Thursday, December 8th, 2022 Edition

INEC in Burkina Faso: From left, Director, Commission Secretariat, Mrs Maryam Musa, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Assistant Director, Electoral Operations, Mrs Anne Aderibigbe, and Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, at the Sub-Regional Seminar on “Electoral Processes and Security Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: Resilience of Election Management

Bodies”, holding between 7th and 9th November in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

We have created 85,848 direct, indirect jobs -FG

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Minister of Environment Mohammed Abdullahi said his ministry has been able to create 85,848 direct and indirect jobs through the implementation of various citizens oriented projects and programmes.

The Minister made the disclosure yesterday in Abuja while making his presentation at the 8th edition series of PMB scorecard for 2015-2023

Abdullahi said the ministry is actively collaborate with the private sector to create a large number of well-paying jobs for Nigerian youths.

The Minister revealed that the Ministry of Environment has paid the sum of N8.6 billion into the Treasury Single Account (TSA) as it firmed up its internally generated revenue strategy.

He added that it also implemented a strategy towards the realization of the President’s

June 12 promise to take 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years.

On the ongoing implementation of the Ogoni Clean-up, he explained that the Ministry, conscious of the need to ensure effective and timely implementation of the UNEP report on the exercise and in line with President Buhari’s commitment, has remediated 21 sites covering about 230 hectares out of the 65 sites reported in the UNEP report fact sheet.

Speaking on Climate Change, the minister explained that the most significant action taken towards playing our role in climate change mitigation and adaptation is the signing of the Climate Change Act into law by Mr. President, in November 2021 and the subsequent establishment of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) as well as the appointment of an administrative machinery for a 5 year renewable tenure.

“ Nigeria participated in the Twenty-Seventh Session of the Conference of Parties (COP 27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt from the 6th to 20th November 2022 in line with its obligations as a Party to the UNFCCC.

“The National Statement by Mr. President which reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to net zero by 2060 based on its detailed plan of action and a strong call for loss and damage finance and initiatives was presented at the High-Level segment of the Conference; and indeed served as a strong moral statement that influenced the outcome of agreement reached on the subject matter”,he said.

Consequent upon the acceptability of the loss and damage, the AfDB pledged $25 billion for climate adaptation fund for Africa.

He also spoke on the contributions to the AFR100

initiative, saying

AFR100 is a collective pledge by African countries to restore 100 million hectares of degraded landscapes as contribution to the Bonn Challenge.

The Bonn Challenge is a global resolve to restore 150 million hectares of degraded forest landscape by 2020 and 350 million by 2030.

“Each country is given the opportunity to make its own commitment. Last year Nigeria made a commitment to restore 4 Million hectares by 2030 through various afforestation initiatives”.

He said the Ministry has so far restored over 1 million hectares of degraded forest land in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Jigawa, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Kano.

“A total of 6,550,056 seedlings were raised and distributed to various state governments and institutions under the Forestry Trust Fund Initiative”.

HoS advises civil servants to invest

Dr. Yemi-Esan dropped the suggestion on Wednesday in Yola, while addressing members of the Federal civil service Union at the commissioning of the state reconstructed club house named

after her.

Dr Yemi-Esan urged civil servants to be active in pushing for their welfare, including higher salaries, noting that nothing stopped civil servants from expressing their needs through

their respective unions.

She said on her part, she had been pushing for better civil service pay but that her efforts need to be backed up by those directly affected by a pay system that many silently complain about.

From Umar Dankano, Yola

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, has advised the civil servants to learn other entrepreneurship ventures

before their retirement.

L-R; Administrator National Judicial Institute (NJI) Justice Salisu Abdullahi, Barrister Chris Ugwuala of Ethic and Corporate Compliance Institute of Nigeria and Senior Judicial Correspondent Africa Independent Television (AIT) Abuja, during the day 2 Workshop for Judiciary Correspondents, yesterday in Abuja Photo: Mahmud Isa

Ayouth advocacy group, YES Project says it plans to mobilise at least 60 per cent of Nigerian youths to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) toward active participation in the 2023 general election.

Mr Oche-Precious Edeh, the Founder and Executive Directors,YES Project, said this at the “Value Your Vote Naija ‘Campaign news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

Edeh said the move was imperative to galvanise the inclusion of youths in politics.

“Nigeria is a country with around 200 million population with young people around 15 to 35 per cent, accounting for the highest demography of the population.

He said that through the effort of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as civil society organisations like YES Project, a lot of young people participated in the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR).

According to him, the new register witnessed the registration of youths between ages of 18 to 34 making up a total of 7,286,871 accounting for 76.56 per cent of the total newly registered voters of 9,518,188.

He said that although the feat was important, however, getting registered was a first step in the electoral compliance process but registered voters could still be disenfranchised if Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were not collected and votes cast.

“It is quite shocking when in September this year ,INEC confirmed that the number of uncollected PVCs is over 20 million.

“There is need for us to tactfully engage the youths through community to ensure they complete the the electoral process of transitioning from PVC registration to collection and voting .

“With a total of 93,522,272 the number of uncollected PVCs account from 19.2 per cent registered voters ;we need to keep the pace of engaging citizens especially youths in politics.

“To change this trend and ensure that 60 per cent young voters collect thier PVCs and vote ,YES Project came up with various initiatives to surmount the challenge,” he said.

Edeh said the group launched the Value Your Vote campaign in August, toward PVCs collection mobilisation and through the support of Yiaga Africa the project would run till February 2023.

He said that YES Project carried out a survey to know how to tackle the challenges of voter apathy and drafted some interventions.

He listed social media promotion and door to door PVC mobilisation campaign as one of such interventions to create more awareness on PVC collection.

By Maryam Abeeb

The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETfund, Arc Sonny Echono has called for the full implemention of the 2004 varsities miscellaneous Act(Autonomy).

The ES made this call while making key recommendations during his presentation themed: Sustainable Funding of Tertiary Education in Nigeria” at the celebration of National University Commission, NUC @60 anniversary held in Abuja.

He explained that this if implemented it will empower varsity councils to take full charge of their operations and development.

According to him, government should also limit its role to overall

policy framework, regulation and the creation/strengthening of institutions such as NUC, TETFund, Education Bank, Federal Scholarship Board and a Students Loans Board to address the multifaceted challenges of education.

“Government should redefine its role by allowing full implementation of the 2004 Universities Miscellaneous (Autonomy) Act which empowers University Councils to take full charge of their operations and development.

“Government should limit its role to overall policy framework, regulation and the creation/ strengthening of institutions such as NUC, TETFund, Education Bank, Federal Scholarship Board and a Students Loans Board

to address the multifaceted challenges of education.

TETfund boss seeks full implemention of 2004 universities miscellaneous Group pledges to mobilise Nigerians for 2023 polls

According to him, where Government chooses to implement policies, such as the ill-advised free tuition policy, it should make full financial provisions for same as grant per student based on the costs of training for individual courses, established by University Governing Councils.

He enjoined the federal government to continue to provide scholarship and bursary for exceptionally gifted scholars and verifiable indigent students based on income levels of parents and other discernable criteria.

Echono added that dedicated funds should be provided for research and innovation to be accessed on strictly competitive bases.

He stated that “Decree No. 50 of 1993, established the Nigerian Education Bank but it hardly tookoff due to policy summersaults and opposition from certain quarters.

“ A resuscitation of the Bank will provide a pool of longterm concessionary funds to finance PPP projects in public tertiary institutions, fund critical infrastructure in private institutions, and it may also incorporate a student’s loans scheme for greater efficiency in loans amortization.

“It is instructive to note that currently, at least three (3) Banks, namely Access, First Bank and GTBank offer loans to Nigerian students to study either at home or abroad. The tenor and interest rates are unattractive hence the need for a moderating strategy.

Chairman, Nigeria Governors’Forum and Sokoto state Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (center), Chairperson, Nigeria Governors’Wives Forum, Hajia Mariya Aminu Waziri (second left), former Chairperson, Nigeria Governors’Wives Forum Mrs. Bisi Erelu Fayemi(L), First Lady Abia state,Mrs.Nkechi Ikpeazu (second Left) and Ekiti state First Lady. Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji and others during the commissioning of Governors wives Secretariat on Wednesday in Abuja.

Atiku in Osun, promises security, jobs, industrialization

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has declared that the current challenges of insecurity, disunity, economic deprivation and lack of jobs for young men and women in the country will be effectively tackled by his administration, if elected the next President of Nigeria.

Atiku made the declaration yesterday while addressing PDP supporters and chieftains at the party’s presidential campaign rally held in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

The presidential candidate of the leading opposition party in Nigeria explained that all those challenges will be adequately addressed under the restructuring policy being conceived by him.

He promised to provide the people of Osun State with the infrastructure needed for development, invest in education and healthcare in the sate.

Atiku further assured their

people of industrialization for the economic benefit.

His words, “I have only come to thank you for what you have done. You are a wonderful people for returning PDP to power in the last state elections.

“I believe by returning PDP to power, you will strengthen this authority by voting PDP in the next general elections because a federal government controlled by PDP and a state government controlled by PDP in Osun State, is to the greater good of Osun people.

“Our only objective is to make sure that the current challenges of insecurity, disunity, economic deprivation, lack of jobs for our young men and women and the future of this country, through restructuring, can be achieved and this, I promise you. I am going to start doing them from day one.

“It means empowering Osun State with more resources and authority with what is needed to be done. To provide the infrastructure needed for development, invest in education and healthcare in Osun State and bring about industrialization for the economic

benefit of the people of Osun State.

“My brothers and sisters of Osun State I have came to say a very big thank you and I urge you, I appeal to you, I plead with you to come out in greater numbers than you did in the last state election and vote for the PDP in the next general election.

“That is the only way that you can secure your future and the future of your children. We promise you we will not fail you. We are not like APC because we have done it before, we have got the experience, we have got the people who have the capacity to bring about changes as we are not new as far as governance is concerned in Nigeria.

While speaking at the rally, the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke described Atiku as the best man for the job of the nation’s presidency.

According to Adeleke, “Our incoming President (Atiku) is a detribalized person. He loves everybody, no matter where you come from. That is why he is the best man to do this job. He is experienced.

“When you look at all the other

presidential candidates, you will see that his (Atiku’s) experience is so enormous. When he was the vice president, he was the one that controlled the economy. The economy was booming. Even when they handed over it was the largest economy in Africa.

“So we need experience. We need somebody that is straight. We don’t need somebody that likes to cut corners.

“As soon as you vote for Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria will survive, Nigeria will keep going from strength to strength. Our economy will begin to boom, it will begin to move forward”, the Governor said.

The Chairman of the PDP presidential campaign council and Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr Udom Emmanuel, said, “We are here just for one mission; we are bringing you the best product, we are bringing you the best message, as far as 2023 is concerned”.

Continuing, Emmanuel asked: “Are you happy with the current situation in Nigeria? Are you happy with the security situation? Are you happy with the education in Nigeria? Where is the solution?

Photo: Mahmud Isa

High rate of poverty in Nigeria unacceptable

—SCI

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Save the Children Internal (SCI), Nigeria, has said that the high rate of poverty in the country is unacceptable.

Speaking at the National Social Protection Electoral Advocacy in Nigeria yesterday in Abuja, Amanuel Mamo, Director of Advocacy, Campaigns, Communication and Medial Save the Children International Nigeria, said recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics, which said 82.9 million Nigerians are considered poor by national standards was an unacceptable figure.

“In a country richly blessed with human and natural resources, this is simply unacceptable. No Nigerian should have to go without food, no Nigerian child should be out of school because their parents are poor and cannot afford to send them to school, no woman should die needlessly due to childbirth because they are too poor to afford basic health care, no persons with disability should live without access to basic services such as water, health, and education because of their status.

“Addressing these issues needs to be treated as a matter of urgency and it requires an innovative approaches, an out of the box thinking that will ensure that all Nigerians, especially children, irrespective of age and social status are able to live a life of dignity - with all their rights being protected, respected and fulfilled.

“Over the past decade, Social Protection has emerged as a critical development instrument in Nigeria. Social protection has the potential to not only reduce negative coping strategies but also, proved to create and enable more effective and rapid responses, strengthen national systems, and contribute to building the resilience of poor populations, particularly the most vulnerable or marginalized.

“Furthermore, social protection when designed and implemented in an accountable manner, it helps households to manage risk and can build the resilience of households that are vulnerable to disasters, preventing a fall into, or further into, poverty.

“I believe a golden opportunity is at hand for the leadership at all levels to shift the narratives related to poverty and economic inequalities in Nigeria. It just needs to prioritize, strategize and invest in the increased coverage of social protection programmes across the country.”

Again, Reps approve establishment of Peace Corps after 5 years

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed through third reading, a bill for an act to establish Nigerian Peace Corps to facilitate peace, volunteerism, community services, neighbourhood watch and nationbuilding; and for related matters.

The National Assembly had passed the Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment bill in 2017 but President Muhammad Buhari declined assent to it on account of paucity of funds and duplication of functions of other security agencies.

But the bill was reintroduced in 2019 and sailed through to the final staged after the issues raised by the President Buhari were ironed out such that volunteers would be on monthly stipend to be determined by the Corps’ board.

The bill provides for the establishment of the Peace Corps Governing Board with functions which include to: enlist, mobilise, train and orientate the youths in order to develop them as supporting agents of social order by providing a second line of public safety; serve as

a think-tank and educate residents of every community on security and safety measures peculiar to their neighbourhood.

The board is to also uphold a bottom-up surveillance through monitoring, observation, evaluation and to detect, collate and analyse intelligence data on matters that may likely cause breach of peace and security within the neighbourhood and transmit same to the appropriate security agency for pre-emptive measures and actions.

It is further expected to engage in peace advocacy, mediation and conflict resolution in order to advance the course of peacebuilding, reconciliation and conflict transformation in all communities in Nigeria.

The board is further mandated to: “secure educational institutions from intruders and to combat all forms of social decadence and vices, including cultism and examination malpractices with a view to creating peaceful and conducive atmosphere for learning.

“Serve as a reservoir and spring-board of skilled man-

power as adhoc staff for providing social and community services such as crowd control, emergency relief services, rehabilitation of internally displaced persons, voters’ registration, election duties, census, immunisation and first aid.”

The board is also empowered to set-up a centre saddled with the responsibility of training and building the capacity of the youths in the areas of critical thinking, creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and skill acquisition; set-up well organised and structured farm settlement across the various senatorial districts in order to redirect the untapped and productive energy of the youths into large-scale and mechanised farming.

It is to set-up desk at the various entry points into the country in order to register tourists and other visitors after clearance by the Nigerian Immigration Service and other relevant security agencies, and to serve as Tour Guards and Guides to their respective destinations upon the payment of charges; as well as any other functions as may be assigned by the

Minister.

Clause 4 of the bill stipulates that members of the Board who shall consist of chairman to be appointed by the president; two nominees each appointed by the president as members representing the six geo-political zones of the country; and chairman and members of the board shall be appointed subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Clause 11(1) of the bill provides that; there shall be for the Corps a National Commandant who shall be appointed by the president and commander-in-chief subject to confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Notwithstanding any provision in this Bill, the position of the National Commandant shall be appointed from among the very Senior Officers cadre of the Corps; and the appointee must have occupied an office in the Corps not below the position of Assistant National Commandant and would have served in the Peace Corps meritoriously for a period not less than 10 years and must possess a minimum qualification of First Degree or its equivalent.”

Guinea Bissau 5: President Buhari with President of Guinea Bissau H. E Umaro Sissoco EMBALO while on state visit in Guinea Bissau on 7th Dec 2022

Oxfam, teenagers advocate friendly environment for girls

Oxfam in Nigeria and some teenage girls have advocated a more friendly environment for girls to thrive in Nigeria .

They made the call at the Oxfam in Nigeria’s programme to commemorate the International Day of the Girl-child.

This is part of events to mark the 16 Days of Activism to curb violence against women and girls.

Ms Dolapo Balogun ,a 13-yearold from Champions International School, Magboro ,Ogun, said it was difficult to be a girl.

Balogun, who became the Oxfam IDG 2022 Challenge winner said: ”A little help from stakeholders around would help in solving the challenges of the girl-child in Nigeria .

She said: “To be honest, it is very tough to be a girl-child ,but now that the world is moving, we have institutions that are helping the girl-child compared to before.

“This has also made girl-child discrimination to reduce although

not completely.

“Some of the challenges girls face include discrimination, lack of respect, marginalisation believing that their only role is to come to the world and give birth ,take care of children and the home.

“So, I want the goverments, NGOs and others to help in creating awareness to people to give superiority to girls to make them feel like they are people in the world, it will actually help to build their self esteem.

”Some people believe that girls aren’t supposed to have ambition. In the olden days, girls did not even go to school.”

Balogun added that some girls too do not believe in themselves and the society’s perception about them has weighed them down.

She said: ”That was why most of the old women around were not educated because only the males went to school during their time.”

The student commended Oxfam in Nigeria for supporting

the girl-child and for initiating the IDG Challenge.

“I was surprised to have won because I felt there were many people too who must have sent their work , so the chance is very slim for me to win,” she said.

Ms Helen Akinyemi, Programme Manager for Gender Justice Unit, Oxfam in Nigeria, said although the IDG was celebrated on Oct.12 annually, Oxfam decided to celebrate it in December.

Akinyemi said OXfam intentionally integrated it into the 16 days of activism for 2022 to keep the discussion alive.

She said: “So, we want to use this opportunity to look at the views, challenges and experiences of every girl-child in Nigeria and beyond.

“We also want to use this opportunity to bring to the world the importance of empowering the girl-child globally.

“It is also to look at the policies, framework, tools and

protocols that protect the rights of the girl-child .”

Akinyemi said that the event was also an opportunity to commend the Federal Government for passing the Child Rights Act.

She said Oxfam also commended the 24 states that had adopted the Child’s Rights Act as well as the 34 states that have adopted the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act.

Aknyemi said that the nationwide IDG competition was to enable girls to talk about their challenges themselves.

She said: ”The announcement for the competition was posted on every social media platform for girls between seven to 17 years old to apply .

“Some of the girls sent in their two minutes recording, telling us what it means to be a girl child in Nigeria and this was sent to our official email created for this challenge and a winner emerged.”

FG: We’ve raised N120 billion from recovered proceeds of crime

By Mashe Gomna

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Wednesday, gave an update on the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act (POCA), 2022, saying that in line with the new law, all relevant agencies of

government have now opened ‘Confiscated and Forfeiture Properties Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“I can confirm that so far, the Federal Government has realized over 120 billion Naira, among other currencies, from POCA,” Lai Mohammed disclosed during an opening

remark at the 8th edition of the press conference on the scorecard of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

He said the money will be used to fund the completion of ongoing critical infrastructure projects in the country like the Second Niger Bridge as well as

Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kano Expressways. We will continue to update you on this.

He pointed out that the Administration’s fight against corruption is very much on track, and that there is no going back.

As you may already know Mr President signed into law the

Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Bill, 2022, on May 12th, 2022.

That bill was one of the three which Mr. President signed into law that day. Others are the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2022 and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2022.

Troops neutralize bandits, destroy camps in Kaduna

Affairs, Samuel Aruwan and made available to the media on Wednesday.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralized several bandits during clearance operations in bandit enclaves around Idasu, Fatika and Makera forests in Giwa LGA.

This was contained in a statement by the State Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home

The statement stated that an operational feedback to the State Government revealed many bandits have been confirmed neutralized so far, while others still fled with gunshot injuries to the Hayin Siddi area around the interstate boundaries.

“The Kaduna State Government noted the report with satisfaction, and has

commended the troops heartily for the success, while urging them on to further breakthroughs.”

Similarly, Nigerian Air Force has continued with assaults on identifying bandit camps and enclaves around Kaduna State.

The statement revealed that a camp in Riyawa, Igabi LGA, was targeted and destroyed. “A terrorist location at Tofa general area of Birnin Gwari LGA was similarly engaged and struck.

“Close air support was

provided to ground troops conducting operations in Maidaro, Dogon Dawa, Damari, Saulawa and Farin Ruwa areas of Birnin Gwari LGA.

“Armed reconnaissance was carried out along the KadunaBirnin Gwari Road, Buruku, Kurmin Dande, Damba, Ungwan Yako, Udawa, Manini, Kuriga, Gagafada, Kushaka, Polewire and Kamfanin Doka areas spanning Chikun and Birnin Gwari LGAs. No suspicious

activity was observed at the locations covered.

“The Government appeals to citizens in these general areas to report suspicious individuals seeking medical attention for gunshot injuries to the security operations room, on the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999.

“Offensives in the general area are in progress, and citizens will be updated on further developments.”

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

National President, National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) Nigeria, Hajiya Lami Adamu Lau ((middle); flanked by the Representatives of Gender advisor, Defense Headquarters (DHQ) Commander Hauwa Mohammed (right) and Lt. Commander Zainab Maigida (left) during the National women conference 2022 in commemoration, of the 16 days of Activism against Gender- Based Violence (GBV) Organise by NCWS, held yesterday in Abuja . Photo Justin Imo-owo

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

Kano Central Senatorial Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura has announced disbursement of N20,000 to each of 10,000 indigenous students of Kano Central, the senatorial district he is contesting for.

Speaking with journalists in Kano yesterday, Zaura, popularly known as A. A. Zaura, said the disbursement of the education support would commence soon.

He added that those that applied and got lucky to be shortlisted are those that would benefit from the fund.

Zaura added that he always finds it happy to touch the lives of people at the grassroots, adding that he’s would continue to do so of elected as Senator in 2023.

We are down to our people, we know their problems. Nothing, i repeat myself, nothin will deter me, nothing will stop me and nothin will scare me from touching the lives of people. No amount of threat , no amount of pressure, no amount of anything will separate me from the grassroots, with the people, with the masses. I am open to them, they are open to me.

“I am for them they are for me. I am happy when i am with my people, but they are not happy when i am with my people. They want to stop

He also announced that he would soon launch campaign tour to the 15 Local Government areas of Kano Central.

“Let me come back to say, within few days, we will bring out our itinerary to tour the 15 Local Governments of the Kano Central Senatorial District. In each of the Local Government we tour, we are going to coordinate our wards and polling unit coordinators.

“That is to say, we are fully ready to hit ground for the campaign and are optimistic that in 2023, we will carpet down anybody that come to face in the election because we believe we have touched the lives of people,” he said.

By Christiana Ekpa

Members of the House of Representatives tasked Federal Government on the need to fast-track the Geo-Physical Survey/Seismic Data Acquisition with a view to ascertain availability of Hydro-Carbon in commercial quantity in the Bida Basin of Niger State.

The lawmakers passed the resolution during the debate on a motion sponsored by Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi who solicited for the House intervention towards ensuring timely completion of the project.

In his lead debate, Hon. Abdullahi who expressed optimism that Nigeria has potential to become the leading oil reserve country in the African continent, applauded efforts made so far by the present administration.

He said: “The House notes that the Bida Basin also known as the MidNiger Basin comprise of eight Local Government Areas including Mokwa, Lavun, Gbako, Bida, Katcha, Agaie, Edati and Lapai in the Southern part of Niger State which extends to two

Local Government Areas in Kwara State and one in Kogi State.

“The House is aware that the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) during a visit to the Executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello to unveil the 2D Seismic Data Acquisition in the Bida Basin in 2020, announced that the NNPC had commenced oil exploration activities in the Area and that the exploration could add 40 billion barrels to Nigeria’s oil reserves by 2023.

“The House is also aware that the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation responsible for the Frontier Exploration Services in 2020 noted that in-depth Geological and Geochemical studies revealed a strong presence of hydrocarbonbearing indicators confirmed as oil and gas-bearing formations.

“The House is cognizant that the Seismic Data Acquisition Contract on the identified areas to determine the

volume of the hydrocarbons in the Bida Basin was awarded to Integrated Data Services Limited and the China National Petroleum Corporation International Nigeria Limited by the NNPC Management.

We have potential to become leading oil reserve in African continent -Reps Zaura to disburse scholarship to 10,000 Kano students

“The House acknowledges that the discovery of oil in another region of Nigeria is good news for the country’s energy sector and that if the volume of oil in the Bida Basin is established and exploration activities commence fully, Nigeria may, in the near future, overtake Libya, the country with the largest oil reserve in Africa.

“The House is expectant that the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and its relevant Agencies would expedite action for the continuation of the oil exploration activities at the Bida Basin Niger State and other Basins in the country.

“The House is further aware that President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the NNPC Management to fast-track oil exploration across the

Country, following Shell’s discovery of hydrocarbons in the Chad Basin and Kolmani River, while the NNPC heeded President Buhari’s directive on the Chad Basin as the people of Niger State are anxious about the slow pace of oil exploration activities in the Bida Basin,” he noted.

To this end, the House tasked authoritities of Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to conclude the geophysical survey that the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) started in order to ascertain the availability of hydro-carbon in commercial quantity in Bida Basin,” Hon. Abdullahi noted.

While ruling, the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila who presided over the plenary, mandated the joint Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

R-L: Executive National President, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) Amb. Dr. Musa Mohammed Maitakobi, receiving Nation Builder Award in Transportation Sector from the Director General, National Council for Civil Society Organizations (NCCSO). Comrade Emmanuel Johnny, during the NCCSO visit to the RTEAN Headquaters, yesterday in Abuja.

NOA, ILO in synergy to end child labour

By Ochiaka Ugwu

In a bid to end child labour in Nigeria, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has signed a formal agreement with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to join forces in the campaign to eliminate child labour.

In a press statement released in Abuja Wednesday, signed by NOA Assistant Director of Press, Mr. Paul Odenyi it noted Director General of NOA, Dr. Garba Abari and Country Director of ILO in Nigeria, Vanessa Lerato Phala signed the agreement in Abuja.

According to the statement, “The partnership covers the implementation of the National Social Behavioural and Communication Change strategy under the Accelerating Action for the Elimination of Child Labour

in supply chains in Africa (ACCEL Africa), a project funded by the Dutch government”.

“The Accel Africa project in Nigeria aims to eliminate child labour in the Artisanal Gold Mining and Cocoa Farming sectors in Nigeria.

“Director General of NOA, while signing the document, committed the Agency to implementing a grassroots programme that will help raise awareness among stakeholders and modify behaviour within the focal communities of the project.

“He said the project supports the Federal Government’s overall goal of giving access to education for all children in the first twelve years of their lives” the statement read in part.

“According to him, the Agency will deploy its grassroots structure,

which include presence in 36 states and the 774 local council areas in Nigeria, to enlighten citizens on the dangers of child labour generally and its impact on communities, the economy and the child, especially through the implementation of the NSBCCS.

“The ILO, according to the agreement, will Support the institutional capacity of the NOA’s Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs) and other relevant officers to implement programmes aimed at creating awareness among communities.

“NOA, on its part, will implement National Behavioural and communication strategy in these local communities as part of their culture and orientation process; Mainstream public awareness programmess on child labour as part of the general public

enlightenment schedule of the Agency; and Implement specific programmes jointly designed by both NOA and Accel Africa that will lead to the reduction of child labour issues in Nigeria.

“The Accel Africa project in Nigeria is focused on three States of Ondo, Osun and Niger and align with the Durban Call to Action which hopes to accelerate multi stakeholder efforts to prevent and eliminate child labour, especially worst forms of child labour; end child labour in the agriculture sector; realise the right to education for every child and; achieve universal access to social protection.

“The project is being coordinated in Nigeria by Dr. Agatha Kolawole, a leading expert on labour rights in Africa” the statement concluded.

Photo; Justin Imoowo

•Task FG on completion of Geo-Physical Survey/Seismic Data Acquisition in Bida Basin

Nigeria, France to strengthen ties against terrorism

Nigeria and France have expressed readiness to strengthen ties towards defeating terrorism and insurgency.

The Director of Policy, Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of the Nigeria-France Joint Military Staff Talks.

He said that the discussions between the armed forces of the two countries was aimed at strengthening existing defence collaboration and agreements.

Yusuf recalled that both countries had conducted a lot of activities since the 1960s, adding that the relationship has been growing stronger over the years.

“Nigeria, as you are aware, is completely surrounded by French speaking countries.

“So, it is very important that Nigeria as a nation would develop that very friendly cordial relationship with France, especially high defence talks that has to do with the security of Nigeria.

“You are aware that for over 15 years now, Nigeria has been fighting insurgency in the Northeast of the country.

“As a result of that, we have the Multinational Joint Task Force which is made up of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

“Again, your French speaking countries

who have very close ties to France and which you have a lot of influence on, so this has to do also with our defence architecture,” he said.

Yusuf expressed the hope that the talks would produce high yielding results for both countries that would deepen cooperation in the security sector.

Responding, the Deputy Director, International Relations, French Navy, Vice Adm. Christophe Lucas, thanked the Nigerian Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff for inviting France’s defence committee for the third edition of the talks.

Lucas said the engagement was of particular importance in view of the long defence partnership between the two countries.

He said the defence relations had been strengthened over the years, especially after 2014, adding that the talks was an opportunity to reassess the relationship.

Lucas added that France would continue to support Nigeria’s efforts against terrorism through reconciliatory moves and the Multinational Joint Task Force.

“We commend the courage and commitment of the Nigerian defence and security forces in protecting the country’s territory, and we pay tribute to the sacrifice your soldiers have made.NAN

Osun traditional ruler urges more support for military

Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hameed Oyelude, Tegbosun III, in Osun State has urged Nigerians to support the Nigerian army more than ever as they strive to end insurgency in the country.

The monarch in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja said the recent Chief of Staff conference was another opportunity for the citizenry to demonstrate love for the army as the pride of the nation.

Tegbosun said the Nigerian military; especially the army should be given more support in this onerous task to keep Nigeria as one.

He also congratulated eminent Nigerians who had contributed in no small measure to strengthen the army, especially the former Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Tukur Buratai.

He said his efforts had led to seamless transition and template that had been helping the military to conquer the Boko Haram elements.

He congratulated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya for harmonious

working relationships with other service chiefs.

“As the Nigerian army strive to rid the country of Boko Haram and other criminal elements in the country, it’s the time to lend a helping hand and support the army.

“Our spiritual and moral support is very key at this moment and also I want the army and the military generally to know that Nigerians appreciate what they do and are solidly behind them.

“We should also remember the fallen heroes and the families of those that paid the supreme sacrifice while serving their fatherland.”

According to him, this is the only way to give hope for the living and assure the dead that their death will not be in vain,” he said.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for giving the military the desired priority in budgetary allocation and assured the president that the army, led by Gen. Yahaya would not disappoint him and the nation.

(NAN)

Book: Obiorah proffers solution to corruption in political space

Mr Ikechukwu Obiorah, Author of How To Lift Nigeria Out of Poverty, has released a new anticorruption-specific short book.

It is titled “A Treatise On Solving Nigeria’s Endemic Corruption Burden In The Political Space”.

The book, which was released in Abuja, is a “Treatise to re-imagine the philosophical basis of the nation’s anticorruption fight and scope.

“It lays more emphasis on robust enforcement structures, deterrence measures and sanctions as primary fundamental mechanisms for the reawakening of ethical behaviours and

patriotism.”

He said The Treatise had been published on Amazon and could be downloaded free at www.howtoliftnigeriaoutofpoverty.com and www.ikechukwuobiorah.com

Obiorah said his previous book How to Lift Nigeria Out of Poverty, was a journey through Nigeria’s economy.

He said this was by enumerating the causes of poverty in the country, put in the context of the sector-by-sector bottlenecks inhibiting the social well-being and economic progress of the nation.

“More importantly, it suggests detailed step-by-step solutions to the challenges,” he said. (NAN)

AMAC Chair to Senator Aduda: Be conscious of our challenges

By Usman Shuaibu

The Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, has appealed to the FCT Senator, Philip Tanimu Aduda to be conscious of the challenges facing the Area Council, if re-elected in 2023 general elections.

Maikalangu, who made the appeal when the FCT Senator (Senate Minority Leader) and his campaign team visited AMAC Chairman/residents on Tuesday.

His words: “We are proud of our senator and the entire council will always give you the support you needed. Do not forget us when you are re-elected, always look into AMAC challenges”, he said.

He urged the Senator if given the mandate in 2023, he should provide gains of democracy for the residents in the FCT.

He pointed out that his leadership would continue to implement policies and programmes that would make lives more conducive for the residents, noting that AMAC is for PDP and Senator Aduda.

AMAC boss pledged that he would continue to work for the success of the senator in 2023 general elections.

In his remarks, Senator Philip Aduda pleaded with the people of AMAC to vote for him as well as PDP candidates in the territory.

Aduda, however, noted that AMAC is a special Area Council where all the regions and tribes are represented, as he said “We must work together to have quality and competent leaders in place”.

2023: PWDs demand accessibility to polling units

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

As the 2023 general election draws closer, representatives of different clusters of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from Kaduna Central have called for accessibility to Polling Units, (PUs), and equal voting rights for its members.

This was contained in a communique issued and signed by the following: David Pius Association of Persons with Albinism; Rahmatu Ahmad, WWDSRF; Queen David, NAB; Suleiman Abdullazeez, JONAPWD Chair; and Abubakar Sadiq, NAB; at the end of meeting of PWDs in Kaduna Central yesterday.

The statement stated that in previous elections, PWDS suffered to access polling units, especially as experienced by PWDs that voted at the Polling Unit not cited at the Disability Centre.

We’re committed to ending multidimensional poverty in Nigeria —NSPF

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The National Social Protection Forum (NSPF), said it is committed and always ready to continue working with all the stakeholders in Nigeria towards the total eradication of multidimensional poverty.

DR Taiwo Benson, Chairman, National Technical Committee, stated this during the National Social Protection Electoral Advocacy in Nigeria.

He said the multidimensional poverty index which was released on November 16, 2022, by NBS is a very document that calls for sober reflections.

“The multidimensional poverty index report reveals that regardless of the spirited efforts of the government and other stakeholders to eradicate poverty, it is on the

increase.

“According to the report, 133 million Nigerians are poor across a number of measures. Further breakdown reveals that 63 per cent of Nigerians are poor due to a lack of access to health, education, and living standards, alongside unemployment and shocks. Furthermore, the latest data shows that multidimensional poverty is more pronounced in rural areas where 72 per cent of people are poor compared to 42 per cent in urban areas.

“Ending poverty requires the collective efforts of the governments at all levels, the citizens, development partners, international community, and civil society organisations to drive progress. This need underscores why the Coalition of Social Protection Civil Society

Organizations and Partners is organizing this National Dialogue on the Poverty Situation in Nigeria.”

He said in the count down to the 2023 general elections, it is crucial that issues of poverty and the importance of social protection in reducing poverty continues to take center stage in the governance agenda of political parties and candidates.

“As a result, the Coalition in collaboration with stakeholders is launching the social protection to end poverty campaign (#SP2EP2023). This campaign is geared towards ensuring that electoral candidates and their parties understand the importance of social protection in lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty and in mobilizing the electorate to use their votes to demand for increased coverage of social

protection initiatives across the country.”

He added that, the Coalition will implement several initiatives including media campaigns, community outreaches, town halls, policy dialogues and individual engagements to achieve its objectives.

“To ensure that these engagements translate into meaning impacts in the lives of poor and vulnerable Nigerians, the Coalition will put in place measures to hold elected candidates and their parties accountable to the commitment made during the electioneering campaigns. We call on political candidates and the electorates to see the 2023 general elections as an opportunity to improve the standard of living of Nigerians and ensure that every Nigerian can live a life of dignity.”

FG, stakeholders set to review Borstal institutions, remand homes

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justices, Abubarka Malami, SAN has conveyed it’s collaboration with other relevant stakeholders to review Borstal Institutions and Remand Homes.

According to the AGF, the mandate is to reform and reintegrate inmates, most especially children caughtup in the web of terrorist and violent extremist activities as well as guarantee the protection of children in conflict with the law in accordance with the internationally accepted standard.

The Ministry alongside the Presidential Committee on Correctional Reforms and

Decongestion and the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) held a one-day stakeholder round session on the review of the Borstal Institution and Remand Centre Act.

“The objectives of the review are two-fold. First is to bring the provisions of the Act in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the Child Rights Act, 2003, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, as well as the Correctional Services Act of 2019. The second objective of the review is to reflect current realities in terms of administrative structures and operational realities in present day Nigeria.

“The ultimate objective therefore is to bring the Borstal

Act in line with international practices in a way that it will align with the best interest of the child requirements under the United Nation’s Child’s Right Convention.”

According to malami the necessity for the review became even more compelling in view of the ongoing developments regarding our children entangled in acts of terrorist activities.

Represented by Jedy-Agba, B. E (Mrs.)Solicitor-General of The Federation and Permanent Secretary, AGF said,” The Final draft Bill, which will emerge from your joint deliberations, will be presented by Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to the President for onward transmission to the National

Assembly. “

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbeola in his goodwill message stated that on the assumption of duty was perturbed by the deplorable state of the bolster institutions vis – a – vis the constitutional rights of the children in custody and their rights as contained in the Child Rights Act.

However said, having taken a cursory look at the bill to be considered and saw that the innovative sections have been incorporated into the bill. “ They include the administration of the correctional institutions, trainings, skill acquisition and educational programmes, early release and after–care reintegration programmes,” he noted.

R-L: Minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E Mr. Cui Jian Chun, during the Minister’s condolence visit to the Chinese embassy in Nigeria, over the dead of Former Chinese President, Jiang Zemin, recently in Abuja. Photo : Police Affairs Min.

Library plays vital role in University system —Don

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Vice Chancellor Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu

has affirmed that library is a key components in any University system.

The Vice Chancellor represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Professor Hassan Ibrahim

Appropriation: Reps approve N559bn budget for NCC IGP launches stolen vehicle report portal to curb car theft

made this known at the 2022 annual workshop, conference and AGM of Niger State Chapter of the Nigerian Library Association in Minna.

Professor Kasim explained

that libraries re repositories of invaluable information and with the improvements in technology in areas of information management, business and governance on a massive and global scale.

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved N559 billion budget for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the 2023 fiscal year.

The approval followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Committee on Telecommunications by the Committee of Supply, chaired by Ahmed Wase, deputy speaker who presided over the plenary.

The sum of N86.7 is for recurrent expenditure, N5.2 billion is for capital expenditure and the sum of N35 billion only is for special project out of the total amount of N559 billion,

Also the sum N16 billion is allocated for transfer to the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) while N416 billion will be transferred to the Federal Government of Nigeria, for the period ending December 31 2023.

The Chairman of the Committee on telecommunications, Akeem Adeyemi presented in the report which read:”Report on insurance from the Statutory Revenue Fund of the Nigerian Communications Commission, the total Sum of N559,080,711,000.00 only of which the sum of N86, 752,963,000.00 only is for recurrent expenditure, while the sum of N5, 224,501, 000. 00 only is for capital expenditure.

“The sum of N35,089,649 000.00 only is for Special Project, while the sum of N16,000,000 (sixteen billion) only is for transfer to the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), N416, 013, 598, 000.00 only will be transferred to the Federal Government of Nigeriafor the period ending 31 December, 2023.”

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba has completed and commissioned the digitalized Central Motor Registry (CMR) Command Centre at the Force Headquarters, Abuja which is domiciled at the Department of Information and Communication Technology.

This is in line with the IGP’s quest to ensure a digital environment for policing the country for robust and more proactive measures in crime prevention, investigation, and prosecution, according to a statement yesterday by CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer.

The newly digitalized Central Motor Registry Command Centre, the statement said, will make it possible for members of the public to report vehicles stolen from as far back as 1st January, 2018, and yet-to-berecovered to input the vehicle details on the online platform to serve as a reliable data point for the possible recovery of the vehicle. The platform will also process motor vehicle information to support police operations and efforts toward enhancing national security.

The digitalization of the CMR is complete with 2 Command Centres in Abuja and Lagos, 37 CMR Information Centres

across the Country and in the Federal Capital Territory, 200 e-Enforcement Operational Patrol Vehicles with automatic number plate recognition on each vehicle as part of the first batch.

“The Inspector-General of Police has therefore admonished Nigerians and other residents in the country to take advantage of the platform at https://reportcmr.npf.gov. ng to upload their vehicle information on the website with effect from today 7th December, 2022, as a security step for preventing it from being stolen and re-registered,” the statement said.

2023: We ll’ flushout APC from JigawaPDP guber candidate

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has promised to end the era of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the forthcoming 2023 general election.

The gubernatorial candidate of PDP in the state, Alhaji Mustapha Sule Lamido announced the plan shortly after presenting flags to PDP candidates at the party’s Secretariat in Dutse.

Lamido who promised to declare state of emergency for the recruitment of youths in various job opportunities said, it is time that, the teeming youths of Jigawa need to be independent.

We have over 500,000 contributors in Kaduna health scheme

From:

There are currently over 500,000 contributors on the Kaduna state Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) from both the formal and informal sector, including the most vulnerable, the Director General KADCHMA, Malam Abubakar Hassan has said.

Speaking on Monday after

receiving Government Agency of the Year Award from the League of Extraordinary Achievers Award 2022, Hassan said the award is a proof that the efforts of the management and staff of KADCHMA is recognised.

He added that the award will spur them to do more as health is wealth and the scheme will stop unnecessary out of pocket spending.

“Knowledge of the scheme has

gone up and its utilization due to sensitization has also increased with high impact on maternal and child mortality in the state. We are beginning to raise the numbers. On behalf of the entire staff of KADCHMA, I feel excited and delighted about the award and more challenged to do more having been selected to receive this award.

“As of January this year, the Authority has less than 2,500

informal sector enrolments but as at the close of October, the numbers have risen to well over 20,000. The scheme today, which include both formal and informal sector and the vulnerable programme is well over 500,000.

“The introduction of the flexible payment option has given hope to the people now in the majority that cannot pay one off and this is a major feat.”

Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

L-R: The Representative of the Minister of Works and Housing, Arc. Solomon Labafino, handing over a building to the Coach of the 1994 Super Eagles Team, Clemenc Westerhof represented by Charity Nankter-Biwet (M), with them are Directors of the Ministry, held yesterday in Abuja. Photo-: Justin Imo-owo

Kano govt, APPEALS partner Moroccan institute on agriculture

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

Kaduna LP guber candidate debunks rumours of working for APC

From:

Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The 2023 Labour Party Gubernatorial candidate in Kaduna state Hon.

Jonathan Asake, has debunked rumours making the rounds that he is in the race to scuttle the chances of the PDP in order for the APC to win in the state.

He stated this yesterday in Kaduna when he faced the Political Committee panel of

the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), where he was grilled for three hours, according to a press statement by his media aide, James Swam.

Asake said his aspiration to be a governor is not a joke, adding that he is a serious contender for Sir Kashim Ibrahim House and remained highly optimistic to win the election next year.

“My aspiration to be a governor is not a joke. I am

a serious contender for the throne. I want to be governor. When I become governor, I will stand and defend the people of the state with all my strength.

“I have heard the strange rumour that I only want to block the PDP for the APC to win. But that is not true. If the PDP truly believed that the zone is theirs, why have they not zoned the party’s governorship ticket to the zone since 1999?

“ Now that the LP has graciously zoned the office of the governor to the southern senatorial zone, the PDP has suddenly become jittery and they are spreading disinformation.

But I am undeterred by this mischief. I am focused on winning and by the grace of God, I will become the next governor of Kaduna State,” he stated.

Kano

State Government and Agricultural Processing Productivity

Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) project have signed a memorandum of understanding with the School of Agriculture (Ecole National D’ Agriculture) Morocco for facilitating technical support to technology demonstration on improved agricultural practices.

In a statement by Hassan Musa Fagge, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of the state, the partnership is for improvement of agricultural activities in the state.

Other areas signed in the agreement, according to the statement, include capacity building and training to project beneficiaries,staff and other projects’s stakeholders as well as research and exchange program between the partners.

During the elaborate ceremony, held on Monday at the School of Agriculture Meknes, Morocco, Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Yusuf Jibril Rurum signed on behalf of the Kano State Government, while Prof.Sa’id Amiri on behalf of the Moroccan School Agriculture.

They both affirmed their commitments towards the success of the agreement in the presence of the National APPEALS Project Coordinator, Mr.Jobdi Muhammad.

Others who witnessed the historic occasion include the Managing Director of Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) Dr.Junaid Yakubu,Special Adviser to Kano Governor on Agriculture Alh.Hafiz Muhammad,State Project Coordinator APPEALS Dr.Hassan Ibrahim,Directors from the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources,Representatives of the APPEALS National Coordinating Office,Consultants and other stakeholders.

NCNE urges stakeholders to enrol 3.5m nomadic children back to school

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE) has appealed to its stakeholders to ensure that 3.5 million out of school nomadic children were enrolled in their schools.

Speaking while declaring open a 3 day workshop in Kaduna on Monday where the NCNE would train 56 nomadic youths on different entrepreneurship skills, Executive Secretary of the NCNE, Prof Bashir Usman told stakeholders that, ”while commending you in your effort to give quality education to our veryhard -to reach nomads, I urge you

to be more determined in ensuring that all out -of school nomadic children totalling 3.5 million are enrolled in our schools.”

Prof. Usman said the workshop for their youths and other participating stakeholders from the states was very apt and timely, adding that “the Commission has at this promising moment taken a leading role in addressing the frightening challenges of nomadism in present day Nigeria. “

Represented by the NCNE Director of Quality Assurance, Mr Akin Akinyosoye, the NCNE Executive Secretary said it has been established that over 1 billion people were involved

in rural menial jobs globally, with more than half of these depend on livestock, agriculture and emerging innovative entrepreneurship skills for livelihoods.

He said the Commission’s initiative of empowering the youth through skills acquisition and sustainable livelihoods can go a long way in reducing poverty in many societies and reducing social ills.

According to him, when a youth learns skills, he can use the skills to feed, send his children to school, assist others with employment and even invest for the future.

He said when the youth are

empowered through need based skills, their society becomes a good place to live as they would assist in the economic activities of the society where they find themselves and in turn, both families and the entire nation benefit.

In his remarks, Director of Extension Education and Skills Development, Dr Abdu Umar Ardo, in his remarks, said 56 nomadic youths were carefully selected from seven states of the country in order to build their skills based on their needs and their various community needs, for the development of their various communities and the society at large.

President Buhari with President of Guinea Bissau H. E Umaro Sissoco EMBALO while on state visit in Guinea Bissau on 7th Dec 2022

U.S.-Africa leaders summit: Matters arising and way forward

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

The United States together with the African diaspora have a very unique opportunity to make sure to change the narrative of trade and focus on inclusive rather than only on market access. Supporting women and youth in identifying opportunities, challenges and also barriers that confront them.

On the eve of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit planned for December 13-15 in Washington, the Corporate Council in partnership with the African Union and the U.S. State Department hosted discussion which was a combination of online and offline with a number of experts from the United States and Africa.

Katherine Tai, the 19th United States Trade Representative and Secretary-General Wamkele Wene from the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ambassador Rama Yade, Senior Director of the Africa Center. Taking part was the Dean of the African diplomatic corps in the United States.

This discussion came on the eve of the US-Africa Leaders Summit (ALS), which will advance US-African collaboration on today’s most pressing global and regional priorities. The ALS will reflect the breadth and depth of US partnerships with African governments, businesses, civil society, and citizens-partnerships based on dialogue, respect, and shared values that harness

the ingenuity and creativity of American and African people.

There were various themes during the discussion against the difficult geopolitical backdrop of high global economic imbalances slowing direct investment into the continent as well as accelerating shifts in the job market.

Worth noting that the United States – Africa Leaders’ Summit will be hosted by President Joe Biden, and it primarily serves as a demonstration and commitment towards the African continent and further provides the platform for new joint initiatives between the United States and Africa.

The discussion reviewed the current relations as well as possible new initiatives that boost the continent’s recovery from coronavirus pandemic, how to effectively bolster food security and to promote investment in various critical sectors including infrastructure, health and renewable energy, among other priorities.

On the other hand, the discussion also focused on strengthening the African diaspora communities and engage them in advancing a two-way trade and investment partnership, scale up innovation and entrepreneurship, and drive advancements in key sectors.

The United States together with the African diaspora have a very unique opportunity to make sure to change the narrative of trade and focus on inclusive rather than only on market access. Supporting

women and youth in identifying opportunities, challenges and also barriers that confront them.

Questions such as what are the challenges that we can confront together and what are the solutions that we can present to heads of states and government to begin to change the previous years of exclusion of young people from mainstream economic activity – of small medium enterprises from mainstream economic activity to make them partners in their implementation.

The United States understands that African Union and African leaders are looking at regional linkages very strategically and then always around inclusivity. How and what to make better with economic engagement inside and outside, to bring everyone along and not to leave people behind.

The United States already plans to take concrete action to benefit young people including women, to benefit small medium enterprises, small cum medium enterprises in Africa, creating jobs for over 450 million. And the bulk of that 450 million jobs are young Africans.

The Corporate Council on Africa significantly undertakes the tremendous support and even galvanize U.S. leadership and engagement in partnership with allies and with partners to shape solutions to global challenges Africa. Its people have a critical role to play in achieving such solutions, Ambassador Tai noted in her discussion.

Nearly the discussants agreed

The sin of the political class

By Ezinwanne Onwuka

To hit the nail on the head, Nigeria’s economic and socio-political woes continue to linger because the political system is steered by retired heads–the so-called ‘godfathers’–and ostensibly by the same visionless and unproductive political caucus that put the nation in the sorry state it is in–and a greater number of them still constitute those who decide the fate of the nation today.

Nigeria has been variously described as the giant of Africa for a good one, the global capital of human poverty for a bad one and as the hot pot of insecurity in the West African sub-region for an ugly one. These last two afore-cited descriptions of Nigeria have links with human capital mismanagement and culpable wastage of vast resources that are a result of bad governance.

For the respect Nigeria commands as the giant of Africa, one would expect the country to be up there in the developmental strides, competing with the First World and having a socio-

political culture imbued with a strong value system that would give it a global face. However, from all assessments, this is, sadly, not the case. If national development presupposes the ability of a nation to harness its human and natural resources for growth and advancement to its full potential, then Nigeria is a long way off. How can there be development in a country in which public funds are embezzled by those who control them? How can there be development in a country where self-interest is the dominant rule of action?

In their lawlessness, Nigeria’s political class see the nation as their personal investment. Human capital development and socio-economic growth have been abysmally poor, caused by its retrogression on those fronts, because the leaders have largely become preoccupied with milking the nation rather than committing to nation-building. Embezzlement and mismanagement of public funds, and abuse of public trust have become the hallmark of the holders of our political offices even

as they constantly make lip service at fighting corruption, which is wholesomely affecting and eating deep into every fabric and facet of the nation‘s life.

Suffice it to say that no sector is free from the lethal hold of corruption. It has astronomically deadened the consciences of a few and the willpower of many so much so that the only noncorrupt Nigerian is the one who has not had the opportunity to choose between being and not being so. Nowadays, not being corrupt, especially with regard to the management of public offices, is to be averagely depicted as being unwise. So, when a public officeholder refuses to be corrupt, as is the norm, they are considered a hindrance to the progress of others and may not last long in that position.

To hit the nail on the head, Nigeria’s economic and sociopolitical woes continue to linger because the political system is steered by retired heads–the so-called ‘godfathers’–and ostensibly by the same visionless and unproductive political caucus that put the nation in the sorry

that all will require a combination of private sector activities and governmental actions and one key governmental framework for Africa is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The free trade area promises deepening economic integration. It creates a single market for goods and services for almost 1.3 billion people across Africa. In fact, the 50 for African Union members have signed the agreement, 42 members have ratified it and 39 have deposited their instruments of ratification.

The Secretary General of the the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) during the summit will be able to highlight the way forward. The United States intends to fully engage with Africa as the recent Africa strategy says in a 21st century U.S.-Africa partnership and one aspect of that Africa is a friend shoring, which is to say working with reliable partners. It is noted to work within the framework that provides integration between West Africa and East Africa, between North Africa and Southern Africa.

Within the framework of the African Union agenda, the new generation who wants to build on geopolitical partnership dimension in the regional economic communities and with African countries. The point is that there are symmetries, obviously, between the economy and industrial development trajectory, and between developing and developed countries.

The African Growth and

Opportunity Act offers rules and regulations relating to trade agreements, especially tariff liberalization, this is an important aspect for building sustainable economic cooperation between the two regions.

The United States and its partnering institutions (both public and private) can best work together to spearhead continuous complementary work as it relates to both business security for participating actors and investors and including for example, the African diaspora and beyond industry for things like creative and cultural industries.

The speakers unanimously confirmed the summit as the highest unique platform to determine the geo-economic centers, examine thoroughly the global priorities and challenges, and concretely design the main directions of U.S.-Africa cooperation. It offers, especially this critical times, an orientation towards the future, at least the next decade, between the African continent and the United States.

U.S.-African Leaders Summit 2022, aims at enhancing cooperation on shared global priorities. The heads of state and leaders from across the African continent will converge in Washington D.C., within the context of the United StatesAfrica Leaders’ Summit hosted by President Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States of America.

Kestér Kenn Klomegâh is an Int’l Affair Analyst.

state it is in–and a greater number of them still constitute those who decide the fate of the nation today. This bad governance manifests in the absence of integral and sustainable human development.

Simply because the basic platforms for national growth are not in place, our tertiary institutions are not the apex centres for technological breakthroughs as it is in other climes and our courts are predominantly theatres where the most connected in government and the wealthy flex muscles against the poor and the vulnerable. Additionally, we do not have the technological basis for production since we import even the little things like pencils and toothpicks, and there is no electricity, good roads, or jobs. The socio-economic misfortunes of Nigerians continue to increase daily as the rate of inflation rises geometrically.

To make matters worse, the leaders proffer all forms of cosmetic solutions, which serve as conduit pipes for them to siphon the nation’s wealth to their foreign bank accounts, to

our national problems rather than time-honoured and enduring ones, and bodies set up to study issues affecting the nation only end up becoming toothless and reduced to white-papers fit only for the national archives. Having weakened the social contract between the government and the people, Nigeria’s political officeholders stymie the nation’s development on all fronts.

Our current crop of the political class is least concerned with engineering development that guarantees the welfare of the citizens. Nigerians might remain in this mess for a long time should the decision-makers continue to be unwilling to chart a new course for the nation and adjust to a system different from the prevailing trend. It would not be easy for Nigeria to be free from this economic death knell and socio-political calamity resulting from the unjust systems, structures and attitudinal dispositions of the policymakers but it is not impossible.

Ezinwanne Onwuka is a Public Policy Analyst.

Santuraki: Dreaming for a new Jigawa

By Adamu Muhd Usman

Wednesday, December 6, 2022, Alhaji Mustapha Sule LamidoSanturakin Dutse, officially flagged off his gubernatorial campaign for the 2023 Jigawa state governorship election, slated for 11th March 2023.

This is Santuraki’s 1st attempt for the Jigawa Governorship seat, but not his 1st attempt to seek political office. He contested for the Jigawa Northcentral senatorial district in the 2019 general election, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Today, the PDP, is the same political platform., Santuraki is using for his governorship campaign. Political pundits say- the Sule Lamido political house is known for its consistency in political

affiliation and views. The Lamido’s are among the very few Nigerian bigwigs politicians that have never left the PDP

From the onset, Mustapha Lamido appears enthusiastically ready, knowing full well that 2023 is his best moment to shoot at the Jigawa state governorship seat. Santuraki will be running on three strong pedestals –first, the Jigawa people are very comfortable with the Sule Lamido School of politics and style of leadership and representative developmentthus, they see Santuraki as the second version of his father.

Secondly, Santuraki has also earned the love of the Jigawa people. Thirdly, the party in power- the APC, has performed below the expectation of the Jigawa people. When Sule Lamido’s 8 years of massive

development and politics of consultation and allowing others to grow is compared with Governor Mohammed Badaru Abubaka’s - it’s just sad.

The flag off Mustapha’s governorship campaign and presentation of flags to party candidates in Dutse, the Jigawa state capital, is not only historic – but it has sent a strong message to the APC- ‘your time is off in Jigawa state’. The flag-off was witnessed by a mammoth crowd, PDP stakeholders nationwide, governorship aspirants from other states, and the PDP national leadership past and present, It was a carnival-like political gathering.

One of the qualities of Alhaji Mustapha Sule Lamido is, he is a man of his word, and this has earned him exceptional respect and support from Jigawa

messes. Santuraki promised to declare a state of emergency on unemployment among the teeming youths in the state. While promising to modernize Agriculture, provide affordable and reachable healthcare, and revamp the education sector to conform with the local needs but within the global best standards. Santuraki’s agenda also includes: women empowerment that will reach the poor and the most vulnerable, infrastructure that will modernize town and urban areas while the needs and wants of rural communities are fully incorporated in it, and lastly technology and innovation that will create productive jobs while agriculture, mineral, and human resources are its driving forces.

Santuraki also has plan

Building Nigeria’s future on Shea nuts

By Abachi Silas Ungbo

This piece is inspired by a trip to Bida, Niger state for a social event which I grudgingly attended owing to the terrible state of roads leading up to the city. However, an interesting ‘discovery’ forced an extension of my stay after the event which was much to my delight.

On my way to the hotel accommodating guests for the event, i made a brief stopover at a small drugstore which was overlooking a non- descript compound that had a very low perimeter fence. I was drawn to the compound on the strength of the fact that it was practically astirthe cacophonous traffic of people, vehicles and all manner of means of transporting people and goods all created a sort of bedlam.

The entrance was also strewn with piles of huge sacks containing what I couldn’t tell at first owing to the distance from where I was. There you had people weighing up and loading the sacks onto waiting trucks. Curiosity got the

better part of me resulting into an enquiry. A closer look revealed an appreciable number of women and children all busy cracking the shell of what truly were shea nuts confirming what I was told. Much to my shock, the operation was entirely carried out with different sizes of sticks.

The whirlwind of activities and crowd tell the story of the place of shea nuts as an important money spinner and means of livelihood. It has always played that role to so many, notably women who locally pick the nuts and add value in form of butter that’s in huge demand. Well, the shea butter is the fat extract of the nut containing saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins E, A, F and carotene which confers the many benefits it possesses.

Nigeria is sitting atop massive shea nuts goldmine – about 21 states lie within the shea nut belt.

Instructively, Nigeria is adjudged as host to the largest number of shea trees in the world. In fact, about 60% of the shea trees are in the country according to Global

Shea Alliance.

The global market for shea butter is phenomenal with different figures projected to the rapidly expanding market, which is on strength of the demand by the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. The European Union mandated a 5% usage of the butter in chocolate making and other confectionery; obviously replacing the use of cocoa butter. Over 90% of shea nuts exports serve the food industry according to Food and Agriculture Organization ( FAO).

Here in Nigeria, in fact, somewhere around Suleja, Niger state, I stumbled on a budding company creating business from transforming shea nut shells into environmentally friendly charcoal, Shisha cubes, Briquettes. And, the company has its sight on the European market for one of its products which will definitely be a boon to the economy.

We have always made a song and dance over the need to transit to a non-oil revenue dependent economy not least on agricultural products which is easily our long

suit owing to oil now becoming a broken reed- its capacity to pump the much-needed foreign exchange in the economy has diminished with concomitant implications. Agricultural products have been doing quite well in non-oil revenue generation; though, far below capacity. And from my Bida experience, our preparation towards making our shea nut competitive and deliver the needed goods leaves much to be desired.

Reports of activities of illegal exporters/ smugglers with foreign involvement in Nigeria is rife and for the most part, huge quantity of the commodity is moved into neighboring countries which constitutes huge losses to the country. Despite Nigeria’s position on the global shea nut map; Ghana, holds the position of the leading exporter of the commodity and it is explicable in light of its more developed processing capacity.

The shea butter export is wholly exported in its unprocessed formthis is where the intervention of government and other critical

A colloquial note on Tinubu’s global dance

By John Egbeazien Oshodi

Through the psychology of team leadership, he productively stated his vision and goals for Nigeria. Even when he was somewhat pressured to personally answer direct questions, his short answers were potent and to the point. His teleprompter-assisted speech eliminated all types of verbal errors. He positively for the most part ‘nailed’ that speech.

Bola Tinubu, a Lagosian almost by social birth and political maturation, knows the Nigerian social world and systematically shows it on the international scene through a combination of politics

and dance to any human with eyes.

Meaning his show of international campaigning and political moves while dancing excitingly to Kizz Daniel’s hit song ‘Buga’.

This social psychology, which he displays here(https://youtu. be/yMb-_7JHufU). captures all the NEGATIVES said about his BEING. I dare say, as long as he can move and express his feelings and thoughts till election day, e go hard to overcome his final moves into the presidency even if he decides not to engage in any public discourse. This dance nawaoo. We want to see these sharp and speedy moves again and again.

He danced for the world! Yes,

he did. And in a non-verbal way, he sends one message: ‘You can’t stop me ooo’.

The world watched him dance movingly, after a team-like presentation in London’s Chatham House, a globally known platform for intellectual engagement on various contemporary issues, where, in a calculated manner, he politely conditioned the Englishman, Dr. Alex Vines (the moderator), and the audience, mostly Uk- or Oyibobased Nigerians, about the benefits of what he called “Teamship”. In terms of answering questions posed to him.

To the comfort or gaze of the audience, he astutely shared the

majority of questions asked of him during the interaction session at Chatham House with his team.

Through the psychology of team leadership, he productively stated his vision and goals for Nigeria. Even when he was somewhat pressured to personally answer direct questions, his short answers were potent and to the point. His teleprompter-assisted speech eliminated all types of verbal errors. He positively for the most part ‘nailed’ that speech.

He found a psychological way to tell the world that one of his competitors was a political idealist and a novice. In a most strategic way, he depicted the other competitor as an illegal alien in Nigeria.

to create some agencies if he becomes the governor of Jigawa that will provide employment opportunities, safeguard the state and bring peaceful coexistence, unity of purpose, mutual understanding, political stability and positive societal changes. These are:- Jigawa State Geographic Information System (JIGIS), Jigawa State Roads and Security Agency (JIRASA) and Jigawa state former governors forum respectively by the special grace of God.

The flag off campaign’s s event speaks one thing- Jigawa is for PDP, Gobe Ta Allah Ce May God help.

Adamu, Public Relation Officer Santuraki Media Team (SMT), writes from KafinHausa Jigawa state.

stakeholders would be significant not least in the shift toward value addition which would assuredly foster enhanced earnings. Granted, so much have been done, the needle needs to move further in creating greater possibilities on this score.

Essentially, achieving the goal would not be for the want of know-how or capacity but commitment which has always been the weak link in the chain of our development.

Though, value addition has been a long-practiced tradition especially to butter. However, the local process needs to be supplanted with new practices to reflect global standard. In fact, the entire value chain needs to be exposed to improved handling/ processes that would ensure better returns to the different players. So, a future with shea nuts entail doing things differently in creating wealth out of its abundance in Nigeria.

Ungbo writes from Abuja via abachi007@yahoo.com

Whatever one thinks of his person, this man, with soul and body, has positioned himself as a continued dominant political player. He will be remembered for his striking African blue attire as he danced to the songs of the young and old globally. He may one day be known as “the dancing president.” Ademola Adeleke the dancing senator now Osun State governor nor fit catch Tinubu ooo. Best wishes and good health to all candidates! In 2023, may the best of all candidates be on God’s and the people’s side and win.

Prof John Egbeazien Oshodi, an American-based forensic/ clinical/legal psychologist, wrote in via info@teuopen.university

2023: choose leaders with fear of God — Bauchi CAN Chairman

Bauchi

The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bauchi State, Reverend (Dr) Abraham D. Dimieus has urged Christians to choose leaders who have the fear of God, respect for the rule of law, justice and fairness for all.

Dimieus made the call at the 6th State CAN Carol Service of Nine Lessons with the theme: “O Come Let Us Worship The King (Matthew 2:2) held at ECWA Goodnews Church, Bauchi.

According to him, “The year 2023 is a year of elections, and it is characterised by so many uncertainties. But one thing i request from the church in Bauchi is to apply wisdom in order to come out of this elections, strong and victorious.”

NDE trains 50 in GAP in Benue

From

Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The National Directorate of Employment,NDE, has trained over 50 graduates

under the Graduate Attachment, Program,GAP, in Benue State.

The program which lasted for three months was meant to enable the graduate acquure

organizational work experience for both public and private sector.

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, GAP NDE Abuja Mr. Israel Adekitan advised the

participants to apply what they learnt and replicate the experience to improve their livelihood.

KADCHMA bags 2022 govt agency of the year a ward

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Kaduna state Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) received Government Agency of the Year Award from the League of Extraordinary Achievers Award 2022, for his role of ensuring that out of pocket spending on healthcare is reduced.

Expressing his excitement over the feat, the Director General KADCHMA, Malam Abubakar Hassan said the staff and management of the Authority has worked tirelessly to have over 500,000 contributors to Kaduna state Health insurance scheme

According to him, the award is a proof that the efforts of the management and staff of KADCHMA are recognised, adding that the award will spur them to do more health is wealth and the scheme will stop unnecessary our of pocket spending.

“Knowledge of the scheme has gone up and its utilization due to sensitization has also increased with high impact on

maternal and child mortality in the state. We are beginning to raise the numbers. On behalf of the entire staff of KADCHMA, I feel excited and delighted about the award and more challenged to do more having been selected to receive this award.

“As of January this year the Authority has less than 2,500 informal sector enrolments but as at the close of October the numbers have risen to well

over 20,000. The scheme today, which include both formal and informal sector and the vulnerable programme is well over 500,000.

“The introduction of the flexible payment option has given hope to the people now in the majority that cannot pay one off and this is a major feat. Improved quality assurance visits as well as impact of monitoring and evaluation of our operations are

major critical success factors that we believe were also responsible.

“We’ve also built credible relationships with our providers and this is impacting on the speed of response in terms of delivery of service. Improved and timely delivery of services, dynamic operation, more products and multiple options for different groups and individuals are some of the reasons why we are seeing increased enrolment.

“I can only congratulate His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai for what we are beginning to see as successes due to the wisdom in choosing to be dynamic in leadership that led to the set up of the scheme in Kaduna state. It is my prayer that his generation will continue to reap from his selfless, dedication to the growth of Kaduna State,” the DG added.

NGO empowers 30 households on gender action skills in Bauchi

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

An NGO, Attah Sisters

Helping Hands Foundation (ASHHF) with funding from Women for Women International (WFWI) has empowered 30 households on gender action learning skills in Bauchi and Ganjuwa local government areas of Bauchi State.

Speaking at the end of the 10 days training of the households,

Mrs Comfort Attah, Executive Director (ED) of the Foundation at weekend in Bauchi, said 15 households from Ganjuwa and 15 households from Bauchi LGAs, were trained under the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) project.

Attah said Gender Action Learning System focuses specifically on changing gender transformation linking change at individual, household, community

and macro-levels.

“It develops participatory visioning and planning skills and strengthens social networks for women and men at all levels.

“It includes livelihoods, value chain, leadership, organizational development, financial services, food security, environment, civil society development and conflict resolution”.

Attah explained that GALS tools are mainstreamed in

organizations and with multiple stakeholders to increase effectiveness of any development process and produce information for gender justice advocacy.

“Developing gender action learning skills of vulnerable stakeholder groups in the value chain, to enable them to identify and implement sustainable strategies to increase incomes, resources, economic choices and negotiation power,” she said.

From Ahmad Muhammad

Chairman,Nigeria Governors’Forum and Sokoto state Governor,Aminu Waziri Tambuwal(R)with Chairperson, Nigeria Governors’Wives Forum,Hajia Mariya Aminu Waziri and Director General,Nigeria Governors’Forum Asishana B.Okauru during the commissioning of Governors wives Secretariat on Wednesday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

We don’t care who becomes Nigeria’s president in 2023 election - UK

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The government of the United Kingdom has said it has no interest in who becomes the next president of Nigeria during the 2023 general elections.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Liang, stated this on Wednesday after a closed-

Presidency: NNPP denies alliance with PDP

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has expressed concern over the story making the rounds and credited to the Secretary of Board of Trustees, Engr. Buba Galadima that the party may go into alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2023 general election.

In a statement issued yesterday by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Agbo Major, NNPP said there is no such arrangement on ground as its presidential candidate is in the race to win and provide purposeful leadership in line with the party’s programmes and manifesto.

“He is determined to go all the way due to his passion to serve Nigerians. As a mass movement, NNPP welcomes electoral alliances from like minded political parties in our quest to rescue our great country but insist that any such arrangement must be the one that would see them joining us to deliver our presidential candidate Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso FNSE and never the other way round.

“That the said report is a figment of the imagination of those who engineered it and we see it as antics of mischief makers and propagandists due to the towering profile of our candidate after the series of town hall meetings held so far.

“The party roundly dismissed this mischievous report that has created unease amongst our teeming members and followers”, NNPP statement said.

door meeting with the National Working Committee (NWC), of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja.

Mrs Liang noted that the Kingdom would work with any of the candidates who emerge, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s democracy and the president’s commitment to free and secure elections.

She said: “This is one meeting

I am having with political parties, the presidential candidates, and the party chairmen. And today is for the APC chairman to pass on our message about the general election.

“We welcome Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and the president’s commitment to free and secure elections.

“We talked a little more detailed about the conditions

necessary for that to happen. And the concern about insecurity.

“And the importance of the people coming out on that day and encouraging more people to register because they need to turn out and vote on the day of the election.

“That means no intimidation and a secured environment. And people feel they can vote for the

candidate they want.

“The UK doesn’t have a preferred candidate. We are committed to free and fair elections, but we will work with whoever the presidential candidate that emerges from the election.

“UK and Nigeria have a very strong partnership, and we want Nigeria to succeed. And democracy is part of it”.

2023 elections: Egbura community calls for issue-based campaigns in Toto LGA

By Musa Baba Adamu

Ahead of the next year general elections, Community of Egbura ethnic group in Kaduna, Kaduna state has called on the political gladiators contesting for various positions in Toto LGA of Nasarawa state to eschew divisiveness and rancour.

Making the call through a statement issued in Kaduna yesterday, the community said the call became imperative because the LGA had had more than fair share of its own civil upheaval in recent years.

The statement said while the contestants were going about scouting for voters votes, they must keep at the back of their minds the fact that there would be winners and losers at the end of every contest.

It urged the contestants to confine their political rethorics to how they would endear developments such as good roads, functional hospitals, qualitiive education and

electricity to the Area.

The statement recalled that “area has witnessed enough of violence and bloodletting!”

It said “it is noteworthy that the contest for elective office is contest for opportunity to bring development to the area rather than conflict.

According to the statement, “...all campaigns must be peaceful, devoid of violence and thugs, by all means. Politics must not be a do or die affair.

“Campaigns must be issues based, especially on how best to bring development to the area, by highlighting our developmental needs and what needs to be done to realize them. There should be no name calling, no acrimony.

“That there should be deliberate efforts by politicians to educate the electorate on how to vote and the quality of those that the electorate should look out to vote for, for the various offices. Indeed politicians must ensure that no eligible voter is disenfranchised.

“That campaign issues must include, Electric power supply to the area, Higher Institutions in the area, Sugar & Marble Industries in the area, Construction of the Kparache – Kanyehu – Ohyege – Loko – Udenin Ruwa – Doma –Lafia road, Construction of the Tudu/Uku – Katakpa road, Construction of the Gadabuke –

Umuro – Zono – Ugya road and the Construction of the Toto –Ohizi/Ogette/Osewu – Omoko road.”

It called on the: “Village groups, Elders’ groups, and Youths’ groups” to engage the aspirants to make explanations in detail on how they intend to achieve sustainable peace and development in the area.”

Dec 5th Court judgement legal setback, not end to victory - AAC

By Christiana Ekpa

The African Action Congress (AAC) has said the December 5th, 2022 Federal High Court, Abuja ruling against the party in its matter with Omoyele Sowore, the party’s presidential candidate, is not an end to AAC’s victory in the 2023 presidential election.

A statement issued by Sylvester Cletus, National Publicity Secretary of AAC, the party said “The court sidestepped the substantive issues in the matter brought to compel the Independent

National Electoral Commission, INEC to stop recognizing Omoyele Sowore as the party’s National Chairman and its Presidential Candidate at the same time.

“The court neither made reference to INEC nor addressed the expulsion of Sowore who the party expelled in August 9, 2019 during that years presidential polls. And all through this period he has been deceiving gullible Nigerians especially those in diaspora that he is contesting for presidency on the social media when Nigerians at home knows very well that the Blogger

is a comedian and businessman that seek media attention.

“It was indeed a bleak day that further demonstrated that justice in Nigeria is threatened. We should make no mistake about it that Nigeria has a long way to go and the faith in the country by responsible patriots is dwindling to irredeemable proportion daily.

“We thank all party faithful that stood strong with the leadership to continue to fight a travesty that promotes one man to purport to own a mass-based, people-centered and constitutional repugnant

position that a political party should be owned by one man, be its National Chairman and also its presidential candidate same time.

“We reiterate that this legal setback is not an end to victory road. We remain resolute that this conspiracy of the judiciary and INEC to promote this sort of evil will continue to be fought and checked.

“Options for the next line of action(s) are being weighed even as this will be communicated across. We will never give up. Our people will always be put first!”, the statement said.

Governor Buni

N1.9tr Service-Wide-Vote: Senate threatens 100 MDAs with zero allocation

By Musa Baba Adamu

Senate Wednesday threatened 100 federal government owned agencies with zero budget allocation in 2023 for not honouring invitations of its committee on Public Accounts for explanations on service wide vote expenditure from 2017 to 2021.

This is just as the lawmakers kicked against the cash withdrawal limit of N100,000 for individuals and N500,000 for corporations as being proposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to take off on January 9th, 2023.

Hammer of the Senate on the affected 100 agencies which included, the State House, Presidential Fleet, Ministry of Finance, Nigeria Army, Navy, Airforce, Police, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) etc, was sequel to complaint lodged against them by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Mathew Urhoghide (PDP Edo South).

Urhoghide had through orders 42 and 95 of the Senate Standing Rules, rose to complain on alleged recalcitrance of heads of the affected agencies to honour invitations sent to them by his committee for required appearance before it for explanations on service wide vote given to them by the Presidency totalling N1.9trillion.

Service Wide Vote according to him, is extra budgetary spending made to fill shortfalls in capital and recurrent expenditures , which are not audited by the Auditor General of the Federation and not known to various standing committees of the National Assembly.

Urhoghide who hinged his complaints on provisions of sections 62, 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution ( as amended) , said heads of the affected agencies failed to honour several invitations sent to them to make required explanations on service wide vote spendings from 2017 to 2021.

He said the affected agencies were also those who refused to appear before the committee to answer queries slammed on them by the Auditor General of the Federation on alleged financial infractions.

Angered by the submission, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan requested that the list of the affected agencies be read out to all Senators and ordered that they should appear before the committee within one week or risk zero budget allocation in 2023 as far as capital expenditure component is concerned.

•Rejects CBN’s cash limit policy

Other affected agencies aside ones earlier mentioned are ÷ Office Of The Accountant General Of The Federation, Federal Ministry Of Interior , Budget Office Of The Federation , Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc , Ministry Of Foreign Affairs , National Emergency Management Agency , National Commission For Refugees, Migrants And Internally Displaced Persons , Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corp , Ministry Of Defence and Office Of The Special Assistant To The President On Niger Delta Affairs.

Others are ÷ Ministry Of Petroleum Resources , National Inland Water Ways Authority Lokoja , Federal Ministry Of Health , Presidential Amnesty Program, Ministry Of Agriculture And Rural Development , Federal

Civil Service Commission , Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority , National Health Insurance Scheme , Ministry Of Communications And Digital Economy , Tertiary Education Trust Fund Tetfund , Federal Ministry Of Youth And Sport Development , Ministry Of Environment ,National Hajj Commission Of Nigeria , Revenue Mobilization Allocation Fiscal Commission , Federal Ministry Of Information And Culture , Nigeria Defence Academy , National Human Rights Commission , Nigeria Centre For Disease Control , National Security Adviser etc .

In a related development, the CBN policy on cash withdrawal limit of N100,000 and N500,000 for individuals and corporations respectively ran into trouble when Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda

(PDP FCT) attempted to move a motion for it.

Senator Aduda in the proposed motion, sought for debate from all senators on the planned policy before the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, told him that it was too early to debate the policy.

However, Lawan in stopping him said, “As good as the cashless policy may be, it should not be jumped at once.

“The way CBN is going about the policy, many Nigerians would be cut off and that won’t be accepted.

“Motion on the policy will be thoroughly debated in Senate on Tuesday next week after adequate information has been gotten on it.

“Before Tuesday next week, our committee on Banking , Insurance and other Financial Institutions mandated to screen the re - appointed Deputy

Senator Ahmad Lawan

Governors of Central Bank , should focus its questions on the planned policy.

“The CBN Deputy Governors must be thoroughly grilled on the policy after which extensive debate on it will be made by Senators on Tuesday next week”, he said.

CNPP tackles critics of CBN cash limits, says sacrifice worths good governance

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP)

has said that critics of the new cash withdrawal limits imposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are missing the key gains of the policy, especially ahead of the 2023 general elections.

In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Willy Ezugwu, the CNPP stated that “Nigerians are suffering today because of bad governance and every sacrifice towards getting the right leadership into offices from 2023 is worth it.

“Bad governance is a product of Nigeria’s flawed

electoral processes over the years which threw bad and corrupt leaders on the masses. This became the case as a result of highly monetised electoral processes.

“But, any process that will minimize the domination of the Nigerian political space by moneybags and corrupt politicians, is worth whatever sacrifices by the ordinary citizens, who bear the brunts of bad governance the most.

“Secondly, information available in public domain shows how several millions, if not billions, of naira notes got mutilated and became of no use where the country’s thieving leaders stashed the

cash, thereby denying the economy, especially the banks the liquidity for productive enterprise.

“Poor fiscal policies in the country over the years is as a result of having the wrong persons in public offices due to electoral process that abhors level playing ground.

“Therefore, the CBN should be commended, rather than criticised for the fresh cash withdrawal limits.

“Mr. Godwin Emefiele as the CBN Governor is unarguably the hero of Nigerian democracy and champion of good governance by virtue of the twin policies of redesigning of the naira notes and the reviewed

cash withdrawal limits, with a perfect timing of the dates for implementations.

“The CNPP urges the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, and by extension, all security agencies and anti-graft bodies to act swiftly to ensure that no politician or highly placed individual influences banks to circumvent the cash withdrawal policy.

“We also call on all wellmeaning Nigerians to support the CBN policy on cash control as part of efforts to secure the future of the country, particularly ahead of the 2023 general elections”, the CNPP stated.

Nigeria needs critical change – Anambra LP campaign council boss, Uzodike

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Chairman of the Presidential Campaign Council of Labour Party (LP) in Anambra State, Joe-Martins Uzodike, has said that Nigeria is in need of critical change and needs the enthronement of a credible leader.

The council stated this yesterday during the inauguration of a 900-member Presidential Campaign Committee of the Labour Party in Anambra State.

The event also united members of the Anambra State executive council who worked with the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, during his eight-year tenure as

governor.

The chairman of the PCC in the state, Mr Joe-Martins Uzodike, during the ceremony in Awka, on Wednesday, said the LP is now a serious-minded project which is out to salvage Nigeria out of its current bad situation, adding that the country needs critical change at the moment.

He charged the members to work together to ensure that the party gets a resounding victory at the presidential poll, warning that the party would not hesitate to remove any member, found wanting in his assigned duty or office.

He said “This is the committee by the LP presidential candidate, these are those who

will work for our presidential candidate. The presidential campaign is different from other campaigns and that is why all our candidates are members of the committee.

“We also thank Nigerians for finding Peter Obi worthy to contest the presidential election. Nigerians don’t need to verify anymore because all the facts have been verified. This LP is now a serious-minded project and we are out to take back Nigeria for Nigerians.”

Members of the executive council of Anambra State, who worked with Obi took time to speak, giving testimonies of their working relationship with Obi and how he used his initiative to sort out some knotty areas in

governance during his tenure.

Prof Chinyere Okunna, Chief of Staff to Obi during his tenure and Mrs Azuka Enemo gave their testimonies of Obi’s sterling ability in governance.

Okunna said: “Nigeria is at a crossroads today, and we need someone who can salvage her. Obi is that person. He is a man who has demonstrated leadership in every way, and we must not miss this opportunity.”

The Anambra State chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Chinwe Orizu, said that NLC is solidly behind Obi.

Orizu said that NLC has confidence in the ability of Obi’s government to bring glory and prosperity to Nigeria and Nigerians.

132,626 PVCs remain uncollected in Anambra – INEC

By Christiana Ekpa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that 132,626 Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) belonging to voters in the 21 local government areas of Anambra State are still uncollected.

The commission also stated

that it has relocated six local government area collection centres in the state, as a result of the insecurity ravaging most parts of the country.

The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, stated this on Wednesday, during a meeting with stakeholders at the state headquarters of the commission.

Agwu who addressed all the political parties representatives, traditional rulers and civil

society groups said the local government areas where the relocation of collation centres took place include Ihiala, Nnewi South, Onitsha North, Orumba North, Awka North and Awka South.

She said: “The collection of PVCs has been extended to Saturdays and Sundays in Anambra State. We need enough security to carry out this function. If people fail to collect their PVC, they will be

shortchanging themselves, and doing a disservice to the people of their area.

“The 2023 general elections will be free, fair and credible, not only in Anambra State but the entire country. We have done the necessary work, and we hope to deliver.”

She gave a breakdown of the figures of uncollected PVCs in most local government areas as follows: Ayamelum – 1,960; Dunukofia – 6,222; Idemili

South – 4’589; Anaocha – 885; Orumba South -6,656; Onitsha South – 12,274; Idemili North –16,256; Aguata – 12675; Njikoka – 7,009; Ogbaru – 10,755 and Anambra East – 7,717.

Others are Nnewi South – 1,841; Awka North – 1,153; Anambra West – 1,387; Orumba North – 2,393; Oyi – 7,982; Onitsha North – 9,990; Ihiala – 4,058; Nnewi North – 8,700; Ekwusigo – 3,350 and Awka South – 4,971.

2023: Your days are numbered –PDP tells APC in Jigawa

By Musa Baba Adamu

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the days of the ruling All Progressive Congress are numbered.

The gubernatorial candidate of the party in Jigawa state, Dr Mustapha Sule Lamido stated this on Tuesday, at the flag-off of the 2023 election campaign held in Dutse, the state capital.

He claimed the ruling party in the state and the country has nothing to show other than causing unnecessary difficulties and hardship for its citizens.

He noted that the PDP is the only party that is ready to provide solutions to the problems bedevilling the country.

Lamido said the mammoth crowd at the occasion was a clear indication the people of the state had made their choice already.

He predicted that 2023 is the terminal point of APC’s dominance.

Confusion in Ebonyi as court

By Christiana Ekpa

Afederal High Court sitting in Abuja has voided the primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ebonyi State, just a few months before the general election.

Recall that the Party, PDP, in its first primary election conducted in May 28th and 29th 2022, elected Mr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii as its gubernatorial candidate in

Ebonyi State.

The party also held another primary election on the 4th and 5th of June 2022, which produced Obinna Ogba as its factional governorship candidate.

It was gathered that the 1st primary election of the PDP which produced Odii as a guber candidate was conducted under the headship of Silas Onu while the 2nd Primary election of the party that produced Ogba, was

conducted under the headship of Tochukwu Okorie.

Both Odii and Ogba reportedly fought gallantly in court for the PDP guber ticket in Ebonyi, wherein the Supreme Court later ruled in favour of Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Binta Nyako has allegedly nullified all the primary elections of the PDP conducted under Silas Onu.

Justice Nyako however,

voids PDP primaries, gives 14 day for fresh election 2023: Ex-Osun LP guber candidate Lasun Yusuf dumps Peter Obi

gave fourteen days (14 days) for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to conduct a fresh primary election.

When contacted, the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Tochukwu Okorie confirmed the nullification of the Party’s primaries.

He said the party will soon make its position known as regards the federal High court ruling.

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The governorship candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the recently concluded Osun State gubernatorial election, Lasun Suleiman Yusuf, has dumped the presidential candidate of the LP, Peter Obi.

Yusuf who was received into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during a presidential rally in Osun on Wednesday, has declared his support for Atiku Abubakar.

Governor Ademola Adeleke made the announcement of Lasun’s defection to the PDP while speaking at the campaign rally in Osogbo, the state capital.

The campaign rally was attended by PDP bigwigs including the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, his running mate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, the party’s national chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, and the PDP Presidential Campaign Council chairman, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State.

I never opposed Ortom on PDP crisis – Sen. Abba Moro

By Musa Baba Adamu

Senator Abba Moro has disassociated himself from media reports on the crises rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP at the national level credited to him.

The Senator who is seeking reelection as the PDP candidate for Benue South Senatorial District spoke Monday, December 5th, 2022 at the flag off of his senatorial campaign in Oju, headquarters of Oju local government area of the state.

According to Senator Moro, “I will never assume the duty of the leader of the party in Benue state and I have restrained myself from

commenting on the crisis in the PDP, believing that our leaders know the right thing to do at the appropriate time,” he stated.

He went on, “I believe that the Governor as the leader of the party, has the capacity to resolve issues within the party in Benue State and even as a leader in the G-5, he has the capacity together with his colleagues to ensure that the right thing is done and all parties to the crisis in PDP do the needful to make sure that we go into 2023 as united forces of PDP to win the election.”

Governor Samuel Ortom in his speech at the rally assured the people of Benue South senatorial district that the continuity of the

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP administration in the state will further work for the improved conditions of the state.

Governor Ortom commended the people of Benue South for their commitment to the party and promised that those elected on the platform of the party will continue to do their best to bring development to the state.

“You have done us well, you have given us support and the only thing, we can pay back to you is to ensure that we work to ensure that Benue State is better and that is what we are doing.”

Senator representing Benue North-East, Gabriel Suswam in his goodwill message said he had

come to give solidarity to Senator Moro because he “is a grassroots politician and a voice that cannot be ignored in the Senate and politics of Nigeria.”

Deputy Governorship candidate of PDP in the State, John Ngbede who spoke on behalf of the PDP Governorship candidate, Engr Titus Uba noted that the PDP was sending a balanced team to the National Assembly and tasked the people to collect their Permanent Voters Card, PVCs and vote en masse for PDP candidates in the polls.

The Acting State Chairman of PDP, Hon Isaac Mffo who presented the party’s flags to candidates of the party in the

zone, affirmed that the “PDP is an inclusive political platform” and charged the candidates to carry everyone along in their campaigns.

Earlier, Director of Benue South Senatorial campaigns, Dr. Elijah Adakole stated that with the track record of performance of Senator Moro in the areas of health, infrastructure and education the people of the zone were ready to re-elect him and vote for all PDP candidates.

The Chairman of the occasion, Elder Christopher Abah and Chairlady, Mrs. Ene Edache in their separate remarks pledged their readiness to mobilize support for all PDP candidates.

Peter Obi

Nigeria’s oil production now 1.6m bpd, says NNPC

Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says the country’s crude oil production has increased to 1.6 million barrels.

Bala Wunti, chief upstream investment officer (CUIO), NNPC upstream investment management services, said this at the 11th Practical Nigerian Content forum in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state on Tuesday.

He said the country’s oil production as of Tuesday was 1.6 million barrels per day — up from 1,014,485 barrels in October.

Wunti said the output increase was a result of the government’s all-inclusive approach to the fight against crude oil theft.

“Crude theft affects all architecture that funds the country. When the oil theft reached its peak, everything including gas production was affected,” he said.

“One, we have security agencies in which the navy, the police, and everyone within that space was involved. The second is the regulators angle. At this stage, all regulators are made to fully be part of the efforts.

“Third is the operators’ angle. And, of course, all operators were involved. The fourth angle is the community angle in which all impacted communities have to be brought under the umbrella of a structured arrangement in the collective effort against crude oil theft. In all, these efforts were able to do three things: detect, deter, and respond appropriately.

“As at today, oil production is at 1.59 million barrels per day.”

Nigeria has been grappling with low production in the face of the lingering oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

In 2022, the country has not been able to produce above 1.4 million barrels of oil in 2022. This is below the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota of 1.8 million bpd.

CBN warns banks, payment service providers others against discrimination of payment cards

Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has cautioned banks, switching companies, and other relevant parties in the Nigerian payment system against discrimination between payment cards issued by Nigerian banks.

The warning is contained in a circular signed by the CBN’s Director, Payments System Management Department, Musa Jimoh, and issued to all banks, switching companies, and others.

This is coming at a time the apex bank has intensified its drive toward achieving a cashless economy with its new policy on over-the-counter cash withdrawal limits for individuals and companies as well as

withdrawal limits for Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) and Point of Sale (POS)

Jimoh said that the circular titled, ‘Re: Interoperability and Interconnectivity of the Payments System Infrastructure in Nigeria’, is a reminder of some of the provisions of its Guidelines on operations of electronic payment channels in Nigeria (June 2020).

He noted that the merchant acquirers shall ensure that the purchased and deployed POS terminals shall accept all cards.

The circular reads, ‘’The Central Bank of Nigeria has observed that a number of the acceptance devices deployed by banks discriminate between payment cards. For the avoidance of doubt, all certified payment acceptance devices

deployed in Nigeria are required to accept ALL transactions arising from any card issued by any Nigerian bank.

‘’The circular serves as a reminder of the following provisions of the Guidelines on operations of electronic payment channels in Nigeria (June 2020);Section 2.4.1.3; Merchant acquirers shall ensure that POS terminals purchased and deployed at merchant/ retailers location through the CBN licensed Payment Terminal Services Provider shall accept all cards (card agnostic) Section 2.4.1.7; To achieve interoperability, all POS terminals deployed in Nigeria shall accept all transactions arising from any card issued by any Nigerian bank.

Accordingly, acquirers and

other service providers shall be card neutral entities that have no reason to promote or favor any card brand over the other; Section 2.4.1.8; Every acquirer must be able to accept all cards issued by Nigerian banks, whether through a direct license or via an arrangement with any other acquirer that is licensed under the relevant card/payment schemes.’’

Jimoh also urged all the affected service providers to take note of the circular on interoperability and interconnectivity of the Payment Service Infrastructure in Nigeria.

He said, ‘’This serves as notice to all banks and acquirers to desist from the practice of discrimination, as observed breaches will attract appropriate regulatory sanctions.’’

FG: Second Niger Bridge will open to traffic Dec 15

The federal government says the Second Niger Bridge will open to traffic on December 15.

Jimoh Olawale, federal controller of works in Delta, made this known in an interview with NAN on Wednesday.

He, however, said that the bridge would be open for only 30 days.

According to him, Babatunde Fashola, minister of works and housing, ordered the opening of the bridge, which is 95 percent complete, to ease traffic during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“As we know, during the Christmas celebration, commuters suffer hardship accessing the old Niger Bridge due to traffic

jams but with this arrangement, traffic congestion on Asaba-Benin Expressway will ease,” Olawale said.

“We have notified the state government of this arrangement and we are working with the Federal Roads Safety Corps to ensure a hitch-free vehicular movement.

“Motorists going towards Owerri direction would divert through the access road near the old Niger Bridge to the new bridge.” Olawale debunked claims that the federal government had abandoned the payment of compensation to property owners along the access road to the second Niger Bridge.

He explained that the government had not taken

possession of any property along the 17-kilometre Okpanam-IbusaAsaba-Oko bypass to the new bridge, but only served notice that their structures were within the government right-of-way.

The controller said that the modalities for payment of compensations were being worked out.

“The federal government has appointed a consultant, Messrs C.O. Akpabor and Company to enumerate the properties for compensation,” Olawale said.

“Each claimant has an attorney that liaises with the consultant, so there is no need for protest, more so that the federal government has not taken possession of the properties nor commenced construction work on the access road.

“At the moment, nobody’s structure or property has been demolished.

“The federal government verification team have visited and submitted its report to Abuja and the government will pay all compensation before work will commence on the access road.”

Olawale assured that the government would complete construction work on the 17km access road before May 29, 2023.

In October, Fashola said the link roads to the bridge were still under construction.

“Second Niger Bridge is completed. What is remaining is a 4km interchange road at the Asaba end and 2km out of a 7km link road at the Onitsha end,” Fashola had said.

BU$IN€SS

Yunus Abuja

The Securities and Exchange Commission has said that the revised edition of the Capital Market Masterplan (2021 – 2025) that was recently launched has a projection of 50 listings of Shariah compliant products with a market capitalisation of at least N5 trillion by the year 2025

This was disclosed by Director General of the SEC, Mr. Lamido

Shariah Products: Master plan projects N5 trillion capitalisation by 2025 – SEC

Yuguda during the opening of a three-day capacity building workshop for local Shariah talent for Non-Interest Capital Market held at the SEC head office in Abuja, Wednesday.

of the Market, one of which is the “encouragement of the development of stakeholders for the Market” and today’s workshop is evidence of the realization of this particular objective.

Envoy:

We’re seeking ways to improve trade between Canada, Nigeria

Abubakar Yunus Abuja

Teshome Nkrumah, deputy high commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, says the country is making efforts to do better in improving the current volume of trade, which presently stands at $2.7 billion.

Nkrumah said this during a courtesy visit to Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria, in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

According to a statement by Kehinde Akinyemi, media aide to Obasanjo, the high commissioner, who is responsible for the Commercial Relationship between Canada and Nigeria, was on regional outreach to Abeokuta to boost trade between the two countries.

“We are on agricultural outreach to try to find out the opportunities in the local market to do business and boost trade between the two countries. We are meeting business people and entrepreneurs just to see where the opportunities are,” the statement quoted Nkrumah as saying.

“And I was pleased to meet with the largest farmer in the state and former president. We had a nice conversation and shared his views about how to grow the farming industry in Nigeria, and we are working towards achieving synergy between Canada and Nigeria.

“We are here to build bridges, make connections and see where we can make changes to move trade between both countries forward.”

On bilateral trade, Nkrumah said: “Currently, I think we can do so much better. There is $2.7 billion of trade between our two countries and happily, it is in favour of Nigeria. $2 billion is for Nigeria’s export from Canada and about $700 million is for export from Canada to Nigeria.

“But, there is still more to grow in terms of opportunities. If we are very much focused and structured and look for where to grow opportunities we can still see our export growth.”

Yuguda who was represented by the SEC’s Executive Commissioner Operations, Mr. Dayo Obisan, said that the Non-Interest Capital Market (NICM) also has the following new targets: ensuring 100 retail Shariahcompliant products; and projection of 1 million or more direct investors in Shariah-compliant products with at least N5 trillion investment by institutional investors in Shariah compliant products.

Yuguda noted that with these new responsibilities, promoting capacity-building programmes, such as theWorkshop, on Shariahcompliant processes and products (Regulators and Operators) has become necessary for the NCIM.

He said the Commission, in recognising the potentials of the Non-Interest Capital Market for economic growth, dedicated a component in its ten-year (20152025) Capital Market Masterplan for the speedy development of the Market in the Financial system.

Specifically, Yuguda said the Masterplan provides clear Strategic Objectives for the development

The stride and significant achievements recorded by the Masterplan he said, is evidenced by the last ranking of Nigerian Islamic Finance in 13th place on the global Islamic Finance Development Indicator 2021, with the assets under Management valued at N2.30 billion; which is higher than countries like Bangladesh and Turkey.

“As you may be aware, the major difference between Conventional Finance and Non-Interest Finance is the application of Shariah principles. This simply means that Non-Interest Financial Market cannot exist without experts in Islamic commercial jurisprudence (FiqhulMu’amalat Al-Maliyya).

“Therefore, this Workshop will help in fast-tracking the development of experts for the Market. We believe that it would be a magic lamp for developing our local Sharia talent, not only for Nigerian Capital Market but for the Nigerian Financial system in general.

“The level of activities in the Non-Interest capital market that

we are currently experiencing in Nigeria affirms the overwhelming acceptance of NICM products by the country’s populace. This shows a strong appetite for other alternative forms of investments. Recently, the Market witnessed the entrance of institutions offering Non-Interest capital market services/products and the oversubscription of the FGN and corporate Sukuk, further buttresses the need for this workshop to encourage the development of Shariahexperts for the Market.

The DG said the workshop is aimed at exposing participants who have the potential to provide Shariahadvisory services for the Islamic Finance Industry, particularly the Non-Interest Capital Market’s operations as it relates to Shariah principles and rulings. It is also planned to be in two levels, Level 1 and 2.

He stated that Level 1, is focused on the basic areas of Financial Market Structure and Operations of the Capital Market, Shariah principles and contracts relating to Non-Interest Capital Markets as well as Shariah issues relating to the operations and businesses of the Market, among others while level-2 which will address the operation of the Sukuk and Equity Markets.

The SEC Boss said NICM has so much potentials in the country by attracting an untapped investor base who appears indifferent to conventional instruments, to participate in the capital market as well as the existing investors to diversify to ethical and socially responsible investments.

“We believe that developing Shariah talent through a Workshop like this, is another opportunity of creating awareness for the NonInterest Capital Market products and services which in turn will facilitate the Financial Inclusion drive in the Nigerian Financial System.

“I am happy to note that the Commission recently exposed registration Rules to set a minimum standard for corporate or individuals seeking to provide shariahadvisory services for Non-Interest Capital Market activities. This is to further encourage and attract the attention of qualified persons and entities to engage in the Shariah advisory function for Non-interest Capital Market.

Yuguda expressed the confidence that the participants will benefit from the vast knowledge and experience of the facilitators, which will bring about a much-needed impact on the participants and the market in general.

L-R, Assistant Director Financial Inclusion, Securities and Exchange Commission Mrs Sa’adatu Faruk, Vice Chairman, Financial Regulation Council of Experts Dr Bashir Aliyu Umar, Executive Commissioner Operations SEC Mr Dayo Obisan, Director Market Development SEC Mr Nestor Ikeagu and Director, Department of Registration, Exchanges, Market Infrastructure and Innovations SEC Mr Abbas Abdulkadir during the Capacity Building Workshop on Shariah Talent in Abuja yesterday

World Bank: Low income countries’ debt doubled in last decade — up by $9trn in 2021

The World Bank says the external debt stock of lowincome and middle-income countries doubled over the past decade to $9 trillion at the end of 2021.

Last year, the debts rose by 12 percent to a record of $860 billion in 2020 from $770 billion in 2019.

David Malpass, president, World Bank, disclosed this on Tuesday during the launch of the International Debt Report, 2022.

According to Malpass, the bank’s latest debt statistics report showed that the debt crisis in the world’s poorest countries is intensifying.

He added that this has made debt restructuring harder.

According to the president,

increasing debts brings three risks; a global recession in 2023, a multi-year period of slow growth, widespread asset repricing as higher interest rates are applied, and hedges running out.

He, however, added that many of the impacts will be delayed even into 2024 and 2025 including debt restructurings.

“The total external debt of low- and middle-income countries doubled over the last decade, reaching $9 trillion at the end of 2021. For the IDA-eligible countries, the poorest, debt reached $1 trillion, nearly tripling since 2010. Their debt service payments on external public and publicly guaranteed debt are expected to surge 35 percent in

2022, to $62 billion up from $46 billion in 2021,” Malpass said.

“This will exhaust scarce fiscal resources needed for electricity, water, nutrition, health, education, and climate action. Over 40 IDAeligible low-income countries are at high risk of debt distress or are already in it. Debt crises are also spreading to middle-income countries.

“The composition of debt has changed dramatically too, making much-needed debt restructurings harder.

“More of the debt is to private creditors. Debt owed by low- and middle-income countries on their public and publicly guaranteed debt to private creditors at the end of 2021 was 61 percent, that’s up

from 46 percent in 2010. Much of that increase came from increased bond issuance, with bondholders now accounting for nearly 80 percent of the privately held debt. For IDA countries, this was $76 billion owed to bondholders, making restructurings difficult.

“And more of the debt is owed to non-Paris Club creditors. That’s another change in the composition. Debt owed to government creditors that don’t belong to the Paris Club has soared. China is the biggest example of the trend.”

The World Bank president, however, said to address the debt crisis, nations should focus on improvements in three areas — debt sustainability, transparency, and restructuring.

Abubakar

BUSINESS

Dangote sponsors, offers innovative products, at Kano Fair

Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The pavilion of Africa’s foremost conglomerateDangote Group-yesterday turned Mecca as participants thronged to have a glimpse of the several innovative products being displayed.

Some of the participants who visited the company’s pavilion included top government officials, Emirs, investors, academics, and several highprofile personalities.

The company, which is the major sponsor of the 43rd Trade Fair, is being organized by the Kano Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA).

President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, is the Grand Patron of the KACCIMA.

Participants who thronged

the company’s pavilion said they were excited by the quality of the products being displayed.

Many of the participants said they were enlisting for distributorship with the company.

Among those who visited the company’s pavilion are the Emirs of Gaya and his counterpart from the Bichi Emirate.

While delivering his address earlier, Mr. Dangote described the theme of the fair, which is unlocking export opportunities through AFCFTA for Nigeria’s economic growth and development, as apt.

Mr. Dangote was represented by the Regional Director, Dangote Cement Plc. North West, Mr. Aliyu Da’u Aliyu.

He noted that AFCFTA is arguably the future of Africa,

adding that DIL will play a significant role in the intraAfrican market as a Pan-African company and global player to maximize the advantages of the Continental Free Trade

“We are participating in this year’s fair to contribute our own quota to the economic growth of the State and Nigeria as a whole and for us, the Theme, ‘Unlocking Export Opportunities Through AfCFTA For Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Development is apt,” he said.

The 650, 000 barrels per day (BPD) integrated refinery project, Dangote Sugar Refinery, Numan and Tunga Operations, Dangote cement Plc. and NASCON Allied Plc, can key into the Continental scheme for greater impact

The company’s Group Executive Director Engr.

Mansur Ahmed had told newsmen that Kano is a major gateway to trade in Africa and that the Trade Fair offers the company yet another opportunity to leverage on its export potential in line with the AFCFTA.

Speaking to newsmen earlier, the Director-General of the KACCIMA Mustapha M. Aliyu commended the Dangote Group for the partnership and sponsorship of the Trade Fair.

He described the relations between the duo as mutual and supportive.

“We appreciate his efforts and support to the socioeconomic growth of Africa,” the Director-General added.

A statement from the Dangote Group said companies participating under the Dangote Industries Limited are: Dangote Cement, Dangote

Sugar, NASCON, and Dangote Fertiliser.

This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the intended recipients. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. E-mail transmission cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain malware. The sender therefore does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message, which arise as a result of e-mail transmission. If verification is required please request a hard-copy version.

METRO

Justice for SGBV victims: NGO unveils

‘Guardup’ mobile app in Abuja

By Stanley Onyekwere

There is a sigh of relief for victims of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), following the unveiling of Guardup’ mobile internet application, by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Voice of the Girl Child and Vulnerable People’s Foundation (VGCVPF), to help generate and keep track of nefarious acts.

The NGO explained that the innovation was conceived and developed to mitigate SGBV especially empowering the victims to access with proven evidence captured on the app, as well as boost tackling some of the insecurity challenges in the society.

Speaking at the launch of the app yesterday, in Abuja, Executive Director of the Foundation, Aisha Bello, said the app, which is

available for use on Android enabled phones, was designed to avail information as evidence and engage with critical stakeholders such as Government agencies and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), security agencies amongst others.

Bello said with the app, it is easy to monitor activities and prevent criminalities, so as to serve as a deterrence to criminal minded people, thereby help to reduce the level of crime in the society.

According to her: “The reason we decided to bring this innovation is that for years we have been advocating for victims of SGBV through a lot of sensitisation and women empowerment; thinking that was the solution, but we kept seeing that the rate keeps increasing.

“We realised that when we take SGBV cases to courts they keep asking for evidence,

that’s what makes is to lose the cases. And if the perpetrator is not punished, definitely, there would be more people involved in that particular crime.

“So if it is evidence that is required, lets come up with what can help people get the evidence ready, so as to have evidence for whatever that is done to them”.

She adds: This is just the launching, we will definitely move down to the grass root with the app. From the available statistics, we have more of android phone users than the IOS, but very soon they will also have theirs.

“On our app, you have to create your safety group; that is the people that you are comfortable to share your information with, so as not to have regrets, because once you share it, the people will see immediately.

“Also, we have link with the security

agencies, where people can easily dial and send information for necessary action, either they are in distress or intend to share information about what they have seen.

“People can use this app to monitor other activities like electioneering process. It is not only going to be on the phone as it could be accessed on the web. So it is just as

“The security agencies need us as citizens to help them in tackling the menace and other security challenges.

“We are ambassadors. We can the phones to capture evidence even for others, who may not have Android enabled phones. So we are not going to keep quiet”.

Highpoint of the event was the unveiling and demo of the Guardup App(2) and induction of Ambassadors of the app by the Founder.

AMMC: Nwankwo replaces Olaloye as Director, Facility Mgmt Dept

By Stanley Onyekwere

Following the recent redeployment of the Director, Department of Facilities Maintenance and Management of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council(AMMC), Engr. Omoniyi Olaloye, to a newly created Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters, Engr. Felix Obiora Nwankwo, has replaced him as the Director of the Department.

Nwankwo, a corporate member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers in 1992 and a Fellow Nigeria Society of Engineers in 2006 and a Fellow Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers in 2014 (NICE), a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Umbrella body for all Engineers in Nigeria and COREN Registered Engineer in 1996.

He hails from Awka South, Local Government Area in Anambra State and had his Secondary School Education at Merchants of Light Secondary School, Oba in Anambra State and his University Education at Feati University Philippines, in Philippines where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree (Civil Engineering) in 1985 and his post graduate studies was also at University of Philippines where

he obtained a Master’s degree in Civil (Structures) in 1988 and he further completed an Executive MBA in 2014.

He returned to Nigeria in 1988 for his NYSC programme and he did his primary assignment at Government Technical College, Orozo, in FCT.

At the completion of his NYSC programme in 1989, he secured an employment with Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in the Department of Engineering Services as Engineer 1, where he worked and rose to the rank of a Deputy Director, Regional infrastructure (FCDA).

He was promoted to the rank of a Director Satellite Towns’ Development Department (STDD) in charge of planning and supervision of the provision of infrastructure facilities to satellite towns within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2017 and Acting coordinator Satellite Towns’ Development Department in 2019.

Also, he was subsequently redeployed to the office of the Director, Human Resource Department of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in September 2021, until his redeployment to Department of Facilities Maintenance and

Management, last week.

Nwankwo had supervised various projects since his employment with Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA)

for more than 30 years of his service as a career civil servant and professionally as an Engieer had received various dedicated service awards from Abuja branch, and

other branches of Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) and national including life membership award and have attended all the NSE AGM from 1992 to date.

FCTA empowers 19, 850 indigent youths

By Stanley Onyekwere

As part of effort towards reducing poverty, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has has within the last one year, provided empowerment opportunities to over 19, 850 indigent youths in the Territory.

In particular, over 300 youths were trained and empowered in fish farming and aquaculture within the period under review.

The mandate secretary, FCT Social Development Secretariat, Hadiza Kabir disclosed this during the celebration of her one year in office.

Kabir said the secretariat in the last twelve months, organised moral rebranding programme in which youths from across the Six (6) Area Councils of the FCT benefited.

She revealed that over 500 youths were trained in ‘Technopreneurship’ where young persons in the territory are trained to champion small business establishments in technology-based fields like solar and computer combined with leadership trainings.

She added that the Secretariat sponsored 600 youths to participate in the 2022 Zuma Film Festival with another set of 450 youths trained in Agro-based business in collaboration with the Federal

Ministry of Agriculture.

According to her, within this period, about 13,100 youths were trained in leather works, satellite installation, welding and metal fabrication and ICT; while another 5,500 youths were empowered and given starter packs to jumpstart their trained vocations.

The Secretary also listed other successes recorded in the last one year to include evacuation of over 12,500 beggars from the streets of Abuja while providing feeding, psycho-social counseling and repatriation to their respective states of Origin to decongest the increasing number of shanties that sprout across the Capital City

Centre (CCC).

“The Secretariat had successfully evacuated 4,519 mentally retarded persons with drugs related cases out of which 502 have successfully been treated and reunited with their loved one.

“Medical Social Welfare can now be accessed in 15 FCTA Hospital as against the previous 10 hospitals that offers such assistance due to the influx of people into the Capital City.

“273 victims of drug misused persons (drug addicts) were rehabilitated through psychosocial therapy, while 81 are currently undergoing rehabilitation at the FCT Vocational center, Bwari”.

Some stakeholders pose for photograph during unveiling of Guardup’ mobile internet application, by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Voice of the Girl Child and Vulnerable People’s Foundation (VGCVPF), yesterday, in Abuja.

world news

Germany arrests 25 accused of plotting coup

Twenty-five people have been arrested in raids across Germany on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the government.

The group of far-right and ex-military figures are said to have prepared for a “Day X” to storm the Reichstag parliament building and seize power.

A man named as Heinrich XIII, from an old aristocratic family, is alleged to have been central to their plans.

According to federal prosecutors, he is one of two alleged ringleaders among those arrested across 11 German states.

The plotters are said to include members of the extremist Reichsbürger [Citizens of the Reich] movement, which has long been in the sights of German police over violent attacks and racist and antisemitic conspiracy theories. They also refuse to recognise the modern German state.

Other suspects came from the QAnon movement who believe their country is in the hands of a mythical “deep state” involving secret powers pulling the political strings.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser assured Germans that authorities would respond with the full force of the law “against the enemies of democracy”.

Plotters prepared to kill for their ends

An estimated 50 men and women are alleged to have been part of the group, said to have plotted to overthrow the republic and replace it with a new state modelled on the Germany of 1871 - an empire called the Second Reich.

“We don’t yet have a name for this group,” said a spokeswoman for the federal prosecutor’s office. The interior minister said it was apparently made up of an organisation “council” and a military arm.

Wednesday’s dawn raids are being described as one of the biggest antiextremism operations in modern German history. Three thousand officers took part in 150 operations in 11 of Germany’s 16 states, with two people arrested in Austria and Italy.

Almost half of arrests took place in southern states of Baden-Württemberg and

Bavaria.

Justice Minister Marco Buschmann tweeted that a suspected “armed attack on constitutional bodies was planned”. Ms Faeser said later that the investigation would peer into the “abyss of a terrorist threat from the Reichsbürger scene”.

The federal prosecutor’s office said the group had been plotting a violent coup since November 2021 and members of its central “Rat” (council) had since held regular meetings.

They had already established plans to rule Germany with departments covering health, justice and foreign affairs, the prosecutor said. Members understood they could only realise their goals by “military means and violence against state representatives”, which included carrying

out killings.

Investigators are thought to have got wind of the group when they uncovered a kidnap plot last April involving a gang who called themselves United Patriots.

They too were part of the Reichsbürger scene and had allegedly planned to abduct Health Minister Karl Lauterbach while also creating “civil war conditions” to bring about an end to Germany’s democracy.

A former far-right AfD member of the lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, is suspected of being part of the plot, and of being lined up as the group’s justice minister. Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, who was among the 25 people arrested, returned to her role as judge last year and a court has since turned down attempts to dislodge her.

The suspected terrorist group uncovered today is - according to the current status of the inquiry - driven by fantasies of violent overthrow and conspiracy ideologies

A prominent lawyer was pencilled in to handle the group’s foreign affairs, with 71-year-old Heinrich XIII as leader.

Public Prosecutor General Peter Frank said Heinrich was among the suspects whom investigating judges had asked to be held in custody.

Heinrich XIII styles himself as a prince and comes from an old noble family known as the House of Reuss, which ruled over parts of the modern eastern state of Thuringia until 1918. All the male members of the family were given the name Heinrich as well as a number.

Reichsbürger: German ‘crackpot’ movement turns radical and dangerous

The Reichsbürger were, for years, a source of national derision, dismissed as crackpots.

But they’re increasingly a source of concern for the security services who say they’re becoming more radical and more dangerous.

Members don’t recognise the post-war German state and reject the authority of its government. Despite the name, this is no organised national movementrather a disparate set of small groups and individuals scattered across the country who are united in that shared belief.

Some print their own currency and identity cards and dream of creating their own autonomous state.

Earlier this year for example, a group calling itself the Königreich Deutschland (Kingdom Germany) bought two pieces of land in Saxony upon which they intended to create their own self-administered state. Others refuse to pay tax or intentionally clog up the administration of local

authorities by sending large volumes of, often abusive, letters.

And many have guns - legally or otherwise.

Since 2016, when a Reichsbürger shot and killed a policeman as officers raided his stash of weapons, the German authorities have revoked more than a thousand gun licences of people they believe to subscribe to the ideology. But at the end of last year around 500 still had valid gun licences.

Government figures show that Reichsbürger and so-called Selbstverwalter - a “grouping” with similar beliefs that translates as selfadministrators - committed more than 1,000 extremist criminal acts in 2021, double the number in 2020.

Of the 21,000 people in the Reichsbürger “scene”, around 5% are believed to be right-wing extremists and 10% potentially violent.

They also have links to the German

military, says Miro Dittrich, an expert who tracks the group as well as other conspiracy theorists.

The pandemic, he believes, has served to further radicalise the group as well as increase support.

“The pandemic was a hard moment for a lot of people. it was unclear how things were going to develop… conspiracy narratives were quite attractive for a lot of people because it gave the world an order,” he said.

Reichsbürger members demonstrated alongside anti-vaxxers and Covid deniers (indeed some share those positions) as well as QAnon supporters during mass street protests in the last few years. They were there when a mob from a Covid demonstration tried to storm the Bundestag in August 2020.

Many have been surprised at the depth to which conspiracy theories in general have permeated German society - particularly during the pandemic. I’ve

experienced it myself while reporting on various demonstrations over the last few years.

Plenty of people have told me that the Covid vaccine is a poison or repeated the commonly voiced conviction that the German government plans to “replace” the “native” population with foreigners.

Just last week, at a small protest against high energy bills, one man expressed the view that Germany’s foreign and economy ministers were preparing to declare war on their own country.

What worries the authorities is the extent to which that could boil over into violence. Of course not every conspiracy theorist represents a physical danger. But plenty of politicians here have been on the receiving end of death threats. Plenty more are agonising over how to stop the spread of disinformation.

So today’s raids and arrests will be the source of huge national concern.

Source: BBC

Among the 25 detained was a minor aristocrat called Heinrich XIII

Mozambique ‘tuna bond’ scandal: Ex-President Guebuza’s son jailed for 12 years

The son of Mozambique’s former president has been jailed for 12 years over a vast $2.2bn (£1.8bn) fishing project scandal that triggered an economic crisis in the country.

Ndambi Guebuza, son of former president Armando Guebuza, was among 11 people found guilty of embezzlement and money laundering.

Kickbacks were also given to some senior politicians.

The consequences of the crime “will last generations”, the judge said.

Judge Efigenio Baptista also said Ndambi Guebuza financed his taste for luxury through the crimes of embezzlement and money laundering.

Others given prison sentences include Gregorio Leao, head of the Security and Intelligence Service (SISE) under Mr Guebuza, and Antonio do Rosario, who became chairperson of all three newlycreated state companies that took the loans.

Judge Baptista said they “were expected to be the guardians of public assets for being high ranking leaders responsible for security but instead, they are the key culprits”.

One notable absentee from the trial has been former finance minister Manuel Chang. He has been detained in South Africa since December 2018, in response to an arrest warrant issued by authorities in the United States, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, securities fraud and money laundering.

He denies any wrongdoing.

President Guebuza left office in 2015 after a decade in power.

However, his Frelimo party remains in charge - as it has been since independence in 1975.

How did the scandal happen?

Between 2013-2014, three newly established companies took on $2.2bn (£1.5bn) of debt, much of it without the knowledge or approval of the country’s parliament. Despite this, the

Mozambican government stood as guarantor of the loans, meaning the state would repay the money if things went wrong.

The money was allegedly used to buy a large tuna factory and a maritime security fleet, as well as to finance other deals involving companies in which the state is a leading shareholder.

In 2016, the government swapped some of the debt for a conventional bond, issued by the state. Soon afterwards, it admitted the full scale of the borrowing, triggering an economic crisis in Mozambique.

The country’s currency lost a third of its value, inflation surged and foreign donors pulled out.

Auditors also reportedly discovered $500m of the money was missing.

The loans were issued by Credit Suisse and the Russian bank VTB, with three former Credit Suisse bankers pleading guilty to US charges of money laundering over the case.

Late last year UK authorities fined the investment bank $178m over the tuna corruption scandal.

The bank was also ordered to write off $200m of debt “tainted by corruption” that was owed by Mozambique.

The fine was part of a $475m settlement with UK, Swiss and US regulators.

Janusz Walus: Killer of South African anti-apartheid hero Chris Hani freed

The far-right gunman who killed South African antiapartheid hero Chris Hani has been released on parole a week after he was stabbed in prison.

Janusz Walus, 69, has been discharged under strict conditions for two years, the authorities say.

He shot Hani in 1993 in a failed attempt to derail South Africa’s transition from a white-minority government to democratic rule.

The killing still evokes deep emotions in South Africa.

Hani was regarded as the most popular politician after Nelson Mandela, who went on to become the country’s first black president in 1994.

South Africa’s government and Mr Hani’s widow Limpho have vigorously opposed Walus’ attempts to gain his freedom.

Members of the governing African National Congress (ANC), the South African Communist Party (SACP), which Hani led, and the Congress of

South African Trade Unions have also expressed anger over his release.

In a ruling on 21 November, South Africa’s highest court ordered Walus’ release within 10 days, saying the justice

minister’s refusal to grant him parole was “irrational”.

The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services said in a statement on Wednesday that Walus had been released but that he had “been furnished

with his parole conditions... If he violates the conditions, he will be returned to a correctional centre”.

Walsu has spend nearly 30 years in prison.

He killed Hani as the politician picked up the newspapers outside his home in April 1993 by shooting him at point-blank range.

As well as leading the SACP, the 50-year-old anti-apartheid fighter was also a senior member of the ANC’s military wing.

Walus was arrested and sentenced to death. The sentence was commuted to life after South Africa abolished the death penalty.

Walus is a Polish immigrant whose South African citizenship was revoked in 2017.

While in prison, he became a symbol for young Polish nationalists and fascists.

Huge banners bearing his portrait were often draped around football stadiums in Poland in 2020 to demand his release.

Nigeria 2023 election: The hunt for children and the dead

As soon as Nigeria’s first-ever digital electoral register was uploaded on to the internet people began noticing problems.

Amateur digital sleuths uncovered numerous voter cards that appeared to have photos of children on them. Others on the preliminary list seemed to have registered more than once, simply by changing their facial expression, clothes or the way they were sitting.

The legal minimum voting age is 18 and by registering children as well as getting people more than one vote, crooked politicians can inflate their support.

Questions are now being asked about how these duplicate would-be voters slipped through the expensive fingerprint and facial recognition technology that was recently introduced.

Details such as age, gender, fingerprints and photos were taken at the registration centres of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec) with hopes of eliminating such problems. In next February’s hotly contested

general election any discrepancies could be the difference between victory and defeat.

Problems were ‘obvious’

Just by looking at the voter cards it is easy to tell that some of them carry the image of the same person but somehow Inec staff could not pick this up.

“It was so obvious that you don’t need any scientific process to identify the underage voters who registered,” said Sunny Dada from the Institute for Media and Society in Lagos.

A total of 23 Inec officials are now being investigated for their alleged roles in the illegal registrations.

It has not been uncommon in the past for the dead to turn up on the electoral register as deaths are not always officially recorded, but it was the appearance of children and those registering multiple times that caused widespread concerns.

The problems, which have been documented in past elections, have now become glaring with the innovation of a digital register.

In the past, only hard copies of the register were available and as they were posted on the walls of polling units or local council buildings, it was hard to build a national picture.

But now, the first digital register allows anyone anywhere to scrutinise the details of a record 93.5 million peoplenine million up from last time - who have registered to vote.

Tech-savvy young Nigerians have taken up the challenge and have developed techniques to trawl through the huge data set looking for irregularities.

One digital detective said on Twitter that they discovered thousands of multiple registrations, another tweeted a prototype of an age predictor that could weed out children from the register.

Journalist Jaafar Jaafar chose a more difficult route, manually inspecting hundreds of thousands of names and faces on the register.

“Any page that had a landscape rather than portrait photo or photos of people laughing raised red flags for me,” he told

the BBC.

Some of those who were underage or had registered multiple times had first got on the list as far back as 2011, he said.

Arguably, the transparency of the preliminary digital register is a sign that the process is working as Inec is obliged to respond to objections to names on the list.

The commission said it welcomed the “help” of Nigerians to clean up the register and a corrected list would be released before the 25 February elections.

But when it released the preliminary list in November it said it had already cleaned it up in the three months following the end of the registration period.

Conspiracy theories

Officials said they had spotted and scrubbed 2.7 million incorrect entries, yet underage or duplicate registrations are still being uncovered.

As a result many have been disturbed by the recent discoveries by ordinary citizens and some have unleashed a stream of conspiracies.

Source; BBC

Walus had hoped to derail a transition to majority rule in South Africa

Ndambi Guebuza used the money to fund a luxury lifestyle, the judge said

N ews F rom A si A

Taliban conduct first public execution since return to power

The Taliban have carried out what is thought to be their first public execution since the group’s return to power in Afghanistan last year.

A Taliban spokesperson said a man named Tajmir was killed at a crowded sports stadium in south-western Farah province after he confessed to murder.

Dozens of the group’s leaders, including most top ministers in their government, attended the hanging.

It comes weeks after judges were instructed to fully enforce Sharia law.

The Taliban’s supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada issued the edict last month, ordering judges to impose punishments that may include public executions, public amputations and stoning.

However, the exact crimes and corresponding punishments have not been officially defined by the Taliban.

The militant Islamist group had promised to pursue a softer version of the harsh rule that characterised their previous stint in power from 1996 to 2001.

But the execution, which the Taliban said took place on Wednesday, marks a return to the group’s interpretation of Sharia law.

While the group has already carried out several public floggings recently - including that of a dozen people before a crowded football stadium in Logar province last month - it marks the first time the Taliban have publicly acknowledged carrying out an execution.

According to their spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, the execution was attended by several Supreme Court justices, military personnel and senior ministersincluding the justice, foreign and interior ministers.

Mohammad Khaled Hanafi, charged with imposing the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islamic law as minister for vice and virtue, was also present. However,

Prime Minster Hasan Akhund did not attend, the statement said.

According to the Taliban, the executed man named Tajmir, a son of Ghulam Sarwar and a resident of Herat province, had stabbed a man named Mustafa about five years ago.

He was subsequently convicted by three Taliban courts and his sentence was approved by Mullah Akhundzada.

Before the execution, a public notice was issued publicising the event and “asking all citizens to join us in the sport field”.

The murdered man’s mother told the BBC that Taliban leaders had pleaded with

her to forgive the man, but she had insisted upon his execution.

“Taliban came to me and begged me to forgive this infidel,” she said. “They insist me to forgive this man in sake of God, but I told them that this man must be executed and must be buried the same as he did to my son.”

“This could be a lesson to other people,” she added. “If you do not execute him he will commit other crimes in the future.”

During their rule from 1996-2001, the Taliban were condemned for regularly carrying out punishments in public, including executions at the national

stadium in Kabul.

The group also vowed that they would not repeat the brutal repression of women; but since they seized power women’s freedoms have been severely curbed and a number of women have been beaten for demanding rights.

At present, no country has recognised their new government and the World Bank has withheld around $600m (£458m), after the Taliban banned girls from returning to secondary schools.

The US has also frozen billions of dollars held by Afghanistan’s central bank in accounts around the world.

Iraqi activist jailed over tweet ‘insulting’ Iran-backed militia force

Haidar al-Zaidi denied writing the tweet, insisting that his account was hacked

An activist has been sentenced to three years in prison in Iraq for allegedly writing a tweet deemed to have insulted an Iranbacked paramilitary force.

A court convicted Haidar al-Zaidi, 20, of “insulting state institutions” over a post about Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the late deputy commander of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF).

Zaidi denied writing the tweet, insisting that his account was hacked.

Human Rights Watch condemned Zaidi’s trial as “patently unfair”.

“Regardless of who posted the Twitter message, the Iraqi justice system should not be used to as a tool to suppress peaceful criticism of the authorities or armed actors,” said Adam Coogle, the campaign group’s deputy Middle East director.

“It is a sad reflection on the rule of law in Iraq that an activist like Zaidi gets three years in prison for a Twitter post he says he didn’t write while dozens of officials and armed groups enjoy impunity for killing activists and protesters.”

Zaidi was arrested in June in connection with a tweet that included a photograph of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and lamented how only in Iraq would a “spy” be given the label

of “martyr”.

Muhandis was the leader of Kataib Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed Iraqi Shia Muslim militia designated by the US as a terrorist group.

He was also deputy commander of the PMF, an umbrella group of dozens of mainly Shia militias that is formally part of the Iraqi Security Forces but in practice operates independently and wields significant power.

In January 2020, Muhandis was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad alongside top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.

Many Iraqis mourned the two men as martyrs, but some celebrated their deaths.

Both Iran and its militia allies have

been accused of being behind the killings of hundreds of protesters who took to Iraq’s streets in late 2019 to protest against deteriorating public services, high unemployment, and rampant corruption.

They have also been blamed for an assassination campaign against prominent activists critical of their influence.

Activists in Baghdad told Human Rights Watch that the PMF were responsible for Zaidi’s arrest and that a committee within the PMF filed the legal complaint against him.

Human rights activist Salman Khairallah said the sentence was a “clear message to activists that any criticism of authorities and the PMF will be punished”.

New Zealand places child in anti-vax blood case in custody

ANew Zealand court has ordered a child at the centre of a case over blood transfusions from donors vaccinated against Covid-19 be taken into temporary custody by health officials.

The four-month-old boy is in a hospital in Auckland awaiting urgent treatment to correct a heart disorder.

His parents had blocked the operation and sought a court ruling that he receive blood from unvaccinated donors.

But the High Court ruled the operation was in the child’s “best interest”.

Justice Ian Gault ordered that the boyidentified as Baby W in court documents - be placed under the guardianship of the court

“from the date of the order until completion of his surgery and post-operative recovery”.

He dismissed the parents’ request for unvaccinated blood, calling it unnecessary and impractical, and agreed with health authorities that the boy’s “survival [was] actually dependent on the application being granted”.

But he emphasised that the parents remained the boy’s primary guardians and said doctors must keep them informed at all times about his treatment and condition.

Justice Gault also rejected a request from the parents’ lawyer, Sue Grey, that a tailored donor service with blood from exclusively unvaccinated donors be established.

Ms Grey said the long-term effects of the vaccine were “untested” and accused doctors of refusing to provide an alternate donor service for ideological reasons.

But lawyer for the state blood service said the establishment of any direct donor service would have been a “slippery slope” and would “damage an excellent blood service”.

Citing evidence from New Zealand’s chief medical officer, Justice Gault ruled that there was “no scientific evidence there is any Covid-19 vaccine-related risk from blood donated” by vaccinated donors.

The case has become a vector for antivaccine activists in New Zealand with demonstrators - many of whom carried

placards - gathering outside the court before the ruling was delivered on Wednesday.

It also emerged during the case that during a meeting with doctors at the Starship hospital in Auckland, the parents had been accompanied by a “support person” who hijacked the conference.

They said the person presented a host of unfounded conspiracy theories, and went on to claim that children were dying from transfusions at the hospital.

Addressing the demonstrators outside the court house following the ruling, former TV host and leading anti-vaccine campaigner Liz Gunn said the decision was “wrong on every level”. Source; BBC

Environment

COP27: Ministries partners on youth climate action

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Federal Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Youth and Sports Development have partnered on youth climate action.

This was contained in a statement signed and signed by Akintunde Martins For Head Press and Public Relations.

They said this will forged a common ground to acknowledge, intensify and harmonize the contributions of young people to mitigating climate change in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event organized by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Minister of Youth and Sport.

The minister of sports Sunday Dare acknowledge the critical role of the youth in climate change mitigation, during a side event on intergeneration dialogue between leaders and the youths.

He said “Young people are not only victims of climate change. They are also valuable contributors to climate action as agents of change, entrepreneurs and innovators.

Hence, their unprecedented mobilization around the world shows the massive power they possess to contribute meaningfully in achieving the objectives of COP 27 and beyond”

While commending the youth for their resilience, tenacity and forward-thinking in the areas of climate change mitigation, the Minister appeal to the youth to support the efforts of the Federal Government at ensuring not just a better future for all but more importantly a better world for them and those that will come after.

Adding that COP27 is happening during a time when Nigeria is grappling with the multi-faceted impacts of Climate Change ranging from flooding, drought, deforestation and heat waves, the Minister assured of maximum support and contribution of his Ministry to recognize and amplify the indispensable role of young people in driving sustainable development and sustainable environments.

He used the occasion to announce the launch of Project 250k for Climate Change, a project that will support Nigerian youth to plant and nurture two hundred and fifty thousand trees across the federation.

Welcoming the Minister of Youth and Sports development as well as youth representatives to the Nigeria Pavilion, the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi echoed that for Nigeria to achieve its climate change mitigation target, the role and contributions of the youth must be recognized and enlisted.

“The truth is that the youth must be involved in all climate change mitigation efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria going forward.”

COP27: Buhari urges developed countries on adaptation acceleration programme

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

President

Muhammadu

Buhari MUHAMMADU , said there is a dire need for developed countries to expand existing adaptation acceleration programmes for developing countries.

He made the called recently at the at the high level segment of the 27th session of the conference of parties(COP27), to United Nations framework convention on climate change .

Buhari represented by the minister of environment, Mohammed Abdullahi,said “Africa contributes about 3% to the global emissions but is left to cope with the devasting impacts of climate change.

Nigeria and the rest of Africa, call for an effective and sustainable framework that will address the socio-economic effects of energy transition including energy poverty, loss of jobs and livelihoods.

“Nigeria has spearheaded initiatives aimed at recovering degraded land for the Sahara and the Sahel such as the Great Green Wall”.

He maintained that as the largest economy in Africa, we are engaging the G7 to request the inclusion of Nigeria in the G7’s Climate Partnerships List for the co-creation of a Just Energy Transition Partnership.

The president recalled that “At COP26, I did say for Nigeria, climate change is not about the perils of tomorrow but what is happening today.”

“Today, Nigeria is currently grappling with devasting effects of terrible flooding which has affected 3.2 million persons, over 600 lives lost, over

100,000 persons displaced and over 300 hectares of farmlands destroyed”.

He explained that Nigeria and indeed the rest of Africa, from the Sahara to the Cape, is living with increasing fear of food insecurity as a result of the floods.

He said the economic cost for Loss and Damage for Africa is estimated at almost USD 2 Trillion excluding noneconomic losses.

“Developed nations must not ignore the demand from developing nations to establish a Loss and Damage finance facility to help developing nations recover from the adverse effects of climate change, particularly the devastating floods, worsening desertification, and rising sea levels”.

“At COP26 in Glasgow, I announced Nigeria’s commitment to net-zero by 2060 on the basis of a detailed Energy Transition Plan (ETP). This plan, the first of its kind in Africa highlights the significant scale of resources required to attain both development and climate ambitions by 2060”.

He said however, the public finance urgently needed to fund energy transitions and climate action is lacking – a situation compounded by debt distress affecting many low- and middleincome countries.

“We are therefore taking bold steps to pioneer innovative climate finance instruments such as debt for climate swaps; and championing the development of the African carbon market initiative. In

support of this, Nigeria has enacted the climate change law alongside the initial governance framework and launched the Nigeria Emission Trading Scheme (ETS).

To signal investment readiness, we have made significant progress in creating the enabling policies and incentives to advance a shortlist of priority projects, including Renewable Solar Independent Power Plants (IPPs), scaled Decentralized”,said .

He added that renewable Energy (DRE) projects and gas flare commercialization opportunities, to name a few. We are hopeful that investors at the global community will recognize the immense investment opportunities and potential for impact.

COP27 : African environment ministers form common ground to negotiate for loss, damage

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

African Ministers of Environment have forged a common ground to drive and negotiate for loss and damage, just energy transition, food security; climate finance, land degradation, and biodiversity conservation, as COP 27 enter the second week and final phase that will see heated negation and critical decision being made.

The renewed call for a united African position was made at a consultative meeting

of the African Ministers of Environment-High level segment organized to reiterate the African position as well as to receive briefs from African negotiators and chart a common course for harmonization ahead of the final phase of negotiation.

Addressing the meeting of African Ministers, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi acknowledged that Nigeria will align itself with the African position.

“We are not going to take a know it position and that is why

we are here at the levels of Africa’s Ministers of Environment to meet and harmonize our position especially focusing on loss and damage”

“You are quite aware of the devastating flood in Nigeria and other parts of the world, basically Nigeria remains focused on loss and damage, climate finance, and biodiversity conservation. We are on course on our position” Abdullahi stated.

The Minister speaking on the effort put in place to ensure that COP 27 is indeed a COP of implementation for

Nigeria, expressed that Nigeria is holding specific meetings with developed countries, donor partners, development partners, multi-national companies, and other stakeholders in the environment sector both local and international, to ensure that firm implementable commitments and decisions geared toward Africa’s agenda are reached.

“We are also putting pressure on developed countries to ensure that commitments are firmed and implementable.” The Minister avowed.

Some Nigeria Delegates at COP27 at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

El Salvador: The people caught up in the gang crackdown

When El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele attended a graduation ceremony for military officers last week, he brought more than just warm words for their future careers in law enforcement.

He also delivered the latest escalation in his ruthless crackdown on the country’s street gangs which has seen a staggering 57,000 people arrested on suspicion of gang affiliation since March.

Yet Mr Bukele’s self-proclaimed “war on gangs” has also given rise to some disturbing cases of wrongful arrest.

“Thanks to God and thanks to you, Salvadoreans have true peace”, President Bukele told thousands of soldiers and police officers in a slickly produced nighttime event to launch the fifth phase of his controversial “Territorial Control Plan”.

Called “Extraction”, it is intended to tighten the military’s control of El Salvador’s major cities using high-tech surveillance equipment, ostensibly to prevent gang members from coming in or out. The operation began this weekend with 10,000 members of the security forces descending on the town of Soyapango where they started rounding up alleged gang members.

President Bukele dismissed the concerns of international human rights organisations and foreign governments over the “state of exception” he introduced nine months ago, following a weekend of extreme gang violence in which more than 70 people were killed.

The emergency measure granted the police sweeping new powers, including the right to detain suspects without due process. Mr Bukele told the officers it was supported by more than 95% of Salvadoreans.

It is undeniably popular. Murder rates are falling to new lows. Neighbourhoods which have endured years of extortion and violence at the hands of the brutal MS13 and 18th Street gangs are enjoying an unprecedented period of calm.

However, El Salvador’s prison population is now proportionally the highest in the world. Already overcrowded facilities are heaving under the new intake, prompting the government to announce the construction of a major new penitentiary.

Evidence suggests hundreds, perhaps thousands of people with no discernible link to gang crime have been caught in the dragnet.

When police officers came crashing through Zoyla Torres’s front door in April, she thought they must have made a mistake.

“We don’t make trouble for anyone,” she insists. “My husband has nothing to do with the gangs. He works in a factory making sacks for transporting crops.”

Nevertheless, the police stormed their cramped home and detained her husband Manuel and her brother-in-law while her children were eating breakfast.

Over the road, at her brother’s house, the same thing was happening - all on the strength of an anonymous tip.

The three men spent almost a month in the harshest prison conditions in Latin America. Zoyla says that they were regularly beaten in jail and have been left traumatised by the experience.

Yet they were among the lucky ones. Zoyla managed to get them freed them after their employer provided assurances that they were not involved in gang activities.

Marta, an 18-year-old psychology student, was not so fortunate. Her father Oscar says that Marta - not her real name - was taken her from her home after the police tried to force her to name a gang member.

As she did not know any gang members and was not prepared to falsely accuse anyone, they simply arrested her instead, Oscar says.

“In late December she’ll have been in prison for six months. They arrested her for illicit association. But they provided no proof, no evidence at all.”

Oscar’s attempts to secure his daughter’s release - providing evidence of her enrolment in university and testimony from her church group as to her good characterhave so far fallen on deaf ears.

And now Marta, like thousands of other prisoners, is facing a further six months in legal limbo as the state of exception is to be extended again this year.

Lucrecia Landaverde, a pro-bono lawyer representing scores of detainees, says that the policy is causing lasting damage to El Salvador’s judicial system.

“So far, there have been involved thousands of arbitrary arrests, unfounded accusations, and illegal detentions. There haven’t even been preliminary investigations to check that those arrested form part of the gang structures,” she argues.

With habeas corpus all but suspended and some police reportedly justifying the arbitrary detentions as simply “the president’s will”, the road to full-blown totalitarianism is short, warns Ms Landaverde.

The crackdown has also targeted scores of ex-gang members too, many of whom had renounced the gang life decades earlier and were attempting to make amends for their past crimes.

Among them is William Arias, an evangelical pastor and former MS-13 member the BBC interviewed in 2018.

A tattoo of the gang’s initials still visible on his forehead, William fully admitted to having carried out some heinous crimes in his youth. Yet he insisted that for 18 years, he had entirely dedicated himself to dissuading other young people from following his path into the group.

He was arrested in April, his whereabouts are currently unknown. “If he hasn’t been released, he doubtless still had charges to answer,” the vice-president of the National Assembly, Guillermo Gallegos, said.

“And remember, many gang members use the church as a pretext,” he alleged. The staunchly pro-Bukele deputy has repeatedly advocated for the death sentence for El

Salvador’s gang members.

“The gang members never cared less about their victims’ human rights,” says Mr

Gallegos, echoing the president’s line. “So, now

we

consider their human rights to be reduced to the bare minimum.” BBC

President Nayib Bukele has made cracking down on gang violence his priority

Soldiers stood to attention as the president delivered his speech at the nighttime event

With the new influx of detainees, some inmates have had to be transferred to make space for new arrivals

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Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Dominate Weightlifting Events Day 3 At National Sports Festival

Amaechi Agbo (Reporting From Asaba)

Akwa Ibom and Oyo Stats were dominant on Day 3 of Weightlifting Events at the ongoing National Sports Festival, NSF in Asaba Delta State as they won gold medals to increase their medal haul.

Commonwealth bronze Medallist, Emmanuel Edidiong representing Akwa State won three gold medals in 73kg men category.

Edidiong lifted 142kg, 170kg and 312kg to win gold in Snatch, Clean &Jerk and Total. Emmanuel Eric of Edo state won silver in Snatch with 131kg lift and picked bronze medals in Clean&Jerk with 152kg and Total with 277kg lifts.

Delta State lifter, Jubril Abubakar won two silver medals in Clean &Jerk and Total as well as bronze in Snatch with 152kg, 282kg and 130kg lifts.

In the 59kg women category, two Commonwealth gold medal winners, Rafiatu Lawal of Oyo State and Olarinoye Adijat of Lagos State had a decisive day not to forget as both battled for superiority in the category.

However, in the end, Rafiatu made her experience count as she defeated Olarinoye who was making her first competition in 59kg after graduating from the 54kg.

Rafiatu claimed all the three gold medals in the 59kg women category while Olarinoye won all the silver leaving Peace Annokwuru of Rivers State to scoop the bronze medals in the Snatch, Clean &Jerk and Total.

In the 64kg women category, another Commonwealth medalist, Islamiyat Yusuf from Osun State made her experience count as she won gold in Snatch silver in Total and Bronze in Clean&Jerk.

Ruth Ayodele of Oyo State picked two gold medals in Clean &Jerk and Total after lifting 125kg and 222kg respectively. Sarah Matthew of Jodi state won bronze in Snatch

while Happiness Igbinosa of Edo State won silver in Clean&Jerk and bronze in Total.

Below are results of competitions in weightlifting events on on Day 3, Wednesday 7:

73kg men

Snatch

Emmanuel Edidiong Akwa Ibom 142kg, gold

Emmanuel Eric Edo State, 131kg, silver

Jubril Abubakar Delta State, 130kg, bronze

Clean&Jerk

Emmanuel Edidiong, Akwa Ibom, 170kg, gold

Jubril Abubakar Delta, 152kg, Silver

Emmanuel Eric Edo State, 146kg, bronze

Total

Emmanuel Edidiong, Akwa Ibom, 312kg, gold

Jubril Abubakar Delta State, 282kg, silver

Emmanuel Eric Edo State, 277kg, bronze

59kg women

Snatch

Rafiatu Lawal Oyo State 97kg, gold

Olarinoye Adijat Lagos State, 96kg, silver

Peace Annokwuru Rivers State, 85kg bronze

Clean&Jerk

Rafiatu Lawal Oyo State 122kg, gold Olarinoye Adijat Lagos State, 121kg, silver

Peace Annokwuru Rivers State, 101kg bronze

Total

Rafiatu Lawal Oyo State 219kg, gold

Olarinoye Adijat Lagos State, 217kg, silver

Peace Annokwuru Rivers State, 186kg bronze 64kg women category

Snatch

Islamiyat Yusuf Osun State, 98kg, gold Ruth Ayodele Oyo 97kg, silver Sarah Matthew, Kogi 93kg, bronze

Clean&Jerk

Delta State on Tuesday won a total of 6 gold medals, Lagos claimed 3 to dominate Day Two in Weightlifting Events at the ongoing 21st National Sports Festival, NSF in Asaba, Delta State

Delta State claimed all the three gold medals at stake in 49kg women as well as 67kg men categories while Lagos went home with all three gold medals in 55kg men category

In the 49kg women category, Monica Uweh of Delta State won gold medal in Snatch with a lift of 75kg. She also claimed gold in Total with 165kg lift as well as silver in Clean&Jerk with 90kg lift while her compatriot, Ebele Agbah won gold in Clean&Jerk with 90kg lift. She also claimed silver in Total with 163kg lift

Ruth Asuquo Nyong of Nasarawa State claimed silver medal in Snatch with 74kg lift while Ebele Agbah won bronze with 73kg lift.

Augustina Nwaokolo of Lagos State won bronze medal in Total with 153kg lift

Lagos State went home with all the three good medals at stake in 55kg men category leaving Akwa Ibom and Kano States to settle for silver and bronze.

Didih Onome was dominant as he claimed gold medals in Snatch, Clean&Jerk and Total for the Centre of Excellence with 86kg, 103kg and 189kg lifts, respectively.

Theresa Daniel of Akwa Ibom State won all the three silver medals after lifting 78kg in Snatch, 102kg in Clean&Jerk and 180kg in Total.

Kano State collected all three bronze medals after Temidayo Jedgede lifted 78kg in Snatch and 176kg in Total as well as Anabel Tsesaa’s 100kg in Clean&Jerk.

Delta State was in cruise control of 67kg men category as The Big Heart state won all gold medals courtesy of Opadeji Adedapo’s 125k lifts in Snatch, 150kg in Clean&Jerk and 275kg in Total.

Abia State won silver and bronze in Clean&Jerk and Total after Obinna Ironna lifted 147kg and 257kg, in that order.

Johnson Aladetoun of Edo state won two silver medals in Snatch and Total with 117kg and 262kg lifts. He also claimed bronze in

Clean&Jerk with 145kg lift.

Below are full results of Day Two Weightlifting Events on Tuesday, December 6

49kg Women

Snatch

Monica Uweh, Delta, 75kg, gold

Ruth Asuquo Nyong, Nasarawa, 74kg, silver

Ebele Agbah, Delta,73kg, bronze

Clean&Jerk

Ebele Agbah Delta, 90kg, gold

Monica Uweh, Delta, 90kg, silver

Augustina Nwaokolo, Lagos, 86kg bronze

Total

Monica Uweh, Delta, 165kg, gold

Ebele Agbah, Delta, 163kg, silver

Augustina Nwaokolo, Lagos, 153kg, bronze

55kg Men

Didih One, Lagos, 86kg, gold

Theresa Daniel, Akwa Ibom, 78kg, silver

Temidayo Jedgede, Kano, 78kg, bronze

Clean&Jerk

Ruth Ayodele Oyo, 125kg, gold

Happiness Igbinosa Edo, 122kg, silver Islamiyat Yusuf, Osun, 115kg, bronze

Total

Ruth Ayodele Oyo, 222kg, gold

Islamiyat Yusuf Osun 213kg, silver Happiness Igbinosa Edo, 209kg, 3rd.

Didih One, Lagos, 103kg, gold

Theresa Daniel, Akwa Ibom, 102kg, silver

Anabel Tsesaa, Kano, 100kg, bronze Total

Didih One, Lagos, 189kg, gold

Theresa Daniel, Akwa Ibom, 180kg, silver

Temidayo Jedgede, Kano, 176kg, bronze

67kg Men

Snatch

Opadeji Adedapo Delta 125kg gold

Johnson Aladetoun Edo 117kh silver

Yohanna Jack Plateau 115kg, bronze

Clean&Jerk

Opadeji Adedapo Delta 150kg, gold

Obinna Ironna Abia 147kg silver

Johnson Aladetoun Edo 145kg bronze

Total

Opadeji Adedapo Delta 275kg gold

Johnson Aladetoun Edo 262kg silver

Obinna Ironna Abia 257kg bronze

Actions continue today, Day 3 in Weightlifting with the following Events scheduled to take place at the Multi-purpose Hall of Orchid Hotels, Asaba, Delta State.

Rufiatu Lawal and Olarinoye Adijat won 3 gold and 3 silver medals respectively in 59kg women category on Wednesday

Delta 2022: “I am here to inspire upcoming wrestlers - Oborodudu Bayelsa Sports Commissioner

Hon. Igali calls for timely release of NSF medal table

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Chief Daniel Igali has made a strong case for the prompt update medals table in the ongoing 21st National Sports Festival in Asaba, tagged Delta 2022.

Team Bayelsa are currently second in the latest medals table behind hosts, Delta updated by the organizers after day six of the fiesta.

Igali in an interview said the current medal table does not reflect the overwhelming success of team Bayelsa so far.

He explained that he has told the officials of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation to promptly release the medals won each day before the next session of events.

According to him, the lateness in the release of the medal table does not portray the importance of the sports festival.

The commissioner called on the authorities to task every federation to provide the results of events within 24 hours for the main organizing committee to have the daily updates of the table.

Igali noted that compared to what is currently in the log , does not reflect team Bayelsa performance on two day having amassed over 60 gold medals with only 31 gold reflecting in the medals table.

The Olympic and World Wrestling Champion pointed out that the instant reward of two thousand naira for gold medalists, one hundred thousand Naira for silver medalists and fifty thousand naira for bronze medalists earlier promised by the Bayelsa state government were been fulfilled.

While commending Delta State for hosting this year’s spectacle, the President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation said any referee that is found to be involved in unprofessional conduct would be punished, stressing that athletes who emerge winners in wrestling events in Asaba would automatically become champions in the weight class.

Multiple National Sports Festival Medalists Blessing

Oborodudu says she is Asaba to inspire upcoming wrestlers .

The African and Commonwealth Games champion said her mission is to nurture young wrestlers to become world champions.

Oborodudu who won 3 gold medal at the National Sports Festival said the country is rich in talents

“Talents have never been an issue with us but nurturing them is the problem. This is why am in Asaba to motivate our young wrestlers having been in this position before .“Our sports need mentorship and that is one way we can produce more future champions.My own generation look up to our president Mr Daniel Igali and we were able to follow his legacy and is time for us to inspire the young ones,” she said.

Blessing Oborodudu

Dare parleys state commissioners, Sports Directors on implementation Sports Industry Policy

By Amaechi Agbo

On the sidelines of the ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF) in Asaba, the Delta State capital, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Tuesday evening held a meeting with State Commissioners and Directors of Sports across the country to enunciate highlights of the recently approved National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP).

It will be recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC), in early November approved the new National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) - the policy frame-work guiding the reclassification of sports from recreation to business.

The Minister outlined three main pillars of the NSIP to include the 3’I’s - Infrastructure, Investments and Incentives. He stated that the hitherto episodic funding of sports by government, tied to sporting events, as against the whole gamut of sports development will soon be a thing of the past as the NSIP implementation comes on stream.

“There are three triggers to this policy. If we are able to pull the triggers, you will see the monies coming. The first trigger is infrastructure. Without infrastructure, you cannot develop Sports. This is beyond brick and mortar. What you have in Delta, as big and as

beautiful as those indoor sports halls are, without the athletes and equipment, which make up the sporting ecosystem, they are useless.

“The second trigger is Investment. If you don’t invest in a business, it will die. There is almost zero investment from the public, in our sports development. What comes from the government is not really an investment because sports is seen as a service, so there is zero return. Athletes, Federations seek for funds from government because they just see that in sports, there is nothing coming out of it. So we need to get investments, both public and private sector.

“The last one is the big one - Incentives. Every Industry needs incentives. There has been zero incentives for anyone to invest in sports. We presented a bouquet of Incentives to the Federal Executive Council(FEC). The final details will be worked out between the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Finance, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“One of the Incentives proposed and approved for a prospective investor in sports is a single digit interest of 5% on loans from banks, as against the standard 21%,” the Minister highlighted.

The minister outlined tax holidays and rebates for specified time periods as one of the Incentives for private investment in sports. He likened it to the

tax credit scheme conceptualised by the Buhari administration for infrastructure development, whilst also asserting that State Governments will be encouraged to give land and relax the documentation process for prospective investors.

Another major component of the NSIP is the Independent Athletes Welfare Fund(IAWF), which, according to the Minister, will require the Federal Government providing the seed funds which will be managed by an independent committee that will set the criteria and modalities for disbursement to prospective, shortlisted athletes.

As part of the Federal Government’s plan to put the NSIP on a strong footing, Dare revealed that a one- time grant to fix about 12 major sports facilities across the six geo-political zones is in the works. He stated that when the renovation is completed, private sector players will be invited to manage the facilities for at least two years, in the first instance, with 20% of revenue generated paid to the Federal Government, through the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

Dare reiterated that the era of Federations looking solely to government for funds is over as sports is now business, promising to lead the way in providing a blueprint that will assist States and sports Federations to generate the needed investment for sports development.

National Sports Festival: Okeke Vivian wins Team Enugu’s first medal in Asaba

By Amaechi Agbo

Okeke Vivian Ijeoma has won Team Enugu’s first medal at the ongoing 2022 National Sports Festival, NSF in Asaba, Delta State.

Ijeoma won bronze medal in -63kg women category in Judo on Saturday.

The young judoist expressed delight over her feat and remained optimistic that it would spur her to do better in subsequent festivals.

“I feel very happy because this is my second time competing in judo. My first time was in Eko (2012) but I did not win any medal then; this one, is my second time and I won a bronze medal.

“I was very happy and I will make sure that in the next festival I pray to step up and win gold or silver,” she told our correspondent in Asaba.

Sharing her preparations and challenges, Ijeoma said “I prepared well but it was not easy. I have to transport myself from Onitsha to Asaba to train every time for this competition. I trained with some of the athletes and they helped me alot. Some

champions like Michael Agbo and Elizabeth, I trained with them. They thought me a lot and with the experience and training I was able to win.”

Her coach, Mr Johnson Mbah re-echoed her disposition but lamented that lack of training mats for the judoists in the state is hampering their performances and expectations.

“I feel happy. I tried my best to train the athletes. The problem that we have is we lack good mats in the state to train. We just managed the mats we have and trained with the athletes for the festival. It has been long we stopped attending National Sports Festival, that is judo team. But they gave us chance for this festival and we tried our best.

“Giving a good training mat, we will perform better in the next sports festival. If Enugu State can provide a better equipment for judo, our training will be fine and the nest festival, we will make it up and win more medals for the state,” he concluded.

As at the time of this report, Enugu State team are placed 31st on the medals table with one bronze.

FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Uruguay’s football association and four players over their conduct at the end of their final World Cup group game against Ghana.

Uruguay beat Ghana 2-0 but went out on goals scored, finishing third behind South Korea in Group H.

Uruguay’s players reacted furiously at full-time, confronting the referee and appearing to manhandle an assistant after they failed to award a penalty after a coming together between Darwin Nunez and Alidu Seidu.

Jose Maria Gimenez, Edinson Cavani, Fernando Muslera and Diego Godin all face potential

punishments for breaches of Fifa’s disciplinary code relating to offensive behaviour and misconduct.

The Uruguayan FA faces action for the same breaches of the code, as well as another relating to discrimination.

Valencia forward Cavani was filmed pushing over the pitchside

Leon Balogun yet to overcome Super Eagles 2022 World Cup miss

Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun has revealed that he held back tears while driving to the Abuja Stadium the day Ghana stopped Nigeria from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar after losing the spot to their West African neighbours Ghana ion away gold rule after 1-1 draw on March 29.

They played out a scoreless first-leg tie in Kumasi and a 1-1

draw at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

Balogun said the supporters of the National team showed overwhelming support for the players which made the 1-1 draw a bitter pill to swallow.

Speaking on The Beautiful Game Podcast, Balogun, “Driving to the stadium on that day I was holding back tears because I was touched by the support.

“I’ve played with great support, I’m not trying to be disrespectful to any other place

we’ve played with the national team before but Abuja that day was packed.

“I saw little boys, girls, families, elders, everybody rooting for us. The stadium was packed, it was unreal and I said to myself just for them we have to make it.

“Obviously it was heartbreaking when we conceded that first goal, it was a tough one to take, and came back with a penalty, we couldn’t just break them down.”

monitor as he walked down the tunnel after the match, after which ITV pundit Ian Wright called him a “horrible guy”.

Fifa has also opened proceedings against Serbia’s FA relating to “incidents” during their 3-2 defeat by Switzerland in their final Group G game.

Football’s world governing body

has not specified the incidents, but fans were told during the match to “stop all discriminatory chants and gestures”.

Serbia were already under investigation by Fifa after the team hung a controversial flag depicting Kosovo in their dressing room before their defeat by Brazil earlier in the tournament.

Okeke Vivian Ijeoma won bronze in Judo at the National Sports Festival in Asaba

Leon Balogun, Super Eagles defender

World Cup 2022: FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Uruguay, others

Where

Hazard retires from international football

Hazard

Hazard, who is an attacking midfielder or winger, made his Belgium debut in 2008 at the age of 17, and went on to win 126 caps, scoring 33 goals.

His decision comes after Belgium were knocked out of the World Cup in the group stages.

“A page turns today,” said the Real Madrid player. “Thank you for your love [and] for your unparalleled support.”

He added on social media: “Thank you for all this happiness since 2008. I have decided to put an end to my international career. The succession is ready. I will miss you.”

Hazard was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, losing 1-0 to France, and went on to defeat England to finish third.

He made his debut against Luxembourg, coming on as a substitute to become the eighth youngest player for his country. And he went on to feature at three World Cups and two European Championships, as well as captaining the team 56 times.

Hazard played in all three World Cup games in Qatar but Belgium only managed to score once, in a 1-0 win over Canada. They were beaten 2-0 by Morocco and drew 0-0 with Croatia.

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez stepped down on Thursday following their exit.

Hazard moved to Real Madrid from Chelsea for an estimated £150m in 2019. He spent seven years at Stamford Bridge, winning the Premier League twice, the FA Cup and EFL Cup once each, and two Europa League titles.

Where Are You From? It is a question that gets asked every time. And the triggers are usually type of dressing, spoken language, name or mannerisms. Something that draws attention to a person. And that was the question asked of a guest at a reception at the Buckingham Palace, the seat of Britain’s royalty, in London, recently that rocked the ethnicity boat. That guest, Ms Ngozi Fulani, attired in kaleidoscope of colours and long braids swirling to her mid section, stood out in the classy environment where virtually everybody was in formal dress. Ngozi Fulani – by her dressing – was a curio. And that name combination, too – Ngozi Fulani –itself is another trigger of curiosity. Curiosity must have attracted her traducer, Lady Susan Hussey, to the curio that Ms Fulani represented in that highbrow gathering. Lady Hussey, tall, elegantly dressed, a chaperon to Queen Consort Camilla, who was hosting a reception for charity organizations in the UK, probably thought she was going to have a light-hearted encounter.

But Ms Fulani, going by the aloof carriage of the veteran palace official, apparently saw a SNOB, and not just an elderly 83-year old who may innocently be seeking to widen her contact list, with a collector’s item. The encounter got blown into the public sphere and Lady Hussey got more than she bargained for - a sack. A brittle British royalty, entangled in racist issues in the royal household, made a sacrificial hen of Lady Hussey to appease the god of public opinion.

Now, let us interrogate the Lady Hussey – Ms Fulani encounter. It started innocently, enough :

Lady H : “ Where are you from ? “

Ms Fulani : “ Sistah Space. (Her charity organization she is representing at the reception)

Lady H: “ No, where do you come from ?”

Ms Fulani : “ We are based in Hackney “. ( that her charity is in Hackney, London )

There were three other question and answer rigmarole , then the clincher from Lady Hussey: “ … But what nationality are you ? “.

Ms Fulani : “ I am born here and I am British “.

Lady Hussey : “ No, but where do you really come from, where do your people come from ? “.

That was hitting the kernel of the rigmarole - your nationality and where your people came from : you are different from us and Ms Fulani eventually indicated that her parents came in in the 1950s and she has African and Caribbean heritage. End of long story.

The Lady Hussey – Ms Fulani encounter brings to the fore the enduring contention between

– Buckingham Palace’s ethnic baiting?

Guest Columnist

By Dr Bisi Olawunmi

Nationality and Citizenship, one is naturally inherited through parenthood, while the other is conferred : nationality is immutable, unchangeable while citizenship is changeable. In some cases, both are mutually reinforcing where nationality and citizenship are coterminous.

Going forward, the contention between nationality and citizenship may become flashpoints, especially in many countries where a large immigrant population have acquired citizenship. For example, there are muted undercurrents of resentment on the emergence of the new British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, a first generation Briton of Indian nationality.

At personal levels, racial and ethnic baiting thrives, worldwide. There is always that feeling of separateness , of us and the other people. What often aggravates racial or ethnic tension is the inferiority complex of those underdog nationality persons. They are usually sensitive, often over sensitive, to what is seen as racial or ethnic baiting. That, to me, was the inferiority complex exhibited by Ms Fulani. She cannot pretend that she does not know what the palace official meant with the question : Where are you from ? She is in denial by not responding confidently to her African and Caribbean heritage, while stressing her British citizenship. Is she ashamed of her nationality inheritance ? If she had responded with humour, ignoring any perceived putdown in the question, maybe she and Lady Hussey could end up establishing some relationship.

In her column article on the incident titled : Where are you from ? Mrs. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, wife of two-time governor of Ekiti state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, had pointed out that in receptions, the question : Where are you from ? is often meant to be an ice breaker to establish conversation.

She had advised : “ We should all be prepared to answer the question, “ Where are you from ? “ with as much dignity and clarity”. Such dignity and clarity were obviously lacking in Ms Fulani. Mrs. Fayemi, a widely travelled civil society activist, with pedigree, had narrated her various encounters with the : Where are from question and that she generally parried the question. What must be admitted is that such questions get asked even within countries of many nationalities, including Nigeria. Often times, non indigenous citizens carry on as if they are native in areas of their domicile, prompting indigenes to remind such uppity individuals where their fathers and grandfathers came from. Indigeneship is a strong factor in relations in multi-ethnic traditional societies where urbanization has created a melting pot of nationalities, where natives feel threatened by migrants. Lagos is an example of such melting pot in Nigeria where the indigenous Yoruba population is engaged in a subdued war of attrition with the Igbo ethnic group, as local migrant-citizens. Even within ethnic nationalities, people get reminded of their non indigenous status when they become disrespectful of indigenes. Names and languages are the most distinguishing factors of ethnicity, and by our names, our ethnicity can be ascertained. Ethnic nationalities are also geographically bounded. It will therefore be an absurdity for a Bisi Olawunmi, a Yoruba, with geographical locale in Southwest Nigeria, to want to claim indigeneship of Aba, in Igboland, Southeast Nigeria, however long he lived in that city. Modern governments are, however, destabilizing this established order of nativity by enacting laws which make citizenship synonymous with indigeneship, with grave consequences for social disorder. Also, for example, an emergent

generation of young Nigerians, resident in cities, do not know their hometowns. In the competition for positions, economic opportunities with natives, such ‘’ROOTLESS’’ young Nigerians will in future have to contend with the question : ‘’ Where are you from’’.

It must be pointed out that some western countries created artificial citizenship either by being born in such countries or through naturalization to address their population deficit - not having enough children for generational replacement. They had, decades ago, embraced a population policy of limiting the number of children per couple, the success of which has today boomeranged. Citizenship, was therefore, basically an inducement for permanent cheap labour provided by migrants. Today, there is upsurge of nationalism in Europe, arising from what has been dubbed ‘ The Browning of Europe’ given the exponential growth of the immigrant population.

The Immigrant QuestionWhere are you from ? – threatens to become a volatile issue at national and global levels in the years ahead as the world grapples with the two parallel movements of localization and globalization. At the national level, massive urbanization, fueled by economic migrants from rural and provincial areas, who are overwhelming natives in the new urban centres, will create tension and possible violent clashes, while at the international level, the changing demographics in western industrialised countries may induce attacks on immigrants by extremist nationalists . The immigrant issue may be the flashpoint of the future.

Dr. Bisi Olawunmi, a Senior Lecturer, Department of Mass Communication , Adeleke University, Ede. is former Washington Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria. Email : olawunmibisi@yahoo.com PHONE ( SMS ONLY ) 0803 364 7571

Belgium playmaker Eden

has retired from international football at the age of 31.

are you from?

“

If she had responded with humour, ignoring any perceived putdown in the question, maybe she and Lady Hussey could end up establishing some relationship