Thursday, May 18, 2023 Edition

Ghana’s President to chair book launch on Buhari

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Nana AkufoAddo of Ghana is expected to chair the public presentation and launching of two new books on the legacies of President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, May 19, at the State

House Conference Center, Abuja.

According to Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, the Chairman, Organizing Committee for the event, other distinguished guests expected at the book presentation include Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

the President-elect, and Senator Kashim Shettima, the Vice President-elect.

The books for public presentation are: “STATE OF REPAIR: HOW MUHAMMADU BUHARI TRIED TO TRANSFORM NIGERIA FOR THE BETTER” by Anthony

Goldman, former Journalist and ex Africa Editor of the Financial Times of London; and “THE LEGACY OF MUHAMMADU BUHARI” by Senator Abu Ibrahim, former representative of Southern Katsina Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

Kogi guber: Dino, PDP candidate, sets up policy document development committee

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State, Senator Dino Melaye has set up a Policy Document Development Committee (PDDC) to chart a way forward for his administration, if elected the next governor of the State.

The PDDC was inaugurated on Wednesday in Abuja at a well attended ceremony.

While speaking at the ceremony, Senator Melaye explained that the caliber of personalities in the committee is a testimony to the fact that Kogi State is endowed with a high number of people with demonstrable intellect, competence and expertise in all walks of life and who are always willing to put them at the service of the daunting task of shaping the future of our state.

Melaye recalled that during his presentation to critical stakeholders of the PDP in Lokoja, he had unfolded his vision for the

State and some of the strategies for transforming it into one of the most robust, fastest-growing and knowledge driven economies in the country by the year 2030.

According to him, “As one of the most endowed States in Nigeria in terms of natural and human resources, Kogi was designed by God to be a confluence of opportunities.

“Regrettably, it has remained a confluence of unrealised potentials, lacklustre socioeconomic performance and massive frustration.

“In order to reverse this unacceptable trend and to actualize our vision, we intend to follow the path of nations and regions in the world who have achieved monumental socio-economic transformation through visioning, thoughtful experimentation, adequate planning and unwavering determination to bring dreams into reality.

“The world economy has changed. There was a time when agriculture and manufacturing were the main drivers of

growth and wealth creation but today close to 2/3rd of the global economy is a knowledge economy.

“We can, therefore, attain our vision by effectively harnessing our abundant natural and human resources while also drawing heavily on the experience of other climes in the application of the new methods for creating growth and wealth in the 21st century”, he said.

The PDP gubernatorial candidate stressed that in spite of their lofty ideals, there are existential threats like insecurity, the dismal state of our social services, the near total collapse of our Local Governments, haphazard and whimsical payment of salaries pensions and gratuities, the frustration of our youth due to massive unemployment and grinding rural poverty pose to our people.

“They all require urgent action which can bring noticeable improvement to the overall wellbeing of our people within the first six months of our administration.”

In his acceptance speech, the

Chairman of the committee, Prof Sam Amdi said their choice was an opportunity to serve, saying it is a major challenge, adding, “but I am happy that they are men and women who can be relied upon to deliver.

“We would be able to rally round and come up with a document that will enhance growth and development for the state.

“The essence of the committee is to provide the objectives and what you expect to achieve in government.

“You have given us an assignment, we want to assure the people of Kogi that that we will provide a paradigm that develop Kogi State.

“We will conclude our assignment within the two weeks given”, he said.

Other members of the committee were; Professor Olugbemiro Jegede, Victor Adoji, Natasha Akpoti, Musa Ahmadu, Ambassador Olusiji Aina, Prof Rotimi Ajayi, Dr Safiya Ajayi, Dr Dan Oguns and Barrister Justina Abaneda among others.

Members of minority Parties forum of the 10th house of Reps endorsing Tajudeen Abbas as Speaker and Benjamin Kalu as deputy Speaker, yestetday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Benue State has dismissed the application filed by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC for Benue South Senatorial District, Comrade Dan Onjeh, seeking a recount of the votes cast in February 25th, 2023, election, which was won by Sen. Abba Moro of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP.

Onjeh is contesting the election of Sen. Moro on the ground that it was conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 as amended

In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, the chairman of the panel, Justice Ory Zik-Ikeorha held that the petitioner failed to provide enough evidence, maintaing that the application was preemptive and premature at this stage of pre-hearing.

The panel accordingly dismissed the application.

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The National Emergency Management Agency

(NEMA) has facilitated the return of 13 Nigerian students who fled from the war in Sudan into Saudi Arabia back home.

This was contained in a statement signed and issued by Manzo Ezekiel NEMA Press Unit.

The students are scheduled to depart Jeddah yesterday onboard

Qatar Airways and will arrive Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja today.

The return of the 13 Nigerian students from Saudi Arabia is part of the evacuation of stranded Nigerian citizens in the war torn Sudan by the Federal Government through NEMA and other relevant Agencies. These students had fled by using boats through the Red Sea into Saudi Arabia, where they sought the assistance

of the Federal Government to be transported back home.

Consequently, they were profiled by the Nigerian Mission in Saudi Arabia and arrangement for their safe return made by the NEMA in line with the mandates of the Agency.

Recalled that the Federal Government through NEMA had recently evacuated a total of 2, 518 stranded Nigerian Citizens in Sudan who were airlifted from

Port Sudan and Aswan, Egypt.

NEMA facilitates return of 13 stranded students in Saudi Arabia Tribunal dismisses application to recount votes for Benue Senatorial election

The names of the 13 Nigerian students expected to be back home on Friday are : Mannira Buniya Hadiza Idi, Naima Mamuda Hindatu Salmanu, Aminu Ibrahim, Muntari and Aliya Rabbilu.

Others are Muhammad Zubairu Aisha Sani,Asmau Adamu Dandada, Abdulkadir Lawan Gambo, Suleiman Sani Idris and Mubarak Zakariya.

No country can develop if youths are lagging behind – Minister

Mrs Sadiya Farouk, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development says no country can develop if its youths are lagging behind.

The minister stated this at the empowerment of 60 youths organised by the Citizens’ Health Education and Development Initiative (CHEDI), an NGO, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Represented by Mrs Helen Ikem, Assistant Chief Social Welfare Officer at the ministry, Farouk stressed that the importance of youths empowerment couldn’t be overemphasized, adding that youths are the base of any nation.

She said such gestures create a sense of responsibility and leadership skills in the youth due to which they could feel and identify the actual practical problems of the society affecting the people.

Farouk said: “So many youth empowerment programmes were

launched overtime because finally, people have realized that when the youths are empowered, it gives rise to a strengthened nation.”

The minister said that the society would be secured enough when the youths were empowered, saying, ”an empowered youth would never do any harm to the society in which they are living.

”An empowered youth is always passionate and dedicated towards their work and their society and they always dare to do something big for the betterment of society.

“They no longer wait for the high authorities to come and sort out the problem, instead they take some practical steps to solve the problem on their own.

Farouk said that youths empowerment played vital roles in the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari via the National Social Investment Poverty Alleviation and Programme.

The minister said: “Under this programme, we have the N-Power which creates opportunities for youths to be trained in various vocations and skills.

“There is also the Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme GEEP which provides opportunities for upscaling business investments in eradication from society.

”That is why the agriculture and other trades, Conditional Cash Transfer which provides cash grant support for micro level traders.

” And the Home grown School Feeding Programme which provides meal opportunities for school children is to boost school enrolment and prepare them for a decent and literate adolescence.”

Farouk commended the efforts of the CHEDI for complementing the government’s efforts in providing developmental support for the teeming youths.

“We must all realise that a collaborative effort such as this will

always go a long way in making the society a safer and better place to live in,” she added.

The minister advised the beneficiaries to assist their peers in skills-building and help them to become financially independent like them.

Earlier, the Executive Director of CHEDI, Mrs Selina Enyioha, said the beneficiaries were drawn from the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa State and Niger.

Enyioha said that, hitherto, the NGO focused its empowerment programme on women, children and girls, adding,”we decided to include the youths this year due to high rates of youths unemployment in the country.”

She said that according to the National Bureau of Statistics reports of 2022, youths unemployment in Nigeria was about 53.40 per cent.

Enyioha said: “That is to say over 80 million Nigerian youths are unemployed. Our targets are unemployed graduates who have

been trained and acquired skills in areas of tailoring, barbing saloon and hair dressing.’

“These graduates have had their hopes heightened after acquiring education, but unfortunately their dreams in Nigeria have become a mirage.”

Also, Ms Zara-Binta Goni, Senior Social Development Specialist, World Bank Staff Representatives, assured that the bank would continue to support the youths and women.

“The World Bank group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries.

” Its institution shares a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development and has a unique set of standards that endorse inclusion and empowerment.

” I would like to inform you that this support and resources were received from the staff of the world bank,” she said. (NAN)

President Muhammadu Buhari presides over the FEC Meeting at the Council Chambers State House, yesterday in Abuja. PHOTO; State House

Civilian JTF trains personnel on administration

By Usman Shuaibu

The leadership of the Civilian Joint Taskforce (CJTF) has organized a threeday seminar for its personnel on Admininistrative inputs in Gwagwalada.

Also, the Civilian JTF had bestowed awards on the subsector commanders, unit commanders and unit co-ordinators after the three days seminar.

Speaking at the occasion, the commander General of CJTF in the FCT, Musa Ahmadu, urged the officers of CJTF to remain committed to their duties at all times.

Ahmadu advised the officers to shun any act capable of tarnishing their image, saying that he would continue to provide the necessary assistance to the security personnel to combat crime in the area.

He, therefore, urged the officers of the taskforce to always co-operate with the police, military men and other security agencies in order to discharge their duties.

Also speaking, the Deputy Commander General of CJTF in the FCT, Mr. Suleiman Idrisu Gatawa, urged the officers of the taskforce to discharge their duties with the fear of God.

He said the men of the taskforce would be carried along in the affairs of things and warned them against act of criminalities.

Gatawa lauded the officers of CJTF for putting in their best in crime prevention in the FCT and Nigeria as a whole.

On his part, the training officer of the three days seminar, Captain Rabiu Ibrahim, charged the officers to make use of the Knowledge acquired to better the Civilian JTF.

Rabiu Ibrahim who is the subsector commander of CJTF in Kuje, said the leadership of CJTF would continue to train the officers for efficiency.

LP’s factional chair, Apapa mobbed in court

•

• Denies receiving N500m from Tinubu

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Presidential Election Petition Court, has adjourned till Friday, May 19, the pre-hearing of the petition by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, against the President-elect, Senator Bola Tinubu.

Also, yesterday, factions of the LP clashed in court, just as a factional Chairman, Mr. Lamidi Apapa, was taken into protective custody by security operatives attached to the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

Problem started shortly after the adjournment, as Apapa, while stepping out of the courtroom, made attempt to address the media, group of youths that identified themselves as “Obidients”, pushed him away

from the cameras, insisting that he lacked the right to speak for the party.

Reacting, the embattled Apapa, in a press conference after the fracas, called on Obi to objectively intervene and resolve the heating chairmanship crisis.

He also denied the allegation of receipt of 500 million Naira from external forces to destabilize the party, Apapa vehemently denied receiving any money or being influenced by anybody or group to work against the party.

He insisted that what happened at the Presidential court in which fracas broke out in the presence of Peter Obi, was disgraceful and a test to Obi’s leadership quality.

Apapa said that the leadership crisis would have been put behind them if the presidential candidate

had respected the order of the federal Capital Territory High court which ordered Julius Abure and three other from parading themselves as National Officers of the party over their indictment for forgery and Perjury.

Tracing the genesis of the leadership crisis, Apapa said that immediately the order of court was served on the party, he was unanimously selected in acting capacity as the National Chairman of the party.

Further in his speech, he said that it was wrong of Obi to accord respect to Abure in-spite of the order of the court and as a presidential candidate seeking Justice from the same court of law.

He also said that is was wrong of Peter Obi to have claimed not knowing him adding that he

worked closely and even travelled in the same flight with Peter Obi through out his Presidential electioneering campaign.

He therefore, appealed to Obi to be open minded, neutral, and objective so as to be able to stop the crisis.

Also speaking at the briefing the deputy National Chairman of the Party in the North Mike Ayuba Auta denied that the all Progressive Congress was behind the crisis adding that the allegation was baseless and unfounded.

Auta apologized to Nigerians who he said gave Labour Party over 6million votes during the last presidential Election, adding that that should not be discouraged by the current leadership crisis and assured that the dispute will soon be resolved.

NCWD inducts Okonjo-Iweala, seven others into Women Hall of Fame

By joy Baba-Yesufu

The National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) has inducted Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and seven other notable Nigerian women into the Nigerian Women Hall of Fame for outstanding performance in their various fields of endeavor.

This year’s induction is a special one and first of its kind as all the women inducted are first female achievers in their professional fields.

The Nigerian women Hall of fame was set up to specifically

pay tribute to the efforts and contributions of Nigerian women through the ages in all sectors of economy and human endeavors.

At the induction ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, commended the inductees for their contribution and exceptional feat, and urged them to mentor young women to sustain the tides of women development and participation.

She further called on State Commissioners of Women Affairs to replicate the structure of the Nigerian women hall of fame in their various states to recognise

and document the contributions of women at the subnational levels.

The Director General, National Center for Women Development, Mrs, Asabe VilitaBashir noted that the women hall of fame features records of pre-colonial and contemporary Nigerian women who played leading roles in different aspects of the society.

“The hall of fame also provides role models for younger girls and the society at large, on the ultimate potentials of women in the Nigerian society. The criteria for selection are

first women, historic or living to achieve recognition in the field of endeavour or a lifetime of achievement in that field” she said.

Some of the women inducted in 2023 Nigerian women hall of fame include; Mrs. Amina Mohammed,1st Female to Serve as Deputy Secretary-General of United Nations, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala 1st Female and African Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, an Advocate for Transformative Change, Gender and Women’s Economic Empowerment, Mrs.

Kofo Akinkugbe,1st Female and Nigerian to own a sim-card Production line and Dr. Eleanor Nwadinobi, 1st Nigerian Woman to be elected President of the International Medical Women Association.

Also inducted are Engr. Bolarinwa Kemisola 1st Nigerian Female to invent the Smart Bra for early detection of Cancer, Engr. Funke Opeke 1st Female to build West African first privately owned largest Tier III Data Centre and AIG Aishatu Baju the current President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria also the 1st female to occupy the position.

Obi must be unbias to resolve LP crisis- Apapa

The Acting DG Productivity Centre Dr Nasir.O. Raji (3rd right)Presenting, Productivity Hand book,Productivity Summit,Proceedings and other Research documents to the Acting Executive Secretary NSSEC Alh lbrahim AbdulKareem and his Manegement team during a courtesy visit recently to NSSEC in Abuja.

Photo: NSSEC

House rules alteration: Gbajabiamila abruptly adjourned Plenary over fear of impeachment

By Christiana Ekpa

TheSpeaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila on Wednesday adjourned plenary indefinitely over fear of possible impeachment plot by some lawmakers.

Gbajabiamila who presided over plenary after weeks of recess hurriedly called for adjournment over speculation of his impeachment for doctoring the House rule.

Rep. Ahmed Wase, the Deputy Speaker in a swift moved opposed Gbajabiamila, claiming the adjournment was needless, adding that there was no where in the House rules that allows lawmakers to adjourn for induction.

Gbajabiamila, however hinged the adjournment on the current induction by members-elect.

Peoples Daily Reports that the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Wase opposed the motion to adjourn indefinitely but was rejected.

Wase said the adjournment was not proper, adding that the induction could be going on simultaneously with plenary just like it was done at the Senate.

According to Wase, I respect the view of distinguish colleagues Rep Ibrahim Isaka who moved for the adjournment, but I think Mr Speaker this institution have a lot memories.

“ There have never been a time because of induction the House suspended plenary. I don’t know the rate of attrition in terms of those who are back to the House compared to those who are now not returning, that we have to adjourn the House because of induction.

“I think there are many issues in the country that we need to face and tackle, we are running out Mr Speaker, we have just today and tomorrow for the week.

“We lost yesterday, I want to beg my brother to consider his own stand, he should know that in any way that there is nowhere in our own roles that says adjourn when we are doing induction.

He said the days for sitting in the House was clearly stated out in the House order.

Earlier, Rep. Isaka (APCOgun) had come under Order 6, 1 and 2 for mater of privileges to move his motion

According to him, my point of order is that today as we speak induction program is on going at the ICC center which I am privileged together with other members to be part of barge B.

“Last week because of this same programme the House adjourned, the plenary was not in session but today because of the plenary I have to be here while this programme Ia ongoing

“I can not be properly accommodated on the Programme at the induction ground alongside plenary

“That is why I am coming under order of privileges order 6,1,2,3. Mr Speaker, my prayer is that the House do adjourn to allow us participate in the programme., “ he said

Isiaka urged the House to reconvene after the programme, saying, “I am not the only victim of this, there are other members who are complaining about their privileges. I so moved.”

Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC-

Plateau), one of the aspirants for the 10th National assembly speaker raised his hand and attempted to speak but was equally ignored.

Meanwhile, the Senate has been sitting since the induction of lawmakers began, while the House of Reps which reconvened on May 17 immediately called for adjournment after many postponements.

Also recalls that the House was seat during their induction 2019.

Peoples Daily gathered that some lawmakers have perfected plans to impeach Gbajabiamila over the imposition of Rep. Tajudeen Abbas as the consensus candidate for the 10th House of Reps.

Also, Rep. Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia) was chosen as the consensus candidate for the post of a Deputy Speaker respectively.

This was said to have angered some of the aspirants who have now constituted themselves as

G-7 to oppose the consensus candidate allegedly imposed by Gbajabiamila.

Among the G-7 are: Rep. Ahmed Wase (APC-Plateau) Rep Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau) Rep. Sani Jaji (APC-Zamfara), Rep. Sada Soli(APC-Katsina), Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa (APCKano) and Rep. Aliyu Betara (APC-Kano)

Speaking on the issue, Rep. Abubakar Nalaraba(APCNasarawa) said he was aware of the alteration made in the house rule to favour Gbajabiamila preferred candidate.

“There are some agitation by members because there is a particular alteration from the house rule which it was conspicuously inserted and has never been deliberated upon at the plenary or in the vote and proceedings

Sequel to this, he said, “some members promised to take it up with him and to bring it as Order of Privilege in the house so that

members would be able to discus why would the insertion be in the house rule in the 10th Assembly “I think that might be the reason why he adjourned the house and that insertion was done probably to make the election seamless for his prefered candidate.

The doctored standing rules, refered to as the 10th edition cited has a new provision for electing the Speaker and Deputy through an open ballot instead of the existing rule of secret ballot that has been in use since 1999.

Section 2 (f) (iii) of the controversial clause captioned “election of presiding officers” stated that, “ every member voting shall name clearly and in the open the candidate of his choice.”

Gbajabiamila is being accused of single-handedly manipulating the rules of the House to edge out more credible aspirants in favour of his preferred candidate Rep. Tajudeen Abbas.

PDP to its various organs: You can’t start disciplinary action against members

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has warned that no organ of the Party, at any level, must commence any disciplinary action against any member of the party without due consideration and regard to the provisions of the constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

The party gave the warning in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba in Abuja.

The PDP similarly charged all its members to remain focused

on the ideals of our party as a democratic organization guided by rules, regulations and constitution ‘as we collectively make progress towards lasting reconciliation, discipline and unity in our Party”.

Towards this end, the leading opposition party in the country has resolved to constitute a committee to review all cases of reported indiscipline and antiparty activities by some members of the Party in the 2023 general elections.

According to the statement, the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the

party is in furtherance of on-going efforts by the national leadership of our party to instill discipline as well as to achieve a comprehensive reconciliation in the Party.

This resolution of the NWC, the statement explained, is pursuant to its powers under Section 29 (2) (a) and (b) and Section 31 (2) (c), (d) and (i) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

The statement reads, “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its 571st meeting on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 resolved to constitute a Committee to review

all cases of reported indiscipline and anti-party activities by some members of the Party in the 2023 general elections.

“The decision of the NWC is in furtherance of on-going efforts by the National Leadership of our Party to instill DISCIPLINE as well as to achieve a comprehensive reconciliation in the Party.

“This resolution of the NWC is pursuant to its powers under Section 29 (2) (a) and (b) and Section 31 (2) (c), (d) and (i) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

“Accordingly, the NWC hereby

directs that no Organ of the Party at any level shall henceforth commence any disciplinary action against any member of the Party without due consideration and regard to the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

“The NWC charges all members to remain focused on the ideals of our Party as a democratic organization guided by our Rules, Regulations and Constitution as we collectively make progress towards lasting reconciliation, discipline and unity in our Party”, he said.

From left: Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Sharon Ikeazor; Minister of State for Power, Jeddy Agba and Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi during the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja on Wednesday (17/5/23)

• Shuns Wase point of order that opposed move

• Alteration of House rule conspicuously inserted, never deliberated - Hon. Nalaraba

Transport Minister inaugurates

NIMASA Abuja office, tasks staff on productivity

Minister of Transportation, Alhaji Muazu Sambo, has urged members of staff of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to double their efforts to ensure improved service delivery and economic development.

Sambo gave the advice while inaugurating the new NIMASA Abuja Liaison office on Tuesday.

He said that establishing a permanent Zonal office for the agency was imperative because of its strategic role in the sector.

“Apart from the reduction of cost of governance, the New Abuja Zonal Office will serve as the centre piece of government relations on matters with bilateral and multilateral implications on international trade and cooperation.

“It will enable the agency to host foreign diplomats and other key maritime stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory, thereby helping the agency to speedily achieve its mandate.

“All these led to the acquisition of the office and served as further proof of the growth in capacity of NIMASA due to its deepened role in Nigeria’s economic development,” the minister said.

While expressing the ministry’s commitment to NIMASA and all other departments under it, Sambo said this project was a pointer to its determination in that regard.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for approving the procurement of the office, the NIMASA Chief executive and all who made the project a reality.

Sambo thanked everyone who contributed to the realisation of the project, saying more of such projects would subsequently be inaugurated in the country

Earlier, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, thanked the transportation minister and the Federal Government for ensuring the acquisition of the state-of-the-art edifice.

Jamoh said the project signaled the agency’s commitment to providing conducive, favourable and supportive working conditions to boost staff productivity.

The director-general said “today’s ceremony is just one more step in living up to what the world has come to expect from us.

“If we train our staff internationally, we must provide them with a working environment that matches with those international standards.

“This edifice reflects management’s commitment to providing a world-class working environment in addition to the recently reviewed and improved conditions of service for all employees.

“With this investment, we have taken things up. Top- notch by providing support, infrastructure environment, regarding safety and security.’’

He, however, pledged NlMASA’s commitment to ensure a culture of maintenance to extend the lifespan of the building. (NAN)

Buhari saddened by killing of US Embassy staff, Policemen, others

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday expressed condolences on the loss of lives of two United States embassy officials and two Nigerian policemen accompanying them in an attack by gunmen in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“I was very sad hearing about

the killing of the embassy staff and our policemen accompanying them. In this difficult time for the families of those killed, the American Embassy and the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, I extend the nation’s condolences over the very sad incident,” he said.

President Buhari, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi

Adesina, had equally been briefed about the tragic killing of several persons in Bwoi District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, as well that of several villagers in Adaka village in Makurdi Local Government and in Ijaha community of Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

The President said he is deeply pained to learn about these gruesome deaths and

expresses sincere condolences to the families of the victims, the statement noted.

“We share the grief of the American Embassy, the Nigeria Police Force and our communities in Plateau and Benue and remain committed to fishing out the perpetrators of the attacks and bringing them to justice. May God give their families the strength to bear the unfortunate losses.”

Antimicrobial Resistance underminig global public health – NVMA

The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), has called for global response to the risk posed by Antimicrobial resistance to public health.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines.

This will make infections harder to treat, thus increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illnesses and death.

Dr Olutoyin Adetuberu, National President, NVMA said during the association’s Annual Leaders’ Summit on Tuesday in Abuja, that global response was needed to stop the disaster posed by AMR.

The theme of the summit is “The Role of Veterinarians in Curbing the menace of Antimicrobial Resistance“.

“Is the next disaster about to happen in the sense that if medicines no longer work, anybody who falls sick the next

is death, hence it is the next pandemic, ” she said.

Adetuberu added that AMR has the potential to undermine the effectiveness of modern medicine and posed serious threat to public health.

She described the scale of the problem as alarming, adding that it was estimated that by 2050 there would be 10 million deaths as a result of AMR annually.

The president said the number of deaths would lead to loss of 100 trillion dollars to the global economy.

She said curbing the menace of AMR is everybody’s responsibility, in order to prevent the next global pandemic from happening.

“AMR is one of the most urgent and complex public health challenges of our time. We are having antimicrobial resistance because of antimicrobial misuse and abuse.

“It is a threat to the effective treatment of infections in humans and animals and has the potential

to undermine the progress that has been made in modern medicine, ” she added.

Adetuberu identified promotion of responsible use of antibiotics in animals and its usage when necessary for the treatment of sick animals as a key solution to antimicrobial resistance.

She encouraged farmers to adopt good animal husbandry practices, including proper hygiene, biosecurity measures and vaccination to reduce the need for antibiotics.

The president said, veterinarians as leaders in veterinary medicine, should embrace their role and work collaboratively to address antimicrobial resistance.

She further advised patients to stick to drugs prescribed for them by medical doctors and avoid self medication.

“If you complete the dose given to you by the doctor, do not go to pharmacy and buy more; if

you still feel sick go back to the physician for recommendation,” she added.

Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, who chaired the occasion, said the summit was for leaders in veterinary practice and other public health professionals to assess efforts towards minimising antibiotic misuse and abuse.

Abdullahi, who is also the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, urged veterinarians to incorporate more stakeholders in addressing public health challenges .

Dr Bala Muhammed, a Private Veterinary Practitioner and Public Health Consultant, said the summit brought together leaders of the profession from 36 states and FCT.

“It is a mid term stock taking and strategy that the association has deployed in different areas in ensuring that at national level and sub-national, AMR is taken as a very serious public health challenge that needs a lot of attention,” he said. (NAN)

L-R: NYSC Director General, Brig. Gen. YD Ahmed; former Director general, NYSC, Rev. Peter Okunromade; Former Head big State / Founder NYSC, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) and the Chairman Governing Board of NYSC,Fatima Abubakar; during the commissioning of NYSC Ultra Modern ICT Building/Sead Exhibition, on the activities to mark NYSC @50 at the NYSC Headquarters yesterday in Abuja,

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

FG frustrated Ortom’s administration, Says Commissioner

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has blamed the Federal Governemt for frustrating his efforts in offsetting salaries, pensions and gratutities.

This is even as he frowned at the adamant refusal of the Federal government to release the sum of 20 billion infrastructure fund to the State.

State Commissioner for Information and Orientation Michael Inalegwu said this while briefing newsmen at the end of the State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Makurdi on Tuesday.

He lamented over the adamant refusal of federal government to give 42 billion naira to the Ortom government to clear backlog of salaries, pension and gratutities owed workers.

It would be noted that the Governor inherited 3 months salary arrears from his predeccesor Gabriel Suswam and is living behind more than 10 months salaries, 34 months pension for state workers and 72 months for local government retirees. Governor Ortom and the PDP lost election on this ground.

Inalegwu passionately appealed to government to release the 42 billion naIra in the twilight of his administration to enable him clear the salaries.

The Information Commissioner intimated that the Governor will officially hand over to the incoming administration of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, adding that he will stay in the State for the next 5 months.

He denied claims of job racketing in the State, saying “there is nothing like employment of 7000 workers and payment of money for induction”.

Court slams life imprisonment sentence on 3 kidnappers of female journalist in Yola

From Umar Dankano,Yola.

High Court (4) sitting in Yola has convicted and sentenced three kidnappers of a female broadcast Journalist, Mrs.Amra Ahmad Diska to life imprisonment.

It would be recalled that,Mrs Diska works with the state-owned Radio, Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation Yola(ABC) and was kidnapped by the convicts until ransom of N4million was paid for her release after spending seven days in their custody in May 2021.

In his judgement yesterday, Justice Danladi Mohammed

slammed a sentence of 10 years imprisonment with an option of N1million fine to one of the convicts but jailed the others to 5 years in prison without option of fine.

Those sentenced to life imprisonment include: Muhammad Habib Maki (akai Dram), Barde Usman and Umar Mammanjoda (akai Umar Mbamba).

Likewise, Husseini Hamman (akai Awilo) was similarly sentenced to 5 years imprisonment without option of fine, while Umar Abubakar (akai Naibi) bagged 10 years jail term with option of N1million fine.

Justice Mohammed held

that,Husseini, was sentenced to 5 years behind bars because on the day of his arraignment along side four other convicts, he pleaded guilty to the offences and made his trial easier for the court, hence the mitigation of sentence.

While Umar Abubakar, (aka Naibi), 5th convict was slammed 10 years jail term for the offence of abatement. He was the one who furnished other convicts with information about the victim.

The five convicts and Dogo Chongel Pullori, Dabo and Bello (still at large) conspired and abducted Ahmadu Njoboli and Amra Ahmad Diska from their various homes in Yola South LGA.

The convicts and three others at large armed with guns, invaded the house of Ahmad Isa Mbamba at Mbamba in Yola South on the 4th May, 2021, and abducted their victim (his wife).

They (convicts) also abducted one, Ahmadu Njoboli, on the 11th September, 2021, detained him for 19 days and collected the sum of N5million as ransom before releasing him.

Five out of eight kidnappers were later apprehended and arraigned before the court on the 7th October, 2021, where 4 pleaded not guilty, while 1 admitted having committed the offences, hence their trial and conviction accordingly.

AFAN flags off distribution of inputs loan scheme to farmers

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in partnership with Ghas Integrated services limited, inaugurated the distribution of inputs loan to 10,000 farmers.

Speaking shortly after flagging off, the Minister Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar said the loan will boost the economy through agriculture.

He explained that, the scheme is partnership between the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and a private firm, Ghas Integrated Services Limited, will boost food production in the country.

The Minister who said, President Muhammadu Buhari is interested on the scheme added that the Nigerian economy was no longer a mono-economy, depending solely on oil and gas, as agriculture, in the past seven years, contributes more to the

GDP than any other sector.

He maintained that as Federal government’s effort to sustain private-sectordriven intervention in the agricultural industry, a programme called Special Agroindustrial Processing Zones was introduced by president Buhari to invite investors that are agroallied companies.

Dr Abubakar then said the appeal to the farmers to utilise the loan for approximately for other batch of farmers to benefit

in the future.

While making his remarks, the national president of the AFAN, Dr Farouk Mudi, said the private sector involvement in the scheme was to ensure sustainability.

Dr Farouk Mudi, said the scheme would target 10,000 farmers; and it involves, among others, the distribution of about 100 trailers of NPK fertilizers and thousands of bottles of pesticides as loans that must be repaid fully by the farmers.

Also speaking, the managing director, Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), Folashade Joseph, said there was a need for more private sector-driven interventions in the agriculture industry.

Folashade then, urged the farmers to key in into the risk management that NAIC offers, especially as the federal government already subsidised the premium on insurance in the agricultural industry by 50 percent.

L-R: NYSC Director General, Brig. Gen. YD Ahmed; former Director general, NYSC, Rev. Peter Okunromade; Former Head big State / Founder NYSC, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) and the Chairman Governing Board of NYSC,Fatima Abubakar; during the commissioning of NYSC Ultra Modern ICT Building/Sead Exhibition, on the activities to mark NYSC @50 at the NYSC Headquarters yesterday in Abuja,

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Buhari to inaugurate VIP wing of state house medical centre tomorrow

By Sunday Odey

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Friday, May 19, inaugurate the state-of-the-art Presidential/VIP Wing of State House Medical Centre, Abuja.

A statement by the Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye described the initiative as a demonstration of the outgoing president’s commitment to advancing healthcare management in the country.

According to the statement, the legacy project, situated within the premises of the Presidential Villa, had its groundbreaking ceremony conducted by the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, on November 1, 2021.

Spanning an impressive total floor area of 2,485 square meter on a suspended floor with a basement, the hospital, which serves as a specialized Intensive Care Centre, caters for the President,

Crisis looms in Niger State Imam Forum over misplaced priorities

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Crisis has rocked the Niger State Imam Forum as no fewer than three different Islamic sects have withdrawn their membership due to its recent activities that goes contrary to the purpose of its establishment.

The three sects that withdrew their membership include; Fitiyanun Islam, Izalatil Bidi:ah Woikamatil Sunnah, Kaduna and that of the Jos respectively.

The letter separately addressed to the Niger State Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello and copied to other relevant bodies and security agencies was made available to newsmen in Minna.

In their letters titled; Letter of Withdrawal of Jumuat Imam which was signed by their Chairmen and secretaries disassociated themselves from being used politically especially as allegedly experienced during the pasts Director General Religious Affairs in the state, hence contravened the purpose of its creation for unity, preserving peace and harmonize their followers.

The three bodies gave their reasons for their withdrawal from the Niger State Imam Forum to include; the leadership failure to ensure mutual relationship, they are sideline for selfish purposes, hiding under religion to indulge in unwanted activities among others.

It was reliably gathered that some members of the forum have politicized the organization initiated during governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu now been used to seek for political offices by the purported greedy, desperate members of the forum.

They faulted some Imams for abandoning their primary duties, saying some Imams have turn their mosques and preachings to attacks to gain political recognition and appointments, warning the general public and politicians to be wary of such Imams.

Vice President, their immediate families and VIPs; incorporates state-of-the-art medical technology.

The Presidential/VIP Wing houses several specialized departments, to be staffed by a team of medical professionals, featuring five consultation rooms dedicated to various specialties, including respiratory, cardiology, ophthalmology, ENT, and general consultation.

Additionally, the hospital has a specialized X-ray suite equipped with a digital X-ray machine as well as a diagnostic suite encompassing MRI, CT scan, and endoscopy facilities.

Moreover, patients and visitors can enjoy access to a Healing Garden, designed to foster healing, relaxation, and enhancement of overall well-being.

With a total cost amounting to N21 billion, completed well on schedule and on budget, the VIP Wing also showcases a Catheterization Laboratory (Cath

lab), two operating rooms for regular procedures, and special procedures such as organ transplants.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, President Buhari, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Tijjani Umar, will embark on a guided tour of the hospital, the statement said.

“We are excited that Mr. President has kindly consented to inaugurate this legacy and transformative project on the cusp of the completion of his two-term tenure as President and Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Mr Oladunjoye quoted the Permanent Secretary to have said.

“Since the inception of this project in 2021, the State House Management has successfully completed several projects including a Special Care Centre, Biosafety Level 2 Molecular Laboratory, certified by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control

(NCDC), a medium capacity incinerator and the Dental Wing Extension Building at the State House Medical Centre, Asokoro, a block of 2-bedroom flats at the Staff Quarters of the Medical Centre, as well as a 54-seater State House Multi-Purpose Training Centre at the Auditorium.

‘‘The Conference Car Unit (CCU) workshop and the Modern Fleet Management hub will be commissioned next week,’’ he added.The statement noted that the Presidential/VIP Wing will coexist with the State House Medical Centre, located in Asokoro, Abuja. The medical facility remains committed to providing accessible, well-equipped, and rejuvenated healthcare services, catering to the diverse needs of patients through a range of comprehensive medical treatments.

The statement stressed that guests invited to the inauguration ceremony are expected to be seated by 9: 00 a.m.

Why I want to be Anambra APGA Chairman- Obi-Okoye

Chief Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, a former National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), says he is vying for the chairmanship position to confront 2025 political battle in Anambra.

Obi-Okoye made the assertion at a news conference on Wednesday in Awka to announce his interest ahead of the APGA Anambra congresses.

He said he had the passion, capacity, qualifications, innovation and experience to recover all that were lost during the last elections and take APGA to the next level.

“Our party APGA needs an experienced and passionate politician to confront the issues in 2025 because there will be a big political battle.

” In 2025, APGA will be contesting with political parties such as Labour Party (LP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“When LP finishes from the Supreme

Court, their next ambition will be to capture Anambra. I also believe APC will become stronger with Sen. Ahmed Tinubu, the President-elect.

“This informed my interest in the race because we must have a chairman who understands the battle front and has the capacity to plot and confront these issue, ” he said.

Obi-Okoye said he understood and was ready to complement the positive disruptive vision of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, who is the National leader of the party, to promote public service delivery.

He also said he would ensure the restoration of the party’s strengthen at the National and State Assemblies as well as make the political party the largest in the country.

“At the National Assembly, our strength dropped from five to four while at the state Assembly, it dropped from 24 to 16, though

we are the majority but it was not palatable for us.

“Under my watch, I will ensure that we recover all that we have lost, build strength and capacity as well as find alternative means of funding to make the party the largest in the country rather than the third, “he said.

Obi-Okoye recommended the formation of a truth and reconciliation committee to address the internal grievances plaguing the smooth running and unity of the party to finding lasting peace.

“What we have done wrong in the past was not to have set up this committee soon after the primaries and this has created a lot of cracks in the party.

“In politics, you have winners and losers, such committee would create hope for those who did not win at the primaries. Crisis start if you do not create hope for losers,” he said. (NAN)

Factional chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Lamidi Apapa, harassed during the presidential election petition Tribunal hearing, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Minister calls for creation of Teachers service commission

By Maryam Abeeb

The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, has called for the establishment of Federal Teachers Service Commission, saying that such move would ensure reforms put in place in the teaching profession yield desired results.

The minister who made this call at the public presentation of Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) Book 1 series for Nigerian universities and a book in his honour, in Abuja, stated that the Commission will also help to attract the best brains for the sector.

While speaking on the new curriculum, Adamu, has stated

that the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) would go a long way in adding value to graduates being churned out from Nigerian universities.

He added that the new curriculum will equipped Nigerian graduates with needed skills, knowledge and expertise in order to succeed in the 21st century.

Adamu called also called for full implementation of the curriculum adding that the launch of CCMAS in 17 disciplines was one of the greatest steps taken by NUC to ensure Nigerian universities meet current global demands.

“The implementation of CCMAS requires dedication, hard work and willingness to

embrace change by every one, therefore it is important we embrace training and equipping our academics with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement CMAS,”he said.

The minister however lamented the backwardness being witnessed in the northern part of the country which he attributed to the attitude of the people of the area.

Adamu, however, expressed delight that out of the 37 new private universities approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday, large number of them are situated in the North.

He also commended the National Universities Commission (NUC) for its drive in ensuring the springing up of more private universities in

Nigeria, said the Commission’s effort is paying off with the establishment of more of such institutions in Northern Nigeria in recent times.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of NUC, Professor Rasheed Abubakar, commended the minister for his several achievements recorded under his watch, especially in the area of universities development.

“ As at yesterday morning, there were 111 private universities in the country, as of yesterday evening, the number had risen to 148 private universities in the country. That is of the 148 private universities in Nigeria, 87 or 60 percent came during Adamu Adamu as Minister of Education, “ he said.

The event which also witnessed tributes to late Professor Idris Abdulkadir and Professor Nimi Briggs, also saw to the unveiling of a book in honour of the the minister titled : ‘Repositioning Nigerian Educational System; the Ministerial Footprints of Adamu Adamu.”

Former Minister of Education, Professor Ruqqayattu Rufa’i, exExecutive Secretary of NUC, Prof Julius Okojie, Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, Registrar of Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Professor Josiah Ajiboye, among others, were also. present at the event.

US. based philanthropists, hails Adeleke’s victory at Supreme Court

AUnited States of America – based philanthropists and business tycoon, Mrs Magdalene Agada has hailed the May 9 Supreme Court victory of Sen. Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun.

Chief Agada in a statement on Tuesday in Asaba, said that the Supreme court victory had opened the way for more democracy dividends for the people of Osun

According to her, Tuesday, May 9 victory over former Gov. Gboyega Oyetola has closed the chapter of legal distractions faced by the Adeleke administration.

“This means that Gov. Adeleke can now focus on the important task of delivering more dividends of democracy for Osun people.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chief, Dr Magdalene Nwaka Agada is a frontline philanthropist, whose Open Hands Amazing Charitable Organization undertakes life-changing activities across Nigeria.

Mrs Agada, is also President of leading U.S-based medical equipment firm, Star Global Marketing Limited.

She thanked the Supreme Court Justices for returning a verdict that aligns with the wishes of the vast majority of Osun people, as was evident in their wild celebration of the judgement.

She also thanked Gov. Adeleke for extending the olive branch to former Gov. Oyetola and others who contested the July 16, 2022 governorship polls with him.

Agada felicitated former Gov. Oyetola for accepting the ruling of the apex court while congratulating Gov. Adeleke for his victory.

“With the litigation process having been brought to an end, His Excellency, Sen. Ademola Adeleke can now fast-track the actualisation of his administration’s six-pronged developmental agenda.

“The agenda designed to touch the lives of Osun masses in all the Local Government Areas of the state,” Agada said.(NAN)

Indigenous designs can put local designers on world map – Entrepreneur

Afashion entrepreneur, Olajumoke

Mafolasire, says sticking to indigenous designs can help put local designers on the world map.

Mafolasire, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of JMK designs, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

She said it was important for fashion designers to retain their genuineness to attain similar heights as the Nigerian music and film industry.

She said that Nigerian designers could showcase their indigenous designs by including their unique cultural materials and techniques during creation.

The CEO, who had built a modest brand for herself by mostly infusing the Yoruba feel into her bridal wears, emphasised the

uniqueness of locally-sourced fabrics.

“Our local fabrics have in the past been made into designs such as danshiki, boubou, agbada and kaftans.

“I think it is important that even as we look to appeal to the foreign world, we must not neglect our past and culture.

“As much as possible, I also try to infuse it in my modern designs. Our culture should stand us out,” she said.

Mafolasire urged the government to continue investing in fashion festivals as a way of amplifying the works of local designers.

“Other state governors should also try and emulate the annual Calabar Festival in their respective states to help project indigenous fashion designs,” she said.

(NAN)

www.cbn.gov.ng

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA ON BEHALF OF DMO OFFERS NIGERIAN TREASURY BILLS TENDER NOTICE

Notice is hereby given by the Central Bank of Nigeria on behalf of DMO that the Federal Government of Nigeria Treasury Bills of 91, 182 and 364-day tenors amounting to ₦ 9,962,530,000; ₦ 1,817,860,000 and ₦ 168,666,291,000 respectively would be issued by Dutch auction on Thursday, May 25, 2023.

All Money Market Dealers should submit bids through the CBN S4 WEB INTERFACE between 8.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

Each bid must be in multiple of N1,000 subject to a minimum of N50,001,000. Authorized Money Market Dealers can submit multiple bids. A bid may be for authorized Money Market Dealers own account, non–Money Market Dealers or interested members of the public. The result of the auction would be announced on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. The Bank reserves the right to reject any bid.

Allotment letters would be issued for successful bids on Thursday, May 25, 2023, while payment for the successful bids should be made to your account with Central Bank of Nigeria not later than 11.00 a.m. on Thursday, May 25, 2023.

The Bank reserves the right to vary the amount on offer in line with market realities prevailing as at the period of auction of the Nigerian Treasury Bills.

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA ABUJA.

FG restates commitment to fight cancer

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to improve healthcare for cancer patients.

National Institute for Cancer Research And Treatment (NICRAT), made this known while addressing newsmen in Abuja.

He said that government was making concerted efforts to ensure that cancer patients get better treatment and care against the disease .

Aliyu said that the government has procured radiotherapy equipment to ensure adequate care for patients suffering from the cancer.

According to him, such efforts on improving cancer care has not been available in most of the cancer care facilities in the past especially in the last ten years.

He said that efforts were being made to provide more sub-radiotherapy equipment across the seven cancer centres nationwide which included linear accelerator.

He said that government would continue to train more oncologist to bridge the existing gap.

Also speaking, Dr Nwamaka Lasebikan, President of the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologist of Nigeria (ARCON) said that the conference was organised to advocate for better care for cancer patients by addressing the challenges.

”Late presentation of the disease by cancer patients is making care for them difficult because the disease woud have reached advanced stage.

”At this stage the treatment is what we call palliative care, we are just trying to do what we can do to stop the progression of this disease, it is a major challenge for us,’’ she said.

She added that there were only ten facilities in Nigeria that had functional radiotherapy equipment.

The president also noted that the stigmatisation of cancer patients has discouraged many from accessing medical care from health centres, adding that more manpower and enlightenment are equired in handling the situation.

Ms Gloria Okwu, Programme Coordinator, Project Pink Blue, who is also a breast cancer survivor encouraged cancer patients to seek medical care early before the disease degenerates saying ‘cancer is not a death sentence’. (NAN)

FG moves to collaborate with NAF on curbing largescale fire incidents

Joy Baba-Yesufu

As a way of combating wildfires, bushfires and other largescale fires, the federal government has initiated an arrangement with the Nigeria Airforce (NAF) to use their planes to waterbomb fires of that nature from the air.

The minister of interior, Ogebni Rauf Aregbesola made this known in Abuja at the commissioning of kubwa metropolitan fire station and a firehouse at the federal fire service training school Sheda, Abuja.

He said one of the major challenges of the Federal fire Service

(FFS) is on combating wildfires, bushfires and other largescale fires requiring aerial attacks adding that the projection of the service is to have its own aircraft in the six geopolitical zones of the country. The minister further said that this current administration has so far provided 106 modern firefighting trucks to the FFS noting that the Federal Government also provided infrastructure upgrade comprising of 44 firefighting engines, 15 water tankers, 15 rapid intervention fire engines and 20 basic life support ambulances in 2021.

“There is no doubt therefore

that the firemen trained at this facility will have the best training and are well prepared for fighting fires and other emergencies.

“Training and retraining of personnel is important for any organisation. In some organisations, especially in the security services, they prepare for emergencies with the best training regimes and equipment and practice regularly in simulated drills.

“This is why our firemen must be well prepared with the best training regimes and retrained with the latest innovative equipment and tactics. The training curriculum

should be updated regularly to reflect the latest innovation in firefighting”, the minister also said. Earlier in his welcome address, Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr Jaji Abdulganiyu saidthe Metropolitan Fire Station in Kubwa is a great asset to the local community and will help to reduce the risk of fire-related incidents, serve as a hub for fire services in the region, providing support and assistance to the local community and also act as a training center for fire personnel, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to protect lives and properties.

FCT: Chairman of Memorial hospital promises to render selfless services

By Usman Shuaibu

The Chairman of Ibrahim Memorial Hospital Phase 3 in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Alhaji Aminu

Saleh, has promised to render selfless services to the patients in Gwagwalada its environs.

Saleh, who made the promise while addressing the crowd during the medical outreach/ immunization programme at the hospital premises in Gwagwalada on Monday.

He said the hospital was established to cater for the health needs of the people in the area.

He further pointed out that the leadership of the hospital would continue to sensitize the residents on the medical outreach and immunization to enable them to know their health status.

Saleh, however, commended the management and the staff of the hospital for their commitment.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Habiba Ibrahim Abdullahi,

said the purpose of the medical outreach and immunization was to create awareness to the public.

She told the gathering that the hospital has qualified medical personnel to undergo surgical operations.

She charged the Gwagwalada residents and the FCT at large to patronize the hospital, saying that the medical charges are cheap and affordable to everyone.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Abubakar Jibrin Giri who was represented by his Vice,

Hon. Saidu Abdullahi Zuba, assured the management of the hospital that the council would not hesitate to send the patients to the hospital when the need arose.

On his part, the Sarkin Pai, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Sani, applauded the authorities of the hospital for sensitizing the residents on the medical outreach/immunization and urged other chief medical Directors to emulate Ibrahim Memorial Hospital for its initiative.

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle) flanked by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON (left) next to him is the Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore, Immediate right of the Minister is a participant and next to him is the representative of Attorney - General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mrs Felicia Ayoola-Daniels, Director, Administration of Criminal Justice Reform Department, FMOJ, as well as the Controller General,Nigeria Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa,MFR.

Photo: Min. of Interior

Onuah: Meet Nigerian Journalist who covered 8 Heads of State and Governments

By Egena Sunday Ode

Penultimate week, family members, friends and other well wishers of Mr Felix Onuah will gathered at Estie Events Centre, Karu, FCT to honour the gentleman veteran journalist as he clocks 60. He had this rare privilege of gathering his ever-busy colleagues together due to his kind disposition towards people, high or low.

Onuah is a gentleman in the true sense of the word, who is not given to too much talking. Always at his duty post on his seat at the extreme of one of the middle rows at the right side of the Briefing Room in the State House.

Whenever there’s an assignment or even at ordinary times, he is likely to be at the venue whether at the Briefing Room or any other designated venues earlier than most of the younger reporters.

And because he talks less and never joins in unnecessary discussions, you would have to look carefully to his sitting area to be sure he’s there. He would reply your greetings half smiling and either shake hands with you or wave at you depending on the distance from where you send the greetings.

There were occasions when I would not realize that he was on his seat until he answered greetings from our colleagues, even though I usually sat directly behind him at the press gallery. He is damn quiet!

Mr Onuah or Mr Felix as his colleagues at the State House Press Corps fondly call him has earned the respect of every journalist covering the beat as well as officials of the State House by his share dedication to the journalism profession coupled with his gentle disposition.

Onuah is a dogged journalist. If he has a story to pursue, there’s nothing on earth you would do to dissuade him. He would remain focused on his goal no matter the body language or demonstrated cold attitude of the news source. He would asks his questions pointblank at all times.

That is vintage Felix Onuah, one of the shining lights of modern journalism in Nigeria today.

Mr Onuah has mentored many journalists especially those covering the Presidency. Aside from professional assistance to younger reporters in the course of their duty, some of his colleagues have shared experiences of how the senior

journalist had come to their rescue in times of one form of distress or the other.

He’s a man you will never see shout at any of his colleagues no matter the level of provocation. He’s always calm and in good control of his emotions. If he gets involved in an argument that is getting our of hand, he would quietly withdraw for peace to rain.

There’s no doubt that it is Onuah’s professionalism, dedication to duty, excellent interpersonal relationship and hardwork that has guaranteed his stay in the State House for about 32 years, covering the Presidency from Dodan Barracks in Lagos to Aso Rock in Abuja.

It’s therefore no surprise that Mr Onuah ranks among a few Nigerian journalists that have earned a presidential accolades on their birthdays.

In a statement celebrating the journalist, President Muhammadu Buhari had kind words for him. The President described the Reuters World News Agency correspondent, Onuah as a journalist who had maintained high level of professionalism over the years through objective and informed reporting.

The statement which was full of encomiums and signed by the Presidency spokesman, Garba Shehu reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Felix Onuah, one of the longest serving State House correspondents, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

“Onuah was first assigned to cover the State House in 1991 and since then has continued on the job for several media organizations.

“In 32 years, he has had the rare privilege of reporting eight Heads of State and Government, from Dodan Barracks, Lagos to Aso Rock, Abuja, beginning from General Ibrahim Babangida to President Buhari.

“As a government that values the importance of press freedom and freedom of expression to democracy,

Mr Felix Onuah

the President commended the State House correspondent for Reuters World News Agency for maintaining a high standard of journalism over the years through objective and informed reporting, free from any

political interference.

“The President trusts that the versatile journalist, who is a calm and courageous voice among his colleagues in the State House Press Corps, will continue with the remarkable legacy of delivering news about Nigeria and the seat of government with insight, integrity, balance and knowledge.

“President Buhari joins family, friends, colleagues and members of the State House Press Corps in wishing the veteran journalist with 36 years of experience more prosperous years in health and vitality.”

“

In 32 years, he has had the rare privilege of reporting eight Heads of State and Government, from Dodan Barracks, Lagos to Aso Rock, Abuja, beginning from General Ibrahim Babangida to President Muhammadu Buhari

Hypertension: Grappling with the silent killer

By Isaac Asabor

At this juncture, it is expedient to say that this piece may be surprising to many as the writer is not a medical doctor. That notwithstanding, I must confess that I was inspired to express this view as today, May 17, 2023, is World Hypertension Day.If there is any ailment that can be personified by saying that it is very secretive, it is unarguably hypertension, also called High Blood Pressure, and equally called High BP for short. Most of the time, high blood pressure (HBP, or hypertension) has no obvious symptoms to indicate that something is wrong. Against the foregoing backdrop, not a few medics have for the umpteenth time urged the people that the best ways to protect themselves are being aware of the risks and making changes that matter. Thus, more often than not hypertension does debilitating damage to various organs before it finally unleashes the final blow on its victim.

Given the foregoing backdrop, little wonder not a few medics often warn that many people with high blood pressure do not even know they have it. Often the signs and symptoms are misunderstood as it develops slowly over time and can be related to many causes, thereby blurring medical diagnosis despite the fact that it can be managed effectively through lifestyle changes and, needed medication.

As gathered from a publication titled, “High blood pressure dangers: Hypertension’s effects on your body” and posted on its website, the Mayo Clinic, a medical outlet that has the mission of inspiring hope and contributing to health and well-being by providing the best care to every patient through integrated clinical practice, education, and research, and boasts of the primary value that says, “The needs of the patient come first” stated that “High blood pressure (hypertension) can quietly damage the body for years before symptoms develop.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to disability, poor quality of life, or even a deadly heart attack or stroke.”

It explained that hypertension can damage the arteries as healthy arteries are flexible, strong, and elastic, and added that their inner lining is smooth so that blood flows freely, supplying vital organs and tissues with nutrients and oxygen.

Not only that, the reputable medical platform says High blood pressure (hypertension) gradually increases the pressure of blood flowing through the arteries, and in that vein highlighted damages that hypertension may

cause.

It was further explained that hypertension damage and narrow the arteries. Damaged and narrowed, even as it can damage the cells of the arteries’ inner lining. It added that when fats from the diet enter the bloodstream, they can collect in the damaged arteries. Eventually, the artery walls become less elastic, limiting blood flow throughout the body.

Still, in the same vein, it says over time, the constant pressure of blood moving through a weakened artery can cause a section of its wall to enlarge and form a bulge (aneurysm) and explained that an aneurysm can potentially rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Aneurysms can form in any artery, but they’re most common in the body’s largest artery (aorta).

As gathered, high blood pressure can cause many heart problems, including Coronary artery disease. Arteries narrowed and damaged by high blood pressure have trouble supplying blood to the heart. Too little blood flow to the heart can lead to chest pain (angina), irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or a heart attack.

Enlarged left heart. High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. This causes the lower left heart chamber (left ventricle) to thicken. A thickened left ventricle increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death.

It says, over time, the strain on the heart caused by high blood pressure can cause the heart muscle to weaken and work less efficiently. Eventually, the overwhelmed heart begins to fail.

Not only does hypertension damages the heart, it also damages the brain which notably depends on a nourishing blood supply to work properly. High blood pressure may affect the brain in various ways.

One of the ways is by resulting in a Transient ischemic attack (TIA). Sometimes called a ministroke, a TIA is a brief, temporary disruption of blood supply to the brain. Hardened arteries or blood clots caused by high blood pressure can cause TIA. TIA is often a warning sign of a full-blown stroke.

For the sake of clarity, stroke occurs when part of the brain does not get enough oxygen and nutrients, causing brain cells to die. Blood vessels damaged by high blood pressure can narrow, rupture, or leak. High blood pressure can also cause blood clots to form in the arteries leading to the brain, blocking blood flow and potentially causing a stroke.

The platform also threw light on what dementia is all

about. Dementia. It says dementia is narrowed or blocked arteries that can limit blood flow to the brain, leading to a certain type of dementia (vascular dementia), and added that a stroke that interrupts blood flow to the brain can also cause vascular dementia.

It also explains that Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a transition stage between the changes in understanding and memory that generally come with aging and the more-serious problems caused by dementia and that studies suggest that high blood pressure can lead to mild cognitive impairment.

At this juncture, it is expedient to say that this piece may be surprising to many as the writer is not a medical doctor. That notwithstanding, I must confess that I was inspired to express this view as today, May 17, 2023, is World Hypertension Day.

In fact, I was particularly inspired by the theme of 2023 World Hypertension Day which is, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”, which focuses on combatting low awareness rates worldwide, especially in low to middle-income areas, and accurate blood pressure measurement methods.

Beyond the razzmatazz, it is expedient to urge the government and non-governmental organizations to rev up awareness machinery that can be operated throughout the year in informing people on what they need to do to avoid becoming victims of hypertension as it has remained a silent killer. To me, educating the public and increasing awareness of hypertension should be a continuous effort and not just a one-off event that is on May 17.

The reason for the foregoing advocacy cannot be farfetched as hypertension is a major cause of a range of health problems such as strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disease, and can also contribute to dementia. Particularly of concern is that many people who suffer from hypertension are not aware that they have it as there can be no symptoms. Often people only find out after suffering a heart attack or stroke.

Given the foregoing, it is germane to urge the government to continuously enlighten the public on actions to take against hypertension as treatment and lifestyle changes can help control high blood pressure to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications. Little wonder it is condemnably described to be an ailment that silently kills its sufferer before going for the kill.

Isaac Asabor is a Public Policy Analyst.

Heroes also wear white: A tribute to a Chief Nursing Officer

By Surayya Garba Hassan

As you make your way to the Ante Natal Clinic of Asokoro District Hospital; be you a first timer or a returnee, one of the Nurses, that you will eventually remember or would be asking for, is Matron Zainab. Why do I say that? Am I being biased because she was a relative of mine or because I have been a recipient of her selfless action as a health care practitioner. Perhaps I am both, as I write this tribute with a grieving heart and also a grateful one.

Matron Zainab, took her oath as a midwife and a humanitarian seriously. She was known as the “go to person” in the ANC department for expecting mothers and their spouses; as she would listen to you, chastise you for commencing antenatal late if need be, then go out of her way to book you and subsequently help you throughout the journey of pregnancy to delivery and thereafter, immunization.

She did this, with or without making your acquaintance prior to this interaction because she loved utilizing her position as a midwife; to help ease the pressure of navigating the various, mandatory and necessary processes of being treated in the hospital, as ADH is located in a strategic area, where the populace of Asokoro and the neighboring state of Nassarawa are served; thus the high human traffic and the rate of deliveries.

She was right in the heart of it, working with a large number of pregnant women on a daily basis, preparing their delivery packs, educating them on health, hygiene

and exercise, motivating them when times were hard, aiding them when they had financial constraints along the way, and also ensuring they had a safe delivery. She was also known in the Paediatrics Department as she would visit there with the precious little ones when they fall ill and one needs the help of someone on the inside. She served in this capacity for over 30 years until she herself became a patient about 8 months ago.

Her fellow nurses and doctors alike rallied around her when she first took ill then, they went over and beyond, to take care of her in her tumultuous journey of declining health until she finally gained her eternal rest on the 12 th of May, 2023. Through it all, she was the same heroine who stood tall and firm for her patients, despite being one them. She fought the good fight, never losing hope of getting better or beating the odds until we lost this rare gem to cancer on that fateful Friday.

I thought being in the medical field should have made me “ok” to seeing new life and death every now and then. Yes, birth is beautiful and death is devastating, both are inevitable and we deliver either news to relatives regularly, I should be used to the norm right? Should I have prepared myself for the outcome of her condition, did I not see the signs, am I not supposed to provide a crying shoulder to others now? Yes, to all my questions, but then I am human and my heart mourns her loss because she is irreplaceable.

I see her in the corridors and departments of Asokoro District Hospital. She was there for me when I was doing a program as a medical student, then as a

graduate making use of the hospital’s library, and also as an expecting mother in the Ante Natal Department, doing blood work up in the Laboratory department, Ultrasound scans in the Radiology department, making payments in the billing departments, labor and delivery in the Post Natal Department, our short stay in the Special Care Baby Unit of the Pediatrics department and through all our Vaccinations plus sourcing for Vaccines not subsidized by the government; in the Immunization Department.

Saying goodbye to you feels surreal “Antin Asokoro” as we fondly called her. I shed countless tears along with countless others as you will be sorely missed. We love you but GOD loves you more, it hurts but it pained us more when we watched you helplessly while you suffered in silence as you endured it. You have found eternal rest and you are pain free now. The HEROES THAT WE KNOW WEAR CAPES, BUT THOSE IN THE MEDICAL FIELD WHO TAKE CARE OF OUR HEALTH, WEAR WHITE.

Our hero is no more but her memories and good work shall be remembered as those of her predecessors have. You will always be in our hearts and prayers Matron Zainab Mohammed. Please do say a prayer for her.

[To the righteous it will be said], O Tranquil soul!”

Return to your Lord, well pleased with Him and well pleasing to Him. So join My servants, And enter My Paradise. (Quran 89,Verses 27-30) Yours’ Truly Surayya Garba Hassan (Mummy Onize) Surayya Garba Hassan writes in from Abuja.

African leaders seek to mediate Russia-Ukraine crisis

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

Details of the plan have not been publicly released, although Ukraine’s stated position for any peace deal is that all Russian troops must withdraw from its territory. But Ramaphosa said the United States and Britain had expressed “cautious” support for the plan and the U.N. Secretary General had also been briefed about the initiative.

Local Russian and foreign media awash with the latest potential peace efforts, this time, from African leaders. Presumably this group of peace-makers, headed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, will demonstrate collective efforts at resolving the heightened political differences between Russia and its neighbouring Ukraine.

According official sources monitored by this author, the peace plan is backed by African leaders of Senegal, Uganda, Egypt, the Republic of the Congo and Zambia. Four of those six African countries – South Africa, Congo, Senegal and Uganda – abstained from a U.N. vote last year on condemning Russia’s invasion. Zambia and Egypt voted in favour of the motion.

Zambia has historical ties with Russia. Uganda is a U.S. ally on regional security in East Africa, but Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has spoken of his country’s friendship with Russia and its neutral position in the war in Ukraine. Previously, the African Union, regional economic organizations have officially called for the adoption of diplomacy mechanisms and negotiations through which to end the crisis between Russia and Ukraine.

Last year in March, Senegalese President Macky Sall and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, held discussions on the main aspects of the special military operation and on the importance of humanitarian issues and suggested ending the conflict through diplomacy with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a phone conversation May 12, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Putin supported his idea

of several African leaders participating in the Ukrainian settlement. The South African leader pointed out that the Ukrainian crisis negatively impacts Africa because it triggered growing food and fuel prices. “A group of African heads of states took the view that Africa does need to put forward an initiative, a peace initiative, that could help to contribute to the solution of that conflict,” he added, according to report by Singapore’s CABC radio station.

Ramaphosa said he spoke with Putin and Zelenskyy by phone over the weekend and they each agreed to host “an African leaders peace mission” in Moscow and Kyiv, respectively. “Principal to our discussions are efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the devastating conflict in the Ukraine,” Ramaphosa was quoted in media reports.

According to Russian media, a group of African countries is in the process of coordinating the terms and timeframes of its visit to Moscow and Kiev in order to lay out their Ukrainian reconciliation initiative. It said further that “the modalities of the trip are being worked on with both countries. It’s a group of African Heads of State.”

It said the governments of Russia and Ukraine had agreed to receive an African delegation, whose goal is to find a peaceful solution to the Ukrainian conflict. Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelenskyy have given their consent to receive the African delegation in Moscow and Kiev.

Details of the plan have not been publicly released, although Ukraine’s stated position for any peace deal is that all Russian troops must withdraw from its territory. But Ramaphosa said the United States and Britain had expressed “cautious” support for the plan and the U.N. Secretary General had also been briefed about the initiative.

Considered one of Moscow’s closest allies on the continent, South Africa says it is impartial and has abstained from voting on U.N. resolutions on the war. Last week, it rejected claims by U.S. ambassador to South Africa that weapons were loaded onto a Russian vessel from a naval base in Cape Town in December. Reports said Ramaphosa had opened an inquiry into the allegation.

South Africa is preparing to attend the next RussiaAfrica Summit in July 2023 in St. Petersburg. In August, it will host the next BRICS gathering in Durban. The BRICS group of nations are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. With BRICS as an example, China has attempted playing a crucial role in the conflict resolution between Russia and Ukraine.

China has been, so far, offering to mediate possible peace talks, an offer clouded by its show of political support for Moscow. Beijing released a proposed peace plan in February, and a Chinese envoy is preparing to visit Russia and Ukraine. But there appeared to be little chance of an imminent breakthrough to end the war since Ukraine and its Western allies largely dismissed the Beijing’s proposal.

The Kremlin wants Kyiv to acknowledge Russia’s annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and the Ukrainian provinces of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia, which most nations have denounced as illegal. Ukraine has rejected the demands and ruled out any talks with Russia until its troops pull back from all occupied territories. Ukraine is determined to recover all Russian-occupied areas.

Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace plan also includes a tribunal to prosecute crimes of aggression, which would enable Russia to be held accountable for its invasion. Zelenskyy had private talks with Pope Francis at the Vatican on May 14, later saying he sought support for Ukraine’s peace plan from the pontiff.

As a new world is awakening to the worsening situation, it is necessary that all countries must be guided by the principles of non-interference, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Due to its ‘special military operation’ that it started in February 2022, Russia is currently experiencing a raft of sanctions imposed by the United States and Canada, European Union, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and a host of other countries.

Kestér Kenn Klomegâh is a Public Affairs Analyst.

to avert destruction

By Fouad Ahmad

The propose zoning by the APC short-charge North Central geopolitical zone is the only zone with no representation. The deputy speaker insisted zoning office of the speaker to the North-West without due consultation is against the spirit of fairness and equity.

Since 1999 Nigeria has produced Eight Speakers of the House of Representatives, North-West geo-political zone dominated the speakership seat with four persons from the zone holding the office, Sadisu Buhari,Ghali Umar Na Abba both from Kano state. Aminu Bello Masari, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal from Katsina and Sokoto staye respectively. North East produced one speaker Yakubu Dogara. South West produce three speaker Dimeji Bankole, Patricia Etteh and Femi Gbajabiamila Incumbent speaker of the house of representatives.

Looking into consideration North West and North East held the office of the speaker for the spans of twenty years. But National Working Committee (NWC), of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) adopted the preferred candidates of House Of Representatives for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly to North West.

Before the adoption of the party nominated leaders about ten Aspirants from all the geo-political zones of the country had sprung up for various positions of the yet proclamation Assembly.

National publicity secretary of APC, Barrister Felix Morka, revealed the party position on the zoning formular. The party settled for a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio (SouthSouth) and Barau Jibrin from Kano (North West) as president and deputy Senate president. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen from Kaduna (North West) and Hon. Ben Kalu from Abia State (South East) as Speaker and deputy of the House of Representatives respectively.

Since the announcement made by the party NWC the

decision has raise resentments among those that vying the speakership seat and the aggrieved APC aspirents under Coalition of Progressive Speakership Aspirants (COPSA) stormed party headquarters to lodged their complaint before national champion.

In the meeting with the APC leadership, deputy speaker said they protest should not be disregards. COPSA insisted that the zoning arrangement must be revisited in the overall interest of the party, explained that the zoning of the office of the speaker to the North-West was done without due consultation and it’s against the spirit of fairness and equity.

Even before DS led aggreeve aspirants to party headquarters North-Central caucus Senators-elect rejected the arrangement, saying it is an open denial of their rights and privileges.

Political watchers and other stakeholders anticipated this political scheming since the party preferable seem fevour North West despite North Central geopolitical has never produced speaker except Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives currently hold by Hon Wase.

It would be recalls when Former President Jonathan lost control of his administration on the day which Aminu Tambuwal Saraki and Dogara outsmarted APC leadership and outgoing President Buhari remain helplessness as the dou emerged senate president and speaker with support of

PDP’s members in eight national assembly.

If party not do the right thing there will be a prospect for those denying to contest for the seat to work with opposition parties members against the wishes of their party decision like what happened in 2011 and 2015.

Despite the ruling governing party had the majority in both green and red chambers in 2015 compare with yet to be Inaugurations National Assembly. Nevertheless people wait to see what will unfold on the day the president will proclamation National Assembly.

Let the ruling governing party and the incoming President do the needful by preventing revolt against the candidates of the ruling party because having the divided party members can contribute the administration fail to achieve it’s much needed progress as it’s happens to the outgoing administration. There is need the arrangement be revisited in the overall interest of the party.

The propose zoning by the APC short-charge North Central geopolitical zone is the only zone with no representation. The deputy speaker insisted zoning office of the speaker to the North-West without due consultation is against the spirit of fairness and equity.

Emphasis on the needs for the ruling party to follow the Nigerian constitution in ensuring that the Northcentral is not excluded from the distribution of offices. North Central deserved the position of the speaker because current deputy speaker of the House is the most ranking member whose won election on the platform of Action Congress (AC) in the dominant PDP controlling state of Plateau.

Despitefully, the ruling governing party loses its strength in the North West swing States of Kano, Kaduna and Katsina during the presidential and National Assembly election. The North-central has not produced the Speaker in the last 24 years after the return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999. Nigeria is built on the supremacy of the law and the sacredness of the constitution for justice to reign and to keep the peace in the country and also prevent doom in the upcoming 10th national assembly Without any sentiment North Central region should be fairly compensation with speakership office in light of the consistent delivery of votes to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The zone is critical to the electoral success of

Memo to APC NWC on 10th NASS leadership need

Even before DS led aggreeve aspirants to party headquarters North-Central caucus Senators-elect rejected the arrangement, saying it is an open denial of their rights and privileges

“

NGO flagsoff skills acquisition programe in Gwagwalada

By Usman Shuaibu

The Chief of trades in charge of a NonGovernmental Organization (NGO) known as Idimla Global Plumbing Training Centre in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Idris Mohammed has flagged-off the 2023 master trainers for the skills acquisition programme in Gwagwalada.

In his speech during the flag-off ceremony, Alhaji Idris Mohammed, said he began the youth programme in Gwagwalada on the 18th of February, 2016.

He disclosed that he had so far trained a total number of 77 apprentices under the Idima Global Plumbing Training Centre in Gwagwalada.

His words: “ I am priviledged and honoured to welcome you all to this august gathering today for the skills acquisition programme 2023 flag-off of our master trainers that will train and take our youth out of unemployment and poverty.

“indeed, skills acquisition and generation of employment have remained a constant factor in Nigerian government policy. The National Youth employment and skills acquisition programme was initiated by the government to promote self employment and selfreliance in the generation of gainful self employment”.

He, further, revealed that Aguma of Gwagwalada, Alhaji Muhammadu Magaji had crowned him as the Sarkin Sana’ar Hannu (Chief of trades) in Gwagwalada based on his perpetually training of the youths on the skills acquisition programme.

Sarkin Sana’ar Hannu in an interview with newsmen appealed to the administration of Gwagwalada Area Council to allocate a plot of land for him in order to erect a structure for the centre.

Also speaking, the president of Dpat Foundation in the FCT, Elder Mrs. Patience Ardey, called on the government at all levels to empower the less privileged ones in the society.

Ardey also said he would continue to cater for the less privileged ones through her foundation.

INEC Chairman swears in Isah as REC

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu has sworn-in Dr Mahmuda Isah as a Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC.

Isa was sworn-in yesterday at the headquarters of INEC in Maitama, Abuja for a second and final term.

The REC took his oath of office during the Commission’s weekly meeting, which has the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood

Yakubu, National Commissioners and the Secretary to the Commission in attendance.

The INEC Chairman charged the REC to be loyal to the Nigerian people and always abide by the provisions of the law.

Isah was first appointed

in Jan 2018 and he served in both Jigawa and Kaduna States before his first term expired in Jan 2023.

He has been deployed to the Federal Capital Territory.

Isa holds a PhD in Petroleum Law.

FG assures farmers of access to quality seeds

The Federal Government has assured farmers across the country of access to improved quality seeds with the newly inagurated Revised National Agricultural Seed Policy 2022.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammed Abubakar stated this at the inauguration of the Policy in Abuja,

He said the policy would ensure farmers unrestricted access to best genetics to enhance their productivity.

Abubakar listed a number of challenges militating against food production and food security in Nigeria.

He said that these factors included economic uncertainty, policy inconsistencies, rising oil prices, population explosion, insecurity and of recent the arm conflicts in many nations of the world.

The minister said it became imperative for the review of the 2015 National Seed Policy in order

to bring about progressive and positive changes in the operations of the seed industry.

He said: “It is expected that following the critical review of the 2015 National Seed Policy, the progressive and positive changes in the operations of the seed industry has necessitated the review exercise.

“The present seed policy document represents the concerted efforts of the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) and stakeholders,” he said.

The minister said stakeholders have made valuable inputs and contributions, towards ensuring that farmers have unrestricted access to best genetics to enhance their productivity.

“Let me reiterate that this Revised Policy has removed the ambiguous areas in the esthwhile 2015 National Seed Policy.

“It will strengthened the identified weaknesses and introduced innovations that optimised the regulatory, promotional and protection roles

of NASC in ensuring that our esteemed farmers have access to improved quality seeds.

“Some of these include the introduction of SEEDCODEX as a quality authentication tool and traceability aimed at curbing adulteration, participation of third party seed inspectors in the quality assurance process,” he said.

The minister recognised contributions of stakeholders at both the public and private sectors in enriching the contents of the New Policy document.

He described it as the ministry’s investment to build a better future for Nigeria’s agriculture based on the importance of seed towards enhancing farmers’ productivity.

Earlier, the Director- General, National Agricultural Seeds Council, (NASC), Dr Philip Ojo said that policy has leverage on the advent of technology and innovations in the seed industry.

He expressed hope that the policy would further enhance government efforts at ensuring

that Nigeria is not only food secured but a net exporter of agricultural produce among the committee of nations.

“The NASC will be committed to the full implementation of the policy,” he said.

The Chief of Party, USAID, Feed-the -Future Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity, Mr Olumide Ojo assured that the programme remained committed to strengthening the Nigeria’s agribusiness enabling environment.

This, he said, is an important precondition for private sector investment in agriculture..

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on March 27, the Federal Executive Council approved a revised National Agricultural Seed Policy for the country.Explaining the reason for the revision, the government said with the current rate of technological advancement, seeds are constantly being upgraded to standardise four to five vitamins. (NAN)

Factional chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Lamidi Apapa, harassed during the presidential election petition Tribunal hearing, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

How South-East will bounce back to reckoning, by Rep-elect Kalu

By Stanley Onyekwere

AHouse of Representatives member recommended by the All Progressives Congress APC to run for the next Deputy Speaker, Hon Benjamin Kalu has said that he and his colleagues will bring the South East back to the centre of activities in Nigeria of elected by the House members.

Kalu spoke at an interactive session with newsmen in Abuja.

He said he was ready for the task ahead and will in concert with his colleagues in the House work hard to build a robust, sensitive 10th National Assembly.

He said he was ready for the task once elected as Deputy Speaker.

“I can assure you that we are bringing South East to the centre.

We are going to use it and bring our brothers who are agitating to the centre,” Kalu said.

He added: “The youths on the street who are agitating will see a fellow youth who is piloting the affairs of the nation in this capacity.

“They will see us display spirit of efficiency and excellence and that will encourage them to believe more in Nigeria.This is what these young once are looking for.”

He outlined the vision of the incoming leadership of the House spearheaded by a think tank he dubbed as the “Joint Task”, which he said “is a collaboration of various political parties coming together to approach issues affecting Nigeria from from their different political ideology, because to provide solution to the

hydra headed needs of Nigerians at all times, you need to have periscopic view on issues, policy direction, legislative policy, ..to have a colloration that is not just tied down to one political ideology

“The solution might come from a minority party that has a better approach, better strategy, better policy architecture that will deliver the expected outcome for our country.

“So we came with this idea and said it is a joint task for nation building.And if you are going to build a nation, all hands must be on deck.Bring your brick, I bring my brick.The colour of your brick might be yellow like of the political parties.It might be green.It might be red, it might be blue, but that is also reflecting the beauty of our diversity, a diversity sensitive organisation. “

By Musa Baba Adamu

He said “The relationship with the executive should be a joint task.We should not isolate the legislature from the executive and the judiciary in the effort to build a nation.But we should go with the understanding that it is a joint task between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary in building a beautiful nation . So the national objectives set by the executive should be the national objective.”

Asked whether he was prepared for the burden of cementing the nation after the challenging past years, he said , “Oh yes, I studied politics..and I can confidently inform you that Iam above 50 years.My mates are presidents of countries around the world.Give me the office of the president today, I will run it and I will bring cohesion in this

other elective positions in the PDP.

country.Give me the office of the president, highest office of the land, I will bring the diversity, sensitivity in leadership that will make you forget that you are an Igbo man and that you are Hausa and you are Yoruba man but you are a Nigerian.And that is what Nigeria needs now.”

According to him, “We are tired of all this coloration that separates us from the whole. My brother in the south east is my brother, my brother in the north is mybrither. My brother in the west is my brother. My brother in the east is my brother.That is the mentality of my generation..

“Iam more than ready to hold my region. But beyond my region, being the deputy speaker is not for south east alone,” he said.

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Two months after losing out in the Delta State Governorship election, the Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo - Agege , declared that he won the election clean and clear and that he would retrieve his stolen mandate from the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sheriff Oborevwori.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had in the election conducted on March 18, 2023, declared Oborevwori of PDP as winner with 360,234 votes , which was over 120, 000 votes above 240,229 votes reportedly scored by OmoAgege in the election.

But Omo- Agege while granting audience to some of his constituents from Delta Central at the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, said the result declared by INEC , was a ruse that cannot stand the test of litigation.

“I won the Delta Governorship election conducted in March this year by INEC, clean and clear.

“All the manipulations carried out by PDP in collaboration with some staff of INEC , have been exposed and will be used as exhibits in the court of law.

“I am determined to fight it all the way because the real valid votes scored by me in the election , are more than enough to declare me as the governor - elect “, he said.

On the visitation made to him by his constituents from Ndokwa over facilitation of Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Kwale community, Omo - Agege said President

Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, should be thanked for the feat.

He added that he made the facilitation without any consultation or collaboration with anybody in Delta State.

“I didn’t do it in consultation with anybody . I did it all by myself. If anybody should be thanked for the University , it should be President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Education , Mallam Adamu Adamu”, he said.

He however admonished the Hon Mercy Almona - Isei led delegation from Ndokwa/ Ukwuani that compensation should not be attached to the 100 hectares of land donated for the University, saying “the issue of ownership of shrine or farm, should not arise from any quarters.”

AChieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, HRH Eze Princewill Onyegbu has finally assumed duty as the traditional ruler of Ugwu Nkpa autonomous community in Bende LGA of Abia State.

This is happening, about a decade after he was elected as the traditional ruler of his people which he did not fully occupy but was only addressed as ‘Eze-elect’ until last week when he eventually collected his Staff of Office from Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in Umuahia.

Onyegbu who is a grassroots politician was before now, faulted by a section of his subjects of allegedly abandoning his supposed royal duties to chase after appointments from the Abia State government and

During these periods, according to the Nkpa natives, Onyegbu represented Bende South constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly and later became the Deputy State Chairman of PDP in Abia and was also appointed the Transition Committee Chairman of Bende LGA in 2019 by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu among other appointments.

But last week, he was presented with his Staff of Office by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Udo Oko Chukwu.

Some indigenes of Nkpa who reacted to the development said it was a big thing of joy to have their traditional ruler mount his traditional throne.

The subjects who pleaded

anonymity said the royal father’s interests in politics affected the speedy handling of communal matters as some matters that required his physical presence and direct pronouncements were either deferred till his return from Umuahia or handled by Palace Chiefs or even deliberated on the phone.

”With this Staff of Office, our Eze will now concentrate on his duties and this will fast-track the development of our community. We are happy and ready to give him every needed support”, one of the Nkpa indigenes said.

Recall that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu while handing over Staff of Office to 31 new traditional rulers last week, charged them to maintain peace in their communities and to effectively coordinate the affairs of their areas well.

OAMGG endorses Ododo for Kogi gubernatorial election

By Usman Shuaibu

Gubernatorial seat.

will work very well to ensure victory.

Ododo

Ambassadors Movement For Good Governance (OAMGG) has thrown its weight behind Alhaji Ahmed Usman-Ododo for the race of Kogi State gubernatorial elections for rapid development of the state.

The Group while declaring the Endorsement in a meeting held in Abuja, described Ododo as the Beauty of Kogi state and a strong contendant who is committed to the development of the state.

Hon. Abdulaziz King, a Member House of Representatives (former) said Harping on national interests of peace, stability and unity of Kogi State, Ododo is the required and capable candidate for the

The Honorable Specifically described Ododo as a seasoned leader who is not only equipped with leadership experience but also a man with basic principles of inclusivity, collective prosperity and consultative leadership.

“We are here to propel and strategies how our candidate will emerge the winner of Kogi state Gubernatorial elections come November 2023.

“We are assuring you that we will do our best to make sure that victory becomes ours at the end of the day and I urge all hands to be on deck to enable us achieve the goal.

“The Group is a very formidable force and a grass rooted mobilising force and I count on them that they

“He is not only the most qualified for the exalted office, but committed to the growth of Kogi state and national development,” he said.

Amb. Usman Muhammed Nasir, one of the conveners of the meeting described Ododo as a required candidate with all the indices for the development of Kogi state.

According to him, the aim of the meeting is to strategies and ensure that Ododo comes out victorious after the Kogi Gubernatorial elections in November 2023.

On her part, Hon. Ramatu Abdulhammed, assured that adequate mobilisation was ongoing especially with major women groups to ensure that Ododo emerges victorious during the Kogi

Gubernatorial elections. She called on all group members to engage in a door-to-door campaign and mobilisation for adequate campaign and awareness for the victory.

Also, Hon. Fati Muhammed, who had worked as presidential campaign council committee for the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in past dispensesation assured the Group of another victory for Ododo in Kogi Gubernatorial elections.

Hon. Fati who also played a vital role for the victory of the All Progressives Party (APC) Presidentelect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, described Ododo as an outstanding politician, she is optimistic that victory is sure.

I won Delta governorship with wide margin but PDP rigged me out - Omo - Agege

PDP chieftain assumes royal duties, many years after election

What I discussed with US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken - Tinubu

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

President-elect Bola Tinubu has promised to hit the ground running and unify the country upon his assumption of office on May 29, pledging to ensure positive relations with the United States.

The incoming Nigerian leader gave the assurances during a telephone conversation Tuesday night with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Tinubu said that among his immediate priorities would be to deliver institutional reforms and development programs to deepen democratic institutions and bring help to poor Nigerians.

He expressed determination to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and faithfully serve the people as their president, according to a statement by spokesperson Tunde Rahman.

During the talks that lasted about 20 minutes, Tinubu spoke about his eventful sojourn in America in the 70s, where he graduated with honours as an accountant in 1979.

He also recalled how he was granted asylum by the US when, due to his determined struggle for democracy in Nigeria, he was forced into exile by the late General Sani Abacha’s military junta.

While affirming his democratic bonafide, Tinubu expressed his absolute belief that the result of the elections, which he clearly won, reflected the will of the Nigerian people.

The former Lagos governor said he would work to unite the country and ensure that Nigerians are happy and enjoy the benefits of democracy and progressive good governance.

He said without national unity, security, economic development and good governance, Nigeria would not become a better place to live or play her proper role in the comity of African nations.

Tinubu urged the US to factor in Nigeria’s important place in Africa and provide assistance in the areas of security and economic investment in order for the nation to lead the way and be a shining example to the rest of the continent.

In his remarks, Secretary Blinken assured that Nigeria should expect a good and mutually-beneficial relationship with the US.

He promised to play his part in bringing a sustained and cordial relationship between the two nations to fruition, saying a democratic and peaceful Nigeria is important to the United States as it is to Africa.

Labour Party factions clash, fight dirty at Appeal Court over authentic Chairman

By Christiana Ekpa

The leadership crisis rocking

the Labour Party (LP) took a new dimension on Wednesday at the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja as the two factions engaged themselves in a free for all fight that almost cost a factional Chairman of the party, Bashiru Lamidi Apapa his life.

The fight broke out after the proceedings of the Court when Apapa was almost mobbed by supporters of one faction of the party at the court premises.

It took the efforts of about 100 Policemen to rescue Apapa from being lynched by the party membera.

Apapa, who was dressed in a brown agbada and brown cap to the Court, was jacked up several times by the attackers who wanted

to smash him to the ground, but was immediately taken to safety by the Police after he was rescued.

The factional members held Apapa hostage for almost one hour, while he was attempting to come out of the court after the day’s proceedings to address newsmen who were on standby to get his reaction to the leadership dispute in the party.

The group, chanting unprintable words against Apapa, prevented him from addressing journalists.

Commotion, however, broke out outside the courtroom when both factions engaged themselves in a free for all fight that almost led to the breakdown of law and order.

Heavy security men present at the court were mobilised to the scene and prevented the fracas from leading to bloodshed.

Earlier, inside the courtroom, the two factions had battled for recognition and for recording as the authentic representatives of the Labour Party which is the second petitioner. At the commencement of the proceedings for the day, Peter Obi announced his appearance as the first petitioner, while Mrs Dudu Maluga, who claimed to be the National Women leader of the party, announced her appearance as the representative of the LP.

Almost immediately, Lamidi Apapa, who was sitting in the opposite direction of Peter Obi, jumped up and announced himself as the Acting National chairman of the party, as well as the authentic representative of the party.

In the drama that ensued, the Chairman of the Court, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani ruled

that none of the factions would be recognized or recorded as the representatives of the Labour Party.

Peter Obi, who was the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 presidential election kept mute while the power tussle between Apapa and Maluda lasted.

Also, the suspended National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure who sat closest to Peter Obi in the courtroom did not intervene in the matter.

Meanwhile, the Court has adjourned further pre-hearing sessions in Peter Obi’s petition against the declaration of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Presidentelect by INEC till Friday, May 19. Justice Tsammani fixed the date after taking arguments from parties in the matter.

I confronted APC over Osinbajo – Peter Obi

By Christiana Ekpa

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi has revealed that he once confronted the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for not fielding the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo

for the presidency.

The former Anambra governor, who spoke on Tuesday during the 63rd birthday get-together of journalist and publisher, Dele Momodu, also said the Presidentelect, Bola Tinubu, would have been a great candidate if he had contested 20 years ago.

The Labour Party candidate insisted that he battled for the nation’s top job because he wants the country working.

He said: “I’m interested to see Nigeria work, I don’t hide it; any day, anytime.

“I even confronted APC, asking why didn’t you bring Osinbajo.

Let’s have a place to work for everybody so that we have people who want to work for the country and are healthy and good.”

Recall that Osinbajo and other younger candidates who contested for the party’s presidential ticket in June 2022, were defeated by Tinubu.

Atiku kicks as US Secretary of State Blinken calls Tinubu

By Musa Baba Adamu

Former Vice-President

Atiku Abubakar has reacted to details of a call between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Presidentelect, Bola Tinubu. Blinken, during a call with Tinubu on Wednesday, assured the Nigerian President-elect of the U.S. commitment to further

strengthening the U.S.-Nigeria relationship with the incoming administration.

The Secretary noted that the U.S.-Nigeria partnership was built on shared interests and strong people-to-people ties and that those links should continue to strengthen under President-elect Tinubu’s tenure.

But Atiku in a tweet on Wednesday expressed disbelief,

saying the call was a contradiction to the publicly stated position of the US on Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election.

According to him, acknowledging the 2023 presidential election result can be demoralising to citizens.

“I am in disbelief that @ SecBlinken called Tinubu, a contradiction to the publicly stated position of the US on Nigeria’s

2023 presidential election. This is inconceivable considering that America, as the bastion of democracy, is well briefed on the sham election of February 25.

“To give legitimacy to the widely acknowledged fraudulent election in Nigeria can be demoralising to citizens who have hedged their bet on democracy and the sanctity of the ballot @StateDept @POTUS @USinNigeria.”

President Muhammadu Buhari presides over the FEC Meeting at the Council Chambers State House, yesterday in Abuja.

PHOTO; State House

Yobe Assembly receives 17 nominees as LG caretaker chairmen

By Christiana Ekpa

Yobe State House of Assembly on Tuesday received a list of nominees from the executive seeking confirmation as chairmen and members of the Local Government Caretaker Management Committee to run the affairs of the 17 local governments for the period of six months.

This followed the expiration of the six months tenure in office of the caretaker chairmen of the 17 local governments in the state.

The leader of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Bukar Mustapha, read the letter which was presented to the House by the executive arm of government.

He said “Following the expiration of chairmen and

members of the Caretaker Management Committee for the 17 local government councils in the state, there is a need to appoint caretaker management committees for the 17 local governments so as not to create a vacuum in the Local Government Administration.”

The names on the lists are Alhaji Ibrahim Babagana (Bade), Lawan Bukar (Bursari), Bukar Adamu (Damaturu),

Hajiya Halima Kyari Joda (Fika), Baba Goni Mustapha (Fune), Musa Mohammed (Geidam), Dala Mala (Gujba), Daiyabu Ilu (Gulani), Umar Abba (Jakusko) and Lawan Alhaji Gana (Karasuwa). Others are Bukar A Bukar (Machina), Alhaji Salisu Yerima (Nangere), Alhaji Modu Kachalla (Nguru), Salisu Muktari (Potiskum), Mohammed Lamido Musa (Tarmuwa), Zannah Zakariya

(Yunusari) and Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim (Yusufari).

After long deliberation on the subject matter by members of the assembly, the Speaker of the House who presided over the sitting adjourned the sitting to Wednesday, May 17, 2023.

Note that Governor Mai Mala Buni has approved November 25, 2023, as the date for the conduct of local government council elections in the state.

WhyAPC zoning template is unfair to North — Yari

Zamfara West Senatorelect and Senate President aspirant, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, has said that the zoning formula of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) on the 10th Senate leadership positions was in conflict with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) because it is in breach of the federal character principle as enshrined in the constitution.

Yari said the religion balancing rationale behind the APC zoning arrangement was unknown to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as the nation’s law book only provides for federal character in sharing of offices for balancing and not religion as a factor.

Recall that the ruling party had last week annointed Senator Godswill Akpabio (South-South) and Senator Barau Jibril (North-West) as Senate President and Deputy for the incoming 10th Senate, respectively.

But, the former Zamfara state governor and one-time member of the House of Representatives, who spoke on Tuesday while featuring as a guest on Arise News Channel’s breakfast programme, ‘The Morning Show’, noted that the APC zoning formula for election of presiding officers for the 10th Senate was unconstitutional and unfair to Northern Nigeria as all the heads of the three arms of government will be Southerners.

“I am particularly talking about the APC, if they decide to zone (Senate leadership positions), we ask them a question, on what do you based the zoning? Have you taken the federal character into cognizance, where the President, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Assembly chairman, the three arms of government, are in one place?

“The present Chief Justice of Nigeria is from Oyo State; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President-elect is from Lagos State, and Akpabio is from Akwa Ibom State at the same time. While the next Chief Justice of the Federation (Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun) is also going to be from the South-West.

“So, have you ever seen, let’s say since 1960, whether this kind of thing has happened during the Shagari era, coming to Obasanjo, Yar’Adua and Jonathan? It only happened during Buhari’s time slightly before CJN Onnoghen took over the Judiciary for some time.

“Now it happens that (with APC zoning arrangement), all the three arms of government are in the Southern part of the country. How could that be fair to Northern Nigeria?” Yari queried.

Zamfara West Senator-elect and Senate President aspirant, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, has said that the zoning formula of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) on the 10th Senate leadership positions was in conflict with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) because it is in breach of the

federal character principle as enshrined in the constitution.

Yari said the religion balancing rationale behind the APC zoning arrangement was unknown to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as the nation’s law book only provides for federal character in sharing of offices for balancing and not religion as a factor.

Recall that the ruling party had last week annointed Senator Godswill Akpabio (South-South) and Senator Barau Jibril (North-West) as Senate President and Deputy for the incoming 10th Senate, respectively.

But, the former Zamfara State governor and one-time member of the House of Representatives, who spoke on Tuesday while featuring as a guest on Arise News Channel’s breakfast programme, ‘The Morning Show’, noted that the APC zoning formula for election of presiding officers for the 10th Senate was unconstitutional and unfair to Northern Nigeria as all the heads of the three arms of government will be Southerners.

“I am particularly talking about the APC, if they decide

Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari

to zone (Senate leadership positions), we ask them a question, on what do you based the zoning? Have you taken the federal character into cognizance, where the President, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Assembly chairman, the three arms of government, are in one place?

“The present Chief Justice of Nigeria is from Oyo State; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President-elect is from Lagos State, and Akpabio is from Akwa Ibom State at the same time. While the next Chief Justice of the Federation (Justice Kudirat

Kekere-Ekun) is also going to be from the South-West.

“So, have you ever seen, let’s say since 1960, whether this kind of thing has happened during the Shagari era, coming to Obasanjo, Yar’Adua and Jonathan? It only happened during Buhari’s time slightly before CJN Onnoghen took over the Judiciary for some time.

“Now it happens that (with APC zoning arrangement), all the three arms of government are in the Southern part of the country. How could that be fair to Northern Nigeria?” Yari queried.

Buhari receives National Security Council membership Bill, independent candidacy

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Presiding officers of the Senate and House of Representatives are set to be members of the National Security Council (NSC) as the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday directed the clerk of the National Assembly to transmit bills passed to the presidency for assent.

The bills also include independent candidacy contesting elections without

necessarily belonging to a political party.

The inclusions were captured in the passage of (Fifth) Alteration Bill Nos. 46 (Membership of the National Security Council to include Presiding Officers of the National Assembly) and 58 (Independent Candidacy), 2023.

The sponsor of the motion, Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy Senate President and Chairman, Senate Committee on Constitution

Amendment said Gombe State House of Assembly has given its nod for the bill to meet its constitutional requirement.

Omo-Agege revealed that the Gombe State House of Assembly that earlier declined to adopt the amended constitution has eventually forwarded a passed resolution to the committee, leaving Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Plateau, and Taraba Houses of Assembly as of Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

The presiding officers are the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Deputy Speaker.

Recall that on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, the clerk of the National Assembly was directed to transmit Constitution Alteration Bill No. 20 (Uniform Retirement Age for Judicial Officers) after it met the requirement of Section 9(2) of the Constitution to Buhari for his assent.

IMF: Currency depreciation pushing up public debt in sub-Saharan Africa

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says the depreciation of subSaharan African currencies against the US dollar pushes up public debt stock. This is contained in the global lender’s recent blog post titled ‘African Currencies Are Under Pressure Amid Higher-forLonger US Interest Rates’.

Countries in sub-Saharan Africa include Nigeria, Angola, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Chad, Ethiopia and others.

IMF said weaker currencies make the fight to curb inflation harder given subSaharan Africa’s dependence on imports.

The Bretton Woods institution said countries in the region have recorded an

Interswitch restates commitment to youth empowerment

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

Integrated payments and digital commerce company, Interswitch Group says it is committed to empowering young talents in the country.

According to a statement by the company, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Interswitch Nigeria, Franklin Ali stated this during the second edition of the annual Interswitch Career Fair held in Lagos recently.

Ali explained that Interswitch is committed to supporting Nigeria’s expanding workforce by empowering them through initiatives such as the Career Fair.

He stated that the Interswitch Career Fair 2.0 was a great success and a significant milestone for them at Interswitch.

“We are committed to empowering talented young people in Nigeria, and this event was an opportunity for us to equip aspiring professionals with the latest work trends and point them towards the right opportunities” he added.

The event, themed ‘The Future of Work’ explored trends around relevant subject matters such as navigating the Nigerian job market, career acceleration in today’s digital age, innovation in the workplace and navigating the world of tech as a woman. The event drew attendees from different professional spaces from across the country seeking career growth opportunities.

The company said that the event had thousands of job seekers in attendance and a chance to join the Interswitch community, many left motivated to pursue their career goals, having gained valuable insights and advice to propel their dreams of kickstarting and accelerating their professional careers.

The Career Fair was proudly supported by Google, Udemy, LinkedIn, Dbrown Consulting and the Interswitch Developer Community.

The statement said the success of the Interswitch Career Fair 2.0 is a testament to Interswitch Group’s commitment to grooming and nurturing the sharpest and best minds who will in turn become leaders in various sectors of the economy in the future.

average of 8 percent depreciation of their currencies since January 2022.

IMF, however, said the extent varies by country, adding that Ghana’s cedi and Sierra Leone’s leone depreciated by more than 45 percent.

“Most sub-Saharan African currencies have weakened against the US dollar, fanning inflationary pressures across the continent as import prices surge,” the article reads.

“This, together with a growth slowdown, leaves policymakers with difficult choices as they balance keeping inflation in check with a still-fragile recovery.”

On the implications, the IMF said when currencies weaken against the US dollar, local prices rise, as much of what people

buy, including essential items like food, are imported.

The financial institution said more than two-thirds of imports are priced in US dollars for most countries in the region.

“Weaker currencies also push up public debt. About 40 percent of public debt is external in sub-Saharan Africa and over 60 percent of that debt is in US dollars for most countries,” the article further reads.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, exchange rate depreciations have contributed to the region’s rise in public debt by about 10 percentage points of GDP on average by end-2022, holding all else equal.

“Growth and inflation (which reduces the real value of existing debts) helped to

contain the public debt increase to about 6 percent of GDP during the same period.”

The IMF said countries where exchange rates are not pegged (fixed) to a currency have little choice but to let the exchange rate adjust and tighten monetary policy to fight inflation.

The global lender said countries with pegged exchange rates will need to adjust monetary policy in line with the country of the peg.

“In both country groups, fiscal consolidation can help to rein in external imbalances and limit the increase in debt related to currency depreciation. Structural reforms can help to boost growth,” the IMF said.

NERC to revoke Kaduna DisCo licence over N51.93bn debt

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has notified Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) of its intention to “cancel its licence” after 60 days over a N51.93 billion debt.

In a notice published on Monday and signed by Dafe Akpeneye, the commissioner, legal, licencing, and compliance at NERC, the agency gave the DisCo 60 days to resolve the issue.

Cumulatively, NERC said the utility accrued a debt of N93.41 billion from 2015 to 2022 due the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) and the market operator (MO).

Quoting section 74 of the electric power sector reform act (EPSRA) and the terms and conditions of electricity distribution licence number NERC/LC/023, the commission said it has “reasonable cause to believe that KAEDCO has breached the provisions of EPSRA and the terms and conditions of the electricity distribution licence”.

“The commission considers KAEDCO’s actions to be manifest and flagrant breaches of EPSRA and the terms and conditions of its electricity distribution licence; and

therefore, requires KAEDCO to show cause in writing within 60 days from the date of receipt of this notice as to why the electricity distribution licence should not be cancelled in accordance with section 74 of EPSRA,” the notice reads.

NERC said its performance review for 2022 showed that the disco only achieved a combined average of 13.85 percent of its minimum payment obligation to the NBET and the MO, and recorded an average monthly market shortfall of N4.33 billion.

According to the commission, the evaluated level of underperformance indicated that KAEDCO has been unable to recover the additional liquidity required to optimally function as a utility as provided in its approved revenue requirement.

“Based on the commission’s approved revenue requirement for KAEDCO, the utility under-collected its revenues to the tune of N88.75 billion being the sum of its market shortfall, capital investment allowance (N25.33 billion) and allowed operating expense (N11.46 billion),” NERC said.

“KAEDCO is currently experiencing severe liquidity challenges and its commercial viability and continuation as a market participant is in doubt.

“KAEDCO’s management team has not been able to develop and present a clear pathway towards capital injection, operational efficiency, and sustainability despite the various regulatory initiatives of the commission and other financial interventions of the government.

“Over the period of 12 months covering January to December 2022, KAEDCO accrued a total liability to the tune of N51.93 billion to NBET and MO.

“This is exclusive of the sum of N41.49 billion historical outstanding debts for the 2015-2021 owed to the NBET and MO.

“The commission has afforded KAEDCO’s management team several opportunities to develop and present a clear pathway toward recapitalisation and improvement of operational efficiency, and sustainability of the utility, and they have been unable to present a credible plan that would yield the desired results.”

Last year, KAEDCO was among the five DisCos restructured by the federal government.

Earlier in the month, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reconnected the DisCo after disconnecting it from the power grid over non-compliance with market rules.

Martin Harper presenting a cheque to Aroyehun Adeyinka Richard, a beneficiary of the 2023 Chevronsponsored PhD research grant in environmental studies.

CSOs accuses World Bank of setting a loan trap for Nigeria with $800 Million funding

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Center) has strongly criticized the World Bank Country office in Nigeria, for its engagement with practices that is considered illegal under Nigeria’s legal regime, relating to borrowing and indebtedness.

In a statement released by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the organization expressed concerns over the loan’s intentions. Suraju stated, “This goes to confirm the loan and indebtedness was all along World Bank idea and agenda and not that of a government that is with less than a month in office.

“As CSOs, we have no other duty than to condemn the loan, World Bank and the FG on this corruption perfection strategy of loan and poverty elongation tagged alleviation.

“The World Bank is supposed to get Nigeria out of fuel importation by assisting the country to make refineries work or build new refineries and get us out of importation of fuel.

“World Bank is only encouraging us to remain importation dependent and provide a market for countries selling refined petroleum to us. This loan is a trap and nothing more.”

The Civil Society Organization’s criticism raises concerns about the loan’s potential impact on Nigeria’s long-term economic stability and selfreliance. The organization urges the World Bank to reconsider its approach and prioritize investments that promote self-sufficiency, such as revitalizing domestic refineries or constructing new ones, rather than perpetuating importation reliance.

As Nigeria grapples with socioeconomic challenges, HEDA’s call to focus on sustainable solutions reflects a broader concern among civil society organizations regarding the loan’s effectiveness in achieving long-term development goals.

It therefore called on the National Assembly to reject the presidential request for an approval to obtain the loan as any approval will constitute a violation of the law properly enacted by the Assembly and accessory to the offence about to the committed by all those involved in the loan concoction and administration.

HEDA threatens to work collaboratively with other stakeholders to develop strategy to evoke provisions of the law for the prosecution of all those associated with the violation of the FRA 2007 and other associated offences, and promote genuine economic independence and prosperity for the Nigerian people.

Kaduna DisCo replies NERC on licence revocation threat

The Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KAEDCO) says there is an ongoing engagement with relevant agencies to address the long-running and current issues in the organisation.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had notified the DisCo that it would “cancel its licence” after 60 days, if the utility fails to clear a N51.93 billion debt.

Cumulatively, the commission said the utility accrued a debt of N93.41 billion from 2015 to 2022 due the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) and the market operator (MO).

Responding to the notice in a statement

on Tuesday, the DisCo said it acknowledges the 60-day notice of intention by the NERC to revoke its electricity distribution licence.

“The notice, in line with the regulatory power of the commission, is coming on the heels of an initial engagement between the commission and shareholders/lenders to Kaduna electric-in-receivership in sustaining the mutual objectives of the federal government for an intervention in a number of electricity distribution companies including Kaduna Electric for a turnaround of the DisCos and sale of core interests to new investors,” the statement reads.

“While the board and management

have continued to work on the intervention objectives, challenges remain, and stakeholders continue to engage on addressing them.

“We assure our customers of ongoing engagements between the commission and shareholders including the Bureau of Public Enterprises and lenders as to address the long-running and current issues at Kaduna Electric.

The DisCo said it will continue to provide electricity in its franchise area — Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States —with the “utmost sense of duty and professionalism”.

Alleged racism: Court strikes out suit against Roger Brown, Seplat CEO

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Afederal high court in Lagos has struck out a suit seeking the removal of Roger Brown, chief executive officer (CEO) of Seplat Energy Plc, over allegations of racism, favouritism towards expatriate workers, discrimination against Nigerians, and breach of good governance.

The suit was filed on March 8, 2023, before Chukwuejekwu Aneke, the presiding judge, by Moses Igbrude, Sarat Kudaisi, Kenneth Nnabike, Ajani Abidoye, and Robert Ibekwe.

The respondents in suit number FHC/L/402/2023 are Seplat Energy, Brown, and Basil Omiyi, the board chairman of the oil firm.

The petitioners sought “an order of mandatory injunction restraining the 2nd respondent (Brown) from parading himself as, or continuing to operate as the CEO of the 1st respondent (Seplat) or working for Seplat in any other capacity”.

Following the petition, the court restrained Brown from carrying out his official duties pending the determination of a suit.

Brown subsequently stepped down from his position until the court vacated the interim ex-parte order, and adjourned the case till May 16, 2023, for accelerated hearing.

On Tuesday when proceedings resumed, Aneke struck out the suit after Ayodele Arotiowa, the petitioners’ lawyer, informed the court of his clients’ intention to withdraw the suit.

But Uzoma Azikiwe, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Seplat’s counsel, told the court that his client had filed an appeal, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit and urged the court to suspend all proceedings, pending the determination of the appeal.

On his part, Kayode Adesina, Brown’s counsel, asked the court to award the sum of N10 million as cost against the

petitioners.

In his ruling, Aneke struck out the suit and ordered the petitioners to pay N1 million to Brown.

Speaking on the ruling in a statement, Seplat Energy reiterated its confidence in the “Nigerian judiciary as it continues its systematic resolution of these orchestrated and frivolous litigations, which are aimed at disrupting the smooth operations of the company”.

The company said the petition introduced the “onslaught of false and orchestrated allegations against the company, its CEO and its directors/ officers, which formed the basis of the actions taken by the ministry of interior and the criminal charge brought against Seplat Energy and its officers, which was promptly withdrawn by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), while the company and its officers were entirely discharged by the federal high court (Abuja) in April 2023”.

L-R: District Rotaract Representative, Rtn. Olaleye Gbolahan (PHF), Sir Kingsley Okoro, Rotary International President’s Representative and Past District Governor (PDG), Rtn. Ijeoma Pearl Okoro and District Governor of Rotary, District 9125, Rotn. Goddy Nnadi, during the opening session of the 14th District Conference in Abuja on Friday.

PHOTO: ROTARY D9125

CBN Feature

CBN Unveils ‘SabiMONI’ To Deepen Financial Inclusion

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has launched a digital platform, ‘SabiMONI’, to promote financial literacy and to deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria.

CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, who unveiled the platform said, it was a fully digital national e-learning platform that provides knowledge for financial literacy.

Emefiele said, the objective was to drive financial education, which according to him, would lead to stability of the financial system and overall economic development of the country.

“The platform is aimed at supporting our efforts toward ramping up the number of experts that can be used to drive financial education in the country and perhaps beyond.

“One of the key drivers of financial inclusion today, is no doubt financial literacy.

“It is a prerequisite for greater financial inclusion, which would lead to the stability of the financial system and ultimately economic growth and development,” he said.

Emefiele said that the absence of or low levels of financial literacy constituted an impediment to financial inclusion.

He says, “In other words, the pace of financial inclusion is directly related to the level of financial literacy and financial capability.’’

He said that to address the financial inclusion gaps, the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2022, identified increasing adoption and usage of financial services in priority demographics.

He said that such demographics comprised of the most vulnerable segments such as women, youth, MSMEs and rural dwellers.

“And especially, the Northern part of the country as well as expansion of digital financial services and platforms amongst its strategic priority areas.

“To enable us to achieve these, we must take deliberate steps to upscale financial capability through financial education programmes.

“The shortage of skilled and experienced persons to drive financial education remains a major hindrance.

“Interestingly, the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2022 places high priority on financial and digital learning.

“This will serve as a strategy that would enable the creation of a conducive environment for serving or ensuring the inclusion of the most excluded groups,” he explained.

Director of Consumer Protection, CBN, Mrs Rashida Monguno, said that financial

literacy remained a key driver of financial inclusion globally.

According to her, it encompasses knowledge and skills that enable individuals to effectively manage financial resources to enhance their economic well-being.

“But it also includes trust, confidence, and participation in the formal financial system.

“Financially literate consumers are always able to make better financial decisions. This is a catalyst for greater financial inclusion and stability of the financial system,’’ she said.

She said that penetration of financial literacy in Nigeria was still low, with a current rate of 64.1 per cent.

“This, no doubt, may not be unconnected with shortage of skilled financial literacy trainers and limited avenues or channels for financial education.

“Latest results from the Access to Finance Survey by Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA) suggest that the low level of financial literacy continues to constitute a barrier to financial inclusion,” Monguno said.

N120bn

Financial Inclusion

She said that SabiMONI was conceived as an avenue for driving financial education amongst the target segment of the Nigerian population to facilitate financial

education programmes for end beneficiaries.

“It will also support efforts at enhancing financial inclusion through digitalisation.

“It would serve as a channel for propagating Digital Financial

Literacy thereby ramping up adoption and usage of Digital Financial Services.

“With the launch of the SabiMONI platform, we now have a knowledge base where individuals can learn about financially literacy at their own pace from their comfort zones and with ease,” she said.

According to Mrs. Aisha Ahmad, Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability of the CBN, the platform is aimed at supporting efforts toward ramping up the number of experts that can be used to drive financial education.

Ahmad said that one of the key drivers of financial inclusion was financial literacy.

“It is a prerequisite for greater financial inclusion, which would lead to the stability of the financial system and ultimately economic growth and development.

“Research has shown that the absence of or low levels of financial literacy constitutes an impediment to financial inclusion.

In other words, the pace of financial inclusion is directly related to the level of financial literacy and financial capability,” she added. (NAN)

Debt: CBN Wades Into DMBs, Telcos USSD Crisis

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has once again waded into the areas of contention between the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and Telecom Operators in Nigeria (Telcos), relation to collection of telcos charges for USSD.

CBN’s Ag. Director, Corporate Communications Department, Dr. Isa AbdulMumin in a statement on Sunday said, the bank had taken some steps to resolving the crisis in the interest of the financial system and overall economy.

Recall, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators in Nigeria (ALTON), on Friday threatened to withdraw USSD services rendered to the banks over non remittance of about N120billion USSD fees collected by the banks.

A statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Head of Operations of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo and Gbolahan Awonuga

respectively, said, the approval was granted because despite multi-party stakeholder efforts to resolve the situation and prevent any impact on services, especially the efforts made by the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the banks have continued to incur greater and greater debt, without making the commensurate payments.

Meanwhile, the CBN said, it was very much aware of the protracted dispute between the banks and telcos and has been engaging all stakeholders to ensure amicable resolution.

The apex bank said, it was due to it direct intervention (or CBN Governor) in March 2021 that a per session price of N6.98 (including to settle any outstanding fees) was agreed upon between the banks and telcos.

“As far as we are aware, since

2021, DMBs continue to collect the USSD fees and remit same on behalf of the telcos based on that agreement.

“We understand the latest dispute concerns technical issues regarding definition of a successful transaction from a bank and telco perspective.

“USSD fees are charged by DMBs using an automated system which bills the customer for a successful transaction only after a banking service is consumed.

“For the Telcos, a successful transaction happens once the customer has dialled the USSD short-code which may not lead to the consummation of a banking service. Whilst Such truncated transactions are not registered on the DMBs collection platform and thus not billed to bank customers, telcos expect the DMBs to charge customers once the short-code is dialed, whether or not a financial transaction is consummated.

“At a recent meeting of the DMBs & Telvo representatives chaired by the Governor, CBN to resolve the issue, he acknowledged the telcos right to collect all legitimately earned fees due to them and to recover their cost.

“Following the discussion, the direct billing model was proposed as a lasting solution to the issue. This would enable telcos full visibility of USSD transactions and allow them to charge their customers directly. The feasibility of the model is still being worked out by the relevant stakeholders.

“USSD is a critical channel leveraged on primarily by the financially excluded, vulnerable and critical mass. The CBN remains committed to ensuring that the areas of contention related to collection of telco charges for USSD are resolved in the interest of the financial system and overall economy”, CBN said.

BVN Has No Expiry Date -CBN Clarifies

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has clarified that the Bank Verification Number (BVN) issued by the Bank in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) has no expiry date.

CBN’s clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Ag. Director, Corporate Communications, Dr. Isa

AbdulMumin on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

Dr. Isa said, the clarification was necessary to douse the tension generated by some reports suggesting that the BVN issued by the Bank expires after a ten-year period.

The Ag. Director said, “contrary to these claims, we wish to clarify that the BVN issued in

Nigeria has no expiry date”.

He noted that once a customer’s biometrics have been captured and enrolled in the database of NIBSS, the BVN remains for life.

However, he said, the Regulatory Framework for BVN issued by the CBN in 2021 stipulates that customers can only change their records due to certain conditions spelt out in the

document and after being cleared by relevant authorities.

“Therefore, we urge bank customers in the country, especially those whose biometrics have been captured by the system, to continue using their unique identifiers as they last their entire lifetime.

“Be guided accordingly”, Isa said in the statement.

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

METRO

Demolition: Tears of anguish as FCTA hits squatters’ settlement at Gishiri village

By Stanley Onyekwere

Therewas an outburst of tears of anguish from occupants of a squatters’ settlement Gishiri community , as officials of the Federal Capital Territory (FCTA) rolled in bulldozers and demolished illegal structures, as part of its effort to reclaim encroached land for infrastructural development in the area.

It was observed that many affected inhabitants teared up when the officials, accompanied by joint security operatives started pulling down their houses, most of which were built barely three years ago.

Also, the settlement which serves mainly as residential place to hundreds of people is part of Katampe District is located adjacent major road into highbrow area of Maitama District, in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). It was learnt that the Gishiri community was last visited for demolition in 2006, but since then, many have continued to build on high power tension and water channels, despite warning from the government.

However, most of the victims that were in tears acknowledged that the structures

were marked in March, April and early May in 2023, but feigned ignorance of the several notices.

One of the female victims who don’t want her name mentioned, said: “I moved into this area in March, 2022, and just renewed my rent in March, 2023, which cost N400,000.00, where can I relocate to now that the apartment has been removed?

“Even though they gave us warning about the exercise, most of us never knew it will be carried out. So, if I had known I wouldn’t have come to this area.”

Another affected person, who gave his name as James, decried despite the abatement notice, most of them were not able to salvage their household items as they never expected it to come through, due previous warnings that weren’t effected.

James, who groaned that his family is now displaced, claimed that hitherto the exercise, he owned eight one-bed room apartments which he rented out to people, and two bed room apartment, where he and his family occupied.

Explaining the exercise, Senior Special

Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement to the FCT Minister, Comrade Ikharo Attah, said the demolition was necessitated by the need to reclaim the place for infrastructure development.

Attah said the victims took advantage of the proximity of the area to the Federal Capital City and flouted the Abuja master plan rules, turning the area to haven for bad eggs.

He however, regretted that some of the unauthorized structures in the area were hideout for drug dealers and suspected criminals that terrorize mostly Maitama and Asokoro residents in the city.

“We came here today to attack the triple illegalities associated with squatter settlements, the criminals’ den inside the cashew plantation in Gishiri, where we recovered cocaine and other hard drugs.

“Although there were tears and lamentations, but we are not done yet as we just getting warm up in Gishiri, and this is the first time, the bulldozers came into Gishiri, since the days of Mallam Nasiru Ahmed El’rufai as FCT Minister.

“The team from Development Control is

firing from all cylinders, and even as those of us who are political appointees are going, we are sure that when we leave, the team on ground is set to continue the city clean up exercise”

On his party the Director, Department of Development Control, Murkhtar Galadima after the demolition, said the exercise which is mother of all demolitions was to rid the city of illegal structures.

“The cleanup exercise is to rid the city of illegal structures. When you see demolition like this is because of the magnitude of illegal structures, in this particular area over 10 years ago we have been marking and removing but no headway but today we got a headway.

“This area is a water pipeline corridor coming from lower Usman Dam to various tanks in town, some of the buildings are on flood plain, this demolition is mother of all demolition because it contains everything. Any land that is not approved by development control is illegal, and therefore will be removed”, he said.

Gov’t seeks more commitment to Abuja project

By Stanley Onyekwere

The ‘ Abuja Project ‘ as enshrined in the Master plan is a national responsibility, which all patriotic citizens must be committed to, the Federal Capital Territory Administration ( FCTA) has declared.

This, the FCTA said was required for the actualization of the dream to make Abuja a capital city that will compete favourably with other mega cities of the world.

Making this point, the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, noted that a secured and prosperous Capital City, is not just needed for the contemporary age, but the future generation.

Bello urged FCTA workers to be more dedicated to their official responsibilities, as well as the task of making Abuja a secured home and hub for legitimate business for all

citizens and others.

He spoke during the 2023 FCTA Staff Recognition Awards ceremony in Abuja yesterday, when 184 workers were honoured with various awards.

He said, “ I wish to remind you that you are all invested in the Abuja Project, not just because you work within the Administration and make a living from it but more importantly, because you owe it to the future generation of Nigerians that will make the FCT their home

“Putting in your best at all times should therefore not be the exception, but the rule and I am happy for the tremendous and quite visible improvement in service delivery within the FCTA work force”.

Also speaking, the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola said the administration had been working to motivate

workers, to enable them give their best to the Abuja project.

He disclosed that the Staff Recognition and Award, would remain a veritable instrument, the administration will continue to use in stimulating workers interests and commitments towards a sustained excellent service delivery.

Adesola adds: “In 2021, a total of 77 Staff were given various awards. This grew to 123 in 2022 and in 2023 184 Staff and Corporate clients will be granted various awards and recognition in appreciation of their contributions.

“ I am glad to note that a number of SDAs have equally keyed into this. In 2022/2023 I participated in similar programmes hosted by some SDAs. I encourage others to embrace the initiative”.

The Permanent Secretary also disclosed

that since he came to FCT, he has ensured that workers have a conducive and safe environment for human capacity development.

He added, “ while in the saddle as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Capital Territory Administration in the past over two years, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, we have worked to address both the Hygiene and Motivational factors concern of Staff through the following efforts:

“We have sustained the annual promotion exercise and do not currently have any backlog of promotion;

“We have against all odds sustained the payment of salaries and allowances of staff in active service and those in retirement. We do not pay modulated salary and our pensioners do not need to wait in vain for payments to them”.

Pictures from demolition exercise in Gishiri community near Maitama District in AMAC.

Prince Harry and Meghan in ‘near catastrophic’ car chase - spokesperson

Prince Harry, Meghan and her mother were involved in a “near catastrophic car chase” involving paparazzi, a spokesperson for the prince has said.

The incident happened after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended an awards ceremony in New York on Tuesday.

In a statement, the prince’s spokesperson said the “relentless pursuit” lasted for over two hours.

They added it resulted in near collisions with other drivers on the road, pedestrians and police officers.

The BBC has not been able to independently verify the details of the incident.

“While being a public figure comes with a level of interest from the public, it should never come at the cost of anyone’s safety,” the spokesperson said.

“Dissemination of these images, given the ways in which they were obtained, encourages a highly intrusive practice that is dangerous to all involved.”

The New York Police Department (NYPD) did not immediately confirm knowledge of the matter. There have so far been no reports of any injuries or arrests.

The awards ceremony - the Ms Foundation Women of Vision Awards - was the couple’s first public appearance together since the King’s Coronation earlier this month.

Meghan accepted an award at the event alongside LaTosha Brown, the co-founder of Black Voters Matter.

They were accompanied by Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland. Photographs taken last night show

the group leaving the ceremony in Manhattan.

There are now claims the chase that followed involved half a dozen cars, with reckless driving including going through red lights, driving on

the pavement, carrying out blocking moves, and reversing down a one way-way street - as well as taking photographs while driving.

The BBC understands the pair were staying at a friend’s home in

New York and did not return directly to avoid compromising their security during the chase.

It’s also claimed that the presence of New York police officers did not stop the pursuit.

Prince Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, was killed in a 1997 car crash in Paris while being chased by photographers.

In an interview with the BBC for the documentary “Diana, 7 Days”, Prince Harry referred to the paparazzi as “a pack of dogs” who constantly hounded his mother. “Every single time she went out there’d be a pack of people waiting for her,” he said. “I mean a pack of dogs, followed her, chased her, harassed her, called her names, spat at her, trying to get a reaction, to get that photograph of her lashing out.”

Prince Harry is currently involved in multiple legal disputes with the British tabloid press, including allegations of phone hacking and the unlawful gathering of information.

Earlier this week, a lawyer representing Prince Harry told a London court that he should be allowed to challenge a government decision that denied him the ability to pay for police protection while in the country.

The pair stepped down from royal duties and moved to the US in 2020 - a move they said was partly due to harassment from UK tabloids.

Global warming set to break key 1.5C limit for first time

Ouroverheating world is likely to break a key temperature limit for the first time over the next few years, scientists predict.

Researchers say there’s now a 66% chance we will pass the 1.5C global warming threshold between now and 2027.

The chances are rising due to emissions from human activities and a likely El Niño weather pattern later this year.

If the world passes the limit, scientists stress the breach, while worrying, will likely be temporary.

Hitting the threshold would mean the world is 1.5C warmer than it was during the second half of the 19th Century, before fossil fuel emissions from industrialisation really began to ramp up.

And breaking the limit even for just one year is a worrying sign that warming is accelerating and not slowing down.

The 1.5C figure has become a symbol of global climate change negotiations. Countries agreed to “pursue efforts” to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C under the 2015 Paris agreement.

Going over 1.5C every year for a decade or two would see far greater impacts of warming, such as longer heatwaves, more intense storms and wildfires.

But passing the level in one of the next few years would not mean that the Paris limit had been broken. Scientists say there is still time to restrict global warming by cutting emissions sharply.

Since 2020 the World Meteorological Organisation has been giving an estimate of the chances of the world breaking the 1.5C threshold in any one year.

Back then they predicted there was less than a 20% chance of breaking 1.5C in the five years ahead.

By last year this had increased

to 50%, and now it’s jumped to 66%, which the scientists say means it’s “more likely than not.”

What does going over 1.5C mean?

The figure is not a direct measure of the world’s temperature but an indicator of how much or how little the Earth has warmed or cooled compared to the long term global average.

Scientists use average temperature data from the period between 18501900 as a measure of how hot the world was before our modern reliance on coal, oil and gas.

For decades they believed that if the world warmed by around 2C that would be the threshold of dangerous impacts - but in 2018 they significantly revised this estimate, showing that going past 1.5C would be calamitous

for the world.

Over the past few decades our overheating world has nudged the mercury up so that in 2016, the warmest on record, global temperatures were 1.28C above the pre-industrial figure.

Now researchers say that figure is set to be smashed - they are 98% certain the high mark will be broken before 2027.

And in the years between now and then they believe there’s a very solid chance the 1.5C limit will be surpassed for the first time.

“We really are now within reach of a temporary exceedance of 1.5C for the annual mean temperature, and that’s the first time in human history we’ve been that close,” said Prof Adam

Scaife, head of long range forecasts at the Met Office, who compile the data from weather and climate agencies around the world.

“I think that’s perhaps the most stark and obvious and simplest statistic that we’ve got in the report,” he told a news conference.

The researchers stress that temperatures would have to stay at or above 1.5C for 20 years to be able to say the Paris agreement threshold had been passed.

“This report does not mean that we will permanently exceed the 1.5C level specified in the Paris Agreement which refers to long-term warming over many years,” said WMO SecretaryGeneral Prof. Petteri Taalas

“However, WMO is sounding the

alarm that we will breach the 1.5C level on a temporary basis with increasing frequency,” he said.

What difference will El Niño make?

There are two key elements - the first is the continuing high levels of carbon emissions from human activities that despite a fall during the pandemic are still going up.

The second, critical part is the likely appearance of El Niño, a weather phenomenon with global implications.

For the last three years the world has been experiencing a La Niña event which has dampened climate warming to some extent.

But the extra heat that El Niño will bring to the surface of the Pacific will likely push the global temperature to a new high next year.

However there is still uncertainty around the onset and scale of the event.

“It’s worth noting that a lot of our forecasts that are being made now for the El Niño that we think is developing this winter, are showing pretty big amplitude,” Prof Scaife told reporters.

“But to actually predict the magnitude, or a subsequent event within the five-year period, we can’t give the exact dates of that beyond this one year ahead, so it could be in three or four years from now we get to two and a half degree El Niño and that might be the one that does it. “

What are the likely impacts in the UK and elsewhere?

The Arctic will experience warming at a greater level than many regions, with the temperature anomaly expected to be three times as large as the global figure over the next five northern hemisphere winters.

Northern Europe including the UK will likely experience increased rainfall for the May to September period over the next five years, the report says.

Source: BBC

Photos taken last night show Prince Harry and Meghan leaving the Ziegfield Theatre in New York City

A school child tries to stay cool amid a heatwave in Indonesia this year

Sudan’s Darfur conflict: Why an accountant took up arms

Accountant Mohamed Osman has been forced to pick up an AK-47 rifle for the first time in his life to defend his neighbourhood as the conflict in Sudan escalates, inflaming racial tensions between Arabs and other groups in the country’s volatile Darfur region.

Mr Osman lives in El Geneina, historically a symbol of black African power in Darfur, that has been shelled, burnt and looted by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied Arab militiamen. Their notoriety has earned them the nickname Janjaweed, an Arabic word for “devils on horseback” .

“I’ve never seen such a thing in more than 20 years of war in Darfur. It’s awful,” Mr Osman, 38, said. We have changed his name for his own safety.

“Whenever there is an attack by the Janjaweed here in El Geneina, their fellow tribesmen come with their arms from across the border in Chad on motorbikes and on horsebacks to assist them,” he told the BBC from his home in the northern Ardamata neighbourhood.

Mr Osman’s office, in the city centre, is a burnt-out wreck.

“I can’t go there, let alone work,” he noted, in a matter of fact way.

Another resident, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the city had been taken over by the RSF and Janjaweed, with snipers positioned in buildings and gunmen on streets.

“They’re just shooting every place. If you go outside you’ll be killed. You can’t move, even 200 or 300 metres,” Mr Ibrahim told the BBC. His name has also been changed.

Medics reported that at least 280 people have been killed and 160 have been wounded in El Geneina in the last few days alone.

The latest violence is seen by analysts as a clear breach of the 11 May Saudi-brokered agreement between the RSF and the Sudanese army to alleviate the suffering of civilians, while talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire continue in Jeddah.

Mr Osman said that as the fighting advanced closer to Ardamata in recent days, he and many other men in his neighbourhood got AK-47 rifles and began carrying out 24hour patrols in shifts.

This was something he never imagined doing, as his life used to revolve around keeping track of the finances of his clients.

“We have no choice but to arm ourselves and defend our city,” Mr Osman said, pointing out that he could not risk exposing his family - including his mother, sisters, nieces and nephews - to the much-feared paramilitaries and militiamen.

Asked how he acquired his Soviet-made Kalashnikov rifle, he replied wryly: “The cheapest thing you can buy here is a weapon.”

In contrast, food has become scarce and prices have rocketed as the RSF and Janjaweed set markets ablaze.

“They even burnt the food and flour that

was stored in the markets, as if they want the survivors of bullets to die of hunger,” said Ishaq Hussein, a former worker at a nongovernmental organization in El Geneina.

The BBC has been unsuccessful in attempts to reach the RSF for comment.

With a population that was put at around 170,000 in the last census in 2010, El Geneina is the traditional capital of the Massalit kingdom, making it a target for the Janjaweed. They have long been accused of ethnic cleansing against non-Arab groups in Darfur.

“The Janjaweed are killing all the African people starting with the Massalit,” Mr

Ibrahim said.

Conflict first erupted in Darfur in 2003 when mostly non-Arabs took up arms against the government, complaining about discrimination and a lack of development.

The government retaliated by mobilising the Janjaweed, and later welding them into an estimated 80,000 to 100,000-strong paramilitary force that has now turned on Sudan’s military ruler Gen Abdel Fattah alBurhan, and the army he commands.

The RSF launched an assault on the capital Khartoum on 15 April, with the military retaliating with daily air strikes in a bid to regain control of the city.

But in El Geneina, there is no attempt to fight back against the RSF and the Janjaweed.

“There’s a zero presence of the army or any other government body to protect the civilians,” Mr Ali said.

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) estimates that about 100,000 people have fled their homes in the city, and remain “at the mercy of the relentless violence, with settlements once again being reduced to ashes”.

“We are still unable to deliver emergency aid,” NRC added in a statement.

Mr Ibrahim said that water supplies had also been cut.

“Water is a big problem for everyone, even for the donkey,” he said.

He made a desperate plea for international help, saying the city has been under attack for 23 consecutive days.

“A lot of injured people don’t have any type of treatment, more than hundreds and hundreds and hundreds,” Mr Ibrahim said.

He added that he was alone at home, having sent his wife and family to safety.

“I have kids and it’s difficult for them to be hearing these guns every day. That’s why I sent them out,” he said, pointing out that families tend to leave in guided groups before sunrise, when the risk of being confronted by the RSF and Janjaweed is less.

Mr Osman said that if the security crisis deepens, he too will flee to Chad to live in make-shift camps.

“If this does not stop by the mercy of Allah, I will take my family and run to Chad to stay in a shelter built with our clothes rather than being killed here,” he said.

Why Somalia’s once-banned boxing thrives in the former warzone

Boxing was once banned in Somalia, but the sport is being revived in the country still wracked by violence after years of civil war. The only official boxing club is proving a haven for some in the capital, Mogadishu.

“I grew up wanting to learn how to fight, so I could protect my family. This is what later drew me closer to the sport,” Najib Mohamed tells the BBC in between punches.

Slimly built, with his hair spraying sweat every time he throws a punch, the 20-year-old is sparring in the ring in the centre of the gym.

Nearby, dust fills the air as another young boxer strikes a battered punchbag. A thump is followed by the rattle of the punchbag’s chain like someone shaking a set of keys.

The doors stay latched open on to the street in this old part of Mogadishu, which

provides a slight breeze amid the scorching heat. Flickering lights help illuminate murals of boxers painted across the scarred walls.

Mohamed was brought up during violent and chaotic times in Mogadishu, which gave rise to his interest in boxing. Times are still hard.

“In this city, negative temptations and uncertainty are a part of everyday life. When I jump in the ring, it numbs the pain and takes me away from the troubles around me.”

Mohamed was just four when his father and grandfather were killed in 2007. They were shot during a violent siege of the capital when troops from neighbouring Ethiopia were trying to unseat the Islamic Courts Union, which then controlled the city.

Just one traumatic story among the many carried by this fledgling group of boxers.

The Somali Boxing Federation (SBF) dates from 1935 but the sport was banned in 1978 by the military government of the time after someone died while taking part in a bout. It was only 40 years later - in 2018 - that boxing made a comeback and the club was reopened. Now its young members dream of international success.

A group of them sit on a rickety bench cradling their gloves watching the training session.

Abdirahman Mire, the boxing federation’s secretary general, also looks on.

“Many young people in this country have a passion for boxing but lack the support. It’s only right that I play my part,” he says.

Mire was responsible for the resurrection of the boxing club when he returned to Somalia from Finland, where he had been

living since fleeing the civil war in the early 1990s.

“I was a young athlete like them at one point in my life. It wasn’t easy leaving Finland but it was worth it, despite the difficult circumstances at hand.

“With this generation, by the time you become an adolescent, you’ve seen it all. The effects of the violence are all around you and these youth utilise their time in the ring to escape the madness around them and focus on becoming better boxers.”

Mohamed has certainly progressed since joining the boxing club in Mogadishu, where he was able to train and learn the sport that he loved first hand. He has now won gold in the lightweight division at a local boxing tournament.

Source: BBC

El Geneina’s market has been ransacked during the fighting

The Massalit people say they have faced racism for years

Asia is spending big to battle low birth rates - will it work?

Falling birth rates are a major concern for some of Asia’s biggest economies.

Governments in the region are spending hundreds of billions of dollars trying to reverse the trend. Will it work?

Japan began introducing policies to encourage couples to have more children in the 1990s. South Korea started doing the same in the 2000s, while Singapore’s first fertility policy dates back to 1987.

China, which has seen its population fall for the first time on 60 years, recently joined the growing club.

While it is difficult to quantify exactly how much these policies have cost, South Korean President Yoon Sukyeol recently said his country had spent more than $200bn (£160bn) over the past 16 years on trying to boost the population.

Yet last year South Korea broke its own record for the world’s lowest fertility rate, with the average number of babies expected per woman falling to 0.78.

In neighbouring Japan, which had record low births of fewer than 800,000 last year, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has pledged to double the budget for childrelated policies from 10tn yen ($74.7bn; £59.2bn), which is just over 2% of the country’s gross domestic product.

Globally, while there are more countries that are trying to lower birth rates, the number of countries wanting to increase fertility has more than tripled since 1976, according to the most recent report by the United Nations

So why do these governments want to grow their populations?

Simply put, having a bigger

population who can work and produce more goods and services leads to higher economic growth. And while a larger population can mean higher costs for governments, it can also result in bigger tax revenues.

Also, many Asian countries are ageing rapidly. Japan

leads the pack with nearly 30% of its population now over the age of 65 and some other nations in the region are not far behind.

Compare that with India, which has just overtaken China as the world’s most populous nation. More than a quarter of its people are

between the age of 10 and 20, which gives its economy huge potential for growth.

And when the share of the working age population gets smaller, the cost and burden of looking after the nonworking population grow.

“Negative population growth has an impact on the

economy, and combined that with an ageing population, they won’t be able to afford to support the elderly,” said Xiujian Peng of Victoria University.

Most of the measures across the region to increase birth rates have been similar: payments for new parents, subsidised or free education, extra nurseries, tax incentives and expanded parental leave.

But do these measures work?

Data for last few decades from Japan, South Korea and Singapore shows that attempts to boost their populations have had very little impact. Japan’s finance ministry has published a study which said the policies were a failure.

It is a view echoed by the United Nations.

“We know from history that the types of policies which we call demographic engineering where they try to incentivise women to have more babies, they just don’t work,” Alanna Armitage of United Nations Population Fund told the BBC.

“We need to understand the underlying determinants of why women are not having children, and that is often the inability of women to be able to combine their work life with their family life,” she added.

But in Scandinavian countries, fertility policies have worked better than they did in Asia, according to Ms Peng.

“The main reason is because they have a good welfare system and the cost of raising children is cheaper. Their gender equality is also much more balanced than in Asian countries.”

Asian countries have ranked lower in comparison in the global gender gap report by the World Economic Forum.

Global executions in 2022 at highest rate for five years - Amnesty

The number of executions recorded globally in 2022 was the highest in five years, as several Middle Eastern states ramped up their use of the death penalty, Amnesty International says. A total of 883 people are known to have been put to death across 20 countries, marking a rise of 53% compared to 2021, according to the group’s annual review.

Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt alone carried out 90% of those executions.

The figures exclude China, which is thought to execute thousands each year.

Data on the death penalty is classified in China, which Amnesty said impaired its ability

to make an accurate assessment about the numbers put to death in the country.

The group was also able to confirm that executions were carried out in North Korea, Vietnam, Syria and Afghanistan, but there was insufficient information to provide credible minimum figures.

According to Amnesty’s report, Iran and Saudi Arabia were mainly responsible for the sharp increase in known executions worldwide last year.

It says Iran put 576 people to death - up from 314 in 2021. Of last year’s total, 279 people were convicted of murder, 255 of drugrelated offences, 21 of rape, and 18 of the national security charge of “enmity against God”.

The final category included two men who were detained in connection with the antigovernment protests that erupted in the Islamic Republic in September. They faced what a UN expert called “arbitrary, summary and sham trials marred by torture allegations”.

In Saudi Arabia, executions tripled from 65 in 2021 to 196 in 2022 - the highest number that Amnesty has recorded in the country in 30 years.

Eighty-five people were put to death after being convicted of terrorism offences and 57 for drug offences, according to the report. There drug-related executions marked the end of a moratorium reportedly in place since 2020.

On a single day in March

2022, authorities carried out the mass execution of 81 people. At least 41 were members of Shia Muslim minority, including two convicted of crimes related to their participation in antigovernment protests.

Amnesty has previously accused the Saudi justice system of meting out death sentences following trials that are grossly unfair, including basing verdicts on “confessions” extracted under torture or other ill-treatment.

In Egypt, 24 people were put to death last year. However, that represented a 71% decrease compared to 2021, when 83 were executed.

Amnesty also reported executions in Iraq (11), Kuwait (7), the Palestinian Territories (5),

Yemen (4) and Syria (unknown). Agnès Callamard, the group’s secretary general, accused Middle Eastern states of violating international law and demonstrating “a callous disregard for human life”.

“It’s time for governments and the UN to up the pressure on those responsible for these blatant human rights violations and ensure international safeguards are put in place,” she said.

Elsewhere in the world, 18 people were executed in the US, up from 11 in 2022, and 11 were put to death in Singapore, where executions for drug offences resumed after a two-year hiatus during the Covid pandemic.

Source: BBC

Falling birth rates are a major concern for some of Asia’s biggest economies.

China ditched its one-child policy in 2016

FG assures of improved power supply

By Egena Sunday Ode

The Federal Government has assured that electric power supply in the country will witness significant improvements in the next couple of weeks.

Minister of Power (State) Jerry Agba disclosed this Wednesday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the weekly Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting at the Aso Rock Preaidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the major impediment to power generation and distribution which had to do with has supply which been moved out it the way, thereby creating a leeway for an improved power supply.

He said: “You’ll agree with me that of late, we’ve had problems

with gas supplies for generational companies. We just negotiated with the gas supply companies, NNPC limited to augment gas supplies to distributors at the going local rate. Gas was sold to them at export rate, whose price differs and they collection is made on domestic rates. So there was a differential and the argument, however, we had an agreement with the NNPCL and and natural gas company to supply gas to GENCOs commencing from last week, and they are buying at local price not at the export price.

“So with that we hope in the very near future in a week or two should have improved generation and supply. Distribution is going to be done by DISCOs which is why we are doing everything possible for transmission company to

have all the equipment necessary for effective transmission. We hope and I assure you that power generation and distribution as well as will improve despite the rains that have come in now.”

The Miniater also disclosed that two memos were approved by the FEC to enable the ministry discharge its mandate.

He said: “And gentlemen of the press. The Ministry of power had two memos today, essentially, the first one being an approval for the award of contract for the procurement of 25 numbers of 33 KV circuit breakers and 120 numbers of surge arrestors for systems used for Transition Company of Nigeria.

“You know, we are bent on providing an improving services on electricity to Nigerians. TCN

is the main body that has to do the transmission. You know generation and distribution is in private hands now so government is only responsible for transmission.

“So most of the equipment have become obsolete over the years which is why you have breaking transmissions, low power outage, low power supplies and outages here and there. With this refurbishments and new procurements, we should be able to improve services and see power supply get better by the day.

“The contract value is in the neighborhood of N140 million as argumentation for that. The contract has been awarded before they are ongoing, but we asked for approval for revaluation due to price escalation and additional

works. We’re building new sub stations in one of the places.

“The second one was the approval for the variation due to price escalation on the construction of the Dukanbo Shonga 132 KV double circuit transmission line. Shonga is in Kwara State and that line has been down for several years. So with this procurement, we should be able to revemp the station and you know is an agro based area that’s the area which service the Bacita farm, the shunga farms limited and the whole of that area has been in darkness for a long time. With this procurement we hope that in two months, we should have full power supply to those areas and restore farming and processing activities in that area. The cost is N1.5 billion.”

India’s booming population needs more women at work

Last month, India surpassed China as the world’s most populous country, prompting analysts to point out the potential benefits of its significant young demographic. However, a major obstacle to realising this potential is the insufficient representation of women in India’s workforce. The BBC’s Arunoday Mukharji reports.

When Lavanya Ulaganathan decided to take a break from work in 2014 to have a baby, she felt torn and dismayed.

But the HR professional from the southern state of Tamil Nadu, who says she was at the “peak of her career” then, was clear that she wanted to spend time with her family.

Four years and two children later, she felt ready to re-join the workforce. But finding a job was hard.

She faced repeated rejections, and recruiters also asked her to take massive salary cuts, arguing that she couldn’t expect anything else after taking a break.

“It was a huge setback for my career,” she says.

Ms Ulaganathan is not alone. Nearly half of India’s population is female and yet, the number of working women has fallen to record lows in the past two decades. According to data from the World Bank, the female participation rate in India’s labour force was at its peak in 2000 at 31%. Since then, it has consistently fallen, hitting a low of 21% in 2018.

There are many reasons for this. India is still a largely patriarchal society, where women are expected to be primary caregivers at home. Indian women spend eight times the number of hours on unpaid care work compared with men, according to a national time use survey from 2019. The global average is three times.

Experts say that safety concerns and not being able to find jobs close to home also prevent women in big cities from joining the workforce.

After months of searching, Ms Ulaganathan did find a job - as

a human resources manager at TVS - one of India’s biggest twowheeler manufacturers.

The company has a scheme for women who are returning to their careers after a professional break

- it offers flexible working hours, mentoring and training to them.

Ms Ulaganathan said the programme helped her find her ground again.

“If you want us to come back with the same energy and enthusiasm, these kind of programmes have to be there,” she says.

Official data shows that only 32% of Indian women work after they get married - and most of them are part of the agricultural sector.

Ashwini Deshpande, an economics professor and head of the Centre for Economic Data and Analysis at Ashoka University, says that the country

needs to create more non-farm opportunities in rural areas so that women can find jobs beyond agricultural work.

“If you want to gain from India’s gender dividend, then women need to be productively employed,” she says.

A 2018 McKinsey report estimated that India could add

$550bn to its gross domestic product by increasing its female labour force participation by just 10%.

Currently, women employees account for less than 20% of India’s manufacturing sector. But some changes are visible, especially in the industrial belt of Hosur in Tamil Nadu.

Located just 35km (21 miles) away from the information technology hub Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), Hosur is home to a host of industries and has become an attractive destination for investments.

Six years ago, Roshni Lugun left her home - 2,000km away in Odisha state - and came to Hosur to work as an engineer in a factory. She started off by making shock absorbers for two- and three-wheelers and is now a staff supervisor.

“I wanted to try something new,” she says. “If I had stayed at home, I would never have progressed so far. I could not have achieved this.”

Like Ms Lugun, hundreds of other women working at the plant are changing the face of what was once a male-dominated industry. Even companies in the area are focusing on hiring more women in their workforce.

Gabriel India Ltd - an auto parts company in Hosur - says that more than 20% of the workers in its factories are women. The firm says the move makes sense from a business point of view. “Our internal studies have shown that attrition rates for women are lower,” says Atul Jaggi, president and deputy managing director of Gabriel India.

The company provides perks such as on-site accommodation, subsidised food and several training programmes to attract more women workers.

“It doesn’t cost more. These are basic facilities which any good organisation should have,” Mr Jaggi says.

Ms Lagun agrees. “Why should it be that for India’s economy to grow, only men have to work? We can also help,” she says as she supervises a female colleague who is putting the finishing touches on shock absorbers which will be fitted on two-wheelers.

For Ms Lagun personally, the most exciting part of her job is that it gives her a sense of independence .

“Sometimes when I am out with my friends, I spot a motorcycle fitted with our auto parts. And I say, look, I have made it. It makes me happy and proud,” she says.

Source: BBC

Hundreds of women work in factories in Hosur

The number of working women in India has fallen to record lows in the past two decades

Ms Ulaganathan found it hard to get a job after taking a career break

Six years ago, Roshni Lugun left her home - 2,000km away in Odisha state - and came to Hosur to work as an engineer in a factory. She started off by making shock absorbers for two- and three-wheelers and is now a staff supervisor.

PUBLIC NOTICE

VIVIGOLD FOUNDATION FOR ALBINISM

EMPOWERMENT EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE

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THE TRUSTEES ARE:

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2. HARUNA AISHA - (SECRETARY)

3. USMAN IBRAHIM AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. TO RENDER ASSISTANT AND RELIEF MATERIALS TO INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS. IDP. INCLUDING THE VICTIMS OF BANDITRY IN THE NORTHERN NIGERIA.

2. TO HELP THE NEEDIESTAND LESS PRIVILEGES INCLUDING WIDOWS AND ORPHANS IN THE SOCIETY.

3. TO RENDER MOST NEEDED ASSISTANCE TO TSANGAYA SCHOOLS

4. TO ESTABLISH AND CREATE SKILLS AQUISATIONS CENTRES IN RURAL AREAS.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: ATTAHIRU BIO MOHAMMED 08036492700.

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ORPHAN AND LESS PRIVILEGED RIGHT AND WELFARE FOUNDATION

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THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1 MONYE HORATIO FRANCIS

2 SIMON DANIEL OKORO

3 AJIBADE MARTINS OLALERE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO CREATE EMPOWERMENT FOR THE DISABLED, LESS PRIVILEGED AND GIVE THEM SENSE OF BELONGING IN THE SOCIETY

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: BARR AMAKA 07038948697

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BISHOP HYCENT FOUNDATION

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THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. HYCENT BISHOP CHINONYE

2. OBICHUKWU EMEKA EMMANUEL

AIMS / OBJECTIVES

1. TO HELP THE POOR AND THE NEEDY

2. TO PROMOTE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SKILL ACQUISITION

3. TO PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN SERVICES TO THE POPULACE TO PROMOTE CHARITABLE AND WELFARE ACTIVITIES ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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WELFARE FOR PEOPLE IN NEED OF SUPPORT FOUNDATION

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THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. ALIMI BLESSING OMOJU - CHAIRMAN

2. ELEGBE TOLULOPE LYDA - SECRETARY

3. OYETUNJI ESTHER FUNKE

4. OLUWALOSIJIBOMI JOHN ADEYEMI

5. AJIDE ILUFEMILOYE OLUWAROTIMI

6. OPARINDE FUNMILAYO FLORENCE

7. BABATIMEHIN STELLA BUKOLA

8. ADENIYI ADESOLA JOHNSON AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. TO PROMOTE EVANGELISM THROUGH HELPING THE LESS PRIVILEGED.

2. TO ESTABLISH, DEVELOP WELFAREAND HUMANITARIANACTIVITIES FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN AND LESS PRIVILEGE IN THE SOCIETY.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

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UWELLE-UKEHE UNITED BROTHERS CLUB

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THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1 ODOH EVARISTUS OKWUDILI

2 OGWU IFEANYICHUKWU CHRISTANTUS

3 AROH AARON

4 NGWU OKWUDILI JOHNCHROSS

5 UGWU TOCHUKWU CELESTINE

6 IYI CHUKWUDUBEM CALISTUS

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG MEMBERS

2. TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS

3. TO PROMOTEMUTUAL EXISTENCE AMONGST MEMBERS.

4 TO PROMOTE SOCIAL INTERACTION BETWEEN PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT SOCIAL CLASS

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: BARR AMAKA 07038948697

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NAMADI INUWA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

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THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1- NAMADI INUWA CHAIRMAN

2- UMAR NAMADI INUWA

3- ABDULAZIZ NAMADI INUWA

4- AMINU NAMADI INUWA

5- USMAN NAMADI INUWA SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

1- PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED PERSONS AND ORPHANS IN OUR COMMUNITY.

2- ESTABLISHING AND RUNNING SCHOOLS, MOSQUES AND PUBLIC TOILETS IN OUR COMMUNITY.

TO PROMOTE CHARITABLE AND WELFARE ACTIVITIES

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: ALIYU MUHAMMAD AHMAD ESQ. 08093809380

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RELIABLE NATIVES FOR SOCIALAWARENESS FOUNDATION

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THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. EDWARDS OSUNLALU OLALEKAN SMART

2. ADAMU BUHARI

3. GAMBO SAMINU

4. MICHAEL OLUSEGUN EDWARDSOLUSTEPHEN

5. MIRABEL UDEAGHA NGOZI

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1. TO ENCOURAGE DIALOGUE WHILE PROMOTING RULE OF LAW

2. TO ENSURE BY PROMOTING AND EDUCATING SOCIAL REENGINEERING AMONGST CITIZENS

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SIGNED: SECRETARY

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT ONE MAJ. GEN. DANIEL DANJUMA KITCHENER (RTD) A DIRECTOR WITH SMMDDK AND CO LTD COMPANY OF NO. 3,S K OMOJOKUN STREET, KATAMPE EXTENSION, ABUJA REPORTED THE LOSS OF HIS ORIGINAL RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY BEARING THE NAME; MOSHUDI BOLA BABATUNDE, WITH PLOT NO. 236 AND FILE NO. OY10083 ( OY1645) LOCATED AT B19 CADASTRAL ZONE, KATAMPE EXTENSION ABUJA, ISSUED BY AGIS ( FCDA) DATED 22ND OF APRIL, 1996. GOT MISSING AND ALL EFFORT MADE TO TRACE THE MISSING DOCUMENTS PROVEDABORTIVE, IF FOUND KINDLY CONTACT ANY NEAREST POLICE STATION OR THE ADDRESS ABOVE. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

SARE MANGA CHARITY FOUNDATION

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2. WAZIRI FATIMA AHMAD - SECRETARY

3. RUFAI ABDULFATAH AHMAD

4. SAAD SUWAIBA

5. ABDULHAMEED BILKISU ISA

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1.TO PROMOTE EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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ANAYO BENNETH ORJIAKO FOUNDATION

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THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. ORJIAKO CHINEDU NELSON - CHAIRMAN

2. ORJIAKO ANGELINA NNEOMA

3. ODIRA UZOR

4. ORJIAKO CHINENYE LORETTA

5. IGBONWELUNDU SYLVERLINE CHIKA

6. OKORONKWO UGOCHI GENEVIVE

7. NOWA- OMOROGBE IFEOMA LINDA

8. OLIVER-NWACHUKWU JENNIFER CHETACHI

9. ONYEASO UJUNWA DELPHINE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO IMPROVE PEOPLE’S HEALTH AND REDUCE INEQUALITIES BY INCREASING

UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIETAL BENEFITS OF GOOD HEALTH

THEREBY BUILDING A HEALTHIER SOCIETY.

2. TO WORK WITH STAKEHOLDERS TO BUILD CROSS-SECTOR SUPPORT AND MOBILIZE ACTION FOR THE CHANGES NEEDED TO PROMOTE HEALTHIER LIVES AND TO DEVELOP A SUSTAINABLE FRAMEWORK OF SUPPORT TO THE COMMUNITY IN THE HEALTH AND ECONOMIC SECTOR.

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5. IN ORDER TO SUSTAIN ANAYO BENNETH ORJIAKO’S LOVE FOR CHILDREN, TO TRAIN, EDUCATE AND EMPOWER THE CHILD-IN-NEED WITH VOCATIONAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC SKILLS THAT WILL GUARANTEE FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCEAND IMPROVEACCESSIBILITY TO HEALTH CARE SOLUTIONS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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ACCOUNTABILITY LAB NIGERIA NETWORK, CAC/IT/NO.111305).

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THE REMOVED TRUSTEES ARE :

(1) OLALEKAN OSHUNKOYA

(2) HENRY JACOB AJUBORU

(3) OMOLOLA ALADESANMI.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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PUREHEART HEALTH WELLINESS OUTREACH

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2. SANNI ADEBAYO LATEEF

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4. AKINWUNMI ADEBISI ADEBIMPE

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1. TO SERVE AS A CHARITABLE OUTREACH WITH AIMS TO PROVIDE FREE HEALTH CHECK AND PROMOTE HEALTHCARE FOR PEOPLE OVER FORTY (40) YEARS AND SUPPORT THE ELDERLY OVER SIXTY (60)YEARS WITH MEDICAL TREATMENT ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THAT EDOVIS GLOBAL RESOURCES BN: 3209052 IS A REAL ESTATEAND CONSTRUCTION COMPANY AND HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR THREE YEARS PROVIDING TOP-QUALITY REAL ESTATE SERVICES. LOCATED AT BENIN CITY, EDO STATE. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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HOLY ROSARY SECONDARY SCHOOL IHIOMA ALUMNI 1999 ASSOCIATION

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THE TRUSTEES ARE

1. NOWA-OMOROGBE IFEOMA LINDA CHAIRMAN

2. IZUNOBI CHARITY CHIDINMA

3. MBAEYI UDOKA ESTHER

4. EBERE JOSEPHINE OBIANUJU

5. OKORIE IJEOMA VIVIAN

6. UGBAJA CHIOMA MARY,

7. IWUOHA PERPETUA IFEYINWA

8. AHAMEFULE UKAMAKA HENRIETTA - SECRETARY

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1. TO CONCENTRATE ON DEVELOPING AND STRENGTHENING INDIVIDUAL MEMBER’S FINANCIAL POSITIONS

2. TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT, THEREBY REACHING OUT TO MEMBERS WHO MAY BE IN NEED OF HELP

3. TO SHARE IDEAS AND OPPORTUNITIES THAT WILL CREATE CAREER AND INDIVIDUAL GROWTH

4. TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THE SCHOOL PROJECTS BY FINDING WAYS TO RAISE FUNDS TO IMPROVE ON THE GENERAL OUTLOOK OF THE SCHOOL EITHER BY YEARLY LUNCHEONS/ DINNER, ENDOWMENTS, AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS

5. TO LIAISE AND COOPERATE WITH OTHER SETS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR ALMA MATER.

6. TO REUNITE AND BRING BACK MEMBERS OF CLASS OF 1999 TOGETHER AS SISTERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : PRESENTER - UGOH AGUGAM.

THE WORD AND GOD’S HAND OF REDEMPTION MINISTRY

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1. AKINRINOLA KAYODE SIMEON -CHAIRMAN

2. MAKANJUOLA JOAN ABIKESECRETARY

3. AKINRINOLA OYENIKE MARY -MEMBER

4. OLUYORI CORNELIUS MAKANJUOLA - MEMBER

5. TOBILOBA AHMED JUBRIL - MEMBER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. LOST SOULS WOULD BE FOUND.

2. SOUND DOCTRINES THROUGH THE WORD WOULD BE ESTABLISHED.

3. SINNERS WOULD BECOME SAINTS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

ASSOCIATION OF ORAUKWU JUSTICE BROTHERS LAGOS FORUM

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THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. ELOBENZE , OGOCHUKWU BATHLOMEW MALACHY

2. MGBACHI BOSAH EMMANUEL

3. IKEZUAGU , OBIORA LEONARD

4. MADUEKE , JOSEPH IFEDILICHUKWU

5. NWADIKE , CHIGBO SOLOMON

6. OBIAJUKU , PAULINUS OGOCHUKWU

7. OBINUGWU , SAMSON ODINIGWE

8. OBI , EZEPUE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO MAINTAIN JUSTICE , EQUITYAND FAIRNESS AMONG MEMBERS OF ORAUKWU COMMUNITY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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1.AMIOLEMEN OSAGIE MARCUS

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1.TO FOSTER PEACE AND UNITY AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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MRS. ABIGAIL

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS ABIGAIL ONYAWOLE SUNDAY AND NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS MRS ABIGAIL ONYAOLE SUNDAY YOHANNA.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. CONCERN AUTHORITIES, BANKS,FCE KONTAGORAAND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

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NLEKOTA CHARITY FOUNDATION.

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ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY.

EL-USMAN

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023

Olympics Qualifier: Nigeria wns 6 more medals in Africa Weightlifting Championship

By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria weightlifters have continued to churn out impressive performances in their quest for Paris 2024 Olympics qualification.

On Tuesday, May 16, two Nigerian weightlifters won six more medals at the ongoing 2023 Senior Africa Weightlifting Championship in Tunisia (which also serves as Olympics 2024 qualifiers), after Joy Eze Ogbonne won three silver and Edidiong Umofia won a silver and two bronze medals.

Competing in 71kg women category, Joy Eze won three silver medals in snatch, Clean

& Jerk and Total.

Eze lifted a total of 227kg to settle for three silver medals narrowly behind gold winner, Egyptian Neama.

The 2022 National Sports Festival, NSF gold medalist lifted 102kilos in snatch, 125kilos in Clean & Jerk and 227kilos in Total to claim all the silver medals.

She finished second in the three events behind Egyptian’s Said Neama Said Fahmi who lifted a total 229kg to win the three gold on offer while Ketty Lent of Mauritius finished third with three bronze medals with a combined lift of 197kg.

On his part, 2022 Commonwealth

Games bronze winner, Edidiong Umofia won silver in 73kg men snatch. He also won two bronze medals in the Clean & Jerk and Total.

Edidiong who also won gold medals at the 2022 NSF, won silver with 142kilos, and won two bronze medals in Clean & Jerk and Total with a lift of 170kilos and 312kilos, respectively.

Nigeria has so far won a total of 12 medals at the ongoing Senior Africa Weightlifting Championship in Tunisia.

Recall that Lawal Rufiatu Folashade and Olarinoye Adenike Adijat began Nigeria’s medal quest with 3 gold and 3 silver medals

on Monday, in that order.

The four lifters thus far have won 3 gold, 7 silver and 2 bronze medals at the championship which also serves as the Olympics 2024 qualifiers.

The Senior Africa Weightlifting Championship which got underway in Tunisia on Wednesday last week will be rounded off on Saturday, May 20.

Nigeria will conclude her involvement in the championship today.

The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, NWF sponsored five athletes to the championship.

REVEALED: Fidelis Ilechukwu to replace Maikaba as Rangers Coach

By Amaechi Agbo

Baring last minutes change in plans, Enugu State Government is working round the clock to appoint current Plateau United Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu as Rangers International FC new manager. Ilechukwu who is rumoured to depart the 2027 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL winners after the current season, is expected to comence work with Rangers in

the new 2023/2024 NPFL season.

It’s gathered that Ilechukwu is being considered by Rangers owners considering his vast knowledge in the league.

Prior to his sojourn in Jos with Plateau United, Coach Ilechukwu distinguished himself in the NPFL following his stint with MFM FC. He also managed Heartland FC of Owerri and twice saved the club from going down the relegation despite financial difficulties.

Enugu Rangers struggled throughout the abridged 2023 NPFL season and only managed to escape relegation. The team’s condition was made worse following the inability of the Enugu State Government to complete the renovation work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium pitch almost two years after the contract was awarded in October 2021.

Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as”The Catchedral” has been Rangers home since their formation in 1970.

The Flying Antelopes played their 2022 and 2023 NPFL seasons home matches in Awka, Anambra State.

The club currently does not have a Team Manager and a General Manager as the owners refused to appoint new hands to manage the team following the resignation of the former occupants.

It is not clear at press time if Ilechukwu’s appointment will be made official before May 29 handover in the state.

P R T

NFF, Civil Defence collaborate for enhanced security at football match venues

BY Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria Football Federation, NFF and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC on Wednesday agreed to co-operate and collaborate even more in the interest of safety and security at all football matches within the Nigeria territory.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau heaped plaudits on the officers and men of NSCDC for the great job they have been doing providing safety and security at Nigeria’s football grounds.

“Let me start by commending you for the immense co-operation that the NFF and the entire Nigeria Football fraternity have been enjoying from the officers and men of NSCDC over the years. We have decided to come here because of the critical nature of our relationship, to underscore the professionalism, diligence and sense of responsibility of your officers and to seek avenues for even greater cooperation and collaboration in the interest of Nigeria Football.

“We have continued to receive positive reports on your officers and men from venues of football matches in the country. Before I became NFF President, I was Chairman of NFF Security Committee as well as a Member of CAF Security Committee, and we enjoyed the support and professional service of NSCDC officers during our international matches.”

The NFF President thereafter suggested to Dr. Audi about initiating State Command

Fit-fighting Nigeria battled to a 3-3 draw with Colombia in Tuesday’s pre-FIFA U20 World Cup friendly match at the Estadio 20 October in Tristán Suárez, Buenos Aires.

Colombia went ahead in the tie after 26 minutes when central defender Abel Ogwuche put the ball past his own goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso.

The seven-time African champions levelled up in the 44th minute when winger Jude Sunday fired a scorching shot from outside the box, but the South Americans were soon back in the lead before half-time after they converted from the penalty spot.

The Colombians, who play in Group C of the tournament against African champions Senegal, Japan and Israel, increased the tally in the 73rd minute to leave the Flying Eagles panting. But winger Ibrahim Mohammed pulled one back just

football teams as football is a veritable unifying factor between and among peoples and nations of the universe.

Responding, the NSCDC supremo thanked the NFF chieftains for the visit, and said greater cooperation and collaboration between the two organizations are imperative. He described football as a huge unifying force that drastically

reduces vices and idleness among the youth, and also serves to provide a sound mind in a healthy body.

“We welcome the gesture of greater collaboration because we appreciate the power of football. Just recently, we had our InterDirectorate Sports Competition of which football was the star attraction. Our officers and men will always be available to

provide safety and security at venues of football matches across Nigeria.

“We will explore the suggestion of State Command football teams. Football is a capital-intensive venture but we will see how we can run a test and feel the ground for having football teams.”

Also at the occasion were topmost officers of the

U-20 World Cup: Bosso optimistic after Flying Eagles draw Columbia in friendly B

four minutes later and Emmanuel Umeh, one of the scorers in the 3-2 defeat of Argentine second division team Almirante Brown on Friday evening, evened things up in the 89th minute.

Head Coach Isah Ladan Bosso was full of warm words for the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation for organizing the friendly with Colombia.

“We thank the NFF leadership for organizing such a good test for the team. I am happy with the result. This will bolster the team mentally and psychologically for the World Cup starting in a few days. The match has provided us with a stiff test and has also strengthened us for the big task ahead,” Bosso told thenff.com at

the final whistle.

“We are focused on the big challenge ahead, which is to put up a creditable performance that will match the pedigree of our country at this championship. Our ultimate target is to have a good campaign and with this result, we will be very ready for our first match against the Dominican Republic on Sunday.”

The match against Colombia drew the curtain on the Flying Eagles’ activities in Buenos Aires, and they will fly into Mendoza on Wednesday afternoon ahead of their first game against the Dominican Republic on Sunday. Their second match, against Italy on Wednesday next week, will also take place in Mendoza.

rentford striker

Ivan Toney has been banned from football for eight months after he accepted breaking Football Association betting rules.

Toney has also been charged £50,000 and warned about his future conduct for 232 breaches of the FA’s betting rules.

His suspension starts immediately, but the 27-year-old can return to training with Brentford four months before it ends on 17 September.

He will not be allowed to play again until 17 January, 2024.

In a statement, the FA said: “His [Toney] sanctions were

NSCDC, including Deputy Commandant-Generals and Assistant CommandantGenerals. There were as well the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; Director of Competitions, Ruth David; Head of Protocol, Barnabas Joro and; Abubakar Barde, special assistant to the NFF President.

subsequently imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission following a personal hearing.

“The independent Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for these sanctions will be published in due course, and the FA will wait to review them before commenting further.”

Toney has scored 20 goals in 33 Premier League appearances this season, helping Brentford into ninth place in the table.

He will miss Brentford’s trip to Tottenham on Saturday and the final day of the season at home to league leaders Manchester City on 28 May.

Brentford striker Ivan Tony banned from football for 8 months, fined

PHOTO : NFF President Gusau (right) with NSCDC boss, Dr. Audi at the occasion

S P R T

Assault: Police Machine FC’s TM, 2 coaches, 5 players imdefinitely suspended ...Club fined N200, 000, ordered to repair damaged stadium facilities

By Amaechi Agbo

The Nigeria Division 3 League, the Nationwide League One, NLO has indefinitely suspended the Team Manager, two coaches and five players of Police Machine Football Club of Abuja following their assaults on match officials during their league game against Royal Stars FC in Bwari Area Council Abuja on Monday.

Police Machine FC officials attacked the match officials at the Bwari Township Stadium after they lost the NLO Playoff match 1-0 to the Gwawalada team.

The club was also fined N200, 000 which must be paid before their next league game and ordered to repair all damaged stadium facilities

The NLO Secretariat received the report of unsportsmanlike behavior of the Police FCT FC Players and Officials in their match against De Royal Stars FC played on 15th May 2023 in

Bwari.

The suspended Team Manager is Lucky Yusuf; the two coaches are Mr. Paul and Mr Terna Magashi.

The affected players are: Idah Dominic, Robert Benard, Nasara Peter, Simson Godwin and James Aboh

“Sequel to above and the fact that such actions are least expected from law enforcement agents in Sports, we hereby apply the rules as stated below;

Mr Lucky Yusuf -Team Manager - Indefinite suspension from football activities

Mr. Paul - Coach - Indefinite suspension from football activities

Mr Terna Magashi - Coach - Indefinite suspension from football activities

Mr Idah Dominic - Player - Indefinite suspension from football activities.

Mr Robert Benard - Player - Indefinite suspension from football activities/

Mr Nasara Peter - Player

- Indefinite suspension from football activities.

Mr Simson Godwin - Player - Indefinite suspension from football activities

Mr James Aboh - Player - Indefinite suspension from football activities

“Police FCT FC is also fined the sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira to be paid to NLO

“Police FCT FC must repair all the damaged properties in the Stadium.

“Police FCT FC shall pay the sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira for medicals of all the injured officials due to the assault on them my members of Police FCT FC

“These payments shall be paid before their next match in the ongoing 2023 League.

“This decision shall be communicated to The Nigeria Police Headquarters and Nigeria Football Federation for further sanctions,” the NLO said on Monday,

Italian Open: Djokovic loses to Holger Rune in Rome

Novak Djokovic suffered his earliest exit at the Italian Open since 2013 when he was beaten by rising Danish star Holger Rune in the quarterfinals.

The Serb top seed, who turns 36 next week, was beaten 6-2 4-6 6-2 by 20-yearold Rune on the Rome clay.

Djokovic was bidding for his seventh title in the Italian capital as he prepares for the French Open on 28 May.

Seventh seed Rune will play Norwegian fourth seed Casper Ruud or Argentine 24th seed Francisco Cerundolo next.

Djokovic’s preparations for the French Open have been disrupted by injury, having missed the recent Madrid Open with an elbow problem and returning to the court in Rome as he looked to build up form and fitness.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion will have the opportunity at Roland Garros to move clear of Rafael Nadal in terms of the most men’s major titles of all time.

Following opening wins against Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Grigor Dimitrov and British number one Cameron Norrie, Djokovic was going through the gears in Rome without yet finding his finest form.

There were signs of tension during a tetchy last-16 match against Norrie, before which Djokovic needed treatment for an injury that he was reluctant to discuss afterwards.

Djokovic, who will be replaced as world number one by Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz next week, also needed a medical timeout early in the second set against Rune.

While that was perhaps a factor behind his flat performance, the main reason for the defeat was he could not cope with the problems posed by the Dane.

Rune showed why he is being predicted to win some of the sport’s biggest prizes, showing confidence in his shot-making to trade blows with Djokovic and also demonstrating his strong

mental resilience.

After racing to the opening set in 38 minutes, Rune lost focus in the second set after a line call went against him.

The ruling by umpire Mohamed Lahyani left Rune livid and he lost serve to go 4-2 down but, after teeing up three break points by finishing an extraordinary 34-shot rally with a sublime drop shot, reduced the deficit to 5-4.

Djokovic upped his level again to threaten another break at 0-30 and - after rain forced the players off court for over an hour - secured the set seconds after the restart to level the match.

But Rune refocused at the start of the deciding set, moving a double break up for 3-0 and maintained concentration to serve out for a second straight win over Djokovic.

With Djokovic out and Nadal not playing because of injury, the Rome men’s singles final will be the first since 2004 without at least one of the pair involved.

Manager and player behaviour towards referees

The behaviour of managers and players towards match officials this season “has not been good enough”, says referees’ chief Howard Webb.

A number of Premier League managers including Jurgen Klopp, Marco Silva and Roberto di Zerbi have served touchline bans after being sent off.

Webb says a “stronger” approach is needed to try and address the issue.

“We need everybody in the game supporting a movement towards a more respectful environment,” he said.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the chief refereeing officer of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited added: “It’s clear it has not been good enough. Everybody acknowledges we need to be stronger in dealing with behaviours not at the acceptable level.

“I think for a long time referees have taken a conciliatory approach, I did it as well. I didn’t want to overreact and ruin the game in the moment.

“But that’s not fared well in

the bigger picture and we need to collectively look at ways we can change the trend - and it does need changing. We all accept that.”

The issue of manager and player behaviour towards officials has been brought into focus this season after a number of high-profile incidents.

Liverpool boss Klopp was given a one-match ban after he was sent off against Manchester City in October for berating the referee’s assistant. The German is also waiting for the result of a Football Association charge for comments he made about referee Paul Tierney after a game against Tottenham last month.

Fulham manager Silva has served two separate touchline bans, including for an incident during the Cottagers’ FA Cup defeat at Manchester United in March that also saw striker Aleksandar Mitrovic banned for eight games for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh.

Brighton boss Di Zerbi has been sent off twice - including for a melee that also saw then interim Tottenham manager Cristian Stellini dismissedand served one touchline ban.

‘not good enough’, says Howard Webb

Golden Eaglets wins U-17 AFCON Fair Play Award despite elimination

Agenda for President-elect, Bola Tinubu

In less than a fortnight, Nigeria will usher in the 5th democratically elected President of our current democratic cycle, who will lead us into to 25 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, a critical milestone in our national history. Nigeria’s democracy has grown in leaps and bounds, and one of the positive takeaways from the 2023 National elections, is the heightened level of citizen awareness and involvement in the democratic process. The evolution of the Nigerian political space, has created new dynamics and challenges, which have now been placed on the shoulders of President-Elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our entire political establishment. It is an obligation that I expect him to discharge creditably, as he is perhaps the most prepared, tested and equipped personality to step into the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Guest Columnist

By Vincent Essien

through on our Police Reforms, so as to enable personnel live freely within the community.

Despite crashing out at the quarter-final stage, Nigeria's Golden Eaglets have been awarded the Fair Play Team in the group stage at the ongoing U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON in Algeria.

The Eaglets lost 2-1 to Burkina Faso in the last 8 match on Thursday thereby failing to qualify for the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the AFCON semi-final.

However on Saturday, the Confederation of Africa Football, CAF named the Nduka Ugbade tutored lads as the best behaved team at the group stage of the tournament

Nigeria defeated Zambia by alone goal in their first matche, lost to Morocco by similar score and rallied to beat South Africa 3-2 in their last Group B match.

It could also be recalled that Gold Eaglets defender, Yahaya Lawali was named among the CAF Best XI of the U-17 AFCON group Stage.

The 2023 tournament will continue on Sunday, May 14 after observing a two-day hiatus.

The semi-final will take centre stage as tournament's favorite, Senegal takes on Burkina Faso while Morocco and Mali will also squareup.

All the four semi-finalists have qualified to represent Africa at the 2023 FIFA World Cup which holds later in the year.

However, the office comes with very formidable and in-built institutional minefields that can overwhelm and disorientate even the most focussed of minds, as we seek to navigate and build a national consensus to propel our nation into the global force that the world has been waiting for. Nigeria has an inevitable destiny as a major player in the comity of nations, and there is no better time for us to begin to play this role than now, when the world is almost inevitably moving into a new season of intricate global crises, with the Russia/Ukraine, a re-emerging Middle East conflict between Israel and its familiar Arab adversaries and with SubSaharan Africa threatened by multiple burgeoning conflicts in West Africa and now the Sudan. Asiwaju’s international reach and Pan African tentacles, will be called up as the world will urgently require Nigeria’s full commitment and domineering role in the resolution of international conflicts, with particular emphasis on ensuring the stability of Sub-Saharan Africa.

A major positive is that Nigeria will be having a President with very strong views on contemporary international issue such as Climate Change and the need to transition into cleaner energy and which countries should bear greater obligations in this regard. Asiwaju has repeatedly emphasized that the growing economies must not be unfairly burdened even as the world must commit to lowering global emissions and fossil fuel consumption. The alternative would put Nigeria

in a disadvantaged position, at the time when we are boosting our Oil and Gas reserves and positioning ourselves as a major global gas supplier, in a global economy destabilized by the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Already the Trans Saharan pipeline is in the works while we are also being courted by Morocco to commit to yet another $25 Billion pipeline that would take our gas into Europe. This is the right moment for the reigns of power in Nigeria to be vested in a man, with proven capacity to deliver outstanding projects, which will be needed to drive the transformation of Nigeria into a critical block within the Global energy mix. The foundation has already been laid with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) already driving reform of the domestic Oil and Gas economy and the Dangote Refinery scheduled to be commissioned next week, which should enable President Bola Tinubu undertake a reappraisal of Nigeria’s expensive petrol Subsidy program. However, Nigeria’s capacity to be considered as a reliable long term Global Partner will also be assessed on our capacity to assure the world of our own long term stability and ability to manage, even if not able to completely eliminate, our internal and regional security threats. The in-coming administration will

inherit a Nigerian military that is in a much better place, courtesy of the commendable efforts of outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari, who has undertaken the most comprehensive make-over of Nigeria’s defense capacity since the Nigerian Civil War. It is one that has boosted the operational platforms of the across the Army, Navy and most especially the Airforce. This is a program that must be sustained and boosted by new administration, with concurrent policy of reorganisation of our national security architecture. These include initiating fresh and deeper constitutional reforms that will decentralise Policing to the lower tiers of Government, and doubling up on the current program of ramping up ratio of Police personnel to the populace, to within acceptable levels. Following through on the policies contained in the Renewed Hope Agenda including relinquishment of Police from personal security functions and vesting that critical service in other specialized State VIP Protection Agencies, that will be adequately funded, and supported by commensurate payment by private citizens that may require such services. This is in addition to the need to adequately re-orientate the Nigeria Police Force, and completely terminate the Barracks system as we follow

One can also take confidence in the fact that in confronting our National security challenges President Bola Tinubu, will have support from a Vice President that comes with a background of confronting daunting security challenges. Borno State has made what must be considered a remarkable turnaround in relation to its security challenges, and the foundations were laid under the government of Vice President Elect Senator Kassim Shettima. The security strategy of winning hearts and minds, as contained in the Renewed Hope Agenda has been well implemented in Borno State, especially as the root cause of most of our Internal security challenges have been attributed to state neglect, which has given room for insurgent groups to occupy and dominate swats of ungoverned spaces within our territory. The perception that any segment of the country is not on equal footing with the others must be erased from point of inauguration of this government, and thankfully we have a President that has built a network in every part of Nigeria.

There is no point restating the fact that the primary obligation of government is the security of life and property and the in-coming government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready to brace up to the challenge of uniting and securing our great nation, that will restore Hope and confidence to the Nigerian people.

Mr. Vincent Essien, Lawyer, Student at the Blatvinik School of Government, Oxford University, and member of the Board of Trustees of the APC Professionals Forum

DAN GAYE DANGAYE

Court slams life imprisonment on 3 kidnappers of female journalist in Yola

That’s right!

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One can also take confidence in the fact that in confronting our National security challenges President Bola Tinubu, will have support from a Vice President that comes with a background of confronting daunting security...