Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Edition

Wednesday, February 23, 2022/ Rajab 22, 1443 AH Vol. 39 No. 037 N200

UPDATE ON SCHOOL CHILDREN HELD CAPTIVE

Reps ask FG to honour agreement with ASUU to avert strike >>>PG 5

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FG to spend N1.52 trillion on infrastructure, N2.11 trillion on human capital devt in 2022 >>>PG 5

APC: North, South to swap positions in new zoning formula PG 5

Buhari in support of consensus - Bagudu Lalong says party will outlive President's tenure President Muhammadu Buhari, Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, Speaker Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rtr Hon Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani and Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, H.E Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe during a thank you visit from Kaduna State Government and leaders held at the Council Chambers, State House Abuja.

Photo: State House

Court orders NDLEA to detain Kyari, 6 others for extra 14 days Reps to vote on PDP worries over delay Why we've prioritized constitutional in signing Electoral Act infrastructure amendments March 3 Amendment Bill -Buhari PAGE 5

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Defined Pension Benefits Scheme unsustainable -PenCom DG PAGE 19

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

NEWS CONTENTS News

2-10, 14

Editorial

11

Op.Ed

12-13

Politics

15-17

Health

18

Business

19-20

Feature

21

World News

22

Africa News

23

World News

24

Honour agreement with ASUU to avoid further strike, Reps tell Buhari

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he House of Representatives, Tuesday asked Federal Government to urgently honour the previous agreements signed by the Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) with a view to end the ongoing nationwide strike action.

The House equally urged Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and ASUU to adhere to the Clauses and provisions of the previous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the Memorandum of Action in the interest of Nigerian students and education sector in Nigeria and call off the warning strike.

The House also mandated its joint Committees on Labour, Employment and Productivity and, Tertiary Education and Services to interface with the Ministries of Labour and Employment and, Education, Civil Society Organizations, NIREC and ASUU to address the outstanding issues that are precipitating the current warning strike by members of ASUU. The House resolutions was sequel

to the a motion on the ‘Urgent need to address the frequent strike actions

by ASUU’ sponsored by Hon Dozie Nwankwo.

Presenting his led debate, the Lawmaker expressed concern over the non-implementation of various agreements held by the relevant bodies which led to the call-off of the ASUU strike action which lasted for nine months (from March 2020 to December 2020).

He said “The House is also aware of the individual and corporate pains the strike action inflicted on Nigerian students, parents and the education sector to the extent that it disrupted the academic calendar and impacted negatively on the teaching staff, their families and the depreciating standards of Nigeria’s public universities.

“The House is conscious of the benefits and advantages of the demands of ASUU on the overall interests of Nigeria’s public institutions and the well-being of the personnel which includes funding for the revitalisation of public universities and signing and implementation of the renegotiated” 2009 FGN- ASUU Agreement, amongst others.

“The House is disturbed that shortly after the last horrendous experience by Nigerians, a one-month warning strike action by members of ASUU has commenced with effect from February 14, 2022, despite all previous efforts to resolve the contending issues, such efforts include that of the Speaker, House of Representatives and other stakeholders which included members of the Nigeria InterReligious Council (NIREC).

“The House is further disturbed that the consequences of the strike action are embarrassingly becoming too frequent and with consequences too damning to the education sector as one-month strike action is a too much disruption to an academic calendar and too much time for an ‘idle man’ to cause havoc, especially in the present university environment which is infested with cult activities and other social vices.

“The House is concerned that in the present circumstances, claims and counterclaims by both ASUU members and government representatives are not helping the situation because the picture created is not clear and both Nigerians and foreigners are left to

interpret it differently, regrettably tilting towards perceived/or deliberate intention to frustrate the genuine spirit of reconciliation and tertiary education in Nigeria widely seen as education for the ordinary Nigerian.

“The House is worried that major parts of the grounds of dispute border on issues like the injection of revitalisation funds, payment of earned academic allowance and the likes that are obtainable in other African countries like Ghana and South Africa.

“The House is also worried that Nigeria is losing revenue through Nigerian students who school abroad whereas Nigerian universities can be raised to the standards of the best universities in Africa and other parts of the world.

“The House is cognizant that all hands must be on deck to avert the strike action and to allow Public Universities to continue with their programmes undisrupted and to resolve such issues dispassionately,” he noted.

The House also mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

Court orders NDLEA to detain Kyari, 6 others for extra 14 days Page 4

Environment

25

Feature

26

Sports

30-31

Back Page

32

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From left: IGP Usman Alkali; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor; Special Guest of Honour, retired Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai; representative of the National Security Adviser to the President, Maj-Gen. Emmanuel Aliyu-Ndagi and Chief of the Army Staff, Lit-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, during a workshop on Strengthening Inter-Agency Cooperation for Sustainable National Security in Abuja on Tuesday (22/2/22).

TANAM sponsors 42 students in Schools

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he General Coordinator of the Teenagers of All Nations Ministry (TANAM) Incorporated, Pastor Samson Mangut, has disclosed that a total number of 42 students are in the tertiary institutions in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Magnut, made this disclosure in an interview with People’s Daily Correspondent in his residence in Kwali on

Sunday.

He also proclaimed that in 2019 some windows were given relief materials during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

He further revealed that the leadership of TANAM had trained the abandoned girl-child in trading, adding that the less privileged ones were engaged in the skills acquisition programme such as saloon, fashion designing, event making and catering in order to better their lives.

He noted that the

management of TANAM City of Grace Reform Centre in Kwali the subsidiary of the Teenagers of All Nations Ministry Incorporated had put similes on the faces of the teenagers, vulnerable, abandoned girlchild and less privileged ones in the society.

His words: “TANAM had been in existence for the past sixteen years while Pastor Samson Mangut had been in the teenagers’ ministry for the past thirty-five years now”.

He said his leadership

would continue to focus on the mission and vision of TANAM so as to better the lives of the less privileged ones in our communities, and appealed to the highly placed individuals to support the ministry financially.

The TANAM Co-ordinator, however, commended the Etsu of Kwali (Second Class Chief), His Royal Highness Dr. Audu Shaban Nizazo III Who is the Grand Patron of the TANAM for rendering the assistance to the ministry

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

NEWS

By Christiana Ekpa

H

ouse of Representatives has summoned the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, minister of finance, budget and national planning, Zainab Ahmed for explanation over alleged inflation of nominal rolls in the Ministries, Department and Agencies, MDAs. The House also summoned were head of the MDAs. A joint committee on AntiCorrption and Public Service Matters of the House made the summons on Tuesday after observing the absence of many relevant stakeholders invited for a hearing.

The Chairman of the joint committee, Dachung Musa Bagos (PDP, Plateau) at the hearing asked that all the agencies that failed to

UK to return another looted artefacts to Benin

T

he Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, will on Saturday take a physical possession of another two bronzes from Cambridge and Aberdeen in the United Kingdom.

This is contained in statement issued by Frank Irobor, the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, on Tuesday in Benin.

Irabor said that the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, would return the artefacts to Oba of Benin in his palace in adherence to the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“The general public is hereby invited to join His Royal Majesty in receiving the Benin Bronzes of Okpa “Cockerel” and the Bronze burst of an Oba (Uhunilao) both from Jesus College, Cambridge in Britain and Aberdeen in Scotland, respectively.

“The general public is invited to the physical handing over of the Benin Bronze artefacts to the Oba of Benin.

“All invited guests are to be seated by 11.00 a.m,” the statement read in part. (NAN)

PAGE 3

Ag News Editor, Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Reps summon SGF, Finance Minister, heads of MDAs over abuse of nominal roll honor their earlier invitation be written to, threatening legislative action against anyone that failed to come.

Earlier, the representative of Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Bako Nathan said, the Commission had been investigating allegations of corrupt practices in various

•N189bn unspent funds in MDAs blocked-ICPC MDAs over the years.

The anti-graft agency said it had blocked billions of naira in various MDAs from entering private pockets.

He added that the Commission blocked N42 billion unspent funds in 2019 and N147 billion in

2020.

Others summoned by the committee also included, the Head of the Service of the Federation, Accountant General of the Federation, the Auditor General of the Federation and the Chairman Independent Corrupt

Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Federal Character Commission (FCC) and the officer in Charge of IPPIS were also summoned to appear before the committee.

2023 Election: Campaign of calumny won’t stop Atiku - Support Group

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

T

he Atiku Support Group has reiterated that no form of campaign of calumny against the former Vice President, Atiku Abubalar, will stop him from becoming the next president in 2023.

Responding to a malicious statement that Atiku is too old to run for the next general elected, the group described the former Vice President as a youth and someone who will represent and protect the interest of the youths.

Sequel to the above, Mr Akinze Moze, Director, Support Groups, Atiku Support Organization, at a press briefing in Abuja, called on him to present himself for

presidency in 2023.

The group submitted that, at the moment, Nigeria requires a leader with two fundamental characteristics; the experience to untangle our socio-economic and political quagmire, and the determination to chart a sustainable future for our beloved country.

Therefore, he condemned what he described as sponsored attempts to malign the former number two man in the country.

He said, ‘’Nigeria in its present state requires a leader with two fundamental characteristics; the experience to untangle our socioeconomic and political quagmire, and the determination to chart a sustainable future for our beloved

country. ‘’We clamor for an Atiku presidency in 2023 because no politician in Nigeria’s history, has invested in preparing himself for the office of the president of Nigeria, as much as Atiku has. ‘’We need a leader that identifies with the youths, We need someone ready to lay an impregnable path for the younger generation to take charge and this cannot happen by magic. As Vice President, Atiku began the process of recruiting great young minds to the political space.

Some of the most successful public servants we hear of today were brought in their youth by Alh. Atiku Abubakar. We need him to come and complete the

works he started. His transitional presidency will serve that purpose. ‘’This is a man who has guaranteed 40% of his cabinet appointments to the youths , including the physically challenged if given the the opportunity, a detrabilised Nigerian, a man whom we refer to as WAZOBIA having family roots in all parts and segments of Nigeria which connotes unity in diversity. ‘’We note with dismay the many sponsored attempts at maligning our principal and we know the actors behind it, both within the PDP and beyond. Our message is simple; we remain unshaken in our resolve, and they will all be put to shame eventually.’’

From left: Country Fund Portfolio Manager for Nigeria, The Global Fund, Dr Jean Nouboussi; Deputy Chief Mission, US Embassy Nigeria, Kateleen Fategibbon; Director General, National Action for the Control of Aids (NACA), Dr Gambo Aliyu and National Coordinator, National Aids and STIS Control Progammes, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Akudo Ikpeazu, during the NACA 2022 commemoration Day in Abuja on on Tuesday (22/2/22).

NASS legislative aides write EFCC, ICPC over salary arrears, minimum wage

S

ome legislative aides to lawmakers on Monday, petitioned the EFCC and the ICPC over alleged diversion of their entitlements by the management of the National Assembly.

The aides who staged separate peaceful protests at the headquarters of the two antigraft agencies in Abuja, said the non-payment of their entitlements has turned them into “slaves”.

The petition was signed by Mr Zebis Kekung and Mr Kingsley Ejekwu for Concerned Legislative Aides.

In the petition dated Feb. 14, and

addressed to EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa and ICPC Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, the aides said they were also being owed Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), Minimum Wage Arrears from Jan. 2020 and trainings among others.

The legislative aides who held banner and placards with various inscriptions also called for transparency in the management of Legislative Aides account to avoid breach of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

Some of the placards read: “We are aides not slaves”, “Probe the Clerk to the National Assembly and NASS Presiding Officers for

aides entitlement”, “NASS Management: Pay us our legitimate arrears and minimum wage”.

The petition reads: “The non-payment of these accumulated legitimate entitlements has turned legislative aides into legislative slaves.

“We have been pauperised to the extent that we are unable to meet our financial obligations like payment of school fees, hospital bills, house rents, debt servicing, putting us into several embarrassing situations.

“All avenues we employed in appealing to the consciences of Senate President

Ahmad Lawan, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, ‘Femi Gbajabiamila and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Amos Ojo have failed hence the last recourse to this petition.

“It is instructive to note that legislative aides affairs are directly under the purview of the Speaker.

“We are therefore beseeching you to use your good office to investigate this criminal diversion of our budgeted legitimate entitlements, bring the culprits to book and ensure the prompt payment of the allowances and arrears to us.”(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

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NEWS

Contributory pension scheme: Rep, stakeholders want police exempted

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he House of Representatives and stakeholders on Tuesday called for the exemption of the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

This followed a public hearing on two pension bills namely; The Bill For An Act To Amend The Pension Reform Act, 2014 To Provide For The Exemption Of The Nigeria Police Force From The Contributory Pension Scheme And For Related Matters; and A Bill For An Act To Amend Sections 1(C), 7(2), 8(1), 18, 24 And 99 Of The Pension Reform Act, Cap P50 Lfn 2014 which Provides that A Pensioner Shall Receive At Least 75% Of His Retirement Benefits Immediately Upon Retirement And Criminalise The Undue Delay In The Payment Of Pensions And For Related Matters.

The public hearing was organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Pensions.

Sponsor of the Bill to exempt the police from the CPS, Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, said operating under the current pension scheme has been both unpalatable and regrettable for the retirees of the Nigerian Police Force.

He argued that the police be exempted from the scheme just like the armed Forces and the Department of State Services (DSS) “For example, the highest retirement benefit of a Deputy Superintendent of Police under this obnoxious pension scheme is N2.5m and that of Assistant Superintendent of Police is N1.5m while their equivalent in Army (captain) and DSS are paid N12.8m and N10.3m respectively. Upon retirement, the monthly take-home of a retired Police DSP is just N31,600 while that of a Captain an equivalent in the Army is N180,000. While for a Police Inspector is N15,000, a warrant Officer, the Army equivalent to a Police Inspector takes home N120,000. Ladies and gentlemen, what is good for the goose is good for the gander,” he said.

He said in these days of insecurity across the nation, exempting the police from the obnoxious Contributory Pension Scheme could just be the magic to motivate officers and men of the force to go the extra mile and save the country.

Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, said the Police should get equal treatment with the Armed Forces and other intelligence services, especially as the lead agency, saddled with the responsibility of maintaining internal security, law and order in the country, with attendant risk and sacrifices, including the supreme sacrifice.

Represented by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Sanusi Lemu, he said the unpleasant experiences of retired police officers under the present scheme has the tendency to demotivate officers and men and also serve as incentive for corrupt practices in a bid to avoid similar fate upon eventual retirement.

Court orders NDLEA to detain Kyari, 6 others for extra 14 days

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

T

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured an order to further detain suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP Abba Kyari and six others for additional 14 days.

The prosecution agency is detaining the DCP Kyari, alongside Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP Sunday Ubia, Assistant Superintendent of Police ASP Bawa James, Inspectors Simon Agirigba, John Nuhu as well as Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne

over alleged hard drug trafficking.

The Federal High Court, Abuja, in an exparte order, held the suspect be detained pending the completion of investigation on allegations against them.

Justice Zainab Abubakar gave the order after listening to the Director, Prosecution and Legal Services (NDLEA), Joseph. Sunday who moved an ex-parte application to that effect.

An affidavit in support of the motion ex-parte indicated that Abba Kyari’s accomplices were arrested on January 19 at the Enugu international Airport and that they have admitted being drug couriers.

“The suspects were arrested upon their arrival from Addis Ababa aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight ET917.

“The arrest led to the recovery of substantial quantity of powdery substance suspected to be cocaine from the two narcotic couriers.

“The operation which was intelligence-driven, was undertaken by a Unit of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT),” NDLEA had in the application pleaded for more time to detain Kyari and others on the ground that the hard drug trafficking allegations against the suspect

were complex and may require the agency traveling outside the shore of the country to make some clarifications on the international.

The agency asked the court to grant the detention extension in the interest of justice to it and the suspects through diligent investigation.

In a short ruling, the court ordered that Abba Kyari and the six other suspects be detained for another 14 days in the first place and can come up with fresh request if needs warrant.

The judge held the 14 days further detention should start counting from February 22.

Gov. Abudullahi Ganduje of Kano (L) and Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, during the Governor’s to the minister in Abuja yesterday

Reps probe FHA, FMBN over non-refund of National Housing fund contributions

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he House of Representatives, Tuesday resolved to investigate the activities of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) over the non-refund of National Housing Fund (NHF) contributions to beneficiaries.

The House equally, mandated its Committee to investigate the activities of the Federal Mortgage Bank (FMBN) and the National Housing Fund with respect to contributions, remittances from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and report back within four for further legislative action.

The House resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Eta Mboram, who frowned at the failure of employers of labour to remit

the contributions into the NHF coffers.

Hon. Mbora while presenting his motion, observed that the National Housing Fund was established to mobilize funds to facilitate the provision of affordable housing for employed Nigerians.

He said “The House also notes that every Nigerian earning N3,000 or more per annum is required to contribute 2.5 per cent of his or her monthly salary to the NHF. “The House further notes that the core mandate of the (NHF) is to facilitate the mobilization of funds for the provision of Houses for Nigerians at affordable prices, ensure easy access to loan facilities to Nigerians for building, purchasing of improvement of residential houses, provide incentives for capital markets to

invest in property development and provide long-term loans to Mortgage Institutions for lending to contributors to the fund.

“The House is aware that the National Housing Fund (NHF) Act provides that refund shall be made to contributors who did not obtain a housing loan while in service and should be processed and paid within three months of receipt of the application for a refund.

“The House is concerned that some Ministries, Departments and Agencies do not remit deductions from contributors’ salaries to Managers of the fund as stipulated by the Act, hence contributors who are mostly civil servants, are often oblivious of remittances made on their behalf while in service until the time of their retirement.

“The House is worried that

retirees who applied to the Federal Mortgage Bank and the National Housing Fund to be refunded have not been attended to in the last three years, resulting in endless delays of refund and non-payment of their refund.

“The House is further aware that retirees who have invested productive years in the course of their service to the nation deserve a rewarding treatment in getting their contribution to the fund during active years in service as the country does not provide social security welfare for retirees,” he noted.

The House mandated its Committee on Housing and Habitat to investigate the unnecessary delays and nonrefund of retirees’ contributions to the National Housing Fund by both the Federal Mortgage Bank and the National Housing Fund.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning , Dr.Zainab Ahmed, said the federal government is planning to spend about 1.42 trillion naira on infrastructure and 2.11 trillion on capital development in 2022 alone.

Ahmed made the disclosure yesterday in Abuja, at the 21st Town Hall meeting, on achievements of the federal government in infrastructure development, organized by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, to give a score card on the achievements of the Federal Government.

She said the Buhari’s administration has continued to prioritize spending on infrastructure and human capital to catalyze rapid economic development.

She reiterated that, “good quality infrastructure is important, not only to engender and accelerate economic growth, but also to ensure and enhance inclusive growth for all within the nation space.”

She explaining that government has introduced various initiatives to achieve infrastructural delivery and human capital development.

The minister said the Presidential Power Initiative which is in the first phase will provide over 40 million people with more reliable electricity supply, create 11,000 direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians.

“At the commencement of this administration, N200 billion was paid for stranded power to service existing liabilities. Contract terms in power purchase agreements

PAGE 5

NEWS

FG to spend N1.52 trillion on infrastructure, N2.11 trillion on human capital devt in 2022 (PPAs) were changed from “Take or Pay” to “Take and Pay.” Also, DISCOs were made to use banks for bill collections – prior to this, TCN was getting only 50% of proceeds. Now, TCN is financially viable and can invest in its own infrastructure”.

She maintained that since the inception of the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme (RITCS) in 2019, the President has approved

14 additional roads, bringing the total to thirty-three (33) Road Projects, covering a total length of 1,564.95 km as of 2021.

“These additional projects are in 19 States across the six (6) geo-political zones in the country.

In the last three years (2019 – 2021), about N78 billion worth of tax credits have been issued to investors under the RITCS. “In addition, the NNPC is to finance the construction of 21 roads across the country.”

Also speaking, the minister for Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola stated that the Federal Government has undertaken 1,018 contracts covering 859 projects in infrastructure investments across the country.

Fashola pointed out that the roads are not just roads but they are critical infrastructure required to develop a country.

According to him, “currently, there is no state in Nigeria where there is no federal project ongoing.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the minister of Information and Cultural, Lai Mohammade, noted that, the town hall meeting was to highlight the achievements of president Muhammadu Buharii -led administration in infrastructure development nationwide. “ This is to counter naysayers’ attempts to use disinformation to downplay this administration’s giant stride in infrastructure development”.

Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila (4th left) being presented with the 26th National University Games Association’s (NUGA) torch by VC, University of Lagos, Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe (4th right) who led a delegation from the Unilag on a courtesy visit to the Speaker at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

PDP fumes over Buhari’s refusal to sign Electoral Act Amendment Bill T

By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said that the refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill constitutes an obstruction to democratic principle of credible elections.

The party said this at a press conference addressed by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba yesterday in Abuja.

The PDP pointed out that any electoral process which does not guarantee the free, fair and transparent transmission of election results from the polling units can only result in a government that lacks credibility and legitimacy.

The party, which recalled the call by President Buhari on Thursday, February 17, 2022, while addressing the EU-AU Summit in Brussel, Belgium, whereupon he made case for the imposition of weighty sanctions on those engaged in unconstitutional change of governments as well as those influencing the process and outcomes of elections, thus urged him (the President) to practice what he preached.

The main opposition party called on the International Community and friends of Nigeria,

including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Russia, France among others; the European Union (EU), African Union (AU), Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations (UN) to immediately bear diplomatic and political pressure on President Buhari, leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and senior government officials who are intent on derailing the nation’s democracy.

The PDP equally charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stand on the side of democracy, resist the APC and get prepared to use technology that abound to ensure the direct transmission of election results from the polling units in the 2023 elections.

According to the party, “Mr. President’s refusal to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill constitutes an obstruction to democratic principle of credible elections.

“Any electoral process which does not guarantee the free, fair and transparent transmission of election results from the polling units can only result in a government that lacks credibility and legitimacy which amounts to an unconstitutional change of government against the Will of the

people.

“The refusal to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill is nothing short of a premeditated and contrived “political abortion” of the Will of the people as represented by the elected 109 Senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives, who unanimously passed the Amendment Bill in the first instance.

“The current stance of Mr. President further validates our Party’s position that the Buhariled APC government is averse to free, fair, transparent and credible elections in our country, particularly the 2023 general elections.

“The PDP wants to draw the attention of Nigerians and the International Community to this: On Thursday, February 17, 2022, President Buhari addressed the EU-AU Summit in Brussel, Belgium, whereupon he called on the European Union (EU) to impose weighty sanctions on those engaged in unconstitutional change of governments as well as those influencing the process and outcomes of elections.

“In President Buhari’s words: We also call for stronger support from the European Union in the condemnation and imposition of weighty sanctions on countries that engage in unconstitutional

change of governments as well as manipulation of constitutions in favour of extension of term limits…

“It is therefore imperative for our partnership to also focus on strengthening election processes in Africa and prevent interference to influence the process and outcomes of elections…”

“If indeed the President and the APC mean and believe in the statement above, then there can be no justification for the continuing delay in assenting to the reworked Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which has adequately taken care of Mr. President requests and now sitting on his desk.

“Voting by citizens should be made easier not harder as the President and the APC are doing.

“It is clear that President Buhari and the APC are erecting road blocks to the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill due mainly to the provision for electronic transmission of election results from the polling units which will eliminate APC’s plans to manipulate the system, militarize the process, alter election results at collation centers and foist itself again into power against the Will of Nigerians.

“We urge the President to practice what he preaches”, the PDP said.

Given the precarious political situation in the country, the PDP called on all Nigerians, the Organized Labour, Civil Society, Student Bodies, Professional Bodies, Trade Unions and all lovers of democracy across the world to rise up and impress it upon President Buhari to immediately sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill so as to assure Nigerians and avert an impending crisis in our country.

It added, “Our Party also calls on the International Community and friends of Nigeria including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Russia, France among others; the European Union (EU), African Union (AU), Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations (UN) to immediately bear diplomatic and political pressure on President Buhari, APC leaders and senior government officials who are intent on derailing our democracy.

“Finally, the PDP charges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stand on the side of democracy, resist the APC and get prepared to use technology that abound to ensure the direct transmission of election results from the polling units in the 2023 elections”, it said.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

PAGE 6

NEWS

By Folorunso Abuja

Alagbede,

T

he Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has put the number of fresh registrants under the ongoing continuous voter’s registration, CVR, exercise at 6,082,639.

This was contained in an update provided by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi in Abuja.

The CVR update was for

Benue govt owes retirees 35b - Ortom From: Uche Makurdi

B

Nnorom,

enue State Government said it is owing retirees pension and gratuities amounting to a whopping 35 billion naira.

This disclosure was made yesterday by the State Governor, Samuel Ortom, when he met with Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, stakeholders from Jemghagh axis.

Governor Ortom said he was disturbed at the manner the opposition in the State is disparaging and consistently accusing him of owing pension, intimating that his administration inherited over 70 billion naira as pension and gratuity debt.

He also, explained that he has domesticated pension matters by setting up the State Pension Board which has so far been able to save over 5 billion naira.

“Under the new regime, workers are to save 8% and goverment 10%. Government has been able to save 5 billion naira. When we reach the threshold of 10 billion, we will be able to apply from pencom to deplete the backlog.

“People are using this against me.

Goveenment has taken proactive steps to address this issue. This is not something I can over turn overnight”, Ortom cried out.

CVR: INEC records over 6million fresh registration as at Feb 21

quarter 3, week 7 as at Monday 21st Feb 2022.

The update showed that completed registration within the period under review stands at 3,329,204.

While the number of online registration within the period is 1,373,240, those done physically

stood at 1,955,964.

Further breakdown showed that the number of male registrants within the period stands at 1,675,318, while the number of female that were registered was 1,653,886.

The number of people living with disability, PWDs who were

registed with same period, according to the update, stands at 28,711.

Number of registered youth of between the ages of 18 and 34 years was put at 2,310,554.

According to the update, “Fresh Registrants: 6,082,639.

Completed Registration :

3,329,204.

“Type: Online - 1,373,240.

Physical - 1,955,964 “Male: 1,675,318. Female: 1,653,886 PWDs: 28,711 “Youth (18- 34): 2,310,554”, the update showed.

L-R: National Women Repsentative, Concerned Northern APC Youth Forum, Haj. Maaimuna Abdullahi; Chairman Concerned Northern APC Youth Forum, Hon. Suleiman Liba and Director of Voters Education Concerned Northern APC Youth Forum, Agaba Gabriel during the press conference on the Concerned Northern APC Youth Forum on Igbo presidency and its support for the candidature of Engr David Umahi, held yesterday in Abuja,. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Alleged N2.9bn Fraud: No service charge stalls Okorocha’s arraignment

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

T

he proposed arraignment of a former Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, stalled at the Federal High Court Abuja.

Okorocha was to be arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) on a 17-count criminal charge over allegation of conspiracy with his cronies, including a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and five companies, to fritter

the sum of N2.9 billion public funds belonging to the Imo state government.

Okorocha was governor of Imo state from 2011 to 2019, and presently a Senator representing Imo west in the National Assembly.

Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited, were to be arraigned with Okorocha.

When the matter came up on Tuesday, all the other defendants were present in court except the former governor.

Oba Maduabuchi SAN, announced representation for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th defendants, while Darlington Ozurumba appeared for the 5th defendant.

However, the prosecution, Cosmas Ugwu informed the court that the 1st defendant, Rochas Okorocha was not in court because he had not been served with the

charge.

“My Lord, the matter would have been for arraignment of the defendants but the 1st defendant is not in court.

“Effecting service on him has been difficult, but we have served all other defendants.

“We need another date to enable us effect service on the 1st defendant” the EFCC lawyer pleaded with the court.

Meanwhile, trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo has adjourned to March 28, for arraignment.

We’ve endorsed Al-Makura’s APC National Chairmanship bid – Gov. Sule

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ov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, has explained why the whole stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) in the state endorsed the National Chairmanship aspiration of Sen. Umaru Al-Makura.

Sule gave the explanation when he paid a solidarity visit to the office of his predecessor, AlMakura, on Monday in Abuja.

The governor, who is also an Engineer, said that the purpose of visiting the former governor was to show solidarity for his aspiration towards becoming the

National Chairman of the APC. Sule stated that Al-Makura represents the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), leading to the merger of the legacy parties in 2013, to give rise to the APC. “I am supporting Sen. Umaru Al-Makura to be the next National Chairman of the APC, because he is fit, competent and reliable.

“Also, Sen. Al-Makura is a founding member of the defunct Congress for Progress Change, ( CPC ) in the merger that gave birth to our great party, the APC. “If there is any face of the CPC

in Nigeria, apart from President Muhammadu Buhari, it’s Tanko Al-makura.

“Therefore, my humble self and the state stakeholders of the APC have since endorsed him, as he has set up a machinery for a united party, devoid of rancour.

“I am hoping that everybody will do the best they can so that at the end of the day, we will win the legacies of President Buhari,” he added.

The governor, therefore, called on all members of the APC to ensure that they vote for the right candidate in all elections

towards bolstering the growth and development of the country.

Responding to questions from journalists, especially on a similar aspiration of Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, Sule said: “Adamu has the right to contest for the position, but the party in Nasarawa State has adopted Sen. Al-Makura.”

It could be recalled that all the stakeholders of the APC in Nasarawa State had in Jan. 2022 unanimously endorsed the candidature of Al-Makura for the position of APC National Chairman. (NAN)

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

IGP congratulate woman police for winning WBF From: Lucky L Akra, Lagos

NEWS

Shariah commission to train 575 commercial sex workers in Bauchi From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

B

auchi state government has flagged off empowerment program for 575 commercial sex workers operating in the state to discourage them from

prostitution.

The training organised by the Hisbah Department of the Bauchi State Shariah Commission will empower the commercial sex workers in tailoring, hairdressing, makeup, catering, cosmetology,

poultry fishery, computer literacy and micro-enterprise enhancement.

In his speech at the ceremony which was held at Bayangari area in Bauchi metropolis, the Permanent Commissioner in charge of Hisbah and Shariah

Matters, Barrister Aminu Isa, said that the training would last for three months.

He said that 100 of them will be trained in tailoring and hairdressing while 75 will be trained in make-up, catering and cosmetology.

T

he Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba has congratulated the famous Police Constable, Mary Yetunde Aina (aka Iron Abbey), on her victory at the international championship bout.

Aina fought against United Kingdom’s Laura Pain, on her soil, to clinch the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) International Super Bantamweight title belt at City Coast Centre in Portslade, East Sussex, London on Friday February 18, 2022.

According to the Ag FPPRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi Abbey, the Lagos State Police Command, has recorded many victories.

The IGP, who intends to receive the champion in Nigeria on arrival, commended the cop for her courage and giant strides in making the nation and the Nigeria Police Force proud.

Creative industry practitioners urged to tell stories in mother tongue From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

A

s the World mark the International Day of Mother Tongue Cinematographers, photographers among others in the Creative Industries have been charged to tell stories in different languages in order to emulate the diversity of cultures.

Chairman of the Kaduna International Film Festival, Mr Isreal Audu stated this during a two-day workshop for cinematographers, photographers among others.

The workshop was organized

by KIFF in collaboration with Cannon.

The programme which took place in Kaduna, had in attendance relevant stakeholders in the creative industries and representatives of the State’s agency.

L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Representing the Governor, Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, H.E Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, Sen Sen Abdullahi Kwari, Sen Danjuma Lah and Speaker Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rtr Hon Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani during a thank you visit from Kaduna State Government and Leaders held at the Council Chambers, State House Abuja. PHOTO; STATE HOUSE

Youth Coalition calls for strengthening of institutions

By Ochiaka Ugwu

A

coalition of youth groups under the auspices of Grassroots Youth Coalition on Peace and Security has called for the establishment and strengthening of institutional arrangement for effective coordination and mobilization of stakeholders to support the development process of State Action Plan on youth, Peace and Security in line with UNSC Resolution 2250.

In a world press conference addressed in Abuja Tuesday in collaboration with Technoworld Community Foundation and Centre for Peace, Democracy

and Development (UMASS) Boston, Secretary General of the Coalition, Malam Umar Farouk Mohammed, called for creation of Youth, Peace and Security Intervention Fund (CYPSIF) that can be deployed to increase participation and engagement of youth in peace building and conflict management processes at all levels in line with UNSC Resolution 2250.

Farouk flanked by National Coordinator of the Coalition, Dr. Alhaji Umar Ali and a member National Program Advisory Council, Amb. Amadu Haruna Zago noted the action will provide predictable source of finance for implementation of Youth, Peace and Security

(YPS) Nigeria program.

Farouk also called for the strengthening of State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to take lead in the implementation of State Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security.

While advocating for Support and strengthening f Grassroots Youth Coalition on Peace and Security to institutionalize citizens’ based Early Warning Early Response system for conflict prevention, he said the action will enable mitigation of youth led political violence, social unrest and countering violence extremism at all levels.

He made case for support

and strengthening of Nigerian Interreligious Council (NIREC) to promote human values and non-violence resolution of intra and inter religious conflicts at all level, saying the action will reduce tendencies for ethnoreligious conflicts at all levels.

He stressed the need to make State Ministry of Information viable to further educate journalists to be well informed on issues related to mainstreaming of youth in peace and security at all levels.

Farouk informed the move will establish synergy with the Media on YPS to sensitize traditional and religious leaders on Youth, Peace and Security Agenda in Nigeria.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

PAGE 8

NEWS

PDP mocks APC for postponing its National Convention, again

By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja

T

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said that the continuing inability of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party in government, to conduct a routine National Convention has further explained why all sectors of the national life have been in shambolic state.

The main opposition party said this in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba in Abuja.

The party declared that the APC’s postponement of its National Convention yet again “validates PDP’s stance that the APC is not a political party but a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of strange bed fellows, political buccaneers and ferocious power mongers” on a mission to wreck the nation.

The PDP stated that the APC which cannot conduct its own internal affairs could not be expected to successfully manage the affairs of a nation like Nigeria.

According to the PDP, “The APC is a perfect example of failure both as a party and

government unable to conduct a simple National Convention in two years.

“It has become a Russian Roulette with unending request for extension of time to undertake a routine statutory political activity.

“Our Party is not surprised that the APC, a party of backstabbers, again postponed its National Convention already scheduled for February 26, 2022.

“It is rather saddening how a set of confused, greedy, deceitful, hard-heartened and selfcentered individuals who cannot run a creditable organization foisted themselves in power and plunged our nation into the economic, security and social mess that we face today.

“As a vacuous political contraption without a soul, peopled by political warlords without conscience and operating without rules, the APC is a bunch of inchoate sailors clobbered together for remote personal gain; operating without a Board of Trustees (BoT) and a National Working Committee (NWC); exists in violation of rules while constituting itself to a threat to our national unity and corporate existence as a

nation.

“APC’s postponement of its National Conventions had always been a fallout of the horrible infighting, backbiting and gang war by “political bandits” who are desperate for power and access to our national treasury.

“That explains why their congresses and other activities are always marred by violence, bloodletting and killings”, it said.

The PDP reasoned that the APC is not capable of holding a National Convention having become defunct since December 8, 2020 when it dissolved all its states, zonal and national party structures and set up an illegal contrivance called the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee led by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.

According to the main opposition party, “Of course, the activities of the Mai Mala Buni Committee remain invalid and unconstitutional by virtue of Section 183 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which bars a sitting governor from holding “any other executive office” in any capacity

whatsoever while serving as a state governor.

The failure of the APC to hold a National Convention, the PDP said, is therefore a clear warning to those aspiring for various positions in the 2023 election on its platform to note that with the APC, they are on a journey to nowhere.

It stated that the only way the APC can legitimately participate in the 2023 general is to re-apply to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for fresh registration as a political party.

Continuing, the PDP said, In any case, Nigerians are hopeful for a better future because the PDP is back and repositioned to Rescue and Rebuild our nation from the stranglehold of the APC in 2023.

“Nigerians are yearning for the return of good governance with the PDP so that they can again be secure, enjoy economic prosperity, infrastructural development, employment, food security and national cohesion which they experienced in the 16 years of the PDP in power.”, It said.

Delta govt to empower PLWHA – Commissioner

D

elta Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, has said that People Living With HIV/ AIDS (PHWHA) in the state will soon benefit from government’s empowerment programmes.

The commissioner disclosed this on Monday when the Zonal Coordinator, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Uduak Daniel, led his team on a courtesy visit to Asaba.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Executive Secretary, Delta State Agency for the Control of AIDS (DELSACA),

Dr John Osuyali, and Head, Prevention and Communication Unit, Delta , Dr Iheaka Ezieme, were part of he team.

Aniagwu said that stigmatisation of the victims of HIV/AIDS had remained because of the initial fears and lack of effective communication on the virus emergence, while calling on everyone to know their status.

He said that a lot of sensitisation about the virus and emergence of anti-retroviral drugs had been provided to enable people live freely.

He commended the efforts of NACA and

its partners for making Delta lead the chart in ensuring that the virus is being tackled for a healthier society.

He noted that a healthy environment would contribute to productivity in every sector of the state.

He also applauded the team’s dedication in the area of case tracing, identifying and reducing the ability of carriers to infect others, adding that people should stop seeing the virus as a death sentence.

The commissioner promised to promote

the sensitisation of the public on different media platforms for free as part of a community service.

He said that Delta had recorded a milestone in tackling the virus, but called for more efforts to get to a stage that people would stop being scared about it.

Earlier, Daniel said that the HIV/AIDS response was not strictly a heath sector issue, but multi-sectoral, adding that the support given to other sectors should also be extended to the HIV/AIDS sector. NAN

High cost of production materials affecting bakery industries in Nigeria - Baker

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

he Chairman of Umraza Bakery Group Alhaji Salisu Umar Gumi said high cost of production is affecting the bakery industries in the country.

He asserted this during the award presentation ceremony to staff and distributors of the Umraza Group of bakery in Kaduna.

According to him, constant increase in the price of wheat has affected the business as many bakeries at one time or the other closed down.

Members of Civil Society groups during a protest Calling on the President Muhammadu Buhari to sign electoral bill, at the unity fountain, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Gombe APC says decampees not active members From David Hassan, Gombe

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe state said those who have decamped from their party to other parties are not active member of the party.

Public Relations Officer of the party, Mr. Moses Kyari made this known during a press conference

at the APC secretariat in Gombe on Tuesday.

He said those who have decided to decamped to other parties have never contributed for the success of the party.

According to him, some of them joined APC with anger after loosing primaries in their respective parties.

Niger APC guber aspirant donates 31 busses, N43m to party From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

N

iger state governorship aspirant under the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu Malagi has donated 31 Sharon buses and N43 million cash to

the party.

Malagi made the announcement when he officially visited the state secretariat of the party yesterday in Minna.

He said that the donation was aimed at strengthening the party.

PAGE 9

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

NEWS

Kebbi govt. shuts Group rejects 8 private health Ganduje’s claim institutions North behind Tinubu

From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

K

ebbi state government has shutdown 8 private health institutions for lack of proper equipment.

The Commissioner for Higher

Education Professor Mukhtar Bunza said that the schools were closed down due to the failure of the owners to meet up their requirements.

He said most of the lack requirements and are not up to standard.

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

T

he Nigerian Youth Awareness for Yahaya Bello 2023 has rejected the claims made by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State that Norrth is behind Bola Tinubu’s presidential

Nigerians Electoral Bill: charged T to elect good leaders

By Egena Sunday Ode

he Presidency has urged Nigerians agitating over the signing of the Electoral Bill to hold their peace as President Muhammadu Buhari has still has enough time to do the needful.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adrsina, the Presidency explained that Buhrai has up to March 1, to take

ambition.

National President of the group, Alhaji Salihu Magaji rejected the claim in his reaction over the statement credited to Ganduje.

He said the statement is political blandishment and wishful thinking of the speaker.

Hold your peace, says Presidency

a decision on the document in accordance with constitutional provisions.

It further explained that a document such as the proposed Electoral Bill that will determine the electoral fortunes of the country ought to be properly scrutinized.

The statement: “Some interest groups are cashing in on what they consider a delay in the signing of the Electoral Bill into law by the

President to foment civil disorder and muddy the waters.

“One can just pity their ignorance of Constitutional requirements, as the President has a window of 30 days within which to sign the Bill, or decline assent, after it had been transmitted to him by the National Assembly.

“It is on record that the amended Bill was sent to the Presidency on January 31, 2022, which means that the Executive

could do due diligence on it till March 1, as prescribed by the Constitution.

“A proposed legislation that has to do with the electoral fortunes of the country needs to be thoroughly scrutinized, and be made as near-perfect as possible.

“Those playing cheap politics with it are, therefore, encouraged to hold their peace, knowing that the right thing will be done within the lawful time.”

From Umar Dankano, Yola

A

head of the 2023 general elections, Nigerians have been charged to elect good leaders that can salvage the country from total collapse as all sectors are begging for attention.

A presidential hopeful and former managing Director of Northern Nigeria Development company (NNDC), Mohammed Hayatudeen gave the charge in Yola yesterday after a consultation meeting with the state leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Hayatudeen said “our country has all the needed potentials for a nation to be great”, noting that if given the mandate, his administration will make Nigeria among 10 best in the world.

From left: Director General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr Mansur Liman; Director-General, Nigeria Television Authority, Yakubu Muhammed, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Garba Abari; Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Balarabe Ilelah; Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukwu, and others participants, during a Town Hall Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday(22/2/22)

Some Nigerian companies collapse due to poor strategies — TEXEM founder

D

r Alim Abubakre, a British-Nigerian and founder of the UK firm, TEXEM UK, has attributed the collapse of critical Nigerian organizations such as NEPA, NITEL, Nigeria Airways and Dunlop to poor management strategies.

Abubakre made the claim while reviewing a book, “Open Strategy Mastering Disruption Outside The C-Suite,” Julia Hautz, Kurt Matzler, and Stephan Friedrich von den Eichen; on the TEXEM website.

The business expert said the world is experiencing a turbulent time, but the million-dollar question is how leaders

turn these challenges into vitamins and win despite these disruptive realities.

Abubakre said it was pertinent to share practical knowledge to help leaders thrive, despite the disruptive and volatile operating environment.

According to him, he is qualified to point out to leaders a collection of valuable ideas for success.

Abubakre said this was due to his experience of engaging with over 4,000 UK and African leaders and hundreds of organizations through TEXEM, a company he founded 12 years ago.

“From Volkswagen to Dunlop to

Nigerian Airways to NITEL to NEPA, what they all arguably have in common, other than extinction, are poor strategies and many failed change initiatives.

“Therefore, it is essential to hold an instance of a book that inspires leaders to optimize their core competency and ability to win by successfully leveraging an open strategy.

“Possibly, many companies and public sector organizations struggle with strategy often because they don’t understand the nitty-gritty of the art of developing/ implementing a good strategy.

“Although most of them understand

the importance of having strategies, it is necessary to have a clear strategic direction that guides the process”, explained the critic of the book.

Abubakre said that many organizations had strategies, but the process of making them work was not an easy task.

He said that understanding what a strategy is, developing it and implementing it differentiates those who succeed from those who fail.

Abubakre added that unfortunately only a few were successful, as research has shown that 50 to 90 percent of strategies fail.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

PAGE 10

NEWS

NPA to address stakeholders’ concerns over electronic truck call-up system – MD T he Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says it is ready to tackle all concerns raised by port users on the implementation of the electronic scheduling system for trucks doing business in the ports.

Its Managing Director, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, stated this on Tuesday in Lagos while reviewing the state of implementation of the policy, popularly known as “ETO system”, a year after it took off.

“We are ready to effectively tackle all concerns raised by port stakeholders; having operated the novel electronic call-up system for about a year, it should be expected that some of the teething issues should give way.

“All lingering issues will require a bit of time to resolve. The important thing is that we are committed to resolving them,” he said.

While commending the effort and investments made

by Messrs Truck Transit Park (TTP) Ltd, operator of the call-up system, the NPA

Niger Govt distributes relief materials to IDP camps in Kontagora From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

G

overnor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has distributed food and non-food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kontagora camp.

He assured the people of the government’s commitment to end banditry in the state.

Represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, he called on members of the society to always cooperate with security agencies and furnish them with vital information that will help them fish out the criminals.

helmsman said he recognised that change could sometimes be a painful process.

“In particular, managing the transition from a manual to an electronic call-up system for cargo trucks can be tough, so we have implored the system operator to up its game, in view of the frustrations being expressed by users of the system.”

According to him, the electronic call-up system, popularly called ‘ETO’, has revolutionised delivery and evacuation of shipments at the port, hence the need to put in everything required to sustain its positive on the country’s port industry.

“We are quite aware that about a year after it was introduced, some are yet to fully integrate their trucking business with the

‘ETO’ system, so we are in regular touch with the system operator and very soon necessary remedies to address these issues would be rolled out,” he said.

Bello-Koko further explained that the progress so far achieved had improved time per trip and increased return on logistics investments for haulage operators.

“You will recall that one of the very first places I visited personally, while as acting Managing Director, was the Ijora operational headquarters of the electronic call up system.

“After that visit, I also undertook a first hand assessment of the critical infrastructure in relation to the delivery of ‘ETO’ at the two Lagos ports.”

The managing director acknowledged that traffic had not been free-flowing from the Mile 2 to Tin-Can Island Port.

“This is the encumbrance that the electronic call-up is facing along that axis. What we presently have along the Tin-Can Island Port corridor would clear-out once the road reconstruction is completed.

“We are in constant touch with the Controller of Works in Lagos and the contractors, all in our bid to ensure that the access road from Mile 2 becomes motorable as the one from Ijora into Apapa,” he said.

He said that the NPA had donated 24 new motor bikes to strengthen traffic monitoring and enforcement along the access roads to the Lagos Ports Complex and

Tin-Can Island Port.

According to him, “the NPA management is not unimindful of the issues militating against seamless flow of traffic in and out of the port; we are proud of our partnership with the Lagos State Government in this regard.

“We will continue to deploy innovative measures towards eliminating all encumbrances impeding smooth movement of trade along the access roads to the port.

“Our resolve as management of the NPA is to ensure that the goals behind the introduction of the electronic call up system are achieved. We will continue to collaborate with Messrs TTP Ltd, the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders, including the trucking companies.(NAN)

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu (3rd left), Author of the book Rev. Fr. Dr. Anselm Adodo (left), Coauthor of the book Prof. Maurice Iwu (3rd right), Chairman of the Occasion Mr. Adewole Adebayo (right), and other Dignitaries, during the public Presentation of the book “Healing Plants of Nigeria”, held yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

DPR decries sharp practices by motorists in Benue From: Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

N

igeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority,

formerly referred to as Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR in Benue State has frowned at a new dimension where motorists and motorcyclists fill their tank and

immediately sell petrol to black marketers.

Operation Controller in charge of Benue, Taraba, Kogi, part of Plateau and Nasarawa States, Mr. Gabriel

Adagba stated this yesterday during an interaction with newsmen in his office in Makurdi.

Adagba said perpetrators will be dealt with.

Copyright commission, MCSN, DJAN discuss royalty payments

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

T

he Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has facilitated the emergence of an appropriate framework between the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) and Disco Jockeys Association

of Nigeria (DJAN) to ensure the collection of royalties for musicians and improve the business dealings of DJs. In a statement signed by the NCC Director of public affairs, Vincent Oyesefo and made available to journalists yesterday, indicated that the Commission

was particularly interested in the development of sectorial synergy amongst right owners, users, collective management organisations (CMOs) and other stakeholders in the music value chain.

The Director-General, Dr. John O. Asein, said,he was part

of the wider national policy of Government on the ease of doing business and sustainable growth of small and medium scale enterprises.

He noted that; “The meeting is epoch-making and represents a paradigm shift in the engagement of CMOs and users”.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

PAGE 11

Letter to the Editor

EDITORIAL

Pantami’s Professorship Debate and 2023

This is disheartening

T

he Police Service Commission (PSC) at the weekend in Benin reported a dismal performance in this year’s police recruitment examination. It said over 90 percent of the candidates who sought enlistment as police officers did not score up to 30 percent in the test country wide.

Mr. Austin Braimoh, the commissioner representing the mass media and the south-South zone in the PSC, made that staggering revelation at a one-day town hall meeting organised by the commission and the Edo state police command. “One of the challenges the commission is facing today is that for a long time, those who are applying for recruitment into the force are most times academically challenged as over 90 per cent do not score up to 30 per cent in the recruitment examinations. So with this kind of situation you can imagine the kind of policemen that will be presented to the public,” he moaned.

On his own part, the Edo state Commissioner of Police, Philip Ogbadu, lamented the lack of interest from Edo people, especially the males, in joining the police force. He described as “ugly and dangerous” a situation in which “only the females seem to be interested in joining the police force”. He said the aim of the town hall meeting was to work on the relationship between the police and the public and also enlighten the public on the ongoing recruitment exercise.

Braimoh said, “The commission has the responsibility of familiarizing the public with the current recruitment exercise and improving citizen relationship with the police for effective policing. From now, you do not need to go to the National Human Rights Commission if your right is violated by a serving police officer; you go straight to the Police Service Commission, you do not need a third party.”

Two issues were raised by those two officials. One was poor recruitment

examination scores, a trend, not just a one off case and it is nationwide.

The other was lack of interest among the males specially in enlisting in the police. Braimoh wanted the citizenry to imagine what kind of police force not academically sound policemen would make. And Commissioner of Police Ogbadu said a police force made up of predominantly women would be “ugly and dangerous”.

Let’s begin with the recruitment exam failure rate. At 90%, this is awful, to say the least. At the same time, it is understandable. Nigeria’s education system has collapsed, more or less.

School structures are falling over our heads and good teachers are leaving the system for greener pastures. This is happening at not only the primary and secondary levels of education but also the tertiary level. Therefore, what we are seeing in the police enlistment examinations is a reflection of the malaise in the national education system.

Before long this cancer will spread to every supra structure, if left untreated or not removed entirely.

As to the problem of the males not wanting to enlist in the police, well, firstly, it is a matter of interest. You can’t force anyone to be what they do not want to become.

Secondly, a police force dominated by women would be refreshingly nice to have, wouldn’t it! But more seriously, the lack of interest is tied to the picture personnel of the force present to the public. Often we see police men and women in torn uniforms, who are poorly paid, extort motorists and kill on highways. Who would willingly walk into this world of destitution? Yes, the welfare of police officers may have improved over time but still not enough to attract our young and ambitious men. For them cybercrime and kidnapping are far more rewarding. Again, the solution lies in making the force look and work better than it does now.

“

raimoh wanted the citizenry to imagine what kind of police force not academically sound policemen would make.

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OUR PEOPLE Chief Operating Officer /Editor, Hameed M. Bello, PhD Manager, administration Hassan Hammanyaji

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By Zayyad I. Muhammad

T

he debate on the legitimacy of Dr. Isah Ali Ibrahim Pantami’s professorship is back. The National Executive Council of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) (NEC), said that the conferment of professor on Dr. Pantami’s didn’t follow the laid-down procedures of the Nigerian university system. The union directed all its members and branches throughout the country not to recognize, accord, or treat Dr. Isah Ali Ibrahim Pantami as a professor of Cybersecurity under any guise. On the other hand, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Owerri (FUTO), Prof.

Nnenna Oti, has said that the management of FUTO will litigate against ASUU’s rejection of Dr. Pantami’s promotion to the rank as a professor of Cyber Security by FUTO. When asked to comment on the issue, Minister Pantami – said ‘No Comment, No Comment, No Comment’- the matter is in the court.

The 2023 electioneering campaigns, horse-trading, politicking, and strategizing have begun. Thus, the debate on Pantami’s professorship will linger especially in the political arenas, notwithstanding the litigation.

How Pantami’s political handlers manage the issue will determine the direction and weight of the debate, including the political impact on him while the manner with which FUTO’s lawyers handle the issue will determine the future of Pantami’s professorship.

Isah All Ibrahim Pantami ’ – Honorable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, an Islamic Sheik, a UKtrained Ph.D holder has found himself in a triangular situation – a federal political appointee, an Islamic Sheik and an academic.

This revered status means any issue that affects his personality will always be a hot one. Most of the people who criticized Pantami’s appointment as a Professor were academics- so, ASUU’s NEC stand is not a surprise. Equally, the majority of those who supported the critics were Pantami’s political adversaries and their supporters Pantami- a Minister and a potential political-office aspirant will never escape public censure.

The supporters of Pantami’s professorship are academics who have soft spots for him, members of religious bodies, his students and his political friends. , and those who are sitting on the fence.

In retrospect, the FUTO chapter of ASUU had set up a five-man panel chaired by Prof. M. S. Nwakaudu, with members: G.A. Anyanwu, C. E. Orji, Mrs. O.P. Onyewuchi; and T. I. N. Ezejiofor (Member/Secretary), which cleared the appointment and asserted that due process was followed, a verdict that gave Pantami and FUTO some respite.

Now, ASUU NEC has reversed the verdict, giving Pantami’s political opponents more strength to fire at him more.

Pantami’s political allies, supporters, and students will be prayerful for the courts of law to clear this issue once and for all.

This is because to all Pantami’s supporters, his professorship is a big addition to his already ‘unmatched’ credentials in his own rights. Pantami’s supporters are of the view that he is young, highly educated with a PhD. from the United Kingdom (UK) at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.

They argue that politically, Pantami is a good material to balance a presidential ticket. He is from northeast Nigeria and fits into the agitation for the northeast to present the vice-presidential candidate in 2023. He is a household name in the northwest.

They will feel at home with him – he is their cousin. He is an Islamic scholar with a very large cult-like followership nationwide. Pantami is Buhari’s strong confidant and ally. The general belief among Pantami’s promoters is that Pantami from the north-east as vice-presidential candidate with any presidential candidate from the south, especially the southwest, will balance a presidential ticket and serve as a strategy for the APC to retain the presidency in 2023.

Nevertheless, oppositions against Pantami’s professorship will continue to have a field-day; hitting him hard while his political rivals will clap for them, as the nation awaits the courts’ verdicts on the Professorship.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja, zaymohd@yahoo.com

PAGE 12

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

OPINION

Nigeria’s abuse of creativity and intellectuality

By Sabo Ibrahim Hassan

E

lsewhere around the world, custodians are working relentlessly to identify where the talent of its individuals lies, provide them with everything necessary and force their spirit to go along the most appropriate direction. The story is sadly different in my country. If we had utilized our manpower judiciously through doing all that is necessary to keep them, Nigeria would not have been the giant of Africa nominally, neither would it have been a superpower without power.

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. – Mahatma Gandhi The seemingly endless abuse of creativity and Intellectuality in Nigeria is exponentially becoming pervasive, perhaps this is one of the major reasons why we are yet to be promoted from the class of developing to that of developed countries. Aside other countless resources Nigeria is blessed with, that of human can never be overemphasized. I am not more concerned about the figure, I am rather concerned about the productive aspect of the figure, capable of portraying our competing capacity as a nation. An endowed nation like Nigeria, should not have been where it is if things were managed appropriately. We are so blessed that an average Nigerian can in terms of intellectual display do the unbelievable, but because of our disregard for this special gift as well as lack of governmental support, we ended up losing our best brains to other countries.

Creativity means the use of

imagination or original ideas to create something. On the other hand, Intellectuality simply refers to the state or quality of being intellectual whereas, an intellectual according to Wikipedia, is a person who engages in critical thinking, research, and reflection about the reality of society, and who proposes solutions for the normative problems of society. Only a head with no brain will argue how endowed my country is in this regard. in fact, it is not hyperbolic that an average Nigerian comparatively performs excellently.

Apart from the regrettable failure of the country to identify and tap from the potentials of its citizens, the way our leaders abandon a number of talented Nigerians is quite irksome. Take for instance the report of a boy by Channels TV, who built Nigeria’s first locally made drone, another young Nigerian who built electric transformer, another young man from Delta that invented a flying mini aircraft, without a school degree, and the report of another young Nigerian by CCT, who built electric powered car. Additionally, that of a 16-year-old Nigerian who converted his bicycle to motorcycle as reported

by BBC will not be left untold. These and many other examples will prove to us how blessed this nation is with brains. Does the government empower and support these talents? I will leave this as an open question. Where are these young innovative guys? Don’t be surprised to hear that they are in their various communities wrapped by idleness since the government has no spirit of willingness let alone be ready to support and promote them.

Another perspective on how the country abuses creativity and intellectuality is the way countless

number of dreams have been shattered by our unfavorable, challenging, and careless system of education. Many graduates are not the very products of what they aspired to be, the system imposed most Nigerians to study what they have never dreamt of or aspired studying. This in turn has drastically affected our productivity where many passionless and zestless graduates are continually added to the already supersaturated labour market. Ask many graduates about their initial dreams and listen to the wonders that will flow out of their hearts. Albeit the issue of requirements regarding course of choice is an imperative factor contributing to this effect, but notwithstanding, since our country is not the only nation with requirements policy. Think about the creativity and enthusiasm of a person whose dream has been shattered.

Elsewhere around the world, custodians are working relentlessly to identify where the talent of its individuals lies, provide them with everything necessary and force their spirit to go along the most appropriate direction. The story is sadly different in my country. If we had utilized our manpower judiciously through doing all that is necessary to keep them, Nigeria would not have been the giant of Africa nominally, neither would it have been a superpower without power.

More lamentably is how Nigerian Doctors keep increasing the workforce of geographies like UK, USA, Canada and many more, not just that, they are found to be among the best brains over there. The ‘Women and Men report 2021’ by the National Bureau of statistics revealed that, a total of 39,912 doctors were available in Nigeria as of 2017. The number of

doctors increased to 44,021 in 2018.

But this number reduced drastically to 24,640 in 2019. Again, The president of the Nigerian medical association, Dr. Francis Faduyile also noted that, the high rate of insecurity, unemployment, low remuneration, bad roads, and poor healthcare system are some of the reasons why doctors are leaving the country in search of greener pastures.

He noted that 75,000 Nigerian doctors were registered with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), but over 33,000 have left the country.

It is needless to dwell on the causes of the emigration of these intellectuals, I will rather concentrate on the effects that this negligence and unwillingness by the government to support these brains through provision of a healthy environment empowered with cutting edge technology have on our development as a nation. For instance, a research report by the World Bank revealed that in the Human Capital Index, Nigeria ranks 150 out of 157 countries in the year 2020. Income inequality and disparity in economic opportunities continue to remain high and have consequently affected the government’s efforts on poverty reduction.

Where on earth will a country that is blessed like mine will remain where my country is? Therefore, the need to put a stop to this dragging attitude becomes mandatory if and only if the country is seriously serious about its development. Until our government and other authorities involved do the needful, we will keep going irreversibly directionless.

Sabo Ibrahim Hassan can be reached at Ibrahimsabohaassan60@gmail.com

Marriage is not made in heaven!

By Jeph Oluwagbemiga

I

n conclusion, let every man and woman stand up to the required responsibilities of love, relationship and ensure that you do the right things right and in the right time.

I stumbled on the first official picture myself and Ayo took in Nov 1992 at Rotiflex studio by University of Ibadan second gate, after she accepted to go into courtship with me and I was just pondering on how we made it till today and still loving each other genuinely.

It’s been a long way since 1997 when we got married and I will be lying if I said it’s been a bed of roses.

No, it’s been a combination of roses and thorns, a mixture of salt, pepper and water.

In all, its been God helping us with both of us ACTIVELY & PRACTICALLY involved and giving God the opportunity to help us.

It is possible that couples live their lives in a way that God becomes incapacitated to help them.

We’ve struggled through personal challenges, financial hardships, disappointment from relatives, friends and brethren, unmet expectations etc but we are better now and still standing.

We do regular review our lives together and currently planning the next phase of God’s plan for us in the ministry. We are on course.

One of the key things that worked for our marriage is NEVER to live a life of LIES and SELF DECIET. We endeavor not to hide anything from each other from day one when she said YES in front of Block E, Queens Hall University of Ibadan in September 1992.

We have fought our battles as a team because it’s to our own advantage by doing so.

The Bible said one person will chase 1000 while two (in unity) has the capacity to defeat 10000.

What kind of arithmetic do you think that is?

Meaning that if you fight marital challenges on your own (OYO) both husband and wife will only be able to defeat just 2000. But humility and openness on the part of both couples will give them 8000 advantage.

Couples who keep to themselves, who keep unhealthy secrets, who fight their own silent battles alone will not last together because the pressure of their individual battles will frustrate them.

Under the facade of suits and tie, skirts and blouse, gele and lace lies the pains and hurts of people. The most suitable platform to get the succor, understanding, healing and rejuvenation we all desire is in our marriage.

Other escape platform like jobs, friends,

social media, extended family etc DOES NOT offer you a lifetime guarantee.

The time invested in hiding under these mushroom shades could be invested into building your own marriage.

I need to share this widely because in my role as a Family Systems Enhancement coach/counsellor, Pastor and Therapist, I have tried to let people know that God has SPECIFIC roles He plays in Marriages and He’s not likely to go beyond His Advisory role.

He will not force you to marry who you do not like, he is not likely to stop your car on your wedding day to marry a monster or chain you to remain in abusive relationships.

Marriages are not made in heaven.

There is a divine concept but the building is to be practically embarked upon by the two persons involved.

God has his roles to play but he will Never do what he has empowered and authorized you to do in your own life and marriage.

God didn’t build the Ark, Noah did by simply following the divine instructions.

“

I need to share this widely because in my role as a Family Systems Enhancement coach/ counsellor, Pastor and Therapist, I have tried to let people know that God has SPECIFIC roles He plays in Marriages and He’s not likely to go beyond His Advisory role.

God won’t build your marriage but he will offer you the instructions, advise and grace you need but you need to get your hands dirty to do the required hard & smart work if you really want it to be successful.

I’ve met a lot of Bible carrying believers whose marriages are in shambles.

They are erroneously “leaving everything in the hands of God” who has already given them the guidelines and blueprint in the same Bible they are clutching.

So many people I have had counselling sessions with are looking for quick fixes, they want magic or miracle prayer or prophetic missiles. They don’t want to go through the painstaking process of building but they want to use God to download and install plug and play solutions.

No, it doesn’t work like that. Marriage is not for lazy people.

Noah had a blueprint but he had the choice of building something else since he’s the one holding the hammer, logs, the nails and the brain to do whatever he wish to build.

Noah could have gone to the social media to download other versions of blueprint and God wouldn’t stop him or make his internet non functional.

No, he has given us the opportunity to be RESPONSIBLE for our lives and Marriages and he is not going to micromanage your affairs.

In conclusion, let every man and woman stand up to the required responsibilities of love, relationship and ensure that you do the right things right and in the right time.

Jeph Oluwagbemiga (Jeph3:16) writes from House Of Torrential Grace Church, Abuja, Nigeria

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

COMMENT

Congratulations on International Mother Language Day!

By Funmilayo Adesanya–Davies

W

hat is a mother language? Your ‘mother language’, or ‘mother tongue’, is the language you spoke from earliest childhood. For most people, this is just one language but children in multilingual families may learn two simultaneously. It can also result in other languages becoming endangered and ultimately extinct. Multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages which transmit and preserve traditional knowledge and cultures in a sustainable way.

Let’s continue to promote the preservation and protection of all languages —Adesanya-Davies Congratulations, especially as a linguist, and the Country President of United Nations – Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC), Amb. Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies congratulates and wishes us all well today 21, February 2022 on the celebration of the “International Mother Language Day, “May I say congratulations and best wishes to us all accordingly, as Linguists and to all members of UN-POLAC International Peace Advocates, worldwide, as we always advance the cause of UN millennium goals toward sustainable development.”

The International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance held

on 21 February to promote awareness of Linguistic diversity and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism. First announced by UNESCO on 17 November 1999. It was formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly with the adoption of UN resolution in 2002.

Mother Language Day is part of a broader initiative “to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world” as adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 May 2007 in UN resolution 61/266 which also established 2008 as the International Year of Languages.

The idea is to celebrate International Mother Language Day which was the initiative of Bangladesh. It was approved at the 1999 UNESCO General Conference and has been observed throughout the world since 2000. UNESCO believes in the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity for sustainable societies. It is within its mandate for peace that it works to preserve the differences in cultures and languages that foster tolerance and respect for others.

Linguistic diversity (link is external) is increasingly threatened as more and more languages disappear. Globally 40 per cent of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand. Nevertheless, progress is being made in mother tongue-based multilingual education with growing understanding

of its importance, particularly in early schooling, and more commitment to its development in public life.

What is a mother language? Your ‘mother language’, or ‘mother tongue’, is the language you spoke from earliest childhood.

For most people, this is just one language but children in multilingual families may learn two simultaneously. It can also result in other languages becoming endangered and ultimately extinct. Multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages which transmit and preserve traditional knowledge and cultures in a sustainable way.

Notably, there are about 6500 languages in the world, but did you know that a language disappears and dies every two weeks?Multilingual education based on the increased use of one’s mother tongue is a major component of inclusion in education.

To underline the importance of the mother tongue in laying the foundation for one’s intellectual development.

Thus, the theme of the 2022 International Mother Language Day is, “Using technology for multilingual learning: Challenges and opportunities”.

The potential role of technology in order to advance multilingual education and support the development of quality teaching and learning for all cannot be over emphasised.

According to the Director General,

Examining MFCT administration

By Abdul Jelil Adebayo

T

here are 42 ministries in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari . Some are known for their workings, some are not heard of except at Federal Executive Council meetings, while there are very few that are working silently and the results are glaring to all. The Ministry of Federal Capital Territory Administration MFCTA, is one that happens to be among the very few that their work is speaking for them.

Whatever yardstick one may use to assess the performance of the ministry, there are great transformational strides on the landscape of the nation’s Federal Capital.

It is a common phrase among residents that performance cannot be hidden, it is glaring and can be seen by all. Not necessarily because the city is developing, but the machines are loud enough to tell both residents and visitors alike that infrastructural development is vigorously going on in the Territory.

Construction works is a daily affair in Abuja.

Indeed the FCTA’s achievements are spread through infrastructure, social services, prudence in financial management of resources and many more that time and space might not allow. Even critics of the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari will agree that there is prudence in the management of scarce resources when it comes to development of infrastructures in the Federal Capital Territory.

Today, every responsible resident of the FCT agrees that the ministry has recorded great feats and giant strides in its socio-economic development. This is made possible because of the leadership qualities and know how that is brought

to bear in the administration of the territory, as seen in the uncommon achievements and developments in the territory.

Without a doubt, the current leadership of the FCTA, comprising of course the Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, Minister of State, Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, and the Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, have jointly contributed to the wellbeing of all residents of Abuja and brought infrastructural development which has made Abuja a city of repute in all ramifications in the continent of Africa and indeed the world.

On road construction, these include the Airport Expressway, Constitution Avenue road and Kuje road, which have been dualised so as to ease movement because of their critical nature.

In terms of projects, they are not lacking in the deliveries, taking into cognizance that the southern parkway which has been completed and opened to traffic, forms the major spine of the capital city.

What about the rehabilitation and expansion of outer southern expressway from the Villa roundabout to Ring road one, or is it the development of the Idu industrial engineering infrastructure to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Paipe road leading to the Idu railway station.

They are leaving an indelible mark on the Abuja Light Rail project whose phase one has been completed and is up running. More coaches and engines are being expected to beef up the present number thereby ensuring the passenger rate escalate to about 350,000.

The FCT administration has gotten the nod for the rehabilitation of the Lower Usman dam water treatment plant phase 2. The contract is to last for 12 months and is almost completed

and will provide water for FCT residents for the next 30 years. Residents are already praising the Administration for providing the best potable water in the sub region and arguably the second best water provided in Africa, after South Africa.

Not done yet, in order to stem the incidence of dark streets in the city, the administration has introduced solar street lighting system to complement the existing conventional ones in Abuja.

In the area of land administration, thousands of title documents, including certificate of occupancy, Cs of O, Consents of Assignments and sub leases have been cleared.

Four new districts have been created, Mamusa North, Mamusa East, Parfun north and Parfun south.

These altogether would provide 5,000 plots for residential, institutional and commercial purposes.

In the agriculture sector, under their watch, more than 9000 farmers have benefitted from the CBN Anchor Borrowers; programme. Also, Over 20,000 livestock were vaccinated within a two- week intensive vaccination campaign recently In the education sector, the administration further enhanced the gains recorded in the emergency education plans for the FCT to ensure that the agenda for education is not derailed.

Many schools in the territory were rehabilitated and provided with all the libraries and laboratory equipment needed. Teachers were employed and generally it has been a good time for the education sector in FCT. Covid 19 pandemic however, shook the world and the death rate was devastating, but the sagacity of the leadership of the FCTA helped in the revamping of the health sector in

“Technology can provide new tools for protecting linguistic diversity. Such tools, for example, facilitating their spread and analysis, allow us to record and preserve languages which sometimes exist only in oral form. Put simply, they make local dialects a shared heritage. However, because the Internet poses a risk of linguistic uniformization, we must also be aware that technological progress will serve plurilingualism only as long as we make the effort to ensure that it does”.

— Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of International Mother Language Day. Today, as UNESCO organizes a webinar on 21 February from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, Paris time) to celebrate Mother Language Day 2022, I say a very BIG Congratulations again and again to all lovers of Mother Language or Mother Tongue, my colleagues the LINGUISTS and UN-POLAC International Peace Advocates, nationwide as well as all over the world.

May we be challenged as I remind us all today that we continue to appropriate all forms of initiatives “to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world.”

Amb. Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies Country President of United Nations – Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UNPOLAC).

Abuja with the provision of the primary health care facilities in every area of the city. These facilities helped the administration in the fight against the corona virus pandemic.

The administration adopted a combative posture in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Its response to the fight against the pandemic was total and focused. It gave massive support to the PHC board of the FCT in the areas of mobile outreach and strategy for the PHC scheme implementation by way of integrated medical outreach programme for ease of immunisation and medical supplies.

On palliatives, 600,000 households in the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, benefited from the palliatives which were distributed through a transparent door to door mechanism to prevent overcrowding.

The FCTA believe in the return of Abuja to its original master plan and in the last one year it has shown that everything is being done within the ambit of the law to maintain the master plan. One of such way is by destroying illegal structures and shanties.

It has continued to allow institutions created to ensure the environmental, infrastructural, economic and physical development plans of the city work for this purpose. Parastatals such as the AEPB, AGIS, AMMA, Water Board and AUMTCO are being invigorated and strengthened to serve the Abuja needs.

By these actions the leadership of the FCTA under Bello, has shown that being one of the largest, and fastest growing capital in the world, it has less options than to adhere to the plans made for the city. Indeed Abuja is working. _Abdul, an Abuja based journalist, can be reached through abduljelil2001@ gmail.com_

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

PAGE 14

NEWS

Journalist leads campaign against ritual killings

By Ochiaka Ugwu

T

he Publisher of Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable, Sunday Oyinloye who was recently appointed as the African Director of iSubsahara, an arm of iPublish House, Canada may have concluded plans to lead campaign against ritual killings in Nigeria.

The Campaign, #Ngloryback aims at putting an end to ritual killings in the country, particularly money rituals which is becoming rampant among the youth who are looking for short-cut to wealth, a development that has further damaged the image of the country. iPublish House Canada is partnering with Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable on the project.

A statement issued and signed by the Campaign’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, stated, “The campaign was designed to sensitize Nigerians about the negative effects of ritual killings and also support relevant government agencies saddled with the responsibility of sensitizing the citizens towards national rebirth.”

Speaking at the inaugural meeting held virtually, the National Convener of #Ngloryback, Sunday Oyinloye explained that the campaign is to rescue the country from ritual killers who are bent on damaging the image of the country and also creating the wrong impression that hard work is unprofitable.

He is worried at the rate innocent Nigerians are being killed for rituals, particularly girls whose body parts are sometimes severed and sold at ridiculous prices According to him, “The rate at which younger ones, even children are looking for money is scary, embarrassing senseless and its painting our dear country in a very bad light to the outside world “This is why my media outfit, Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable has taken it upon itself to raise a serious awareness campaign to stem the tide of this ugly and ungodly situation we found ourselves “ “I want to call on Nigerians, particularly the youth, relevant stakeholders and development partners at home and abroad to join hands with #Ngloryback team as we engage in aggressive media campaign against ritual killings and bring sanity back to our various communities.

“We believe this Campaign will lead to attitudinal change among the youth who form the bulk of our population and further enhance the safety and security of all Nigerians” “Ritual killings in our country must end now so that we can bring back Nigeria’s glorious past and heritage in order to secure the future of the younger generation” The National Convener also called on government at the three tiers to create more employment opportunities for the teaming Nigerian youth and provide conducive atmosphere for the entrepreneurs in the country to thrive in their businesses.

UNICAL VC tasks students on skill acquisition P rofessor Florence Obi, ViceChancellor of the University of Calabar, has called on students at the institution to redouble their efforts to acquire the necessary industrial skills, confident that the world will create job opportunities for them.

Obi, gave the position on Tuesday in Calabar during the orientation exercise organized by the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), UNICAL , for students embarking on industrial linkage.

She said that SIWES had given students a real platform to promote themselves, adding that acquiring skills would put them in advantageous positions to secure gainful employment after graduation.

“SIWES is a good thing that has happened to universities. It is a bridge between theory and practice; it has boosted the practical skills of the students and made them creative and innovative.

“The plan is a step to get a job.

It’s a way to market yourself to employers,” he said.

The rector, who exhorted them to be good ambassadors of the institution, stressed that if they committed and dedicated themselves to the project, they would always stand out from the crowd.

SIWES Director, Dr. Imo Obot, in his welcoming speech, said that SIWES was established as a Training Fund (ITF) in 1973 to prepare students for industrial experience and job skills.

Obot said that the orientation exercise that saw the official launch of the university’s Online Student Industrial Attachment Procedure would bring about a shift from analog procedure to today’s global standards in teaching and learning centers.

He said that SIWES would always be key in the current administration’s political momentum in UNICAL, adding that the Vice Chancellor’s passion for information and communication technologies had given SIWES unprecedented momentum.

The director expressed his satisfaction that the university students participated in the orientation exercise in preparation for acquiring the full benefits of the scheme.

It also solicited the support of relevant stakeholders to offer students the necessary support and assistance.

He urged students to be positive and holistic in their thinking, attitude and skills to make good use of the opportunities in the scheme.

Previously, ITF Area Manager, Calabar, Mr. Vincent Iyam, said that SIWES was established to generate an indigenous labor pool to close the skills gap in the country.

Iyam, Training representative, ITF, Mr. Nwigboji Nwafagu, described the scheme as a true tool for economic and national development.

He charged the students to adopt the scheme, show initiative and unity in all their undertakings.

Members of All Progressive Congress Enugu State protesting the alleged exclusion of candidates from published list for Enugu State Local Government Elections by Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission in Enugu on Tuesday (22/2/22).

APC: North, South to swap positions in new zoning formula

By Egena Sunday Ode

T

he ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will swap offices between North and South beginning from its national convention rescheduled for March 26.

By this new zoning formula agreed to by the 22 governors elected on the platform of the party, all offices being currently held by the North will go to the South and vice versa.

Also, the APC is working on the possibility of having consensus candidates for elective positions in the party ahead of the convention.

These were disclosed on Tuesday by the governors after a meeting with President

•Buhari in support of consensus - Bagudu •Lalong says party will outlive President’s tenure Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha and the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari also participated at the meeting.

Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, affirmed that agreement had been reached on zoning formula.

He said: “We have agreed on a zoning formula for all the six geo-political zones. Essentially, northern zone will have the positions the south have had in the last eight years, and vice versa.

“It is a very simple, equitable

and fair formula.

“We will now go back and consult at the zonal level and look at the positions that are available and the process of the convention preparation will started in earnest.

“So, by the grace of God, on the 26th of March, we would have done our national convention.”

Nighteen of the 22 APC governors were in attendance at the meeting held at the Council Chambers.

They included Yobe, Ekiti, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Cross River, Kaduna, Lagos, Borno, Niger, Gombe, Osun, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kano, Imo, Kogi, Ogun, and Plateau states.

The outgoing deputy governor of Anambra state was also in attendance.

The Kaduna governor also affirmed that the APC governors were divided over the timing of the national convention as some were of the belief that there were many issues left unresolved.

The governor, who spoke in response to a question, said: “Yes, we were divided. We were divided over the timing of the convention, okay. There were some governors that felt that we should put off the convention until we resolve all the Congress’s issues in some states,.

“As you know, in some states, Cont. on page 18

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

Senate confirms Executive Director nominees of Petroleum Regulatory Authority

By Musa Baba Adamu

T

he Senate has confirmed the nominations of five Executive Director-nominees of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The confirmation of the nominees followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Downstream Petroleum Sector.

Those confirmed include: Francis Alabo Ogaree, Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations and Transportation Infrastructure; and Dr. Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community.

Others were Mansur Kuliya, Executive Director, Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure; Bashir Sadiq, Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration; and Dr. Zainab Gobir, Executive Director, Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning.

Chairman of the Downstream Petroleum Sector Committee, Senator Sabo Mohammed (Jigawa South-West), in his presentation, recalled that the Senate on Tuesday, 8th February, 2022, considered President Muhammadu Buhari’s request for the confirmation of the nominees.

He explained that the President’s request was in accordance with the provisions of Section 34(3) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

According to the lawmaker, the Act empowers the President to make appointments into the board of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) subject to the confirmation of the Senate for a period of five (5) years and may be reappointed for second term and no more.

Senator Mohammed said that the nominees while appearing before the Committee for screening, responded to a wide range of questions regarding the Petroleum Industry and measures that should be taken to reposition the industry for the benefit of the Nigerian economy.

“The nominees responded to the questions asked In an intellectual; factual and convincing manner.

“They exhibited a high level understanding of the challenges, complexities and opportunities inherent in the Petroleum Industry.

“Their knowledge and experiences will be of great benefit to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the oil and gas sector in general”, Mohammed said.

PAGE 15

Buhari, NASS caucus, to join search for credible convention, party leaders - APC Govs

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

G

overnors elected on the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) yesterday said other critical stakeholders of the party, including President Muhammadu Buhari, National Assembly caucus, and other key stakeholders, will be involved in the party’s ultimate search for a credible convention and popular party leadership.

The chairman of APC Governors Forum (PGF), Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, who is also the Governor of Kebbi State, disclosed this when he led other Governors of the party to brief journalists after their closed door meeting on Monday night, during which he said also that the PGF will make public their position

on the logistics and timetable recently released by the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the party.

“Until we finish the meeting with Mr President, we will rather not comment on any time table and any logistics”, Bagudu told journalists Monday night in Abuja.

Speaking on the conflict of interest among the Governors in the party, Bagudu said Nigerians have picked interest in what is happening in the APC because the majority of Nigerians elected them into office, and still hold them in high esteem.

“I think, first we appreciate that Nigerians are interested in what the APC is doing because Nigerians give us their mandate by electing us into offices and holding

us to high esteem and we are very conscious of that.

“All the APC Governors have met and as always, have appreciated the need to work together with the other stakeholders, we have always been humbled that we are not the only stakeholders of the party - to work with other stakeholders and to ensure that we deliver transparent, honest, national executive that will earn the confidence of all party members”, he said.

He said also that the PGF, during their meeting, also reviewed and deliberated on the recently conducted Area Council Election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Osun governorship primaries, Court judgement that resolved the Kano APC congress crisis, among other

issues important to the party.

“The Progressive Governors Forum met this evening to discuss developments in the states. We have discussed and reviewed elections that took place in FCT, the Osun primaries, the Court judgement that resolved the Kano congress issue and then preparation for the National Convention where we took briefings.

“We had briefings from the Chairman of the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the party, Governor MaiMala Buni of Yobe State. And we discussed the meeting we are going to have with Mr President to further discuss the party (Convention)”, Bagudu told journalists.

L-R: Member of the house of Representatives Adhoc Committee on investigative hearing on the importation of methanol blended PMS, Hon. Osai Nicolas Osai, Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Alex Ogbonna and Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Abdullahi Gaya, during the investigative hearing on the importation of methanol blended PMS with Petroleum Marketers, at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

APC convention crisis: Okorocha says Buhari, Tinubu, others should pick NWC members

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

F

ormer Governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha (APC Imo West) has proffered solution to the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) over repeatedly postponed national convention.

Okorocha, who spoke to Senate correspondents after plenary Tuesday, specifically suggested that founding leaders of the party, across the original four blocks, should be allowed to nominate interested party members for sensitive positions, such as National Chairman, Secretary, Women Leader, Youth Leader, Organising Secretary etc.

According to him, while President Muhammadu Buhari as the leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) block should be given the honour of deciding who becomes the next

National Chairman of the party, others like Senator Bola Tinubu of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) block, Ogbonnaya Onu of the defunct ANPP block, himself as leader of the APGA faction then, should also be honoured of deciding National Secretary and other important positions.

Sharing the party’s positions on that basis, he added, will help in preventing the ship of the party from hitting the rock.

He said, “Our party is a great party, APC is a great party, what is wrong with our party is that we have forgotten how we all started, we should not make the mistake of PDP of the old and I think that will be corrected with the party’s Convention now slated for March 26 , 2022.

“What we need to do is to go back to basis so that we adhere to the culture of Unity and equity the

party was known for at formation in 2013.

“There were four political parties that formed APC. CPC led by the former Head of States, Mohammadu Buhari who is now the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu came with (ACN) , Governor Abdulaziz Yari , Senator Alimodu Sheriff (SAS) and Former governnor of Ebonyi state, Ogbona Onu who is now Minister of Science and Technology and Rochas Okorocha leading the APGA. “Our initial position was that all positions would be shared among these four parties and DPP that came with few members and after the merger, the new PDP joined.

“Now, the wisest thing for all of us to do is to go back to the founding basis and distribute the political positions as we did it that time and there will be no rancour

and it will be very peaceful.

“The father of the party now is President Muhammadu Buhari who should be given that respect to pick the person that will hold Sensitive position in the party as Chairman, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu should always be made to produce some key positions in the party and the other parties and should also be made to have positions and when this is done there will be no problem in APC. “But, if we go into Election at this time and of course it will open a pandora of litigations because where 1000 people buy nominations form, APC can make an income of N2 billion on sales of forms and after that, APC can spend N3 billion on litigations.

“So the wise thing to do is to call the founding fathers of the party and give them key positions and carry everyone along, including the new people that joined the party.”

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

PAGE 16

POLITICS

By Christiana Ekpa

A

kwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel has ordered the sack of his Chief of Staff, Akparawa Ephraim Inyangeyen, with immediate effect.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, and issued to journalists in Uyo on Tuesday.

The statement noted that the letter, which was signed by the

Akwa Ibom Gov, Emmanuel sacks Chief of Staff, Inyangeyen Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, explained that the CoS’ sack became imperative due to urgent need to match skill set and competencies to the task of maintaining the momentum of economic

development required in the state.

According to the statement, “On behalf of His Excellency, the Governor, government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State, I write to convey to you His Excellency, the Governor’s profound appreciation

of the worthy contributions you made to the development of our dear State while you served as Chief of Staff to the Governor.

“However, given the urgent need to match skill set and competencies to the task of

maintaining the momentum of economic development in peace, your services are no longer required and you are hereby relieved of your position, as Chief of Staff (CoS) to His Excellency, the Governor with immediate effect.”

Senate passes bill to establish Council for Tea and Coffee Development 2023: Avoid and marketing of tea and coffee in while listing Nigeria as one of the scaled second reading in the Senate.

By Musa Baba Adamu The bills were sponsored by five coffee markets to watch.

Nigeria.

APC, declare for Adamu explained further that Senators Smart Adeyemi (Kogi According to him, the he Senate on Tuesday passed a bill seeking to establish the establishment of the Council the National Council for Tea and West) and Uche Lilian Ekwunife president – Eedris National Council for Tea and would facilitate the generation of Coffee Development would, among (Anambra Central).

The bill to establish the Federal foreign exchange for the country, others, provide the technical, Coffee Development. and horticultural Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic The passage of the bill so as to reduce over dependence managerial Abdulkareem tagged, “Nigerian Tea and on the exportation of crude oil as extension services as catalyst for tea Studies was referred by the Deputy Coffee Development Council the mainstay of Nigeria’s source of and coffee growth and development Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, tells youths who presided over plenary, to in Nigeria.

(Establishment) Bill, 2022”, revenue.

T

By Musa Baba Adamu

A

head of 2023 election, veteran musician, Eedris Abdulkareem, has warned Nigerian youths to avoid joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He advised young Nigerians to come out and declare their intention to run for presidency and other political positions in the House of Representatives.

Abdulkareem said although Obasanjo is part of Nigeria’s problems, he supports his statement asking older generation to step down in 2023.

In a video posted on his Instagram, he pledged to support any youth under any party except the APC in 2023.

Abdulkareem said “If you’re a youth and ready to contest for any position in 2023 please come out.

“The most important thing is avoid All Progressives Party, APC. Come out whether for presidency , House of Representatives just like Sowore, Yul Edochie.

“I’m going to support you all, it’s time for the youth to take over just like Obasanjo said it’s time for the youth.

“Although we know Obasanjo is part of our problems but he has said the truth. Come out everybody let’s support anybody that’s a youth, strictly for the youth in 2023.”

followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa West), in his presentation, said the Council when established would be saddled with the responsibilities of developing and promoting the growth, production, processing

He explained that tea and coffee are most widely consumed beverages around the world.

Citing a report by Euro Monitor International, Adamu stated that Nigerians drank more than 1000 tones of coffee in 2020.

He added that another report

by Fitch Solutions showed that overall consumer coffee spending for Nigeria was set to hit $286.8 million (N177.6 billion) in 2023,

The lawmaker said that the passage of the bill by the upper chamber would be a “bold-step” towards revamping tea and coffee business in Nigerian, while at the same time creating employment for the youths.

Meanwhile, two bills to establish the Federal Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies Kotonkarfe, Kogi State; and the National Innovation Agency have

the Joint Committees on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND; and Agriculture and Rural Development for further work.

Also, the bill seeking to establish the National Innovation Agency was referred to the Committee on Science and Technology after consideration.

The Committees were given four weeks to report back to the Senate in plenary.

Chairman, APC governor’s forum/ Kebbi State Governor, Senator Atiku Bagudu (middle) with APC Governor’s, addressing the journalists after their meeting on the Party’s forthcoming convention on Monday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

2023 Presidency: APC forum rebukes Tinubu over ‘ready to fight dirty’ comment

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

B

arely a year to the 2023 general elections, some leaders and members of the ruling party All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau and other States in the North Central zone of the country have condemned the statement credited to the National Leader of the party and former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, that he is ready to fight dirty over his quest to become the President of the country.

They said Tinubu’s comment was unbecoming and that it was putting not only himself, but the APC in general in a bad light.

Recall that Tinubu made the comment when he visited the Olubadan-designate, Lekan Balogun, at his Alarere residence

in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Sunday.

But the APC leaders expressed displeasure over the APC National Leader’s comments.

Speaking on behalf of the Forum in Jos, the Plateau State Capital, Saleh Mandung Zazzaga said that as a party with the matra of change, Tinubu as a party leader should always check his “words and deeds” so that he does not tarnish the image of the party.

Zazzaga pointed out that during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo and the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obasanjo once made a remark about a then forthcoming election being a ‘do or die’, and he was rebuked.

He said no one should make remarks that will heat up the polity and create

room for violence.

He said Tinubu appears to be known for unguarded remarks, adding that his aides and handlers should be steadfast and be on their toes so that they should not be allowing him make comments detrimental to not only himself but the nation at large.

“Few weeks back, our forum asked Bola Tinubu, the APC national leader and presidential aspirant for the 2023 election to apologize to Nigerians over his comments years back that he does not believe in one Nigeria.

“In ThisDay publication of April 13th, 1997, Tinubu granted an interview in which he was quoted as saying, ‘I don’t believe in One Nigeria’ . And since that interview has resurfaced as a result of his presidential ambition declaration, people

have began to raise eyebrow and asking damaging questions about his sincerity and actual intension for the nation.

“We equally pointed out that many people have been calling and mocking us (the APC), saying that if Tinubu does not believe in one Nigeria, how come he has now believed in one Nigeria to the extent that he wants to contest for the Presidency of a Nation he did not believe in.

“And while we are still battling with that issue to see how the air can be cleared, Tinubu is again reported to be saying something nasty two days back.

“We call on him to always check his words and deeds because whatever he says or does will have multiplying effect on the society due to his position and prominence”, the group admonished him.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

Airfare hike: Senate demands urgent rehabilitation of federal roads

By Musa Baba Adamu

T

he Senate has called on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, declare a State of Emergency on the nation’s federal roads.

The upper chamber, also urged the federal government to immediately make good its indebtedness to FERMA in order to enable the agency carry out its primary responsibility of rehabilitating federal roads, especially in the face of the astronomical increase in airfares.

These were resolutions reached on Tuesday by the Senate, following a point of order raised to draw its attention to the increase in airfare and the implication for Nigerian roads.

Rising under Order 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders, Senator Gershom Bassey, lamented that local airfares in Nigeria have risen by 63 per cent in response to a spike in the price of aviation fuel and attendant cost of operation.

According to him, the rise in airfare has pegged the minimum Economy Class ticket at around N80,000 for travellers buying a one-hour, one-way economy tickets.

He expressed worry that the increase in airfares would increase the pressure on the neglected and dilapidated Nigerian roads and further worsen their state.

The lawmaker noted that the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) had a budgetary approval of just 20 percent of the funds the agency requires for the rehabilitation of about 35,000km of federal roads in 2022.

Bassey observed that the sum of about N850 Billion naira that is to accrue to FERMA by virtue of the 5 percent User charge on pump price of petrol, diesel and international vehicle transit charges provided for in Section 14 of FERMA (Amendment) Act No.18 of 2007 is still being owed FERMA by the Federal Government.

“The humongous debt owed FERMA by the Federal Government has hampered the effective discharge of FERMA’s primary responsibility of road maintenance and rehabilitation”, he said.

PAGE 17

POLITICS Senate votes on Constitution Review Committee report next Tuesday

By Musa Baba Adamu

T

he Senate will next Tuesday vote on the report of its Committee on Constitution Review which amended the 1999 Constitution.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, gave the hint at the start of plenary, following an announcement made to invite members of the committee to a meeting scheduled to hold by 2pm on Tuesday.

Omo-Agege, who presided over the session, disclosed that copies of the report of the Constitution Review Committee would be distributed to lawmakers tomorrow, Wednesday, February 23, 2022.

He, therefore, appealed to Senators to study the report ahead of its consideration and ensure they are present during plenary next Tuesday to avail themselves of the opportunity to vote on it.

According to the lawmaker who also chairs the Constitution Review Committee, for some provisions of the report to be considered and voted on, the mandatory two-thirds and four-fifth requirements of the membership of the entire Senate must be meet by the chamber.

Omo-Agege said, “The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution will meet today, Tuesday, 22nd day of February, 2022, immediately after plenary sitting at room 221 of the Senate

building.

“Please, this meeting is very crucial. Tomorrow, the Senate President will announce that the report of the Constitution Review Committee will be laid on Wednesday tomorrow and, thereafter, we will take our vote on March 1st which will be Tuesday.

“That will give us about 4 to 5 days to review the report, consult as we deem fit and be prepared to vote.

“It is imperative that all of our colleagues be present on that day.

“As you know, there are certain amendments that will require the two-thirds majority of all our colleagues - the entire Senate - not two-third of those

who are present, but two-thirds of the entire membership of the Senate and, indeed, there are some other provisions that would require four-fifths of the entire Senate.

“So, please, it is my appeal without prejudice to the announcement the Senate President will make tomorrow, in my capacity as the Chairman of the Committee, to urge that all of our members be prepared to be present to cast their vote to cast their vote on Tuesday.

“The report will be laid tomorrow and be made available to all members, which report you will take home and we expect you to bring back to the chamber on Tuesday to cast your vote.”

We’re ready for Osun guber election – INEC declares

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it is ready for the Osun State gubernatorial election slated for July 16, 2022.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in the state, Professor Abdulganiyu Olayinka Raji, said aside election materials, which would be delivered days to the poll, the commission has put everything in place for the

gubernatorial election.

Prof Raji made this disclosure on Tuesday during a roundtable discussion with stakeholders in Osogbo.

The INEC boss assured free, fair and credible elections in the Osun State governorship poll saying all hands are on deck.

Speaking during the stakeholders meeting, the INEC boss said, “Aside from the sensitive materials which can’t be delivered except for days to the election, INEC has made

provisions for everything, and more by creation of polling units which is tantamount to extension of voters’ access.

“We also make more provisions via technological advances.

“It would be recalled that the last time polling units were created was 1996. INEC had not come to be. It was NEC (National Electoral Commission). Yet there have been increases in the electorate every election year. We thus created 753 more polling units making 3,758

polling units in total.

“Also, our advanced technology can identify features; facial and biometrics, though we have not activated the latter. We will also recruit 25,000 persons to work with us during the gubernatorial election.”

Professor Raji thereafter implored all stakeholders, media professionals, traditional rulers, political leaders and the public to cooperate with the Commission to get desired results.

Gov. Abudullahi Ganduje of Kano (M); Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo (4th R), and members of the Governor’s entourage, during the Governor’s to the minister in Abuja on Tuesday (22/2/22).

Wike wants to import political cannibalism into Cross River, APC alleges

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State has said that Gov Nyesom Wike of Rivers State is attempting to import political cannibalism into their once politically peaceful state.

They further alleged that Wike was behind the vandalisation of the fence of the Calabar Sports Club where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) staged a rally in the state against police advice last weekend.

Chairman of APC in the state, Alphonsus Ogar Eba stated this during a press interaction at the APC office in Calabar.

“What Gov Wike has set to do over time is to import the political cannibalism from Rivers State politics into Cross River State.

“But Cross Riverians will no longer continue to allow him to cross the boundary of the line of political decency”, he said.

“We are a peace loving people and very decent and civilised and led

by two very prominent professors.

“We will not get so low to the level of a governor that is almost like a motor park tout.

“We want the world to know that Governor Ben Ayade with his level of exposure, education, and political capital in him cannot reduce himself to the level of a man who the poverty of intellectual capacity has reduced to a street boy.

“Nyesome Wike has been a constant meddlesome interloper and today we want to say that enough is

enough.

“He was here on Saturday to incite violence in Cross River State but it took the maturity of our leader and governor, Professor Ben Ayade to avert violence.”

The ruling APC has therefore threatened to stop Wike from entering the state for political activities.

He said the state will no longer condone his constant meddlesomeness as the state is not an extension of Rivers State.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

PAGE 18

NEWS Why we prioritized infrastructure -Buhari

By Egena Sunday Ode

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja said prioritizing infrastructure projects ameliorated hardship in some parts of the country, particularly the quick intervention on the Lagos-Ibadan route with completion of road and rail lines, which improved the traffic significantly.

“My objective was very clear, despite the dwindling resources, I wanted to deal with infrastructure across the country,’’ the President told a delegation from Kaduna State, led by the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Hadiza Sabuwa Balaraba at the State House.

“We should look at advancement in terms of Infrastructure. No country can

advance without infrastructure. There used to be railways, especially people from Southern Kaduna will remember this.

“Which country can really advance without road, rail and power, that’s why I wanted to sort out infrastructure, knowing that Nigerians are competitive by nature, and they will face their businesses when there’s road, rail and power,’’ he added.

The President said the challenge of commuting in the South West had been improved.

“The people from South West can tell better because between Lagos and Ibadan by now, if we hadn’t done what we did, people would have been trekking because the road was not there, the rail was not there and there was so much insecurity.

“But we thank the international community. We thank China and Chinese investors, who came along to support the Lagos-Ibadan transport projects,’’ he said.

President Buhari assured that the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure will be sustained, which include the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano express road, being handled by Julius Berger to ensure good, long-term quality.

The President commended the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir elRufai, for the transformation of the state, with growing infrastructure and socioeconomic projects, while noting the growing liberality, which welcomes all Nigerians.

“Please extend my gratitude to the Governor for doing so well. I have been

living in Kaduna for many years before I came here, but now I will need a modern compass to go around because of the transformation,’’ he added.

In her remarks, the Deputy Governor thanked the President for his working visit to the state, where he commissioned projects in Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria.

She said the Urban Renewal Programme will be sustained and spread across the state for more impact on the lives of the people, with many already near completion, and will be ready by May, 2022.

The Emir of Zazzau also thanked the President for the visit in January and support to the Government, adding that the memory will be long cherished by all Kaduna State citizens.

From left: Minister of State for Power, Goddy Agba; Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, during a Town Hall Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday (22/2/22).

APC: North, South to swap positions in new zoning formula Cont. from page 14 these matters are even in court.

So, some governors held the view that we should wait until all these are resolved. And this is not borne out of any agenda or selfishmess.

It is just a realistic proposition to avoid us violating any laws or putting our party structures of elected candidates in danger.

“So yes, there were differences in opinion about timing. Some of us are saying the Constitution allows us to have convention even if three or four states have issues that are unresolved, while others are saying no, let us finish all the reconciliations and we do this convention. After all, there is no time limit for the convention as long as we do it before the time for the primaries.

“So, that was the difference.

This is what the media has called divided governors.

“In a democratic setting, there is no way you can have 22 governors plus the deputy governor of Anambra state agreeing on any issue. We can have differences.

“But after our meeting of last night, to deliberate on the proposal by the national caretaker committee, and our briefing with Mr. President today, we’re all on the same page.”

Earlier, Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Kebbi state, Atiku Bagudu, had revealed that President Buhari is in favour of consensus to select candidates for party offices.

Also answering questions, he stated: “On Consensus, Mr. President reminded us that we have produced a number of national chairmen by consensus; Baba Akande emerged as the pioneer chairman of the party by consensus; His Excellency John Oyegun emerged by consensus; His Excellency Adams Oshiomhole emerged by consensus.

“So, he is a believer in consensus as one of the options of producing leadership, and he urged us to explore consensus, so that we can generate list.

“While recognizing in that many people who have indicated

interest are equally competent, but knowing that just one person will occupy the office, consensus is part of our Constitution and urged us to work towards consensus.

“And the governors I have said earlier have also been working to ensure that as part of equitable arrangement, zoning and consensus are incorporated.

We have done that at the lower levels, and even at the national level it’s almost certain that we will achieve it.

“Then, the date of the convention, the caretaker committee briefed us yesterday of their meeting and the proposed March 26, 2022. And today, the governors informed Mr. President that we have had that we have had the briefing from the caretaker committee and we are supportive of their position.”

Bagudu explained that even though the planned zonal congresses of the APC is not provided for in its constitution, the law is also not against the process.

He said: “On proposed zonal

congresses not in the constitution, I think there has been so much debate. Yesterday (Monday), there was a statement to the effect that even the letter that has gone out was withdrawn.

“So, zonal congresses are not explicitly stated in the constitution, particularly how you do zonal congresses. And we have in the past done them with national convention, but nothing again in the Constitution stops them from being done outside the national convention. But the final form will be decided, given the input we have provided.”

On whether the APC governors are divided, Bagudu answered: “Are governor divided? Not at all. The 22 governors of the APC are united. We are in total support of Mr. President, we are appreciative of his leadership, we commend him for his leadership, we are appreciative of the sacrifice of the national caretaker, and extraordinary convention planning committee. And we thanked them to the successes recorded under them. Our party like I said, is greater and stronger,

with more members by the day.”

While also responding to a question, the chairman of Northern Governors Forum and Plateau state governor, Simon Lalong, dismissed fears that the ruling party will collapse at the end of President Buhari’s era.

He explained: “I think that from the progress report, read by our chairman, and from several assumptions, and also several reports, that we’re seeing what tremendous efforts the federal government is doing. And again, we’re already going around commissioning projects here and there in all the various states.

“There is no doubt although you are not specific as to which reason will make us not to come back again. But as far as we’re concerned based on assessment, and based on what the federal government is doing tremendously. there is every hope that this party, this government will move beyond our president and I think that is his efforts, and that’s what he has been saying that by grace of God, this government will move beyond his tenure.”

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

PAGE 19

Savings critical to growth of Nigerian economy -Finance Minister

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed has identified savings as critical success factor for harnessing the true growth potential of the Nigerian economy.

Mrs Ahmed stated this during the submission of report of the Working Group on National Savings Scheme in Abuja, Tuesday.

The Minister stated that the just launched Medium-Term National Development Plan 2021-2025 recognizes the role of a deep financial market in supporting the high and sustainable growth the plan aims to attain. I hope the proposals made in this report will guide Government in taking actionable steps to actualize the objectives outlined.

She assured that she would review the report and work with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other stakeholders to ensure that the country fully realizes the potential benefits of the Scheme to the Country.

Ahmed said, “We understand that this initiative will involve several other agencies such as the CBN, FIRS, NAICOM and other important stakeholders. We will leverage on our collaborative working environment within the Government to ensure we get necessary buy-in and commitment from relevant stakeholders.

“On behalf of the federal government and the Ministry of Finance, Budget & National Planning, I extend my sincere appreciation for your selflessness in giving your time and skill in this painstaking work in support of Government. I trust that we will count on your patriotic spirit when we call on you for further support in this or other laudable endeavours for

our dear Country”.

Earlier, the Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Lamido Yuguda explained that the need to establish a National Savings Strategy was outlined in the 10 Years Capital Market Master Plan “as one of the key strategies to enhance capital formation by mobilizing domestic funds for investment to drive rapid economic growth.

“It envisaged the deliberate provision of risk capital as venture capital and private equity that are naira based and more committed to the long-term prosperity of Nigeria as well as create a buffer to the instability created by foreign investors. The CAMMIC commissioned a white paper on a National Savings Strategy and recommended to the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning the formation of a Working Group to explore the feasibility of the report findings”, he added.

Yuguda thanked the Honourable Minister for Finance, Budget and National Planning for graciously embracing this initiative and constituting this National Working Group and expressed the hope the Honourable Minister will accept the recommendations of Working Group and facilitate the adoption of the National Savings Scheme in the Nation’s Development program.

“We are indeed grateful for your commitment and efforts to position our market where it deserves to be - a capital market that will broaden access to economic prosperity by enabling the emergence of financially responsible citizens, accelerate wealth creation and wealth distribution, provide capital to small and medium scale enterprises, and catalyze housing finance” He added.

While presenting the report, Dr. Ore Sofekun Member of the Committee and CEO of Foothold Advisors Limited who presented the report on behalf of the Committee Chairman, Mr. Fola Adeola, said the scheme will be open-ended and considering its medium-term to long-term objective, participants will have the opportunity to decide how their contributions will be invested and will be able to make periodic re-allocations.

To allow for product diversification and provide savers flexibility and choice, she stated that multiple investor risk/return profiles have been designed with corresponding savings products. These products will allow service providers offer an array of diversified product options tailored to match customer needs.

New Government issued savings instruments that have features to protect savers from rising inflation have been recommended and a number of special products have also been proposed with the needs of Nigerians in mind.

On implementation Roadmap, Sofekun said the Scheme will be subject to the overall supervision of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and structured, to start, as a Department within the SEC adding that with the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) of 2007 currently being reviewed, a new section should be introduced in the proposed Investments and Securities Bill (ISB) to provide for the establishment of the National Savings Scheme as a mandatory scheme and other related matters.

“The new provisions in the ISB should be articulated to give the NSS its own advisory board. The governance structure of the Scheme

Mrs. Zainab Ahmed should be robust and transparent with stringent measures in place to ring-fence the assets of the Scheme. strategy and advise the government on the extent and period for program incentives, conduct technical reviews of proposed products and supervise overall program philosophy.

“The implementation mechanism is designed to consider practical realities and minimize complexity.

The main objective is to create a stable and optimal financial intermediation structure where channels and savings products are easily accessible, and an effective and robust institutional framework is established.

“The overriding goal is to incentivize the population to save, have access to various savings investment products and ultimately, provide a pool of funds to finance capital investments. The initial takeoff expenses should be borne primarily by the Ministry of Finance, Budget &

National Planning with some funding provided by the SEC” she added.

The SEC launched a 10-year Capital Market Masterplan in 2015.

The Commission at that time believed that having just emerged from a bubble that negatively impacted the performance and confidence in the Nigerian capital market, it was expedient to come up with a market wide strategic blueprint that had the buy-in of all stakeholders aimed at making our market deeper, vibrant and more effective.

The implementation of the initiatives in the 10-year master plan will transform the Nigerian market, facilitate the diversification of our economy, encourage savings and create wealth. This will no doubt grow investor confidence, improve the depth and breadth of the market in terms of product offerings, engender market integrity, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Pension: Defined Benefits Scheme unsustainable -PenCom DG

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Director General of PenCom, Aisha Dahir-Umar, has described as unsustainable the pension under the old Defined Benefits Scheme, therefore, urged retirees to fully embrace the current Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Dahir-Umar, stated this Tuesday in Abuja during a public hearing on two pension-related Bills by the House Committee on Pension.

They are a Bill for an Act to exempt the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from the CPS and a Bill for an Act to further Amend the Pension Reform Act 2014 to, among other things, provide for a retiree to withdraw a lump sum of at least 75% from the Retirement Savings Account (RSA) and to criminalize undue delay in the payment of pension and for related matters.

She noted that the provisions of the CPS were sufficient to address the challenges being faced by personnel of the Nigeria Police and other Federal Government Agencies on the administration of their retirement benefits.

“The solution to the pension challenges of the personnel of the Nigeria Police does not reside in their exemption

from Contributory Pension Scheme and reversion to the Defined Benefits Scheme, which is clearly unsustainable,” DahirUmar told the Committee.

She said, the absence of other social security benefits in Nigeria is partly responsible for the clamour by the retirees for exemption or to access substantial amounts as lump sum from their RSA balance.

The Director General said, the exemption of the NPF from the CPS would result in the dismantling of the institutions, systems and processes that Government had put in place in the last few years towards the implementation of the pension reform programme.

“Exemption of the personnel of the NPF would imply additional financial burden on the Federal Government by way of unsustainable pension obligations.

For instance, as at September 2021, there were 304,963 Police personnel based on IPPIS data. An actuarial valuation revealed that the retirement benefits (pension and gratuity) liability of these personnel under the defunct Defined Benefits Scheme would amount to about N1.84 trillion,” she said.

On the other hand, she said that the liability under the CPS for the same NPF personnel is made up of N213.4 billion as accrued pension rights and monthly

employer pension contributions of about N2.2 billion.

The Director General said to address the concerns of Police Personnel on pension, the employer can review upwards its current contribution rate of 10%.

In addition, she said the PRA 2014 further provides that notwithstanding the pension contributions made by employer and employee into the employee’s RSA, the employer may agree on the payment of additional benefits to the employee upon retirement.

“Accordingly, the Federal Government may wish to provide additional benefits in the form of gratuity to personnel of the NPF upon their retirement,” she said.

Meanwhile, regarding the 75% lumpsum payment, she said the amendment, if approved, would be contrary to the provision of Section173 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees the right to pensions for all public officers as the payment of “at least 75% of the balance of the RSA” as lumpsum at retirement.

She added that this will significantly deplete the pension savings such that the contributions will not be sufficient to provide meaningful pensions during

retirement.

“That converts the pensions into a provident fund and leaves such a retiree with no periodic pensions, which is contrary to the requirement of Section 173 of the 1999 Constitution,” she said.

The Director General said the proposal is based on a misunderstanding of the concept of pension payment under the CPS. Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PENOP), Oguche Agudah, said the exemption of the Nigeria Police Force from the CPS would take Nigeria back to the dark ages before the pension reforms.

“This was a time when retirees had to depend on a defined benefit system; where the federal government paid monthly pensions to retirees directly from its coffers,” he said.

Agudah aid at the time of the reform, it was estimated that the Federal Government had a pension liability of over NGN 2 trillion.

“Past experiences have proven that this system puts a lot of burden on the federal government, making it unsustainable. The sustainability of moving the police back to the pay – as – you – go Defined benefit scheme under their proposal is near impossible, given

the Federal government’s struggling finances at the moment.,” he said.

He recommended that from the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) upwards, their pensions should be treated under the category of political appointees who retire with full benefits as stated in the PRA 2014 as their appointments are political in nature.

On the Bill to allow contributors take at least 75% of their RSA balance at retirement, the PENOP’s CEO said the people that have issues with the lump sum that they collect at the moment are those who have not been able to accumulate enough funds in their RSAs prior to retirement.

He said what the 75% essentially is looking to achieve is a gratuity type payment to retirees, adding that the PRA in its current form does not preclude the payment of gratuities by employers as many Department and Agencies of the Government already pay gratuity to their staff on retirement.

“What we suggest is that employers should be encouraged to pay gratuities at retirement and/ or increase their level of monthly contributions in order to boost the balances and subsequent pension payout of their staff,” he said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

BU$IN€SS

Nedogas, NCDMB deliver 300 MMscfd Kwale Gas Gathering Facility

By Etuka Sunday

N

edogas Development Company Limited (NDCL), a joint venture company between Xenergi Limited and NCDMB Capacity Development Intervention Company, has, in collaborative partnership with the Nigerian Gas Company Limited (NGC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), successfully completed the construction and technical commissioning of a 300 MMscfd Capacity Kwale Gas Gathering (KGG) and injection Facility located in the Umusam Community, near Kwale in Delta State, Niger-Delta, Nigeria.

The KGG Facility was designed to handle stranded gas resources in Nigeria’s OML56 oil province by providing the opportunity for independent operators in the area

to monetize natural gas from their fields through the gas gathering, compression, injection and metering infrastructure of the KGG for quick access to market.

The KGG hub, which has been tied-in to the NGC-owned and operated 48-inch OB-3 gas trunk line, is now fully commissioned with an initial gas injection capacity of 25 MMscfd from the Nedogas Plant located 3km away in Energia’s Ebendo field. Injected gas volumes are gradually being ramped up.

This project represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s decade of gas as well as a major achievement in the quest to provide gas into the OB3 trunk line and monetize natural gas resources from the OML 56 producer cluster.

With the successful injection of gas from the Energia-operated Ebendo field into the OB3, the KGG

Facility is now poised to receive additional gas from nearby fields including those operated by First Hydrocarbon Nigeria (FHN), Pillar Oil, Chorus Energy and Midwestern Oil & Gas, all aimed at positioning KGG as a fully-fledged gas-gathering facility and hub with single point injection of up to 300 MMscfd of gas into the OB3 via the KGG tie-in.

The Managing Director of NDCL, Mr. Debo Fagbami explained that with the completion of the KGG Facility, the proof-of-concept to readily monetize gas has now been established to the extent of eradicating the pain of seeing an invaluable resource being wasted.

Rather than seeing gas flaring – he sees opportunities to harness the potential of the flare sites from these oilfields which will ultimately convert a “wasting” resource into an economic asset used to generate

cleaner energy.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr.

Simbi Kesiye Wabote expressed his delight to see the completion of another project under the series of projects being catalyzed by the Board to realize the Decade of Gas initiative of the Federal Government.

He said, ‘Our partnership with NDCL to complete the Nedo Gas plant and construct the KGG hub represents another important achievement in our 10-year Strategic Roadmap to utilize local resources, develop in-country capacities, and create job opportunities in line with the mandate of the Board’.

With an estimated 205 trillion cubic feet of proven Natural gas reserves, Nigeria has the ninth largest reserves in the world but has flared significant quantities of

Associated gas in the last 60 years.

This project provides opportunities to address gas flaring within its captive areas with positive impact on health and the environment.

Natural gas remains a relatively clean fossil fuel and represents a viable transition to renewably energy which plays a pivotal role in powering the growth of developing economies like Nigeria. The KGG facility is set to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs for indigenes of the host and nearby communities.

NDCL is a 100% Nigerian company with proven interest in creatively innovating and inventing cleaner energy sources for Nigeria’s growth and economic development.

NCDMB is responsible for promoting the development of local content capacity and related projects in the Nigeria oil and gas industry.

Afreximbank to advance Zanzibar’s Development Agenda

By Etuka Sunday

A

frican Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar have agreed to collaborate to industrialize and diversify Zanzibar’s economy.

The overarching objective being to assimilate the country’s manufactured value-added goods and services into regional and global value chains.

Mr. Amr Kamel, Afreximbank‘s Executive Vice President in Charge of Business Development & Corporate Banking, led a three day mission to Zanzibar (16th - 18th February 2022) during which he met with the President of Zanzibar and the Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, His Excellency Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi.

During the meeting, Mr. Kamel reiterated the Bank’s commitment to develop trade-enabling infrastructure projects, facilitate trade and trade finance with the aim of actualizing the country’s aspirations of being an upper middle-income status by 2050 as espoused under its Zanzibar Development Vision 2050.

Mr. Kamel also met with senior

government officials including, the Minister of Trade and Industrial Development, Honourable Omar Said Shabaan, the Attorney-General, Dr Mwinyi Talib Haji, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr. Aboud S. Jumbe and Principal Secretary President’s Office and Planning (Ministry of Finance), Dr. Juma Malik Akil, among others.

A key highlight of the mission was the signing of the US$ 5 million Afreximbank Trade Facilitation Programme (AfTRAF) facility between Afreximbank and People’s Bank of Zanzibar (PBZ). This marked the Bank’s first facility in Zanzibar, which PBZ will deploy to support imports into Zanzibar, boost intra-African trade and facilitate the purchase of equipment and raw materials to support the production of goods for both local sales as well as export.

In addition, the Bank and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar represented by the Ministry of Trade and Industrial Development signed a memorandum of understanding for a Joint Project Preparation Facility (JPPF), to fund the preparation of bankability studies to support the

establishment 2 industrial parks located in Unguja and Pemba - expected to be commissioned by 2023.

Mr. Amr Kamel, Executive Vice President, Afreximbank, said: “the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has clearly articulated its investment priorities and would like these to be given immediate attention to spearhead

the country’s development agenda under Zanzibar Development Vision 2050.

"Afreximbank is keen to work closely with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to ensure that the identified priority projects are successfully implemented in a timely manner. By supporting the Zanzibari

institutions to facilitate and promote trade, Afreximbank is not only pursuing its core mandate, but will also play an instrumental role in financing the development of trade-enabling infrastructure to ensure a resilient economic growth with positive spill over effects in Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania, East Africa and beyond.”

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu (2nd left), Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Barr. Mohammed H. Abdullahi (3rd right), Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Mr. Edet Sunday Akpan ( left), representative of Chairman, House Committee on Science and Technology and Innovation, Barr.

Sam Nwogbodo (2nd right) and the Director-General, Energy Commission of Nigeria Prof. Eli Jidere Bala (right), At a One-Day Validation Workshop on the Draft Revised National Energy Policy and Its Related National Energy Master Plan, held in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

NCC restates commitment to bridging telecom infrastructure deficit

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated commitment to bridging identified gaps and shortages in critical telecom infrastructure in the country.

This, the Commission said, it would do by implementing the various regulatory initiatives and programmes, in collaboration with all stakeholders in the telecom ecosystem.

TheFact Nigeria reports that the overarching objective was to fulfil the Commission’s mandate and support extant and emergent policies and strategies of the Federal Government focused on providing ubiquitous, accessible and affordable broadband services in Nigeria.

Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde in a statement

quoted the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, to have stated this during an in-house interview which took place at the Commission’s Head Office in Abuja recently.

The EVC emphasized the centrality of infrastructure to telecom service provisioning by asserting that availability of broadband in sufficiency was non-negotiable and irreducible in the nation’s strategy towards delivering pervasive telecom services.

Danbatta also put the efforts of Government in context towards addressing infrastructure gaps, and commended both state and nonstate actors for the vision, diligence and continued dedication to the implementation of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025, an initiative of the Federal

Government, being driven by NCC and conceived to address infrastructure gaps in the telecom and ICT sector.

The EVC said he was gratified that the new plan particularly took into consideration, the identified gaps and challenges in its precursor, the National Broadband Plan 2013-2018, which implementation the NCC was equally central to.

According to Danbatta, one of the identified gaps to robust connectivity was the fact that inadequate infrastructure remained a bane to achieving desired broadband penetration to boost access to services that will enhance economic growth and development.

He emphasised that the Commission recognises the importance of infrastructure expansion and this explains its unequivocal commitment and desire to see the licensed

Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos) work speedily and with precision to cascade fibre to the hinterland, in order to enhance robust telecom service provision. He said the InfraCo licensees, expectedly, also prioritize stipulated licensing conditions to ensure expected milestones set by the Commission are achieved.

The EVC stated that Commission’s target for licensing the infraCos was to ensure the deployment of fibre infrastructure needed for pervasive broadband penetration across the 774 local government areas (LGAs). This, he said, will ensure access to telecoms services in the hinterlands of the country, and by so doing address the challenges of access confronting the unserved and underserved areas of the country.

Danbatta also placed on record

Commission’s desire for inclusiveness as seminal to erecting sustainable telecom architecture. This, according to him is critical in ensuring the achievement of Federal Government’s target on digital access and financial inclusion.

One visible area of beneficial financial service riding on telecom infrastructure is the provision of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) for financial transactions across various financial institutions’ platforms. This feat, Danbatta asserted, has brought ease to financial transactions, even as he recalled that NCC is providing support for e-payment initiatives and policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), including the e-Naira project, which is the digital currency issued and regulated by the apex bank.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

SDS engages stakeholders on youth moral re-branding

By Stanley Onyekwere

I

n an effort to ensure that youth move away from current vices such as drug abuse and cybercrime, the Social Development Secretariat (SDS) of the FCT Administration has organized a workshop aimed at addressing all those vices.

The workshop, which witnessed a large turn out of stakeholders as participants was christened moral re-branding of teeming youth in the Territory.

SDS Mandate Secretary, Hadiza Mohammed Kabir noted that the programme intends to expose the hazards involved in drug abuse and cyber- crime with the aim to save Youths from the dangers usually associated with such exercise.

She said: “The youth constitute the driving force of the society, the spirit of today, the trustees of tomorrow and the hope of the future.

Through their creative talents and labor power, a nation makes giant strides in economic development and social-political attainment. “ I implore all relevant Government and non-governmental organisations to key into this sensitisation effort of educating the citizenry especially the youths on the dangers of drug abuse, cyber crime and other social vices.

“This programme is geared to sensitise FCT youths on the dangers inherent in drug abuse and cyber crime that is prevalent among the youth, and to further prevent them from engaging in same.”

Earlier, in her welcome address, the Director, Youth Development Department, FCT Social Development Secretariat, Asabe Umar explained that alarming trend of cyber crime among youth justify the putting together of the workshop.

She said every efforts needed to be done towards ensuring a meaningful life for the young people, adding that, that is why FCT administration has been making every efforts to give necessary support to the youths inspite of the unfriendly economic challenges.

On his part, the FCT Chairman ,National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Ango Abdulahi noted the need to involve more FCT youths in program of that nature in future.

METRO

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Nutrition: FCTA empowers women with tomato processing, preservation techniques

By Stanley Onyekwere

N

o fewer than three hundred rural women of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have received improved skills in processing and preservation of Tomato using the very effective hot bottle technique, aimed at ensuring nutrition improvement and food security in the Territory and beyond.

The women, mostly farmers from selected FCT women groups participated in a capacity building workshop organized by the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS) of the FCT Administration, in Gwagwalada, on Tuesday.

Our correspondent reports that the training programme, which is an outcome of the collaboration between the FCT Administration, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on nutrition improvement, have been in existence since 2017.

Delivering his keynote address

at the event, ARDS Secretary, Mallam Abubakar Ibrahim, noted that the Hot bottle technique lays emphasis on the use of organic products in the processing and preservation processes, in line with the ongoing global campaign to promote the practice of organic Agriculture for its nutritional and health benefits.

Ibrahim said it imperative to support the programme, so as to bequeath home makers (women) the skills that will help save cost, minimize loss and improve nutritional intake in their homes.

He enjoined them to take advantage of the capacity programme to improve their families food and nutrition security.

He acknowledged that the support FCTA have received from JICA in the sponsorship of ARDS staff for series of capacity building programmes in Japan have proven to be a success as the officers have stepped down their knowledge to improve the livelihood of rural women of the

FCT. “I want to assure you that the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat will ensure the sustenance of this programme. To this end, all the participants numbering 300 will be given free complementary training materials which includes special bottles, tomatoes, onions and pepper to enable them practice their new found knowledge at home.

“I express appreciation on behalf of the FCT Administration to the management of JICA for their support and also to our women, who have no doubt endured so much difficulties, in order to ensure the wellbeing of their families.

“The Honourable Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, who has been in the fore-front of campaign for gender equality and economic empowerment for women and youth, has equally lined up series of activities that will improve the livelihood of women in FCT.

“The Secretariat will continue to mobilise more and more women to benefit from the various Agricultural programmes of the FCTA”, the ARDS boss stressed.

Earlier, the Director, Planning Research and Statistics of the ARDS, Yahaya Husseini, explained that the training is one of the activities of the FCTA to empower hardworking women to be self-reliance using local technology in the Territory.

He noted that the training was apt, as it is the obligation and collective responsibility of managers of public institutions and key stakeholders in the industry to change the business of agriculture, which has been left mostly to the peasant farmers.

According to him, FCT has a deliberate policy to promote the development of a sustainable commercial agriculture that will not only guarantee increased farm income but also ensure availability of sufficient food for the ever growing population of the Territory.

Special Guest of Honour, retired Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai (M); Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (6th L); representative of the National Security Adviser to the President, Maj-Gen. Emmanuel Aliyu-Ndagi (2nd L); representative of the Minister of Defence, Dr Olajide Johnson (5th L); Chief of the Army Staff, Lit-Gen. Faruk Yahaya (4th L); Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson (6th R); Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (5th R); Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao (4th R) and IGP Usman Alkali (3rd L), during a workshop on Strengthening Inter-Agency Cooperation for Sustainable National Security in Abuja on Tuesday (22/2/22).

Wassa: STDD driving urban renewal in FCT - Minister

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu has declared that the ongoing infrastructural development at Wassa Resettlement area of Abuja, courtesy of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD) is driving the urban renewal initiative in the Territory.

Aliyu, who spoke through the Coordinator STDD, Comrade Obinna Francis Ogwuegbu during a recent site inspection tour of Wassa Affordable Housing and Resettlement sites respectively, expressed satisfaction at the pace of work there.

In a statement from the STDD Public Relations Officer, Meeme Felicia, which was made available to PeoplesDaily, the

Minister noted that the visit was to ascertain the progress of Work on Wasa Affordable Housing site being handled by Gilmor Engineering company, and the provision of engineering infrastructure to Wasa resettlement site at Wasa, being handled by Coan (W/A) Ltd, an indigenous construction firm.

She reiterated her resolve in stepping up drive at improving the lives of the teeming inhabitants of the FCT Satellite communities.

According to her, the successful completion of all the projects will be a great and giant leap in furtherance to the fulfillment of the the FCTA’s mandate of building new satellite communities.

Aliyu, while expressing her satisfaction with the level of work at the sites of both projects, however encouraged the

contractors to continue in their consistent stride of delivering good and quality work .Furthermore, the Minister reassured that the President Muhammadu Buhari’s led government will keep doing its possible best at ensuring that result oriented contractors receive the government’s support in the execution of projects.

She added that all the ongoing landmark projects in the FCT, are redefining the FCT landscape. “As these will arrest the traffic gridlock at the satellite towns into the city center; and the completion of various road projects at the Satellite towns will further open up the Satellite towns and put an end to the hardship farmers and motorists experience, while trying to convey their produce beyond the Satellite towns to other parts of the Territory”.

The Minister commended Gilmor for the provision of a station for the Nigerian Police at Wassa, thus providing a conducive office and residential accomodation for men and officers of the Nigerian Police Force She advised the police to take good care of the property as it aids them in the discharge of their duties.

She further reiterated that the Administration is not relenting in developing the satellite towns, thereby turning them to modern and model cities.

On his part, the Gilmor project manager, promised to continue with their drive and speed on the project and reaffirmed the commitment of the construction firm to deliver quality works as they have always done but appealed to the Government at timely and consistent release of funds.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

PAGE 22

world news

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Ukraine crisis: Russia orders troops into rebel-held regions

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ussian President Vladimir Putin has ordered troops into two rebel-held regions in eastern Ukraine, after recognising them as independent states.

Russia said the troops have not yet been deployed but will be “peacekeeping” in the regions, which it has backed since 2014.

The US said calling them peacekeepers was “nonsense”, and accused Russia of creating a pretext for war.

Several countries have announced sanctions in response.

Ukraine’s president said his country was “not afraid of anything or anyone”.

In a late-night televised address to the nation, President Volodymyr Zelensky called for “clear and effective actions of support” from Ukraine’s international allies.

“It is very important to see now who our real friend and partner is, and who will continue to scare the Russian Federation with words only,” he added.

Fears over an invasion have been rising in recent months, as Russia has massed some 150,000 troops along Ukraine’s borders, according to US estimates.

At an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield dismissed Russia’s claims that troops would be taking on a “peacekeeping” role, saying: “We know what they really are.”

Recognising Luhansk and Donetsk as independent was part of Russia’s bid to create a reason to invade Ukraine, she said.

Russia has been backing a bloody armed rebellion in eastern Ukraine for the past eight years. Some 14,000 people - including many civilians - have died in fighting since then.

In recent years, Russian passports have been given out to large numbers of people in Donetsk and Luhansk.

The rebel-held areas have been evacuating women, children and the elderly to Russia since late last week.

In an hour-long address on Monday, Mr Putin said Ukraine was an integral part of his country’s history, and described eastern Ukraine as “ancient Russian lands”.

Russia’s UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya argued for the need to defend the rebel-held areas in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region from what he called Ukrainian aggression.

“Allowing a new bloodbath in the Donbas is something we do not intend to do,” he said.

But Mr Zelensky said Moscow’s recognition of the rebel-held regions represented a threat to the security of Ukraine and other European nations.

“If we have a full-scale escalation... our neighbours would be put at risk,” he said.

‘A barrage of sanctions’ Western powers have rallied behind Ukraine, promising tough sanctions against Russia if it invades - though it is not yet clear how effective this move could be.

The US swiftly condemned Mr Putin’s move, and President Joe Biden signed an executive order that prohibits new investment, trade and financing by Americans in the breakaway regions. The White House said the measures were separate to wider Western sanctions which are ready to go “should Russia further invade Ukraine”.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Russia had violated Ukrainian sovereignty and “completely torn up” international law.

He said Mr Putin appeared “bent on a fullscale invasion”, and promised a “barrage of sanctions”.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was halting the process of certifying the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline because of Russia’s actions. The gas pipeline between Russia and Germany was completed last September but is not yet operating.

Running under the Baltic Sea, it would double Moscow’s gas exports to Germany and circumvent Ukraine, which relies on existing pipelines for income.

A Ukrainian serviceman at a position on the front line near the village of Travneve in Donetsk region The European Union pledged to “react obsessive, like a man who thinks about little with unity, firmness and with determination else. At times it sounded like a bid to run for in solidarity with Ukraine”. president there, it was so detailed.

Both Mr Scholz and France’s President And, of course, there was his re-writing Emmanuel Macron spoke with the Russian of Ukrainian history, to claim it has never leader ahead of his announcement. really been a state. In today’s context, that Putin builds to a showdown had deeply ominous overtones.

This speech was Putin the angry, Groundwork for the controversial impatient and directly threatening. It felt like decision was laid earlier on Monday, when Russia’s president was getting 20-odd years Mr Putin convened Russia’s security council of hurt off his chest and hitting back. to discuss recognising the self-declared “You didn’t want us to be friends,” was republics as independent. how he put it to the West, “but you didn’t Mr Putin’s top officials were called to a have to make an enemy of us.” podium to deliver their views, each speaking There was a lot we’ve heard before, in favour of the move. Monday’s televised repackaged for this moment when he knows meeting was not entirely smooth, however. he has maximum attention.

Two officials appeared to reference a He’s clearly ceding no ground on his key possibility to “incorporate” the regions security demands: Nato expansion must be into Russia. On both occasions, Mr Putin rolled back, and Ukrainian membership corrected them. is a red line. He complained that Russia’s “We are not talking about that,” Mr concerns had been ignored as irrelevant Putin said, shaking his head in response for years and accused the West of trying to to one official’s use of the phrase. “We are “contain” Russia as a resurgent global force. talking about whether to recognise their Mr Putin’s focus on Ukraine felt independence or not.”

Tyson Fury v Dillian Whyte: ‘Bodysnatcher’ signs fight contract for April

D

illian Whyte has signed a contract to fight WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury just hours before the deadline.

The fight is expected to take place on 23 April, potentially at Wembley Stadium.

Whyte, 33, had until 06:00 GMT on Tuesday to sign but had spent the weekend and Monday negotiating details of the deal.

“Dillian Whyte signed his contract for $8m, what a surprise,” Fury said on social media.

Fury added: “An absolute idiot. Should this even be a talking point? The man’s signed for the biggest payday he’s going to get in his life.”

Fury v Whyte: How did we get here?

Whyte is the mandatory challenger to Fury’s WBC belt and has been waiting years for a shot at the world title as the WBC’s number-one-ranked contender.

After lengthy discussions between both teams came to nothing, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions won the purse bids in January with a $41m (£30m) bid, beating Whyte’s promoter Eddie Hearn who was the only other bidder.

Fury, 33, is now set to receive 80%, around £20m, of the purse and Whyte the remaining 20%.

Whyte has been pushing for a bigger split of the purse bid but the £5.6m he is guaranteed to receive will be the biggest payday of his career to date. There is also a further £3.1m on offer for the winner.

Fury has not fought in the UK since August 2018 when he beat Francesco Pianeta having fought exclusively in the US since signing a promotional deal with Bob Arum’s Top Rank.

Whyte has built a formidable reputation in UK with just two defeats on his record.

There was a suggestion his decision to delay signing his contract was an attempt to unsettle Fury, but the ‘Gypsy King’ poked fun at the idea.

He joked: “My head hurts from all the mind games Dillian Whyte has been playing on me. Oh my god. I’m so sore I don’t know whether I’m coming or going, my training’s camp a mess.”

Fury, who is unbeaten in his pro career with 31 wins and one draw, will now need to seek a boxing licence from the British Boxing

Tyson Fury has not fought in the UK since August 2018 Board of Control.

A news conference officially announcing the fight could happen as early as Wednesday. Cardiff’s Principality Stadium is still an option to host the bout although the 90,000-seater Wembley Stadium, a venue

neither fighter has headlined, is a clear favourite.

There is still one final outstanding issue between Fury and Whyte to be resolved before an official announcement is made.

Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

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e w s

Ethiopian schoolboy generates electricity for village

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A

14-year-old boy is being hailed for generating electricity from biogas, lighting up several homes in Borana zone, southern Ethiopia.

Adan Hussein Dida, a grade eight student at Tula Web Primary School, says he embarked on the project to ease the suffering of villagers who lack basic services such as roads, hospitals and electricity.

He started the project from the backyard of his parents, decomposing animal waste in a two-metre deep hole.

From this he was able to generate enough electricity for eight houses. He charges each home $0.87 (£0.64) per month.

The locals in the area are predominantly pastoralists who rely on their livestock for survival, but with the unforgiving drought that has hit the country, many are in poverty.

Adan’s family is supported by the money he raises from his electricity project.

“I am very proud of what I have accomplished so far, they say I have saved them from the cost of batteries and torches.

Their children can now read at home instead of waiting until the next day to do their homework,” Adan says.

His teacher, Boru Sora, says Adan is expanding his project to more houses in the village despite bad roads makes it difficult for him to go to towns to purchase the equipment he needs.

“He is a very innovative student. Besides the biogas he has tried several things from fixing radios and other electronics to making a plane that flew for 100 metres,” Mr Boru says.

Inspired by Adan, more students at his school are coming up with their own projects.

His dream is to pursue engineering at the newly established Borana University in Yebelo.

Nigerian officers killed in blast

T

he authorities in Nigeria say an explosion has killed at least four security personnel in the north0central state of Niger.

Members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were on a routine patrol when their vehicle hit a landmine in the Galadiman-Kogo area on Monday.

Security force spokesman Odumosu Olusola said the driver of the vehicle was the only survivor and is “currently in a very critical condition” Suspected Boko Haram militants were carrying out deadly attacks on communities in the crea.

Residents said the mines were apparently planted to prevent security forces from coming to the aid of the communities under attack.

The region has also been been hit by attacks by armed gangs who carry out killings and kidnappings for ransom.

r o m

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A S I A

Burkina Faso gold mine blast kills 60 A

bout 60 people have died after an explosion at a makeshift gold mine in a village in south-west Burkina Faso, local officials say.

The blast happened in a market at the gold-mining site when dynamite stored there caught fire, witnesses said.

“There were bodies strewn everywhere.

It was an explosion that managed to uproot trees and bring down houses,” a judicial source told Reuters.

Dozens of injured people have been evacuated to the nearest hospital.

It is thought women and children are among the casualties, the AFP news agency reports.

An investigation was opened into Monday’s incident, after the regional prosecutor visited the scene.

One person has been arrested, and is being held for questioning.

The goldmine has since been closed until further notice, according to Burkina Faso’s news agency, AIB. The explosion has been described as destroying “everything on its path,” according to a local news reporter from RTB TV. Many of the miners at the site are displaced people from elsewhere in the country, local leader Sansan Urbain Kambou

A local resident describes the scenes of wreckage as horrific, according to the AFP news agency told Reuters.

Burkina Faso is one of Africa’s biggest gold producers, with many mines run by international firms, as well as informal ones without any oversite or regulation.

BBC West Africa correspondent Nicolas Negoce says that since 2009, gold has become Burkina Faso’s leading export, overtaking cotton.

In 2020, the country produced 54 tonnes

of gold, compared to 45 tonnes in 2019, an increase of 20%, according to the ministry in charge of mines and quarries.

Deadly accidents such as roof collapses frequently happen at informal mines in many African countries.

Last month, at least 13 people were killed in a huge blast in neighbouring Ghana after a truck carrying explosives to a gold mine collided with a motorbike.

EU lifts sanctions against Grace Mugabe

T

he Zimbabwean government has welcomed the decision of the European Union (EU) to lift travel and financial sanctions imposed on VicePresident Constantino Chiwenga, former First Lady Grace Mugabe and military chief Valerio Sibanda.

The EU took the decision despite acknowledging that Zimbabwe’s human rights record had not improved and could worsen.

The sanctions were first imposed on the four 20 years ago, but were suspended two years ago. They have now been completely removed.

Sanctions against Zimbabwe’s defence industry remain in place.

Zimbabwean government spokesman Nick Mangwana told the BBC that the decision was a positive signal and reflected the incremental gains of reengagement with the EU.

The government would continue pushing for all sanctions to be removed unconditionally, he added.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been trying to improve relations with Western nations since ousting longserving ruler Robert Mugabe in 2017.

The Mugabe-led government had a massive fall-out with the EU after it seized white-owned farms, and launched a crackdown on the opposition.

Unmarried police can’t fall pregnant - Nigeria court

A

federal high court in Nigeria has upheld the police force’s decision to sack an unmarried officer who fell pregnant last year.

Justice Inyang Ekwo said he found no compelling reason “to disrupt the discipline of the force”.

“Any person who joins the force must abide by the regulation of the force or not join the force as there is no compulsion about its membership,” he added.

The case was brought by the Nigeria Bar Association following the sacking of an unmarried officer who fell pregnant in

January 2021.

“The male police officers and married female police officers in the Nigeria Police Force are not subjected to similar discrimination, sanction, opprobrium, and indignity,” it said.

Suspected jihadists hack Mozambique websites

M

ore than 30 websites in Mozambique including that of the defence ministry - were down on Monday after being targeted by hackers.

“Hacked by Yemeni hackers” was the message across the websites, with an image of a man wearing a headscarf and brandishing a machine gun.

Herminio Jasse, the head of Mozambique’s National Institute of Electronic Government confirmed the cyberattack and said that the problem had been resolved.

Some of those targeted were the portals of the national disaster management, roads administration and water agencies, as well as the defence ministry and the national land

transport institute.

Mr Jasse said there was no loss of information or leak of citizens’ personal data – while noting that this was the first cyberattack of that magnitude to take place in the country.

Analysts have called on the government to strengthen cybersecurity amid fears that the attack was carried out by jihadists.

Uproar over Kenya’s rising cost of food

T

he rising cost of food and other basic commodities in Kenya is causing a public uproar.

The hashtag #lowerfoodprices has been the top trending topic in Kenya on social media for two days now, as people protest against the high prices.

Some of the frustrated Kenyans have

been sharing their shopping lists, showing how the prices of basic commodities like bread and cooking oil have shot up in the last three years – with some goods twice or three times more expensive.

They are calling out the government for failing to curb the ever-rising prices.

With general elections due in August, the

matter has also become a campaign issue.

Higher taxes and increased costs of production, including that of farm inputs, have been blamed for pushing up prices.

The Kenyan statistics bureau’s latest data shows that year-on-year food inflation rose by 8.89% in January.

Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

PAGE 24

N e w s F r o m A S I A Tonga volcano: Internet restored five weeks after eruption

T

he submarine internet cable connecting Tonga to the rest of the world has been repaired, five weeks after an underwater volcanic eruption hit the tiny Pacific island nation.

The 15 January eruption and tsunami caused wide destruction, killing three people and damaging hundreds of homes.

In the immediate aftermath, the country was cut off from global reach because the underwater cable had been severed.

Makeshift satellite services provided only limited communication links.

While some low-grade internet services were set up about a week after the explosion, a fast connection was

still lacking as aid and other supplies began to arrive at the islands.

The 840km (520-mile) undersea cable connecting Tonga to Fiji had been its sole source of reliable internet.

On Tuesday afternoon, the island’s main telecommunications providers Digicel and TCC confirmed that the internet had been restored to the main islands.

The work is not yet complete as domestic cables that service the outlying islands still need to be restored.

On social media, Tongans began to share the news of being back online and being able to contact with families and friends much more easily.

“I’m pretty happy that we are back online,” Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavemeiliku Siaosi Sovaleni told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

“We had some capacity via satellite but nothing compared to what we’re having right now with the cable being reconnected,” he said.

“It was a major task, given the amount of damage, and we thought it would be fixed a week ago.”

The force of the explosion more powerful than the Hiroshima nuclear bomb drop - had damaged and broken apart an 80km section of the internet line. Repairing it took 10 days longer than expected.

The Tongan government said 85% of its population was affected

The underwater internet cable has finally been restored by the volcanic eruption, which covered the capital and other areas

in a blanket of ash and made fresh drinking water hard to get.

Ukraine-Russia tensions: Oil surges on supply fears

T

he price of Brent crude oil, an international benchmark, reached a seven-year high of $99.38 (£73) a barrel on Tuesday.

The RAC warned the crisis would push up UK petrol prices further, after they hit a record 149.12p a litre on Sunday.

Russia ordered troops into two rebel-held regions in Ukraine’s east after it recognised them as independent states.

In London, the FTSE 100 share index opened more than 1.4% lower before regaining ground and turning positive.

But Asian stock markets closed lower, and US stock exchanges were braced for losses.

Western powers have imposed or threatened sanctions against Russia, which is the second largest oil exporter after Saudi Arabia.

Russia is also the world’s top producer of natural gas.

On Tuesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took the significant step of blocking the certification of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline that would have supplied gas directly from Russia to Germany.

Wholesale gas prices jumped in response, with the UK price for April delivery up 9% and the cost for May up 10% to 191p per therm.

However, this is still

considerably lower than the highs seen in December last year, when it peaked at over 400p per therm.

‘Major player’ Sanctions forcing Russia to supply less crude or natural gas would have “substantial implications” on oil prices and the global economy, said Sue Trinh of Manulife Investment Management.

Oil prices, which have been rising for months, are up more than 10% since the start of February.

Maike Currie, an investment director at Fidelity International, said oil could go above $100 a barrel due to a combination of the Ukraine crisis, a cold winter in the US, and a lack of investment in oil and gas supplies around the world.

“Russia accounts for one in every 10 barrels of oil consumed globally, so it is a major player when it comes to the price of oil, and of course, it’s really going to hurt consumers at the petrol pumps,” she said.

Most of the oil and gas that the UK imports does not come from Russia, but if Russian supplies are constrained, wholesale prices are likely to rise around the world.

Amid the tensions, average UK petrol prices at the pump hit a new

high of 149.12p a litre on Sunday, before slipping back to 149.03p on Monday, the RAC said Average diesel prices hit 152.51p a litre on Monday, just below Sunday’s record of 152.58p.

“Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine is already causing oil prices to rise and will undoubtedly send fuel prices inexorably higher towards the grim milestone of £1.50 a litre [of unleaded petrol],” said RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams.

“This spells bad news for drivers in the UK struggling to afford to put fuel in their cars.”

‘Deep sea of red’ Russia has faced US and EU sanctions for years, but they are set to be deepened, affecting financial institutions, technology such as chips, and individuals.

On Monday, the UK sanctioned five Russian banks and three billionaires, and other powers are set to impose their own penalties.

The rising tensions have worried investors at a time when the global economy is still recovering from the impact of Covid.

On Tuesday, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index closed 1.7% lower, and the Shanghai Composite fell nearly 1%.

Germany’s Dax index and the

Oil and gas prices are climbing on fears that the Ukraine-Russia crisis will disrupt supplies across the world.

Cac 40 in France both opened lower, but then regained ground and turned positive.

However, US markets are set to open lower.

The threat of war is at the forefront of investors’ minds, said Song Seng Wun, an economist at CIMB Private Banking, leaving markets in a “deep sea of red”.

“There are fears that freight and shipping costs, that are

already at elevated levels, will climb higher because of demandsupply disruptions,” he told the BBC. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said investors had been dumping shares in commodity producers, “particularly those with exposure to either Russia or Ukraine - as well as tech and travel stocks”.

Graham Potter: One of Australia’s most wanted men arrested after 12-year hunt

A

ustralian police have arrested one of the country’s most wanted fugitives following a 12-year manhunt.

Graham Potter, 64, had been on the run since 2010 after he failed to show up in court to face conspiracy to murder charges in the state of Victoria.

Police arrested him on Monday morning after they were told he was thousands of kilometres away in Queensland.

Footage of the arrest shows him standing in a dilapidated room before being handcuffed and taken away.

A convicted killer, Potter had earlier been sentenced to life imprisonment in 1981 for the

decapitation and murder of a teenage girl. He was released after serving 15 years of his sentence.

On Monday, he was arrested at 08:45 local time (23:45GMT Sunday) at a house in Ravenshoe, in the far north of Queensland.

When he went into hiding, Potter was facing federal charges over an ecstasy and cocaine haul worth A$440m (£232m; $317m), in addition to the conspiracy to murder charges.

There had been several unconfirmed sightings of him across the country since, but police had reached a dead end in their search for Potter in 2017, according to Australian outlet The Age. A reward of A$100,000 had

been offered for information leading to his arrest.

Potter had experimented with changing his appearance and demeanour to evade detection, and he was discovered with items that could disguise him, such as hair dye, according to Victoria Police.

“This certainly puts a long and protracted end to a hunt for a very high-end fugitive that is wanted for very serious criminal charges,” said Mick Frewen, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Crime Command in Victoria.

Potter will be extradited to Victoria, where he will face court on Tuesday.

Source: BBC

Graham Potter was pictured looking dishevelled in a derelict residence at the time of his arrest

Property

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022

25

Housing Deficit: Why we need NPC census on empty houses -Ministry

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Minster of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola , has given reasons why his ministry would be collaborating with the National Population Commission (NPC) to conduct census on empty houses in Nigeria .

Fashola made this known in his account of his ministry’s stewardship in the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in a Town Hall Meeting yesterday inAbuja.

He noted that there are many empty completed buildings scattered all over the country.

He said we have written a letter to the commission to assist us to enumerating the unoccupied building and take a census on empty houses. “ We are involving the ministry consultants to help in knowing that also. Whether people want to rent those houses, and why the houses are empty”.

The minister said that the Federal

government has undertaken 1,018 contracts covering 859 projects in infrastructure investments across the country.

Speaking at the meeting, Fashola said the roads are not just roads but they are critical infrastructure required to develop a country.

According to him, currently there is no state in Nigeria where is no federal project ongoing.

He said 941 kilometre roads were handed over between November and December 2021, connecting 10 states in five geo-political zones across the country. ``These includes Benue state road linking Cross River, NenweOduma road linking Enugu and Ebonyi state section I and II. KanoMaiduguri-Azare-Pokiskum, others include Bauchi and Yobe, Jigawa, Katsina.

Fashola said many of the implemented infrastructure programmes have had direct impact on the live and livelihood of many citizens giving a list of documented

testimonies of people who had benefited from the projects. ``The life defining impact of road transport infrastructure as attested to by beneficiaries some of whom I would present to you their own words. ``Garba , a commuter and Koko resident, `before the rehabilitation of the road it took three hours to drivefrom Jega to Koko but now it is less than 30 minutes.’’

Fashola also gave testimonies of other citizens who now earn better living due to the construction of the roads.

According to him the investments in infrastructure is deep seated and its manifestation is obvious in the change in the life of people. ``These roads are not roads in themselves. The represent critical infrastructure necessary to develop a country and its people for them to be able to get on with their lives in an easy and convenient way. ``President Muhammadu

Buhari clearly understands the necessity to invest in infrastructure, not just to support a growing population but as an economic driver. ``It is, therefore , not surprising that through the federal ministry of works we are managing over 1,019 contracts involving 958 bridges and roads projects. ``Just as we are constructing houses in 34 states of the federation as well as new federal secretariats in Anambra, Nasarawa, Bayelsa, Zamfara Osun and Ekiti states.’’

Answering questions on how the roads would be maintained, Fashola said that such roads as the Lagos Ibadan express way, the AbujaKano expressway and the 2nd Niger Bridge would all be tolled eventually via a tolling policy to maintain them.

The town hall meeting was organized by the Federal Ministry of Information to give a score card on the achievements Federal Government.

It was also conceived as part of

Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola efforts to bridge the communication gap between the government and the citizenry and also keep them informed of policies and programmes of government.

Having competent artisans will prevent building collapsed in Nigeria - Minister

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Minister of State for Works and Housing, Mu’azu Sambo has emphasized the need for competent artisans in the Real Estate Sector as one of the ways of preventing building collapse in the country.

This was contained in statement signed and issued by Director Press and Public Relations, Boade Akinola.

Sambo made this attribution while speaking to members of the Construction Skills Training and Empowerment Project (C- STEMP) led by a former Minister of state for Health, Arc. Gabriel Yakubu Aduku who paid a courtesy visit to his Office,recently in Abuja .

Sambo said “we all know that one of the reasons for building collapse in this country is attributable to the prevalence of the use of unskilled artisans.”

He praised the effort of C-STEMP in coming up with an initiative to fill what he described as a huge gap in the built environment and promised to support them.” It has been a huge gap in our industry, the construction industry like we all know requires skilled workers. I want to assure the delegation today that they should see us as their partner,” he said.

On the request by the delegation for the reconstitution of the Board of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), the Minister promised to discuss with the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, and expressed confidence that it would be treated with priority attention.

Accordingly, Sambo reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to completing the affordable housing development

scheme in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

Disclosing that funding would be made accessible to subscribers through the Federal Mortgage of Nigeria.

Describing the construction industry as large employer of labour, Sambo said, “millions of Nigerians will be able to put food on their tables if we have a vibrant construction industry.”

Earlier, the Director General of the Organisation, Anthony A Okwa, FNIOB informed the Honourable Minister that C- STEMP was spurred by the Construction Ideas Fund (CIF) initiated in 2013 by Growth and Empowerment Scheme and the DFID to address the challenge of severe shortage of skilled manpower in the Real Estate sector of the country.

He explained that C-STEMP which has the objective of breaking

the paradox of high unemployment and poverty in the midst of severe shortage of skilled manpower in the construction industry, is the pioneer Construction Skills Training provider approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

Accordingly, Okwa further said that the Organisation had embarked on several training programmes at home and abroad to boost the supply of competent artisans and craftsmen.

He revealed that C- STEMP is currently working with The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, (CORBON) and the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) National Skills Qualification, NSQ, Framework through the provision of induction, training and assessment of practicing artisans towards attainment of competence certification in line with National Occupational Standards for

Commissioning of 1.05 Km Internal Road in University of Abuja by Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola represented by Federal Controller of Works in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Engr. Usman Yakubu. construction trade.

FG reveal fresh plans for infrastructure devt, rapidUrbanization

V

ice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the Federal Government was focusing on new vision for strengthening infrastructural development, especially with rapid urbanization, pressure on cities, and the difficulties of allocating scarce resources, faced by governments at all levels.

As part of the new vision, the federal will collaborate with state governments to strengthen efforts at ensuring the wholesome development of communities across the country.

Osinbajo stated this in Bayelsa State at the construction flag-off of the Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, on the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road, at the weekend.

While highlighting the importance

of such infrastructure project to a nation’s development, the vice president stated that “We must always find the commitment, innovation, and persistence to put in place the quality and scale of infrastructure needed, to give our people the productive and competitive edge to better their lives, and we need to do it as fast as possible.”

According to him, the Niger Delta communities such as Oporoma, Angiama – where the bridge is now being constructed, and others across the region, are home to vast amounts of mineral wealth and natural resources, so they deserve to have considerable developmental gains to show for it.

The Angiama-Oporoma Bridge construction is seen as a symbol for development in the region, which

will equally have far-reaching impact on the lives of the people in the communities.

Angiama-Oporoma Bridge and Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road are projects envisioned to help spur development across the state, allow for inclusive prosperity through the effective linkages of communities and the effective facilitation of trade that such roads provide.

He noted that the flag-off and completion of the project will unlock commercial activities in Oporoma and the neighbouring communities.

“The farmers and fishermen that will be connected to new markets as easier and more efficient logistics enable them expand their operations, employ more people, and provide

better opportunities for their families; not to mention the improvement of security through an access road that circumvents sea pirates, and allows traders go about their businesses safely,” the VP observed.

He assured the region that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration was committed to the wholesome development of the Niger Delta region, through its Niger Delta New Vision initiative.

“By facilitating easier access to places like Yenogoa and beyond with this bridge, we will be laying a foundation for development that will deepen commerce and create individual and collective opportunities for the people of these communities,” he stated.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022

25

Feature

The mobile phones you can take apart and repair yourself U rs Lesse’s expertise is in the field of political science, but he also has a more handson interest.

Every four weeks he gives up his time to help people fix their phones, in his home city of Aachen in the west of Germany.

But he can’t help you with any make of phone - just one brand called Fairphone.

For the past eight years Mr Lesse has been an active member of an unpaid skills-sharing network of dedicated Fairphone users.

He organises local community meetings and helps with repairs.

“I don’t repair phones if I don’t have to, but I have always been strongly motivated to encourage people to try to fix their own Fairphones by themselves,” he says.

“It has always been a matter of passing on information and taking the inhibition away from the people to dare and open their phones,” he explains.

With a modular design, Fairphone devices allow components such as the display screen, battery, USB ports and cameras to easily be exchanged, repaired and customised by their owners.

“The Fairphone 2 could be taken apart in under two minutes,” says Mr Lesse. “There were models where you didn’t even need tools to take the display off in order to replace it yourself.”

Fairphone customers range from programmers who have been drawn to the software possibilities of the phones, to consumers in search of a more sustainable product.

The firm started in 2013 and follows four principles: sourcing raw materials from non-conflict mining areas, and making products that are recyclable, longlasting and repairable.

According to United Nations figures, a record 53.6m tonnes of electronic waste was generated worldwide in 2019 - up 21% in just five year - with mobile phones making up a significant part of this. What’s more, only 17% of electronic waste was recycled.

Fairphone argues that by making phones easy to fix they can have a longer working life, generating less waste and so having a positive impact on the environment.

“We know that by increasing the lifespan of a phone by at least two years, you get a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions,” says Fairphone co-founder Miquel Ballester.

So far, the Dutch firm has sold some 400,000 devices - which means it is a very small player in the smartphone market.

“Fairphone is still a niche product, which can’t be found in many stores, which is why the community network is important,” says Mr Lesse.

Yet Fairphone has created waves within the industry, particularly in Germany, where it has earned a significant body of support.

Germany has presented Fairphone with numerous certifications and awards, most notably in 2016 the German Environmental Award, the most lucrative environmental prize in Europe.

Mr Ballester believes this government acclaim, as opposed to industry market recommendations, is one of the reasons Fairphone has gained such a sizeable following in Germany in comparison to other European markets.

Germans tend to be less attached to the status of big brands and are therefore more experimental with trying smaller European ones, the company says.

In Hamburg, Ingo Strauch, who also volunteers to help fellow users, says that many people mention data privacy and the easy use of the phone over its environmental benefits.

The firm’s popularity in Germany could also be due to Germany’s individual purchasing power. “Germany is a wealthy country. The willingness to reach deeper into your pocket for a seemingly fair product is therefore also higher,” says Mr Lesse.

Fairphone says its priority is not just growth, it wants to change the way the industry works. “We don’t want to necessarily become the biggest of the industry, but we want to become the most influential and make sure other manufacturers mirror some of the initiatives that we have,” says Mr Ballester.

There is some evidence of a preference shift in wider society, says Prof Sigrid Kannengiesser, who specialises in media practices and sustainability at Bremen university.

She points to the rise of repair cafés in western Europe and North America, and also to the recent announcement by the European Commission establishing a right to repair, “Consumers, politicians but also some actors in the economy understand that our societies and the way of living of many people must become more sustainable,” says Prof Kannengiesser.

The big players in the industry have been taking note. Last year Apple launched its “self service repair” initiative, giving customers access to Apple parts and tools.

“Self Service Repair is intended for individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices,” says the firm.

So how does Fairphone’s latest model, the Fairphone 4, compare with other mobiles?

Chris Hall, of gadgets website

Urs Lesse (left) helps people fix their phones

Fairphones are designed to be easily taken apart and fixed

Only 17% of electronic waste was recycled in 2019, according to UN figures Pocket-lint.com, is broadly positive: “The Fairphone 4 is a solid mid-range device, but it’s unique selling point is

sustainability, rather than standout performance in any other area.

“It’s impressive that it offers some water resistance, but it’s not

protected to the same extent as flagship phones. That’s a minor downside considering that this is a mid-range device. Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

PAGE 27

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THE ABOVE NAMED COMPANIES WISH TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED COMPANIES, WHICH IS PRIVATE COMPANY LTD BY SHARES, REFERS TO ONE AND SAME COMPANIES AND SAME DIRECTORS. M & S HAFANA NIG LTD, SITUATED AT NO. 3 AHMADU BELLO WAY, KADUNA, KADUNA NORTH, KADUNA STAT, WITH RC: 1634159, DATED 19/11/2019, WHILE HAFANA NIG GROUP OF COMPANIES LTD STILL SITUATED AT THE SAME ADDRESS WITH RC :1878071, DATED 29/12021, BELONGING TO: NAMES OF DIRECTORS: 1. MUSA ALIYU 2. AISHA ALIYU 3. SAIDU MOHAMMED BELLO 4. MUSTHAPHA SAIDU 5. MAI KIFFI ADAMU YAMAHA 6. MOHAMMED BELLO ALL RELEVANT AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TO TAKE NOTE

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.JENNIFER IJEOMA EZENWA -CHAIRMAN 2.FLORA ONYINYECHI ONUOHA-MEMBER 3.SELZING ZINGFA, ESQ. -SECRETARY .

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. “OUR MAIN OBJECTIVE IS TO PROMOTE, ADVOCATE AND EMPOWER WOMEN, YOUTHS AND THE LESS PRIVILEGED THROUGH SKILLS ACQUISITIONS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD” 2. TO PROMOTE AND ADVOCATE FOR PEACEFUL AND HARMONIOUS LIVING AMONGST PERSONS AND COMMUNITIES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. AMINU AHMAD (CHAIRMAN) 2. AMINU MUHD RADHI (SECRETARY) 3. UMAR HAZIM (MEMBER) 4. BALARABE SURAJ ALIYU (MEMBER) THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION : 1. TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF ITS MEMBERS. 2. TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AMONG THE YOUTHS THROUGH EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT. 3. TO FACILITATE POSITIVE LEADERSHIP, UNDERSTANDING AND TRAINING OF YOUTH TOWARDS ACHIEVING THEIR SOCIOECONOMIC GOALS. 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 : GBADAMOSI CLEMENT ESQ.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REMOVAL AND APPOINTMENTS OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE RETAINED TRUSTEES ARE : 1. FIOUBOTEI WISDOM 2. IDEWELE OSAGIEDE ISAAC 3. IDEWELE INNOCENT 4. ONOHOLETAMA FRIDAY THE APPOINTED TRUSTEES ARE: 1. FIOBOTEI DEMEWORIKUNO SAMUEL 2. WISDOM TARILATEI SAMUEL 3. WISDOM AYIBATARI 4. WISDOM SAVIOUR FIOBOTEI THE REMOVED TRUSTEES ARE : (1) OBEKUMA JACOB (2) JOSEPH REUBEN EBIM (3) JOHN OMOKHOMION THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : CLEMENT GBADAMOSI ADDRESS : HOUSE BG/AK 01/1138, LOCATION ROAD, OFF AKANFA 1, YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE.

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BENKAY ADERETI-ADESIYAN FOUNDATION

OPHISAZ FAMILY CLUB

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF EZIAMA WARDS IN DIASPORA

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. BENJAMIN KAYODE ADERETI 2. BALOGUN WASING GBADEBO 3. ADELABU ABIODUN LATEEF 4. AKINTOLA ABIODUN GABRIEL THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO CATER FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.GIDEON PILASAR BALAMI 2.NABI SAMSON MARWA 3. DALMAT JUNIOR MAMISO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO PROVIDE AN INTERACTIVE PLATFORM THAT WILL ENHANCE A BROADER SENSE OF BELONGING AND PROJECT MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL OPPORTUNITIES AMONG THE MEMBERS. 2.TO FOSTER THE SPIRIT OF MUTUAL LOVE, PEACE, AND UNDERSTANDING AMONGST MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. MUSA ABDUL MAJID - CHAIRMAN 2. IBRAHIM MARYAM MARAFA 3. ABDULLAHI BASIRA JEGA - SECRETARY THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. TO PROMOTE IDEAL, POLICIES AND ACTION THAT WILL LEAD TO TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE IN OUR SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : M.T.A BADIRU 07039838769

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

TRUSTEES ARE 1. MRS ADAKU VERONICA OBASI (SECRETARY) 2. MR AMAECHI TIMOTHY ERUGO (CHAIRMAN) 3. MR CELESTINE FABIAN 4. MR VINCENT NDUBUISI ELUWA 5. MR GABRIEL CHINAZA OKWUBUNKA AIMS 1. TO STRENGTHEN FRIENDSHIP AND BROTHERHOOD/SISTERHOOD AMONG MEMBERS 2. TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR EACH OTHER IN TIME OF NEED 3. TO PROMOTE EZIAMA AND IGBO CULTURE WITH US AND FAMILIES 4. TO FOSTER GROWTH AND PEACE IN OUR HOMELAND 5. TO UNITE OUR FAMILIES TOGETHER AND BREACH ANY CONFLICTS 6. TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROGRESS AND UNITY OF EZIAMA WARD ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

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AUCTION! AUCTION! AUCTION! THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT *NATIONAL OIL SPILL DETECTION AND RESPONSE AGENCY (NOSDRA)* HAVE APPOINTED MESSRS EMMANUEL DE GREAT LTD. AS AUCTIONEER FOR THE SALE OF UNSERVICEABLE VEHICLES AND OBSOLETE ITEMS IN THE AGENCY. DATE: STARTING FROM FRIDAY 25TH FEBRUARY, 2022.

TIME: 10AM VENUE: NOSDRA HDQ AND SOME STATE OFFICES ACROSS THE FEDERATION. ENQUIRY KINDLY CONTACT AUCTIONEER EMMANUEL DE GREAT LTD ON 08094463477 YOU CAN VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW. EMMANUELDEGREATLTD OR LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE EMMANUEL DE GREAT LTD AUCTIONEERS.

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NEW DAWN HUMANITARIAN FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC),ABUJA, FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “F” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 2020 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ONWUBUYA UGO KINGSLEY 2. BECKY JAMES 3. IBRAHIM ABDULLAHI YAHAYA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO CATER FOR THE GENERAL WELFARE OF THE LESS PRIVILEGE AND THE NEEDY IN THE SOCIETY. 2. TO EMPOWER THE LESS PRIVILEGE AND THE NEEDY IN ALL THEIR ACTIVITIES, SUPPORT THE LESS PRIVILEGE AND THE NEEDY IN THE SOCIETY AND DO ALL LEGITIMATELY POSSIBLE. 3. TO ENCOURAGE, PROMOTE AND SUSTAIN THE NEED FOR CONTINUED GOOD LIVING AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT. 4. TO USE THE FOUNDATION AS A PLATFORM TO DEFEND THE LESS PRIVILEGE AND THE NEEDY IN THE SOCIETY BY EVERY LEGITIMATE MEANS POSSIBLE FOR THE ATTAINMENT OF THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE FOUNDATION. 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

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DOUGAWA YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND DEVELOPMENT FORUM

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC),ABUJA, FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2020 TRUSTEES 1. USMAN ABUBAKAR JUBRIN 2. BAPPAH WAZIRI 3. GORKI USMAN ADAMU 4. UTAAN JEREMIAH SESUGH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO EMPOWER THE PEOPLE OF DOUGAWA COMMUNITY OF GOMBE STATE BY PROVIDING THEM WITH GRANTS TO ENABLE EASY START UP OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES (SMES) AND TO BOOST AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY. 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

CHIZOBA HOPE

DAHIRU

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS CHIZOBA HOPE OKWUOLISA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS CHIZOBA HOPE AMAEFULA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS DAHIRU MOHAMMED NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DAHIRU MUHAMMED. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

JAMES

GAMBO

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS JAMES BAWA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS JAMES BENEDICT. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS GAMBO MARY MOSES NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS GAMBO MARY ABISABO OGAH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

MUSA

SANI

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MUSA MUHAMMED UMAR, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MUSA UMAR MUHAMMAD, ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAINED VALID, FIRST BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TO TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS SANI ABDULLAHI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SANI MUHAMMED. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

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LAMI

PALACE OF RESULT MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

NAFADA COMMUNITY INITIATIVE FOR ADVANCEMENT & DEVELOPMENT

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS LAMI DAVOU TIKARI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS LAMI DAVOU KWAKI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. IDADA JOSEPH HANDSOME 2. SHALOM HANDSOME 3. EKPE ISRAEL RAYMOND THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO PREACH AND PROPAGATE THE GLORIOUS AND THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS WELL AS TO EDUCATE AND TO REFORM PEOPLE THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT AS PRESENTED IN THE HOLY BIBLE IN ALL PARTS OF NIGERIA AND THE WHOLE WORLD AT LARGE. 2. TO ESTABLISH INSTITUTE TO TRAIN MINISTERS AND CHURCH WORKERS FOR THE FURTHERANCE OF GOSPEL WORK WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY. 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 FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED. SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC),ABUJA, FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2020 TRUSTEES: 1. GIDADO UMAR 2. BABA ABDULHAMID AHMED 3. BAURI BAPPAYO ALHAJI 4. UTAAN JEREMIAH SESUGH OBJECTIVES: 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOLS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING IN THE NAFADA COMMUNITY OF GOMBE STATE TO IMPROVE THE EDUCATIONAL STANDARD OF THE PEOPLE AS AN ACT OF CHARITY 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

RAHINA I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS HARINA MOHAMMED NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS RAHINA MOHAMMED. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

ONONIWU I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS AVWENAGHA BARBARA. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ONONIWU BARBARA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

PEOPLES DAILY

Sports

AWCON 2022 Qualifier: Oshoala out of Cote D’Ivoire game N igeria’s Super Falcons and FC Barcelona Femenino striker, Asisat Oshoala, has been ruled out of the deciding second leg match against Ivory Coast.

The skillful forward missed the first leg after she sustained an injury during the preparations for the match.

According to the update from the team camp, the former Dalian attacker will be out of action for nothing less than 10 weeks.

Oshoala has been a key player for the Catalan based club as she is the present top scorer for the club in the league with 19 goals.

Super Falcons will have to continue with the pairing of Ifeoma Onumonu and Rasheedat Ajibade for the second leg match slated for Abidjan on Wednesday.

Any result will see the Nigeria side go through to the competition except for a 3-goal margin

international experience on his CV in the form of appearances for England’s U- according to The Sun, Chelsea are determined to improve the youthful talent within their ranks at Stamford Bridge and have identified 2006-born

Jimoh as an ideal sign The report adds that the Blues hope to conclude a deal for the midfielder “as soon as possible”, with Jimoh already working with a number of Chelsea’s prospects in the England youth setup.

Chelsea are set to welcome Conor Gallagher back to the squad from Crystal Palace this summer, though, and Thomas Tuchel reportedly plans to integrate the Englishman into the first team next season.

D’ Tigress moves up to 14th place in FIBA latest ranking

By Albert Akota

N

igeria’S D’Tigress have moved up to 14th place in the latest Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) women’s world ranking.

The latest ranking was published on the official website of FIBA on Monday. ’ improvement in the world ranking is attributed to their impressive performance, at this year’s FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 qualifiers in Belgrade (Serbia). bounced back from a 20-point deficit with the surprise victory over France.

And in their final group they had a thrilling triumph over

Plumptre nominated for WSL player of the month award

S

Chelsea leads chase for Jimoh

P

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sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

remier League club Chelsea are reportedly favourites to sign Jamaldeen Jimoh from West Bromwich Albion.

Jimoh, 15, has impressed within the youth ranks at The Hawthorns and already has

PAGE

Mali in a rematch of last year’s FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Final.

They will now compete alongside 11 other countries at this year’s World Cup in

Australia.

Meanwhile, the top four teams remain unchanged, with the USA still having the number one spot, followed by Spain, Australia and Canada.

uper Falcons Centre back Ashleigh Plumptre has been nominated for Women Soccer League player of the month following her brilliant display for Leicester City.

Leicester centre-back Ashleigh Plumptre has been a key presence for the Foxes in February. Her performance against West Ham saw the side keep a clean sheet, while her early goal helped take Lydia Bedford’s side above Everton in the league table.

Plumptre was also impressive against Birmingham as Leicester ran out 2-1 winners.

Ashleigh Plumptre will battle it out with Jess Carter of Chelsea, Ann-Katrin Berger of Chelsea, Jemma Purfield of Leicester City, Alosha Lehmann of Aston Villa, and Asleigh Neville of Tottenham Ladies for the award. he 23-year-old Plumptre helped the Foxes win their two matches in February, against Birmingham City and West Ham United.

She netted her first ever goal in the Women’s Super League as Leicester City thrashed West Ham 3-0 on February 13, rising highest to nod the ball into the bottom corner after eight minutes.

Plumptre trained with the Super Falcons on Sunday evening at Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan ahead of their reverse fixture against Ivory Coast

Belgium have leapfrogged France into the number five position on the strength of resounding victories over Puerto Rico and Russia in the World cup.

New Zealand defender scores 3 Own goals in game

PG30 >>>PG32

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE

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FOR REMOVAL AND APPOINTMENT OF NEW TRUSTEE OF CUPPY FOUNDATION

CHIEF BOLA FAKOREDE FOUNDATION

GROW HOMES ESTATE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION, KUBWA, ABUJA

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HEREBY REMOVED AND APPOINTMENT OF NEW TRUSTEE TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 OLD TRUSTEES 1. OTEDOLA FLORENCE IFEOLUWA(RETAINED) 2. ASIKA ASA (REMOVED) NEW TRUSTEE IS: 1. NANA OTEDOLA THE REASON FOR THE REMOVAL IS THAT HE CEASED TO THE A MEMBER OF THIS FOUNDATION\ THE AIMS REMAIN THE SAME ANY OBJECTION TO THE ABOVE PUBLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS STREET, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, P.M.B 198, MAITAMA, FCT, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION ________ __________________ ______________ CHAIRMAN SECRETARY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REMOVAL OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 2020.

TRUSTEES: 1 FAKOREDE SAMUEL SUNBOLA 2 OLUSEGUN FOLUKE AYOYINKA 3 CAWOOD OLUDAMILOLA OLURANTI MOBOLANLE (REMOVED) 4 FAKOREDE ANUOLU ADEBOLA (REMOVED) 5 FAKOREDE FELICIA BOSEDE 6 FAKOREDE OMOTOLA ADERONKE EBUNOLU (REMOVED) OBJECTIVES TO REACH OUT TO WIDOWS, UNDERPRIVILEGED AND ORPHANS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGE SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

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KOGI CENTER FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

THE MOBILE READING ROOM INITIATIVE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS QUEENSLY ONYIYECHI MARTYNS. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS QUEENSLY ONYIYECHI WAZIRI. AS A RESULT OF MARRIAGE.DATE AND PLACE OF MARRIAGE: 28TH JANUARY 2022/ NASFAT MOSQUE, UTAKO.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

TRUSTEES ARE 1. YUSSUFF HAROUN OPOTU 2.SADIQ MOHAMMED BABA 3YAKUBU STEVE JIMOH 4.IBRAHIM MARYAM LADI 5.ONIVEHU MOSES OVUREVU 6.MUHAMMED JAFARU ADINOYI 7.OGUNMOLA BODE AIMS AND OBJECTIVE TO PROVIDE PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT TO THE NEEDY AND VULNERABLE GROUP IN THE SOCIETY ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

TRUSTEES 1. SADIQ ABIMBOLA RASHEEDAT(CHAIRMAN) 2. ALIMI BOLANLE FAWZAH 3. IBRAHIM FATIMA AMIRA (SECRETARY) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO FACILITATE LITERACY FOR CHILDREN AGED 5 TO 12 IN UNDERSERVED NIGERIAN COMMUNITIES THROUGH REGULAR ACCESS TO BOOKS; MODELLING READING FOR CHILDREN AGED 5 TO 12 IN UNDERSERVED NIGERIAN COMMUNITIES THROUGH REGULAR ACCESS TO BOOKS; EXPLICIT TEACHING OF DECODING AND COMPREHENSION SKILLS FOR CHILDREN AGED 5 TO 12 TRAINING OF COMMUNITY WORKERS ON THE ABOVE MENTIONED ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

TRUSTEES ARE : 1. MR SABINUS NWACHUKWU - CHAIRMAN 2. MRS NGOZI IDABANA 3. MR. ABIOLA RIDWAN JIMOH 4. MR. OLUWAFEMI AJAMU - SECRETARY 5. MR TEMITOPE OLUFEMI AYODELE AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROMOTE A SECURE, DECENT, PEACEFUL AND ORDERLY ENVIRONMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE RESIDENTS OF GROW HOME ESTATE. 2. TO ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ESTATE PARTICULARLY IN AREAS OF RECREATION, SAFETY AND SECURITY. 3. TO CARRY OUT INVESTIGATIONS OR SURVEYS THAT MAY BE REQUIRED FOR THE PROPER DEVELOPMENT OR REHABILITATION OF THE ESTATE. 4. TO MOBILIZE RESOURCES FOR ORGANIZING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS FOR THE ESTATE. 5. TO PROVIDE FOR THE HOLDING OF SPORTING EVENTS, LECTURES, EXHIBITIONS, PUBLIC MEETINGS, CLASSES AND CONFERENCES CALCULATED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY TO ADVANCE THE CAUSE OF GROW HOMES ESTATE RESIDENTS, WHETHER GENERAL, OR PROFESSIONAL. 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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CLASSIFIED IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF NASARAWA STATE OF NIGERIA IN THE PROBATE DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date place stated in the said in the column.

AND WHEREAS the person(s) whose name (s) and address(s) and relation(s) to the deceased are set out in the second column hereto has/have applied to the High Court of Justice, Nasarawa State for the grant of Letters of Administration of the Real and personal properties/estate of the said deceased.

NOTICE: IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letter of Administration (without will) will be granted to such applicant/applicants unless a “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant is file in this Registry within Twenty- One (21) days from the date hereof.

SCHEDULE

S/N 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

NAME OF DECEASED PERSON Hayatu Ibrahim late of Mada Station, Died on the 29th day of November, 2021 at Mada Station Nana Kdriyo late of Takwa- Kokona, Died on the 19th day of October, 2020 at Garaku Umar A. John late of Chessu, Died on the 30th day of August, 2019 at Wamba Iko Asso late of Nasarawa, Died on the 5th day of January, 2022 at Nasarawa Yakubu Sheyin Sale late of Keffi, Died on the 20th day of September, 2021 at Keffi Balle Stephen Saija late of Akwanga, Died on the 5th day of December, 2021 at Akwanga Ageshe Lahu late of Lafia, Died on the 17th day of December, 2021 at Awe Tsaku Thomas late of Lizzin-Keffi, Died on the 1st day of September, 2021 at Nassarawa Eggon Mercy Bako late of Keffi, Died on the 26th day of July, 2019 at Keffi Aliyu Bilal late of Wamba, Died on the 18th day of August, 2021 at Wamba John Bawa late of Moroa, Died on the 7th day of June, 2021 at Akwanga Shehu Usman (Mushana) late of Lafia, Died on the 12th day of February, 2015 at Lafia Luka Yusuf late of Lafia, Died on the 18th day of January, 2022 at Lafia Alu Andrew Angele late of Akwanga, Died on the 7th day of July, 2021 at Jos Emaikwu John Omukwu late of Nasarawa, Died on the 15th day of May, 2022 at Abuja Ishaku Musa Dagi late of Muttu, Died on the 25th day of November, 2018 at Akwanga Abugo Baba late of Mada Station, Died on the 24th day of November, 2021 at Nassarawa Eggon Dayyabu Garba late of Akwanga, Died on the 26th day of January, 2021 at Akwanga Ogar Gregory Ugah late of Lafia, Died on the 10th day of December, 2021 at Jos Joko Samuel Abu late of Doma, Died on the 11th day of November, 2019 at Lafia Abdu Dekke Gunda late of Nasarawa, Died on the 7th day of January, 2022 at Abuja Akor Godwin Ogwuche late of Lafia, Died on the 11th day of December, 2021 at Lafia Omaku Esther Oboshi late of Lafia, Died on the 2nd day of October, 2021 at Lafia Reuben Markus late of Wamba, Died on the 3rd day of January, 2022 at Akwanga Simon Ramatu late of, Died on the 2nd day of February, 2021 at Obi

NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES) OF APPLICANT Hayatu Adam Ibrahim of Mada Station the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Nana Ezekiel & Nana Ladi both of Garaku the lawful Son & Widow of the said deceased respectively.

John Enoch of Wamba the lawful Son of the said deceased Iko Makasuw of Nasarawa the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Sheyin Emmanuel Sale of Keffi the lawful Son of the said deceased Paul Balle of Ningo, Akwanga the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Lahu Godwin Emmanuel of Lahuche the lawful Son of the said deceased Tsaku Peter Thomas of Lizzin - Keffi the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Bako Matthew Alaku of Lafia the lawful Sister of the said deceased Abdul Aliyu of Wamba the lawful Son of the said deceased John Yakubu of Moroa the lawful Son of the said deceased Shehu Fatima of Lafia the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Yusuf Charles Dagama & Yusuf Sameul both of Lafia the lawful Sons of the said deceased Andrew Earnest Egga of Akwanga the lawful Son of the said deceased Emaikwu John David of Abuja the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Bridget Ishaku of Abuja the lawful Daughter of the said deceased Baba Akolo Abugo & Juliana Baba both of Mada Station the lawful Son & Widow of the said deceased.

Ngbede Juliet of Akwanga the lawful Daughter of the said deceased.

Ogar Justine Ingiegle of Lafia, the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Jokwo Joy Zadumwa of Doma the lawful Daughter of the said deceased Adulahi Hassan Gumda & Abdullahi Abdulaziz Gumd both of Nasarawa the lawful Sons of the said deceased.

Akor Maira Ene & Godwin Christian Ada both of Lafia the lawful Widow & Son of the said deceased respectively Addra Francia Oboshi of Lafia the lawful Brother of the said deceased John Samson Injah of Wamba the lawful Wamba of the said deceased Joshua Simon of Obi the lawful Son of the said deceased

S/N

NAME OF DECEASED PERSON Jacob Ovey late of Ubbe, Died on the 8th day of September, 2021 at Akwanga Usman Abubakar late of Lafia, Died on the 15th day of December, 2020 at Lafia Amodu Ikwuyatum late of Doma, Died on the 10th day of February 2015 at Otukpo Aseneshi Arentu Ishaya late of Lafia Died on the 2nd day of April, 2021 at Lafia Ogah Moses Danlami late of Lafia, Died on the 6th day of September, 2021 at Abuja Usman Yakubu late of Lafia, Died on the 6th day of May, 2021 at Lafia Yahaya Talatu late of Lafia, Died on the 30th day of October, 2021 at Ankpa Elejkwa O. C Benard late of Lafia, Died on the 15th day of January, 2022 at Makurdi Ozayashi Patu Azumi late of Doma, Died on the 24h day of December, 2021 at Doma Silas Nanpan Daplang late of Lafia, Died on the 24th day of December, 2021 at Lafia Aboki Leah late of Nassarawa Eggon, Died on the 29th day of September, 2021 at Lafia Yusuf Mohammmd late of Bukan Kwato, Died on the 30th day of December, 2021 at Lafia Akilu Ardulkadir Akilu late of Lafia, Died on the 11th day of December, 2021 at Safana Salisu Usman late of Lafia, Died on the 6th day of January, 2022 at Lafia Aloko Musa O. late of Lafia, Died on the 7th day of November, 2021 at Akwanga Yav Michael late of Keffi, Died on the 18th day of December, 2020 at Abuja Daniel Mary late of Lafia, Died on the 26th day of November, 2021 at Jos Doma Bahpiyit late of Aso B. Mararaba, Died on the 26th day of November, 2015 at Mararaba Gurku Iliya Sani late of Nasarawa, Died on the 24th day of December, 2021 at Abuja Sambo Lekai Raphael late of Doma, Died on the 24th day of December, 2020 at Lafia

NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES) OF APPLICANT Bartholomew Akpa John of Doma the lawful Uncle of the said deceased Fatima Usman of Lafia the lawful Widow of the said deceased Ben Akpa Ikwyuyatum of Nasarawa the lawful Brother of the said deceased.

Ishaya Hanatu Otusha of Lafia the lawful Daughter of the said deceased.

Gambo Mary Abisabo Ogah of Lafia the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Muhammed Hauwa Ogiri of Doma the lawful Widow of the said deceased Yahaya Abdullahi Abdullah of lafia the lawful Brother of the said deceased.

Elekwa Kingsley Chukwuson of Makurdi the lawful Son of the said deceased Ozyashi Ahmadu of Doma the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Sila Vildi Dabit of Namu the lawful Brother of the said deceased.

Aboki John Umbugu of Jos the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Yusuf Ali, Yusuf Saliyu & Yusuf Azumi all of Bukan Kwato the lawful Sons & Widow of the said deceased respectively.

Zahira Salisu of Lafia the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Abdulkadir Kabiru Aboki of Lafia the lawful Brother of the said deceased.

Akolo Dorathy Musa of Lafia the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Michael Benjamin of Keffi the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Abraham Daniel of Lafia the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Stephen Bahaayit Doma of Aso B. Mararaba Gurku the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Sani Halima Sadiya of Nasarawa. Daughter the lawful Daughter of the said deceased.

Jummy Rachael Thomas of Doma the lawful Son of the said deceased.

REPUBLIREPUBLICATION CATION Edamaku Obadiah Kotso late of Lafia, Died on X the 21st day of May, 2018 at Lafia Egga Aliyu Usman late of Wamba, Died on the X 11th day of June, 2021 at Akwanga Nasiru Lawal late of Keffi, Died on the 14th day X of April, 2018 at Keffi

REPUBLICATION Patricia Hadiza Edamaku of Lafia the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

Muhammad Hadi Usman Aliyu of Wamba the lawful Son of the said deceased.

Ibrahim Adama Nasiru of Keffi the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

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(Esther M. Ejeh. Esq.) PROBATE REGISTRAR NASARAWA STATE OF NIGERIA, LAFIA

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ALKHABEER TRUST FOUNDATION

FADAN CHAWAL CENTRAL MOSQUE FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

TRUSTEES 1. YUSUF MUTOHIR NAASIR - TRUSTEE/PRESIDENT/CHAIRMAN 2. SHITTU HABEEB TOPE - TRUSTEE 3. AHMED LATEEF TAIYE - TRUSTEE SECRETARY BADIRUDEEN ZAINAB OLAJUMOKE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AND HUMANITARIAN SERVICES TO UNDERPRIVILEGED MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY AND TO NURTURE THE SPIRIT OF HUMANITARIANISM, PATRIOTISM AND PHILANTHROPY AMONG MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY. 2. TO EMBARK ON COMMUNITY-SUPPORT INITIATIVES AIMED AT EMPOWERING THE LESS-PRIVILEGED MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY/COMMUNITY 3. TO REACH OUT AND GIVE SUPPORT TO COMMUNITIES THROUGH FINANCIAL AID, MEDICAL AID OUTREACH, VOCATIONAL AID ETC. AND TO ENGAGE IN PRISON VISITATIONS AND VISITATION TO ORPHANAGE HOMES, HOSPITALS, IDP CAMPS, LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND THE LIKES FOR THE PURPOSES OF REACHING OUT, SUPPORTING AND EMPOWERING THEM. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

TRUSTEES ARE (1) BAWA AHMAD CHAIRMAN (2) ADAMU MUSA SECRETARY (3) CHAWAI ZAKARI ISA (4) YUNUSA SULAIMAN (5) MOHAMMED ABDU (6) RABIU IBRAHIM AIMS AND OBJECTIVE (1) TO PROMOTE AND PROPAGATE ISLAM (2) TO PROVIDE BOTH ARABIC WESTERN (3) TO WORK IN CO_ OPERATION AND HARMONY WITH OTHER MUSLIM SOCIETIES 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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URBAN TOURISTS CLUB OF LAGOS THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

TRUSTEES ARE 1 ADEWALE AJUMOBI OMOLAJA - CHAIRMAN 2 AMUN RILWAN OLASUPO 3 DEDIARE JOLOMI OLASUNKANMI 4 ADIO OLANREWAJU NURUDEEN 5 AKINDELE BAMIDELE ADISA 6 HAMMED KAZEEM ABIODUN - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1 TO PROMOTE PEACE AND LOVE AMONG MEN AND WOMEN OF GOODWILL 2 TO CREATE AN ENABLING ATMOSPHERE OF RELAXATION FOR THE GOOD OF MEMBERS 3 TO SHOW CASE THE BEAUTY OF NATURE THROUGH TOURISM 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

SPACE FOR SALE The gains are not hidden WEDNESDAY COLUMN W

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022

SPORTS LATEST

New Zealand defender scores 3 Own goals in game

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unday’s SheBelieves Cup match between New Zealand and the United States saw Meikayla Moore score three own goals In the first 36 minutes of the game, Moore scored a hat trick of own goals before being subbed off in the 40th minute.

Five minutes into the game, the defender’s misery began when he scored one of three own goals.

Moore cut a cross from United States Women National Team, USWNT player Sophia Smith into the bottom right corner while attempting to stop it. No matter how hard she tried, Erin Nayler couldn’t get her hands on the ball in time.

Margaret Purce set up Moore’s second goal with a cross into the area, which Moore misdirected into her own goal. Seconds after Purce’s pass, Moore deflected the ball into Nayler’s net for the third and final own goal of the game.

More currently plays for Liverpool FC’s women’s team.

Balotelli explains why refused to watch Italy matches

M

ario Balotelli has revealed why he avoided watching Italy matches The former Manchester City striker completed a shock return to the Italy national side after the 31-year-old scored 14 goals in 21 appearances for Turkish side Adana Demirspor this term.

Ahead of his official return to camp in the next FIFA break, Balotelli has explained how it has been being out of the Azzurri fold.

“I haven’t followed Italy much during the Euros, it hurts to watch their games without me,” the Italian striker told Le Iene.

“This team won the Euros without me, so they fully deserved it. Surely, had I been fit to play the Euros, we would have won more easily.”

The former Inter Milan and AC Milan striker concluded the chat by confirming his close and long relationship with Italy’s national side coach Roberto Mancini.

ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

hile there are Nigerians who chose to fixate on some of the current Administration’s policies that are not yet working well, intentionally to discredit it, evidence of achievements in the nation however abounds to the amazement of local and international observers alike. While it is apparent that the nation could not develop at its feasible capacity because of the inundated insecurity in key regions across the nation and the massive unstable global economy, the country has been administered so effectively within the available resources and allowable spaces.

Previously, we have continuously pointed out the huge and unprecedented development across the nation’s transportation sector; the bridges, roads, railway development and airport rejuvenation. We have drawn attention to the content and effect of the massive social and humanitarian programs of the government that has continued to put smiles on the faces of many citizens along all divides; and yet, the opposition, critics, and enemies of the recorded progress remain fixated on preaching a nation and system in peril.

Then, another bombshell for them; and good news for all the lovers of Nigeria. Nigeria was last peer reviewed in 2008, the story was not good but again now in 2022 by the African Union Development Agency/New Partnership for Africa’s Development, African Peer Review Mechanism; and contrary to expectations of many, the Chief Executive Officer of the body, Gloria Akobundu, while relating the result of the review declared the country has experienced a quantum leap in its infrastructure development, humanitarian services, agricultural revolution and, of course, the cardinal anti-corruption fight that has been the hallmark of the current Administration’s policy direction.

It was obvious the country has not had it rosy since 2015 when the current Administration began its first tenure in the seat of power. It was from surmounting one hurdle to grasping with multiple others simultaneously. The global recession that almost paralysed the economy of nations in the period between 2015 and sometime in 2016 did not spare Nigeria; gross drop in revenues from the country’s solo foreign income base dealt a strong blow on the country’s capacity to self-sustain itself economically given relatively low savings and foreign reserves from the preceding administration.

Struggling simultaneously with economic and security concerns generated by the multiple burdens of Boko Haram insurgency, kidnapping, banditry and socio-economic woes inflicted by the many neglects of the past government, the country was,

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. . . putting the people first

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USSIJU MEDANER info@medaner.com, justme4justice@yahoo.com as the naysayers projected, supposed to crumble socio-economically. Yet, we not only survived and exited the recession in an unbelievable record time, but we have gone all ahead to manage and stay on top of the security challenges to the point of recording unexpected gains for the country.

In the words of the Chief Executive Officer mentioned earlier, “We’re happy to announce to you that Nigeria has been peer reviewed for the second time. The review report was far-reaching and encompasses various segments of the nation’s sociopolitical economy and highlighted the development recorded since the first peer review.” According to the review, the nation did not succeed by maintaining the status quo, but rather by revamping the nation via reorganisation that saw the opening of the non-export trades as a darling of the country and becoming a major contributor to the country’s GDP. The report recorded that only in the period between January 2017 and January 2021, the country’s non-oil export rose significantly from N458.6 billion to a whooping N1.4 trillion.

Mathematically, this implies an increase of 205 percent within a five year accounting period. The gains were not accidental; the government consciously set-up the economy for the diversification that is already yielding results and praises from across the globe. Several conscious initiatives and programmes were introduced to shore up the country’s tactical movement towards non-oil significance.

The introduction of the zerooil plan as a core component of the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, to increase the contribution of nonoil exports to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product by 20 per cent, was specifically aimed at raising earnings from non-oil products to a minimum of 40 percent of the total national annual revenue. This we may not have attained yet, but for sure, we are getting there.

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Giving due credit to the government that supervised the emergence of the new Nigeria toward self-sufficiency across many spheres of agricultural products in a space of six years and at a period when economic and security indices were strongly against such achievements is only appropriate. It is a factual submission that the country got to this point via its sustained agricultural policies, the local selfsufficiency that arose thereafter and the increased agricultural goods export that were strongly backed by government interventions.

We are not daydreaming; the prospect of the country replacing oil with agriculture as the major revenue earners for the country is as possible for the country as maintaining its current economic diversification tempo. We are gradually returning to the point where we lost it in the early 60s when crude oil was discovered; instead of managing the two sectors alongside each other at their maximum capacity, we literally abandoned the overwhelmingly lucrative agriculture, the former major revenue earner for the country.

The rice revolution powered by the present Administration has been one of the thrust of diversification; amid the biting recession of 2016, the government resolution to prevent future recurrence gained more ground with the rice revolution. It came with a bang; a country that largely depended on full importation of the product, importing not less than 1.23 million metric tonnes a year from Thailand in 2014, rapidly dropped to a mere 2,160 metric tonnes by 2021 and now at almost zero as the country begins final preparation to become an exporter of the product. We moved from spending about $5 million daily on rice importation, a figure that approximates about 1.3 percent of the nation’s 2017 budget, to spending far less than expected in 2021.

The opposition party raised dust when the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari imposed importation ban on rice among other

The rice revolution powered by the present Administration has been one of the thrust of diversification; amid the biting recession of 2016, the government resolution to prevent future recurrence gained more ground with the rice revolution

items and strictly enforced a border closure that imposed immediate pains on the citizens but for a good cause. Luckily for the country, unlike the doubting Thomases and those bent on pulling us backward, many state governments keyed into the program and the Anchor Borrowers Programme successfully came into operation. Kebbi state alone, boasting of over 90,000 active rice farmers produced 2.5 million metric tonnes of rice in 2018 and the figure has only continued to rise since then, with the country developing a huge capacity to plant and refine the product to the best of international standard.

For those Nigerians who were open to reality and facts of events and changes that have characterised the country in the last seven years of President Muhammadu Buhari government, the report did not come as a surprise; we have seen changes that could not but alter the recognition of the country and tilt the country in the direction of stronger indices of development. It is only the blinds and haters that would not see and appreciate the unbelievable overnight change in the nation’s rice sufficiency capacity. We all are witnesses of the revolution ongoing in the nation’s transport industry; the new faces of the nation’s airports and the emergence of several new standard airports across the country. It is gainsaying that the railway revolution in itself is capable of redefining the country infrastructure pathway to greatness; the transport industry has gotten a new definition that compares it with what is obtainable elsewhere globally and the result abound in increased revenues to the country in the revamped sectors.

We must submit and agree that Nigeria is on a new pedestal; the wheel of progress is set and all we need now is the courage to sustain the tempo. We must remain committed to ending the regime of insecurity and citizenwide corruption, and then become all we can become.

GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA !

DAN DAN GAYE GAYE Benue govt owes retirees 35b - Ortom

Just pay them!

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