Wednesday, December 14th, 2022 Edition

2023: We need patriotic leaders with human feelings – Ex-TETFund boss

Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, the immediate past Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has urged Nigerians to pray for the emergence of patriotic leaders in the 2023 general election.

Bogoro made the call in Abuja while giving an acceptance speech following his investiture as the winner of the 2021 Nigerian Prize for Leadership (NPL).

“With patriotic statesmen and women, youths, politicians, professional, community and religious leaders, we can collectively change the narrative and redirect our country and Africa,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was also an opportunity for the second conferment of the NPL Fellowship on 17 deserving young Nigerians who distinguished themselves in various sectors of the economy.

NAN also reports that the investiture was deferred as Bogoro was not available to receive the price on Dec. 12 last year as required by the NPL status, hence the 2022 event used to present the price to the winner.

According to Bogoro,

leadership requires that one must be patriotic and can be trusted, while the citizens complement the role of leaders by being law abiding.

“If this happens in Nigeria and because of our numerical and economic advantages, it will be Nigeria against the rest of Africa; it will have a ripple effect on other countries in Africa.

“We do not have to plunge ourselves into an unfortunate situation or other countries of Africa before we provide the desired leadership required of Nigeria in Africa and for the rest of the world.

“If leaders treat each other with respect and a sense of fairness in our day to day life in both public and public sector, we will achieve a lot, and the major tribes in the country will turn around the fortunes of the country if they can work together,” Bogoro said.

He expressed gratitude to the NPL for finding him worthy for the award which he believed was made possible by some of the actions performed while he was in office as TETFund boss.

Bogoro noted that the level of transparency at which

TETFund was administered under his watch, made Nigeria one of the six African countries holding research grant for the International Science Granting Council.

“I never knew I was one of those been evaluated, assessed and screened for this prestigious award. Nobody from the committee hinted me to the extent that one of my directors sent about 100 video clips of my activities in Tetfund and other places.

“Those are some of the information submitted that led to my selection. None of them was associated with wrongdoing.

“It reminds me of the general TETFund National Research Fund (NRF) which after my leadership as the Executive Secretary was last year evaluated along with other research grant platforms in Nigeria by the International Science Granting Council.

“Based on the transparency, grant selection, merit-base screening process and noninterference from my office, TETFund was selected as the institution in Nigeria that will hold and manage its research

grant henceforth.

“This made Nigeria the sixth country in Africa to earn such a status and it was all about transparency, merit and integrity of the process of grant management in TETFund.

“I can swear to any holy book that in my academic career, I never compromised my standard for anybody,” Bogoro said.

He further said that during his tenure he was able to upscale the NRF from the annual N500 million to N8 billion with the assistance of the board and the approval of Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, and President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said the award had established a high standard, worthy of being copied by other merit award platforms in the country and beyond.

Earlier, the Chairman, Governing Board of NPL, Prof. Anya O. Anya, said that the NPL as a product of vision and commitment of some eminent Nigerians was determined to chart a new course aimed at identifying, and reinventing new culture of leadership in the country.

(NAN)

HYPPADEC expresses satisfaction with Niger project execution

Prof. Saleh

He said inspecting those projects was as good as executing them to ensure that they are carried out in the right place and the right people are benefitting from it.

Prof. Kanam inspected both ongoing and completed

projects to include Solar Powered Boreholes, Solar street lights, Blocks of classrooms, office and toilets, as well as HYPPADEC Youth Transformation (YTP) centres.

The HYPPADEC Managing Director, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, assured the communities of more interventions within the

capacity of the commission and expressed satisfaction with strategic locations of most of the projects.

He said the commission will provide furniture and hand pumps for all the schools constructed and promised specific interventions to some communities to address their pressing challenges.

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Hydroelectric Power

Producing Areas Development

Commission, HYPPADEC, Projects Monitoring Committee has expressed satisfaction with projects executed by the Commission in Niger state. The Committee led by

Galadima Kanam expressed satisfaction over the projects.

L-R: Governor of Kaduna State/Chairman of the Occasion, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, President of the Senate/Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives/Keynote Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and Director-General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar O. Suleiman, during the 2022 Parliamentarians Lecture on Monday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna with Agency Report

The Federal Government said a total of 105 Power Transformer projects were completed between 2015 to 2022, adding a capacity of 6,216MVA to the national grid.

The Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the 11th edition

Poultry: PAN reiterates readiness for Yuletide sales

The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has assured the public of availability of poultry for Yuletide sales.

The Association’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Godwin Egbebe, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

The scribe noted that despite the challenges faced by the sector due to high costs of raw materials for production, it would still able to meet their potential clients’ demands at Yuletide.

“We are ready for the Yuletide sales with available poultry.

“Regardless the fact that the costs of raw materials for production keep going up, we will still able to produce enough for the Christmas celebration.

“Though, this will reflect in the costs of poultry sales this year,” the scribe said.

According to Egbebe “Currently, the cost of a turkey ranges from N55,000 to N60,000 due to the high costs of production , while we used sell it for between N30,000 and N35,000 before.

“Personally, I was not able to cultivate turkeys in my farm due to the high costs of raw materials.

“The current price of a chicken in the market ranges between N3,500 and N5,000 depending on its size.

“However, local poultry are currently more affordable than the smuggled counterparts. This is one advantage that the exchange rate has given local production,” Egbebe said.

He said that most people were now more interested in patronising local production instead of the smuggled ones.

He implored the government to subsidise the costs of raw materials to ease production costs and boost the sector’s growth.

“We try to, as much as possible, reduce the costs of production so as to sell our birds at affordable prices while discouraging the patronage of smuggled poultry.

“We seek government’s intervention to subsidise the costs of production so as to discourage the smuggling of poultry into the country,” he said. (NAN)

FG completes 105 power projects in 7 yrs —Minister

of the President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) ‘Scorecard Series (2015-2023)’ organised to showcase the achievements of the Buhari Administration.

In a presentation at the event hosted by the Ministry of Information and Culture, Aliyu said 73 of the power transformers installed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) engineers in substations across the nation.

The minister said the feat had changed the narrative of the power sector from consumption spending (on subsidies) to real infrastructure spending.

He listed some of the completed

Power Transformer/Substation projects to include: The 150MVA 330/132kV Interbus Power Transformer at Ughelli, Delta IV Transmission Substation and the 150MVA 330/132kV Power Transformer at Ayade Transmission Substation

Others were the 2x150MVA 330/132/33kV Substation at Lafia, Nasarawa State, and the 2x60MVA 132/33kV Dawaki/Gwarinpa Substation recently completed in November 2022 under the Abuja Feeding Scheme.

The projects also included the 2x60MVA 132/33kV Gagarawa Substation, 2x60MVA 132/33kV

Substation at Adiabor, 2x30MVA 132/33kV Yelwa Yauri the1x30MVA 132/33kV Ilashe Substation and the 1x40MVA 132/33kV Substation at Bichi, Kano State among others.

According to the minister, a number of substations and bay extensions were nearing completion and expected to be inaugurated by the First and Second Quarter of 2023.

He said a total of 900km of reconductoring and construction of new transmission lines were completed during the period 2015 – 2022.

Some of the key lines, according to him, included reconductoring

of 140km 132kV Birnin- Kebbi to Sokoto transmission line (April 2021) and completion of 330kV Aloji – Ikot Ekpene transmission line.

Others were the 132kV Ihovbor – Okada transmission line, completion of 330KV Gombe –Damaturu transmission line, among others.

The minister said some transmission line projects nearing completion and expected to be inaugurated by Q1 and Q2 of 2023 included the Kaduna – Jos Double Circuit Transmission Line and Benin – Ajaokuta 330kV Single Circuit.

Irabor, Gambo hail DEPOWA on empowerment programmes

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has commended the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) for its giant stride in the empowerment of women and youths in the barracks.

Irabor, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Civil Military Relations, Rear Adm. Adeseye Ayobanjo, said this at the graduation of batches 12 and 13 of DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Centre, on Monday in Abuja.

He that the graduation of 126 trainees on different skills who were empowered with stater packs, was one of the model initiatives of DEPOWA to develop families of service personnel.

Irabor said the Defence Headquarters had always supported the initiatives of DEPOWA, including the establishment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Centre (PTSD) to cater for personnel.

He said that DEPOWA had also contributed to several humanitarian activities, such as distribution of food and medical items to widows of personnel killed in various security operations.

“On behalf of the officers and men of the armed forces, I truly appreciate these contributions and we will always look forward to every opportunity to support and collaborate with the poor to ensure that the global initiatives are a reality.

“This skill acquisition programme of DEPOWA has continuously added value to our barracks

community having graduated 11 batches of students before now and such have been productive through the various skills they acquired.

“I am happy that we have an example of the immediate past graduates of the programme, and I wish you well.

“Expectedly, DEPOWA’s effort has contributed to reducing unemployment among the youths and women in our barracks and thereby enhancing national security and development.”

Irabor advised the beneficiaries to justify the resources spen to train and empower them.

“I encourage you not to give these starter packs away for any reason, but to put them to effective use; to sell them will be tantamount to selling your future.

“I look forward to seeing some of you being employers of labour in the near future, following the skills you have acquired in this center,” he added.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, also hailed DEPOWA for its effort to empower women to be more productive and self reliant, by creating opportunities towards the attainment of sustainable livelihood.

Gambo said the occasion provided the best avenue to reflect on critical issues of unemployment in the country.

According to him, impact of unemployment is most prevalent among youths with majority of

unemployed youths being females.

He said unemployment to an extent, breeds insecurity including prostitution and trafficking, among other vices.

“Undeniably, one of the facts or ways to ameliorate this challenge is to invest in entrepreneurship programmes that will maximize potentials through skills acquisition for self reliance, as we are witnessing here today.

“It is on this note that I commend the proactive disposition and doggedness of the DEPOWA toward sustaining this remarkable employment initiative for self dependence and to make Nigerians less reliant on charity and aid.

“The association has brought hope to many individuals, particularly our graduates of today and like I said, there is light despite the darkness.

“With the successful training in different skills in this centre, I am optimistic that you are all empowered to chart a course with confidence, zeal and opportunity to succeed,” he said.

The CNS challenged the beneficiaries to put the skills they had acquired to proper use, adding that with determination, diligence as well as honesty the future would be bright.

He also advised the association to monitor the progress of all graduates of the centre so as to make sure that they cherished and put to good use the starter kits given to them.

(NAN)

L-R: Chairman, Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN),Guy Murray Bruce; CEO RadioAdspread, Tunji Idowu;president MIPAN, Femi Adelusi; chief operating officer RadioAdspread, Olamide Alaba, and CEO Megaletrics , Chris Ubosi at the official launch of RadioAdspread.com in Lagos, yesterday.

By Christiana Ekpa

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has rejoiced with the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, on his 55th birthday.

Gbajabiamila said Wike has proven in the last 55 years he spent on earth that he is one Nigerian full of patriotism.

The Speaker, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, noted with delight Wike’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy.

He said as the governor of Rivers State in the last seven and a half years, Wike has executed people-oriented programmes and projects, one of which the Speaker was invited to commission.

Gbajabiamila wished Wike many fruitful years in good health and God’s protection.

Gbajabiamila greets Wike at 55 Adamawa Varsity graduates 2,594 in various academic fields

2023: You will not regret voting APC to power- Tinubu assures Nigerians

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has assured Nigerians that they will not regret voting him into power in the 2023

elections.

Speaking in Kaduna yesterday at the flag off of a North West zonal rally of the party, the presidential candidate said, “I want to assure Nigerians that voting me as the President of this country will be a total turn

around for all the challenges the citizens of this country are going through.”

He warned all trouble makers that they have to find their way out of the country in their own interest, warning that anybody that does not believe in the peace, unity and

progress of the country will not find it easy if he eventually becomes the President of the country.

He added that the present challenges of security like killings, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other challenges would be a thing of the past.

Shareholders approve Dangote Cement’s 10% share buy-back

Shareholders of Dangote Cement, Tuesday, unanimously authorised the Management of the company to undertake a share buyback of up to 10 percent of its issued shares, effective from the date of the resolution.

The company had earlier indicated an interest in undergoing a share buyback programme, in respect of up to 10 percent of its issued shares, for the purpose of improving the company’s return on equity and its shareholders’ value, so as to facilitate the future long-term growth of the company.

The approval through voting, which was given at the company’s Extraordinary General Meeting, held in Lagos recorded a 100 percent approval from the shareholders, with many of them describing the exercise as very laudable and a win-win

situation for them.

Among other resolutions, the shareholders authorised that the “Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company be amended (as applicable), upon completion of the share buyback, to reflect the company’s share capital, following the cancellation (if any) of the shares acquired and/or otherwise held by the company.”

The Board was also authorised to ensure that the amendment of the Articles of Association of the company reflects the company’s share capital, following the cancellation (if any) of the shares acquired and/or otherwise held by the company.

It would be recalled that the Shareholders, at the company’s recent 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM), also commended the Management of the company for an impressive

performance despite the economic challenges in the year under review.

Unanimously, they approved N20 per share for the year ended December 31, 2021, as against the N16 paid in the preceding year. That represented a 25 per cent increase in dividend compared to the 2020 dividend of N16.00 per share, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to maximising shareholder value. They also applauded the company for its drive in reducing unclaimed dividends of the company.

Dangote Cement in the year under review achieved its highest profit before tax in its history at N538.4 billion. Also, the Company recorded Group volumes of 29.3Mta, up 13.8 per cent. Exceptional EBITDA of N684.6 billion was achieved, up by 43.2 percent owing to strong cost control measures.

Chairman of the company, Aliko Dangote, said that “Over the last decade, Dangote Cement has recorded exponential growth across all areas.” According to him, “Group volumes are now at almost 30Mta, our capacity has tripled to 51.6Mta and we export cement from five countries across Africa.”

“As the volatile global environment propels us into a new era of uncertainties, we are fortunate that the last two years have taught us resilience, adaptability, and grit. These values are what we need to face in unpredictable times in the future.

“Dangote Cement remains the leading cement company in Africa, well-positioned for a positive and sustainable future. We are resolute in transforming Africa while creating sustainable value for our stakeholders,” Dangote added.

The Adamawa state University Mubi(ADSU) has awarded various certificates of graduation to 2,594 graduating students.

Vice chancellor of the University, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta made the disclosure at a press conference to formally herald activities marking the 14th Convocation ceremony of the University at Mubi local government area of the state.

Professor Farauta said 2369 would be graduating with First Class degrees, 639 second class (upper),1,470 second class(lower),while 255 third class and 21 with pass category respectively.

Farauta stated that the University has 186 postgraduating students from various fields of studies across the facilities.

“Adamawa state University Mubi has added 2,594 graduates, who have been found worthy in both character and learning to the human resources development of the state.

13, 2022.

Niger Gov. swears in 25 Council Chairmen

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has sworn in the 25 newly elected local government council chairmen with a call to take leadership seriously and make impact in the lives of the people at the grassroots.

The swearing-in ceremony

took place at the Government house, Minna, the state capital and the oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge, who was represented by Justice Zainab Sadat of High Court V.

While congratulating the Chairmen, the Governor said meeting up with the people’s mandate is sacrosanct.

Governor Bello urged the

local government chairmen to also pay attention to the issue of security in their various local government areas by evolving new strategies in information and intelligence gathering.

He also charged them to be proactive and create more streams of revenue earnings in their local government areas as well as shun corruption.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alh. Kabiru Abbas appreciated the Governor and the State Electoral Umpire for providing a level playing ground as well as conducting a free, fair, and successful local government election.

From Umar Dankano, Yola

Non-Executive Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Abdu Dantata; Non-Executive Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Halima Aliko-Dangote; Chairman, Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko Dangote; Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Michel Puchercos; and Non-Executive Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Olakunle Alake at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Dangote Cement Plc, held in Lagos on December

End fuel scarcity in one week -Reps tell NNPC

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on Tuesday asked the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to end the artificial fuel scarcity within the next one week in order to ease the suffering of Nigerians.

The House also called on Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to seek collaboration of Nigerian Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure that fuel is sold at the regulated price and in all retail outlets.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public titled: ‘Urgent Need for the Government to end the Current Fuel Scarcity’ moved by Saidu Abdullahi (APC, Niger) at plenary.

Presenting the motion, Abdullahi said in the last few months, Nigerians have been subjected to untold hardships caused by the lingering petrol scarcity; affecting economic activities and making the already trying times in the country more difficult.

The lawmaker recalled that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) advanced excuses to justify the fuel scarcity.

“Firstly, when the scarcity reared its ugly head at the peak of the rainy season in October this year, NMDPRA said ‘the fuel scarcity in Abuja and other northern states was caused by rainfall which submerged the greater part of Lokoja including the highway leading to Abuja, a development that grounded all vehicular movements along that route to.

“Soon after floods/rains receded in Lokoja and the petrol scarcity continued, the President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers

Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), said the situation has continued to persist because of the supply gap created by the blockade in Lokoja. The IPMAN affirmed that there was enough product in the depots and that the lingering scarcity was only caused by the break in supply of the product.

“When the scarcity continued, and all the excuses advanced by the stakeholders watered down, the National Operations Controller of IPMAN advanced another reason and argued that the scarcity is because of an unsteady supply of the products,” he said.

Abdullahi expressed concern that intelligence reports on current fuel scarcity gathered by securities

agencies indicated that there is a deliberate plan by some oil marketers to derail the effort of the government in the distribution of fuel in the country by hoarding the petroleum products and thereby, creating artificial scarcity all over the country.

He further expressed concern that; “while the fuel scarcity is heating petroleum stations of some major marketers that are currently selling fuel on government regulated price, some independent marketers who operate in the Market have enough petroleum products selling at unregulated prices.

“Worried that most of those fueling stations have resulted in selling fuel at over N300 per litre. It is

observed with dismay that those who are gaining from this artificial fuel scarcity appear to be smiling home as a result of this ugly development and this has the potency to provoke innocent Nigerians against the Government.

“Further worried that: Generally, there is a hue and cry over this ugly development and unfortunately, those that are charged with the responsibility of taking control of this situation are not doing enough to combat the ugly development. This appears to be a dangerous signal that the Government must tackle without further delay to restore normalcy.

“Disturbed that lingering fuel scarcity has compounded the woes

of millions of Nigerians struggling to survive as prices of items continue to make a rapid surge. It has added a high cost of living to Nigerians which surged to a 17-year high of 21.09 per cent in October this year.

“Further disturbed that the inability of the regulators of the petroleum sector to end this artificial scarcity of petroleum products forced the Department of State Security Services to issue an ultimatum to the NNPC, and oil marketers to end the artificial scarcity within 48-hours.

Adopting the motion the House mandated the Committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

Atiku vows to restore peace, attract development to Plateau if elected President

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has vowed to restore peace in Plateau State if voted as the next President of the country in 2023.

Atiku equally promised to attract development to the state in addition to empowering the youth and women through small and medium scale enterprises.

The PDP presidential candidate and former Vice President of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007 gave the assurance while speaking at the party’s presidential campaign rally held in Jos, Plateau State capital, yesterday.

At the rally where Governors, top party chieftains and leaders were in attendance, Atiku promised to recreate the wealth of Plateau State.

His words, “We have promised you that if you vote for the PDP, and I know you will, we will return peace and development to Plateau State, especially for all the youths that are here, men and women.

“We will recreate Plateau’s wealth so that you can have jobs and employment. Those who want to work will be there and those who want to learn handwork will have the opportunity.

“Most of the roads linking neighboring states are bad because the APC-led government has failed to construct these roads in the last 8 years. This we have promised we will do, if you vote for PDP”, he said.

Atiku, who recalled that it was in Jos that late

Chief MKO Abiola, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, was nominated in 1993 as well as Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the presidential candidate of the PDP in 1999, expressed the optimism that with the support of the people Jos in particular and Plateau in general, he too will be victorious at the polls.

Speaking at the rally, the Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP and Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, lamented that there is so much hunger in the country, assuring however

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will turn things around in Nigeria and hunger will be no more in this country, it elected.

According to him, “Our youths, after finishing schools, have not been able to get employment . Atiku Abubakar is going to turn things around. He is going to tell you how he is going to do it.

“He is a man of honor, a father that we can trust, he is not one of those that look at newspapers and begin to quote figure. He is a man with Knowledge and experience to turn things around”, Okowa declared.

The Chairman of the PDP presidential campaign council and Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr Udom Emmanuel, in the remarks at the rally, said, “We are here to assure you that PDP is coming back again. We are coming on a rescue mission. We will restore peace in Plateau state.

We will restore the economy of plateau state.

“There are so many places in the world, they don’t have anything more than flower. Sometimes last year, Plateau alone produced the quantity of potato that could feed the whole of West Africa and they could not export one.

“Under Atiku Abubakar, Plateau State would be a major exporter of what they are producing. And that would stimulate the economy.

“Before now, Plateau was the center of enterprise, Plateau was driven by the economy of the private enterprise. Today, due to a lack of peace, due to insecurity in Plateau State, all that has vanished.

“I’m standing as a surety of the government of Atiku Abubakar that he will restore peace, he will restore security, he will restore the economy”, he stated.

The National Chairman of PDP, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, while reminding those present that he had lived in Plateau State for 22 years, said, “We are on a historic mission. PDP started in Plateau State by my father, Chief Solomon Lar. He was the one who took me out and we linked up with other patriotic leaders like Abubakar Rimi, Jerry Gana, Sule Lamido, Malam Adamu Ciroma, Atiku Abubakar and so many leaders, including your own son, governor Jonah Jang.

“He (Solomon Lar) built this party to be the

party of the people. PDP is owned by the people of Nigeria and that is you. When you leave PDP, PDP left you and you started suffering. Therefore, this party is going to rebuild plateau and the country. Whatever cracks that existed in the party is now all over.

“We want to thank our leaders, governor Jonah Jang, J.T Useni, Amb. Yahaya Kwande. All these leaders have been reunited and we want all the followers to be reunited so that we can win Plateau back together. My brother Fidelis Tapgun these are great leaders and I have seen today that the party is back in one single piece.

‘I came here and received many decampees, thousands and thousands of decampees. I am sure PDP today is a rock. Nobody can dislodge PDP again in Plateau State. This is going to rebuild Plateau, reconstruct Nigeria and I want a state where PDP is granted to vote the highest number of vote.

“I don’t want you to be number two, the highest number of votes should come from here. PDP is the one that will rebuild your universities, it will not close your universities for one year, it will rebuild your roads, you can see what governor Jang did when he was governor. There is no reason to go and vote a party that will destroy what we were trying to build”, Ayu maintained.

L – R: Mr. Olusegun Ogungbemide, Sector Commander, Lagos Sector, FRSC; Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, Vice Chancellor, Bowen University; Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, at the Nigeria Technology Awards, where the NCC was awarded ‘Excellence in Technology Deployment Federal Regulatory Agency’ on 11th December 2022 at the Admiralty Conference Centre, Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos State

•As Okowa laments hunger in the country •PDP is coming to rescue Nigeria, Gov Emmanuel assures

Commission urges citizens to report human rights violations

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on citizens to report all Human Rights Violations to the appropriate government agencies.

Mr Hilary Ogbonna, the Senior Human Rights Advisor for NHRC, made the call at the Youth Dialogue on Human Rights organised by the United Nations (UN) and NHRC in Abuja.

The dialogue was to commemorate the International Human Rights Day, marked yearly on Dec. 10 to create awareness and mobilise political will to promote respect for the rights and freedom enshrined by the declaration of human rights adopted by the UN.

Ogbonna urged young people to be cognisant of the existing instruments that government had passed into laws before talking extensively about them.

He added that some of the human rights laws in existence had been passed into law long before now including the Universal Basic Education (UBE) which is a human right law in Nigeria today.

According to the advisor, some states in the country have set up UBE board to help in responding rapidly to those going against the human rights violation in their states.

“So, when you go to your states UBE is now a law and it is a human right, also is the human rights under the Child Rights Act that is applicable in the FCT and more than 20 states in Nigeria, so it is important you have that knowledge.

“The right to health in chapter two of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is captured as unenforceable but government has gone beyond that to pass the National Health Insurance Act.

“Also government has pass the National Primary Healthcare Act, all of these acts impose obligations on government to guarantee the right to health, I’m saying this so that you will not use your hand to short-change yourself.

“African Chapter on Human and People’s Rights is a law in Nigeria, it’s not a treaty, ” the senior advisor said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the youths projected the challenges that young people faced constantly due to the failed government institutions as regards to human rights violations.

They mentioned the right to job, security, creating enabling environment for federal and states schools to function as well as the right to information, especially free access to the social media platforms as a means of new age information hub.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights says recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom , justice and peace in the world.

Tinubu promises national industrial revolution, completion of AKK gas pipeline

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has promised widespread industrialisation across the country if elected president.

Tinubu said this at the party’s presidential rally in Kaduna on Tuesday, where he addressed a mammoth crowd who welcomed him to the ancient city and former capital of the Northern region.

While addressing party supporters at Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna, Tinubu thanked them for the warm reception they have continued to accord him during his previous visits to the state, most recently for the Arewa Joint Committee at the Arewa House and the Kaduna Economic and Investment Summit.

At the rally were APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Presidential Running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, host- Governor Nasir El-Rufai and members of the party's National Working Committee.

Also in attendance were Governors Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Bello Matawalle (Zamfara) and Simon Bako Lalong (Plateau) who is also the DirectorGeneral of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign.

He said: “What anyone who visits the Centre of Learning quickly learns is that you are a resilient and industrious citizenry. You have the skills and talent to prosper as individuals, as a state and as a nation with a destiny no one can take away from you. You exemplify the best of our diverse and beloved nation.”

He praised Governor el-Rufai who he described as a dependable ally, for the good job done in the helms of affairs of the state.

“With his combination of intellect and determination, he has put in motion policies and programs that

are truly reforming the state and invigorating its economy.

His track record speaks for him. I commend his work and am glad that he has lent his support to the task that stands before us,” Tinubu said.

Tinubu who told the cheering crowd he was in Kaduna to seek their support to become Nigeria’s president said he has the track record of bringing alive the hopes of the citizenry with “people-oriented governance.

“With your support, my team and I will improve the economy, secure the peace, promote industry, grow more food and create more and better jobs for the average person.

“Given the opportunity, we shall reform the power sector, such that light is brought into every home and productive work afforded every pair of willing hands.

“My administration will improve the education system for all our children, including those who seem to have been rejected and forgotten and renew hope nationwide.

“Those who till the soil and grow our food will be helped to produce more and earn more. You farmers who feed this nation, your dignity and pride will be restored,” Tinubu said.

Speaking about his administration’s plans to massively industrialise the nation, the former Lagos State governor said, “Our industrial policy will make industries hum again. Meanwhile, we shall give the youth the training, access and policy support to explore new economic frontiers in the digital economy and other uses of technology to create new goods and services that benefit the entire population.

“Our infrastructural policy will promote nationwide road and rail transport, enabling small businesses to easily transport their goods across state-lines and engage in productive trade throughout the land. Federal roads, especially the Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano Road, will be turned

into productive and safe highways for travel and commerce.

“Bringing jobs and cheaper power for your homes and business, the AKK gas pipeline completion will be a top priority, helping to literally fuel the region’s economy.

“We shall bring order to the mining industry discouraging illegal and dangerous mining, and promoting legal mining to bring better jobs, economic prosperity and security to Kaduna.”

Tinubu noted, these will help achieve his administration’s goal of achieving a double-digit economic growth which will see “bringing the most talented hands on deck regardless of their gender, tribe, age or affiliation”.

The APC flag bearer also spoke of his plans to improve the country’s security situation, promising to wipe out terrorism and make Nigeria safe for all.

Governor el-Rufai thanked the people of the Northwest zone and

particularly Kaduna State for massive turnout, saying they have shown where they stand in the 2023 race.

Governor Lalong disclosed that it was in Kaduna that the Northern Governors sat and decided that power must shift to the South and Asíwájú Tinubu should be the next president, stating that on that Asíwájú mandate they stand.

National Chairman Senator Adamu said Kaduna is the heart of Arewa and the North, adding that "the North has spoken and there is no need for more turanchi (talks)."

The party's gubernatorial candidate in Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani also thanked the people for turning out in their large numbers, saying this has shown that the state belongs to the APC.

He described Asíwájú Tinubu as the only candidate who can better pilot the affairs of the country having delivered in Lagos, adding that "when he gets there, he will never forget Arewa."

DEPOWA empowers 126 widows, children of deceased personnel

The Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) on Monday in Abuja graduated 126 beneficiaries of its skills acquisition programme meant to empower barracks women and youths.

The President of DEPOWA, Mrs Vickie Irabor, said the beneficiaries were widows and children of fallen personnel of the armed forces who died while defending the nation.

Irabor said that Nigeria had in the last decade faced major challenges of insecurity and terrorism in which officers and soldiers died while in the defence of the nation.

She said that even though the military had recorded huge success, the war had resulted in the loss of gallant men who had left families behind all over the barracks.

According to her, DEPOWA upgraded its skills acquisition center to respond to the challenge, by empowering widows with different skills and training.

“They were trained in fashion design, catering and hotel

management, computer studies make up and gele tying, hairdressing and soap production.

“Thereby giving them a trade to carry on the good work left behind by their breadwinners.

“Today, we are graduating a diverse group of women who have experienced real pain and have come out stronger.

“The life of a loved one cut short, in honorable service to the nation can never be erased from memory.

“These are women that have risen to the duty of training their children, fending for households and supporting extended families.

“They have jumped through hoops bent backwards and gone the extra mile to be here and at this time,” she said.

Irabor said the graduation was the beginning of hope, expectation for brighter and better future, source of financial liberation and an opportunity for the widows to contribute their quota to the society with dignity.

She urged them to take advantage

of the freshness of the skills they had acquired to begin to build, save and invest in their future.

According to her, those who will excel are the ones that are ready to work hard, save money and reinvest in their businesses.

Former DEPOWA President, Mrs Fatima Ogohi, commended the association for sustaining the initiative of empowering women in the barracks.

According to her, the involvement of the military in crisis management requires women to support themselves.

Ogohi said the impact of DEPOWA had gone beyond the barracks, citing examples of the giant stride of military wives in healthcare development in Nigeria.

She commended the current leadership of DEPOWA for the foundation laying of the Armed Forces Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Centre, among other laudable initiatives.

Ogohi urged the trainees to be judicious in utilising the proceeds of

their businesses to be able to keep the businesses afloat.

“Do not think that you have reached a certain level or you begin to speculate that you are going to continue to remain like that without putting on the effort and all the advice they have given you during your training session.

“The other one is to make sure you maintain your quality and trust; when you take orders, keep the orders, respect the orders and respect your pledges,” she added.

The Manager, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), FCT, Mrs Mary Kolawole, urged the beneficiaries to maintain the right mindset to be able to become successful entrepreneurs.

Kolawole also tasked them to be result oriented and risk takers, while urging them to immediately put their skills into practice.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries were given starter packs and seed capital to rent shops and start their businesses immediately. (NAN)

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Nigerian Customs Service Niger/Kog States Command has said to have made a seizures of goods worth N165,979,500 in the last month of November.

The Customs Area Controller, Compt Kadejo Busayo disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Minna, saying that the seizure include 15 vehicles valued at N141,600,000.

He added that other items seized are pharmaceuticals pharmaceuticals, footwear, imported soaps, machetes, jack knives, second hand clothes and canned sardine fish to the cost of N24,379,500.

Kadejo Busayo further revealed that the command had generated N22,670,706 for the month under review, November 2022 adding that they had

UBEC trains 37 heads of PR, protocols across the country

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has flagged-off a three-day training for 37 Heads of Public Relations and Protocol across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Bauchi.

The theme of this year’s training exercise is “Developing the Proficiency Techniques of UBEC/SUBEB Public Relations Officers towards effectively promoting the core values of the UBE Programme”.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the annual training in Bauchi, Mr David Apeh, Head of Public Relations and Protocol, UBEC Headquarters, said that the training would aid the public relations professionals in sharpening their PR strategies.

He said it would also strengthen their skills to effectively promote the Universal Basic Education programme’s key ideals and mobilise their various states towards the sector’s development.

it

of

boarder

Customs seize contraband goods worth N165.9m in Niger, Kogi Tinubu donates N50m to IDPs in Birnin Gwari

when he visited the Emirate to commiserate with the people over the decade-long banditry activities in the area.

The APC told the traditional

ruler, Mallam Zubairu Jibrin, that he is poised to end the menace once he assumed office and pledged to give Nigerians renewed hope.

Reps to include petroleum ministry in SON council, extend agency’s functions

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives, Tuesday took steps to include the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in the council of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and expand the functions of the agency to petroleum products.

This followed the passage through second reading of a “Bill for an Act to Amend the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act to Provide for the inclusion of a representative from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources in the Standards Council of Nigeria and expand the scope and functions of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to include

investigation and quality assurance Certification of Petroleum Products.”

The bill, Sponsored by Sergius Ogun from Edo and Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson from Lagos, seeks to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of SON, in ensuring quality of products (especially petroleum) and improving the fight against substandard or fake products in the country.

In a lead debate, Ogun said when passed into law, the proposed legislation would not only enhance effectiveness of SON, but strengthen it in the fight against substandard products and goods which now spreads across almost all sectors of the Nigerian society.

“One of the primary government agencies saddled with

the responsibility of regulating product standard in Nigeria is SON. Specifically, the SON is mandated to among other things, prepare standards relating to products, measurements, materials and processes among others, and their promotion at the national, regional and international levels.

“I is also mandated to provide capacity for local production of quality goods and certify industrial products, to mention a few. The SON Act makes provision for the Standards Council of Nigeria.

“The Council among other functions, is mandated to advise the Federal Government on the national policy on standards, standards specifications, quality control and

metrology.

“I is also mandated to provide necessary measures for quality control of raw materials and products in conformity with the standard specification.

“Some of the members of the Council, are the following ministries. Namely; Rural and Agricultural Development, Defence, Trade and Investment, Finance, Works and Housing, Health, and Science and Technology,” he stated.

The lawmaker said, despite the centrality of the petroleum sector in the Nigerian economy, the ministry of petroleum resources is/was omitted from the Standards Council of Nigeria membership, hence this amendment bill.

Al’ameen congratulates Prof. Bogoro for winning leadership award

of

NPL award.

Aone

Al’ameen stated this in a statement he personally signed and distributed to reporters in Bauchi.

The award was given to the

over N49 million for the month of September from Demand Notices, however stated that

has surpassed the targeted revenue for the year. He reiterated the commitment

the command in an efforts to dare the smugglers, noting that the federal government policy on

closure is still in force as officers were fully ready to engaged them.

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola

Ahmed Tinubu has donated N50 million to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Birnin Gwari local government of Kaduna State.

He made the donation

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

time Bauchi State gubernatorial aspirant under the platform

the All Progressives Congress (APC) Alhaji Sani Al’ameen Muhammed has congratulates Professor Suleiman Bogoro for winning Nigerian prize for leadership

Professor by the NPL headed by Professor Anya O. Anya chairman governing board and Professor Jerry Ghana vice chairman governig Board.

Chief of staff to Cross River State governor, Martin Orim (left), handing over keys of vehicles purchased by Governor Ben Ayade to members of the state’s newly established anti-graft agency at the governor’s office in Calabar yesterday.

Gombe: Don’t carry law into your hands, PDP urges members

From David Hassan, Gombe

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe state has adviced its members not to carry law into their hands.

In a press conference on Monday in Gombe, the spokes person Mr. Ayuba Aluke said such act is undemocratic.

The spoke person who did not hide his feelings said those behind the act supposed to be in school but fail to do so only to be used by some politicians to cause havock.

2023 Polls: CISLAC advocates for public assets declaration compliance

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

Ahead of 2023 General election, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) Tuesday, urged candidates seeking various political offices to declare their assets publicly.

CISLAC explained that the advocacy for the compliance with asset declaration laws in Nigeria project aims at executing an advocacy campaign for the adherence of asset declaration laws by public officials in Nigeria.

The Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, expressed this in his remarks at a workshop for Journalists on

assets declaration, organized by CISLAC/Transparency International.

As the national chapter of Transparency International, an implementing partner of the project in Nigeria, Auwal Rafsanjani insisted that candidates must be made to declare their assets before and after leaving office.

He called out governments at all levels for failure to adequately fund the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal, pointing out that this has virtually frustrated the push for public officials to comply with assets declaration laws.

“We want every candidate in the 2023 general elections to

declare his assets publicly and show commitment to complying with relevant assets declaration laws in Nigeria, Rafsanjani said.

“He expressed his concern that most public officials do “anticipatory declaration” due to failure of government to support CCB & T to investigate and punish assets declaration defaulters.

“If government is sincere and committed to fighting corruption, Rafsanjani held that past leaks around non| compliance with asset declaration when they get into office must be investigated.

Speaking further, CISLAC noted that the effect of non compliance with assets declaration is that the public

will be in the dark about what government officials declare; as well as impunity for false declarations.

Giving the project overview, Samuel Asimi of CISLAC stated that the “core problem is that asset disclosure system in Nigeria isn’t fit-for-purpose. Some of the root causes of the problem according to the CISLAC official is, “CCB’s ineffective/politically biased. No enforcement of rules, breaches aren’t investigated, or sanctioned.

“Public disclosure of assets not enshrined in the law, FOI requests get rejected, National Assembly has not yet set conditions as well as public apathy.

Cash stocked in soak-ways, farm houses flares insecurity -AYCF

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has lamented that cash stocked in soakways, farmhouses and other illegal faults, are used to flare insecurity hence the need to support the Revised Cash Withdrawal policy of CBN, that will result in addressing the economic challenge facing this country.

The AYCF President said they have followed closely the unfolding negative campaign that is clearly funded by enemies of this country’s economic growth and development, noting with disappointment the way and manner the media has been used to castigate the CBN Governor and his management for taking bold steps to address the economic challenge facing the country.

According to him, they are in support of any policy review by the CBN that could help boost the value of the national currency.

Southern Kaduna Christian leaders to endorse guber candidate January 14

The leadership of the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA), has fixed January 14, 2023, as the date to give a direction for the Christendom regarding the forthcoming governorship elections in Kaduna state.

The Chairman of the association, Apostle (Dr.) Emmanuel Nuhu Kure disclosed this during a parley between the association and gubernatorial candidates in the state, as well as a prayer session by the Association held in Kafanchan on Monday.

Highlighting some of the conditions that will determine

the direction, Apostle Kure said the fear of God was a cardinal condition that a gubernatorial candidate must possess to attract the support of the association during the election.

He explained that a candidate must equally have a fair understanding of governance, both locally and internationally to

be able to meaningfully develop not only Southern Kaduna but the entire state.

The SKCLA Chairman added that for a gubernatorial candidate of the state to enjoy the support of the people, he must also indicate significant interest to fight corruption, as according to him, it was the bane of development.

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Members, Pan African Women Projects (PAWP), Jane Nwabuzuba, Ms Bontle Matjila, The President, Market Men and Women Association of Nigeria, Chief Mrs. Felicia Sani , Head of Mission PAWP, Dr. (Mrs) Eno B. Udensi and à Member of PAWP, Mrs. Joyce Nana Ndem, during the Pan African Women Projects in Partnership with INEC sensitization campaigns on PVC collection Drive for women at the Garki model Market in FCT, theme: “Women your PVC is your Power”, held yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

2023: Tinubu supporters endorse ADP guber candidate in Kano

By Mustapha Adamu, Kano

One of the leading Support Groups for APC Presidential candidate, known as The Asiwaju Group (TAG) has endorsed the candidature of Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada, the gubernatorial candidate of ADP in Kano state.

The Head of the group, Mubarak Baffa Muhammad stated this when he led members to declare their support for Sharada as governor of the state in the 2023 general elections.

Muhammad said at the presidential elections, The Asiwaju Group (TAG) have decided to vote for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu but would not vote for APC in governoship election in the state.

According to statement by spokesperson of the ADP governorship campaign council, Abbas Yushau, the group said it had realized Sharada’s quality in becoming the governor of Kano state.

He added that TAG had since mobilized their people to cast their vote en-masse for Sharada.

In a remark, Sharada, who is a member of the House of representatives for Municipal federal Constituency, said they are yet to decide on any presidential candidates vying for the presidency.

He welcomed the stand taken by TAG for endorsing him as governor, noting that Nigeria’s democracy is becoming strong as people are going for individuals with track records and who could perform well.

Sharada added that he and his millions of followers in Kano are still on the fence noting that they are yet to decide on any of the Presidential Candidates.

The ADP candidate informed TAG that Some top APC elements in other states who are close to Asiwaju want force some of his supporters who are ready to vote for Asiwaju at the centre to withdraw their support and work for APC Governorship candidate in Kano.

The candidate further advised those elements to concentrate on the crisis affecting their state chapters of APC rather than exhausting their energy on futile Political mission.

Honourable Sha’aban Ibrahim said Kano people are wiser enough to cast their votes on candidates who are competent to deliver irrespective of their political parties.

He noted that their distraction will not stop him ,the ADP and millions of his admirers and supporters from mobilising Votes as he prepares to take over Kano Government House come May 29 2023.

INEC head office in Imo attacked by unknown gunmen

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Owerri, Imo State has been attacked by unknown gunmen.

The incident occurred at about 3.00am yesterday (Monday 12th December 2022).

Yesterday’s attack is the third on the Commission’s facilities in Imo State in less than two weeks following the earlier attacks on our Orlu LGA office on Thursday 1st December 2022 and Oru West LGA office on Sunday 4th December 2022.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Imo State, Professor Sylvia Uchenna Agu, has already reported the attack on the INEC’s State Headquarters office in Owerri to its headquarters in Abuja.

This was confirmed in a statement yesterday by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Barrister Festus Okoye

The attack, according to Okoye, affected the part of the building occupied by the Election and Party Monitoring (EPM) Department and one official utility vehicle (a Toyota Hilux pickup van) was burnt.

The response of the security and emergency services (the Fire Service), the statement explained, curtailed further damage to the building and other assets of the Commission.

The statement however showed that no critical election materials were destroyed and there were also no casualties involving staff of the

Commission.

The statement by Okoye reads, “The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Imo State, Professor Sylvia Uchenna Agu, has reported that our State Headquarters office in Owerri was attacked by unknown gunmen.

“The incident occurred at about 3.00am today Monday 12th December 2022.

“The attack affected the part of the building occupied by the Election and Party Monitoring (EPM) Department and one official utility vehicle (a Toyota Hilux pickup van) was burnt.

“The response of the security and emergency services (the Fire Service) curtailed further damage to the building and other assets of the Commission.

“No critical election materials

were destroyed. There were also no casualties involving staff of the Commission.

“This is third attack on the Commission’s facilities in Imo State in less than two weeks following the earlier attacks on our Orlu LGA office on Thursday 1st December 2022 and Oru West LGA office on Sunday 4th December 2022.

“Our Imo State Headquarters is located in the centre of the Owerri, the State capital, between a court and the State secretariat.

“This is therefore yet another systematic attack targeted at the Commission’s assets across the country, more so on the day that the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) commences nationwide ahead of the 2023 General Election”, it said.

Atiku assures Nigerians of good roads, jobs, empowerment of youth, women if elected

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has promised the people of Nasarawa State good road network, job opportunities and empowerment of women and youth if voted in as the next President of the country.

Similarly, the National Chairman of the PDP, Dr Iyorchia Ayu has expressed the confidence that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar would win in all the States in the North Central geo-political zone in the next year’s general elections.

Atiku and Ayu said these yesterday while speaking at the PDP presidential campaign rally held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, which was attended by leaders and chieftains of the leading opposition party.

The former Vice President reiterated his commitment to making sure that the nation’s young men and women have jobs to do and have work to do “when we come into office”

The PDP presidential flag bearer pointed out that that his administration, when given the nod in the next year’s general election, will be setting aside 10 billion US dollars, “so that we can pump this money in the small medium enterprises for our young men and woman”.

Continuing, Atiku said, “Let me also announce that we will link up Nasarawa with all other neighboring states as far as our road infrastructure is concerned.

“Having said that, I want you people to make sure that we win this state this time around”, he stressed.

The Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP and Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, while

speaking at the rally, described Atiku is the man that can turn things around, adding “you must trust him but you have to go out there to work and deliver the votes on February, 2023.

“The PDP has gone out well by giving us a good product, and when you have a good product it is not hard to sell that product. That product the PDP has given us today is Atiku Abubakar.

“One man who is prepared, has the experience and ready to work with all Nigerians to turn things around for the good of our youths, for the good of our women and for the entire country.

“We cannot miss this opportunity again, that is the best product that Nigeria has”, he said

On his part, the National Chairman of PDP, Dr Ayu said, “I don’t want to come here and campaign because the whole of North Central, where I come from, is not going to disgrace me.

“Every state is going to be worn by the People’s Democratic Party. Atiku Abubakar is going to get his highest vote in the north central zone. Luckily for us, Lafia is the political capital of North central.

Therefore I expect Nasarawa state to take number one. Nasarawa state will give Atiku Abubakar 95% of their votes especially now that every body that was in the other party is coming back to the PDP.

“Nasarawa state, when we started their journey in 1998, was a PDP state. The current National Chairman of APC, Abdullahi Adamu, PDP made him. “Without PDP, there would have been no Abdullahi Adamu. So Nasarawa state is not a state for any other party. Everybody that was in another party has come back to PDP”, Ayu .

The Chairman of the PDP

presidential campaign council, PCC, and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, in his remarks, lauded the women, the youths, the elders and the stakeholders in Nasarawa today for their large turn out and warm recwption.

The Chairman PCC of PDP said, “I am convinced that when it is time to announce the results, the result of Nasarawa will be announced first as PDP has won Nasarawa before any other state.

“You should vote for Atiku Abubakar, you should vote for PDP. You should make PDP five over five.

“Let me tell you that there is the belief now because PDP is the reigning party, that has something

as a social contract with the youths. So we are advising you it is no longer give over five but six over six .

“You vote for the President, Senators, House of Representatives members, House of Assembly members, vote for the governorship and then vote for yourself, that makes it six over six.

“It is not enough that Nasarawa State would be producing raw materials and other states will establish factories elsewhere, to process your raw materials. I want to assure you that under the leadership of Atiku Abubakar as president, what you produced in Nasarawa , people will build factories here and process it”, he said.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

Ugwuanyi/Mbah and sustainance of good governance in Enugu State

By Luke Mgboh

On his assumption of office in 2015, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi aptly dedicated Enugu State to, “The hands of God” and true to this solemn dedication, he anchored his administration on the concept of the “common good” as propounded by St. Thomas Aquinas, the Italian Dominican friar, priest and philosopher.

The concept of the “common good” in its original sense, encompasses the protection of life, preserving the state and promoting peace. According to its broadly accepted conception, the common good indicates, “The sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily.

In Ugwuanyi, Enugu State has attained these conditions. It is a fact of experience that under him, the charge for the common good has been pursued to satisfaction as the administration has devoted itself to a four point policy thrust of enhanced employment generation, enhanced social services, massive rural development, security and justice.

In the spirit of the above thrusts, the administration has since engaged in massive recruitment of workers in the state. Statistics from the office of the Head of Service indicated that as at 2021, over 1000 traffic officers, popularly known as MOT and over 1000 Forest guards, all between the ages of 18 to 35 years, had been recruited into the state service. What is more? The administration not only cleared arrears of salaries and allowances of workers inherited from the previous administrations, but went on to introduce the payment of the 13th month salary, something that was unheard in the governance of the state until now.

The same positive drive is replicated in the education sector, where he has employed over 5030 primary school teachers and engaged over 1500 tutors through the State Universal Basic Education and the State Post Primary School Management Board.

In addition to these achievements comes the reconstruction and upgrading over 950 classroom blocks, equipping them with modern constructed lockers, chairs and tables in addition to enhancing incentives to teachers and other non academic staff. The payoff is self - evident as students from the state roared in flying colours in the 2021 results released by the West African Examination Council, coming overall best in the Federation with 93.9 percent pass ahead of Edo State with 93.5 percent and Benue State which came third with 91.7 percent pass respectively.

Ministries, parastatals and agencies in the state are not left out in the recruitment exercise and the benefits of the common good by the administration. Records show that no less than 3000 workers have been employed by the state government, despite the global and national economic reversal. This singular act has positively affected the economies of hundreds of families and has increased the money in the markets in the state.

Enugu State, no doubt, has experienced massive infrastructural renewal in the last few years. Dilapidated rural and urban roads have been reconstructed while new networks have been constructed. As at date, no fewer than 850 kilometres of road networks, including some abandoned Federal roads, have been either been constructed or reconstructed in the state.

It must not be forgotten that Enugu State has been considerably peaceful in the face of the diverse security challenges bedeviling the region. Apart from a few breaches, many of which were eventually cracked down by security agencies, the state could pass as one of the few havens of secured living in Nigeria, luxuriating in peace, fellowship and good neighborliness. Here, businesses are conducted unhindered and the security of life and property are preserved by the functions of the state.

Despite the successful pursuit of these agendas, Governor Ugwuanyi has not been unmindful of new ideas and innovations. That is, no doubt, accounts for the steady rise in the internally generated revenue of the state, which is a result of a successful mix of technology, diligence and honesty by the administration.

An empirical validation of these accomplishments is the harvest of awards, recognitions and honours that have been bestowed on the governor by several credible institutions and organizations within and outside, the most notable of which is the recent National Honours award conferred on him by no other person but the President and Commander- in -Chief of the Nigeria Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari. He was honoured for his outstanding performance in areas of education, health, infrastructure and human capital development.

Not long after this celebrated award, Governor Ugwuanyi was again called up to the big stage for another eulogy, where again he received,” The distinguished Award for State Judiciary Reform” from President Buhari at the recent Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (NEAPS) held in Abuja.

All these recognitions simply attest to the fact that Gburugburu , as he is fondly addressed, is working and is well beyond the reproach of his lame detractors. But beyond the trajectories of the outstanding

The Land of Comedus

By Tony Osakpamwan Agbons

In the all-time literary classic, The Animal Farm, famed writer George Orwell painted a clear picture of a dire scenario of the power of greed, avarice, and communal disorganisation. It tells the story of a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, hoping to create a society where the animals can be equal, free, and happy. As the plot thickens and plays out, the rebellion is betrayed, and the farm ends up in a state even worse than it was before, under the dictatorship of a pig named Napoleon.

You may wonder why I am pulling out this allegory. Look no further dear reader. The Nigeria of today is no different from the Animal Farm. The human farmer in our case is legion. They are some satanic creatures and wicked constituents of our political class who have held the country down especially in the last two decades. These devilish venomous political elites are suffocating the ‘farm’. Like vipers they are snuffing life out of the millions of ‘humans’ on the farm – 133 million of them as at the last count by the National Bureau of Statistics in November 2022. As the report highlighted, these demographic hundreds of millions are ‘absolutely poor’. Nearly 70% of the Nigerian population are absolutely poor. No wonder we pride ourselves as the poverty capital of the world. Shame, shame.

Speaking with some friends last week as we analysed the above, the question on our mind was, HOW ON EARTH DID WE GET HERE? The answer is simple and yet not so simple. Successive governments at the local, state, and federal levels in Nigeria have failed to develop the country. They have failed to harness the enormous natural and human resources God Almighty has blessed the land with. Critical sectors – Education, Health, Agriculture, Transportation, Aviation, Power, Housing, Technology remain comatose.

A major catastrophe of our country is the contamination of the democratic process. More worrisome is the STATE CAPTURE (to borrow the words of the cerebral political economist/scholar, Professor Pat Utomi) by the dark minded political class. The propensity of our current political leaders to appropriate our collective patrimony and commonwealth to their pockets is earth shaking. These daredevil ‘inhuman beings’ live in opulence while those they are elected to serve live in abject penury. These inhuman beings are out again during this 2023 election cycle promising the ‘beaten people’ heaven on earth. They are the APCPDP sucking duopoly. There is thankfully a silver lining after the tunnel. Nigerians are being offered OBIdiently a different pathway to national rebirth and regeneration. The question however is, are Nigerians ready to

take their destiny in their own hands? Are Nigerians going to once again swallow hook, line, and sinker the recycled lies of the political hawks holding down their necks and snuffing the life out of them.

For 16 years (1999-2015) the People`s Democratic Party, PDP superintended over the affairs of the land. With hindsight some will say now, those years were better. Enter, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. Like Napoleon in the Animal Farm, they promised ‘change’ (2015) and ‘next level change’ (2019). Change indeed! Are Nigerians better now in 2022 than we were in 2015? I will leave you dear reader to carry out your own personal empirical analysis and decipher your answer. No ifs, no buts, ipso facto. Three months into the 2023 election campaigns, the stage is agog in the Land of Comedus. What a joke our beloveth Nigeria has become.

The first consideration in my cerebellum is what exactly do Nigerians want? Are we ready to change the status quo and make a departure from the current dilapidated political structures doting our landscape. By a divine arrangement, Nigerians are being offered a new menu of transformational leadership via the Obi-Datti ticket. It is a nutritious healthy diet ladened with vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, fats, and oils in their right proportions. This menu is set to cure the current social-economic malnutrition in the land. Curing our socioeconomic Kwashiorkor and the reset of our style of governance at all levels is an urgent imperative. Failure to do so will mean our continued socio-economic loss of muscle mass, and an eventual implosion of the entity called Nigeria. Not sounding overly pessimistic, there already are ominous signs and symptoms of looming danger ahead. With the high level of unemployment among the youthful population, the higher level of insecurity and the highest levels of abject-multi-dimensional poverty in the land, it is only a matter of time before a sulphuric inferno consume our land. The dooms day is fast approaching if we chose to do nothing.

Looking at the campaigns of the frontline candidates for the presidency in 2023, it is laughable that it is same old, same old methods and techniques from the so-called establishment political parties – APC and PDP. It is the same old storyline and rhetoric. Long on talk but short on creative ideas, strategic plans and the how. It is the same name-calling, insults, and abuses of opponents as well as deliberate `dodging` of facing the real issues. It is comical that the APC `emilokun` presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in an attempt to play the ethnic and religious card, has inadvertently convoluted himself in a spider web. The Muslim-Muslim ticket of the APC is a dagger on the nexus of the central nervous system of project Nigeria. At a time, when the ethnic, tribal, and religious temperature

performance and awards, one outstanding feature nobody can take away from him is his humane approach to life and to governance, which depict him as a man of higher integrity. Unlike most Nigerian politicians, he has absolutely rejected the Machiavellian’s theory of, “No morality in politics” and of his own free- will, elected to bestow a human face to all his policies and programs, thus standing him out as God- sent at a time of ardent adversary and transgression to governance in Nigeria.

Access to him is free, unhindered and relatively unchecked. His office as the Governor of the state is the office of the people of Ndi -Enugu, irrespective of rank, status or class, hence reducing barriers to dialogue, consultation and exchange of ideas in governance and short changing the obstacles of undue bureaucracy.

His devotion to duty is equally unprecedented and remarkable. A workaholic by every definition, he remains in office and on his duty post for as long as there is a file to attend to. The effect is that he is always there and ready to listen and to give attention to urgent state matters with dispatch.

One of the greatest legacies of Governor Ugwuanyi in the footprint of time and for which he would be well- remembered in history of the state is the choice of an outstanding and unblemished character as his successor. The emergence of Barrister Peter Mbah as the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP in the state, no doubt, promises to retain the pursuit of the common good of the people and fast forward the dreams of the state. Little wonder, it is well accepted by the people of Enugu State that,”With Peter Mbah, tomorrow is here”.

In conclusion, Mbah, an industrialist and former Commissioner for Finance, reassures the people at every facet of expectation and every point of intercession that Enugu State is indeed in the hands of God. His victory at the polls, come 2023, would amount to a victory for sustainable development, unparalleled growth and accelerated progress in the state as he has abidingly pledged to build on the achievements of Governor Ugwuanyi and tower the state ahead of its peers.

In his contract with the people of Enugu State, he declared that,” I will serve the people of Enugu State with humility and moderation, openness and inclusiveness, simplicity and forthrightness” and I think with this, he has said it all. Our tomorrow has come to stay.

is at fever pitch, the APC has shown a lack of respect to the religious sensitivity of the Nigerian state. Some may argue that it doesn`t matter if both the President and Vice President are Muslims. That is a story for the gods! It certainly does matter in a country like ours.

The Emilokun BAT certainly is topping the charts for gaffes in the Land of Comedus. The Nigerian people have never had it so comical. The comedy of errors have meandered from the `it is my turn rant` to `tia tia umbrelatta`, `God bless APCPDP`, `A town hall different from bala blu, blu, bulaba..`, `El Rufai changing a rotten situation to a bad one`, Niger Delta State and recently, to `Chatham House drama of Teamship` to mention but a few. Nigerians are stunned and wondering if Bola Tinubu has the physical and mental capacity for the office of President. The regularity of his gaffes has become one too many. Since becoming the APC flagbearer, BAT has been ‘dodging’ the independent Nigeria media, reputable ones for that matter like our darling AriseNews and Channels TV. Any Nigerian politician, aspiring for our top CEO job and capable of pouring aspersions on these two distinguished, leading media brands is a joker. Both AriseNews and Channels TV are unarguably the go to media in Nigeria at the moment. They are both not afraid to interrogate and speak truth to those in power and those aspiring to be in power. Both Television stations have done nothing wrong. They are doing their jobs excellently and professionally in line with global best practices and as the fourth estate of the realm.

A presidential candidate (no matter the level of self-entitlement) who cannot humble himself to attend a high-profile Town Hall Meeting and articulate his/her agenda to Nigerians and be interrogated by Nigerians is not fit for the highest office in the land. I stand to be challenged. Effective leadership all over the world is directly proportional to effective communication, engagement, and rapport with the people before and after assumption of office. Nigerians have been through this road before. The incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari adopted this same method. He evaded all attempts to make him take part in debates. Some may argue that nothing in our electoral laws makes it expedient for candidates to attend debates and town hall meetings.

Truth be told, any candidate unwilling to romance with citizenship in one-on-one Q&A discussions is definitely hiding something either from lack of content or due to cognitive deficiencies and decay. You can take that to the bank. To further rub salt on injury, the ‘spectacular’ display of ‘Teamship’ by BAT, in broad day light, at Chatham House, London is to say the least toxic.

Dr Agbons is founder of the Institute of Good Governance @ www.twin2.org

Dr. Luke Mgboh, a Public Affairs Analyst based in Enugu wrote this piece.

Unmasking of a nation and the Chatham House charade

By Lamptay Oriakhi

Incidentally, one may never be able to fully appraise the shame and disgrace caused Nigeria in an event where Chatham House erupted into an uneasy applause with no tone of conviction at the instance of Nigeria as a subject matter. Eyes met with eyes and gazes met with gazes as a shameful and unexpected development unfolded before the world. From the unfolding cacophony, a handful of political ‘Hallelujah’ boys who appeared to be in on the plot began to clap and laugh loudly and their orchestrated but disgraceful action began to influence some other unsuspecting and noticeably surprised members of the audience. The laughter and applause rose to a crescendo. I sat on the edge of my seat watching this unfolding tragicomedy strip Nigeria naked. ‘This is Chatham House’. I whispered aloud. Meanwhile, in another simultaneous show of shame; Just outside the Chatham House building, some alleged ‘stomach infrastructure’ crowd of supporters where having it out with another opposing group of political clowns in a laughable theatre of the absurd. This was happening in far away London. The subject matter was Nigeria, and the shameless, ignorant, and petty political actors were Nigerians. I felt the shame even though I was sitting alone in the comfort of my house watching this Nigerian political drama set in another man’s land. It was Monday the 5th of December 2022.

Chatham House is a reputable British institution of debate and dialogue that has played host to the best of human brains of this world. It is a centre where the vision of global leaders and shapers of ideas are espoused to the attention of our changing world. The likes of Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Barrack Obama, Tony Blair are some of the iconic personalities that have unveiled visions and ideas as visitors to Chatham House. Suffice to state that what is common and consistent amongst the aforementioned leaders and many others is that they take responsibility for their visions, and they explain their ideas themselves. It has been the tradition.

On this inglorious occasion, Chatham House was playing host to Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a presidential candidate of Nigeria’s ruling political party (All Progressive Congress, APC) in the forthcoming Presidential election in Nigeria. Coincidentally, a presidential townhall engagement organised by Arise TV and some Nigerian mainstream media took place a day before with

other leading presidential candidates in attendance except Tinubu who released a statement a day before that he would not be attending any such engagements by Nigerian journalists. While many reeled and pondered on the insolence and disrespect of the Nigerian people by Bola Tinubu who has consistently avoided engaging with the people, many awaited his chosen engagement at Chatham House the next day.

On the day, an array of highly acclaimed failed politicians as governors and national assembly members flooded Chatham House with Tinubu taking to the podium to unveil his supposed vision for Nigeria if he was elected President and Commander in Chief of the Nigerian state. Many Nigeria stayed glued to watch the event. It would be the first time he is noticeably engaging with journalist and people while fielding questions. It would be the first time many Nigerians would have some assessment of him and imagine him as Nigeria’s president.

Sadly, this Chatham House engagement by Bola Tinubu was a sham. It was one of those moments when one is not so proud to be a Nigerian. This was a global stage; where one expects to see a candidate who speaks as one who know the issues and is providing a well-articulated summation on how to turn around the fortunes of Nigeria. I assumed different positions as I listened to Tinubu. I listened as a Nigerian. I listened as an African. I listened as a westerner, and I also listened as a world leader looking to do business with Nigeria after the election.

Tinubu began his depositions with some air of applaudable articulation which was rather short-lived as his incoherence and inability to pronounce words set-in from his second sentence. Please remember that I was watching him as a Nigerian, an African, a westerner and a world leader. He continued his speech without depth but grammatical colourations that served no purpose to the issues plaguing the Nigerian people. Alas, some questions that required his intellectual sagacity and preparedness were thrown at him and I earnestly anticipated his response. To my amazement and the amazement of the moderator, he began to make mockery of the process as he deflected the questions to his surrogates to respond to. Chatham House in her 122 years of existence had never seen a thing like that. The charade continued and went on and on. Literarily, Tinubu did not answer the questions which are the core issues of the next election. Those questions on security, economy, climate change, bilateral collaborations etc were answered by people not on the ballot.

Men and women regarded largely as failed politicians belonging to the political establishment that has held Nigeria hostage for more than 30 years.

As a Nigerian watching the show of shame, it looked normal as I was not expecting much from Tinubu. Watching as an African, I cringed and saw no hope for Africa’s growth if the largest black nation on earth decides to settle for this. Watching as westerner, it was like; ‘will Africa ever be serious by choosing leaders who can give them good representation?’. Watching as a world leader; I was quietly nodding my head saying in my mind ‘who is this again? can this people ever be serious? Chatham House? oh no’

Meanwhile, I must observe that the timing of the Chatham House engagement by Bola Tinubu and his team was an unacceptable affront on the Nigerian people. Nigeria is the major subject at play. Nigerian people are the people to be governed by the aspiring candidates. And Nigerians deserve the right to question the candidates for the people to make informed choices. Yet, about 10 weeks to elections, Bola Tinubu is the only candidate that has not engaged with the Nigerian Journalists on what his vision is for Nigeria. And he boasts of not giving himself to questioning by Nigerians. This is on top of the numerous displays of incoherence in his campaign rallies over the past weeks. His physical and mental incapacity has regularly been on display even during his highly controlled rallies.

Summarily, Tinubu is a true reflection of the Nigerian political story of the last 30 plus years. Chatham House/Tinubu engagement remains a charade that open Nigeria’s nakedness more to the world. That is even more felt when the entire media space has been filled with credulous APC and Tinubu supporters who are defending and justifying the failed outing in Chatham House, London. Meanwhile, some international journalists have expressed shock at what they experienced.

Finally, with all we have seen and heard, I agree with Tinubu and his team. They should not engage with Nigeria Journalists because the Tinubu/Shettima ticket is not an option in the next election. Nigerians must redouble their effort to do the needful to rekindle hope in this country and reignite confidence in Africa with our western neighbours taking us more seriously. Let’s look inwards….

Comrade Lamptay Oriakhi is a Public Affairs Analyst

Fellow gentlemen of the press, let’s retool in this digital age or become unemployable

By Isaac Asabor

There is no denying the fact that technology has altered the global information ecological unit by dislodging media and journalists from the exclusive role of editorial facilitation. The foregoing fact cannot be pooh-poohed as the Internet and social networks are fast giving audiences and media sources the opportunity to equally work and come across as Journalists, particularly on social media platforms. More detrimental to professional Journalists who have spent so many years building their journalism careers is that they now strive with nonprofessional journalists on social media platforms that have the capacity to define the public agenda in a much more immediate and global way than some professional journalists can.

Unless a Journalist has been living on Mars, he or she will be aware that Journalism as a profession is going through a bout of disruption, particularly from the perspective of the fast emergence of internet technology that is threatening enough to take his or her job. The concerns are not new. But they are now more exigent than ever before.

Today, a career in journalism is more than just writing, editing, and reporting. As gathered, not a few journalists who graduated from higher institutions a few years ago with a degree in mass communication or related fields thought that their degrees would have greatly improved their job prospects, but with the emergence of social media platforms and their attendant applications, particularly the YouTube and Tik Tok, it did not. It will shock anyone to hear that there are some Journalists in this computer-driven age that find it difficult to work with a computer or smartphone.

In Nigeria, some mass communication graduates, like yours sincerely, landed jobs in the field only because not a few newspaper publishing outlets are yet to fully immerse their operations in digital technologies.

Currently, most media entities are still producing news and broadcasting programmes using 19th-century technologies. Programmes which are companies’ biggest assets are still not digitized for easy access. Therefore, when there is breaking news, citizens on social media broadcast or publish it first.

At this juncture, it is expedient to clarify that this write-up is not meant to be a critique of media entities or higher institutions

that offer journalism or mass communication courses but to highlight the fact that there is an urgent need to address media education and training in order to prepare graduates to function effectively in the digital landscape. In the American and European continents, students are taken through an array of courses that basically acquaint them with the introduction to the web and then deal with the basics of journalistic writing, not just from a web-centric viewpoint but with knowledge of media law and ethics, and then finally on how the internet functions with specific reference to how best to use social media.

The web-based lessons, no doubt, provide students with a picture of web-based journalism today, and also help them to understand how technology has changed media form and content, and how web-based stories differ from those in print. They are also taught the challenges faced by the media when it comes to making a profit in the internet age and the challenges by web-based journalists and by investigative journalism in particular.

Given the foregoing method of teaching journalism or mass communication in other climes, there is no doubt that such graduates will confidently hit the media with the skills of writing for the web. Not only by imbuing them with confidence, but the teaching method also helps them to understand how people read and negotiate content online and how to write in a way that is web-friendly, and how to organize their web content. The teaching method also put them on a better pedestal to understand the ‘inverted pyramid’ form used for news stories generally, and web-based content more specifically.

It is germane to note at this juncture that journalism as a profession has today gone beyond the age of writing. It is therefore not surprising that Journalists and student-Journalists on other continents are today taught to understand the scope and range of web-based citizen journalism and to appreciate how a website might be useful (and how to go about setting up one). It also helps them to understand the limitations of blogs, vlogs, and podcasts and how to set them up.

Still in the same vein, the teaching method helps them to have a more comprehensive idea about what is what in the world of social media and how to make the best use of it as journalists. Before considering interactive social media, the teaching method looks at Google and Wikipedia, then gives pen

sketches of different social media options, suggesting how best to use them (including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Reddit, and TikTok).

Without a doubt, the advent of communication technologies has revolutionized the way news and information are produced. This has caused participatory media to emerge whereby private citizens who are not journalists are involved in producing content and reporting news on social media, including blogs and podcasts.

With the ongoing disruption in the media sector, no longer do people sit and wait on major newscasts a few times per day, rather, they are kept up-to-date with news and information from around the world every second through social media.

Understanding the role of the media in society has become essential. Therefore, educational institutions and media organizations must invest in innovative training and education to reflect growth, and prepare professionals for the future world of work, specifically in the field of journalism.

As it is at the moment, it is apropos to encourage journalists to strive towards retooling themselves with digital concepts, social, data, web, mobile, digital business, analytics, data journalism, and internet history as not retooling is capable of rendering them unemployable in the field of journalism in the near future as media-related technology keeps advancing.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to say that practicing journalists must be aggressive in their pursuit to acquire the knowledge and training that will equip them for media careers in the 21st century and beyond.

It cannot be denied that not a few universities and polytechnics may be experiencing challenges from outdated equipment and competent faculty in their efforts to change their curriculum, but at any cost, change must happen if they are to shape the careers of future journalists and affect the society as a whole.

In fact, the digital landscape is not to be feared, but to be understood and embraced. It is high time we embraced digital media education one student at a time. Be that as it may, fellow gentlemen of the press, Let us retool in this digital age or Become Unemployable.

Isaac Asabor is a Public Policy Analyst.

Northern States’

ll deliver 12m votes for Tinubu: Danladi Bako

Danladi Bako, Co-Director, Strategic Communications, All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, says Northern States will deliver 12 million votes for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in 2023 poll.

Bako said this when he spoke with newsmen on Tuesday.

He said: ” As far as the 2023 presidential election is concerned, the Northern States which are the stronghold of President Muhammadu Buhari will deliver the usual 12 million votes to APC.

”I strongly believe that there is no serious candidate from the North that can bring the number of votes that Buhari normally brings.”

The former Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) also said that Buhari had displayed his usual massive followership at the recent launch of APC manifesto in Jos, Plateau.

According to the former Sokoto State Commissioner for Information, APC will also get more than the required 25 per cent votes in the 36 states and the FCT.

”There is no problem with this as all the governors in the Northwest have won election twice and they will ensure landslide victory for APC in their own states again,” he added.

Bako assured that Tinubu would also record victory in Sokoto State especially with the support of the president, saying, ” Buhari remains extremely popular in the north.

”The president is extremely popular and his opinion matters a lot in elections, while the other candidates are not from the region.

”So, the APC presidential candidate will garner enough votes to win in the Northwest and Nigeria in general.” Bako said that Tinubu had always identified with the people of Sokoto state by visiting to sympathise with them whenever they had calamities like flood, death or fire incidents.

”Tinubu will always visit the state, sympathise with the government and people of the state, while he always donated money to the victims,” he said. Bako said that the Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda factor, being the leader of the party in the state would also work in favour of APC in the state.

”Wamakko, though no longer the governor of the state still has large following as he has continued to accord top priority to the welfare of the people of the state.

”So, I strongly believe that the combination of the factors of Buhari, Tinubu and Wamakko will deliver the presidential votes in Sokoto State,” he said. (NAN)

UHC Day: Children urged govt to ensure free, quality, accessible healthcare

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

To mark this year’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, Children in Government Junior Secondary School Gwagwalada, a suburb in the nation’s capital have called on government at all levels to ensure free, quality and accesses healthcare for all.

The children who spoke to our Correspondent on Friday, expressed concerns over poor healthcare facilities in the country.

The children who are members of Child Advocacy Club set up by Save the Children International (SCI), Nigeria, said there was urgent need for governments at all levels to revamped most of the dilapidated health facilities in

the country to address challenges faced by many Nigerians.

Speaking, a member of the club, Advocate Elot Joy, Jss 3 B, said Universal health coverage is a call to action for all stakeholders in the country to wake up to their responsibilities.

“Considering the level of poverty in the country, government and relevant stakeholders should ensure everyone has access to free, accessible and quality healthcare.

“We are advocating for free health service for Nigerians. We have health facility in our school but not up to standard.

She added that club has been carrying out various advocacies at school and outside school to educate their peers to speak out

on the need for quality healthcare.

Also speaking, Saidu Nanah Aminat, Jss 3, called on government and other stakeholders to come to the aids of children in the country.

Specifically, she said pneumonia has become a dangerous child killer disease, adding that collaborative effort is needed to safe many children from dying.

She said SCI is doing a lot by sensitizing children and and engaging stakeholders to play their roles in curbing pneumonia and other child killer diseases.

“But our advocacy message in schools will not be effective if government does not provide the necessary equipment needed to help us. We want a safe

environment for all children. We also want the government to help us achieve that.”

On her part, Mrs Florence Okonkwo, Principal or the school said she was delighted that the children have come to to discover that health care is their right.

“I am happy that they understand that it is a right and not a privileged. I listened to them And their various contributions in what should and should not be. This tells us that the leaders of tomorrow are waking up. We are also confident that this kind of representation will be good for our country.

“I would like to call on the government to help us and address the sorry health challenges in the country”.

Supporters of All Progressive Congress (APC) with their Governoship Candidate Banner, during the Basic Empowerment Support Oganisation (BESO) Organised 1 Million Supporters for Tinubu/Shettima, Walk March Rally in kaduna on 13/12/22

Tax amazon urges youths to build future now

Mrs Ifueko OmoiguiOkauru, former Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Board ( FIRS) urged youths to build their future to enable them have hope for themselves and affect their immediate environment.

Omoigui-Okauru gave the advice on Saturday at her 60th birthday celebration in Abuja.

“There is a future, but you have to be the builders of that future now,” she said.

She urged the youths to go into this future with a sacrifice and a sense of purpose not with consumption mentality.

“Put somthing tangible into yourself, so that you can have something to give. In that respect, I believe we will be getting to a point where this nation will be having to look for youths as leaders who have something to offer.”

Omoigui-Okauru, who was also the former Chairman of the Joint Tax Board, also advised youths to be focused in their pursuits and be intelligent about it.

She said that youths should make sure that they attained milestones at every stage involved in their development process.

“To move our country forward leadership is critical and shouldn’t be a one man’s leadership; its should be a team work.

”Nigeria has to be focused on eradicating poverty, revamping the health and education section.

“Our electoral system needs to be changed.

“Youths should have access to opportunities, they should be motivated to think Nigeria.

“People should take responsibilities and not trade blames, youths need to take charge.

“Alot of what I did; did not start today at 60, I started in my teens.

“Our youths should have a purpose in life, build their confidence and competence.

“The issues of brain drain, alcoholism and drug abuse should be avoided.

“The youths should focus on the leadership of moving the country

forward,” she said.

She advised Nigerians to be hopeful, and begin to think of ways to change the electoral system.

”Let’s ask questions such as what we need to do to build a transformative leadership.

”We need to ask what we need to do to change our political system, when we recognise its not a one man’s show to change this country, it would be better for us.

“Let’s stop fighting ourselves, its killing this country, let’s begin to think Nigeria and look for ways to take Nigeria forward,” she said.

Earlier in a commemorative lecture, Mr Aigboje AigImoukhuede, the former Access Bank Chairman, presented a paper titled “Thinking aloud – imagining a Nigeria that works for the collective”.

He advised Nigerians to think towards revamping Nigeria to what it could be and what it should be.

He described the celebrant as an excellent achiever and a nation builder, urging others to emulate

her steps.

The event attracted notably Nigerians who poured encomiums on her.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that OmoiguiOkauru, during her tenure introduced the use of technology in core tax administration functions, including taxpayer registration, tax filling and payment.

She is currently the Managing Partner of Compliance Professionals Plx, a firm that supports individuals and organisation to ensure compliance with their statutory obligations in Nigeria.

The company designs an effective business environment in which small, medium and large business can thrive.

She is also the chairman of the NigeriaTax Research Network among others.

She holds two honours –Member of the Order of Niger and Member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. (NAN)

By Musa Baba Adamu

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has given reasons why the Senate decided to organise an investigative hearing on the ongoing bid to concession the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant(ZHPP) located in Niger State.

The investigative hearing which held on Tuesday was organised by the Senate Committee on Power in line with the resolution adopted by the Senate at its Plenary Sitting of Wednesday 23rd November, 2022.

Declaring the event open, Lawan explained that the thrust of the motion, sponsored by the chairman of the committee, Senator Gabriel Suswan was to request the Senate to invoke its oversight constitutional responsibility to avert the transfer of unresolved liabilities and future third -party claims to Government.

The motion, he said, was also to ensure that the proposed concession of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant (ZHPP) was conducted on a ‘value for money criteria’ bearing

Why we are probing bid to concession Zungeru Power Plant - Ahmed Lawan

in mind huge external loans and annual budgetary releases expended on its construction.

“I am glad to note that the Committee has extended invitation to all concerned stakeholders to come forward with their inputs, observations and contributions to the work of the Committee in carrying out its mandate.

“The concerns of the Senate which culminated into this investigative hearing must be seen by all well-meaning Nigerians from the context of Government’s recent experience with the privatization of power assets in Nigeria which has continued to attract public outcry and criticism.

“It is noteworthy that while a segment of the public has applauded

the modest gains of the privatization of government -owned power assets in Nigeria, mounting challenges that emerged after the exercise have made many questioned the credibility of the process that produced the successor companies and the viability of such companies hence the need for extreme caution in the concessioning of the remaining government -owned power assets including the ZHPP.

“The precarious condition of the Nigerian power sector is indeed puzzling considering relentless investments and special interventions made by successive administrations to change the fortunes of the sector for the better.

“Available data indicates that between 2015 and 2022 alone, the

Nigerian national grid collapsed 98 times. This immediately brings to question whether the power to be generated from the ZHPP upon commencement of operation will be successfully and fully evacuated and if not, what will be the implication on the capacity of the Concessionaire to meet its obligations under the Concession Agreement being contemplated.

“Failure to address such issues in the past have put Government in an unenviable position where billions of Naira are currently being paid to service contractual obligations that should have been avoided by Government if proper due diligence and consultation was done by relevant MDAs.

“It is therefore, expected that

in the course of this investigative hearing, concerned stakeholders invited by the Committee will take advantage of this avenue to answer the above posers and many more as may be directed at them by the chairman and members of the Committee towards reaching informed recommendations that will form the final decision of the Senate at Plenary regarding the bid to concession the ZHPP”, he said.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the committee, Senator Gabriel Suswan said the hearing afforded key players in the proposed concession on the ZHPP, the opportunity to shed light on the many questions that have trailed the concessioning process since was made public.

APGA, NNPP presidential candidates meet in Abuja ahead 2023 elections

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

As political consultations, permutations and possible alliances by political parties participating in the 2023 general election continue, the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Peter Umeadi met with the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Abuja on Monday.

A statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of NNPP, Agbo Major said in attendance were the NNPP National Chairman, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali and the party’s Deputy National Chairman, AVM John Chris Ifemeje (rtd).

He said the leaders reviewed the political situation in the country and the need for free, fair, credible, transparent, peaceful, inclusive and generally acceptable elections that will further deepen the nation’s emerging democracy.

Major said Kwankwaso has been consulting with national

leaders, traditional and religious leaders, and eminent Nigerians with a view to building a new Nigeria anchored on justice, equity, infrastructure, education, industrialization, security, prosperity and abundant delivery

of dividends of democracy which only NNPP can offer if voted into office.

“A grassroots politician, Engr. Kwankwaso has met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Generals Ibrahim Babangida and

Abdulsalami Abubakar. Others include Governor Nyesom Wike, elder statesman, Chief Olu Falae, former Governors Donald Duke and Otumba Gbenga Daniel.

“The nationwide consultation continues as the party is poised

to win the upcoming presidential election with the support of Nigerians and like-minded political parties. From every indication a new Nigeria is possible with NNPP. We are all in it together”, the statement said.

Poverty: Northern CSOs petition EFCC to investigate Social Intervention Programme

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks (CNSCSN) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) asking it to investigate the implementation of the federal government government Social Intervention Programmes component of interest across the country.

In a letter addressed to the Chairman of EFCC, Abdulraheed Bawa and signed by the President, Kano Civil Society Forum, Kano State, Amb Ibrahim A Waiya and 19 others, they said that they are seriously disturbed by the recent

survey publication of National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) tagged Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Survey wherein, Northern states were reported to have the worst indices.

“This is of great concern considering the huge investment made by the Federal government through Social Investment programmes where hundreds of thousands of citizens were supposedly reported to have received one form of economic support or the other.

“Unfortunately, the recent publication by the NBS indicated otherwise, as it does not translate to an improvement or betterment of life for the

poor people in Nigeria particularly in the Northern region. 63% of persons living within Nigeria (133 million people) are multi -dimensionally poor, 65% of the poor (86 million people) live in the North, while 35% (nearly 47 million) live in the South.

“According to the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper report of January 14th 2022, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq said the Federal Government of Nigeria spends the sum of One Billion Dollars on National Social Investment Programmes annually since 2016.

“As a network of civil society representing over three thousand individual organizations across the Nineteen Northern State and FCT, it is our belief that dismissing the Managing Director for NIRSAL, is not enough by now, as discreet investigation should be conducted to unravel the alleged misappropriation of public funds.

“We however, have conducted preliminary investigation through our state member organizations, and the findings indicated possible tendency of irregularities in the application of the funds across the States. The interventions that were meant for the poor in most cases

ended up being diverted to unintended and undeserving beneficiaries,” the group added.

“It is against this background, we write to your good office to seek for thorough investigation into the application of some Special Intervention Programmes Funds. We beseech a thorough investigation into the application of such Funds. The findings of your investigation should be published to reveal the names of the beneficiaries and the total amount disbursed from 2016 to date, as well as the Government Agency responsible for the implementation of each Programme.

All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidencial Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinibu,- Governor Naair El-rufai,- and APC Governotarial Kaduna Aspirant, Sen. Uba Sani,- during the All Progressive Congress (APC) North West Zonal Rally in kaduna on Tuesday 13/12/22

By Christiana Ekpa

Amid claims that he is backing Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) flag bearer, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said nobody can threaten him over his choice of a presidential candidate.

Obasanjo said he had shed blood and gone to prison; hence nobody could threaten him about his choice of a presidential candidate.

He disclosed this at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Secretariat in Enugu State.

Obasanjo had visited the

Rivers APC governorship aspirant loses appeal against High Court judgment

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt on Wednesday dismissed an appeal filed by one of the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Ojukaye FlagAmachree against the judgment of the Federal High Court in a matter filed by one George Orlu and four others against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and the APC.

Flag-Amachree had approached the Appeal Court arguing that George Orlu and the others who filed the suit at the High Court did not participate in the primaries and as such if the winner of the primaries Tonye Cole is found incompetent he (FlagAmachree) should be declared as the rightful candidate.

But the three-man panel of the appeal, led by Justice O.A Adegbehingbe, in a unanimous judgment, dismissed the appeal for lack of merit.

The appeal court held that the relief sort by the plaintiff if granted will mean that the party will have to conduct fresh congresses and primaries.

It also noted that FlagAmachree lost the primaries and never protested against the process.

Peter Obi: Nobody can threaten me over my preferred candidate – Obasanjo

Secretariat in the company of Afenifere’s leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Obi.

They visited the Secretariat to pay condolence over the death of First Republic Aviation Minister, Mbazulike Amaechi.

However, Obasanjo said: “I have

shed my blood for this country. I have gone to prison for this country.

“So, what are you going to frighten or threaten me with? The only thing that my senior brother (Adebanjo) hasn’t done is that he hasn’t shed his blood but he has gone to prison but we will leave that

aside.”

He said Nigeria’s problem was more national than ethnic.

The former president lamented that Nigeria was yet to have a leader with the right type of character.

“The problem we have in our hands in Nigeria is not ethnic. It

is national. And for me, the most important thing in a leader is character.

“If I put my hand on someone, it means that comparing with the other, I see that there is a merit that will be of benefit to Nigeria,” he said.

How I’ll lift Nigeria out of poverty as President – Peter Obi

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has promised to move Nigeria from a consuming nation to producing nation.

Peter Obi was speaking on Tuesday while addressing a campaign rally at Confluence Stadium, Lokoja.

According to him: “It is a promise, for I and my team are prepared to be held accountable for that, we will move Nigeria from a consuming nation to a consuming one. We will make sure that production starts from a local level, we will increase the minimum wage since the minimum wage today can hardly sustain workers, and we should be able to produce enough for consumption and even export to create wealth.”

In his words: “Good people of Kogi State, we are not here to buy your vote; we are here to tell you how we are going to save the

country. We want to unite Nigeria. We want to bring the family back together. We want to bring back the rule of law. We will consult you before taking any decision on any matter that affects you because power belongs to you.”

Obi also promised to ensure the steel industry is revived to give strong backing to the economy.

“Steel industry is very important to the development of the economy, therefore we will liaise with professionals and experts who know what to do with the Ajaokuta Steel Company immediately [after] we are sworn in.

The labour party presidential candidate urged the people to reject other parties at the polls even if they bring money to buy their votes.

“If they bring money, collect their money but vote against them at the polls. Tell them we want to follow those who know [the] road. Tell them that you [are] tired of being in the wilderness,” he stated.

Earlier, the convener of the

“Bring back our girls” campaign organisation, Aisha Yesufu, who was on the campaign train told the audience that “Nigeria needs Peter Obi as he represents [the] fearlessness needed to address the insecurities in the country.

“We are no longer safe in our own homes, we must vote for somebody we can hold accountable to provide good governance, our

lives must be made to matter; we must vote for someone who can make our lives matter, Peter Obi is the one.”

“Nigerian youths are tired of knowing someone before you can gain employment, vote for inclusiveness, let’s give Nigeria a president that is competent and can deliver us,” Aisha Yesufu added.

Senate orders screening of Onochie, 14 others for NDDC board

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Senate on Tuesday mandated its Committee on Niger Delta Affairs to commence the screening of President Muhammadu Buhari’s nominees for the position of chairman and 14 others as members of the board of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

President Buhari had on November 25 written the Senate, seeking for the confirmation of his Special Assistant on New Media, Lauretta Ifeanyi Onochie from Delta State as the chairman and

14 others as members of the NDDC board.

Other nominees are Dimgba Erugba (Abia State representative), Dr. Emem Wilcos Wills (Akwa Ibom State), Hon. Orok Duke (Cross River), Dr. Pius Obuluku (Edo), Engr. Anthony Okanne ((Imo), Hon. Gbenga Edema (Ondo) and Elekwachi Dinkpa (Rivers).

The rest are Alhaji Mohammed Kabir Abubakar (North Central zonal representative), Alhaji SuleIko Ssmi (North West), Prof. Tahir Mamman (North East), Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku from Bayelsa State (Managing

Director for a term of two years, to complete the unexpired term of his predecessor in office), Major General Charles Airhinvbere from Edo (Executive Director, Finance) and Charles Ogunmola from Ondo (Executive Director, Projects), respectively.

The Senate Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir (APC Sokoto East) read the Executive Communication from President Buhari that the upper legislative chamber do consider the request on the confirmation for the appointment as chairman and members of NDDC in accordance with the

2023: Why I will not vote for Atiku – Bode George

By Christiana Ekpa

Aprominent member and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has said he will not vote for his party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in next year’s presidential election, unless the issue of inclusivity in the party is addressed.

George disclosed this on Tuesday morning while featuring on the Arise Television Morning Show programme.

Recall that he had supported the call for Iyorchia Ayu to step down from his position as the party’s National Chairman, saying the lingering crisis bedevilling the party might cause its defeat in the 2023 presidential election.

“Until this party returns to the founding fathers’ principles of unity, with equity, fairness and justice being the pedestal for any political decision taken in this party, and ensuring broad-mindedness to accommodate the concerns of all zones in this country, PDP becomes vulnerable to disaster in the 2023 elections,” he had said.

While re-stating his earlier stance, the

provisions of section 2( 2)( a) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (Establishment) Act, Cap N86 LFN.

Consequently, the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, referred it to the Committee on Niger Delta Affairs to carry out an expeditious screening and report back to plenary next week Tuesday.

With the absence of Senator Nwaoboshi in the Senate, the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Senator Bulus Amos, (APC Gombe South) will preside over the screening.

The committee is, however, yet to fix a day for the screening.

PDP chieftain said he would not vote for Atiku in the forthcoming election unless the issue of inclusivity in the party is addressed.

He said “I will not vote for the presidential candidate of our party. Until the issue of inclusivity is addressed. Let them sit down and think over it. It is not negotiable; every Nigerian is important for this election.”

Peter Obi

Northern States’ ll deliver 12m votes for Tinubu: Danladi Bako

Danladi Bako, Co-Director, Strategic Communications, All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, says Northern States will deliver 12 million votes for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in 2023 poll.

Bako said this when he spoke with newsmen on Tuesday.

He said: ” As far as the 2023 presidential election is concerned, the Northern States which are the stronghold of President Muhammadu Buhari will deliver the usual 12 million votes to APC.

By Christiana Ekpa

Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has said the minimum wage presently earned by the workers in Nigeria is grossly insufficient, hence his government, when elected, will increase it.

Obi also said that one of the ways to curb unemployment is to resuscitate stillborn Ajaokuta Steel which he said will create massive job opportunities for Nigerians.

Labour Party Tuesday held its rally at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, Kogi State, that witnessed unprecedented crowd of supporters and Obidient members.

Peter Obi said, “We came here to tell you how we will save Nigeria from collapsing. Today in Kogi state you cannot travel freely within the state or from here to Abuja without fear. Our number one job is to secure Nigeria. We want to make Nigeria safe. We want to be able to unite Nigeria. Nigerians today are not living as a family.

“We want to bring the family back, we want to secure Nigeria. We want to show that in Nigeria, there is rule of law. You are not harassed.

“We want to make sure that we would remove Nigeria from consumption to production. We told you about minimum wage, we will ensure that the minimum wage that is as of today and those who are owed, we will work with that state and the local government to clear the outstanding.

“We would make sure that we work with them and when we stop consumption, we will start thinking about how to continue

”I strongly believe that there is no serious candidate from the North that can bring the number of votes that Buhari normally brings.”

The former Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) also said that Buhari had displayed his usual massive followership at the recent launch of APC manifesto in Jos, Plateau.

According to the former Sokoto State Commissioner for Information, APC will also get more than the required 25 per cent votes in the 36 states and the FCT.

”There is no problem with this as all the governors in the Northwest have won election twice and they will ensure landslide victory for APC in their own states again,” he added.

Bako assured that Tinubu would also record victory in Sokoto State especially with the support of the president, saying, ” Buhari remains extremely popular in the north.

”The president is extremely popular and his opinion matters a lot in elections, while the other candidates are not from the region.

”So, the APC presidential

candidate will garner enough votes to win in the Northwest and Nigeria in general.”

Bako said that Tinubu had always identified with the people of Sokoto state by visiting to sympathise with them whenever they had calamities like flood, death or fire incidents.

”Tinubu will always visit the state, sympathise with the government and people of the state, while he always donated money to the victims,” he said.

Bako said that the Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda factor, being the leader of the party in the state would also work in favour of APC in the state.

”Wamakko, though no longer the governor of the state still has large following as he has continued to accord top priority to the welfare of the people of the state.

”So, I strongly believe that the combination of the factors of Buhari, Tinubu and Wamakko will deliver the presidential votes in Sokoto State,” he said. (NAN)

2023: Obi vows to raise minimum wage, resuscitate Ajaokuta Steel

to increase the minimum wage. Because the minimum wage today can no longer sustain anybody.

“For Nigeria to develop we need steel, and I was told that the machine is outdated and I said if it is outdated can’t we get new one. If it is outdated we would make sure we resuscitate them and we will partner with whoever that can do it and bring new ones so it can work and we will create jobs.

“Reject their money. We can only tell you what we can do. We are not talking to you through any spokesperson. We are talking to you direct, when I become president of Nigeria, I will come to Kogi state, tour every senatorial zone and I will bring prosperity to your state. We will ensure that the people

return to the farms. The vast land in the state can feed Nigeria.”

Obi’s deputy, Datti Baba Ahmed also said that a new Nigeria is possible even as he called Nigerians to vote out the government in power.

He said, “Ninety nine days is for the thief but One day is from the owner. That one day is coming, that one special thing is going to happen to Nigeria.

“That one day that Nigeria will belong to the people is coming. For too long, clever politicians have been confusing brothers and sisters, they have been disuniting Nigerians. For too long, they have disallowed prosperity to Nigeria, that is going to stop. We are here to change all these, we are here to stop them. If you earn income legitimately, Labour Party is

your own. If you legitimately created wealth, Labour Party is your own. If you truly earn what you have, Peter Obi is your own.

“Those two parties that have failed, there’s only one way for them, downwards. Join the party of the people who has promise the people, who are telling you what they will do without excuses. The people who will not come and change what they said, we are here with you today.

“Follow the people that have not been confusing and deceiving you. That day, you will see Nigerians embracing and hugging each other.

“People like Peter Obi, when they will be sworn in and they will prove to you that they know how to create wealth. They know how to bring prosperity and they know how to make citizens live

in peace and tranquillity. Keep it in mind. We are going to stop the killing and start the healing, we are going to stop the stealing and the slide.”

National chairman of Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure also blamed leadership to failing situation in Nigeria.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that today our country is at a Crossroad, the fact that our country today is in disarray, the fact that the country is mismanaged. Today we are in a dilemma, the country is not working.

“From Abuja to Lokoja, you cannot go by roads, from Abuja to Kaduna, you cannot go by roads, insecurity has ravaged our country. People can no longer go to their farms, we are not even talking about the economy.”

Presidential Candidate All Progressive Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufai, and State Gubernatorial candidate, Senator Uba Sani, arrived the Ahmadu Bello Stadium to acknowledging the party members during the APC presidential Rally in Kaduna yesterday

2023: You will not regret voting APC to power – Tinubu assures Nigerians

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has assured Nigerians that they will not regret voting him into power in the 2023 elections.

Speaking in Kaduna on Tuesday

at the North West zonal rally, the presidential candidate said, “I want to assure Nigerians that voting me as the President of this country will be a total turnaround for all the challenges the citizens of this country is going through.”

He warned all troublemakers to find alternative endeavours, assuring that anybody who does

not believe in the peace, unity and progress of the country will not find it easy if he eventually becomes the President of the country.

He added that the present security challenges would be a thing of the past and Nigerians can go about their normal businesses.

He explained, “My government will do everything possible to

create jobs so as to give our youths a sense of belonging. Every opportunity will be made to give our farmers the enabling environment to go back to farm with the necessary inputs to enhance agricultural production in every part of the country.”

He called on Nigerians to get their PVCs ready, saying

they should get ready to vote for candidates of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in next year’s elections.

Earlier, Governor Nasir ElRufai thanked the people of North West for coming to Kaduna for the rally and enjoined them to ensure they vote for the APC at all levels in next year’s elections into power.

Cooperative advocate financial literacy to improve national development

Abubakar yunus abuja

The non-governmental Organisation for Literacy Support Services (NOGLASS) has urged the financial institution to consider intensifying financial literacy for national development.

The group said this on Tuesday at a one-day NOGLASS cooperative leadership Development Conference with the theme, “Building Leadership Capacity in financial literacy to access financial products”, in Abuja.

Speaking at the conference,NOGLASS President, Noah Emmanuel’s financial literacy is the key to unveiling the potential of humans towards financial and economic development geared towards self-reliance.

According to him,economic and financial empowerment is the heartbeat of every nation, saying that the economic transformation of many societies is often matched with the level of their financial educational development which is evident in their level of life expectancy vis-a-vis the per capita income.

Noah said, “Strengthening the capacities of our Cooperative leaders across the country remains one of the most fundamental mandates of NOGALSS Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd which serves as part of her contribution in support of the federal government of Nigeria in executing the strategic financial inclusion.

“It is pertinent to note that NOGALSS Multipurpose Cooperative Society is operative across the states of the Federation and the FCT and will use its support services for the attainment of the federal government policies on economic and financial empowerment.”

Speaking on the essence of the conference she said “ this conference will no small measure, provide us with the opportunity to refresh our knowledge and to learn techniques in Economic Development and it will equally further massage improve our capacity in wealth creation for sustainable development.

On her part, Cooperative General Secretary, Barr. Madonna Corosi explained that the cooperative has made great strides towards reducing poverty and fostering economic growth through its packages of wealth creation, and economic and financial empowerment of its members.

Economic crisis: IMF reaches staff-level agreement with Ghana on $3bn loan

Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Ghana have reached a staff-level agreement for a three-year loan package of $3 billion.

The development means that the agreement still requires the approval of the IMF management and executive board as well as receipt of the necessary financing assurances by Ghana’s partners and creditors.

According to a statement issued by the IMF, Stéphane Roudet, IMF mission chief for Ghana, visited Accra from December 1 – 13, 2022, to discuss with the Ghanaian authorities on IMF support for their policy and reform plans.

Ghana sought help from the IMF in July after its citizens took to the streets to protest over spiralling inflation, currency depreciation, and other economic woes.

The Wasington-based institution said the economic policies and reforms to be supported by the loan would be aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability while protecting the vulnerable, preserving financial stability, and laying the foundation for strong and inclusive recovery.

“I am pleased to announce that the IMF team reached staff-level agreement with the Ghanaian authorities on a threeyear program supported by an arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) in the amount of SDR 2.242 billion or about US$3 billion,” Roudet was

quoted as saying.

“The economic program aims to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability while laying the foundation for stronger and more inclusive growth.

“The staff-level agreement is subject to IMF Management and Executive Board approval and receipt of the necessary financing assurances by Ghana’s partners and creditors.

“ The Ghanaian authorities have committed to a wide-ranging economic reform program, which builds on the government’s PostCOVID-19 Program for Economic Growth (PC-PEG) and tackles the deep challenges facing the country.

“Key reforms aim to ensure the sustainability of public finances while protecting the vulnerable. The fiscal strategy relies on frontloaded measures to increase domestic resource mobilization and streamline expenditure.

“In addition, the authorities have committed to strengthening social safety nets, including reinforcing the existing targeted cash-transfer program for vulnerable households and improving the coverage and efficiency of social spending.

“Structural reforms will be introduced to underpin the fiscal strategy and ensure a durable consolidation. These include developing a medium-term plan to generate additional revenue and advancing reforms to bolster tax compliance. This will help create space for growth-enhancing measures and social spending.

“Efforts will also be made to strengthen public expenditure

commitment controls, improve fiscal transparency (including the reporting and monitoring of arrears), improve the management of public enterprises, and tackle structural challenges in the energy and cocoa sectors. The authorities are also committed to further bolstering governance and accountability.

“To support the objective of restoring public debt sustainability, the authorities have announced a comprehensive debt restructuring. Sufficient assurances and progress on this front will be needed before the proposed Fund-supported program can be presented to the IMF Executive Board for approval.

“Reducing inflation, enhancing resilience to external shocks, and improving market confidence are also important program priorities.

“Accordingly, the Bank of Ghana will continue to strengthen its monetary policy framework and

promote exchange rate flexibility to rebuild external buffers.

“As part of the authorities’ debt strategy, a domestic debt exchange has been launched. The authorities are committed to taking the necessary mitigation measures to ensure financial sector stability is preserved.”

“IMF staff held meetings with Vice President Bawumia, Finance Minister Ofori-Atta, and Bank of Ghana Governor Addison, and their teams, as well as representatives from various government agencies.

“The IMF team has also continued to engage with other stakeholders. Staff would like to express their gratitude to the Ghanaian authorities, Parliament’s Finance Committee and all the private sector, trade union, and civil society representatives for their open and constructive engagement over the past few months.”

Petrol subsidy affecting abilities to address energy crisis, says MOMAN

ABUBAKAR YUNUS Abuja

The Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) says the prolonged petrol subsidy is making institutions less capable of addressing the current energy crisis.

MOMAN said this on Monday during an online workshop for energy reporters.

The workshop centred on the need for the deregulation of petrol pricing and the discontinuation of subsidy to encourage investments and competition in the downstream petroleum subsector.

In the statement jointly signed by Olumide Adeosun, chairman of MOMAN and Clement Isong, executive secretary, the oil marketers noted that a disruption in any part of the supply chain causes ripple effects and results in queues at filling stations as experienced across the country.

They called for the

commencement of the process of price deregulation.

“Having subsidised PMS for so long, Nigerian institutions now have a diminished capacity to deal with the current local energy crisis. A disruption in any part of the supply chain causes ripple effects and results in queues at stations,” the statement reads.

“As a country, we must begin the process of price deregulation to reduce this inefficient subsidy. If the country wishes to implement a subsidy, it must be in areas targeted to help those it should help such as in agriculture and transportation to reduce food price inflation and generate more jobs for Nigerians.

“In tandem, we must find a way to liberalise supply. We must bring transparency and competition into supply to ensure steadier, more efficient supply at optimum prices. Imported products must compete with locally refined products to find a meeting point between the need

for local refining and competitively low but cost-recovered prices for Nigerians for sustainability.”

The statement added that government and stakeholders need to start a dialogue with Nigerians to identify, negotiate and agree on these areas and start implementing to save the downstream industry.

The oil marketers added that the downstream industry had been in “degradation freefall due to a lack of investment to maintain, renew and grow assets and facilities such as refineries, pipelines, depots, trucks, and modern filling stations”.

“These lack of investments contribute in no small measure to fuel distribution inefficiencies and high costs. Neither the new refineries nor the refurbished refineries will survive with the refining margins at current pump prices,” it said.

MOMAN further said crude oil exploration, production, refining and distribution of refined

products are all international businesses with ups and downs.

The association said the Nigerian government and industry must apply proven and recognised health, safety, environmental and quality standards to visibly care for the local population.

It warned that cutting corners is irresponsible, unaccountable and unsustainable.

“MOMAN continues to work with other key stakeholders to ensure that we ramp up supplies to our retail sites and return to normalcy as soon as possible. We envisage a rise in demand during the yuletide season and are prepared to work round the clock to keep our stations running,” the group said.

“As always, MOMAN advocates a full deregulation of the petroleum downstream sector in phases to cushion the effects of the impact of a sharp rise in PMS prices on the long-suffering, hardworking citizens of Nigeria.”

CBN: Our agric interventions saved Nigeria from famine, food crisis

Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says its various development finance interventions have boosted food security in Nigeria.

Yusuf Yila, CBN director, development finance department, said this on Monday at the 2022 retreat for the department in Abuja.

Yila said although some people had raised concerns over the rising food inflation, the CBN interventions had saved the country from famine.

“The CBN has been at the forefront of ensuring Nigeria achieves food security in collaboration with other fiscal authorities, also stimulating growth in collaboration with ministry of industry,” Yila said.

“Food security in Nigeria has received massive boost in the last five years since the CBN intervened in the sector to curb

over-reliance on imported goods.

“We have traversed the length and breadth of Nigeria, empowering farmers and MSMEs in access to finance and agric-business and also using target credit facility. It became a comfort for households especially during the covid 19.

“For those looking at food inflation to discredit the work we have done in the development finance department, I just want to tell them that Nigeria is part of a global system, and shocks from one facet of this system have a concomitant effect in the other parts. We are not alone because we are not aliens.

“While this is hardly any comfort over the rising prices of food, had we not intervened, we could have been facing a certain food crisis and severe famine of historical proportions.

“Currently, we have developed an advanced system for linking farmers to input

suppliers and providing access to the market for farm products.

“The entire agricultural value chain has seen a transformation not witnessed before, and we are certain the global headwinds, which have distorted outcomes for most economies across the world, will abate.

“Nigeria is on the path of sustainability and food security. The Development Finance Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria is committed to the goal of sustainable economic growth.

“While we are committed to making today a comfortable day to live in, we are also minded on sustainable development which is defined as “the development which meets the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

Also speaking at the event, Aishah Ahmad, deputy governor, financial system

stability directorate of the apex bank, expressed concerns over the poor repayment of loans provided by the bank.

She urged beneficiaries of the CBN loans to pay back in order to enable others to benefit from the interventions.

“In recent years, the efforts and interventions of the CBN have ushered in a lot of growth and impact. It helped us combat extreme poverty, food insecurity and grow the agricultural sector and manufacturing base,” Ahmad said.

“But it also brings in considerations, and we are well aware of these considerations. Of course, the most obvious is the risk of poor recovery rate on some of the loans we give out, which may be a burden on the institution, but most importantly may affect the sustainability of our initiatives.

“We also try to empathise with all stakeholders that all of

these are loans and not grants. It is important you pay back so that others can also get the same opportunity.”

The CBN said it had disbursed N9.714 trillion through various intervention funding programmes across several real sector industries.

According to the bank’s development finance department (DFD) report made available at the retreat, the manufacturing/ industry sector had the highest allocation of 32.6 percent.

It was followed by energy/ infrastructure and agriculture with 23.1 percent and 22.8 percent allocations, respectively.

Yuletide: NIS sets up passport desks at airports for Nigerians in diaspora

ABUBAKAR YUNUS Abuja

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has directed an immediate opening of passport desks in international airports in the country.

The directive is geared towards attending to Nigerians in the diaspora who plan to return home during the Yuletide.

In a statement, Tony Akuneme, NIS public relations officer, said the new policy is to ensure that there is a seamless passport process for all Nigerians coming home and those who may desire to process their passports.

Falana: CBN cash withdrawal policy illegal — the law says N5m

ABUBAKAR YUNUS,Abuja

Femi Falana, human rights advocate, has faulted the new cash withdrawal policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

On December 6, the CBN directed deposit money banks and other financial institutions to ensure that weekly overthe-counter cash withdrawals by individuals and corporate entities do not exceed N100,000 and N500,000, respectively.

The policy, which is expected to take effect nationwide from January 9, 2023, has elicited varied reactions among Nigerians.

Reacting to the policy, Falana,

in a statement on Monday, said the apex bank’s new cash withdrawal limit was “illegal and null” and contravenes provisions of section 2 of the money laundering act, 2022.

The human rights advocate said section 2 of the act, limits cash withdrawals by individuals and corporate entities to N5 million and N10 million, respectively.

He argued that since the act has not been amended, the new CBN policy is “null and void”.

“Since the money laundering act, 2022 (which has fixed maximum cash withdrawal to N5 million) has not been amended, the limitation of cash withdrawal of not more than

N20,000 per day and N100,000 per week fixed by the Central Bank of Nigeria is illegal, null and void in every material,” Falana said.

“We urge the Nigerian people to ignore the illegal announcement.

“However, we are compelled to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the management of the CBN to withdraw the illegal guideline and stop announcing more policies that are designed to sentence poor citizens to more excruciating economic hardship.”

Meanwhile, section 2 of the money laundering act 2022 states thus:

“(1) No person or body

corporate shall, except in a transaction through a financial institution, make or accept cash payment of a sum exceeding—

(a) N5,000,000 or its equivalent, in the case of an individual; or (b) N10,000,000 or its equivalent, in the case of a body corporate.

“(2) A person shall not conduct two or more transactions separately with one or more financial institutions or designated non-financial businesses and professions with intent to — (a) avoid the duty to report a transaction which should be reported under this act; and (b) breach the duty to disclose information under this act by any other means.”

“In line with this, CGIS has also directed passport offices across the country to give priority attention to such citizens living outside the country and their families, bearing in mind that most of them have a specific time of returning to their countries of residence,” the statement reads.

“The CGIS affirmed the commitment of the service to continue rendering effective and efficient service delivery to all Nigerians both at home and abroad, as well as non-Nigerians who are desirous of using any of the service windows.”

The development is coming a few weeks after the NIS directed selected passport offices across the country to work on Saturdays until January 2023 in order to clear the backlog of applications.

Last month, the NIS said Nigerians in the diaspora with expired passports can return home without hassles.

From left. Wife of the Vice President Dolapo Osinbajo ; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha during Messiah Christmas Concert at the State House Banquet Hall Abuja on Tuesday ( 13/12/22)

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Acivil society group, the Action Alliance of Virginia Pavilion, has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC), to disqualify presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress ( APC), Senator Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general election over alleged involvement in narcotics and money

Wase calls for improved Nigeria-Ghana parliamentary relations

By Christiana Ekpa

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Wase, and the Speaker of Ghanian Parliament, Mr. Alban Kingsford Sumana, have pledged to strengthen parliamentary relation for the benefits of the West African sub-region.

Speaking when he received the Ghanian Speaker who is on a courtesy call in his office, the Deputy Speaker said Nigeria and Ghana have a lot in common and pledged to improve synergy between the two parliaments, which would benefit not only the two countries but also the entire sub-region.

He applauded the ECOWAS Parliament for ensuring that free movement of goods and services is achieved. He expressed optimism that with close working relationship between the two countries, a lot could be achieved.

The Deputy Speaker, who received the Ghanaian Speaker on behalf of Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, called for the creation more parliamentary friendship groups where lawmakers would interact and educate one other as well as create understanding between the two parliaments.

Earlier, the Ghanian Speaker said they were in Nigeria to meet with the management of the National Assembly Service Commission and to share in the knowledge and experiences they have in running and managing the affairs of the National Assembly.

He thanked the leadership of the National Assembly and the chairman of the National Assembly Service Commossion and his commisioners for accepting to share their knowledge and experiences.

The Ghanian Speaker was accompanied by the Ghanian National Assembly Clerk as well some senior staffs of the parliament.

Group wants INEC to disqualify Tinubu as presidential candidate

laundering.

The group in the letter titled “Demand for You to Uphold The Oath of Your Office By Delisting The Name of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu As The Presidential Candidate of The All Progressives Congress in the 2023 General Election”, stated that Tinubu by virtue of his forfeiture of the sum of $460, 000 to the United States government in 1993 is not fit to hold public office.

In the letter dated November 14 and signed by the group’s lawyer, Mr Kalu Kalu, the group argued that Section 137(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution forbids anyone under a fine for any offence involving dishonesty or fraud from vying for the office of president in Nigeria.

The group also drew the attention of the INEC boss to letters earlier served on the NDLEA and Attorney General of the Federation, over the issue.

“As evident in recent media

reports you are already aware of the contents of the Court proceedings referenced in annexure “L1”. However, for ease of reference we hereto attach the said proceedings and is marked annexure “B”

“Arising from the proceedings in annexure “B” we demand that you uphold your oath of office which enjoins you to perform your duties in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. We, therefore, invite your esteemed attention to Section 137(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution which provides thus:

“A person shall not be qualified for election to the office of President if he is... under a fine for any offence involving dishonesty or fraud (by whatever name called) or for any other offence, imposed on him by any court or tribunal.. . “

“Arising from the above provision we state clearly that Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu is

disqualified from contesting the presidential election in 2023 in accordance with the above provision”.

In supporting their allegations, the group referenced part of the Court judgement which read thus:

“It is hereby ordered that the funds in the amount of $460, 000 in account 263226700 held by First Heritage Bank in the name of Bola Tinubu represent proceeds of narcotics trafficking or were involved in financial transactions in violation of and therefore these funds are forfeited to the United States...

“It is further ordered that First Heritage Bank shall issue a cheque in the amount of$460, 000 payable to Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and these funds shall be disposed of according to law”.

The group described as “improper” the unwillingness of the commission to investigate Tinubu, over the issue, just as it

threatened legal action.

“Indeed, your Press Release revealed a clear intention to aid a drug baron and money launderer to escape the sanctions of the law.

“Accordingly, we are by this letter making a demand that you issue a proper statement on the matter to the effect that you will, in accordance with the Constitution, delist Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a Presidential Candidate in view of the express decision in annexure “B” which imposed a forfeiture on the account of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his involvement in Narcotics Trafficking and Money Laundering.

“Take notice that unless you heed the demand herein made within seven (7) days from receipt of this letter, we shall without further notice to you take appropriate legal action to compel you to keep faith with the Constitution which is supreme to which you swore to uphold.”

L-R: National Coordinator / Chief Executive Officer, AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu, Executive Director, Centre for the Study of the Economics of Africa, Dr. Chukwuks Onyekwena and the President, African School of Economics, Prof. Leonard Wantchekon, during the 1st Pan- African Scientific Research Council (PASRC) conference, Theme: “Rethinking Africa’s way forward: Growth Through Investments in Education, Technology and Health”, held in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imoowo

Stop your diversionary tactics, address the allegations, Atiku/Okowa campaign tells Tinubu/Shettima Campaign

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation (AOPCO) has berated the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign for resorting to the diversionary tactics of attacking and bullying the media rather than explaining the allegations surrounding the shady past of its candidate.

The AOPCO stated that the action of the TInubu/Shettima Campaign Organization has further confirmed that Asiwaju Tinubu lacks democratic credentials and has no business contesting for the office of the President of a country like Nigeria where citizens are in resolute in their demand for a credible and acceptable leader, who has no skeleton hidden in his cupboard.

The campaign organisation said this in a statement yesterday by its Spokesperson, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja.

The AOPCO stressed that with the development, Asiwaju Tinubu

has, indeed, shown that he does not possess the qualities of the leader Nigerians are yearning for at this critical time of the nation’s history.

According to the statement, “The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation berates the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign for resorting the diversionary tactics of attacking and bullying the media rather than explaining the allegations surrounding the shady past of its Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Atiku/Okowa Campaign demands that Asiwaju Tinubu and his bully handlers should face his self-inflicted woes instead of attempting to play the victim just to divert public attention from his very unpleasant past.

“It is reprehensible and unmistakable sign of culpability that Asiwaju Tinubu and his campaigners have desperately resorted to bullying, intimidating and harassing media houses and journalists with a view to silencing and stopping them from questioning

Asiwaju Tinubu on allegations of perjury, forgery, corruption and massive treasury-looting.

“We therefore consider this diversionary approach by the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign as very unwholesome and unacceptable assault on the very bedrock of democracy which is the right of the people to know, through a free press.

“Asiwaju Tinubu must understand that having brought himself out to contest for the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he must prepare to explain himself to the littlest of Nigerians, as well as the media which has the basic constitutional responsibility to seek information on behalf of every Nigerian.

“It is therefore, to say the least, irresponsible, thoughtless and incautious that the Tinubu/ Shettima Campaign will abandon its responsibility of assisting its candidate to offer explanation, if he has any, rather than attacking

media houses and demanding the sack of media practitioners for performing their professional and constitutional duties.

“The action of the TInubu/ Shettima Campaign Organization further confirms that Asiwaju Tinubu lacks democratic credentials and has no business contesting for the office of the President of a country like Nigeria where citizens are in resolute in their demand for a credible and acceptable leader, who has no skeleton hidden in his cupboard.

“Indeed, Asiwaju Tinubu has shown that he does not possess the qualities of the leader Nigerians are yearning for at this critical time of our history.

“Our campaign urges Asiwaju Tinubu to note that his diversionary tactic and attack on the media will not stop Nigerians from raising the necessary posers.

“Tinubu should therefore fold his ‘agbada’ and respond to the media and Nigeria on the issues at hand.”

METRO

FCTA engages security contractors to protect Abuja railway facilities

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has handed over the security of facilities of the Abuja Metro railway mass transit to two local companies- Al-Ahly Security Guards Ltd and Segad Guards and Protection Ltd

It was gathered that new responsibilities of protecting the rail facilities was passed to the two security companies from the CCECC, the company that built and have been protecting the equipments and components of the project.

Performing the handing over ceremony, the Mandate Secretary, of the FCT Transportation Secretariat, Abdullahi Adamu Candido, said the occasion had become necessary as the administration is gearing towards the take off of the Abuja metro rail, a decision which can only be achieved if the tracks are in good condition.

Candido while charging the newly contracted security outfits to live up to their responsibilities by ensuring they protect the equipments from vandals, warned that the administration will no longer tolerate the manner which hooligans ransacked the tracks and vandalized it in the past.

He added that the administration had concluded plans to commence the maintenance of the vandalized equipments in no distance time inorder to bring the services of the rail to live, hence the need for water tight security along the rail tracks, starting from the metro station.

According to him: “In recent past, hooligans and some bad elements ransacked the tracks and vandalized very critical equipments of the rail tracks.

“This will never be tolerated any

longer and as the administration is gearing towards take off of the Abuja Metro, this can only be achieved if our tracks are safe.

“So in view of the fact that the maintenance will soon commence, it is only clear that these equipments that are being spread from the metro station and all through the tracks, need to be protected and secured.

“While work is in progress to ensure the commencement of this metro into the city to ease traffic movement of the citizenry, it is expected that the new outfit (security) must seat up and be alive to their responsibility.

“This administration appreciates the CCECC for

providing security in the recent past. Your performance is appreciated and we’ll as well continue to call on you to do the best you can so that at least the dream and aspirations of this government come to pass.

“Now, there is a critical responsibility for the new outfit is to ensure that you carry out your duty with diligence, fear of the Almighty God as you discharge the responsibility and whatever you are doing is in the best interest of the country, the FCT administration and its people.

“It is also important that to know that, should there be any error, the CCECC will not be held responsible instead you’d be responsible by the government

for any action that’d lead to vandalization of our equipments. We pray that God will continue to see you through”.

Speaking earlier, the Acting Director, Department of Transportation of the Secretariat, Joseph Akinteye said according to the memorandum of understanding the administration had with the CCECC, its services would end by the end of December 2022.

Akinteye noted that after the commissioning of the project in 2007, the contractor has been protecting the equipments and components of the project.

“After the commissioning of the Abuja railway mass transit

in the year 2007, the contractor CCECC have been protecting the equipments and components of this project but according to our memorandum of understanding, their service would end by the end of December 2022.

“ Being aware of this fact, the FCT administration quickly engaged local contractors that are specialized in securing and protecting of lives and properties to take over from CCECC Nigeria Limited.

“ We started taking the inventory of equipments and track components since last week for preparation of the handover from CCECC Nigeria Limited to our local security guards contractors”.

Healthcare Delivery: FCTA reiterates resolve to partner notable organisations

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reiterated its commitment to partner with well-meaning organizations towards improving healthcare services in the Territory.

This assurance was given by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, during the FCTA/USAID steering committee meeting held in her office.

The minister, in a statement from her S.A Media, State Austine Elemue, yesterday, explained that the meeting was to provide an avenue for highest policy decision to address identified gaps for successful and result-oriented partnership.

Aliyu revealed that since the inaugural meeting of the steering committee in August 2021, so much progress has been made to address and improve healthcare delivery in Federal Capital Territory.

According to her, progress made include collaboration with Integrated Health Programme (IHP) to makeover 40 Primary Health Care Facilities (PHCFs) across the six area councils to improve the infrastructure of the PHCFs and capacity for the delivery of

quality healthcare services and development of the 2023 harmonized health sector annual operational plan.

She added that other milestones include capacity building of health workers in public and private health facilities, ongoing integrated supportive supervision in FCT which has resulted in improved service delivery, and ongoing massive COVID 19 vaccination and routine immunization in FCT.

She emphasised that the meeting would provide an avenue to address pertinent issues affecting performance of the MOU and review the annual performance against the set milestones/targets.

On his part, the FCT Mandate Secretary, Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr. Abubakar Tafida, appreciated USAID and other development partners for what he described as “positive partnership”.

He also used the occasion to acknowledge the efforts of the implementing partners (IP), while assuring them of the administration’s commitment towards the revitalisation of the primary healthcare system in the territory.

Recall that the United States Agency for International Development/Nigeria (USAID/ Nigeria) and Federal Capital Territory

Administration (FCTA) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December 2020 to establish collaboration between both parties to improve the health of FCT residents.

The goal of the MoU is to facilitate the revitalisation of the FCT healthcare system to deliver quality, affordable, sustainable primary healthcare services to the residents of FCT through the implementation of health interventions and reforms.

Insecurity: Abuja vulnerable communities to get solar street lights

By Stanley Onyekwere

Concerned by the prevailing security challenges bedevilling the society, FCT Administration has conclusion of plans to begin the installation of solar street lights in vulnerable communities, to help tackle the menace.

The FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello gave the assurance during the commissioning of a ten unit solar street lights in Akwa street, Area 7, donated by Abuja Master Printers Leaque.

Bello, who expressed desire to see most part of the territory, particularly the rural and vulnerable communities lit up at night with solar street lights, noted that the initiative was part of the administration’s measures aimed at addressing security challenges in Abuja, the capital city.

Speaking through the Deputy Director, Facility Management, of the FCTA, Ayuba Usman, he disclosed that provision for the project was captured in the 2022 budget, noting however that the commencement of the project had

suffered setback as a result of the delay in the release of the 2022 budget.

He commended the Abuja Master Printers Lique for the installation of the ten units solar powered street lights which will ensure that Akwa street where the UTC, Arts and Culture Centre and other important business offices are located is well illuminated nights.

The minister enjoined corporate entities willing to partner with the administration to enable it carry out the project successfully to indicate interest.

For his part, the Chairman Abuja

Masters Printers Leaque, Kayode Alonge, said the body embarked on the over 2.6 million naira project as part of its corporate social responsibility following the severe security threats business owners operating around the UTC neighbourhood face every night due to darkness.

He said the ten units industrial solar street lights will not only help in preventing activities of criminals who terrorise them every night, but also contribute to the aesthetic beauty of the street.

FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello

world news

Breakthrough in nuclear fusion energy announced

Amajor breakthrough has been announced by US scientists in the race to recreate nuclear fusion.

Physicists have pursued the technology for decades as it promises a potential source of near-limitless clean energy.

On Tuesday researchers confirmed they have overcome a major barrier - producing more energy from a fusion experiment than was put in.

But experts say there is still some way to go before fusion powers homes.

The experiment took place at the National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California.

LLNL director Dr Kim Budil said: “This is a historic achievement… over the past 60 years thousands of people have contributed to this endeavour and it took real vision to get us here.”

Nuclear fusion is described as the “holy grail” of energy production. It is the process that powers the Sun and other stars.

It works by taking pairs of light atoms and forcing them together - this “fusion” releases a lot of energy.

It is the opposite of nuclear fission, where heavy atoms are split apart. Fission is the technology currently used in nuclear power stations, but the process also produces a lot of waste that continues to give out radiation for a long time. It can be dangerous and must be stored safely.

Nuclear fusion produces far more energy, and only small

amounts of short-lived radioactive waste. And importantly, the process produces no greenhouse gas emissions and therefore does not contribute to climate change.

But one of the challenges is that forcing and keeping the elements together in fusion requires very large amounts of temperature and pressure. Until now, no experiment has managed to produce more energy than the amount put in to make it work.

How close is a fusion-powered future?

The amount of energy they’ve generated in this experiment is tiny - just enough to boil a few kettles. But what it represents is huge.

The promise of a fusionpowered future is one step closer. But there’s still a long way to go before this becomes a reality.

This experiment shows that the science works. Before scientists can even think about scaling it up, it needs to be repeated, perfected, and the amount of energy it generates will have to be significantly boosted.

This experiment has cost billions of dollars - fusion does not come cheap. But the promise of a source of clean energy will certainly be a big incentive for overcoming these challenges.

The National Ignition Facility in California is a $3.5bn (£2.85bn) experiment.

It puts a tiny amount of hydrogen into a capsule the size of a peppercorn.

Then a powerful 192-beam laser is used to heat and compress the hydrogen fuel.

The laser is so strong it can heat the capsule to 100 million degrees Celsius - hotter than the centre of the Sun, and compress it to more than 100 billion times that of Earth’s atmosphere.

Under these forces the capsule begins to implode on itself, forcing the hydrogen atoms to fuse and release energy.

On announcing the breakthrough Dr. Marvin Adams deputy administrator for defense programs at the US National Nuclear Security Administration said that the laboratory’s lasers had input 2.05 megajoules (MJ) of energy to the target, which had then produced 3.15 MJ of fusion energy output.

Dr Melanie Windridge, CEO of Fusion Energy Insights, told the BBC: “Fusion has been exciting scientists since they first figured out what was causing the Sun to shine. These results today really put us on the path to the commercialization of the technology.”

Prof Jeremy P. Chittenden, professor of plasma physics and co-director of the Centre for Inertial Fusion Studies at Imperial College London called it “a true breakthrough moment”.

“It proves that the long sought-after goal, the ‘holy grail’ of fusion, can indeed be achieved,” he said.

This has been the sentiment echoed by physicists globally, who praised the work of the international science community.

Prof Gianluca Gregori, Professor of Physics at the University of Oxford said:

“Today’s success rests upon the work done by many scientists in the US, UK and around the world. With ignition now achieved, not only fusion energy is unlocked, but also a door is opening to new science.”

On the question of how long before we could see fusion being used in power stations, Dr Budil, the LLNL director, said there were still significant hurdles but that: “with concerted efforts and investment, a few decades of research on the underlying technologies could put us in a position to build a power plant”.

This is progress from when scientists used to say 50 - 60 years in answer to that question.

One of the main hurdles is getting cost down and scaling up the energy output.

The experiment was only able to produce enough energy to boil about 15-20 kettles and required billions of dollars of investment. And although the experiment got more energy out than the laser put in, this did not include the energy needed to make the lasers work - which was far greater that the amount of energy the hydrogen produced.

EU corruption scandal: MEP denies Qatar bribery after €1.5m seized

Greek MEP Eva Kaili has denied involvement in an alleged bribery scandal involving World Cup host Qatar at the European Parliament.

She is one of four suspects charged after Belgian investigators found €1.5m (£1.3m) in two homes and a suitcase.

MEPs have voted - by 625 to one - to strip Ms Kaili of her role as one of its 14 vice-presidents.

Parliament leader Roberta Metsola has spoken of “difficult days for European democracy”.

Qatar has denied any wrongdoing.

“[Eva Kaili] declares her innocence and that she has nothing to do with bribery from Qatar,” her lawyer, Michalis Dimitrakopoulos, told Greek TV on Tuesday.

Prosecutors carried out a string of searches over several days and said cash worth about €600,000 had been found at the home of one suspect, €150,000 at the flat of an MEP and €750,000 in a suitcase in a Brussels hotel room.

Belgian police released a photo on Tuesday showing piles of

notes in €200, €50, €20 and €10 denominations.

Sources said the €150,000 was found at Ms Kaili’s flat. Asked if that was true, her lawyer said: “I have no idea if any money was found or how much was found.”

The suspects arrested by Belgian police have been charged with “participation in a criminal organisation, money-laundering and corruption”, prosecutors said on Sunday. They will appear before a pre-trial court on Wednesday.

The allegations have cast a shadow over the role of lobby groups at the European Parliament. A recommendation to allow visa-free travel to the EU for Qataris was set to be voted on by MEPs this week, but has now been shelved.

Searches have taken place in Italy as well as in Brussels. Since Friday, the IT resources of 10 parliamentary employees have been “frozen” to prevent the disappearance of data necessary for the investigation.

Parliament, sitting in Strasbourg, voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to strip Ms Kaili of her

role as vice-president. The door to her office in the parliament building was sealed with a notice saying “access forbidden”.

She has also been suspended from the parliament’s Socialists and Democrats Group and expelled from the Greek centreleft Pasok party.

Greek authorities have frozen assets belonging to her, her husband and immediate family members.

The activities of a property company set up about two weeks ago by the MEP and her partner in Athens have also been frozen.

Six people were detained on Friday as part of the investigation into allegations that Qatar bribed EU officials to win influence. Two were later released.

The three others accused are all Italian citizens. Ms Kaili’s partner, Francesco Giorgi, who is a parliamentary assistant, is among those reportedly charged.

Former MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri, who now runs human rights group Fight Impunity, is also among the four, sources say. His wife and daughter were also

reportedly arrested. Mr Giorgi had formerly worked for him as a parliamentary assistant. The other suspect, according to Italian news agency Ansa, is

Niccolò Figa-Talamanca. He runs lobby group No Peace Without Justice, which is housed in the same building in Rue Ducale in Brussels’ European quarter.BBC

The interior of the target chamber at LLNL, where nuclear fusion takes place

Eva Kaili was arrested on Saturday and has had her assets frozen

Cyril Ramaphosa: South Africa president survives MP vote over cash-in-sofa scandal

MPs at a special sitting of South Africa’s parliament voted to reject a move to begin impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The president was accused of covering up the theft of a large sum of foreign currency from his farm in 2020, some of which had been hidden in a sofa.

The debate before the vote focussed on an independent report which concluded he may have violated the constitution.

Mr Ramaphosa, who is up for re-election as ANC leader, denies any wrongdoing.

The African National Congress had told its MPs to block a possible impeachment - although a handful broke ranks and sided with opposition parties and voted to accept the report and let impeachment proceedings start.

Now that Mr Ramaphosa has survived the vote, he is thought likely to win re-election at his party’s conference, which starts on Friday. He will then be in pole position to become the ANC’s presidential candidate at the next election in 2024.

The sitting to debate the report, which was commissioned from a panel of legal experts by the speaker, opened with a discussion over whether MPs should be allowed to

vote in secret - something which the speaker had rejected.

At the end of the debate, names of individual MPs were read out and each one announced their vote.

Some 214 lawmakers voted against setting up an impeachment committee, while 148 voted in favour, two abstentions were registered.

The 70-year-old leader has denied any wrongdoing calling the report, which he has challenged in the Constitutional Court, “flawed”.

Mr Ramaphosa became president in 2018 pledging to tackle corruption. He replaced Jacob Zuma, whose time in office had been weighed down by many such allegations.

This scandal erupted in June, when a former South African spy boss, Zuma-ally Arthur Fraser, filed a complaint with police accusing the president of hiding a theft of $4m (£3.25m) in cash from his Phala Phala game farm in 2020.

Mr Ramaphosa admitted that some money, which had been hidden in a sofa, had been stolen, but said it was $580,000 not $4m.

The president said the $580,000 had come from the sale of buffalo, but the panel, headed by a former chief justice, said it had “substantial doubt” about whether a sale took place.

South Africa has strict rules on holding foreign currency, which say that it must be deposited with an authorised dealer such as a bank with 30 days. It appears as though the president may have broken those rules, according to the panel’s report.

Furthermore, if the money was

from selling buffalo as he said, this money should have been declared, rather than kept in cash.

In his submission to the Constitutional Court, Mr Ramaphosa wants the country’s top judges to rule that the findings of the panel are unlawful and set aside.

The president argues that the

panel went beyond its scope when looking at whether he had a case to answer related to the robbery at the farm.

He is also asking the court to declare that any steps taken by parliament on the back of the release of the report to be declared unlawful and invalid.

World-record nonuplets return home to Mali from Morocco

The world’s only nonuplets - nine babies born at the same time - have safely returned home to Mali after spending the first 19 months of their lives in Morocco.

The babies broke the Guinness World Record for the most children delivered in a single birth to survive.

Ahead of the birth in May 2021, the mother Halima Cissé, now 27, was flown to Morocco for specialist care.

Before returning they had been living with medical support in Casablanca.

After arriving back in the Malian capital, Bamako, in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the father Abdelkader Arby thanked the Malian government which he said had been helping the family financially.

“It’s a lot of work but Allah, who gave us this blessing, will help us in their upbringing and taking care of them,” he added.

Health Minister Diéminatou Sangara said the government will continue to support the family.

The babies - five girls and four boys - were born by Caesarean section at 30 weeks, according to the Malian authorities last year.

The girls - named Kadidia, Fatouma, Hawa, Adama and Oumou - and the boys - named Mohammed VI, Oumar, Elhadji and Bah - weighed between 500g and 1kg (1.1lb and 2.2lb) at birth, Prof Youssef Alaoui, medical director of the clinic where they were born, told the AFP news agency.

There were risks that they could have developed health problems due to their premature birth and they spent the first months of their lives in hospital.

They were then moved to an apartment where they received round-the-clock care from the Ain Borja clinic.

Earlier this year, on their first birthday, their father said that each one has a unique personality.

“They all have different characters. Some are quiet, while other make more noise and cry a lot. Some want to be picked up all the time. They are all very different, which is entirely normal.”

Mr Arby also said that they had become famous in Mali and people were “very keen to see the babies with their own eyes”.

World Cup 2022: Meet Morocco's unlikely history makers in Qatar

Host nation: Qatar Dates: 20 November-18

December Coverage: Live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app. Day-by-day TV listings - Full coverage details

Morocco are one step from a sensational place in the World Cup final, with boss Walid Regragui embracing the "craziness" ahead of their semifinal meeting with defending champions France.

Their achievements in Qatar, becoming the first African team to reach this stage, have come as a surprise to many, especially after the coach who led the Atlas Lions to the tournament was sacked

in August.

Arguably one of the biggest underachievers of North African football, with their sole continental title coming in 1976, Morocco's 2-0 win over Belgium in their second game in Group F was their first victory at the World Cup since 1998 - having failed to qualify for four straight tournaments immediately afterwards.

Fourteen of Morocco's 26-man squad were born outside the country - more than any other team at the tournament - with an eclectic mix of players from growing migrant communities across Europe helping them break new ground.

A crucial turning point for the team came just three months before the finals when Vahid Halilhodzic was sacked as coach and replaced by Regragui, who won the domestic league and African Champions League titles with Wydad Casablanca last season.

That change has helped soothe tensions in the squad, with Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech coming out of international retirement, while the improvement on the pitch has also been remarkable.

Morocco have been vociferously backed at the first World Cup held in the Arab world and their

legions of supporters will be joined by thousands more as state carrier Royal Air Maroc operates 30 special flights from Casablanca to Doha on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Estimates of the fluctuating numbers of Moroccan supporters in Qatar vary from 20,000 to as many as 40,000.

The players have become heroes amid joyous victory celebrations across North Africa, and by the diaspora in Europe, but have remained grounded - exemplified by Achraf Hakimi kissing his mother after victories and winger Sofiane Boufal dancing with his on the pitch after beating Portugal in the

President Cyril Ramaphosa was out meeting potential voters in Cape Town on Saturday

Mother Halima Cissé (R) was pictured with two of the nine babies shortly after they arrived back in Mali

Iran protests: 400 people sentenced to prison over Tehran unrest

Courts in Iran’s capital have handed prison terms of up to 10 years to 400 people arrested at anti-government protests, a judiciary official says.

Tehran’s prosecutor-general said 160 “rioters” were sentenced to between five and 10 years, 80 to between two and five years, and 160 to two years or less, the Mizan news agency reported.

Another 70 were fined, Ali Alqasimehr added, without providing any details.

It comes a day after authorities hanged a second man convicted over the unrest.

The judiciary announced on Monday morning that Majidreza Rahnavard, 23, had been executed in public in the north-eastern city of Mashhad.

A Revolutionary Court convicted him less than two weeks ago of the charge of “enmity against God” after finding he had stabbed to death two members of the paramilitary Basij Resistance Force.

Amnesty International said he was subjected to a sham trial and that the judiciary was “a tool of repression sending individuals to the gallows to spread fear and exacting revenge on protesters daring to stand up to the status quo”.

Iran has been engulfed by protests against the country’s clerical establishment for almost three months.

They erupted following the death in custody of Mahsa Amini,

a 22-year-old woman who was detained by morality police in Tehran on 13 September for allegedly wearing her hijab, or headscarf, “improperly”.

Authorities have portrayed the protests as foreign-backed “riots” and responded with lethal force.

So far, at least 490 protesters, including 68 children and 62 security personnel have been killed during the unrest, according to the Human Rights Activists’ News Agency (HRANA).

It has also reported the arrest of more than 18,200 people in connection with the protests, of whom 3,780 have been identified.

Authorities have not revealed how many have been arrested nationwide.

However, judiciary officials announced in early November that 1,024 people had been charged in connection with the protests in Tehran. They said the suspects were accused of “acts of sabotage”, including “assaulting or martyring security guards” and “setting fire to public property”.

Last Thursday, authorities in Tehran executed a 23-year-old man convicted of “enmity against God” following what activists said was a grossly unfair trial. Mohsen Shekari was accused of stabbing and wounding a Basij member and blocking a street in the capital in September.

After Majidreza Rahnavard was hanged on Monday, Amnesty International said it had identified

at least 20 other people at risk of execution.

According to the group, 11 individuals have been sentenced to death, three have undergone trials on capital charges and are either at risk of being sentenced to death or may have already been sentenced, and six may be awaiting or undergoing trial on capital charges.

The final category includes 26-year-old professional footballer Amir Reza Nasr Azadani, who

a judiciary official in Isfahan province said on Sunday had been charged with “baghi”, or “armed revolt”.

Mr Nasr Azadani is accused of killing three security personnel in the city of Isfahan during protests on 16 November.

On Monday night, the global football players’ union FIFPRO said it was “shocked and sickened” that he was facing a possible death sentence “after campaigning for

women’s rights and basic freedom in his country”.

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

Prominent former Iran national team player Ali Karimi, who has backed the protests, tweeted: “Do no execute Amir.”

Another former member of the national team, Voria Ghafouri, was arrested last month but was later released on bail.

Gene-edited hens may end cull of billions of chicks

Israeli researchers say they have developed gene-edited hens that lay eggs from which only female chicks hatch.

The breakthrough could prevent the slaughter of billions of male chickens each year, which are culled because they don’t lay eggs.

The female chicks, and the eggs they lay when they mature, have no trace of the original genetic alteration

Animal welfare group, Compassion in World Farming, has backed the research.

Dr Yuval Cinnamon from the Volcani institute near Tel Aviv, who is the project’s chief scientist, told BBC News that the development of what he calls the ‘’Golda hen’’ will have a huge impact on animal welfare in the poultry industry.

“I am very happy that we have developed a system that I think can truly revolutionise the industry, first of all for the benefit of the chickens but also for all of us, because this is an issue that affects every person on the planet,” he said.

The scientists have gene edited DNA into the Golda hens that can stop the development of any male embryos in eggs that they lay. The DNA is activated when the eggs are exposed to blue light for several hours.

Female chick embryos are unaffected by the blue light and develop normally. The chicks have no additional genetic material inside them nor do the eggs they lay, according to Dr Cinnamon.

“Farmers will get the same chicks they get today and consumers will get exactly the same eggs they get today,” he said. “The only minor difference in the production process is

that the eggs will be exposed to blue light.”

Dr Cinnamon’s team has not published their research because it is planning to license the technology through its spin out company, Huminn Poultry, so scientists independent of the research group have not been able to assess the claims.

But the Israeli team has worked in conjunction with the UK-based animal welfare organisation Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) whose staff have visited the firm and followed the research for three years. Its chief policy advisor Peter Stephenson said that the breakthrough could be a “really important development” for animal welfare.

“Normally I am very wary of using gene editing of farm animals. But this is an exceptional case and I, and my colleagues at CIWF are supportive of it,” he said.

‘’The next important step is to see whether the hen and the female chicks she produces, who will lay eggs for human consumption, can go through a commercial lifespan without any unexpected welfare issues arising.’’

Male embryos inside the eggs have a a genetic kill switch which activates when exposed to blue light

Legislation is currently passing through the UK Parliament that would allow limited gene editing for commercial farming in England. It’s thought once the bill is passed early next year, that regulations would be eased gradually, allowing the technology to be used only for plants to begin with.

Gene editing (GE) is perceived by the government as more publicly acceptable than the older technique of genetic modification (GM). GE normally involves controlling

genes by removing DNA , whereas GM usually adds DNA, sometimes from another species.

CIWF estimates that around seven billion male chicks are slaughtered by the egg-producing industry each year shortly after they are born because they are of no commercial value. The process is also time consuming for firms, which have to sort males from females shortly after they hatch by hand.

The German government banned the mass killing of male chicks at the start of this year. And the French have similar

proposals to start at the beginning of next year. Most other EU nations have expressed their concerns about the practice and many have called for EU-wide legislation. The UK government has yet to comment on its stance on the practice.

Compassion in World Farming says millions of male chicks are killed in the UK each year

Dr Enbal Ben-Tal Cohen, who led the research, told BBC News that the system is at an advanced stage of development and the team is working with breeders to refine the process. Source; BBC

Iran has been engulfed by protests against the clerical establishment for almost three months

These gene-edited chicks will produce female only offspring when they mature

Ember Months: Buhari approves opening of 2nd Niger bridge for traffic in December

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Minister of Works and Housing,Babatunde Fashola, has disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the opening of the 2nd Niger bridge to traffic from December 15, 2022 to January 15,2023 to ease human, goods, services and vehicular movements during this yuletide from the Western part of the country to the Eastern part.

He made the remark while chairing a meeting with stakeholders on road sector in Nigeria in Abuja .

Fashola said there should not be any barrier on the roads this season.

He said, “We have told all the contractors that they shouldn’t open anymore sections for construction i.e. there shouldn’t be any barrier on the roads this season.

Fashola said, “Let me be clear again .We haven’t finished construction work but we would open it for people to use to relieve the pressure from the old bridge. It wouldn’t be available for heavy duty trucks.It would only be small vehicles for now until we finish our work. On the 15th of January 2023 we would reverse that movement for those coming from the east to the west. We have told all the contractors that they shouldn’t open any sections of Federal roads for construction during the yuletide. That means that there shouldn’t be any barrier on the roads this season.”

In his remarks the representative of the Permaent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMW&H) , Engr. Chukwunwike Uzor, Director Highways Planning and Development of the Ministry said that the essence of the ember months meeting was to sensistise road users and other stakeholders towards having a successful road passage.

The Director South-West, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr. Adedamola Kuti during his graphical presentation of the roads under the Ministry on the 2022 ember months stakeholders meeting, highlighted all the critical roads across the six geo political zones of the country under the Ministry, and their conditions with the efforts made so far to put them in good condition towards having good travelling experience during the ember months. Engr. Kuti said “ All controllers of works have been directed to remove construction barriers as from the 15th of December 2022 on the roads for road users to have seamless driving during the festive period.”

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FERMA, Engr. Nuruddeen Abdurahman Rafindadi who spoke at the meeting said, “We have identified some selected locations within 17 corridors where Federal Roads Maintenance Agency is having interventions across the country presently in working relationship with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.”

The representative of the Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC ) at the event, Assistant Corps Marshal Rindom Kumven said, “All Federal Road Safety Commands have been directed to collaborate with stakeholders and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to implement presidential directive on road infrastructure and we have flagged off the ember months sensitization in all the state commands to create awareness among the motoring public in order to have hitch free traffic movement during the ember months. “From

the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners represented by Kassim Ibrahim, they appreciated the Ministry of Works and Housing and its Agencies for making the roads better. He said, “We will ensure we put the roads into good use.” He drew the attention of the ministry to the activities of some cement companies that ply the roads

with overweight cargos .

The Second Deputy Chairman of the Petroleum Tankers Drivers, Comrade Peter Mudesola said at the meeting, “We can see that the roads are getting better.We thank the ministry and all the Agencies for the efforts.”

The Managing Director of Mothercat

Nigeria Limited , Jark Najjar and the Marketing Manager of CGC Nigeria Limited, Engr. Kevin Jian with all other road contractors at the event thanked the ninistry for financing their operations through regular special funds and budgets.They expressed their readiness to make the roads safe during the yuletide.

FG committed to quality infrastructural development

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said that the Federal Government would remain committed to the development of quality infrastructure in tertiary institutions across the county.

This was contained in a statement signed and issued by Director Press and Public Relations, Blessing Lere-Adams.

The Minister spoke,recently in Sokoto while handing over a 1.5 km of internal road with culverts and drainage built by the Ministry in the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Kware, Sokoto State.

Fashola was represented at the occasion by the Federal Controller of Works in Sokoto State Engr. Maigwandu Kasim.

The Minister of State for Health Joseph Maikama who was represented at the occasion by Casmir Igwe his Special Adviser on Health, commended the the leadership of the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola for the intervention.

In his address on the need to bridge the infrastructural gap, Fashola said “We have successfully intervened in 64 internal Road projects in various Federal Tertiary Institutions and handed over a total of 46 as at March, 2022 and we now have another 18 ready to be handed over, while we are currently attending to 19 roads in similar institutions across the country making a total of 83.

Accordingly, he explained that the quality of education will be impacted by the quality of

infrastructure and the learning environment, pointing out that some of the feedbacks from students in the Institutions where these type of the intervention has taken place were testimonies in that regard.

The State Minister for Health, while commending Fashola said “ This kind of support, synergy, cooperation and collaboration is needed in governance to deliver devidence of democracy to the people. I am hopeful that the present administration will continue to bring in more projects to the hospital”.

Earlier, in his welcome address the Medical Director Neuro Psychiatric hospital Kware, Prof. Shehu Sale expressed happiness that an important project of this magnitude has been executed in the teaching hospital, saying that the road would allow easy access for patients seeking medical treatment in different parts of the hospital.

“ We are indeed very happy that the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari through the Federal Ministry of Works realized the importance of this project which was carried out through special Intervention, the result is what we are seeing all around the hospital today” he said

The MD also commended the high quality of the work which he said cannot be compared with any of the previous work done by the past administration, and thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the giant strides in ensuring that all tertiary institutions, be it education or health were connected by internal roads.

Accordingly, Professor Sale stated that with this intervetion by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, all the routes within the hospital are now eighty percent completed.

“ The hospital wards are now connected with the offices, patients can now be taken from the optician departments to the wards very easily, no more dust disturbing the atmosphere of the hospital causing harm to patients and the staff. We are happy with the government “ he said

He also commended the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for the support given to the hospital in terms of improvement of the health care system in the county.

In his remarks, the Emir of Kware, Sarkin Yamma Kware Alh. Muhammadu Dan -Iya, expressed joy and appreciated the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and its Health counterpart for the infrastructural development for the people of Kware.

He said “ I am very happy to be part of this occasion and with the achievements I saw in this hospital, we the people of Kware are happy for this hospital because this achievements is not only for the people of this town but for Nigeria as a whole”

Chairman Union of Nurses and Midwifery of Nigeria Kware branch Abdul Kolawale thanked President Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for the internal road intervetion.

He said “ this has brought relief to the people and Patients. Before the intervention Patients and visitors to this hospital suffer from dust due to the bad road “

Official Commissioning of Five (5) Newly Constructed and Rehabilitated Access Roads at the Federal Medical Center. Owo, Ondo State by the Chief Medical Director/ CEO. Dr. Ahmed Liasu, represented by Dr. Aiyeyemi, Head Clinical Services and Director of Training in Suit, middle in white kaftan cutting the tape to declare the roads open, is the Ag. Federal Controller of Works in Ondo state, Engr. Olajide Hussein who represented the Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola, and first right, Mrs. M. A. Asegbeloyin, Ag. Head of Nursing Services yesterday

Gujarat results: Why Modi continues to be India’s biggest vote-getter

Incumbent politicians in India are among the most vulnerable in the world.

“Two out of three governments get thrown out in India. In America, the number is just the opposite - two out of the three get elected,” Ruchir Sharma, a leading analyst, once noted.

Narendra Modi appears to be an exception. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader won three assembly elections on the trot and ruled Gujarat, his home state, for more than 12 years before moving to Delhi in 2014. He has since led his party to two decisive wins to rule India.

This has not stopped Prime Minister Modi from leading the campaign for the Gujarat state assembly. Thursday’s record-breaking win - the BJP picked up 156 of the 182 seats and more than half of the popular vote - paved the way for a seventh-term in the state. It also proved that Mr Modi is “synonymous with Gujarat”, as many commentators say.

Mr Modi characteristically made the Gujarat poll a referendum on himself. He spoke at more than 30 campaign meetings and undertook miles-long road shows to woo voters and grab saturation coverage on news networks. On the stump he invoked Gujarati asmita or pride and implored the voters to “trust” him and the BJP government. “You don’t expect the prime minister to expend so much time and energy in a state election,” says Amit Dholakia, a professor of political science at Gujarat’s Maharaja Sayajirao University.

Mr Modi may have been made to work harder than usual. His ideology of strident Hindu nationalism, combined with promises of economic development, remains a big draw with voters. Religious riots convulsed Gujarat shortly after he first gained power in 2002, but that evidently did not dent his popularity. To be sure, Gujarat outpaces most of India in investment and per capita income; and boasts the country’s fourth-largest economy.

However, as elsewhere in India, jobs are drying up and prices are rising here. Gujarat has lagged behind less richer states in health indicators like infant and maternal mortality rates. Mr Modi’s successors in the local government have not enjoyed the same rapport with voters. In the 2017 state election, the party, facing a then-resurgent opposition Congress and a rebellion by supporters who belonged to an influential landowning community, scraped through with a narrow win.

“But once Mr Modi is on the ticket, the script changes,” says Shekhar Gupta, editor-in-chief of ThePrint, an online news and current affairs site.

Mr Modi, say commentators, knows a setback for the BJP in Gujarat would hurt not only his party, but his own image. One reason he may have expended so much time and energy campaigning in the state this time could have to do with the arrival of the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal. The AAP has been ruling the city state of Delhi since 2015 and earlier this year won the key state of Punjab. On Wednesday, it wrested control of the cashrich municipality of the capital, Delhi, which the BJP had ruled for 15 years.

Mr Kejriwal is a feisty leader who relishes throwing down the gauntlet to Mr Modi: he moved to Varanasi to contest against the BJP leader in the 2014 general elections. (He lost.)

In Gujarat, his party debuted with a paltry five seats but picked up close to 13% of the popular vote, much of it at the expense of the main opposition Congress party. “It has built a space in the opposition. It needs to build a grassroots network and credible leaders,” says Prof Dholakia.

A survey by YouGov, a global market research firm, and Delhi-based think tank Centre for Policy Research (CPR), in more than 200 cities and towns earlier this year found the AAP was gaining a foothold as a national alternative to the BJP, taking over the opposition space that Congress had enjoyed. “They’ve got a foot in the door. It doesn’t mean that they are going to win the next election, but they become political contenders in the state,” says Rahul Verma, a fellow with the Centre for Policy Research.

But Mr Modi’s BJP remains a hard act to beat. His unquestionable appeal as a votegetter is complemented by his party’s Hindutva ideology, a powerful organisational apparatus, abundant resources, a record of governance, a strong social coalition and a largely supportive media.

Mr Modi is also helped in no small measure by a weak opposition - the Congress party’s abject performance in Gujarat shows voters no longer find it appealing, say commentators. The party’s narrow win over the BJP in the small mountain state of Himachal Pradesh - where voters have a reputation for kicking out incumbents - offers only a rare sliver of hope to an enfeebled party. However, the vote in Himachal Pradesh also “exemplified the limits of Mr Modi’s formidable ability to singlehandedly push BJP through in state elections”, according to Asim Ali, a political scientist.

What the BJP’s sweeping win in Gujarat shows is that the rainbow coalition - upper, lower and middle-ranking castes, also called the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) - that the party has stitched together continues to fetch dividends. OBCs alone make up about half of

“ What the BJP’s sweeping win in Gujarat shows is that the rainbow coalition - upper, lower and middle-ranking castes, also called the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) - that the party has stitched together continues to fetch dividends. OBCs alone make up about half of Gujarat’s more than 60 million people and now form a bulk of the party’s voters.

voters remains the BJP’s greatest strength. “But the party’s greatest strength is also its greatest weakness. Take Mr Modi out of the equation, and the BJP looks vulnerable,” says Prof Dholakia. “The dependence on Mr Modi is also an admission of the weakness of the

Gujarat’s more than 60 million people and now form a bulk of the party’s voters.

Mr Modi’s charisma and connect with

local leadership. The other state leaders are not popular.”

The BJP is now set to rule Gujarat without a

break for 29 years - only the Communist Party of India (Marxist) ruled a state (West Bengal) for a longer time, a record 34 years. And Mr Modi, 72, continues to be a political outlier, defying antiincumbency, both in his state and outside.

Source: BBC

Mr Modi won three assembly elections on the trot and ruled Gujarat for more than 12 years

Mr Modi retains a strong connect with the voters in Gujarat

Mr Kejriwal is a feisty leader who relishes throwing down the gauntlet to Mr Modi

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Messi & Alvarez fire Argentina to World Cup final

Argentina’s master and pupil Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez combined to deadly effect as they reached their sixth World Cup final with victory over Croatia at Lusail Stadium.

Messi now gets one last chance to win the piece of silverware that has eluded him in his trophy-laden career but Manchester City’s 22-year-old striker Alvarez claimed at least an equal share of top billing as Argentina ensured they will return here on Sunday to face either France or Morocco.

Argentina’s little genius looked to be struggling with a hamstring problem early on but recovered enough to break the deadlock from the penalty spot after 34 minutes following Croatia goalkeeper

Dominik Livakovic’s foul on the marauding Alvarez.

Alvarez doubled Argentina’s lead five minutes later when he took Messi’s header just inside Croatian territory and embarked on a slaloming run, aided by fortunate bounces off Josip Juranovic and Borna Sosa, before beating Livakovic.

There was no fortune involved in a brilliant third after the break as Messi mesmerised Croatia’s excellent defender Josko Gvardiol on the byeline before playing in Alvarez for the finish.

Messi will now have the opportunity to make amends for the bitter disappointment of losing the 2014 World Cup final to Germany in Rio’s iconic Maracana.

FIRS emerges winners of CBN’s 2022 Financial Institutions Football Competition

By Albert Akota

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Football Club (FC) have defeated Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) FC 1-0 to emerge champions of 2022 All Financial Institutions Football Competition (AFIFC).

The final match played at the Gombe Township Stadium in Gombe, was sponsored by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The lone goal was scored by Leonard Pankyes of FIRS FC in the 20th minute of the game, and it was all that the FIRS team needed to clinch victory and pocket the N2 million prize in the 35th edition of the competition.

Earlier, in the ThirdPlace match played between Unity Bank FC and Bubayero Microfinance Bank FC, Unity Bank won by 1-0, to emerged as third runner up of the competition.

In a post-match conference, CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, said the competition

began in 1979.

Represented by Alhaji Shehu Goringo, CBN Branch Controller, Gombe, Emefiele said CBN’s commitment to making positive contributions to the promotion and development of football remained the major reason for sponsoring the competition annually, which is in line with the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility.

“The competition, over the years, has also served as a grooming ground for young football-playing bankers to become full professionals and national team players.

“It is on record that some of our decorated soccer heroes such as Kanu Nwankwo, Henry Nwosu and Stephen Keshi, of blessed memory, participated in this competition before representing Nigeria at several national and international competitions.’’

The CBN boss appreciated the Gombe State government for hosting the finals and “we thank our long-standing partner, the NFF, for its continued collaboration with CBN in organizing this tournament.’’

On his part, President of NFF, Ibrahim Gusau who was represented by Alhaji Babagana Kalli, the Chairman of Borno Football Association said the competition had made positive impact through the years.

Gusau commended the CBN for preserving the history of AFIFC by its continued sponsorship of the competition, “this is really commendable and good for football development.’’

Governor Muhammadu

Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State who was represented by Dr Larry Daniel, the Executive Secretary of Gombe State Sports Commission, commended CBN and NFF for choosing to host the finals of the competition in the state.

Yahaya said the state remained committed to welcoming any interest that would bring development of any sector and improvement of the well being of citizens.

About 20 teams comprised regulators, deposit money banks and other financial institutions participated in the 2022 edition of the AFIFC.

By the outcome of the finals, Second-Runner up, SEC team will go home with N1.5 million, while the Third-Runner up, Unity Bank will receive N1 million and Bubayero Microfinance Bank, the fourth-placed team will pocket N500,000.

World Cup 2022: Meet Morocco’s unlikely history makers in Qatar

ISSUES

Outgoing president withdraws to the sidelines

By Eric Teniola

Cont. from yesterday

They are to be executed by the States and Local Governments directly and the Ministry of Agriculture should be restructured and should relinquish its following activities to States and Local governments: Tractor hiring, Land clearing and development, Horticulture, Fertiliser distribution, Seeds and seedlings propagation and distribution, Agro- Forestry, Extension services, Inland fishing and Co-operatives development.

The Ministry of Agriculture should also transfer the co-ordination of the Agricultural Universities to the National Universities Commission, which has better facilities and capacity to supervise the Universities.

The Panel recommended in addition the need to setup targets in the struggle to eradicate poverty in Nigeria. In view of the foregoing commendations, three Federal Ministries / institutions should be entrusted with the mandate for the primary effort to eradicate poverty in Nigeria. These are: Federal Ministry of Education in charge of UBE, Federal Ministry of Health in charge of Primary Healthcare matters and National Poverty Eradication Commission (NAPEC) in charge of employment generation, development of rural infrastructure and economic empowerment.

Also, the Panel recommended 4-year targets for the Federal Ministry of Education that the Adult literacy rate in the country to increase from its current level of 51% to 71%.

In addition the Panel recommended that the Federal Government should pay attention to the development and nurturing of a culture of good governance as a precondition for national development. We are not unaware of the, fact that a lot has been said and or written in this country on this issue. What has, however, been lacking until the advent of this administration is putting these into practice.

Nevertheless, it cannot be over-emphasised that good governance embodies the fear of God, accountability, transparency, a responsible and responsive Government, Leadership by example, equality and justice. These are cardinal points to be imbibed and respected by both leaders and the followers. Thus, Government and the people must contribute equally to good governance and

nation building.

The global trends inevitably pose newer challenges that will necessitate the refocusing of Government’s role in governance as well as the citizenry’s taking up the vast opportunities provided by the New World Order. Our prosperity, or lack of it, is tied to how we as a people are able to cope with what is happening in the wider world..

In conclusion, the panel declared “we wish to State that only by a combination of good leaders, good governance and good followers would we be able to bring about economic prosperity and qualitative democracy, which would enhance our standing before the International Community.

The Panel recognised the very important role that all stakeholders need play in the effort to alleviate poverty, and more specifically eradicate absolute poverty. Government must pursue its programmes and projects in partnership with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the Organised Private Sector (OPS), and the International Donor Agencies.

Uncontrolled population growth is a major contributor to poverty. Any strategies for poverty alleviation must take into account the need to address the problem of population growth. The rate of population growth in Nigeria has been 2.83 %, while that of food production is about 2.5 %. More people are being born than there is food to feed them. Therefore the Government must urgently address this issue.

One of the reasons for the rising rate of population growth has to do with unplanned rates of birth.

This problem can be addressed by encouraging child-spacing, which is recommended in the interests of the child and its mother, and which is not discouraged by most cultures and religions. However, given the deep-rooted suspicions about family planning in many religious circles, creative ways of public enlightenment and education have to be devised by the Government in order to promote a the positive health attitude to child-spacing.

Another problem giving rise to the rapid increase in population growth is associated with traditional beliefs that giving birth to more children is an investment for subsistence security in the future, especially at old-age. Given the high mortality rate, many people believe that the more children they have, the better their chances of having surviving off-spring to look after them in subsistence production,

and in old-age. This problem should also be solved through imaginative public enlightenment campaigns and through deliberate policies of reducing infant mortality, such that people can have greater confidence that death may spare them an heir.

Perhaps the greatest safeguard against the dangers of overpopulation is increased investments in agricultural development and food production. Therefore, the Panel recommends that the Government should pay greater attention to evolving strategies for increased food production.

All three tiers of government have, for years now been levying numerous taxes and levies in their effort to generate more revenue.

State and Local Governments have been known to employ consultants and task forces to assess and collect taxes, which were hitherto unknown sometimes at gun-point. As at the last count and according to the figures compiled by the Organised Private Sector, there were about 250 of these taxes and levies.

Generally, most Nigerian cities do not have adequate water supply for even human and much less for industrial use. The collapse of water treatment facilities due to lack of spare-parts chemicals has caused intense hardships to many dwellers of Nigerian cities. It has led to r lance on ponds, rivers, and generally untreated water for drinking.

As a result of this, there has been a resurgence of preventable waterborne diseases such as cholera and guinea-worms, which are now causing havoc in the country.

The need for safe drinking water, therefore, cannot be overemphasised. In view of this, the Panel recommends that: the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, should accelerate the process of the rehabilitation of all water-works and treatment plants in the country.

The Federal Government should embark upon a massive programme of the extension of rural water supply with a view raising the current level of potable and safe water supply from the 30% to 50% by the year 2003. This is because the provision and expansion of access to water is a very vital programme of poverty alleviation.

In line with the policy of inculcating maintenance culture, the Panel recommends an “all-hands-ondeck” approach to the Federal, State and Local Governments through the initiation of massive public works programmes. This is to embark

on project based programmes tailored towards the maintenance and restoration of critical public infrastructure and the environment.

These programmes should be designed to provide meaningful “hands-on” employment to large numbers of people wherever feasible. Such schemes would discourage the use of heavy mechanical equipment, thereby providing employment for unemployed youth, idle work forces, and those displaced or retired during the on-going processes of rationalisation in both the public and private sectors. It will also aim at inculcating and improving better attitudes towards a maintenance culture, injecting a sense of sustainability in Government’s investments in infrastructure and restoring pride in our surroundings.

Rural Development is a strategy designed to improve the economic and social life of the people in the rural areas. Over 70 % of the 67 % of poor Nigerians are found in rural areas. The rural poor are a heterogeneous group, including small-scale farmers, the landless, the nomads, pastoralists and fishermen and women. But they share common disabilities, limited assets, environmental vulnerability and the lack of access to public services and amenities especially education and health facilities.

The main concern in rural development therefore is the modernisation of rural society through a transition from traditional isolation to integration with the national economy for equitable and balanced development of the nation.

In making its recommendations, the Panel has emphasised the need for a focus on eradication of absolute poverty rather than poverty alleviation because of the belief that deliberate steps must be taken urgently to destroy the psychology of poverty and the sense of helplessness amongst Nigerians. We have recommended strategies that will encourage personal initiative and community co-operation and lead to enhanced productivity and prosperity. Nigeria cannot truly be considered great and democratic if it is unable to provide minimum material comfort - the basic necessities of modern civilisation, that is, food, light, water, shelter, clinics, schools and jobs - for the vast majority of its citizens”.

These recommendations are for the next President to implement.

I wish the next President goodluck.

Many thanks

World Cup 2022: Meet Morocco’s unlikely history makers in Qatar

Morocco are one step from a sensational place in the World Cup final, with boss Walid Regragui embracing the “craziness” ahead of their semi-final meeting with defending champions France.

Their achievements in Qatar, becoming the first African team to reach this stage, have come as a surprise to many, especially after the coach who led the Atlas Lions to the tournament was sacked in August.

Arguably one of the biggest underachievers of North African football, with their sole continental title coming in 1976, Morocco’s 2-0 win over Belgium in their second game in Group F was their first victory at the World Cup since 1998 - having failed to qualify for four straight tournaments immediately afterwards.

Fourteen of Morocco’s 26-man squad were born outside the country - more than any other team at the tournament - with an eclectic mix of players from growing migrant communities across Europe helping them break new ground.

A crucial turning point for the team came just three months before the finals when Vahid Halilhodzic was sacked as coach and replaced by Regragui, who won the domestic league and African Champions League titles with Wydad Casablanca last season.

That change has helped soothe tensions in the squad, with Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech coming out of international retirement, while the improvement on the pitch has also been remarkable.

Morocco have been vociferously backed at the first World Cup held in the Arab world and their legions of supporters will be joined by thousands more as state carrier Royal Air Maroc operates 30 special flights from Casablanca to Doha on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Estimates of the fluctuating numbers of Moroccan supporters in Qatar vary from 20,000 to as many as 40,000.

The players have become heroes amid joyous victory celebrations across North Africa, and by the diaspora in Europe, but have remained grounded - exemplified by Achraf Hakimi kissing his mother after victories and winger Sofiane Boufal dancing with his on the pitch after beating Portugal in the quarter-finals.

The team have also displayed their Islamic beliefs, bowing down for sujud (prostration) in front of their fans after their progress through the knock-out rounds.

But who makes up the side which is aiming to upset France - former colonial masters from whom Morocco gained independence in 1956 - at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday (19:00 GMT)?

Defensive solidity has been a key factor, with just one goal conceded in eight matches under Regragui - with even that being an own goal in the win over Canada.

Right-back Hakimi is undoubtedly the squad’s poster-boy and is no stranger

to Europe’s top clubs, with spells at Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan already behind him at the age of 24.

He has had to temper his attacking instincts somewhat, but the Paris StGermain star showed a flash of his temperament and talent with his Panenka penalty to wrap up the last-16 shoot-out win against Spain.

Morocco beat Spain 3-0 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the last 16, with Hakimi netting the clinching spot-kick

Captain Romain Saiss, called ‘the Moroccan Maldini’ by former Wolves coach Bruno Lage, and West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd have been rock solid at centreback, but with both being injury doubts for the game against France, Jawad El Yamiq and Badr Benoun could be called upon to start.

Now playing in Spain for Real Valladolid after a stint in Italy, 30-yearold El Yamiq was part of the Morocco squad which won the African Nations Championship, a competition for domestic-based players, in 2018 while Benoun stands at 6’3” tall and was nicknamed ‘Sultan’ by his Al Ahly teammates before moving from the Egyptian giants to a Qatari club this year.

Morocco one of four best teams in the world - Regragui

With Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui ruled out of the quarter-final through injury, Yahya Attith-Allahone of three players in the squad from Regragui’s old club Wydad - has stepped in and looked composed despite making his international debut in March.

Get the better of a mean defence and then you have to find a way past Yassine Bounou, born in Canada and known as Bono.

Back-up in Russia four years ago, the 31-year-old was a Europa League winner with Sevilla in 2020 and won the Zamora Trophy last season for being the top goalkeeper in Spain’s La Liga.

“When you have one of the best goalkeepers in the world, it gives you confidence, and Yassine gives us that,” said Regragui after his side knocked out Portugal.

“He helped us a lot and when he gets into the game, we’re virtually unstoppable.”

‘Where does that boy come from?’Hard-working midfield Sofyan Amrabat has been one of the stand-out players in the run to the last four, with his relentless pressing and tough-tackling providing a solid screen to the Morocco defence.

The younger brother of former Watford winger Nordin, whom he replaced in one game at the 2018 finals, Dutch-born Sofyan represented the Netherlands at Under-15 level and has returned to form for Fiorentina this season.

Alongside him in centre midfield is Azzedine Ounahi -one of four players in the squad who are products of the Mohammed VI Academy in Sale - whose

strong box-to-box-displays mean he is garnering interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

“My goodness, where does that boy come from?” asked Spain boss Luis Enrique after their last 16 exit on penalties.

“He plays like the Spanish players. He hasn’t stopped running, he must be exhausted.”

Azzedine Ounahi and Sofiane Boufal celebrate a win for Morocco

Azzedine Ounahi (left) and Sofiane Boufal (right) play together for Angers, who are bottom of France’s top flight

Playing for lowly Angers in France,

stage draw with Spain in 2018.

“I have always believed in Youssef because he gives great energy,” Regragui said.

“Any coach would love him to be in their team because he works so hard for the team, like (Olivier) Giroud for France.”

Youssef En-Nesyri celebrates his goal against Portugal

Youssef En-Nesyri has scored from all three of his efforts on target at the World Cup finals - one in 2018 and two this year

Ziyech is well-known talent from his time with Ajax and Chelsea, but Regragui has got the best from a player whose club

the technical but rangy 22-year-old made his international debut in January and scored twice in the World Cup play-off win over DR Congo two months later to help Morocco qualify.

“Is the phone ringing? It’s ringing quite a lot,” Angers chairman Said Chabane told France’s RMC of the interest in Ounahi and countryman Boufal, who has also started every game in Qatar.

Meanwhile, playmaker Selim Amallah, once coveted by former Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, has also impressed even though he has not played a club game since September because of a contract stand-off with Standard Liege.

Like Giroud for France - Energy in attack

Youssef En-Nesyri leads the line and, despite being without a league goal for Sevilla this season, the 25-year-old has his own place in Morocco’s World Cup history books.

His winners against Canada and Portugal have made him his country’s alltime leading scorer at the finals with three goals, having also netted in the group-

form can be inconsistent.

The 29-year-old was in the international wilderness between June 2021 and September this year after a public falling-out with Halilhodzic, but now his eight appearances at the World Cup finals is a joint national record alongside Hakimi.

Boufal, one of two Morocco players born in France (Saiss the other), is back to his best international form while at Angers, after just three goals in 70 Premier League appearances during a four-year spell at Southampton which ended in 2020.

He is among five members of the squad who ply their trade in Ligue 1, alongside Zakaria Aboukhlal (Toulouse), Achraf Dari (Brest), Hakimki and Ounahi.

Hakimi’s insider knowledge of France star Kylian Mbappe, a team-mate in Paris, will be a factor if Morocco can pull off what would be arguably the World Cup’s greatest upset in its history.

“We aren’t satisfied with the semi-final and being the first African team to do that. We want to go further,” Regragui said.

World Cup 2022: Hugo Lloris texted Harry Kane after France beat England

Presidency: A serious business

Becoming a President whether in Nigeria or any other nation of the world is a serious business meant for serious and prepared people; requiring huge investments in capital and mental propensities as much as emotional bravery of sublime levels.

Capacity to make strong effective projections consecutively and still remain on track of sensible decisions is a currency at the wherewithal of all serious minded contestants for the exalted position. Never a game of chance and not a game of chance now.

WEDNESDAY COLUMN

USSIJU MEDANER

France captain Hugo Lloris says “it was not easy to find the words” when he texted Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane after his side had knocked England out of the World Cup in Qatar.

Three Lions skipper Kane missed a penalty against goalkeeper Lloris during France’s 2-1 win on Saturday.

They will reunite as teammates on 26 December, when Spurs face Brentford in the Premier League.

“It’s a difficult time for the England national team and Harry,” said Lloris.

“We had a text after the game. It was not easy to find the words. He needed some time to rest.

“I think he can be proud of what he has done for the national team.

“In football history, many top players have missed penalties in their career - Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo - but I have no doubt Harry will keep his chin up and help Tottenham and the national team to shine.”

Lloris’ France play Morocco in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday as they continue their defence of the title they won four years ago in Russia.

Morocco have been the surprise package in Qatar, having beaten Belgium, Spain and Portugal en route to the last four.

“It will be a hostile atmosphere inside the stadium, but we are ready for anything,” added Lloris.

“Obviously, it is already a success for Morocco - but, believe me, they won’t want to stop here.

“They want to become even more of a hero for their country. We prepare to respond to the demands of a semi-final of a World Cup - it doesn’t matter the opponent.”

Presidential attempt is an exclusively large capital investment globally. The requirement to spend to gain and expand support base, though subjected to public accountability, is a serious component of the game; election campaign spending does not necessarily translate to impressing others or buying votes until there is a direct attempt to exchange cash for votes on Election Day. In developed democracies such as America, Britain and similar nations, the available capital outlay at the disposal of the candidate is a serious consideration for the campaign reach of the candidate and most times the chances of the candidate.

It is high time we stopped castigating huge campaign spending by candidates and rather see candidates who have the money and being clever by half not to spend the money as unserious elements who are either unsure of their capacity to win election or misers who would translate the same to governance, peradventure they win election.

The pattern of election spending in the American election; the outside, financial outpours for candidates from big tech contributors and financials, for instance, the massive spending on outreaches and commercials, canvassers sponsoring and a lot of them is the way election spending goes.

This week, I am dwelling on the overcrowded reactions to the APC presidential candidate’s refusal to participate in the wave of media town hall meetings and debates organised by the ARISE Television, Thisday, Channels Tv etc. The Asiwaju Tinubu refusals: is it an act of disdain for the electorate or a cleverly thoughtful refusal to be part of irrelevances?

Presidential debate is a very necessary act that supplies the electorate with the final decision making element as regards the capacity of candidates and as well as their plans for governance. It is always a much awaited exercise by the electorate. It is a serious event for all parties involved; the general public, the interviewers and the candidates themselves. It is one event that a candidate spends time resources, working with their handlers to organise their thoughts and responses to issues as per the candidate’s convictions and vision. On the part of

the people, it is a date we look up to with grand intensity and readiness to sieve the unserious candidates out of rethe ckoning. It is not what we have seen in the last weeks playing out at ARISE TV and Thisday/Channels TV, not a caricature of action to play political games and score cheap points over opposing parties.

For such a serious assignment, the interviewers are expected to be as neutral and unbiased as possible. A presidential debate is never an opportunity for a journalist to score popularity points at the expense of a targeted candidate. The job is to ask relevant questions and allow the citizens to have the opportunity to listen. That is exactly what we have forever witnessed at all the USA Presidential debates; that is what we saw last week at CHATHAM House and that is what has been missing at all the ARISE TV organised debates.

The anchor of the ARISE debates has proved to be more favourably disposed to certain candidates and could not hide his bias for his support and leanings even as he carried out his purported journalistic assignments. It is wrong for INEC to speak favourably of a particular contesting candidate because others will see it as a sign of preparedness to swing the process for the candidate. We all frown at the Justice of the Supreme Court who openly supported a candidate two weeks ago because, like INEC, his institution is a party to the contest. Yet, Rufai of ARISE has continued to boldly attack and diminish the APC candidate at all opportunities, following him to openly criticise every of his actions and statements and more or less declaring support for another candidate; and yet, he wants Tinubu to sit on his ‘hot seat.’ Would it be to answer questions or to be insulted and humiliated?

Yes, Tinubu has consistently refused to honour invitations to all the ARISE TV town hall meetings and debates till now. Critics have subsequently been having field days suggesting reasons he did not and would not still attend the debates; some said he lacked the capacity to sustain a debate session, some claimed he is sick and weak and a debate would likely expose that. But this is the same man who has not rested in the last weeks, a man who has been on his feet across states, regions and continents selling his candidacy with remarkable

intelligent submissions.

Tinubu has not attended and would not attend because the organisers of the debates do not have the interest of Nigeria as the basis for organising the debates, but rather part of a grand campaign for some particular party and candidate; an attempt to rubbish other candidates, regardless of their performances. Organisers of a credible presidential crusade must first of all show credible evidence of neutrality and readiness to treat all participating candidates equally, giving each and every one of them the benefit of doubt to explain themselves.

Rufai Oseni is not our everyday debate anchor; the man, to be clear, is a representative of PDP, an unapologetic one all out to set up every opposition to his party for disgrace using his platform. That is apparently his ‘job,’ his part of the business. His disdain for Tinubu is so obvious that his only response to the powerful performance at the Chatham house was still a letdown of the man. Everyone knows Tinubu for his capacity to get work done by delegated proxy. Most of his grand performances are direct examples of this exemplary tactic; and one that everyone including his detractors envy. Yet, the sworn critics and PDP mole in ARISE attire would only look for the errors that do not exist, and took it so personally to reflect the extent of their hatred for the man. And you want him to present himself as a living sacrifice on a prepared altar?

The PDP planned ARISE debates is an unserious business, meant only for unserious presidential candidates, to celebrate and enjoy their reunion. Serious candidates are busy on the field displaying their tactics for the real voters to see.

The Rufai revelation is the complete mirror image of what the opposition has become in Nigeria and the disservice they are doing to this country. We all imagine how nothing good is happening in a country that witnesses unprecedented development on a regular basis. The opening of the second Niger bridge, for instance, was to the ARISEs of this world a little feat that is not worthy of recognition or discussion. They were silent altogether about it; they would not want Nigeria to stay on it, yet, they have not rested digging out the next topic of what is wrong and what is not working in the country.

Rufai said the APC candidate display at the Chatham House brought him shame; expressing emotions that are calculated to ridicule the object of his attack as part of his service to his party and paymasters. Where goes the ethos of open and unbiased journalism? Where is the integrity and reputation of the profession? Thrown to the bin; Rufai does not care about protocol, he does not care about integrity or reputation of the brand he represents; all that matters to him is effective usage of the ARISE platform to sell his candidate and pull down every other.

In his fixation on pulling down APC and everyone connected with it, he loses out on sanity and becomes a dark entity on the lookout for what is not working in the midst of myriads of what is working. In an interview with Will Steven days ago, he was presented with a reflection of who he has become; a man that sees negatives in all things. In the words of the diplomat, “Look, it is always very convenient for you to constantly focus on negatives. But overall, every sensible investor wants to invest in Nigeria. A lot of positive things are happening...”

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a ready and prepared candidate; not just for the rigours of campaign, but for governance. The exclusive journey around the country, the electrifying and new system at Chatham House, the very simplified and delivered BBC interview responses are the indices of the stuff the APC candidate is made up of.

There would be time for real debate; a time when Nigerians would enjoy literally pitting the candidates together on a single stage and given the opportunity to answer relevant questions. And when that time comes, the APC candidate would show up to once again, tell Nigerians what he has in stock for them.

DAN GAYE