Human trafficking is real.

People can be trafficked through sporting activities. This is our own way of raising awareness to tell Nigerians that human trafficking is real and that it can happen through sports.

A Golfer, Mr Okey Akobundu, described golf sport as a wonderful game capable of boosting the body health-wise.

According to him, playing golf is to enjoy nature, go home happier through the expression of oneself and be mentally-alert to one’s responsibilities, both within the club and the world at large.

“We are here to tell ourselves the danger inherent in human trafficking. We are all putting heads

L-R- The former 1st National Deputy National President NUTGTWN Comrade Mathias Ugele, the National President NUTGTWN Comrade John Adaji, the National Trustee,Comrade Abdulrahaman Usman and Comrade Martin Kundi at the press briefing on the revival of some closed Textile factories in Kaduna yesterday.

PHOTO: MAHMUD ISAH

Delta needs more varsities- Orugbo

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

T

he Chairman of the Governing Council of the Delta State Polytechnic at

together to fight the menace and bring it to the barest minimum in the society,” Akobundu, a lawyer, said.

Mr Mac Ekechukwu, an Insurance expert with Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc and also a golfer, said that members of the clubs were out to create awareness on human trafficking through sports.

“People need to get to know about human trafficking and the ills it can bring to the world, if not checked.

“This has become necessary so that they too can join government, Roost Foundation and other interested agencies to fight the menace,” he said.

Ekechukwu added that if the awareness could reach various group and clubs, the menace would be greatly reduced. (NAN)

Otefe-Oghara, Barrister Andrew Ogheneaga Orugbo, has stated that Delta State needed more universities.

Orugbo stated this in a chat

with Journalists on Thursday.

He remarked that establishing more universities in Delta State was one of the good things Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had

done in the state.

Orugbo questioned the rationale of Deltans going to other states of the federation and abroad, looking for university

admission, adding that it was an index of the urgent need for more universities to attend to the very many qualified Deltans seeking university admission in the state.

Elderly people give thumbs up for Obaseki over free medicare

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro

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lderly people living in Edo State have commended Edo State government for prioritising social care support and access to free medical healthcare.

To demonstrate her commitment to philanthropy, the State government has provided a pair of free recommended glasses each to 18 members of elderly Persons Association of Nigeria, EPAN, Edo State Chapter.

Four other elderly people

from Edo south Senatorial district in the State have been slated for eye surgeries based on the recommendation of medical experts through the relevant government ministries.

Speaking at an interactive session with some of the

beneficiaries, Mrs. Clara Aghama and Mrs. Julie Azebeobor, commended the government for the lifeline.

71-year-old retired Headmistress, Mrs. Azebeobor, said aside from the health benefits, the forum makes them keep fit and

enable them to embrace modern trends in Nutrition and Healthy Living as well as entertainment.

She however appealed to the State government to pay her gratuity since she retired in 2012.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

Cross River Govt. targets 900,000 children for immunisation

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ross River Government has expressed readiness to immunise 900,000 children against polio during the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week in the state.

Dr Janet Ekpenyong, the Director General of Cross River Primary Healthcare Agency, disclosed this on Thursday in Calabar during the inauguration of the Inactivated Polio Virus 2 (IPV2) at the Bogobiri Hausa settlement area in Calabar.

Ekpenyong said that in addition to the immunisation, the children would also be given Vitamin A and other supplements to boost their immunity.

According to her, 3,000 women will be given free healthcare, mosquito nets and free drugs during the week.

She said that the essence of the inauguration of the IPV2 was to reach out to mothers and children across the state with the needed health services they deserved.

She noted that during the exercise, malnourished children would also be reached with a view to enhancing their nutritional status.

“The vaccination will be carried out simultaneously in all the health centres across the state. It is important for mothers to bring their children who are under five years for de-worming and those under 14 weeks for polio vaccination,’’ she said.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu, said that for over 10 years, Cross River had not recorded any case of polio.

Edu encouraged pregnant women to always visit healthcare centres for maternal health services, rather than patronising quacks.

In her goodwill message, the wife of the state Governor, Dr Linda Ayade, said that the state government placed priority on the health of women and children.

Ayade noted that the state government had renovated and equipped health centres across the state with a view to meeting the health needs of the people. (NAN)

Page 9

News 9 die, 16 injured on Lagos-Ibadan expressway accident – FRSC

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he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun has confirmed the death of nine people in an accident involving two vehicles on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Wednesday.

The Sector Commander of FRSC in the state, Mr Ahmed Umar, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ota that 16 other persons sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Umar explained that the accident occurred at about 3.45 pm. around Wich Tech

Company, near Danco Station on the ever-busy expressway.

He said that the accident involved a commercial white Mazda bus, with registration number: APP 28 YE and a blue Volvo truck, with no number plate.

The sector commander further stated that the accident involved 25 persons, with nine killed and 16 injured.

He said that the corpses of the deceased had been deposited at the morgue of Idera Hospital, Sagamu, while the survivors

were receiving treatment at the same hospital.

Umar said that the cause of the accident could be traced to speed violation and overloading on the part of the commercial bus driver.

He added that the commercial bus lost control due to excessive speeding and rammed into the truck.

The sector commander said that clearing of obstruction caused by the crash by FRSC officials and other sister agencies had commenced.

He advised motorists to exercise patience and remain calm, as the situation in the axis would soon be normalised.

Umar stressed the need for caution, saying that as all hands must be on deck to ensure that lives were not lost due to carelessness on the road.

While advising motorists to always obey traffic rules and regulations, the sector commander assured that FRSC would continually be committed to creating a safer motoring environment. (NAN)

From left: Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Sen. Smart Adeyemi; Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Chairman House Committee on Aviation, Sen. Nnolim Nnaji, during the committee’s visit to the Governor, yesterday.in Ibadan on

Cleric urges Nigerians to be pious

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he Vicar of the Anglican Church of Our Savior, Dr Nnamdi Okpuno, urged Nigerians to study the word of God and avoid being led astray by charlatans who misinterpret God’s injunctions for selfish reasons.

Okpuno made the call during a thanksgiving service to mark the end of a three-day conference of the women of Missionary Archdeacon Durumi in Abuja.

Okpuno said that misinterpreting God’s words has resulted in various social problems, conflicts and unrest in our communities and the nation.

He called on Nigerians to take the time to study the word of God for a good understanding of the laws and injunctions of God in order to avoid being blown away like the wind.

Abuja Diocese Mothers Union / Women’s Guild Vice President Uche Okpuno said in her speech at the event that although Nigeria’s problems seem insurmountable,

we must continue to “hope in the infinite mercies of God which have kept us alive ”. ‘ Okpuno called on state governors to rise above selfish interests to ensure peace and security.

She said all sectors of the economy needed to be reorganized to get the country out of the woods.

Conference President Elizabeth Ugoh, in her opening remarks, said the theme of the conference was a call for Christians to always prepare.

“We give glory, honor and praise to our Almighty God for His mercy and kindness to all of us to witness and participate in this year’s Archdeacon of Women Missionaries conference in Durumi.

“The theme of the conference: ‘Steadfastness’ and the sub-theme -‘ Standing Firm in the Faith reminds us of some familiar Bible prophecies related to the end times.

“During this event, we will

discuss many issues that affect us as humans through various powerful activities,” Ugoh said.

She said the meeting would talk about the individual and collective needs of the participants.

A resource person, Ms. Keziah Phillip, called on women to be submissive to their husbands.

Phillip spoke on the topic, “Staying Strong in the Faith to Win an Unbelieving Husband.”

According to her, wives should be the light that will lead the family to Christ.

“We are urged to pray, to respect and honor our husbands, to seek God, to surrender completely to God, and to expect him to show the mercy of his salvation to any unbelieving husband.

“Finally, believe, trust and hold God with his words and he will do it for you no matter what, even in the face of an unbelieving husband,” she added.

Ms. Augusta AkparantaEmenogu In her contribution, one of the

speakers, Ms. Augusta AkparantaEmenogu, urged women to participate in conflict resolution in their communities.

Akparanta-Emenogu spoke on the topic: “Why should women be encouraged to participate in conflict resolution and peacebuilding”.

“Individuals and institutions have different levels of involvement and play different roles in maintaining or resolving insecurity or conflict.

“It is important to identify the sources of insecurity in order to be able to go back to identify the causes, then propose and implement viable and lasting solutions.

“Everyone needs to get involved to ensure that our environment, our communities and our nation do not face serious security challenges.

“This is because there is a very close link between security and development. Without security there can be no development and no progress, ”she said. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

PAGE 10

News Cholera: Rivers LG chairman promises to address water shortage

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r Erastus Awortu, the Chairman, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers, says the council administration will address the problem of water shortage to curb the menace of cholera.

He made the promise on Wednesday at Ibot-Irem, Andoni Local Council of Rivers during his tour of eight communities recently sacked by cult gang war.

He said the administration had commenced water reticulation project as proactive step to check cholera outbreak ahead of the dry season usually associated with the disease in the area.

He added that “Andoni is an area where cholera is almost endemic, basically because we lack potable water; so, the provision of potable water is one of the cardinal concerns of my administration.

“We will ensure that we banish cholera out of Andoni.”

Awortu explained that while the council administration endeavoured to ensure the safe return of displaced persons, it would also ensure that the area no longer remained vulnerable to cholera.

He said “just as we are trying to ensure the safe return of displaced persons, we also find it necessary to provide potable water in the communities to check cholera, which leads to deaths during dry season.

“The first phase of the water project will be the installation of a 20,000 gallon capacity tank that will reticulate water to Ibot-Irem and adjoining communities.

“The project is ongoing and will be inaugurated soon.”

Lamenting the high level of damage to properties and loss of lives suffered during the cult gangs clashes, Awortu charged the people to be responsible for sustainable peace in the area.

“Many innocent persons have died as a result of persistent cult wars, especially in some communities like Ibot-Irem, Dema and Ajakajak, the crises got worse in the past one year when the people eventually fled the area.

“When we assumed office, we took the first step by visiting those who were displaced and who took refuge at Kaa, in Khana Local Government Area and assured them of their safe return.

“With the full cooperation of the Rivers Police Commissioner, Friday Eboka and the Gov. Nyesom Wike, we deployed security personnel to the affected communities and today, peace has been restored.

“We were able to achieve this within a short period because we are resolute in our commitment to peace, things are gradually returning to normal in the once deserted areas,’’ he said.

He also promised to liaise with the relevant authorities to ensure that a police station was returned to the area, adding that there had been no police presence there for a long time. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

PAGE 11

Letter to the Editor

EDITORIAL

FG mulls expansion of N200m small scale miners fund

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onsidering the success of the N200 million fund disbursement to artisanal miners, the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development may expand the programme to benefit more small scale miners.

Mr Olamilekan Adegbite, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development. said this when he appeared on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) flagship Forum in Abuja.

Adegbite said that the over N3.2 billion mining intervention fund which was domiciled with the Bank of Industry (BOI) was an intervention by the Federal Government to boost mining activities in Nigeria.

He said that the initial fund was N2.5 billion but it had accrued interest in the bank and N200 million out of the interest

was disbursed as loan to small scale and artisanal miners.

“When it was set up, it was that from a minimum of N10 million to N100 million maximum people can access at five per cent interest rates, and we have had some success story.

“What we now realised was that there were a lot of small others, artisanal miners, small scale miners, who do not even need up to N10 million, which was the minimum.

“So, they were excluded because you say minimum N10 million, maximum N100 million and you know the way banking is, if you want to take N10 million from a bank, the collateral is times two minimum.

“But there are some artisanal miners there that all they want to enhance their activity is to buy a

water pump, so that they have water to wash their oars, so they can bring out what they need a bump of N500,000, that is all they need someone to buy for them.

“We excluded them by saying that the minimum you can borrow is N10 million, so we set up another scheme, under that.”

According to him, some miners could not access the fund because of the stringent conditions that the bank put in, but with the N200 million subfund, it could give a maximum of two million Naira to individuals and minimum of N200,000.

He, however, said that the only condition attached was to get a guarantor on Grade Level 14 in the Federal Civil Service or its equivalent in the services.

“This is to allow all those lower end people to benefit from this

new scheme that I designed when I realised what was going on and it is catching on.

“A lot of these lower people who need small money are already approaching the bank for that.

“There was a programme in the past that was not very successful, so that is why this time around we gave the money to the bank.

“It is not your share of the national cake, it is something to help you, it is the cheapest fund in Nigeria today at five per cent.

“So, if it works out, yes we can expand that and maybe make more money available up to half a billion, but we need to be careful.

“The average Nigerian thinks that this is my share of the national cake, so when they go to borrow such funds they do not want to pay back.”(NAN) www. nannews.ng

President Muhammadu Buhari (M) with the Principal of Pace Setters School, Daura, Mr Okino Muhammed (L); the Proprietress, Mrs Celine Friday (R); and Students; Umar Abdullahi; Memuna Haruna Salisu; Zaharau Abdulrahman and Ebenezer Jim, as the school’s delegation visits the President during Sallah, yesterday in Daura Katsina state

Coalition honors Uba Sani for impacting on lives of people From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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Coalition of 24 groups and Associations in the North have selected Senator Uba Sani as the recipient of their Exemplary Leadership Award, based on

his philanthropic gestures and leadership qualities.

The convener of the coalition Alhaji Bello Abdulhamid, disclosed this while speaking to the media in Karina yesterday.

The convener who was flanked by Muhammad Kabir

and Ibrahim Tanimu, Secretary and Publicity Secretary respectively said now was the time to honor such lawmakers like Dr. Uba Sani who had distinguished himself in his legislative duties and impacted positively on the lives of the

people he represents. “ After series of assessments, we concluded that Senator Uba Sani, Chairman Senate Committee Banking, Insurance, and other Financial institutions, deserves our most prestigious Exemplary Leadership Award.”

Okowa congratulates Momodu, other editors

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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elta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Mr Shaka Momodu on his promotion as the Editor of THISDAY Newspaper.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, the Governor also felicitated with Mr Davidson Iriekpen as Editor of THISDAY, the Sunday Newspaper and Mr

Goddy Egene, Group News Editor of the newspaper.

Similarly, he congratulated Mr Emmanuel Efeni on his elevation to Deputy Managing Director and Mr Christian Ogodo as Managing Editor of ARISE News.

Okowa commended the board of THISDAY and ARISE group for finding the officers worthy for the new responsibilities, saying that their promotions were well deserved.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate Mr Shaka Momodu, Davidson Iriekpen, Goddy Egene, Emmanuel Efeni, Christian Ogodo and all other executives of THISDAY and ARISE group on their well deserved promotions.”

“Over the years, they have by hard work and conscientious dedication kept the media brands moving from strength to strength.”

“They have continued to promote the kernel of journalism by keeping Nigerians and the rest of the world abreast with the most timely and educating news from all parts of Nigeria and the world.”

“As a government, we are proud of your lofty achievements and it is our prayer that your best is yet to come as we hope to see you at the pinnacle of your careers,” Okowa stated.

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Happy Eid-el Kabir

uslims the world over celebrate, today, the Eid-el Kabir (Greater Festival), also referred to as Eid-el Adha (Festival of Sacrifice), which officially commences with the two rakaat prayers. This particular Eid, which is usually celebrated on the 10th of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijja, is celebrated to commemorate the readiness of Prophet Ibrahim to use his only child, Prophet Ismail, for sacrifice, in obedience to God’s command.

But then the Almighty rescued the child by offering his father a ram to use instead.

pandemic that has seriously depressed the nation’s economy.

We further appeal to all the Muslim faithful to imbibe all those lessons that can be learnt during this period, especially drawing from the complete subservience of Prophet Ibrahim to Allah, which teaches us to be patient, tolerant and obedient to God and constituted authority.

Besides, Muslims are also enjoined in this period to be nice to fellow human beings, most especially the poor, needy and wayfarers, whether or not they The Eid-el Adha is normally belong to the same faith. This goes preceded by the standing on further to encourage us to care Mount Arafat on the 9th of Dhul for the plights of fellow human Hijja by millions of the beings through the faithful who have been sharing of food and fortunate to travel to other gifts, thereby Mecca for Hajj, itself one inculcating in us the of the major pillars of The Eid-el Adha virtues of kindness, Islam. compassion, love, is normally tenderness, warmth preceded by and affection, all In Nigeria, the federal government the standing on of which negate all has declared today forms of hostilities, Mount Arafat on and tomorrow public conflicts and holidays. Although the the 9th of Dhul aggression that are Eid-el Kabir is usually Hijja by millions now prevalent in the marked here, just like in of the faithful Nigerian nation. other parts of the world, who have been with durbars, exchange Beyond the of gifts, visits, greetings fortunate to travel call on the Muslim and other forms of to Mecca for Hajj, faithful to thoroughly merriment, we wish to itself one of the imbibe the spirit of particularly enjoin our patience, tolerance Muslim brothers and major pillars of and obedience Islam. sisters across the country to constituted to also use the period to authority, we seize engage in sober reflections and this opportunity to urge our prayers for peace and progress in leaders at all levels of governance our nation. to eschew all forms of corruption and injustice that have smeared This is more so as this year’s Nigeria’s image globally, and have feast of sacrifice has come at a been at the root of the insurgency time of utmost trial for Nigeria, and other forms of criminality as the level of insecurity in the we are witnessing. While calling country rose to the zenith with for self-restraint among all and kidnappings, killings and other sundry, we wish our Muslim forms of violence nationwide. brothers and sisters in Nigeria There is also the public health and the world over happy Eid-el challenge of the Covid-19 Kabir festivities.

“

OUR MISSION

How not to reward a patriot

OUR PEOPLE

“To be the market Chief Operating Officer place of ideas and /Editor, the leading player Hameed M. Bello, PhD in the industry by putting the people first, upholding the Manager, administration Hassan Hammanyaji truth, maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards while HEAD, ADVERT delivering value to patrick UGAMA our stakeholders”

OUR VISION

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

By Benedict Aguele

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he Industrial Training Fund has been in the news of late for leading a revolution in the technological space in the country. One of the reasons is the recent launch of made in Nigeria Android phone, ITF Mobile with 100% locally sourced materials.

I was impressed, to say the least, and that ignited my interest in the ITF, and the revelations have been mindboggling. As a start, the ITF, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, and established in 1971, has not only raised training consciousness in the economy but has also helped in generating a corps of skilled indigenous manpower which has been manning and managing various sectors of the national economy.

In those days, at the mention of ITF, the thought of students’ placement on industrial training readily comes to mind. This erroneous impression is that everything about the ITF starts and ends with certifying students’ industrial training experience.

I dare say a lot has changed in the operations of the ITF under the leadership of Joseph Ari as the directorgeneral. After detailed scrutiny of the ITF in the last five years, I speak on good authority that, indeed, there has been a revolution in the agency. One of the signs is the manufacturing of the ITF Mobile, the first made in Nigeria smartphone.

I gathered from reliable sources that the ITF had also been silently finetuning skilled indigenous manpower in various sectors of the economy through the revamping of the ITF Model Skills Training Centre.

The Model Skills Training Centre was established by the Industrial Training Fund as a Post-Secondary Technical Institution in 2011 to provide industryrelevant career and technical education programmes for secondary school leavers and adult learners. It was a two-pronged effort by the Federal government to actualise the millennium development goals. To date, the Model Skills Training Centre (MSTC) is progressing in developing the nation’s economy through its highly Skilled Human Resource.

In 2016, the MSTC formally applied to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), which is mandated to accord approvals on prospective TVET programmes to include specific programmes for critique/vetting and development in the National Vocational Certificate (NVC) component. This was closely followed by another critique exercise request to add the National Innovative Diploma (NID) component to its certification status.

In 2017, the MSTC was granted approval to operate as an Innovative Enterprise Institute (IEI), with effect from December 2016, to offer programmes in the two components of NID/NVC. Admission into the MSTC is now through JAMB for the NID programmes that run for Two (2) years and direct admissions for the Modular programmes that run for four weeks to 24 weeks. Today the Centre is a Model in TVET Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

This brings me to the leadership question in Nigeria. I have long stated in numerous forums that leadership is required to set the country on the path of greatness. Using the ITF as an example, we could see how credible leadership has resulted in groundbreaking initiatives that make every Nigerian proud. Let’s rewind; if the director-general of the ITF, Joseph Ari, had toed the line of his predecessors in office, I am sure the ITF would have remained that agency responsible for student’s placement for industrial training exercises alone.

We should learn to call a spade a spade and celebrate those who have displayed acts of ingenuity in service to the country. The story of Joseph Ari at the ITF comes readily as a worthy example for leading the revolution at the agency in the last five years of his stewardship.

I gathered that it’s about service for him, and this could be felt in the manner the agency has been able to carry out its mandate effortlessly. This, in my considered opinion, answers the leadership question that is needed in the country.

The likes of Joseph Ari have proven that leadership is not rocket science; therefore, there are no ‘set’ qualities that have to be present in all leaders. Instead, an effective leader draws from a range of personal qualities to help them deal with different circumstances and challenges.

This is the Joseph Ari story at the ITF and why he should be celebrated and not castigated. Unfortunately, this is the country we have found ourselves in, where some does not want to see anything progress and where the ultimate aim is to pull down rather than uplift.

I have been reading some mischievous publications on Joseph Ari recently, and I could not help but laugh in utmost disbelief. And I said to myself, how can we make progress as a country when good deeds are detestable, and blackmail is the order of the day.

I hold the firm opinion that the media has a role to play in ensuring that malicious and mischievous intentions are not promoted at the expense of the integrity of those with a solid commitment to providing credible leadership in the country.

The implication of the above is that should mischievous elements get the upper hand, we can be assured that the country would be thrown to the dogs, and sustainable growth and development would elude us.

Those that are envious of the sterling leadership of Mr Joseph Ari at the ITF should do well to swallow their pride and desist from the well-orchestrated slander campaign launched in the media, which might be as a result of the exploits recorded by the agency under his watch and in record time.

In my considered opinion, I think the narrative on the Joseph Ari led ITF should be on how leadership has transformed a once docile agency to a proactive and result-oriented agency. My two cents.

Agule is a strategic communication expert and wrote this piece from Abuja.

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

Achieving a responsibility-centred democracy

By Jerome-Mario Utomi

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oing by the wisdom of the sage, great leaders are characterized by their ability to create positive impacts on the lives of their subjects. They achieve this feat by placing heavy emphasis on the understanding that the economy would look after itself if democracy is protected; human rights adequately taken care of, and the rule of law strictly adhered to.

In effect, their nation’s affairs are centrally planned over a period of time with their actions outlined for both normal and contingency conditions. By contrast, for Nigeria, like other nations with not-too-impressive leadership, in addition to non-possession of these attributes, they mistake coexistence with harmony.

As background to this piece, each time one listens to the stories of how successful leaders made their nations great and juxtapose such accounts with what we currently face as a nation, one may easily get visited with despondency/dropping spirit.

The reason(s) that fuels such reaction is not far fetched For over two decades of uninterrupted democracy in the country, different administrations manifested glaring unconsciousness that it requires prolonged efforts to administer a country well. Nigerians on their part successively failed to access the traditional but universal responsibility of questioning

those in authority, a role which participatory democracy and election conferred on them.

Comparatively, leaders under this arrangement redefine democracy in the image of their a c t i o n s , w h i le Nig e rians in their excruciating poverty and starvation mourn the effects of such policies- economic backwardness, underdevelopment, unchecked population explosion, unemployment, and poor planning and implementation.

There are countless examples of how government daily disconnects from the people, but perhaps, understandably the first one that comes to mind is their inabilities to recognize that public order, personal and national security, economic and social programmes and prosperity is not the natural order of things but depends on the ceaseless efforts and attentions from an honest and effective government that the people elect, there is an important decision to make.

This piece is targeted at providing answers to; why our leaders act the way they do? Discover whether we will continue to live as a nation under the rule of law as embodied in our constitution? Or fail future generations by leaving for them laws far diminished than the ones we inherited?

Without wasting words, prominent among the reasons fuelling leader’s behaviour in this regard is our system’s nonemphasis on priority to human

rights approach to governance that entails the infusion of principles of participation, non-discrimination towards the attainment of equity and justice. The absence of such a kind of thinking laid the foundation of what the nation is witnessing today.

Supporting the above claim is the position clarified by the United Nations Independent Expert on the Right to Development. It explicitly argued that the right to development/governance is the right to a particular process of development that allows the realization of economic, social and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights, and all fundamental freedoms, by expanding the capability and choices of individuals.

In my views, another single but surprising elements fueling the practice is barefaced illusion by leaders that they are more nationalistic or patriotic than other citizens. Forgetting that globally, Individuals, groups and communities have a right in decision making, planning and implementation of programs that affect them-and government has a duty to enable people affected by its policies and programmes participate in ways capable of transforming their social, political and economic conditions rather than merely using them as instruments to legitimize predetermined goals and priorities.

There is also an entirely separate set of factors relating

to the reasons propelling the leader’s behaviour, and it is not rooted this time in impact on the system or the constitution or the inability of Nigerians to question those in positions of authority. Rather, it is rooted this time in personal attributes and realities of the public office holders as captured in a recent report that leaders (the advantaged) behave the way they do because significantly they have more political influence than those at the bottom- which tend to undermine representational equality, a key feature of democracy.

Not only did the research report argue that for the advantaged (Haves) to remove the obstacles that the disadvantaged (have nots) face, they must first, recognize that these obstacles exist, it submitted that such recognition must entail the advantaged seeing the world from the disadvantaged perspective.

But considering the present reality that we are in a country where public office is considered as an opportunity for promoting private gains as against the public good, can our leaders ever see the disadvantaged(have nots) perspectives?

What about our electoral system that is roundly capital intensive? How has the ‘unique’ role played by money above and below promoted or strained the relationship between governors and the governed?

Substantially, the culture of money politics has turned ‘consent

of the electorates’ into a commodity to be purchased by the highest bidder and as an effect renders public offices as responsibilityfree. Having paid for the votes cast, leaders conclude that they owe the people no obligation.

Similarly, such a culture creates a common ‘value system’ that shapes and forms our political thinking, and often always establishes a link with and set the stage for a corrupt government.

Particularly as the ‘practice’ runs contrary to the global believe that; the ‘precondition for an honest government is that the candidate must not need large sums to get elected, or it must trigger off the circle of corruption. Having spent a lot of money to get elected, winners must recover their costs and possibly accumulate funds for the next election as the system is self-perpetuating’.

In the final analysis; whatever the true position may be, if the interest of harmony is to be vigilantly guarded, there are vital points that leaders of our nation must not fail to remember and they are in this order; when we serve, we rule; when we give, we have; and when we surrender totally to selfless service, we become victors.

Utomi is the Programme Coordinator (Media and Public Policy), Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), Lagos. He could be reached via;jeromeutomi@ yahoo.com/08032725374.

Selfishness, prejudice of U.S. disrupt global fight against COVID-19

By Zhong Sheng

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hen the world is plagued by repeated resurgence and frequent mutations of the novel coronavirus, the COVID-19 situation is still grim, and the international community needs more confidence, cooperation, and hope than ever, the U.S., driven by political gains and prejudice, is stirring up trouble and creating splits around the world, stigmatizing acts of other countries regarding the pandemic, attaching geographical labels to the virus, and politicizing virus origin tracing.

Such unscrupulous evil deeds, while revealing indifference of the U.S. toward human life and health, have disrupted global cooperation against the virus.

The attempt to “fabricate” a conclusion for the COVID-19 origin out of selfish interests is bringing endless trouble upon the world.

COVID-19 origin tracing is a serious scientific research. Only by allowing scientists to conduct in-depth studies of how the virus appeared, evolved, and was transmitted to human beings can mankind find ways to defeat it as early as possible.

In the short term, the U.S. hamper global efforts to find the right answers to scientific questions and disturb global cooperation on tracing the origins of the virus by groundlessly and

repeatedly hyping up the “lab leak” theory, willfully smearing China, and politicizing scientific issues.

In the long run, the logic behind politicizing COVID-19 origin tracing is absolutely preposterous. To some extent, the history of civilization is the history of struggling against virus.

Scientists in many countries are worried that if a country is stigmatized just because it was the first to release the genome sequence of the COVID-19, no country will dare to report new viruses in a timely manner in the future; and if a scientist is attached baseless labels only because of telling the truth, no scientist will want to carry out research into virus.

The U.S. has not made many efforts to promote global cooperation against the COVID-19 pandemic, but has done its utmost to serve its own interests with fighting the pandemic as an excuse.

What a huge mistake that is!

Because of inaction and unreasonable actions of certain politicians in the U.S., the COVID-19 situation in the country hasn’t been eased. The number of reported confirmed COVID-19 cases has so far exceeded 34 million, and nearly 610,000 American people have died from the disease.

As the world’s largest economy, the U.S. has seriously encumbered the international community with its failure to control the pandemic. What’s worse, the country has brazenly

pursued egoism as countries around the world have advocated global cooperation against the pandemic, and disgracefully committed wrongdoings including intercepting anti-epidemic supplies of other countries and buying up a key COVID-19 drug, which are denounced as “modern piracy.”

At the critical moment of global fight against the COVID-19, the U.S. withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO) and committed a “crime against humanity” by cutting WHO funding during the pandemic.

Although the new administration of the U.S. has talked eloquently about how “America is back” after it came into office, people around the world have only disappointedly found that instead of practicing real multilateralism and joining global efforts to combat the COVID-19, the new administration has jeopardized global anti-epidemic cooperation by forming factions and small circles and suppressing other countries. In what way is such a country like a major country in the world?

The country’s image has collapsed quickly as it practiced vaccine nationalism and squeezed anti-epidemic resources of other countries.

As a powerful weapon in the fight against the pandemic, vaccines bring hope to global

response to the virus. However, the U.S. hoarded far more doses of COVID-19 vaccines than it needs.

Statistics suggest that the U.S. has snapped up about 2.6 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines, which account for one fourth of the total amount of COVID-19 vaccines available in the world and have far exceeded the amount needed by its citizens. Hundreds of millions of unused vaccine doses are piled up in the warehouses of the country.

Besides, the U.S. has also used the pretext of prioritizing domestic demand to impose restrictions on exports of vaccines and critical raw materials needed for the production of vaccines. The act even aroused criticism from the U.S. media, which considered it a moral outrage.

Though the U.S. has started to provide COVID-19 vaccines for other countries because of huge pressure from the international community, its action is believed to have obviously revealed a lack of sincerity.

The country promised to provide 80 million doses of vaccines for other regions in the world before the end of June 2021.

However, as of June 30, it had only delivered 24 million doses of vaccines to foreign countries, less than one third of the doses it promised, according to a report of The Associated Press.

These vaccines only reached 10 countries and regions, representing a huge difference from the promise

of the U.S. to provide vaccines for about 50 countries and regions, the report suggested.

When the world is faced with a huge vaccine gap, the U.S. has excessive doses. Experts from Duke University estimated that the U.S. would have 300 million or more excess vaccine doses by late July.

The biggest failure of the U.S. is it only cares about the epidemic situation at home, and is tardy in reacting to and pays lip service to threats posed by the pandemic to other countries, pointed out an article published on the website of The Washington Post.

In the battle between mankind and the COVID-19 pandemic, solidarity and cooperation are the only right choice for overcoming the pandemic.

The narrow-minded, shortsighted, selfish, and relentless political manipulation of the U.S. has disrupted overall global antiepidemic cooperation and will end up hurting itself. The country had better stop acting willfully and arbitrarily and recover its conscience by ways of shouldering more international responsibilities and making more efforts to serve international cooperation.

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

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

Comment

Between the devil and the deep blue sea

By Famuditi Gboyega

A

trending derisive social media post shows the following currency exchange rates: $100=N47,000, €100=N57,000, £100=N67,000, while N100= two wraps of “Santana”! Nigerians who believe their lives will be better in Europe or America aren’t mistaken. They will be paid well and promptly in a currency which has value.

These days an increasing number of Nigerians are queuing up to relocate themselves and their families to Europe or America.

They shouldn’t be blamed.

Emigration from Nigeria appears to be the only hope of living a peaceful life and enjoying the benefits of modern civilisation. In Nigeria, things are indisputably deteriorating on a daily basis as the government presides over a war-torn, environmentally degraded nation, with a collapsed economy. It appears they have no plan other than to borrow endlessly and cling on to power for the benefit of their families, friends and ethnic group.

Their only discernible policy is to suppress public dissent and restrain the media from reporting the mess they have created! Nigeria is going downhill fast and by enacting unjust, inequitable, and provocative laws, those in the dysfunctional National Assembly (NASS) are proving to be catalysts of disaster.

Paradoxically, Nigerians who are voting with their feet to leave

are from the relatively peaceful Southern region. “Relative peace” in Nigeria means having to face only armed robbers, kidnappers, killer “herdsmen”, ill-disciplined security agents, and political assassins, but not murderous bandits, insurgents or jihadists.

“Relative prosperity” means struggling to survive galloping inflation and a worthless currency.

A trending derisive social media post shows the following currency exchange rates: $100=N47,000, €100=N57,000, £100=N67,000, while N100= two wraps of “Santana”! Nigerians who believe their lives will be better in Europe or America aren’t mistaken. They will be paid well and promptly in a currency which has value. However, they should be forewarned about increasingly vocal racism in those societies. Europeans and Americans fully understand that Nigerian immigrants are economic and social refugees who have fled what former US President Donald Trump described as their “sh#t-hole” country where nothing works properly. Local and foreign media reports on Nigeria highlight why Nigerian immigrants are disrespected in their adopted countries.

They are now becoming aware that the citizenship documents they proudly waive come with limitations of institutionalised racism. They are permitted to live there but must be quiet, they

can work there but mainly at low paid jobs, they can sit at the table but not speak too loud, they can participate in politics but only as an exception, and they can represent the country in sports but only if they are winners!

Nigerians who queue up daily in front of Embassies say they will happily endure racist insults as the price of ensuring the safety of their families and sound education of their children which can no longer be guaranteed in Nigeria. They see little difference between racism overseas and ethnic nepotism at home. They have no pity for Nigerian victims of racism in Europe or America, more especially as so many of them attempt to justify their decision to flee by continuously criticising government from afar, and flooding social media with posts bad-mouthing the country.

They routinely display pictures of the beautiful environments of the nations they reside in, and celebrate themselves for owning a piece of paper which bestows upon them the status of “honorary white man”! Many home-based Nigerians expressed perverse pleasure at racist abuse heaped on England’s NigerianBritish fans after the recently concluded Euro 2020 football tournament. They had joined their white friends to predict that “the cup is coming home”. Locally based fans supporting the Italian team, wondered which “home” they were talking about when the Super Eagles were not playing in

Ndume and part time legislature

By Abdul Jelil Adebayo

M

any Nigerians have being saying it, the National Assembly as it is presently being run is a drain pipe and as such there was need for a review of its working on full time.

Different permutations have been given to reduce the huge cost of governance through equal representation. A governor recently said the Senate should be scrapped and allows the House of Representatives to hold forte for the masses. Others also suggest that the numbers of Representatives should be reduced from 469 to a manageable number that will not affect greatly the purse of the nation.

And here we are, the amendment of the 1999 constitution is on-going and there are calls for involvement of everybody and every part of the country to feel belong and carried along. And also to see how cost of governance could be drastically reduced taking into consideration the dwindling financial standing of the country.

So then one may not but align with the view of Senator Mohammed Ndume representing Borno South who has been calling for part time legislature. As for him, instead of having them on full time, they should be paid according to the number of their sittings. Many Nigerians hailed his boldness and courage, which he is noted for, for speaking the truth even if the truth also affects his person or position.

Yes, from every indication, there is a need for a part time legislature. Surprisingly, when the issue of part time legislature is being

discussed, attention is always drawn to allowances, salaries and other benefits associated with the perks of offices.

In the present situation, we have 109 Senators and 360 Honourable members in the House of Representatives. The annual salary, including allowances, for each member of the Senate, according to Revenue Mobilisation And Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, is N12, 766,320:00 (N12.7m). On a monthly basis, a Nigerian Senator collects salary and allowances amounting to N1, 063,860 (N1.06m).

On the other hand, each member of the lower legislative chamber, Green Chamber, according to RMAFC, receives N9, 529,038:06 (N9.5m) as annual pay and N794,086:83 every month.

However, in the House of Representatives, each of the 360 lawmakers pockets a total annual package of N136.6m or N11.3m monthly (or N33.9m quarterly).

In defence of the legislature, the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan declared that there was no such thing as ‘jumbo pay,’ adding that he earned N750, 000 as salary.

But Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), had dismissed Lawan position and asked him to stop misleading Nigerians. Sagay insisted that senators earn N15million monthly and not N750,000 as claimed by the Senate president, while each legislator in the Green chamber collect N11.3m monthly Hear him: “That’s where the jumbo pay comes in when you talk of building, furniture, domestic this or

that, 15 items and those items alone bring everything up to N13.5 million a month. So, simply mentioning the basic salary, which brings it to over N14 million, is not sufficient.

“What they get, that I have not been able to realise. They were mindboggling; we are talking of one person getting up to N280 million a year in allowances for his position.”

Sagay clarified.

Full-time legislature is a waste of resources and time. The work of a legislator does not justify his being there on a full-time basis. They can achieve both legislative and oversight functions working on a part-time basis. And going by their attendance at plenary, many empty seats are noticeable whether you come to plenary or not, your pay is on-going, what a wasteful venture.

Senator Ndume however urged his colleagues to sacrifice by reducing their perks of office as well as contemplate adopting part time legislature for the good of the country.

In his words: “In the current system, workers are not being paid living wages, whereas a privileged few are earning luxury wages.

The National Assembly members, including me for instance, are paid luxury wages.

“How can we live comfortably when only a few of us are living a life of luxury when the majority is living in abject poverty? The N30, 000 minimum wage is too small; it can make workers engage in corruption in order to survive. And yet most state governments are finding it difficult to pay.

“We have a budget of over N10 trillion and only 30 per cent is going

the tournament? England lost the final 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out.

Their three missed penalty kicks were taken by players described as “people of color”, a term which absurdly doesn’t include Brazilians or Asians whose skin is noticeably darker than that of many light-skinned players of African descent. It refers specifically to Negroes or “Black” people. They were subjected to the most vile and derogatory racial abuse. In a caricature of the English team’s logo and name “Three Lions”, they were referred to as the “Three Monkeys”! One of them 19-year-old Bukayo Saka, had declined to play for Nigeria, and pledged his future to England.

He is not the first to do so.

Nobody should accuse him of being unpatriotic. Patriotism is a double-edged sword.

Nigerian international sportsmen and athletes are seldom paid promptly let alone well, and become virtually destitute if they fall ill or are otherwise incapacitated. The last thing Saka expected for pledging his allegiance and positive contributions in getting England to the final was for his “fellow countrymen” to call him a monkey. While the US and many European governments mouth about fighting racism, they can’t live up to the hype and recent events prove that there is still a long way to go.

To be fair, there’s no denying that things are better now than

back in 1936 when Adolf Hitler refused to shake the hand of Black-American athlete Jesse Owens after he won four gold medals in the Munich Olympics.

Almost every team in Euro 2020 included black players in their squad even the “Fuhrer’s” beloved Germany! Paradoxically, England were one of the few teams that “took a knee” in support of the “Black Lives Matter Movement”.

The Italians refused to do so, and won the tournament with a team which didn’t include a single black player. Indeed Mario Balotelli, a black player once selected to play for Italy was routinely taunted by fans chanting “there are no black Italians!” Every Nigerian immigrant is facing a quandary. There is little incentive to return to Nigeria and face untold hardships, yet in light of the realities on ground, they are being told in no uncertain terms that their home isn’t where their hearts are; it’s in Nigeria.

They are faced with a choice of living in a developed well run nation with a racist bias or in an undeveloped nation with little prospects for the future, incompetent governance and ethnic bias. They are stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea. It’s left for them to decide which is which, and which is preferable!

to the majority whereas 70 per cent would be spent on a few minority.

The system we presently practice is not fair in terms of moral, religion or socially.”

“Nigerians should demand a referendum to effect the type of system that would improve their wellbeing through drastic reduction in the cost of governance. The system we are running now, which I’m part of, is not fair to majority of Nigerians.

“Since Nigeria was a British colony, we started with the parliamentary system. All over the world today, parliamentary system of government is more popular than the presidential system,” he insisted.

Reeling off the gains of a parliamentary over the current presidential system, the lawmaker stated that it would engender transparency, reduce cost and become more manageable and effective.

He said, “It is also more effective in the sense that the head of government is more or less one among equals of the parliamentarians. Therefore, accountability is achieved in the chamber in the sense that the Prime Minister has to be in the parliament every day, and he must give account of government to his colleagues. Also, ministers are selected among the elected parliamentarians. The idea is to reduce the cost of governance and make it more effective.”

On his suggestion for the institution of part time legislature, he insisted that: “As far as I’m concerned, we can make the National Assembly a part time arrangement for now since we conduct our sitting once or twice in a week these days.

“For example, even we in the

National Assembly, I strongly advocate that the work of the legislature should be made part-time and therefore, pay us on part-time basis to reduce the cost.

“If we make it part time, that means our salaries must be reduced.

The reality is that we can’t continue in a situation like this where 70 per cent of the country’s budget is going to personnel and recurrent expenditure as if everything is okay. This is a time when we are borrowing to fund the budget.

There is anger in the land, why not? Nigerians who are continually being pressured by their leaders to tighten their belts and sacrifice for the good of the country, are no longer smiling at the humongous earnings of their legislators.

In all developed countries Nigeria is trying to emulate, members of the legislature have their professions and they don’t resign their appointments to become lawmakers. Part time legislature would be good if the Federal Government wants to attract high-calibre people to politics.

There is nothing stopping an accountant, lecturer or banker from venturing into politics and do it part time. This would enable them to still hold on to their jobs and do politics. It will be beneficial because all these people are coming with skills and experiences from their own professions. So why can’t we use these skills and experiences in shaping our country?

Famuditi Gboyega is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Abdul is a media consultant and public analyst and can be reached abduljelil2001@gmail. com

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

News

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

Tension in Benue over murder of traditional ruler From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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alpable tension has enveloped Ochoro and other neighbouring villages of Ukpute community in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State following the alleged gruesome murder of a traditional ruler, Chief Denis Okpe Ijoko, on Tuesday.

Chief Ijoko was said to be abducted and later allegedly killed, by suspected Bonta-Tiv militiamen who invaded Ochoro village in Konshisha Local Government of Benue State in a surprised attack.

Though a predominantly Igede speaking village, Ochoro falls under Konshisha LG whose militiamen from Bonta has been attacking Ukpute ceaselessly for the past one year, according to sources.

The lingering crisis led to the murder of 11 soldiers and an officer of the Nigerian Army in April.

Tuesday’s attack on Ochoro left over 50 houses destroyed, according to reports.

Angry youths of the community were said to be spoiling for repraisals but they were allegedly prevailed upon by their elders to stay action as they awaited responses from the security agencies and the state government.

Reacting to the incident, a youth leader from Oju Local Government Area, Anderson Egbodo, cried out that the Igede people in Ukpute are in a dire state of helplessness following persistent attacks on them by Bonta militiamen from Konshisha Local Government Area.

He decried the way, manner

Okowa is God fearing, Says Funkekeme

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

H

onourable Solomon Funkekeme, former Senior Political Adviser to Governor Okowa, has attributed the existing peace with development in Delta State to the God fearing nature of the state governor.

Funkekeme made the assertion during a prayer conference, organised by the Christian Political Leaders Forum (CPLF), Delta North Chapter, held in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State on Wednesday.

According to him, “there is usually this fear and panic whenever transition in government is about to take place, this is because most political office seekers do not put God first before they make any move. They fail to understand that power belongs to God.” He noted that one of the legacies of Governor Okowa was the habit of always putting God first in everything he did.

“That is the reason he has achieved tremendous victories and successes in life and in his political career. He has proven that one can be a good Christian and politician at the same time.”

“Governor Okowa emerged in 2015 and returned in 2019 because he is God’s choice for Delta State.

No charm, no amount of blood or killings can give anyone power, except God,” he argued.

...Our people have become helpless -Youth leader

and frequency of attacks on the people without any provocation.

Egbodo narrated to our correspondent how on Tuesday the militiamen invaded Ochoro village, which is part of Ukpute community in a Gorilla style, killed a traditional ruler and displaced the entire community.

“Ochoro people are Igede people resident in Konshisha. They are not part of Ukpute-Bonta crisis as they are neither on the side of the Tiv nor Igede. We do not know why the Bonta boys unexpectedly, and without any provocation attacked the area.

“They burnt down over 50 houses, killed a traditional ruler and displaced the entire village.

They came back on Thursday and burnt down one house but were repelled by the youths”, he lamented.

Egbodo wondered why Governor Samuel Ortom’s pronouncement of boundary demarcation has not seen the light of the day for more than three months.

“Since the Governor made the pronouncement, all we hear is we are coming and it has become a slogan. Yet, we have not seen them come for any demarcation and the crisis has continued to linger on.

“We are in a state of helplessness. The Police, DSS and other security operatives have this report. We have repeatedly reported to the State Government and nothing has been done. We do not want war, we are peace loving

people. But if someone continues to fight you, you will resort to self defense which can only be defined by the person affected”, Egbodo said.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations’ Officer, DSP Catherine Anene, said, “Ochoro community in konshisha LGA was attacked, two persons got missing.

This is the report I have”.

However, on the part of Benue Government, Special Adviser

to Governor Samuel Ortom on Security Col. Paul Hembah as well as Chief Press to the Governor, Terver Akase, failed to respond to questions posed by our correspondent on what measures government has taken to demarcate the boundary and stop the incessant attacks on Ukpute by Bonta militiamen.

Meanwhile, the murder of the traditional ruler of Ochoro community, Chief Denis Okpe,

has elicited angry reactions and mourning across the length and breadth of Igedeland.

“Much as this crisis is between Bonta and Ukpute communities, our people were shocked to learn of the killing of an Igede traditional ruler by the Bonta boys. This is the height of their insanity. But we have urged everyone to be calm as we await government’s response,” a source said on assurance of anonymity.

A

s e l f - a c c l a i m e d examination malpractice emblazoned on a final year student T-shirt, Peace Ufuoma, has raised the suspicion of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) authorities to institute a probe panel of investigation.

President Muhammadu Buhari (M) with NNPC Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari (2nd R); Mohammed Kyari (R), MD NNPC Trading, Lawal Sade (2nd L); and Sadiq Kyari as the GMD NNPC pays Sallah homage on the President, yesterday in Daura Katsina state.

Ufuoma became a person of interest after she shared a video on the internet celebrating the end of her final examinations at Ugbowo Campus in the institution.

The final year student of Microbiology clad in the outfit with the inscription ‘daggers dice malpractice brought me this far’.

Public Relations officer of the University of Benin, Dr. (Mrs.) Benedicta Ehanire confirmed the report to our Correspondent.

She dismissed claims in the sewage of social media that Management of the University, had been ordered to rewrite all examinations from 200 Level.

She said: “The University is

following due process and panels set up to investigate the issue are yet to submit their reports to Management for consideration”.

The probe Committee is headed by the Head of Microbiology Department, Faculty of Life Sciences, University, Professor Mrs. S. E. Oviasogie.

NEPZA MD implores staff to rededicate to service

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rof. Adesoji Adesugba, Managing Director, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), has implored staff to use the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to rededicate their lives to service, trust and commitment to work.

Adesugba gave the advice on Tuesday in Abuja, in his message on the occasion of the 2021 Eid-El-Kabir celebration to NEPZA staff.

“It is with great sense of

brotherliness and duty that I, the Managing Director, congratulate all staff of the Authority, particular the Muslims among us on this year’s Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

“Let us see ourselves as brothers and sisters and shun religious bigotry, tribalism, nepotism and all retrogressive virtues that can only draw us back as a people,” he urged.

According to him, the

occasion re-echoes the trial and victory of Prophet Ibrahim by the Almighty God who commanded him to offer his son as a sacrifice.

He noted that the significance of Allah’s command to Ibrahim was simply a test of his patience, commitment, love, obedience and trust towards Allah’s precepts.

“Suffice to say that, Prophet Ibrahim’ s success of the trial bestows on us

the Children, the leverage to continually celebrate and reap Allah’s Grace and reward from the occasion,” he added.

Furthermore, he reminded the staff that the task of repositioning the Authority remained a team work.

“I urge all hands to be on deck as we carry out this onerous task to fast track the country’s economic growth and industrialisation,” Adesugba said. (NAN)

CAN refutes report of students killing by bandits From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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he Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), refuted media reports that three female

By Musa Baba Adamu

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UNIBEN probes student over cheating claims on branded T-shirt

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro

Ogun LG polls: Police deploys SWAT, other tactical squads

students of Bethel Baptist School have been killed in the kidnapper’s den.

The Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, stated this in a statement made available to the media in

Kaduna yesterday.

The CAN Chairman said all the abducted female students are in good condition.

Hayab, while reacting to the claim of molestation and

killing of the three students in Kaduna, explained that the parents and other stakeholders were in touch with the bandits, who assured them that they were all safe.

head of Saturday’s local government election in Ogun State, the police have deployed tactical squads to ensure free, fair and credible polls.

The state police command said it has collaborated with other sister security agencies by putting in place, elaborate security arrangements.

A statement by the Ogun Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said on Thursday that the command had at various levels and fora met with the contesting political parties and their candidates, saying they “have been warned to eschew violence before, during and after the election.”

Oyeyemi said the Command had directed all the Area commanders and DPOs to be on the alert in order to nip in the bud, any violent act that may want to occur within their area.

“The command’s tactical teams, namely SWAT, Anti-kidnapping, Anti-cultism as well as PMF have been deployed to every nook and cranny of the state to ensure hitchfree local government election.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Edward Awolowo Ajogun, therefore appeals to party leaders to advise their supporters to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner as anybody caught trying to disrupt the smooth conduct of the election will be made to feel the full weight of the law,” it was said.

We have no plans to impose presidential candidate in 2023 - APC

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that, contrary to twisting of its earlier statement that the party’s presidential candidate in 2023 will emerge through consensus, it has no plans to impose any candidate on the members of the party in the 2023 general election.

In a statement issued yesterday by the National Secretary of the APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention

Planning Committee (CECPC), John James Akpanudoedehe, the party said “our statement countering the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) false allegation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2023 “self-succession” plan is being twisted and given unintended interpretations in some sections of the media.

“Our statement is simple and straightforward. President Buhari has no third term ambition, a position he has personally reiterated.”

It said in adherence with internal democracy, when the time comes to elect the APC 2023 presidential flag bearer and other party candidates, the process will be in full compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), the APC Constitution and the approved party guidelines for the nomination of candidates.

The party, in the statement issued by the National Secretary, said for clarity, the APC constitution provides that party candidates in all elections

emerge through democratically conducted primary elections or where possible, consensus.

To this end, the party said the misleading interpretations given the earlier statement, particularly conspiracies aimed at senior party leaders and their perceived presidential ambitions are unnecessary and misplaced.

The party reiterated that “The APC leadership will not impose any candidates in the leadup to Congresses, National Convention and the 2023 General Elections.”

L-R: The Chairperson and Chief Executive officer, Nigerians Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Secretary of the Commission and Chairman Local Organizing committee 2021 Diaspora day celebration, Engr.

Sule Yakubu and the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora OrganizationAmerica, Dr. Abdullahi Dauda, during the press conference on the Annual National Diaspora day celebration, held yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

2023: Buhari never reached any agreement with Tinubu - VON DG

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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he Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VoN), Osita Okechukwu, has refuted the claim in the public domain that President Muhammadu Buhari reached agreement with the national leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) to succeed him in 2023.

Fielding questions from journàlists in Abuja, Okechukwu, who is a chieftain of the APC, also threw his weight behind the proposal by the party leadership towards a consensus presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election.

Okechukwu hailed the leadership of the APC for proposing the presentation of a consensus candidate for the 2023 presidential election.

“One slept well last night after reading the profound statement from the social media credited to Distinguished Senator John Akpanudedehe, our National Secretary that at the appropriate time APC will come up with a consensus and agreeable presidential candidate that will fly its flag in 2023. I hail the consensus

proposal for it is a deft move which will perish the phobia of implosion of our great party as touted by some naysayers.” Okechukwu said.

It could be recalled that Senator John Akpanudoehede, National Secretary, APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

Senator Akpanudede said that the adoption of the use of a consensus is one that is bound to upset permutations by some pundits who are hoping that with 22 governors, majority parliamentarians at national and state levels and uncountable presidential hopefuls, that the APC will definitely implode.

Akpanudoedehe’s statement was in reaction to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recent allegation that President Muhammadu Buhari had a selfsuccession plan. The APC scribe, however, stressed that the party would not allow individual ambitions to derail the Buhari administration, ahead of the 2023 presidential poll.

He said unlike the opposition PDP, the APC was a disciplined

party, noting that the former was just been haunted by its past.

Akpanudoedehe recalled the third term agenda of the PDP while it was in power, pointing that the APC would surprise it with the outcome of its planned congresses scheduled to commence on July 31.

“After our congresses and the National Convention, we will shock them (PDP) by bringing a consensus and an agreeable candidate that will fly the flag of the party come 2023. APC has no third term agenda like PDP. What we are doing now is to stabilise the party and not allow individual ambitions to derail President Buhari’s administration,” he said in responding to the claims of the PDP. Asked whether the adoption of consensus is bound to be like a double-edged sword for notable aspirants such as the national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom Senator Rufai Hanga narrated in a national newspaper interview had an agreement with President Buhari to succeed him?

“First it is refreshing that President Buhari is not for 3rd

Term Agenda. Second, in my slightest imagination one doesn’t think any committee handling such delicate matter will miss out our national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the matrix.

Methinks, he will be among the top aspirants to be considered, given his immense contribution to the success of our great party in 2015.”

Okechukwu answered.

Prodded further to confirm whether there was an agreement between Mr President and Tinubu for succession as Senator Hanga alleged?

Okechukwu quipped, “as I told Sunday Trust when asked last week, as a member of the defunct CPC, I never heard of such an agreement and most importantly Mr President is not wont to or better put rarely enter into any formal or informal agreement with anybody. But he appreciates good deeds.”

“All I know was that Asiwaju automatically could have been the Vice President if not for what lawyers will call force majeure.

For our leadership warned against Muslim/Muslim ticket.

Our leadership then argued that the Abiola/Kingibe Muslim/Muslim

ticket which worked in 1993 may not work in 2015, if Buhari/ Tinubu both Muslims were to run, as the scenario differs. That was how Asiwaju nominated Professor Yemi Osinbajo, GCON as a replacement.”

When asked seriously whether Asiwaju will still be the consensus candidate, to this Okechukwu said that he is just an ordinary member of the APC and cannot by any stretch of imagination decide for the over forty million members of the APC. “Who am I, an ordinary member to decide for the over 40 million membership of the APC. As a political scientist, all I fear is the Governor Bala Mohammed PDP Committee’s report which recommended open contest, rather than rotation. It is a big albatross to rotation of president to the south.

“Albeit the PDP by throwing it open, is covertly plotting to harvest Buhari’s 12 million VoteBank. Indeed, a lot of people take it that PDP is tacitly waiting in the wings for APC to go south and they go north to quickly harvest the Buhari’s Vote-Bank, domiciled mostly in the north.”

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

POLITICS

PDP withdraws PIB’s 3% Host Communities Fund may not from Ogun guarantee peace in Niger Delta - Dickson local govt election • Says peaceful nations are not built on majority mantra

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

B

arely 48 hours to Saturday’s local government election in Ogun State, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has withdrawn from the council polls.

The Chairman of the party in Ogun, Sikirulai Ogundele, said this in a statement on Thursday, in which he urged aspirants and members of the party to remain calm, saying the withdrawal was sequel to a judgment of an Ogun State High Court between him and Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC).

Recall that Ogundele had earlier dragged OGSIEC to court for dealing with a faction loyal to late Buruji Kashamu of the PDP in the state.

The OGSIEC Chairman, Babatunde Osibodu, said he handed over the forms of the party to the faction with the authentic documents.

“Sequel to the judgement of the Ogun State High Court, Isabo in suit no M/55/2021 between Sikirulai Ogundele VS OGSIEC, affirming the CONSENT JUDGEMENT of the Federal High Court, Abuja as delivered on 22nd June, 2021, the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the able Chairmanship of Alh (Dr) Sikirulai Ogundele hereby make the following pronouncement: “That consequence upon the said judgement in suit M/55/2021, Ogun State PDP withdraws its participation in the Ogun State Local Government Election which is scheduled for Saturday 24th July, 2021.

“That all candidates of the party who have been earlier screened by the party to contest in the LG election and all our teeming party members and loyal supporters are enjoined to remain calm and sustain their confidence in the leadership of the party,” the statement reads.

By Musa Baba Adamu

F

ormer Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, who now represents Bayelsa West Senatorial District in Senate, has said the allocation of three percent as Host Communities Development fund in the recently passed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the National Assembly, may not guarantee peace in the Niger Delta region.

Fielding questions from journàlists in Abuja, Dickson said the last week’s passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the 9th National Assembly is the most unwise decision, calling it a recipe for anarchy in the oil rich region.

Speaking at a press conference Thursday, he said the Niger Delta Host Communities have been shortchanged, noting that the development may not guarantee peace in the region.

He said: “As you know last week, we commenced our recess and there’s

a need for this interaction and I think this is what you are going to see at the end of every session.

“I want to highlight my views and positions which I think you are all familiar on the two concluded legislative works and I feel strongly bad about these bills.

“You are aware that I led a group of Senators to leave the Chamber in order not to lend our names on legislation that is oppressive; legislation that is insensitive; legislation that doesn’t serve the nation; legislation that doesn’t address the yearning and aspirations of the people that own the oil resources of the country.

“It was the late President Umar Yar’adua that sent the first bill to the National Assembly. That PIB work started from Obasanjo’s time.

“Under Obasanjo’s time, the late Alfred Lukman was the Petroleum Minister when this bill came. The bill proposed 10% for Host communities Development and 10% for frontier development.

“Unfortunately, the bill could not be passed all these years. Now we are happy that the National Assembly has been able to break that jinx or something that look like it.

“As you know, I disagree completely and most of us disagreed completely and of course, you know the history that the Senate passes 3% and the House of Representatives passes 5% and then the Conference Committee came up with 3% “This country isn’t helping itself; this country is not even helping investors; this is not helping host communities that will enable investors to come in and the argument is that anything above 3% the investors will not come and so what? ”If the host communities are not happy, will the investors come? If the host communities do not have stakes in oil exploration and exploitation will there be peace? Not only that investors will not come but those who are already here will leave. ”Senate did not take a wise

decision because you are not dealing with one community, we are dealing with hundreds of communities. Don’t forget that now that even transit communities have a stake. I know why some people are arguing that some pipeline transit communities should be part of it. Because if you exclude pipeline communities, they can sabotage entire operations.

“It’s not a question of percentage, it’s a question of proper discretion at the level of management. It requires a lot of thinking, a lot of skill in the management of Host communities.

“The host communities know and the world knows that 10% equity development fund was proposed for them and no one is engaging them and no one is explaining anything to them.”

The lawmaker said he walked out of the presidential dinner with some Senators who were angry despite persuasion from the Senate President, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan.

L-R; The Founder of the Non Governmental organization , “The voice” Mr. Suleiman Maigemu, Representative of NDLEA, Mr. Chidi Ndukwu and the Odeyani of FCT, HRM, Alhaji Abdulkareem Ibrahim at the occasion.during a campaign against drug abuse, theme: “Youths and Drug Abuse, Cyber crime an offshoot of Corruption”, organized by the Voice at the university of Abuja mini campus, held recently in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

2023: APGA’s ex-House of Reps candidate, Nwagwu, supporters join APC

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

A

chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, Hon Destiny Akaraka Nwagwu, has dumped the party for the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Nwagwu was the House of Representatives flagbearer of APGA during the March 27, 2021, rerun election for Aba North and Aba South Federal Constituency seat.

Nwagwu flanked by teeming supporters and various support groups, registered at Ward 7 in Aba North Local Government Area of

the state.

Speaking at an occasion attended by the entire ward executive of the APC, Nwagwu promised to ensure that his entry into the progressive party is felt beyond Abia North and Aba South federal constituency.

He assured that he would work with the party leaders to ensure the success of the party in future elections in the state.

Nwagwu regretted that his former party (APGA) failed to internalize democracy in its affairs which he posited, resulting in mass defection of critical stakeholders and members to other political

parties after the 2019 general election.

He said that he was joining the progressive party with thousands of APGA members and teeming supporters across Aba North and Aba South federal constituency, disclosing that more progressive minded members of APGA will be joining APC in a couple of weeks.

Nwagwu added that nothing was remaining in APGA as the party had been crippled over lack of leadership and high-handedness by those entrusted to steer the affairs of the party.

He thanked the leadership

of the Abia State chapter of APC for the warm reception accorded him and teeming supporters, promising to uphold the ideologies of his party towards deepening democracy in the state and the country as a whole.

Receiving the ex-APGA House of Representatives Candidate and supporters into the APC fold, the APC Chairman in Ward 7, Aba North LGA, Mr. Obinwanne Ukaoha, urged the new entrants to abide by the constitution of the party by shunning any negative tendency that could amount to anti party activity.

He assured the APGA decampees that they would be treated equally with others that are already in the party and further charged them to work collectively towards ensuring the success of the progressive party in the coming 2023 general elections in the state and the country as a whole.

His words, “APC was built on ideologies which among is providing dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the people, we urge you to work together, work assiduously to enable our party to form next government in Abia come 2023”.

NBA vice Chairman slams NASS over rejection of e-Transmission of results

By Musa Baba Adamu

B

arrister Monday Ubani, former 2nd Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Monday Ubani, has criticized members of the National Assembly for the

rejection of the electronic transmission of election results in the recent electoral reform bill.

He said that the federal lawmakers exhibited legislative rascality in their actions and insisted that the Nigeria electoral process

needed the involvement of technologies to achieve acceptable and transparent elections.

Ubani, who is currently the Chairman, NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), in a statement, maintained

that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be given a fair and less restrictive legal framework to carry out their constitutional duties of organising, undertaking and supervising elections in Nigeria.

He further stated that the National Assembly members, by passing the bill, clearly violated the constitution of the land which they swore to uphold, describing the unfolded scenario as the biggest embarrassment of the century.

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

POLITICS

APC Congresses: Gombe APC Stakeholders Adopt Consensus Method

A

ll Progressives Congress, APC stakeholders in Gombe state have unanimously agreed to adopt consensus method during the forthcoming party’s congresses at ward, local government an state levels.

In a two point communiqué read by the state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya after the stakeholders meeting held at the New Banquet Hall of the Government House, the APC stalwarts also unanimously affirmed their unalloyed loyalty to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to provide direction to the party both in the build up to and during the congresses in the state and always.

This is according to a statement yesterday by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, (Press Affairs) Government House, Gombe.

The communique read in part, “The meeting resolved to adopt consensus in the forthcoming congresses of the party at the ward, Local government and state levels.

“The meeting also affirmed loyalty to the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in providing direction to the party in the conduct of all congresses that

will come up very soon at all levels in the state.”

Governor Inuwa Yahaya had, while speaking during the meeting, said the unanimous endorsement by the critical stakeholders of the APC that the party adopts a consensus method in the forthcoming State Congress as permitted by the guidelines of the National Care Taker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, is an indication that the party is rock solid and indivisible in the State.

The Governor expressed his gratitude to APC stakeholders and supporters in the State for their support and encouragement without which he said, he would not have been Governor.

He assured stakeholders at the meeting that the APC Government under his leadership will do everything necessary to deliver on its campaign promises which have so far seen the revitalization of the health sector, revamping of Agriculture, repositioning of education, construction of road networks across the State as well as the institutionalization of policies and programmes for the economic growth and development of the State among other areas.

While commending stakeholders of the party in the State for their understanding and cooperation so far, the Governor reminded them that not everyone is destined to be a leader but that the party is committed to carrying everyone along in the scheme of things.

“As we approach our party’s congresses, let us have it at the back of our minds that only a few of us will be chosen to steer the affairs of our great party and will therefore need our support and encouragement if we must strengthen the party and make it unbeatable”.

The Governor said his support for concensus candidate came to light when the National Headquarters of the APC directed the dissolution of all states party executives with view to forming new ones, explaining that he simply had endorsed, without hesitation, the continuation of the old APC party executives in Gombe State.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya used the occasion to explain the social and economic challenges facing the State viz-a- viz the quest by politicians for political patronage, saying while his administration is doing the needful in the areas of

infrastructure and human capital development, stakeholders of the party will also be carried along.

Earlier speaking, the former Governor of Gombe State, Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje expressed gratitude with the turn of events at the APC stakeholders meeting, throwing his weight behind the concensus method to demonstrate the unity of the party in the State.

“Let’s allow the Governor to chart the course for the party in the State and I have the conviction that the Governor will do justice in that regard”.

Senator Danjuma Goje therefore called for understanding and cooperation across board irrespective of the outcome of the congresses, saying it is only by so doing that the party can wax stronger and continue to provide good leadership in the State.

The Acting Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Gombe State, Mr Nitte Amangal told stakeholders at the meeting that the laws and guidelines of the party make provision for concensus in electing party officials, expressing confidence that APC with the

Imo: Uzodinma’s emergence through Supreme Court remains unacceptable, illegitimate – PDP

By Musa Baba Adamu

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo state, has said that her legal matter against the APC candidature of Senator Hope Uzodinma in the 2019 governorship election, is still being entertained in court.

The party maintained that Uzodinma’s emergence through the Supreme Court remains illegitimate.

In a statement signed by the party’s state Publicity Secretary, Ogubundu Nwadike, it said, “Our party makes this clarification following our inundation with speculations by party leaders, stakeholders, members, supporters, and indeed a large number of Imo people and Nigeria at large, on the suit by Barr. Mcfyne C. Chikwendu, who claimed to be a concerned citizen.

“The suit seeks that the Abuja Court removes Senator Uzodinma as the governor of Imo State. That was the suit that was vacated by the Abuja court, which declined the prayers of the applicant.

“Our party, however, restates that while the matter that was declined was by an Abuja court, the matter involving the PDP is at the Supreme Court, awaiting

hearing. It is the petition by Chief Philip Umeadi, SAN, joined by the PDP, asking the Supreme Court to enforce its judgement on the candidate of APC in the 2019 governorship election, in which Chief Uche Nwosu was recognized and disqualified by the Supreme Court as the authentic candidate of APC in the election.

“Our party has faith in the Apex court, which has established that its decisions, once taken, remains irreversible. We are therefore optimistic that whenever the matter is called up for hearing, the irreversible decision of the Supreme Court on the authentic candidate of APC in the 2019 Imo governorship election, will be enforced.”

Meanwhile, the opposition party has called on the general public to remain resolute and optimistic, insisting that PDP was not involved in the matter that was vacated, which Senator Uzodinma with his aides had allegedly turned into an object of blackmail.

The party’s spokesman further said that the news was misrepresented and misconstrued, assuring that the matter against the governor is still being entertained in court.

consensus, the party’s unity and strength will continue to blossom, especially with Governor Inuwa Yahaya at the helm.

While setting the stage and giving and overview of the meeting, the Chief of staff Government House, Abubakar Inuwa Kari said the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to deliberate on how best to approach the forthcoming congresses in the State following the release of the time table by the National Headquarters of the party.

Some stakeholders who spoke during the meeting and threw their weight behind the concensus arrangement include Senator Joshua Lidani, Senator Bulus Amos, Hon. Aishatu Jibril Dukku ( who spoke on behalf of all members of the House of Representatives), Abubakar Ahmad Yunusa and the Speaker Gombe State House of Assembly, Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo ( who spoke on behalf of State legislators) and chairman of Gombe Local Government, Aliyu Usman Haruna (who spoke on behalf of the 11 local government councils chairmen ) among others.

The graduating student of Pace Setters Academy, miss Hafsat Aminu Abdulkadir being congratulate by the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, while the Chairman of the School ,Barr.

Ken Imansuangbon, (2nd right), Former Minister of Education. Dr.Oby Ezekwezili (right) and the School Director, Mrs Kate Imansuangbon (2nd left) watches, during the Pace Setters Academy 2020-2021 session graduation ceremony, held recently in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Sunday Igboho: Shame on Igbo leaders – Adeyanju reacts as Ooni constitutes C’ttee

By Christiana Ekpa

C

onvener of Concerned Nigerian, Deji Adeyanju, has commended the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enita Ogunwusi, for the step taken on the arrest of Yoruba agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho.

The Ooni of Ife had constituted a 28-man committee to brainstorm on the issues surrounding the arrest of Igboho.

Recall that the group is made up of eminent Yoruba leaders.

Reacting, Adeyanju said Southeast leaders, whom he accused of being afraid, should be ashamed.

Sunday Igboho: Ooni of Ife constitutes committee, rallies Yoruba leaders In a tweet, the activist maintained that self determination was not a crime.

According to Adeyanju: “BREAKING: Ooni sets up committee on Igboho, rallies south-west leaders.

“All hail the Oni, Igbakeji Orisa.

Shame on SE leaders. Fear, fear people. Northern leaders are still defending killer herdsmen after they killed over 20,000 Nigerians. Self determination is not a crime.”

Meanwhile, Igboho was arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Monday night after fleeing Nigeria.

Security operatives had arrested the Yoruba nation agitator while on his way to Germany.

Igboho had fled Nigerian after he was declared wanted by the Department of State Services, DSS, after a raid of his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The secret police had recovered weapons and charms in his house during the raid.

His counsel, Yomi Alliyu had alleged that the agitator has been subjected to inhumane treatment since he was arrested.

Bauchi: APC slams Gov Mohammed for accusing opposition of importing criminals from Bauchi

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, on Thursday, slammed the state governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, for the statement credited to him, alleging that some Abujabased politicians from the state were busy bringing criminals into the state with the intention of pulling down his administration.

Reacting to the statement credited to the governor on Thursday, the state APC chairman, Uba Nana, described the allegations as a cunning attempt by the governor to cover up his ineptitude, administrative blunders and apparent

failure.

According to Nana, the state was witnessing for the first time in its annals a government that was less committed to the people’s welfare, declaring that social welfare was next to nothing in the governor’s agenda.

The APC chairman stated that civil servants in the state had been reduced to paupers begging for charity in order to survive, submitted that inconsistent and lopsided payment of salaries were now the order of the day, while contractors were reduced to jobless fellows, among others.

“The people of Bauchi State do not deserve such treatment in view of the trust and confidence accorded him in

2019,” Nana declared.

He also accused the state government of accumulating debts to the state which cannot be serviced by the internally generated revenue saying such debts are detrimental to the growth of the state.

He wondered why the governor failed to report the so-called Abuja politicians to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, questioning who they are, the proofs the governor has before making such allegations, among others.

“Let all APC members, people of Bauchi State and the general public know that enough is enough for the wise and we shall call a spade a spade.

“The governor of Bauchi State made some unfounded allegations in his public address last Tuesday, where he bluntly said, ‘I know some leaders of the state who are busy bringing criminals to the state. I will talk when the time comes, but certainly we are not afraid of them’.

“While we categorically oppose and disapprove of the deliberate chicanery of the governor to divert attention, one would be quick to ponder, ‘Who are these Abuja politicians, what are their names? What are the evidence or proofs, if any, to justify these allegations?

Instead of media trial, why not brief the appropriate law enforcement agents to investigate and prosecute anyone found

in connection with the alleged crime or are the allegations made for political reasons?” the APC chairman said.

Nana then called on Governor Mohammed to strictly focus on his campaign promises instead of diverting public attention, submitting that people of the state are fully conscientious and have attained political maturity.

According to him, with their maturity, the governor’s gimmicks would make no impact on their psyche.

He, however, assured that while his party would resist any attempt to divert public attention, it shall not succumb to any threat whatsoever.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

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Afreximbank backs Vista Group acquisition of BICIGUI and BICIAB

By Etuka Sunday

A

frican Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has closed a EUR 59.2 million Intra Africa Investment Finance Facility to finance Vista Group Holdings SA’s acquisition of majority stakes in Banque Internationale pour le Commerce et l’Industrie de la Guinée (BICIGUI) and Banque Internationale pour

le Commerce, l’Industrie et l’Agriculture du Burkina (BICIAB).

The stakes in the two banks, which operate in Guinea and Burkina Faso respectively, are being acquired from BNP Paribas who is exiting these markets for operational reasons. The shift to African control under Vista will unlock a major evolution in the services offered by BICIGUI and BICIAB, including agency

banking outlets, affordable mobile banking solutions and increased availability of microfinance.

Enhancing the offering from the two banks, Vista will create opportunities for both direct and indirect employment in Burkina Faso and Guinea. Its strategy will reach more of these countries’ underbanked populations, bringing a greater proportion of people into the formal economy

and offering them the full benefits of a broad spectrum of financial services. For the economies of Burkina Faso and Guinea, Vista’s strategic plan will help improve access to finance for businesses, boosting productivity and economic development.

Prof.

Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, said: “Guinea and Burkina Faso are both nations with huge potential.

I am confident that with Vista’s

leadership, BICIGUI and BICIAB can take a major step forward and act as a catalyst for broadbased growth and prosperity.

This deal is a signal to the wider financial community: these countries are open for business and ready for investment. By channeling African Direct Investment, we can create new jobs, unlock business potential, and bring valuable services to unbanked communities.”

L-R; Acting Director, Reforms Coordination / Service improvement FCTA and Founder , Helpline Foundation for the Needy, Dr. Jummai Ahmadu with the Hon Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijiani Aliyu and other dignitary, during Dr. Jummai birthday ceremony, on tuesday in Abuja.

Photo ; Justin Imo-owo

Oando Plc enters into settlement with SEC

By Etuka Sunday

O

ando Plc has entered into a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the overriding interest of the shareholders of the Company and the capital market.

This was contained in a Circular released by the SEC in Abuja Monday and signed by the Management of the Commission.

According to the Circular, the company has reached a settlement with the Commission without accepting or denying

liability, on the following terms amongst others: Immediate withdrawal of all legal actions filed by the Company and all affected directors; Payment of a monetary sum; and an undertaking by the Company to implement corporate governance improvements.

Part of the terms also requires the submission by the Company of quarterly reports on its compliance with the terms of the Settlement Agreement; the Investments and Securities Act, 2007; the SEC Rules and Regulations; the National Code

of Corporate Governance and the SEC Guidelines to the Code of Corporate Governance.

According to the SEC, “Pursuant to the powers conferred on the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) by the Investments and Securities Act 2007, and the Rules and Regulations made pursuant thereto, the Commission on Thursday, July 15, 2021, entered into a Settlement with Oando Plc (the Company).

“The Commission in its letter to the Company dated

May 31, 2019, gave certain directives and imposed sanctions on the Company, following investigations conducted pursuant to two petitions filed with the Commission in 2017.

“The Company and some of its affected directors had challenged the said directives in a series of suits commenced at the Federal High Court. However, the Company subsequently approached the Commission for a settlement of the matter, and both parties have now agreed to settle in consideration of the

impact that a further prolonged period of litigation would have on the Company’s shareholders and the value of their investments as well as remedial measures to be put in place by the Company in enhancing its corporate governance practices and strengthening its internal control environment.

The Commission further reiterates its commitment to ensuring the fairness, transparency and integrity of the capital market, while upholding its mandate to protect investors.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

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Investing in education will lift Nigerians out of poverty – Experts

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inancial experts have tasked the federal government to improve the ease of doing business and invest more in the education sector as a panacea to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.

They revealed this in separate interviews with the Nigeria News Agency (NAN) in Lagos.

They said that paying more attention to education would change the economic situation of the people.

Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce Executive Secretary Iyke Ejimofor said the surest way to lift Nigerians out of poverty would be to educate them more.

“The government should allocate more funds to the education sector in order to enable people to have skills that are more relevant in today’s world.

“The emphasis should be on informal education, especially entrepreneurship, as it is the antidote to poverty,” said Ejimofor.

He added that the federal government should invest more in the health care sector because there is a serious link between good health, the economy and productivity.

A former director of the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Mr. Nerus Ekezie, said the federal government should fight poverty by improving the ease of doing business.

“The government reforming the process of doing business will encourage more young people to enter into entrepreneurship.

“Studies have shown over time that venturing into entrepreneurship will create value and meet the challenges of unemployment,” said Ekezie.

He added that the government should grant tax exemptions and ensure a reduction in the time of acquiring land permits to attract investment into the economy.

NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari recently reaffirmed the federal government’s overall economic goal of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within 10 years, despite COVID-19. (NAA)

Court grants woman bail over alleged blackmail of Gov Ohakim

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

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he Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, yesterday granted bail to one Mrs Chinyere Amuchienwa Igwegbe, who allegedly furnished the police with false information against a former governor of Imo state, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim and one, Chinedu Okpareke.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the fourcounts charge preferred against her by the Police.

Sequel to not guilty plea, counsel to the defendant, Ifeanyichukwy Nweze apply for bail on her behalf.

Nweze, while moving the

bail application filed and served on July 12, 2021 the bail of the defendant, along with an affidavit in support and other documents annexed, told the court that the same matter with same substances and parties is before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

He said the matter at Federal High Court, which has been taken over by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation(AGF) is awaiting ruling in September and the police arrested the defendant on the same day, July 8, 2021 that the court sat on the matter, which she was the nominal complaint.

The counsel further told the court that the police has no right to take over a matter that has

already been taken over by the office of the AGF. In her response, the prosecution counsel, R. F Dimka did not oppose to the bail application, saying that, granting of bail is at the discretion of the court.

She however, prayed the court to attach stringent conditions in granting the defendant’s bail to ensure her presence in court to face her trial.

She argued that the defendant had refused to honour several police invitations to her during investigations and that, a warrant of arrest has to be secured before she was able to be appear in court on for her arraignment.

In a ruling, the trial Judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu said the offences for which the defendant was arraigned are bailable and held that the defendant provides two sureties, who must be resident in Abuja.

The two sureties, the Judge held must have a regular income and shall continue to produce the defendant in court for her trial until is dispensed off.

One if the conditions for bail reads that the defendant should deposits her international passports with the court and can only travel out of the country with the permission of the court.

The matter is adjourned till October 28, 2021 for trial.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

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FCTA, Councils’ leadership debunk alleged infighting

By Stanley Onyekwere

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he leadership of the six Area Council Chairmen in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Area Council Services Secretariat (ACSS) have dissociated itself from the purported ongoing cold war over exercise of authorities of the councils and the FCT Administration, in their quest to ensure good governance in the grassroot level.

This is coming on the heels of recent reports purporting that the area council chairmen take decisions without recourse to the office of the Minister of State, who supervises the activities of the councils and other auxiliary matters or FCT representatives at the National Assembly who oversight the FCT Administration.

However, in a swift reaction, both the authorities of the

area council and the FCT Area Council Services Secretariat have described the allegations as mischievous and a deliberate attempt to pitch the area council chairmen against the office of the FCT Minister of State and representatives of the National Assembly.

This was disclosed in a joint press statement issued by the six area council chairmen and FCT Area Council Services Secretariat, which was made available to PeoplesDaily yesterday.

The statement blamed it on mischief makers and political detractors, who are bent on ensuring that they sow seeds of discord between the office of the Minister of State and the council chairmen.

It was gathered that the chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, who signed on

behalf of the council chairmen said; “our attention has been drawn to a news item trending in both traditional and social media platforms orchestrated by some disgruntled characters.

Ordinarily, the authorities of the area councils would have ignored the entire report and remain taciturn, but silent is consent.

“The publication is a desperate attempt to plant seed of discord between Her Excellency and the council chairmen and must not be allowed to stay. We will not take her motherly love for granted. We are very loyal to her and have never had it so good till her coming. Therefore, nobody should disturb this peace.

“If reporters or media organisations have personal issue with any chairman, they should go and settle their matters, and not drag other council’s chairmen into it by

discrediting the entire body.

“We should be rational on issues and not be laced with emotions or ignorance on matters that often times we know nothing about.

“We are therefore, calling on our people to disregard the malicious publication aimed at overheating the system. We will not be deter in carrying out our constitutional mandates of providing welfare and security to our people”.

Also, the Council authorities pledged their loyalty to representatives of the National Assembly who oversight the activities and workings of the FCT Administration, stressing that no amount of cheap blackmail would deter them from working for the common good of rural communities.

Similarly, the Ag. Secretary FCT ACSS, Mrs. Omolola Olanipekun, also affirmed

that both the Area Council and the secretariat are having a harmonious relationship, in driving the policies of the Administration.

Olanipekun adds: “To state the obvious, the secretariat is amazed at the immeasurable phew of the reporters and its sponsors in conjuring events and hallucinating conversations that are not related to the subject matter. They could be best described as an indefatigable genius in dishing out tissues of lies.

“And to set the records straight, let me state categorically here that, we enjoy harmonious relationship with the six area councils in the Territory. We advice them to please carryout their individual background checks on the activities of these revered bodies with the able supervision of the Honourable Minister of State.”

From left: Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, Adeleye Ajayi; Agba-Oye of Ibadanland, Chief Kola Karim; Chairman of NUJ, Oyo State Council, Ademola Babalola and Chief of Staff to Oyo State Governor, Segun Ogunwuyi, at the launching of N100 million Journalists Estate Fund in Ibadan on Wednesday (21/7/21).

Healthcare providers in FCT showcase new technologies to curb medical tourism

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o curb medical tourism in Nigeria, private sector healthcare service providers in the FCT, have showcased the latest technology and treatments obtainable in their facilities.

The service providers under the aegis of the Guild of Medical Directors (GMD), FCT chapter, showcased the latest technology and treatments for medical condition such as kidney, lung, and heart diseases at an event tagged “What’s New in Abuja.”

Other medical conditions are brain and spinal cord injuries, pediatrics care, physiotherapy including the latest equipment used to investigate and diagnose various health conditions.

The event drew medical practitioners from different areas of medicine including medical directors and heads of health facilities in the territory.

Dr Wisdom Ihejieto, the Chairman of the guild, said the event became necessary to inform and educate the public on improvements in the quality of healthcare services in the country to reduce the rate of medical tourism.

Ihejieto who condemned the increasing rate of medical tourism in Nigeria assured that most of the

services obtainable abroad were provided in Nigeria.

“The private sector healthcare service providers recognize the need to improve quality of services available to the public and today’s event is to showcase what new technologies, equipment, and treatments are available in Nigeria in the different fields of medicine.

“Since we have this expertise, there is a need for us to sensitise people and tell them that these services are available here.

“There is an urgent need for us to start the process of reversing medical tourism to Asia, Europe, and other countries of the world.

“This event aims to showcase the expertise we have. We have had people talk about cardiac surgeries, neuro-surgery, and diagnostic centers. All these things are available so why do we have to travel out of the country to benefit from these services.

“Of course, you are traveling out of the country and getting into Europe and finding out that the doctor you are seeing there is a Nigerian,” Ihejieto said.

Dr Iseko Iseko, Group Medical Director, The Limi Hospitals, said that despite efforts by private healthcare

providers to improve the quality of healthcare services, medical tourism continues unabated undermining the gains made in the sector.

Iseko said: “To curb medical tourism, it is important for citizens to know the kind of services available here in the country and that these are quality services which are done right.

“This will help citizens to better decide on accessing these services.

Cardiocare hospital, a member of The Limi Hospitals, does cardiac catheterization services together with dialysis and kidney transplants.

“Cardiac catheterization means we can operate on the heart even while the patient is awake; they do not need to travel abroad, we can also put in pacemakers and fix heart blocks.

“We do this regularly and safely here in Abuja and this is helping to prevent medical tourism to some extent.

“A lot has been done to improve the health sector and if Nigerians key into this by taking advantage of the multiple services available, very few people will have to travel abroad.”

Dr Ferdinand Umelo, the Medical Director and Consultant Gyenacologist, Cedarcrest Hospitals, Gudu, said that the hospital provides

health services in all areas of medicine.

Umelo said that these services are surgery, obstetrics, and gynecology, pediatrics including robust clinical support service, radiology, and physiotherapy.

“We collaborate with local and international cardiologists to provide cardiac catheterization services for the treatment of patients with cardiac pathologies and vascular pathologies.

“We have a COVID-19 molecular laboratory and polio services.

“Most of the latest technological equipment used to diagnose and treat various medical conditions can be found in our hospital.

“Reversing medical tourism in Nigeria should not be left to the hospitals alone to correct. The government and policymakers need to make efforts also towards addressing the problem,” he added.

Umelo noted that providing quality healthcare services in Nigeria was difficult due to the high cost of medical equipment and personnel training.

He called on the government and policymakers to support healthcare providers in the private sector to enable them to provide affordable

healthcare services to the public.

“The truth is that providing quality healthcare services in Nigeria is not cheap and the government is not supporting hospitals enough to see that healthcare becomes affordable.

“The government has a huge responsibility to make this happen. For instance, a proper and functioning health insurance scheme will go a long way in making healthcare accessible.

“Also, supporting hospitals in the provision of healthcare services; there are only a few countries that provide interest-free loans to hospitals for them to be able to provide the necessary equipment for patient care.

“So this is again something the government should do, introduce interest-free loans to hospitals so that they can access funds to provide the right technology, necessary equipment, and personnel to provide quality health care to the people.

“A lot of private as well as government hospitals are facing funding challenges and that needs to be addressed if the sector has a chance of improving in terms of access to services, affordability of services, and improving the country’s health indices,” he said.

From left: APC Enugu State Chieftain, Chief Eugene Enoh; former APC governorship candidate, Enugu State, Sen. Ayogu Eze and Chairman of APC Enugu State, Dr Ben Nwoye, during APC Enugu State stakeholders meeting in Enugu on Wednesday (21/7/21).

Why FCTA flagged off community sensitisation on Cholera, others - Aliyu

By Stanley Onyekwere

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he FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has flagged off community sensitisation campaign, as part of several measures taken to stop further spread of cholera and other severe acute diarrhea diseases outbreaks as well as provide adequate care to those affected in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Aliyu noted that community engagements for positive behavioral changes and improved sanitation and quick access to treatment are essential.

Speaking during the flag off ceremony held at the palace of

Agora of Zuba, the Minister, listed some of he measures taken to include; formation of Cholera Emergency Operation Centre, appointment of Incidence Manager and other relevant medical personnel along with stakeholders from the FCT Water Board and RUWASA, prepositioning of drugs and consumables for the free treatment of all identified cases in both secondary and primary healthcare facilities of the FCT amongst others.

While expressing concerns over the increasing number of suspected cases, the Minister revealed that since May 2021, the FCT has recorded a total of 604

suspected cases of cholera in the six area councils with 54 deaths recorded and 9 cases positive for cholera on rapid diagnostic test.

She added that over 120 communities are involved across the six area councils with the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) having the highest cases followed by Gwagalada and Bwari area councils respectively.

According to her, some of the communities involved in Gwagwalada include Zuba, Shenagu, Katse 1 & 2, Tunga Gaya, Chitumu, Yimi, Ikwa, Tunga-Maje, Anagada amongst others.

She, however, advocated for good personal hygiene as well

as proper disposal of sewage and refuse, good hand washing practices and consumption of safe water as means of curbing further spread of the disease in the Territory.

In his remarks, the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, who was represented by the Ag. Secretary, FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr. Mohamed Kawu, stated that the Secretariat was working with development partners and in collaboration with the six area councils to curb the spread.

He, however, commended the FCT Minister of State for her leadership role and how to

move board room resolutions to the field, stressing that her roles in successful community sensitization and mobilization in Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Care, Universal Health Coverage activities, Wild Polio Virus Eradication and the ongoing COVID-19 preparedness and response in the FCT are appreciated by residents.

Our correspondent reports that, the Agora of Zuba, HRH. Alh. Muhammad Bello, chairman of Gwagwalada area council, Hon. Adamu Mustapha, representatives of development partners gave goodwill message at the occasion.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Olympics opening ceremony director sacked for Holocaust joke

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he show director of the Olympics opening ceremony has been dismissed, one day before the event is due to be held.

Footage of Kentaro Kobayashi from the 1990s recently emerged in which he appears to be making jokes about the Holocaust.

Japan’s Olympic chief Seiko Hashimoto said the video ridiculed “painful facts of history”.

The dismissal is the latest in a string of scandals to hit the Games.

Tokyo 2020 - postponed last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic that has constantly threatened to derail the event has seen three men forced to step down since the start of 2021.

• Earlier this week, a composer quit the team creating the ceremony after it emerged he had bullied classmates with disabilities at school • In March, Olympics’ creative chief Hiroshi Sasaki quit after suggesting that plus-size comedian Naomi Watanabe could appear as an “Olympig”. He later apologised • And in February, Yoshiro Mori was forced to step down as the head of the organising committee after he made remarks about women that were criticised as “inappropriate”. Mr Mori was quoted as saying women talked too much and that meetings with many female board directors would “take a lot of time” This latest scandal has seen former comedian Mr Kobayashi

Despite concerns, the first events are under way - opening on Wednesday with a softball match between Japan and Mexico strongly criticised for a sketch he performed 23 years ago, in which he and another comedian pretend to be children’s entertainers.

In the sketch Mr Kobayashi turns to his colleague, referring to some paper dolls, saying they are “the ones from that time you said ‘let’s play the Holocaust’”, according to AFP news agency.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga described the comments as “outrageous and unacceptable”, while Rabbi Abraham Cooper, of the US-based Holocaust research body Simon

Wiesenthal Center, said: “Any person, no matter how creative, does not have the right to mock the victims of the Nazi genocide.”

Mr Kobayashi also issued a statement responding to his dismissal.

“Entertainment should not make people feel uncomfortable. I understand that my stupid choice of words at that time was wrong, and I regret it,” it said.

Friday’s ceremony, which Mr Suga said should proceed as planned, will officially kick off two weeks of competition.

However, after the removal of Mr Kobayashi, organisers are now reassessing how to hold Friday’s event - which will only be watched by about 950 people in the stadium, in order to minimise risks.

“With the opening ceremony being so imminent, we apologise for causing concern to those involved in the Olympics, to the citizens of Tokyo and the Japanese public,” Ms Hashimoto said in a statement.

The scandals have done little to stop massive unease about

the Games. The head of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Committee admitted this week that he has not ruled out cancellation, even at this late stage.

A recent poll found some 55% of people in Japan were opposed to holding the Games, amid fears it could become a coronavirus super-spreader event, Reuters news agency reported.

Already, organisers are dealing with rising Covid case numbers.

Dozens of people involved in the Games - including officials and athletes - have tested positive.

An increase in cases among Japan’s population - only of a third of whom have been vaccinated - has also led to a state of emergency being declared for the duration of the Games.

However, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated organisers on Wednesday for having so far “done your best”, telling them a “zero risk” Games was not possible.

“The mark of success in the coming fortnight is not zero cases,” he added. “The mark of success is making sure that any cases are identified, isolated, traced and cared for as quickly as possible.”

The first events of Tokyo 2020 have already begun, with the hosts Japan winning their softball match on Wednesday.

Source: BBC

‘Pairing assistance’ program in China introduces fruits from Xinjiang to rest of the country

By Yang Mingfang, Aldark, People’s Daily

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n midsummer as northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region is filled with fragrances from various kinds of ripe fruits, a steady stream of trucks fully loaded with fresh fruits leave major logistics centers in the region for buyers across the country.

Limited by long transport distances and poor logistics, Xinjiang had difficulty introducing forest products and fruits to other regions of China. Fortunately, many Chinese provinces and cities have given full play to their respective advantages of markets and resources to help the region sell its characteristic agricultural products through online and offline channels under China’s “pairing assistance” program in which they have paired up with Xinjiang to assist it with development.

While helping sell forest products and fruits of Xinjiang, these provinces and municipalities have facilitated the agricultural structure adjustment and increased the income of farmers and herdsmen in the region.

Fruit grower Maimaijiang Abudureheman in Hongqipo Farm, Aksu city, Aksu prefecture

of Xinjiang, who used to feel anxious about the sale of his fruits during harvest season, now see buyers come to his orchard when fruits are still on the branches.

In July 2020, Abudureheman signed a contract with a local agriculture company to have all the fruits produced in his orchard purchased by the company and then sold in cities across the country via the “ten cities, one hundred stores” project jointly launched by Xinjiang and east China’s Zhejiang province.

The project aims to, through multiple cooperation models, build public warehouses in 10 prefecture-level cities in Zhejiang for featured products from Aksu prefecture of Xinjiang and form more than 100 retail outlets for the marketing of these products, according to Chen Haitao, deputy head of the command center of Zhejiang province for providing pairing assistance for Xinjiang.

From the beginning of 2020 to June 2021, Zhejiang province sold 350,000 tons of agricultural products from Aksu prefecture and the 1st division of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps via online and offline channels of the “ten cities, one hundred stores” project, with the sales volume reaching five billion yuan ($771 million).

In June this year, officials dispatched from Shenzhen city in south China’s Guangdong province to assist Xinjiang’s development hosted a livestreaming show in Amanla village, Awati township, Kashi city, Xinjiang, to sell apricots for the village. Within two hours, the apricots of the village were sold out and the total sales exceeded 60,000 yuan. It was the second consecutive year that these officials hosted livestreaming promotion for local products in Xinjiang.

Besides actively establishing online marketing platforms together with many companies, the command center of Shenzhen for providing pairing assistance for Xinjiang has also set up dedicated counters for agricultural products from Kashi city in gas stations and service areas, and facilitated the entry of agricultural and sideline products from Kashi into the purchasing system of supermarket chains in Shenzhen.

Last year, Shenzhen helped sell 11,600 tons of agricultural products worth of 230 million yuan from Kashi.

Since 2018, the command center of east China’s Shandong province for providing pairing assistance for Xinjiang has implemented an innovative project to reduce poverty in

Xinjiang through promoting consumer spending on products from poor areas in the region.

Under the project, more than 100 agricultural product processing and marketing enterprises in Shandong and Xinjiang have been motivated to establish a supply and marketing cooperative alliance, and set up front-end warehouse-based sales platforms for characteristic agricultural and sideline products from Kashi. Products sold on these platforms are purchased directly from their planting bases and transported through a unified logistics system. In addition, these platforms have realized the integration of production, supply, and marketing of these products.

These efforts can lower the transportation costs, reduce intermediate links in and shorten the time needed for the transactions, accelerate the rotation of capital, and facilitate market connection between supply and demand, thus effectively promoting market expanding for high-quality agricultural and sideline products from Kashi, said Zhang Chengwei, head of the command center of Shandong for providing pairing assistance for Xinjiang.

As of the end of last year, a total of five centers had been

built in Shandong under the project launched by the command center of Shandong for providing pairing assistance for Xinjiang for the storage, preservation and distribution of agricultural and sideline products from Xinjiang, covering an area of over 11,000 square meters.

In addition, 18 flagship stores and more than 180 franchised outlets selling agricultural and sideline products from Kashi had been established in 16 cities with subordinate districts in Shandong.

In this way, an agricultural product marketing network featuring interconnection among planting bases, warehouses, flagship stores, and franchised outlets has taken shape.

Last year, some agricultural and sideline products in Xinjiang encountered poor sales due to impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To solve the problem, the command centers of Chinese provinces and cities for providing pairing assistance for Xinjiang continuously launched programs to boost the consumption of products from poor areas in Xinjiang. In July and August last year, they helped sell more than 800 million yuan worth of agricultural and sideline products for poor areas of the region.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

UK challenges South Sudan to implement peace deal

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he UK has said it will continue to challenge the government of South Sudan to implement the revitalised peace agreement and provide services to its needy population.

On a visit to the capital, Juba, UK Special Envoy for Famine Prevention and Humanitarian Affairs Nick Dyer also said there were still “serious concerns that remain regarding the levels of insecurity and instability in South Sudan” and reaffirmed that violence against humanitarian workers working to save lives was “completely unacceptable”.

“We won’t walk away from

Tigray rebels claim success in neighbouring state

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senior rebel commander in Ethiopia says Tigrayan forces have scored what he described as a major victory in the neighbouring Afar region.

He told the BBC the rebels were also fighting troops allied to the federal government in southern and western Tigray, with three to four divisions engaged on every front.

The claim has not been independently confirmed.

An Afar official said more than 50,000 people had been displaced by rebel attacks.

Eritrean refugees in southern Tigray spoke of heavy fighting in the area.

Regional forces from across Ethiopia are being deployed to Tigray following significant rebel advances in recent weeks.

Guinea reverses decision to withdraw from Games

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he government of Guinea has reversed a decision to withdraw its delegation from attending the Tokyo Olympics, which officially open on Friday, over Covid-19 fears.

“Guinea will participate in the Tokyo Olympics. It was not a question of finances,” Minister of Sport Sanoussy Bantama Sow told BBC Afrique.

“We were simply caring about the life of our Guineans. We spoke with the organizers and they told us they will do everything to make sure our athletes will be safe.”

South Sudan because South Sudan has got needs – but we will continue to challenge and encourage the government of South Sudan... to do the right thing on implementing the peace agreement,” he said at the end of his five-day visit to the country on Thursday.

Dyer described the humanitarian situation in South Sudan as “a man-made crisis”.

“We are only dealing with the symptoms – we are not dealing with the causes – this is not a problem of climate change, this is the problem of the conflict, and what we need is peace at all levels.”

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Madagascar ‘foils plot to kill president’

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adagascar says it has thwarted an attempt to assassinate President Andry Rajoelina.

The chief prosecutor’s office said several Malagasy citizens and foreigners had been arrested this

week, as part of an investigation into the alleged plot.

A statement from the attorney general accused the suspects of planning to “eliminate and neutralise” a number of people.

Last month, during the

Madagascar’s Independence Day celebrations, the authorities announced they had foiled an effort to kill the head of the national police force, General Richard Ravalomanana.

Fifty Boko Haram militants surrender in Cameroon

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ifty former Boko Haram fighters have surrendered to the authorities in Cameroon in the town of Mora, Far North province.

This means that over the past two months at least 183 exfighters from the militant group have laid down their arms in Cameroon.

The director of the regional demobilisation and reintegration centre in Far North, Oumar Bichair, told the BBC he was receiving more and more Boko Haram ex-combatants.

The group was founded in north-east Nigeria more than a decade ago but it expanded its deadly attacks to other countries

in the region.

The wave of surrenders in Cameroon comes after news of the death in May of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau.

He reportedly killed himself during an assault by a rival militant faction.

Osian Roberts says Morocco can be in world’s top 20 as he steps down as technical director

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s Welsh coach Osian Roberts steps down from his post as Moroccan football’s director for family reasons he says the Atlas Lions can be in the world’s top twenty.

The 57-year-old is leaving the post two years into his original five-year deal and is confident he leaves the Morocco Football Federation (FRMF) in a better position than when he arrived.

“I am optimistic for football in FRMF. I believe it could be a football nation among the top 20 in the world,” he insisted to BBC Sport Africa.

“I have put a foundation in place... but there is a lot of work still to do.”

Roberts reiterated that he has enjoyed his time working in Morocco after leaving the Football Association of Wales set-up in 2019, where he had as assistant manager to Gary Speed, Chris Coleman and Ryan Giggs.

“My two years in Morocco has been an incredible experience in a beautiful country with lovely people and I have great friends here,” he added.

“I leave with many happy memories.”

He is also proud of Morocco’s footballing achievements during his stint as technical director - the highlight of which was retaining the African Nations Championship (CHAN) earlier this year in Cameroon.

Other major milestones on the pitch were winning the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations and

Former Wales assistant coach Osian Roberts has been working as technical director for Moroccan Football Federation since 2019 to help implement an overall seeing Morocco qualify for this licenses.

“Morocco was the first African philosophy within the clubs to year’s Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since nation to be accepted into Caf help transition of players from Coaching Convention following clubs to national teams.”

2005.

He has also managed to There could have been even official evaluation of the A Licence attract some high profile coaches more success as if the 2021 courses we run,” he said.

“Our Caf Pro Licence courses to visit as guest instructors for Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco was due to host, continued to be formulated and the courses including Belgium Roberto Martinez, had not been cancelled due to will be finalised in September 2021 coach despite being laid due to Covid-19) Liverpool assistant coach Pepijn the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Roberts also points to the and we have started the 1st ever Linders, Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, things he has accomplished African Caf B Fast Track courses for Patrick Vieira, Marcel Desailly and Thierry Henry. behind the scenes while working ex-internationals.

Roberts admitted he was not “I also created new and with the FRMF especially on the course for coaches seeking specific courses for the Botola sure what will be next for him Confederation of African Pro (Moroccan league) youth simply saying: “In football you Football (Caf) recognised coaches and technical directors never know.”

Six million Covid jabs to be delivered next week

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he African Union will deliver six million jabs of the singledose Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine to 27 African countries next week.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) says these countries have already paid in full for the shipments.

“This demonstrates that African governments are willing to pay for their vaccines. They are willing to stand together and fight this disease,” Strive Masiyiwa, the AU’s special coronavirus envoy, told journalists.

Eighteen countries are yet to finalise their loan agreements with the World Bank for purchasing the

vaccines.

Masiyiwa did not specify which countries would receive the doses.

The AU plans to vaccinate at least 60% of the continent’s population by 2022. This is equivalent to 400 million people. So far only 1.4% of the African population has been fully vaccinated.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccines were produced by the Aspen Pharmaceutical Company based in Durban, South Africa.

“We need production capacity now,” Masiyiwa added. “If we do not have production capacity, and this crisis comes back, we will be in the same position that we are in right now.”

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Artistic transformation of an ancient village in China

By Fang Min, People’s Daily

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hengyang village in east China’s Zhejiang province has taken a brand new look because of artistic transformation, based on which the local people have explored tourism and become better-off.

Embosomed by hills and with two brooks winding through, the village located in Dongqianhu township, Yinzhou district, Ningbo city of Zhejiang, has magnificent scenery, yet it used to have a weak industrial foundation and collective economy.

Changes to the village began in July 2020 when officials in Chengyang invited Cong Zhiqiang, an associate professor at the School of Arts of the Renmin University of China, to the village, hoping Cong can give it a brand new look, just like he did with Gejia village, Ningbo city of Zhejiang.

Since 2019, Cong’ team has stimulated the enthusiasm of residents in Gejia village for artistic creation by providing guidance and assistance for them, and helped them with the

transformation of their village.

Within about one year, the team and local residents built over 40 public art areas in Gejia village, turning it into an Internetfamous village featuring artistic glamour.

Now Gejia village receives over 100,000 tourists a year. It has accumulatively increased the income of local residents by 2.5 million yuan ($385,910).

Meanwhile, many villagers who were working away from their hometown have been attracted to starting their own businesses in the village, with their investments totaling over 20 million yuan.

Officials with Chengyang have always wanted to develop it into a high-quality tourist destination, and yet failed to come up with a feasible plan, which is why they decided to seek advice from Cong.

After a tour around the village for investigations and careful consideration, Cong decided to make an effort. Although some locals doubted the idea of turning the village into a tourist destination by adding artistic

charm to it, as they considered the village totally unrelated to art, Cong hoped to change their mind with his actions.

Encouraged by Cong’s team, the village established an art work group made up of villagers, graduate students, cadres sent to the village by the Dongqianhu township for poverty reduction.

The art work group then took charge of the construction and transformation of the village.

Believing that villagers should be the main force in the transformation, Cong asked some villagers who were willing to join the endeavor to take the lead in bringing changes to the village, while he provided guidance and demonstrations for them.

At the invitation of the art work group, a local resident named Yu Zhenfei, together with two other fellow villagers, weaved a giant hat with a diameter of 6 meters from 750 kilograms of moso bamboos within two months. After that they made a seven-meter-high “wine bottle” with bamboo strips. The two pieces of artwork are now a mustsee for tourists.

Besides, the village has motivated skillful craftsmen, including carpenters, plasterers, and painters, to redecorate public spaces, idle land and amenities.

One minor change after another has led to practical improvement to the village and enriched every corner of Chengyang.

Yang Jiyue, a carpenter in his late seventies, made his house a “museum” that exhibits the precious woodwork he made during a dozen years of production of miniature redwood furniture and pavilions. Local villager Ying Mingju, who is skilled at making straw hats, changed the place where she used to keep firewood in her house into a “display stand” for her handiwork, which has become a tourist attraction of the village.

Meanwhile, an abandoned farm in Chengyang has been turned into a livestreaming studio ingeniously by the art work group.

In less than one year, local people improved 60 spots including market, park and exhibition hall. They have

witnessed huge changes to their living environment and production space.

Today, the brand new Chengyang village, which is picturesquely decorated by ancient trees, grey walls, green waters, gallery bridges, largescale artworks, exhibition halls, and woodwork workshops, is filled with a cultural atmosphere.

Art has made residents in Chengyang village more passionate about revitalizing their hometown. Because of the participation of villagers, enterprises, and experts in cultural and tourism industries, Chengyang has witnessed more and more changes, with an increasing number of villagers contributing to the revitalization of the village through artistic creation.

The beautified village has also generated investment and business opportunities.

As tourism in the village thrives, businesses related to catering, special and agricultural products, handicrafts and agritainment are booming, and the villagers are living a more prosperous life.

200-day countdown starts for Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics

By He Yong, People’s Daily eijing 2022 Winter Olympics started its 200-day countdown on Monday.

By July 17, 53 of 57 Winter Olympic projects in both Beijing and Yanqing competition zones have been completed, and the remaining four projects are expected to be completed this year.

The ecological restoration project of the Yanqing competition zone was completed at the end of June, which turned natural landscape into ecology-friendly competition venues.

Eight competition venues in the two competition zones were completed at the end of 2020, and their supporting facilities have all met requirements in the testing and operational stages and are ready for test events. The venues have passed an all-round examination of corresponding international sports organizations.

Seven of the nine noncompetition venues have been completed. So far, the Winter Olympic Village and National Convention Center Phase II, or the Main Media Center (MMC) for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics have been delivered to the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The “Ice Jar” comprehensive training center was also completed and has gone through acceptance inspection.

The National Convention Center Phase II is the largest newly constructed project in the Beijing competition zone. It will receive over 3,000 journalists and around 12,000 broadcasters during the Winter Olympic Games. The steel-structured building, covered

B

The 600 km/h high-speed maglev train. (Photo by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation) by 2,376 curtain wall units in the shape of a huge mythical bird, showcases a design concept of harmonious coexistence between architecture and nature.

As the last project of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics to break ground, the construction and renovation of the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, started on July 4, and will be completed in October this year.

The ecological restoration project of the Yanqing competition zone, commencing in 2015, had the longest period of construction among all projects for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. A total

of 2.14 million square meters of ecological restoration has been completed.

According to Yu Dequan, deputy director of Beijing Major Projects Construction Headquarters Office, the Yanqing competition zone, with the highest altitude of 2,198 meters, faced the most difficulties in construction among all the three competition zones. When the project just started, there was no water supply, road, power supply or communication network in the competition zone. The ecological restoration was even more difficult than building a new venue, Yu said.

To protect the environment

on Xiaohaituo Mountain, where the Alpine skiing, bobsleigh and skeleton and luge events will be held, the Yanqing competition zone has always taken ecological conservation as the first priority. Before the restoration project was implemented, a background investigation of the ecological environment was jointly conducted by the forestry, environment and ecology experts.

They tailored protection plans for every tree on the mountain based on how much impact it shoulders from the construction. So far, insitu protection has been done for 313 trees, and 24,272 have been transplanted to a nearby protection

base covering nearly 300 mu, or 20 hectares of land. About 91 percent of the transplanted trees survived.

In addition, 11,027 shrubs have been transplanted and are now taken good care of by professional organizations.

The National Speed Skating Oval is the only newly constructed venue hosting ice events for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

With a novel design, the venue features high construction difficulty and application of new technologies. It is the first large venue in China to massively employ domestically produced high-vanadium sealing strands, and around its exterior there are “flowing ribbons” made up of 3,360 pieces of glass. Introducing carbon dioxide refrigerants for ice-making, the venue boasts an ice surface of around 12,000 square meters, the largest in Asia. So far, the National Speed Skating Oval has applied for 34 national patents, and 8 have been certified.

Upholding a pioneering spirit in the construction of venues, Beijing and Yanqing competition zones have developed a large batch of technologies and patents. The Yanqing competition zone has applied for 150 patents and 144 have been accepted or certified.

Liu Lifeng, an official with the Beijing Major Projects Construction Headquarters Office, told People’s Daily that among the 92 certified patents, 73 were about bobsleigh and luge venue construction and maintenance, 8 about Alpine skiing venue construction, 7 about municipal construction and maintenance, and 4 about the construction of the Winter Olympic Village.

Environment Ekwueme Federal Varsity to plant 100,000 trees

T

he Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, is to plant more than 100,000 fast growing timbers by 2022, thereby creating as a source of internally generated revenue.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof.

Sunday Elom, stated this in a statement issued by the institution’s spokesman, Mr Ikechukwu Ubochi, on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 in Abakaliki.

Elom also said that the institution would also use the trees to combat climate change.

“Efforts will be made to create reserve areas within the university land for aggressive planting of about 100,000 fast-growing timbers by 2022.

“It will serve as source of internally generated revenue through timber. These trees will yield billions of naira in 20 years.

We have earlier launched Campus-Green Initiative of the university which has the goal of building a campus-in-a-garden, thus making the university one of the most beautiful and ecofriendly campuses in Nigeria,’’ Elom stated.

The vice chancellor explained that the green initiative, which started in 2016, had led to aggressive annual tree planting campaign, with more than 33, 000 ornamental and fruit trees already planted in the university.

“With some of the trees the campus is also becoming beautiful and environmental-friendly,’’ Elom said.

Source: Environewsnigeria

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021

25

ESV widest profession within the built environment -ESV. Ofi By Mashe Gwamna

Umaru

A

n Estate Surveyor and Valuer (ESV) Oladiran Ofi, has viewed the profession as one of the widest and deepest professional practices within the built environment.

Ofi, stated this in a chat with Our reporter in Abuja.

“This profession in view of its wide spectrum curriculum encompasses Land Administration, Valuation, Property Management, Plant and Machinery Valuation, Project Management, Estate agency, Arbitration, Property Taxation and Rating, Environmental Impact Assessment, Feasibility and viability studies, Building construction, Facility Management and host of other stakes in the built environment makes the profession to standout.

“It goes without saying that a well-trained Estate Surveyor and Valuer from

a reputable University or Polytechnic must have undergone various courses that cuts across

to many unwanted items being dumped in waterways and other sites, causing environmental degradation, a leading cause of climate change.

According to Laing, Nigeria generates around 32 million tonnes of solid waste per year, and in 2020, Nigeria was estimated to be among the top 20 countries contributing to marine debris.

Laing, however, noted that the HoBeei initiative was a welcome development to tackling these environmental challenges and pledged to raise her voice to support the initiative.

“I am committed to encouraging my colleague Ambassadors, convince the diplomatic community and ensure their voices are

heard on this initiative.

“I will use our platforms and social media to ensure our voices are heard so that people can also join the course of donating the preowned items to others just like I did today.

“There has not been enough awareness and sensitisation given to free-cycling like other environmental issues.

“Nigeria is in the top 20 contributors to the stuffs that end up in the seas so it is a hugely important areas, it is not something that has enough attention.

And of course, it impacts on all of our lives because climate change is impacting on all of our lives right now,” Laing said.

Laing also noted that it was good for the government to develop policies, the

many disciplines that have impact in the environment, such as Architecture, Land Surveying, Building

Construction Law (as it relates to land, contract Tort Arbitration etc) Town Planning, Valuation, Sociology, Philosophy etc.”

He said with all the fields of studies, it is necessary to acknowledge that the practice of Estate Surveying and Valuation, adding that, “since the knowledge and training of a qualified Estate Surveyors and Valuers covers Economics, Engineering, Estate Management, Law and Sociology among others, it then means that only those Estate Surveyors and Valuers who have actually excelled that will be able to meet the requirement for sufficiency and currency of knowledge in practice.

“It is therefore incumbent in the Valuer to continually expose themselves to contemporary international practices, laws and conventions, so that the quality of their service meets the required standard.”

Waste management: British envoy pledges support to free-cycling initiative

T

he British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, has pledged her support to the HoBeei Freecycling Initiative, to ensure proper waste management and reduce environmental degradation.

Laing made this known in Abuja during a Free-cycling awareness Initiative, as the British High Commissioner and Staff donated their preowned items via the HoBeei platform to the Nigerian public.

According to Laing, the idea of free-cycling is to promote the three Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), making it easier for people to give away their unwanted but reusable items to people who can use them.

This, she said, had led

policy environment, the legal environment and also to provide an enabling environment to promote this great initiative.

Founder of the HoBeei Initiative, Ms Mariam Eluma, said that the initiative is aimed at creating a platform where people could cycle their items to improve savings and preserve the environment.

Eluma said it is also a platform that creates equality among all classes as anyone could bid to own any item that has been uploaded and not necessarily the poor and needy.

“The aim of HoBeei is to help people improve savings while also encouraging useful benefits to the environment.

People can upload their unwanted items and others who need these items can obtain them using our virtual tokens.

“So the whole point of the virtual token is to reduce the amount of money people use to obtain these items.

“And so far so good, about N4 million worth of items have been obtained for less than N800,000 and that is a lot of money saved and also, over 1,500 items have been free-cycled on the platform.

She said the organisation plans to visit university campuses so that students could free-cycle with each other, especially like outgoing students freecycle their items to new students to help them save money.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, july 23, 2021

26

Feature

Viewpoint: Why Sikhs celebrate kindness F

all. ounded some 500 years The second is eternal ago in what is now India’s positivity - what they call “chardi Punjab region, Sikhism is kala”. Sikhs chant these two the world’s fifth-largest religion. words in every moment of life, But what makes its members when they visit the gurdwara, at habitual do-gooders? Author weddings and celebrations and to Jasreen Mayal Khanna writes on each other when life deals them the tradition of selfless service a blow. ingrained in the community.

The motivation for doing Think of any scene of disaster seva, thus, is to find purposeful and you’ll find Sikh volunteers happiness in our life. rallying to the site, feeding Psychologists agree that we migrants, helping riot victims, need two kinds of happiness to and rebuilding homes after lead full lives. earthquakes.

Hedonistic happiness From the Rohingya crisis depends on external factors such in Myanmar to the Paris terror as compliments or purchases or attacks, the farmers’ marches in travel and eudaimonic - a greek India to the protests in America work for happiness or welfare against George Floyd’s killing, happiness comes from learning people from this 30 milliona new skill, spending time with strong community worldwide family or doing community have made it a tradition to help service. Sikhs are adept at complete strangers in their incorporating both. darkest moments.

Baljinder Singh, 60, cleans shoes of devotees visiting a mosque in Punjab as a voluntary service Does that mean all Sikhs are Through the pandemic, they joyful and joy giving? reached new heights.

Certainly not. The community In Maharashtra in western has seen excesses, patriarchy, India, a gurdwara (the Sikh place crime - and these problems are of worship) fed two million people as widespread among Sikhs as in 10 weeks last year. Other their virtues are. For instance, gurdwaras in India melted the drug abuse and drug-related gold they had collected over the crimes are far higher in Punjab last 50 years to set up hospitals compared to other Indian states and medical colleges. Sikh NGOs according to the The Punjab set up “oxygen langars” - langars Opioid Dependence Survey are the community kitchens in conducted in 2015. the gurdwaras - providing free Sikhs are as flawed and as oxygen to people as India gasped human as the rest of us and I don’t and reeled through its deadly want to argue that they are better second wave of coronavirus. than the rest of us. They aren’t.

How did Sikhs become the However, the exhortations of Good Samaritans of the world? their faith and their conditioning Most religions tell their followers leads to a greater proportion to help others and to do good of them doing good work than but how have the Sikhs gone from others. talking to doing so effectively?

In Sikhism, doing good turns It goes back to their founder into a celebration and not a duty.

Guru Nanak who preached This is its secret. This is why that selfless service (seva as it Chandok makes his wonderful is called) and hard work are as Sikhism is the world’s fifth-largest religion looking after the footwear of working by hand. Talk to in Nova Scotia where he lives. videos. Or why the Sikhs at the important as prayer.

When Sikhs visit the the Muslims praying in his local pashmina yarn spinners or To spread awareness, he started Indian farmers’ protests against makeup brush making bhangra videos which the new farm bills fed the police. gurdwara, they spend time in mosque in Punjab. “For me Japanese On the outside these acts front of the holy book, giving humanity is above any religion,” producers, and they liken the went viral. Instead of becoming painstaking work they do to a bitter, he helped others and of seva may look like grand thanks and praying, but they he says. found happiness himself.

Studies say redirecting our type of meditation. selfless gestures but while spend an equal amount of time The secret to being good practising them one experiences Take 97-year-old Nisharat helping cook and serve the focus from our own problems to langars or meals, looking after helping others can do wonders Kaur Matharu who has been is that it’s actually a natural tranquillity and meaningful joy. the devotees’ shoes and cleaning for our mental health. Giving is cooking for a homeless shelter outcome of other behaviours and It’s a solution as extraordinary associated with benefits - lower in Southall, London, during the attitudes. Sikhs pray daily for as it is simple. the premises. two things. pandemic.

Jasreen Mayal Khanna is S i k h The first is “sarbat da bhalla” the author of Seva: Sikh Secrets Ms Matharu t e m p l e s The secret to being good is that it’s actually a natural at the age or the welfare of all and by doing on How to Be Good in the Real thus aren’t outcome of other behaviours and attitudes. Sikhs is when she could this, they accept all beings as World just places pray daily for two things. put her feet worthy. This is the root of seva Source: BBC of worship they are soup The first is “sarbat da bhalla” or the welfare of all and by up. But she and why gurdwaras are open to believes as long kitchens and doing this, they accept all beings as worthy. This is the as your hands homeless and feet work, root of seva and why gurdwaras are open to all. shelters and you should community The second is eternal positivity - what they call use them to centres, a others. place to call “chardi kala”. Sikhs chant these two words in every serve The work is home if you moment of life, when they visit the gurdwara, at thus its own have none. weddings and celebrations and to each other when balm - a kind By making of meditation life deals them a blow. seva the song without the of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak instilled service BP, lower mortality rates, better hard work of getting your mind in their DNA. This is why Sikh moods and higher markers of to be still.

Then there’s the dancing Sikh vegetable vendor, Baljinder happiness.

There’s also something Hasmeet Singh Chandok who Singh, has spent every Friday afternoon for the last 40 years powerful and soothing about was often mistaken to be Muslim A Sikh volunteer checks a woman patient of Covid-19 in Delhi

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

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Obollo Human Development Initiative ISI-Ala Moano Imo state

Floodlight advocate for gender equality and well being initiative

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.OKEOWO TOSIN MICHAEL - CHAIRMAN 2.NOIKI OLUWATOSIN EMMANUEL SECRET ARY 3.NWACHUKWU ZIMUZOCHUKWU HENRY - TRUSTEE 4.BOBADE BAMIDELE ANDREW - TRUSTEE THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO TRAIN, EQUIP, EMPOWER AND TRAIN EQUIPPING YOUTHS WITH CRITICAL THINKING, PROBLEM SOLVING AND CREATIVITY SKILLS GROUNDED IN TECHNOLOGY. THIS ALLOWS THEM TO MERGE PRACTICAL, TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE WITH SOFT SKILLS TO CREATEA SUSTAINABLE, THRIVING FUTURE.

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of

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The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 2020 THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) OKOUKONI AZEKHUMEN MARTINS (2) TIJJANI SANI (3) EKATA PHILOMENA IBHADE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. (1) To help the less privileged in the society.

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THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

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The general public is hereby inform that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for the registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004 the trustees are 1.

OKEKE CHUKWUMA WILFRED - chairman 2.

OKEKE UJUNWA IMMACULATA - secretary 3.

OKEKE CHUKWUMAIJEM DARLINGTON 4.

IKEMEFUNA GREG CHUKWUKELU 5.

CHIBUKO JOSEPH OKWUDILI Aims and Objectives 1.

TO SERVE AS A PLATFORM TO EMPOWER MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY PARTICULARLY WOMEN WITH LOW INCOME TO BECOME SELF-EMPLOYED AND AGENTS OF POSITIVE CHANGE THROUGH TRAINING, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. 2.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1 Udeh Esther ijego (secretary) 2 Onuegebe Heanyi 3 Nkama Chika Fidelis 4 Nkwuda Nkiruka Cynthia 5 Ezaka okwuchukwu Richard (Chairman) THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To advocate for gender equality fairness, equity and youth empowerment.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : BY Iwuagwu Nnamdi ESV.

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The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 2020 THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) AJAYI FEYISOLA OLUTOYIN. (2) AJAYI BABATUNDE TOLULOPE. (3) AKINYELE OLUBODUN TEMITAYO. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. (1) TO PROMOTE PEACE AND PROSPERITY THROUGH KNOWLEDGE, GIVING AND EMPOWERMENT. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

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THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, (CAMA) 2020). *TRUSTEES* (1) CHUKWUNYERE ISIDORE CHIMA (2) AHAME NNADOZIE UDECHUKWU (CHIEF) (3) OBI JOSEPH CHIBUIKE ICHIE SIR (4) OGAZI PHILIP UZOMA (5) OSUJI ETOFOLAM FELIX (DR) (6) OKOROCHA JUDE ADINDU (BARR.) *AIMS/OBJECTIVES:* (1) TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG THE MEMBERS AND CATER FOR THE INTEREST AND WELFARE OF THE MEMBERS. (2) TO KEEP ALIVE THE BOND OF FRIENDSHIP, SPIRIT OF COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG THE MEMBERS. (3) TO HELP MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION IN TIME OF NEED. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. *SIGNED:* AMINATU IBE Esq. - 08033137990, ABUJA, NIGERIA

Sports

PEOPLES DAILY

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FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

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sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Tokyo 2020: Nigeria referee officiate, as women football events kicks off

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okyo 2020: Nigeria referee officiate, as women football events kicks off after a long delay, Tokyo 2020 Olympic games finally take off in the early hours of Wednesday with Women Football events.

The ancient Games was supposed to have been held in the year 2020 but was postponed due to the outbreak of Coronavirus which halted Sporting events across the globe.

The women football events kick off without Nigeria’s Super Falcons who crashed out during the African qualifiers.

Great Britain Women Football team faced Chile in the opening game and four African referees were in charge of the game.

Salima Mukansanga of Rwanda was the centre referee, Bernadettar Kwimbira of Malawi was the assistant referee 1 and Assistant referee 2 was Mary Njoroge of Kenya while Ndidi Madu of Nigeria acted as 4th official.

Madu had prior to her departure to the Olympics passed two COVID-19 tests organised by FIFA designated Medical Centre in Port Harcourt and had also passed in all the pre-Olympic Games physical fitness tests conducted on Wednesday 09 June 2021 by the Nigeria Football Federation in Abuja on behalf of FIFA.

Tokyo 2020: Guinea Withdraw Due To Covid-19

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ue to the sudden rise in the case of Corona virus in Japan, Guinea government has decided to withdraw its athletes from the events.

Guinea is expected to participate in its 12th Olympic Games in Tokyo, but for fear that its representatives would contract the coronavirus, the government through the

Minister of Sports Sanoussy Bantama Sow announced the withdrawal.

“Due to the resurgence of variants of Covid-19”, the government, “concerned about

preserving the health of Guinean athletes, has decided with regret to cancel Guinea’s participation”, he said.

The five Guinean representatives were Fatoumata

Yarie Camara (freestyle wrestling), Mamadou Samba Bah (Judo), Fatoumata Lamara Touré and Mamadou Tahirou Bah (swimming) and Aïssata Deen Conté (athletics).

WAFU CAFCL Qualifier: Rivers Angels storms Cote D’ivoire

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AFU CAFCL Qualifier: Rivers Angels Storms Cote D’ivoireh aead of the maiden edition of the Women CAF champions league qualifiers, Nigeria representative Rivers Angels has arrived Cote d’ivoire, venue of the competition.

Rivers Angels qualified to represent Nigeria after they emerged champion of the Super 6 play off held at Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode.

The team has been in camp getting ready for the competition that will produce 2 teams that will represent the region in Egypt.

They were placed in group B alongside Hassacass Ladies of Ghana and AS Police of Niger Republic.

Six teams will compete for 2 slot available for WAFU B region in inaugural edition of the women CAF champions league.

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St Petersburg to host 2022 Champions League final

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hird time lucky? Istanbul will host the 2023 Champions League final, UEFA confirmed, with Dublin and Bilbao awarded major clubs finals as well after they dropped out of staging Euro 2020 matches.

Istanbul has been stripped of the Champions League final hosting rights twice because of the global health pandemic with the 2020 and 2021 finals both shifted to Portugal at the eleventh hour.

In 2023, however, the showpiece match should finally be staged in the Turkish capital.

Istanbul famously hosted Liverpool’s comeback win against AC Milan in 2005. Referred to as the ‘Mirtacle of Istanbul’, Liverpool were 3-0 down at half time but came back to level the game 3-3 at full time and then win on penalties.

Istanbul will also host the 2021 and 2022 group stage draws for the Champions League. The Turkish Football Federation said: “The selection of Turkey as the host of an outstanding start-of-season event such as the UEFA premiere reinforced the confidence in our country in organising international events.”

Next year’s Champions League final will be held in Saint Petersburg. London’s Wembley Stadium, the scene of disgraceful scenes before, during and after the recent Euro 2020 final, will host the 2024 final with Munich’s final pushed back to 2025.

The Irish capital has been rewarded with the 2024 Europa League final. A year later, Bilbao welcomes the match. Both cities had to withdraw from hosting Euro 2020 because local health authorities didn’t green light fans attending the matches, a requirement imposed by Europe’s governing body. Bilbao will also play host to the 2024 Women’s Champions League final.

Seville and Budapest will stage the Europa League final in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

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t

Nigeria’s Uche Eke to battle 323 others for 2020 Olympics Gymnastics medals

By Amaechi Agbo

C

Governor of Edo state Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu after Insurance exit from the Aiteo Cup and has since Monday,July 12,2021 assumed duty as the Technical Director of the Edo State Government owned Club.

Coach Odigie who led Insurance to the Nigeria Professional Football League in

suspense are in store for this XXXII edition of the Games. Here is what to expect.

Among the most highly anticipated events of the Games, Gymnastics’ three disciplines Artistic, Rhythmic, and Trampoline - each shine brilliantly under the Olympic lights, the sport’s effervescent stars dazzling with high-flying acrobatics and boundless grace.

One of the nine sports contested at the first edition of the revived Olympic Games in 1896, Gymnastics boasts an impressive Olympic pedigree. Originally an event for men only, Women’s Artistic Gymnastics debuted at

the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam (NED). Rhythmic Gymnastics was added to the Olympic programme in 1984, and Rhythmic Group Gymnastics in 1996. The newest events, men’s and women’s Trampoline, debuted at Sydney 2000.

With 15 Olympic champions taking the competition floor and accomplished rising stars eager to challenge them, surprises and suspense are in store for this 32nd edition of the Games.

Uche Eke is Full of expectations and former coach of the lad, Tony Asuquo believes the sky is the starting points for him if he remain focused.

“He travelled with our team to South Africa where he won gold and later represented Nigeria at the African Games and also won another Gold and a bronze medal’ “He has a good chance (to win medal) from some of the videos he sent to me of his training programme in USA. He is on 15 point grading and if he can attain 16 point then he has a good chance of winning a medal but you must not forget that Olympics is no mean feat and a lot of preparation goes into it, which also includes his diet that is very important at this stage,’ the CEO of Tony International Gymnastics, TIG, said over the weekend..

2019 after two seasons in charge as Technical Manager,breaking Eleven years promotion jinx for the Club will be leading the Benin Arsenals against Holly Arrows of Oleh to complete their inconclusive Nigeria National League week 15 game rescheduled to be played today at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. Time is

9:30 AM. Recalled that Holly Arrows versus Insurance game was declared inconclusive after after 71 minutes as a result of Holly Arrows fans’ trouble.

Coach Odigie’s return, according to Insurance management is to add value and discipline to the team’s technical

Department.

Benard Ogbe and Greg Ikhenoba remain chief coach and Assistant coach respectively.

Insurance return to League action after Remo incident on June 6,during their week 21 engagement.

Brentford sign Frank Onyeka from FC Midtjyland on five-year deal

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nglish Premiership newcomers, Brentford have completed the signing of Nigeria international midfield player, Frank Onyeka, subject to international clearance.

A work permit for the 23-year-old was received at the weekend and he has completed a medical. Frank will join from FC Midtjylland, where Brentford FC Owner Matthew Benham has the majority shareholding, for an undisclosed fee and has signed a five-year contract.

He arrived in the UK yesterday, Monday 19 July, and will now undergo a period of quarantine

before joining with the squad for training.

Frank has spent his entire professional career with FCM, as they are known, and has been a regular for them in the Danish Superliga for most of the past four seasons. He arrived in Denmark as an 18-year-old from FC Ebedei, a Nigerian club with links to FCM. He progressed to the First Team and made his breakthrough in the 2017/18 season.

Frank was part of the FCM side that won the Superliga in 2017/18, playing 15 games. He helped them win the title again in 2019/20 and the Danish Cup in

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I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS TUMSAH WAKIL WAS WRONGLY CAPTURED ON MY BVN, INSTEAD OF TUMSAH WAKIL IBRAHIM. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS TUMSAH WAKIL IBRAHIM. IS MY CORRECT NAME. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Bendel Insurance reappoint Odigie as head coach

oach Monday Odigie has been reappointed as the head of the technical crew of Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin.

A release by the club and signed by its media officer, Kehinde Osagiede, noted that Coach Odigie’s reappointment received the approval of the Deputy

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

change of name

Uche Eke

2019. Frank played in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League for FCM, and leaves Denmark having made 123 appearances and scored 17 goals.

Thomas Frank, Brentford FC Head Coach, said: “I am looking forward to getting Frank in the building. We think he is a strong addition to the squad, and we are looking forward to working with him. He is a very dynamic player.

“Frank plays as an eight in our system, he is very good at getting from box to box and will be valuable to us when we don’t have the ball. He has come from the Danish league and was one

of the best midfield players in that league, we think he has the potential to develop further. All the coaches here are looking forward to working with Frank and pushing him to a higher level.”

Rasmus Ankersen, Brentford FC Co-Director of Football, added: “Frank Onyeka is a player we, for obvious reasons, know very well.

Over the last two years he has grown to become the dominant midfielder in the Danish league and his performances in the Champions League last season convinced us that he is ready for the Premier League. With his

pace, power and ability to win the ball I am sure Frank will be a great addition to the Brentford squad.”

Frank received his first Nigeria call-up last season.

He was selected for friendly matches last October and made his international debut against Algeria, his only appearance for his country to date. It is a busy year or so upcoming for Nigeria with an upcoming Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to start in January 2022 and the final stages qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2022, to be played in Qatar next November in December, set to start in September.

PAGE 30

CLASSIFIED All efforts made to trace the missing document proved abortive. If found please contact the nearest police station or Land Department (AGIS) Concerned authorities and general public to take note.

N

igeria’s Iche Eke will battle no less than 323 other gymnasts from across the world for medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics slated to commence on Friday.

Uche is among 324 gymnasts representing 64 different nations including Nigeria who will contend for 18 Olympic titles up for grabs at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre during an Olympic Games like no other from 23 July-8 August in Tokyo, Japan’s capital city.

Among the most highly anticipated events of the Games, Gymnastics’ three disciplines Artistic, Rhythmic, and Trampoline - each shine brilliantly under the Olympic lights, the sport’s effervescent stars dazzling with high-flying acrobatics and boundless grace.

Uche Eke will be the first Artistic Gymnast to represent Nigeria at the Olympic Games in this event.

One of the nine sports contested for at the first edition of the revived Olympic Games in 1896, Gymnastics boasts an impressive Olympic pedigree.

Originally an event for men only, Women’s Artistic Gymnastics debuted at the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam (NED). Rhythmic Gymnastics was added to the Olympic programme in 1984, and Rhythmic Group Gymnastics in 1996. The newest events, men’s and women’s Trampoline, debuted at Sydney 2000.

With 15 Olympic champions taking the competition floor and accomplished rising stars eager to challenge them, surprises and

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1) TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF THE 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 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

change of name

evelyn

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MOHAMMED IBRAHIM WAS WRONGLY CAPTURED ON MY BVN, INSTEAD OF TUMSAH MOHAMMED IBRAHIM. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS TUMSAH MOHAMMED IBRAHIM. IS MY CORRECT NAME.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Evelyn Chinyelu Onyeozili. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Evelyn Chinyelu Obiechina. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENT PROVED ABORTIVE, IF FOUND, KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION OR AGIS. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

SPACE FOR SALE

. . . putting the people first

FRIDAY, july 23, 2021

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

SPORTS The Yoruba have won their agitation latest

Playing in China was the best moment of My career Ighalo

F

ormer Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo has disclosed that playing for Chinese Club Changchun Yatai in the Super League was one of the best moments of his career.

The former Manchester United attacker stated thisp in an interview when he was asked about his move to the Middle East.

“Well, I will say when I signed my deal with China.

It was a good contract. And I was pleased q biggest transfer in the history of both clubs.

“I went there and played for two years. I did so well with the team. I played about 50 or 52 games with 36 goals. It was one of the best moments in my career life” he added.

Ighalo who collected the highest goalscoere’s award at the 20219 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt joined Manchester United on loan after his time with Yatai.

During his two-and-ahalf-year stint in China, the 32-year-old scored 46 goals in 72 appearances in the Chinese Super League and also won the Chinese FA Cup in 2019.

He also laced his booth for newly promoted English Premier League side, Watford.

He joined Alshabab in Saudi Arabia in 2021 where he has scored 9 goals in 13 appearances.

Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

Advert: news: Kano: lagos:

Guest Columnist

T

he Yoruba are an exceptional people; precocious, tactful, urbane and temperate.

They are about the most sophisticated of the ethnic groups in Nigeria. They know when to pounce, when to retreat, and when to negotiate.

For the Yoruba, it is about the collective. It is always about the whole. Group interest does not succumb to the sway of individual ambition.

They live by the winsome ‘’kparapo philosophy’’, and the ‘’omoluabi element’’ is never musty.

Let me detour.

A united Nigeria remains the most operational means of preserving and protecting the variegated interests of those within the territory.

While the ‘’big three’’ -- Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba – jostle for sectional dividends, they forget that there are other groups -- the presumed minority ethnic nationalities -- in the phylum. Nigeria has over 250 ethnic nationalities, but are the supposed small lot lesser citizens? Should the interest of the ‘’big three’’ be the governing aspiration and grail of other groupings in the taxonomy?

Have we asked what the Affade in Yobe state; the Afizere in Plateau state; Afo (Eloyi) in Nasarawa state; the Baushi in Niger state; the Boki in Cross River, the Annang in Akwa Ibom, and many other classes under the Nigerian family tree want?

Some apostles of secessionism have even conscripted these ethnic nationalities into their abstract territories by fait -- without considering their peculiarities.

The arrogance of the Igbo, the Yoruba and the Hausa is largely responsible for the parlous state of the country.

Nigeria should not rise and fall on ‘’this big three’’. Nigeria is bigger and stronger than any of this group on which the country currently pivots.

A united Nigeria guarantees freedom – to exist -- for the small ethnic genus.

As I have always said, a united Nigeria remains a viable venture for all.

End of detour.

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By

Fredrick Nwabufo Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @FredrickNwabufo I have followed the agitations for selfdetermination by the peoples of southern Nigeria, and my interest is piqued by the crusading techniques of the agitators from the southwest. Even in potentially combustible situations, they have managed to arrest their emotions and keep their demons in the abyss.

Although they took their agitation to the streets a number of times, they have always been circumspect about when to retreat and not go off the deep end. Tact is a weapon the Yoruba deploy masterfully in knotty situations. Instead of going ‘’all-head-in’’, they step back and dispatch the greatest ammunition in the armoury of human civilisation. Tact does it for the Yoruba.

On Thursday, the Ilana Omo Oodua, the group crusading for an independent Yoruba nation led by Banji Akintoye, released a manual to guide its members in their cause for self-determination.

They declared: ‘’NO TO VIOLENT STRUGGLE’’. This declaration comes in the heat of the arrest and detention of Sunday Igboho, the firebrand agitator, in Benin Republic.

Here is a demonstration of great percipience by the Yoruba nation agitators:

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uses of violent or terroristic methods achieved their purpose of self-determination or autonomy for their nations; all they succeeded in doing was to generate confrontations and wars with the governments of their countries.’’

By denouncing violence and emphasising peaceful methods for achieving selfdetermination, the Yoruba nation agitators have judiciously submitted to Nigeria’s laws while not obviating their agenda. It also wins them more sympathy. This is in contrast to the approach of their sibling crusaders in the Lower Niger Area who unleashed violence on security agents and citizens, threatening critics, destroying property, and ended up turning their region into Aleppo in Syria.

Violence achieves nothing but death, broken bones and spilled blood.

Self-determination is a universal right, but taking up arms to kill citizens and security agents of government is terrorism.

Really, in all the agitations across divides, the endgame is not to secede. The 2023 presidential election is the Venus flytrap with nectar attracting all kinds of creatures. I believe by that time these agitations will taper off. The agitations are ‘’precious material’’ for political negotiations. The Yoruba are playing their cards right.

Tact has won this ‘’agitation’’ for the Yoruba.

“We, Yoruba, lead in the choice of the peaceful and law-abiding path to our goal of a separate country of our own. And we the servants of the Yoruba nation in this struggle faithfully operate, and will always faithfully operate, with methods of peaceful organisation, peaceful demands, peaceful propaganda, peaceful protests, peaceful legal actions, peaceful political persuasion, and peaceful negotiation. We will push for negotiating tables, and never push for street brawls or any other kind of conflicts.

And if we find, among our people, any nationalist activist person or group that is inclined towards violence, we will encourage them to turn instead to peaceful and law-abiding means. ‘’After careful studies of the records of separatist movements in our world, we are persuaded that the peaceful approach is more likely to succeed. Various nationalist agitations in various countries of the world have, in the course of the past century, employed violent means at various times while striving to achieve their Twitter/Facebook/ nationalist goals. Yoruba Instagram: @FredrickNwabufo groups engaged in serving the Yoruba nation need to note carefully that none of these

Although they took their agitation to the streets a number of times, they have always been circumspect about when to retreat and not go off the deep end.

Tact is a weapon the Yoruba deploy masterfully in knotty situations. Instead of going ‘’all-head-in’’, they step back and dispatch the greatest ammunition in the armoury of human civilisation.

Tact does it for the Yoruba.

DAN GAYE Dangai

No plans to impose presidential candidate in 2023 - APC

Let’s wait and see

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